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Artistes visa denial affecting entertainment business – OPD

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:04:49 +0000

Renowned radio and television personality Isaac Owusu Ansah (OPD) of Adom FM has raised concerns over visa denials affecting Ghana’s entertainment sector.

Speaking to BEATWAVES, OPD revealed that many hardworking Ghanaian artists invited to perform in European countries have been denied visas by some embassies in Ghana, for reasons known only to the embassies.

He said he has engaged with several embassies and High Commissions regarding numerous complaints from music stakeholders about the treatment of Ghanaian citizens applying for visas at foreign missions in Accra.

“The complaints include issues such as inadequate waiting areas, lack of emergency services, long waiting times for appointments, and difficulties navigating visa application websites,” OPD explained.

He also claimed that many musicians and event organizers have been blacklisted by embassies and High Commissions, preventing them from traveling to Europe and the USA for up to ten years.

According to OPD, only a few music industry professionals currently have access to travel to Europe and America for performances.

While the embassies have yet to respond to these claims, OPD appealed to them to reconsider and grant visas to Ghanaian musicians invited for international shows in Europe and the USA.

Otto Addo faces selection headache after Unity Cup – Faisal Chibsah

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:59:45 +0000

FIFA High-Performance Specialist Faisal Chibsah believes Black Stars head coach Otto Addo will face a tough selection challenge following the team’s recent performance at the Unity Cup in London.

The tournament saw Addo leave out several key players, instead handing debut call-ups to five newcomers.

After a narrow semifinal defeat to Nigeria, the Black Stars bounced back in style with a commanding 4-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago to claim third place.

“It was exciting to see many new faces in the national team. I don’t think the calendar and the FIFA window allow coaches to give opportunities to players they haven’t assessed properly,” Chibsah told Joy Sports.

“This was the right time to test new players. It’s a period where you can give your main players a break and offer chances to fresh talent. I was excited to see that.”

He emphasized the importance of squad rotation, noting that resting regular starters allowed emerging talents to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

“Clearly, some players made strong cases for themselves, so it’s a selection headache for the coach ahead of the September games,” he added.

Chibsah described the decision to field new players as a positive experiment and expressed hope that some of the debutants would earn future call-ups.

“The big positive for me was the opportunity given to the new faces. It was a chance for the coach to try something new, and it paid off. I’m looking forward to seeing some of these players again in September.”

The Black Stars will reconvene later this year for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with matches against Chad and Mali on Matchdays 7 and 8.

Chelsea joins race to sign Ghanaian star Kudus from West Ham

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:41:13 +0000

Premier League club Chelsea has reportedly entered the race to sign Ghanaian attacker Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from several top English clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Arsenal.

Kudus joined West Ham in 2022 on a five-year deal featuring an £85 million release clause, which becomes active for Premier League clubs during the first 10 days of July.

Chelsea, preparing for their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, are monitoring Kudus closely as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

After an impressive debut season with 14 goals and six assists across all competitions, Kudus had a quieter recent campaign, scoring five goals for West Ham.

Chelsea will begin their Club World Cup on June 16 against Los Angeles FC, with subsequent matches against Flamengo and ES Tunis.

For many Ghanaian football fans, a move to Stamford Bridge would represent a major step forward for Kudus, cementing his status as one of Ghana’s top talents on the international stage.

Singer Jessie J diagnosed with breast cancer

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:38:12 +0000

Singer Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with early breast cancer.

The star, 37, revealed the diagnosis on Instagram, saying she was planning on having surgery after her performance at Capital’s Summertime Ball, a mini-festival at London’s Wembley Stadium, later this month.

The Price Tag singer noted she had been “in and out of tests” in recent times.

“Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word ‘early’,” she said in a video message.

“It’s a very dramatic way to get a boob job,” she joked.

“I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive [boobs] and more music.”

‘I need a hug’

The singer, who was announced on Tuesday as one of the acts on the bill at September’s Radio 2 in the Park music festival, added that she was going public with the diagnosis in order to help her to process it, and also to show solidarity with others going through something similar.

“I just wanted to be open and share it,” she continued. “One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard.

“I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support, and also their own stories. I’m an open book.

“It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse – that’s the bit that kills me.”

The performer, who gave birth to a son in 2023, went on to say the diagnosis had given her “incredible perspective”.

“But honestly, I need to process it and talk about it, and I need a hug,” she told fans.

“You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don’t want this to be any different.”

TV and radio presenter Gaby Roslin replied in the comments, offering “so much love and enormous hugs”.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK.

According to the NHS website: “It’s important to check your breasts regularly so you know what’s normal for you.

“This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.”

Jessie J has had health issues throughout her life, being diagnosed with a heart condition as a child before going on to have a stroke as a teenager and briefly going deaf in 2020 due to Meniere’s disease.

Last year, she revealed she had been diagnosed with ADHD and OCD.

OSP drops all corruption, bribery charges against Thomas Owusu Andy

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:26:49 +0000

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has withdrawn all six charges of corruption and bribery against Owusu Andy Thomas, effectively clearing him of those allegations.

Andy Thomas was standing trial alongside Charles Bissue, former Secretary of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), over a total of 15 counts related to corruption and bribery.

This comes shortly after the OSP announced on Monday, June 2, that it had accepted a plea bargain proposal from Andy Thomas Owusu.

The charges stemmed from a 2019 investigative exposé by undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which implicated several officials in alleged misconduct connected to illegal mining operations.

At the time of his discharge, Owusu was facing nine charges, including six directly tied to bribery and corruption.

However, the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra on Wednesday discharged him from all six corruption-related charges after a plea bargain agreement was accepted by the OSP.

As part of the negotiated settlement, the Court ordered Owusu to pay GH¢200,000 as restitution and reparation to the Republic.

This payment settles the remaining three charges in accordance with Section 71(4) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

The resolution of the case against Owusu marks a significant development in the broader legal proceedings that followed the anti-galamsey exposé, which triggered public debate and calls for accountability in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.

The case involving his co-accused, Charles Bissue, remains pending.

Background

The two were standing trial over their alleged involvement in 15 criminal charges filed by the OSP.

The charges, filed at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra on April 28, alleged that between January and February 2019, Bissue — while serving as Secretary of the IMCIM — corruptly accepted bribes totaling GH¢35,000 from one Benjamin Adjapong, directly and through Owusu, to fast-track the renewal of an expired mining licence for ORR Resources Enterprise, without proper documentation.

In return, Bissue allegedly issued fraudulent permits and stickers declaring ORR Resources compliant with mining laws.

The case relates to the widely publicised Galamsey Fraud investigation, documented in the 2019 Tiger Eye P.I. report.

Although Bissue was initially cleared by the previous government, the OSP reopened the case and proceeded with criminal prosecution.

The IMCIM, established in 2017 to combat illegal mining (galamsey), was dissolved in 2021 following corruption scandals, including Bissue’s alleged involvement in the misappropriation of seized excavators and gold nuggets.

In November 2024, the Human Rights Court dismissed the final in a series of suits filed by Bissue aimed at preventing the OSP from arresting, investigating, or charging him.

Bissue had previously secured a 10-day ex parte injunction restraining the OSP from arresting him, arguing that the arrest warrant was unlawfully obtained and aimed at harassing him. He also sought a declaration that a public notice marking him as “wanted” was void.

In its judgment, however, the court found Bissue’s claims to be without merit, stating there was no evidence to support his allegations. The central question was whether an arrest warrant had indeed been issued by the Kaneshie District Court for the OSP.

The court ruled that it was Bissue’s responsibility to provide proof of the warrant — which he failed to do — and concluded that no such warrant existed. The judge dismissed the claim as a figment of Bissue’s imagination and awarded costs of GH¢10,000 against him.

This ruling cleared the path for the OSP to continue its investigations into Bissue’s involvement with the defunct IMCIM and to pursue separate charges arising from the Galamsey Fraud Part 1 documentary by Tiger Eye P.I.

Ghana Link defends e-tracking system after national security criticism

Parliament approves new GH¢1 fuel levy after Minority walkout

Man City agree deal to sign AC Milan’s Reijnders

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:03:24 +0000

Manchester City have agreed a 55m euros (£46.3m) deal with AC Milan for Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

The 26-year-old will sign a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium after agreeing personal terms with City.

The deal, which is subject to a medical, includes additional payments if certain clauses are met.

City hope to complete a deal for Reijnders in time for the Club World Cup, which kicks off on 14 June.

His arrival will strengthen an area of the pitch that has been weakened by injury to Mateo Kovacic, who has been ruled out of the 32-team tournament in the United States after undergoing Achilles surgery.

Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is also expected not to be involved in the tournament, with a move to Serie A champions Napoli looking increasingly likely.

Who is Reijnders?

Capped 22 times for the Netherlands, Reijnders is the type of balanced midfielder that City lacked last season.

The Dutchman scored 15 goals in 54 matches across all competitions for Milan last term, helping him to be named Serie A’s midfielder of the season.

His performances came against the backdrop of Milan’s dismal campaign as the Rossoneri finished eighth and missed out on European qualification.

It was the best goalscoring season of Reijnders’ career, with the 26-year-old hitting double digits for the first time.

But the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder, who made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in 2018, is far more than just goals.

Capable of playing deep or high in midfield, Reijnders’ appeal to a coach like Pep Guardiola is clear.

The midfielder is capable of taking the ball in tight areas and is adept at beating the press either through his passing or ball-carrying.

With Rodri returning from injury towards the end of last season, Reijnders could either play alongside the Spaniard or in a more advanced role.

But the main benefit he will bring is giving Guardiola greater options in midfield.

Inflation for May 2025 drops sharply to 18.4%

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:55:50 +0000

Inflation for the month of May 2025 has dropped significantly to 18.4 percent year-on-year, down from the 21.2 percent recorded in April.

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) attributed the sharp drop to a reduction in transportation fares and a decline in non-food inflation.

This marks the fifth consecutive reduction in inflation for 2025, signalling a consistent decline in the rate at which prices are increasing. It is also the lowest inflation rate recorded since February 2022.

The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, explained that the fall in fuel prices at the pumps, along with the subsequent reduction in transport fares, contributed the most to the May inflation figure.

At the regional level, Dr. Iddrisu noted that the Upper West Region recorded the highest inflation rate at 38.1 percent, while the Ahafo Region recorded the lowest at 14.5 percent.

Ghana Link defends e-tracking system after national security criticism

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:51:55 +0000

Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, operators of the country’s Electronic Cargo Tracking (E-Tracking) system under the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), has strongly refuted claims made by a National Security officer questioning the reliability of the system.

In a statement issued today, the company described the remarks—made publicly during a cargo examination in Kumasi—as “inaccurate and misleading.”

Ghana Link outlined a detailed timeline, noting that all tracking devices were properly installed under Customs supervision, route and cargo changes were duly approved, and system-generated alerts were triggered and investigated as designed.

The company also raised concerns over an incident where one of its officers was briefly detained by National Security operatives for refusing to bypass standard protocols.

“The facts speak for themselves,” the statement said. “There was no tracking failure. Devices functioned as intended, approvals were obtained, and alerts were generated and acted upon.”

Ghana Link reaffirmed confidence in the E-Tracking system, describing it as a GPS-enabled, tamper-evident solution that meets international standards.

The company expressed disappointment that a National Security officer would publicly undermine a system credited with improving revenue assurance and trade transparency.

It reiterated its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to strengthen inter-agency coordination and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s cargo monitoring systems.

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KPN executives pay courtesy call on Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:42:53 +0000

A delegation of executives from the Kwahu Professionals Network (KPN) has paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Kwahu Traditional Area, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, at his palace in Abene.

Led by President Richard Nyarko Sarpong, the visit—held on Akwasidae—was aimed at formally introducing the newly elected executives and reinforcing the relationship between the network and traditional leadership.

Accompanying him were Secretary Felix Gyimah Darfour; Membership Director, Augustine Attah Agyei; Finance Director, Evans Nyarko Siaw; and co-opted members Doreen A. Pepera, in charge of Welfare, and Isaac Effah Abrokwah, in charge of Projects.

The executives joined Nananom and the people of Abene in observing the sacred Akwasidae festival, a celebration of Kwahu’s rich cultural heritage and reverence for ancestry.

The visit was a strong demonstration of KPN’s respect for tradition and commitment to development rooted in cultural values.

Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III warmly welcomed the delegation and commended them for their leadership and vision. He urged them to work in unity and pursue initiatives that would bring sustainable development to the Kwahu area.

He also encouraged KPN to support the upcoming Okwahu United @ 50 anniversary, emphasizing its significance in promoting unity and celebrating Kwahu identity.

In a solemn moment, Daasebre invited the Krontihene of Abene to offer a prayer for the KPN executives and members, asking for wisdom, protection, and strength to guide their leadership journey.

In response, the executives reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with traditional authorities and stakeholders. They pledged to champion initiatives focused on professional development, community empowerment, and cultural preservation.

The occasion was marked by a beautiful blend of tradition, leadership, and shared purpose—a reminder of the vital role collaboration between professional networks and traditional leadership plays in building a prosperous Kwahu.

Gov’t is in crisis – Kwadwo Poku on GH¢1 fuel levy [Audio]

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:33:42 +0000

The Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Policies and Research, Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, claims the government is in crisis and unable to fund the economy.

In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant stated that the government is now bent on raising funds by every means possible.

Mr. Poku’s remarks come in the wake of Parliament’s approval of the GH¢1.00 petroleum levy, which was passed by the Majority Caucus on Tuesday after the Minority staged a walkout.

Less than 24 hours after its approval, the move has triggered widespread criticism, with energy experts and the Minority describing it as an additional burden on Ghanaians.

However, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has defended the levy, describing it as a timely and necessary fiscal measure to stabilise Ghana’s energy sector.

http://www.adomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kwadwo-Poku-on-fuel-levy-.mp3

Mr. Poku, however, insists that the levy has nothing to do with the energy sector and is instead aimed at funding general government projects.

“The government is in crisis, so this levy is urgent for them because they can’t fund the economy. This has nothing to do with the energy sector but is a tax to be collected by the GRA,” he stated.

He also took on Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s claim that the GH¢1 levy is a “collective sacrifice” to end the recurring power crisis, popularly known as dumsor.

“I thought they said there is no dumsor, so why do we need money to solve it? The Finance Minister is also saying Ghanaians will not bear the brunt—is he the one going to provide the petroleum products? Who will bear the cost? They should stop lying to us,” he fumed.

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Man found dead after heavy rains at Oforikrom

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:08:44 +0000

A yet-to-be-identified man has been found dead in a stream at Kings Down, a suburb of the Oforikrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region.

The lifeless body was discovered on the morning of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, submerged in the stream.

The incident occurred following heavy rains that lashed the area on Tuesday, June 3.

Some residents who spoke to Accra-based Citi News suspect the deceased may have been swept away by floodwaters during the downpour.

As of the time of filing this report, police and emergency services were yet to retrieve the body and commence investigations.

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Scholarship Secretariat boss rescues brilliant but needy SHS graduate

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:57:40 +0000

The Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Alexander Kwaku Asafo Agyei, has reached out to assist Senior High School (SHS) graduate Dorcas Baafi, whose dreams of pursuing higher education were nearly dashed.

Dorcas recorded outstanding results in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) but lacked the financial support to continue to university.

The former student of Oguaa Senior High Technical School (SHTS) produced an impressive academic record, scoring 6As and 2Bs across various subjects.

Her story was brought to public attention by Facebook user Danny Kojo Mint, who shared her results and appealed for support.

After news of her academic excellence went viral, her aspirations were revived when Mr. Agyei expressed interest in meeting her.

Following a successful meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, hopes are high that Dorcas will be enrolled on the government’s scholarship programme to put her dreams back on track.

Mr. Agyei stated that the Secretariat was pleased to offer her the opportunity to pursue higher education and contribute to the nation’s human resource development.

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Kofi Adomah’s road to recovery brings hope in uplifting new video

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:43:09 +0000

During the vibrant Kwafie Festival in Dormaa Ahenkro, a celebration rich in tradition and cultural heritage, popular Ghanaian journalist and actor Kofi Adomah Nwanwani experienced a life-altering incident.

Invited to cover the festivities, particularly the Dormaahene’s ceremonial rites, Kofi was filming when a sudden gunshot shattered the jubilant atmosphere.

A royal guard, taking part in the traditional musketry display, mistakenly fired his weapon towards Kofi instead of into the sky.

The gunpowder blast struck Kofi squarely in the face, severely injuring his eyes. The crowd was stunned as he cried out in pain, his vision immediately compromised.

Emergency medical care was swiftly administered, and Kofi was rushed to the hospital. The severity of his injuries became clear as he temporarily lost sight in both eyes.

His wife, Miracle Adoma, later spoke emotionally about the terrifying ordeal and the uncertainty surrounding her husband’s condition.

Due to the complexity of his injuries, Kofi was flown to Dubai for advanced medical treatment. Thankfully, doctors were able to restore vision in one of his eyes, marking a crucial step in his recovery.

In recent weeks, Kofi has been sharing glimpses of his healing process. A new video posted online shows him enjoying the serenity of nature, a symbolic moment of peace and resilience. Though the road to full recovery continues, Kofi Adomah’s spirit remains strong, and his latest update brings renewed hope to his many supporters.

Watch the video below:

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A post shared by Nkonkonsa.com (@nkonkonsa)

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Fomena MP supports 2025 BECE candidates with 1,300 mathematical sets

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:32:02 +0000

The Member of Parliament for Fomena Constituency and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Lawyer Andrew Amoako Asiamah, has shown support for Junior High School (JHS) final-year students preparing for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

At a brief ceremony held at Dompoase Methodist Basic School in the Adansi North District of the Ashanti Region, the MP donated 1,300 mathematical sets to candidates within his constituency to aid their exam preparation.

Speaking to Adom News after the presentation, Lawyer Amoako Asiamah encouraged the students to stay confident and trust the knowledge they have acquired.

He advised them to avoid all forms of examination malpractice and cautioned against bringing unauthorized materials into the exam halls. He also condemned the involvement of some teachers in facilitating cheating, highlighting how such actions damage the integrity of the education system.

Bernard Boakye Yiadom, Human Resource Manager of the Adansi North Education Directorate, who represented the District Director of Education, praised the MP for his consistent support. He noted that this donation has become an annual tradition to motivate students.

According to him, 1,204 candidates have registered for this year’s BECE in the district, including 560 boys and 644 girls. He added that the students have been well-prepared through five rounds of mock exams organized by the directorate with support from the MP and Nana Adansihene.

Mr. Boakye Yiadom, however, expressed concern over poor road conditions in the district, which continue to hinder effective teaching and learning.

Some of the beneficiary students expressed gratitude for the mathematical sets and pens. One student also appealed for the reconstruction of their dilapidated KG block to ensure a safer learning environment for younger pupils.

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BoG to introduce Digital Lending Guidelines by August 2025

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:25:06 +0000

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced plans to introduce comprehensive Digital Lending Guidelines by August 2025 to tackle rising risks associated with online and mobile lending platforms in the country.

At the Post-Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting with CEOs of Banks, BoG Governor Dr. Johnson P. Asiama described the move as an “urgent and necessary intervention” to protect vulnerable borrowers from exploitative practices.

“Too many Ghanaians, especially young people and informal workers, are being lured by online lending platforms that make bold promises, only to trap them in cycles of hidden fees, harassment, or worse,” Dr. Asiamah said.

The Governor disclosed that the central bank has received disturbing reports of borrowers being threatened, shamed, or scammed when accessing quick loans.

“We cannot allow this to continue,” he emphasized.

The forthcoming guidelines will set clear, enforceable standards for both bank-led and non-bank digital lending models, covering:

Licensing and authorization requirements
Transparency in disclosures and interest rates
Customer data protection and privacy
Ethical recovery and debt collection practices

Dr. Asiama stressed that the guidelines aim to protect consumers and foster a responsible, regulated digital lending ecosystem.

He called on banks and financial institutions involved in digital lending, directly or via fintech partners, to begin reviewing their operations ahead of the new framework.

“Let us work together to build a digital lending space that serves people with dignity, fairness, and integrity,” he added.

The Bank of Ghana’s intervention comes amid growing concern over unregulated lending apps and platforms that often operate without adequate oversight.

These guidelines are expected to bring much-needed structure and accountability, ensuring a safer environment for digital financial services to thrive.

My vision is to see lending rates drop below 10% – Governor Asiama

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:21:53 +0000

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, has expressed his determination to see lending rates in Ghana fall to less than 10% within the next four years.

Speaking at the Association of Ghana Industries’ (AGI) Corporate Forum, Dr. Asiama shared his vision for a more favorable business environment, promising to use monetary policy tools to reduce the cost of lending.

He pledged to collaborate with financial institutions and the business community to strengthen the macroeconomic climate in the country.

“We will try to do things together. We’ll try to do things differently going forward,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the Bank of Ghana and industry stakeholders.

Dr. Asiama said the central bank’s ambition is to reduce lending rates and stabilize prices.

“It is doable,” he asserted. “Why do we think it’s not? Why do we think the Ghanaian cedi will always be a useless currency? It’s not.”

His comments come after a constructive meeting with CEOs of all banks in Ghana, where they discussed various economic issues and strategies to boost the country’s financial sector.

“My vision is to see lending rates in this country fall to less than 10%. In other words, before the end of my four-year term, I want to see lending rates lower than 10% in this country.”

The Bank of Ghana’s efforts to reduce lending rates and stabilize the economy are expected to have a positive impact on businesses and household consumers.

“We went deeply, deeply into a lot of conversations,” he revealed, describing the meeting with bank CEOs as a fruitful engagement.

With this vision, Dr. Asiama is setting the stage for a more collaborative and innovative approach to economic development in Ghana.

To be a music producer, you must master every skill – Master Garzy

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:18:48 +0000

Ghanaian record producer and audio engineer Master Garzy has shared his perspective on what it truly takes to be a music producer, stressing the importance of mastering every aspect of the music-making process.

In an exclusive interview with DJ Slim on Daybreak Hitz, the award-winning producer made it clear that being a real producer goes far beyond just making beats.

“Before you call yourself a producer, you have to know how to produce — how to make beats, how to engineer audio, meaning proper recording as a recording engineer. You need to know how to mix, how to direct, how to write, maybe even how to sing. All of these are part of being a full producer,” he explained. “Some people are just beat makers, some are mixing engineers, others are recording engineers.”

Master Garzy emphasized that his strength lies in his ability to handle every stage of production — a skillset he believes sets him apart in the industry.

“Where I’m coming from, I was fortunate to learn all of these skills together, and that’s why I’m ‘Mix Master Garzy,’” he said proudly.

He also urged up-and-coming producers to take their craft seriously and strive to fully understand the scope of their role.

“Some people are just beat makers, but because they can record, they assume they can mix too. It’s time they understand the difference,” he said, calling for a more disciplined approach to music production.

I don’t enjoy being an artiste – Amerado

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:11:54 +0000

Ghanaian rapper Amerado has revealed that he doesn’t truly enjoy being an artiste, explaining that he entered the music industry out of a need for survival rather than passion.

Speaking to DJ Slim on Daybreak Hitz, Amerado opened up about the struggles that come with being in the limelight.

“The main reason I got into music was to survive — I just wanted to eat,” he admitted. “Most of the time, I don’t even enjoy being an artiste.”

He pointed to the many restrictions that come with the profession as a key reason for his lack of enthusiasm. One of the biggest challenges, he said, is the constant pressure to give money to fans in public settings, especially while stuck in traffic.

“I feel restricted,” he said. “Whenever you’re in public, especially in traffic, you’re expected to hand out money to fans.”

Despite the drawbacks, Amerado shared that performing on stage remains one of the few moments he truly enjoys his career, as it allows him to connect with fans and feel the impact of his work.

“The maintenance no be easy,” he added, stressing the demands and expectations that come with life as a musician.

When asked what other path he might have taken if not music, Amerado revealed that he would have pursued a career in football.

Prof. Bokpin endorses GH¢1 fuel levy

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:09:14 +0000

Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana, Godfred Bokpin, has backed the newly introduced GH¢1 levy on petroleum products, describing it as a necessary but temporary step to help stabilise Ghana’s struggling energy sector.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Prof. Bokpin explained that while the levy may not be popular, it is a practical move given the country’s current economic conditions and the ongoing reforms under the IMF-supported programme.

“I think I have said it before that there are painful decisions ahead of us, especially in the energy sector,” he said.

“If you look at the 2025 budget and the strict expenditure cuts, and then again the many reforms under the IMF-supported programme, we face a considerable challenge navigating a path towards progressive spending without undermining the stability we are seeing right now.”

He noted that the recent appreciation of the cedi has allowed the government to introduce the levy without significantly affecting fuel prices.

“Under the circumstance, I have a soft side towards this imposition, largely also because of the gains that have been conferred especially in the ex-pump pricing formula given the strengthening of the local currency. So to that extent, we can make a case for this levy,” he said.

However, he stressed that the levy should not be permanent.

“My considered view is that it is not supposed to be a permanent levy. It should be possible for the government to come back to the people of Ghana, to Parliament, and say that we’ve seen the currency weakening, we have done the analysis. The pass-through will be felt by consumers and therefore we want to take this out.”

Prof. Bokpin also warned that the recent currency gains are not rooted in long-term structural changes.

“Once the strengthening of the currency is not based on structural and productivity transformation, we will always have to be very careful how the future looks like,” he said.

He added that some reforms are already in motion under the IMF programme but may take time to show results. In the meantime, the levy could help assure investors of Ghana’s ability to meet its obligations.

“We needed something urgently to also assure our investors that we have a repayment capacity,” he said. “Even if you are asking for private sector participation in the restructuring of the energy sector, we have to be able to assure investors that our repayment capacity is strong for them to be able to take on that risk on their balance sheet.”

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Obuasi West MCE cautions Pragya riders to reduce fares and obey traffic rules

Faridatu Seidu — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:05:56 +0000

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi West, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, has issued a stern warning to pragya (tricycle) riders in the municipality, urging them to comply with traffic regulations and adhere to the recent fare reduction directives announced by transport unions.

Her remarks came during a meeting with transport unions and stakeholders in Obuasi, aimed at assessing the state of transportation and addressing key challenges affecting the sector.

Speaking to Adom News after the engagement, Madam Appiah Kannin emphasized that the directive to reduce fares is part of efforts to alleviate the economic burden on residents. She cautioned that any operator who defies the directive would face appropriate sanctions.

“I have listened to the concerns of the drivers and acknowledged their challenges, but the overall welfare of the people must also be considered,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Supt. George Owusu Aboagye, Ashanti South Regional MTTD Commander, expressed concern about the growing indiscipline among pragya riders.

He noted that their operations are increasingly contributing to traffic congestion in Obuasi.

He revealed that the MTTD is putting measures in place to regulate the activities of the riders and warned those who deliberately cover or remove their number plates to desist.

“We will begin a crackdown on such offenders in the coming days,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Obuasi Pragya Riders Association, Alhaji Musa Abdulai, admitted that some riders were indeed defying the rules.

He pledged that the association would not shield any member who breaks the law.

He also advised all pragya operators to ensure their tricycles are properly registered with visible number plates, stressing the need to comply with legal requirements before it’s too late.

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Notorious armed robber jailed 18 years

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:59:28 +0000

The Upper West Regional Police Command has secured the conviction of a 25-year-old notorious armed robber, Adihan Mahmoud, popularly known as Okra.

A statement issued by the Public Affairs Directorate and signed by ASP Michael Toya confirmed that Mahmoud was arrested on Saturday, May 31, at his hideout in Sandemuni, Wa Municipality.

The arrest followed intensive intelligence-led operations by the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate after Mahmoud was placed on the wanted list for a series of robberies in the region.

On Monday, June 2, he was arraigned before the Wa Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Jonathan Avoogo.

Mahmoud pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery and was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

His two accomplices, Abdulai Ibrahim alias Baba and Abdulai Kipo, who pleaded not guilty, were remanded into prison and police custody, respectively, for the continuation of the trial on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

“The removal of Okra from the streets brings significant relief to residents, who can now feel more secure in their communities,” the statement noted.

The statement added that the command remains resolute in its efforts to track down and bring to justice all individuals who pose a threat to peace and security in the region.

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BoG signals stronger supervision and incoming crypto regulations

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:55:29 +0000

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has reaffirmed its commitment to supervisory priorities centered on governance, anti-money laundering (AML), cybersecurity, climate risk, and innovation oversight — with a renewed focus on digital readiness and crypto regulation.

Delivering remarks at the Post-Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting with CEOs of banks, BoG Governor Dr. Johnson P. Asiama emphasized that the Bank’s approach to supervision will maintain continuity but deepen in scope, with greater emphasis on early warning systems and direct board-level engagement.

“We expect deeper accountability and a stronger risk culture across institutions — not just compliance,” Dr. Asiama stated.

Crypto Regulation on the Horizon

The Governor disclosed that the BoG, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other relevant stakeholders, is finalizing a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

“This will bring clarity, mitigate risks, and support responsible innovation in line with global standards,” Dr. Asiama noted, signaling a proactive stance on a rapidly growing financial sector trend.

He urged financial institutions to begin preparing immediately for the incoming regulatory framework by:

Strengthening AML/CFT and KYC protocols for clients dealing in digital assets;
Investing in secure IT infrastructure and cyber defenses;
Participating in the BoG’s regulatory sandbox for crypto-related pilots;
Educating clients on crypto risks and compliance obligations;
Assessing institutional exposure and internal readiness for crypto activities.

“This is no longer a theoretical issue. The market is evolving. Regulation is coming. And financial institutions must be ready,” the Governor stressed.

As part of its evolving supervisory framework, the BoG plans to enhance forward-looking supervision, ensuring risk detection and regulatory intervention happen earlier and more effectively.

This includes more direct interaction with bank boards and a culture shift from tick-box compliance to active risk management.

Ghana signs MoU with Jubilee, TEN Fields Partners to extend license to 2040

Joseph Odotei — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:52:31 +0000

The Government of Ghana, in partnership with Tullow Oil plc, Kosmos Energy, PetroSA, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and Explorco, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the West Cape Three Points and Deep Water Tano licences — covering the Jubilee and TEN oil fields — to 2040.

This development was confirmed in a statement issued by Tullow Oil to JOYBUSINESS.

Under the MoU, the partners have secured approval to drill up to 20 additional wells in the Jubilee field, representing a potential investment of up to $2 billion in Ghana throughout the life of the licences. The extension is expected to result in a significant increase in gross 2P reserves for the joint venture.

Key Provisions of the MoU

The MoU outlines several principles to support the continued development of the Jubilee and TEN fields, including:

Commitment to increase gas supply from the Jubilee and TEN fields to approximately 130 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d)
A reduced gas price for Jubilee-associated gas
A guaranteed reimbursement mechanism for gas sales
Investment in GNPC and the Petroleum Commission’s capacity, focusing on advanced technology use

The statement added that all existing terms and conditions of the West Cape Three Points and Deep Water Tano Petroleum Agreements remain unchanged.

Next Steps for the Partners

Following the MoU, the partners will proceed with submitting a Jubilee Plan of Development (PoD) Addendum for approval, entering new fully termed gas sales agreements (GSAs), and seeking parliamentary approval for the payment security mechanism and licence extensions. These steps are expected to be completed before the end of the third quarter of 2025.

Government and Partners Respond

Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, described the MoU as a significant milestone for Ghana’s energy sector.

“Extending the licenses to 2040 demonstrates our commitment to fostering a stable and attractive investment climate,” he said.

He emphasized that the extension would not only support continued oil production and economic growth but also facilitate infrastructure development and job creation for Ghanaians.

“We are dedicated to responsible resource management and look forward to a prosperous future fueled by sustainable energy practices,” Minister Jinapor added.

Tullow Oil’s Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive, Richard Miller, called the MoU a valuable step for the government, Tullow, and its joint venture partners.

“Our collaborative and constructive relationship reflects our shared goal of building a better future for the people of Ghana through responsible oil and gas development,” he said.

Miller further noted that the licence extension and fiscal stability emphasize Ghana’s opportunity to generate additional value through increased production and reserves, providing long-term benefits from these core assets.

Kosmos Energy CEO Andy Inglis also praised the MoU, highlighting the importance of oil and gas to Ghana’s future and the administration’s commitment to attracting new investments in the sector.

“Extending the Ghana production licenses is highly accretive, adding material reserves and enabling the partnership to continue investing in the country for the long term,” he said.

The consequences will be dire for all of us – COPEC on GH¢1 fuel levy

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:47:35 +0000

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has strongly criticised the government’s introduction of a GH¢1 levy on each litre of petroleum products.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah described the move as counterproductive and warned that its consequences would be severe for all Ghanaians.

The government has justified the GH¢1 levy as a measure to address the colossal US$3.1 billion debt in the energy sector. However, Mr. Amoah argued that the government should prioritise tackling the underlying challenges in the sector instead of imposing additional taxes.

“This move is clearly a case of creating holes in our pockets and taking whatever you find; it doesn’t help,” he stated.

http://www.adomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/COPEC-on-fuel-levy-.mp3

He emphasised that efforts should focus on stopping the financial losses in the power sector.

“For me, whatever we need to do to stop the bleeding of the power sector, that should be our key focus at this point,” he said.

Mr. Amoah further warned that the new tax could increase the financial burden on Ghanaians.

“This week, we were happy and excited about the fuel price reduction, even though we said it was woefully inadequate. But if fuel prices drop by 0.50 pesewas and now we have to pay an additional 1.00 cedi, the relief will be lost from our pockets.

“People who were selling fuel at GH¢12.52 will now sell at GH¢13.52. If you add other costs, we will be back to the high levels we protested against. Throughout the year, we cannot be certain that fuel prices will decrease, and with the cedi continuing to depreciate, the consequences of this levy will be dire for all of us,” he warned.

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1 litre, GH¢1: New fuel levy looms as Finance Minister submits request to Parliament

Parliament approves new GH¢1 fuel levy after Minority walkout

Daniel Fenyi appointed GES PRO

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:32 +0000

The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has congratulated and officially welcomed Daniel Fenyi as the new Head of the Public Relations Unit.

Mr. Fenyi takes over from Cassandra Twum Ampofo, who has been transferred to the Eastern Region.

He assumes the role at a time when effective communication, strong stakeholder engagement, and public trust are critical to the Service’s mandate.

As Head of Public Relations, Mr. Fenyi will serve as the principal liaison between GES and its stakeholders — including teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, students, development partners, the media, and the general public.

In a statement, GES expressed confidence that Mr. Fenyi’s expertise and leadership will strengthen the Service’s brand, enhance its communication strategies, and foster greater transparency and collaboration across the education sector.

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FIFA confirm Club World Cup team base camp training sites

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:56:23 +0000

As the countdown to the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup continues, FIFA has confirmed the 34 FIFA Club World Cup Team Base Camp Training Sites that the 32 qualified clubs will utilise throughout the group stage of the competition.

From Florida to Washington, New Jersey to California and beyond, the 32 participating clubs hailing from 20 different nations have selected sites in 14 states across the country, ensuring that the impact of the highly anticipated competition resonates in communities both in and out of the cities where the tournament’s 63 matches will be staged.

“We’re pleased to confirm the Team Base Camp Training Sites that will host qualified clubs throughout the group stage of the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup,” said FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström.

“These sites and more significantly the people and communities that surround them will welcome the world’s best, providing first-class environments and hospitality in support of the teams.”

“The clubs, their players, coaches, management, staff and fans will build incredible connections with the local people that support them throughout the tournament. This is a consistently important part of any World Cup, and I can’t wait to learn about the bonds forged throughout this historic event.”

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Team Base Camp Training Sites:

Florida (9), California (5), New Jersey (4), North Carolina (3), Virginia (2), Tennessee (2) and Washington (2) are home to training sites that have been selected to be utilised by multiple clubs. Locations in Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia will also play a crucial role throughout the competition, offering elite training environments as teams gets set to compete on the global stage.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) training centres of Charlotte FC, DC United, Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders will be utilised as Team Base Camp Training Sites throughout the tournament – recognition of the world-class infrastructure that has been developed by MLS clubs.

Teams will also utilise a range of other facilities throughout the competition. Venue-specific training Sites located close to match stadiums will offer great hubs for teams the day before matches and throughout the playoffs.

Club	Training Site/s
Al Ahly FC	Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida The Pingry School, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Al Ain FC	Episcopal High School, Alexandria, Virginia
Al Hilal	DC United Training Centre, Leesburg, Virginia Nashville SC Training Facility, Nashville, Tennessee
Atlético de Madrid	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Auckland City FC	Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Borussia Dortmund	Inter Miami CF Training Centre, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Botafogo	Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California
CA Boca Juniors	Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida
CA River Plate	Sounders FC Clubhouse and Training Facility, Renton, Washington
CF Monterrey	Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California
CF Pachuca	UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
Chelsea FC	Philadelphia Union Training Facility, Chester, Pennsylvania Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida
CR Flamengo	Stockton University, Galloway, New Jersey Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida
Espérance de Tunisie	Oakland University, Oakland County, Michigan
FC Bayern München	Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida
FC Internazionale Milano	UCLA, Los Angeles, California Seattle Seahawks Training Centre, Renton, Washington
FC Porto	Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
FC Salzburg	Melanie Lane Training Ground, Whippany, New Jersey
Fluminense FC	University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
Inter Miami CF	Inter Miami CF Training Centre, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Juventus FC	The Greenbrier Sports Training Centre, Greenbrier County, West Virginia ChampionsGate, Orlando, Florida
Los Angeles Football Club	Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
Mamelodi Sundowns FC	IMG Academy, Bradenton, Florida
Manchester City	Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida
Paris Saint-Germain	University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
Real Madrid C. F.	Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Palmeiras	UNC Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina
Seattle Sounders FC	Sounders FC Clubhouse and Training Facility, Renton, Washington
SL Benfica	Waters Sportsplex, Tampa, Florida
Ulsan HD	Charlotte FC, Charlotte, North Carolina
Urawa Red Diamonds	University of Portland, Portland, Oregon
Wydad AC	Landon School, Bethesda, Maryland

Tickets for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches are available at FIFA.com/tickets, while every match at the tournament will be streamed live and for free globally on DAZN.com.

Bright Simons responds to Ibrahim Mahama’s suit

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:55:17 +0000

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has formally entered an appearance in the GH¢10 million defamation suit filed against him by businessman Ibrahim Mahama at the Accra High Court.

Mr. Simons has filed a motion demanding that Mr. Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), formally admit to 38 distinct facts central to their ongoing legal dispute.

Mr. Mahama’s suit, filed on Wednesday, May 28, stems from an article written by Mr. Simons titled “Ghana Provides a Lesson in How Not to Nationalise a Gold Mine,” published on his website, brightsimons.com, on April 19, 2025.

Mr. Mahama claims the article contains statements that have severely damaged both his personal reputation and that of his company.

The article was later shared on Mr. Simons’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @BBSimons, where it garnered over 93,000 views, 250 reactions, 98 reposts, 26 comments, and 109 bookmarks. According to the plaintiff, this wide engagement significantly contributed to the circulation of the allegedly defamatory content.

However, Mr. Simons’ motion seeks to establish key background facts regarding Mr. Mahama’s extensive business dealings, strong political ties, and financial interests—particularly in Ghana’s mining sector.

His legal team has given Mr. Mahama a 14-day deadline to respond to the assertions, which cover a range of topics—from Mr. Mahama’s status as a politically exposed person (PEP) to specific financial and contractual relationships involving E&P.

Among other things, Mr. Simons is seeking confirmation that Mr. Mahama is the sole shareholder of Engineers & Planners (E&P), and draws attention to his familial link to the presidency, identifying him as the brother of President John Dramani Mahama.

The motion further cites a 2013 classification by offshore legal firm Appleby, which identified Mr. Mahama as a “high-risk politically exposed person” during the registration of Red Sky Aviation in the Isle of Man—an element that could influence the court’s assessment of his public profile.

A substantial portion of the motion focuses on E&P’s contracts with Abosso Goldfields Limited. Mr. Simons is urging the court to confirm that these contracts—estimated at $117 million between 2015 and 2019 and rising to $300 million from 2020 to 2025—are among E&P’s most significant revenue streams both locally and internationally.

The motion specifically states that revenue from the Damang Gold Mine alone accounts for at least 25% of E&P’s total mining income over the past decade. It also alleges that E&P has not received payments from Abosso Goldfields since operations at Damang were halted in 2023.

As a result, Mr. Simons contends the company has entered critical negotiations with financial institutions, including Stanbic Bank Ghana, over loan repayment challenges.

The motion further reveals that E&P has secured loans exceeding $50 million from Stanbic and signed a $230 million equipment financing deal with the Mansour Group, primarily for Caterpillar machinery.

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Deadly mushroom lunch cook tells court she threw up toxic meal

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:42:32 +0000

An Australian woman on trial for murder says she threw up the toxic mushroom meal which killed her relatives, after binge-eating dessert.

Erin Patterson has pleaded not guilty to four charges – three of murder and one of attempted murder – over the beef Wellington lunch at her regional Victorian house in July 2023.

Prosecutors allege Ms Patterson deliberately served toxic death cap mushrooms, but only to her guests. Her defence team say the contaminated meal was a tragic accident, and argue it had made their client sick too.

On her third day of testimony, Ms Patterson told the court she had only eaten a small part of the lunch and later consumed two-thirds of a cake, before vomiting.

Ms Patterson also admitted she had lied about a cancer diagnosis, which prosecutors say she used to coax the guests to her house, as she was too embarrassed to tell them she was actually planning to undergo weight-loss surgery.

Three people died in the hospital in the days after the meal, including Ms Patterson’s former in-laws, Don Patterson, 70, and Gail Patterson, 70, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66.

A single lunch guest survived, local pastor Ian Wilkinson, after weeks of treatment in the hospital.

The Victorian Supreme Court trial, which started almost six weeks ago, has heard from more than 50 witnesses and attracted huge global attention.

In the Morwell courthouse, Ms Patterson gave a detailed account of the fatal lunch, saying she had invited her guests under the premise that she wanted to talk about health issues.

The 14-member jury heard that Ms Patterson went through “quite a long process of trying to decide what to cook” for lunch before choosing to make beef Wellington.

The dish – usually prepared with a long strip of fillet steak, wrapped in pastry and mushrooms – was something Ms Patterson’s mother made when she was a child, to mark special occasions, she said.

On the morning of the lunch, Ms Patterson recounted frying off some garlic, shallots and several trays of supermarket-bought mushrooms that had been finely chopped in a food processor.

“I cooked that for a very long time,” she said. “You’ve got to get almost all the water out,” she added, so the mushrooms won’t make the pastry soggy.

“As I was cooking it down, I tasted it a few times and it seemed a little bland to me,” she said.

At this point, she decided to add some dried mushrooms that she had bought from an Asian grocer in Melbourne several months earlier and stored in a container in her pantry.

Asked if that container may have had other types of mushrooms in it, Ms Patterson, choking up, said: “Now I think there’s a possibility that there were foraged ones as well.”

Yesterday, the court heard that Ms Patterson had started foraging for mushrooms in locations close to her Leongatha home in 2020, and her long-standing love for mushrooms had expanded to include wild mushrooms as they had “more flavour”.

Ms Patterson told the court she had served up the food and instructed her guests to grab a plate themselves as she finished preparing gravy.

There were no assigned seats or plates, she told the trial.

Mr Wilkinson previously told the trial the guests had each been given grey plates while Ms Patterson had eaten off an orange one.

Under questioning from defence counsel Colin Mandy, Ms Patterson said she didn’t have any grey plates, instead listing black plates, white plates and one that was red on top and black underneath.

During the lunch, Ms Patterson said she didn’t eat much of her food – “a quarter, a third, somewhere around there” – because she was busy talking.

After the guests left, she cleaned up the kitchen and ate a slice of orange cake Gail had brought and then “another piece, and another piece” before finishing the rest of the cake.

“I felt sick…over-full so I went to the toilets and brought it back up again,” she said.

“After I’d done that, I felt better.”

Yesterday, the court heard that Ms Patterson had struggled with bulimia since her teens and was prone to regularly binge eating and vomiting after meals.

Actor Jonathan Joss shot dead while protecting his husband

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:33:16 +0000

Jonathan Joss, the actor best known for voicing John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill and portraying Ken Hotate on Parks and Recreation, has died following a shooting incident in San Antonio, Texas.

He was 59 years old.

According to the San Antonio Police Department, officers responded Sunday to reports of a shooting on Dorsey Drive. They found Joss near the roadway and attempted life-saving measures until paramedics arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and an investigation is ongoing.

Joss’ husband, Tristan Kern de Gonzales, confirmed the actor’s death in a text message to the Associated Press. In a statement, de Gonzales revealed that they were threatened by a man with a gun while checking the mail outside their home, which had been damaged by fire earlier this year in January—a fire that tragically killed their three dogs.

“Jonathan and I had no weapons. We were not threatening anyone. We were grieving. We were standing side by side. When the man fired, Jonathan pushed me out of the way. He saved my life,” de Gonzales said.

The San Antonio Police Department stated on Monday evening that there is currently no evidence to suggest the murder was related to Joss’ sexual orientation.

In his acting career, Joss portrayed Chief Ken Hotate, a tribal elder and casino owner, on Parks and Recreation. He took over the role of John Redcorn on King of the Hill in the show’s second season after the original voice actor, Victor Aaron, died in a car accident in 1996. Joss continued voicing the character until the show ended.

King of the Hill is being rebooted, with a premiere scheduled for August 4 on Hulu. Joss reportedly participated in the new series. A video recorded just days before his death shows him at a King of the Hill panel and sneak peek event at The Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas.

Energy Minister defends GH¢1.00 fuel levy

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:28:45 +0000

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, has defended the recently approved GH¢1.00 petroleum levy, describing it as a timely and necessary fiscal measure to stabilise Ghana’s energy sector.

In an interview on Joy FM’s SMS program on Wednesday, June 4, Mr Jinapor explained that the government deliberately avoided imposing the levy earlier due to the high fuel prices at the time, which averaged around GH¢16.00 per litre—too costly for consumers to bear additional charges.

“Fuel was around GH¢16.00, and a sensitive government will not slap a tax when fuel is GH¢16.00. You couldn’t have imposed that tax around that time when fuel was still very high,” he said.

He added that recent government efforts have brought fuel prices down to about GH¢13.00 per litre, creating a reasonable opportunity to introduce the levy without significantly hurting consumers.

“At that time, if we had increased it, you can imagine the impact on Ghanaians. But today, the net effect is that you are still having a reduction of GH¢3.00 on a litre of fuel,” Mr Jinapor noted.

“It is better to do it today than to have done it yesterday, when it would have eroded your income; today, your purchasing power has increased because of the reduction of the value of the dollar,” he added.

The levy was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, despite widespread criticism, particularly from opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament.

Mr Jinapor assured that revenue generated from the levy would be directed toward vital infrastructural and operational needs within the energy sector to ensure reliable power supply and long-term sustainability.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the funds and called on Ghanaians to see the levy as an investment in national development.

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Ofori-Atta’s legal team losing public sympathy – Prof Ansa-Asare

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:24:30 +0000

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has cautioned the legal team of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta against antagonising the public in their handling of the Special Prosecutor’s case involving their client.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, June 3, Prof. Ansa-Asare criticised the posture of Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, warning that their strategy is “infuriating” Ghanaians at a time when national tolerance for corruption is low.

“What they are rather doing is antagonising the entire nation. They are infuriating people. They are provoking people,” he said.

He argued that the legal team’s public handling of Ofori-Atta’s reported illness is damaging his credibility and undermining public sympathy.

“It is a very sensational and screaming case which is testing the endurance of the Republic of Ghana in its fight against corruption,” he remarked.

Prof. Ansa-Asare advised the team to submit credible medical documentation if Ofori-Atta is indeed ill, stressing that the law requires evidence to back such claims.

“If you are sick, please produce the document, because under the OSP law, there must be production of documents. After all, the law deals with evidence,” he noted.

He added that no law enforcement officer, including the Special Prosecutor, would pursue a genuinely ill person without cause.

“The Special Prosecutor is a human being. I don’t think he will, by all means, attempt to bring Ken Ofori-Atta to face the rigours of the law if he’s sick,” he said.

However, he raised concerns about the legal team’s communication strategy, particularly their public disclosure of Ofori-Atta’s health condition without formal legal backing.

“Putting out information on the internet that the former Finance Minister has been diagnosed with cancer, and therefore cannot show up physically, I think, will be begging the question,” he stated.

While emphasising his support for fair legal treatment, Prof. Ansa-Asare insisted that public trust in the legal process must be preserved through transparency.

“Perhaps the legal team is not approaching the matter in a way that will attract the sympathy of the nation,” he said.

He concluded with a firm recommendation: “If I were in charge of the legal team, my advice to Ken would be that if you are sick, please produce the document… After all, the law deals with evidence. So if there’s hard evidence, no one can run away from the pieces of evidence that will be available.”

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Parliament approves new GH¢1 fuel levy after Minority walkout

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:14:25 +0000

Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GH¢1 levy on each litre of petroleum products.

The controversial bill, aimed at raising additional revenue to tackle the nation’s crippling energy sector debt and ensure stable power supply, was passed late on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the bill under a certificate of urgency, revealed that the total energy sector debt stood at US$3.1 billion as of March 2025. He added that at least US$3.7 billion is needed to clear the arrears, with an additional US$1.2 billion required to procure fuel for thermal power generation throughout the year.

Dr. Forson assured Parliament that the impact of the levy on fuel prices would be mitigated by the gains from the Ghana Cedi’s strong performance, stating that consumers would not face an immediate hike in prices.

Despite these assurances, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the bill, calling it an unfair burden on Ghanaians. They staged a walkout during the approval process, arguing that the Majority lacked the necessary numbers to legitimately pass the bill.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had earlier appealed for support, describing the GH¢1 levy as a “collective sacrifice” to permanently end the recurring power crisis, popularly known as dumsor. He was careful to distinguish the levy from the unpopular Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), which was recently repealed.

“This is just one cedi—just one cedi per litre to ensure we can keep the lights on,” Mr. Ayariga said.

The government projects the levy will generate an estimated GH¢5.7 billion annually to help stabilise the energy sector.

While authorities insist the strong cedi will cushion consumers from price shocks, the Minority’s walkout underscores the growing political divide over how best to resolve Ghana’s energy crisis.

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Ghana Meteo sends weather warnings over rainstorm from Togo

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 08:00:21 +0000

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has issued a fresh weather alert warning of thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of the country, following the movement of a rainstorm system from southern Togo into Ghana.

In a 24-hour forecast issued on Tuesday morning, the agency confirmed that the rainstorm is already producing thunderstorms and rain of varying intensities over the transition zone and parts of the northern sector.

The development is expected to cause cloudy conditions and trigger further thunderstorms with rain across the southern half of the country between the morning and late afternoon.

The warning notes that while some areas may experience occasional sunshine, most parts of the country—particularly the coastal, middle, and northern regions—should brace for thunderstorms or rain from late afternoon into the evening.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency also cautioned that sea conditions remain rough and urged coastal residents and maritime operators to exercise caution.

It further advised the general public to stay alert as weather conditions may evolve throughout the day.

Gyakie’s ‘Sankofa’ debuts on Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart, trends top 5 on YouTube Ghana

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:42:46 +0000

Ghanaian singer Gyakie’s latest single Sankofa has debuted on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Top 50 chart, marking her first appearance on the prestigious international list.

The song also ranks among the top five trending videos on YouTube in Ghana, further solidifying its local and global appeal.

Lifted from her upcoming debut album After Midnight, Sankofa has rapidly gained momentum since its release, amassing millions of streams across digital platforms.

This chart breakthrough adds to Gyakie’s growing international profile and further establishes her as one of Africa’s most dynamic female voices. Known for her genre-blending sound and lyrical depth, she continues to bridge cultures through her music.

The song’s vibrant visuals and empowering message have contributed to its viral success on YouTube, where it continues to resonate with fans.

With After Midnight expected later this year, Sankofa’s early success signals a strong start to what could become one of 2025’s most talked-about African music projects.

Sankofa is currently available on all major streaming platforms.

Scott Evans disappointed in Team Eternity over their TGMA nonchalance

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:32:10 +0000

Ghanaian gospel musician Scott Evans has expressed disappointment over gospel group Team Eternity’s attitude toward their nominations in this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

In an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, he described the group’s failure to campaign or acknowledge the nomination as “disrespectful.”

“Inasmuch as we are doing ministry, we find ourselves in an industry. We have to respect and acknowledge whatever the industry gives to us,” he stated.

Scott Evans added that by refusing to acknowledge their nominations, Team Eternity was reinforcing criticism already made by media personalities such as DJ Slim and Nii Noi.

“For me, I think it’s so disrespectful and it’s not right for them to get a nomination and not acknowledge it, not to post it,” he said.

He cautioned the group about the possible consequences of such behaviour.

“This is just your first global song, and you’re behaving like this. What happens if you don’t get it again, or you get it again and they refuse to give you their time and platform? If you want the media to respect you, you also need to respect them,” he noted.

Nigeria’s defence chief proposes fencing borders to curb insecurity

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:27:29 +0000

Nigeria’s defence chief on Tuesday called for the country’s borders with its four neighbours to be completely fenced to curb the entry of armed groups amid escalating insecurity.

Nigeria’s military has been strained by widespread security issues, particularly a 16-year insurgency in the northeast led by Islamist militant group Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province. Security forces and civilians have been attacked and killed, and tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Defence Chief of Staff, General Christopher Musa, who spoke at a security conference in the capital Abuja, said “border management is very critical,” citing Pakistan’s 1,350 km (839 miles) fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia’s 1,400 km barrier with Iraq as successful precedents.

This is the first time a top Nigerian official has publicly suggested such a measure.

“Other countries, because of the level of insecurity they have, had to fence their borders,” he said.

Nigeria borders Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad, which are all grappling with escalating militant campaigns across the Sahel.

Nigerian authorities often attribute its prolonged insurgency, including recent attacks on military stations, to foreign fighter infiltration.

Nigeria’s longest border (1,975 km) is with Cameroon in the northeast, a Boko Haram hotspot. It also shares 1,500 km with Niger and 85 km with Chad, nations that have lost territory to armed groups.

Musa warned Nigeria’s perceived wealth makes it a target.

“It is Nigeria that everybody is interested in. That is why we need to secure fully and take control of our borders,” he said. “It is critical for our survival and sovereignty.”

Mali suspends artisanal gold mining activities due to weather conditions

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:18:06 +0000

Mali has suspended artisanal gold mining activities during the June to September rainy season to protect workers from landslides, the West African country’s mines ministry said on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the ministry told Reuters that meteorological services have forecast heavy rains from June 15 to September 30.

“The reason for this (suspension) is quite simply safety,” the spokesperson said in a text message to Reuters.

In March, the government of Africa’s second-largest gold producer suspended the granting of new artisanal mining permits to foreigners after a couple of accidents left dozens dead.

Artisanal mining is a common activity across much of West Africa and has increased in recent years due to growing demand for the precious metal and rising prices.

Deadly accidents are frequent as artisanal miners often use old-fashioned and unregulated methods of digging.

Mali’s gold production plunged 23% to around 57 metric tons last year, of which about 6 tonnes came from artisanal miners.

Wednesday June 4 2025 Newspaper Headlines

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:14:56 +0000

Protest hits Garu District Executives over School Feeding contract allegations

Abigail Bonney — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:14:53 +0000

A group of aggrieved youth in the Garu Constituency of the Upper East Region has staged a protest against the alleged politicization of the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP).

The group accused the Member of Parliament and the District Chief Executive (DCE) of sidelining deserving caterers in the allocation of contracts.

The protest, led by the Concerned NDC Youth of Garu, was marked by the delivery of a press statement alleging that the MP and DCE had handpicked loyalists and cronies, bypassing party executives and other qualified applicants.

The group also alleged that key decisions regarding contract allocations were made at a private meeting in Accra, further fueling concerns of nepotism and favoritism.

According to the protestors, the contracts were not awarded based on merit or party structure, but rather through what they described as a “mafia-style” arrangement, undermining the integrity of the programme and causing discontent among local stakeholders.

In response to the allegations, the District Chief Executive for Garu, Hon. Abugba John Abare, denied any wrongdoing.

Speaking to Adom News’ Upper East Regional Correspondent, Halidu Dasmani, the DCE described the claims as “baseless” and “politically motivated.”

He maintained that the selection process was fair and transparent and that all deserving caterers were given equal opportunity.

The DCE attributed the allegations to internal political tensions and attempts by some individuals to tarnish his image and derail government interventions in the district.

He reiterated his commitment to the success of the Ghana School Feeding Programme and appealed for unity among party members.

He also called on constituency executives to set aside their differences and collaborate to ensure development in Garu, stating that the school feeding initiative is a government flagship programme aimed at improving both education and nutrition and should not be politicized.

OSP is terrorising Ken Ofori-Atta – Prof Ansa-Asare

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:11:04 +0000

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law has accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of acting in a manner that amounts to terrorising former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare believes the handling of the corruption probe by the OSP is excessive, unfair, and unconstitutional.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, June 3, Prof. Ansa-Asare questioned the basis for the OSP treating Mr. Ofori-Atta as if he were a convicted criminal.

“Ken Ofori-Atta, as at now, is not a suspect who has been tried. He has not been found guilty. No one has established his guilt, so he’s a suspect,” he said.

He stressed that the Constitution protects all citizens from being treated as guilty before trial.

“Because he’s a suspect under Article 19, Clause 3 of our own Constitution, he is presumed to be innocent until we are able to bring him down,” he added.

Prof. Ansa-Asare was especially alarmed by what he described as an aggressive approach by the Special Prosecutor.

“My take on this whole issue is, why declare him the most wanted fugitive running away from justice?” he asked.

“You are making Ken look like a murderous fugitive who has stolen all the assets.”

He emphasised that the issues raised by the OSP so far have not been proven offences.

“The Special Prosecutor has outlined five very serious issues. Not offences—issues. If they are not established offences, there’s a way all of us will have to go about it, because of dignity and the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution,” he explained.

When asked if the OSP was being high-handed, Prof. Ansa-Asare responded directly.

“I think the state hasn’t approached it in a way that connects with the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

“If the Constitution gives us the presumption of innocence, don’t declare anybody the most wanted fugitive on a Red Alert he can deposit on the way.”

He said the result of such actions is fear and humiliation.

“When you terrorise an innocent citizen, the end result is that he’s so intimidated he will find it difficult to come back. Because the moment the plane lands, he will be arrested,” he warned.

Asked again if he believed Ofori-Atta was being terrorised, Prof. Ansa-Asare was unequivocal.

“I think so,” he replied. “The long arm of the criminal law is seeking to arrest him. So it’s now longer than what we are imagining. We could have gone about it in a much more decent manner.”

ALSO READ:

Bunkprugu Paramount chief officially gazetted after 18-year legal battle

Gertrude Okyere — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:07:52 +0000

After nearly two decades of intense legal disputes and traditional contestation, the Paramount Chief of Bunkprugu, Naba Alhaji Abuba Nasinmong, has finally been officially gazetted by the National House of Chiefs.

The formal recognition, issued by the House of Chiefs on Wednesday, May 7, marks the end of an 18-year chieftaincy battle that has divided communities in the North East regional border district.

The gazette publication, which officially confirms his status as the legitimate traditional ruler of the Bunkprugu Traditional Area, was met with celebrations across the township, with traditional rituals held in his honour.

Naba Nasinmong ascended to the throne in May 2007 following the death of his predecessor, but his legitimacy was immediately challenged by rival factions, leading to protracted legal cases, occasional outbreaks of skirmishes, and stalled regional socioeconomic progress.

“Although I was traditionally recognised throughout this challenging period, this gazetting strengthens the foundation of my legitimacy as the Chief of Bunkprugu,” the newly gazetted chief said in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.

The chief believes he now wields greater authority to pursue development projects that benefit his traditional area.

“The Jafouk family owns 99.9% of Bunkprugu land, and this gazetting means I can come out and move from place to place, region to region, or country to country and request something good for my people,” Naba Nasinmong added. “So due to that, I’m happy to have it, and it will help build the peace.”

The chief also took the opportunity to reemphasise his legitimacy as the rightful occupant of the skin, while thanking the Mamprugu overlord and proclaiming his allegiance to Naa Buhaga Abdulai Mahami Sheriga II.

“My father, Nasinmong, gave birth to me, Alhaji Abuba,” the Bunkprugu Naba narrated. “And it is Lemma who gave birth to Nasinmong, and Gong who gave birth to Lemma, and Langbun who gave birth to Gong, and Sianon who gave birth to Langbun. Sianon was born by Jafouk, and Jafouk by Nyaam, Nyaam by Waar, Waar by Nabenkwan, Nabenkwan by Nyamdouk, and he was born by Tuok, Tuok by Kpanbeke, and he was born by our great-grandfather called Funfuna. Funfuna was born by the King of Nungu in Fada NGrouma called Yandabre, who was the 14th chief of Nungu,” the chief said. “That’s my lineage and this is why I’m the chief of Bunkprugu.”

The Bunkprugu Naba also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama for special attention to the Bunkprugu–Nakpanduri district, to ensure that his people begin to reap the benefits of stability, security, and harmony.

“Your Excellency, we are in your hands,” he pleaded. “We, the Bi-Moba land, are begging you—don’t leave us behind. We don’t have hospitals, we don’t have roads, we don’t have schools, and we have limited livelihood opportunities.”

The chief further admonished the President to ensure the resumption and completion of the district hospital project under the Agenda 111 initiative of the last NPP government.

Regarding his gazettement, residents expressed a mix of relief and hope, while traditional leaders across the North East Region have begun sending delegations to Bunkprugu to congratulate the chief and pledge their support.

Development partners and local NGOs have also expressed optimism that the resolution will clear the way for increased investment and stability in the area.

The gazettement now allows Naba Nasinmong to fully represent the Bunkprugu Traditional Area in the Regional and National Houses of Chiefs, with legal backing and full traditional authority.

ALSO READ:

UK temporarily spared from Trump’s 50% metal tariffs

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:03:49 +0000

The UK has been temporarily spared from US President Donald Trump’s executive order doubling steel and aluminium tariffs from 25% to 50%.

The order signed by Trump on Tuesday evening raises import taxes for US firms buying from other countries from Wednesday – but the levy remains at 25% for the UK.

The order depends on the UK and US tariff pact signed in May, which would axe steel and aluminium tariffs but has yet to come into force, meaning UK steel exporters will face tariffs until then and could face the 50% tariff if the pact falters.

The UK government said it is “committed to protecting British business and jobs”, but the Conservatives said the order was a “fresh tariff blow”.

The UK government spokesperson added that it will “continue to work with the US to implement our agreement, which will see the [tariffs] removed”, with the legislation implementing the deal to be presented in Parliament “in due course”.

Trump said in the order that the UK needed “different treatment” because of the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (ECD) signed on 8 May 2025.

However, Trump later added that the US might increase the tariff on the UK “on or after July 9 2025” if it “determines that the United Kingdom has not complied with relevant aspects of the EPD”.

How we reached this point

10 February: Trump announces 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to the US – the new duties kicked in on 12 March
2 April: Trump announces most countries – including the UK – will face a 10% “baseline” tariff on all goods sent to the US
8 May: UK and US agree to reduce or remove some levies
4 June: US raises import taxes for steel and aluminium to 50% – the levy temporarily remains at 25% for the UK

The UK’s carve-out in the executive order comes after Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris on Wednesday.

The US is the destination for about 7% of UK steel exports, meaning any tariffs have a big impact on the industry.

Director general of UK Steel Gareth Stace said the UK’s exemption from the 50% tariff was “a welcome pause”, but added that “uncertainty remains over timings and final tariff rates, and now US customers will be dubious over whether they should even risk making UK orders”.

“The US and UK must urgently turn the May deal into reality to remove the tariffs completely,” he said.

Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Labour’s botched negotiations have left businesses in limbo and this country simply cannot afford their continuing failure.”

South African court dismisses opposition party’s fuel levy challenge

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:49:02 +0000

South Africa’s high court on Tuesday dismissed a case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party aimed at blocking a fuel tax increase proposed in last month’s budget, a party spokesperson told Reuters.

The far-left opposition party had argued that the measure would disproportionately affect the country’s poor and that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana did not follow proper parliamentary process in introducing it.

The 4% increase in the levy South Africans pay on petrol and diesel will now kick in on Wednesday.

In court papers Godongwana said he had the right to raise the fuel levy and that the EFF’s case appeared aimed at blocking passage of the budget, which he has already revised twice due to disagreements in the coalition government.

Godongwana said that if the court had blocked the tax increase, it would have led to a revenue shortfall of at least 3.5 billion rand ($196 million).

He has already had to backtrack on a contentious plan to raise value-added tax, under pressure from the second-biggest political party within the coalition, the Democratic Alliance, and others outside it.

Investors want to see evidence that Africa’s biggest economy can rein in spending and hit revenue targets after a steep rise in public debt over the past two decades.

Separately, the government said on Tuesday that the country’s regulated petrol and diesel prices would fall in June, as lower global crude oil prices and a stronger rand outweighed the higher levy.

These Americans are done with Trump. So they’re leaving America

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:43:37 +0000

Kevin and Jessica Cellura had just 48 hours in December to make an enormous family decision.

The couple, who both work as teachers, had to decide if they should take a job offer to teach in Morocco and leave Asheville, North Carolina, with their two youngest children.

But the Celluras say their decision was made easier by the presidential election results just weeks earlier.

“We will get away from the chaos … I feel like the America as we knew it growing up is slipping away pretty fast,” Jessica Cellura told CNN.

The Celluras are part of a growing stampede of Americans moving or making serious efforts to move abroad, or to obtain the citizenship rights that would allow them to do so.

Tax lawyers and immigration advisers told CNN they have seen an uptick in requests from Americans seeking help with navigating the complex web of guidelines needed to relocate since Donald Trump’s election win.

Jessica, 40, and Kevin, 52, told CNN they are unaffiliated voters. They cast their ballots for Democrat Kamala Harris in last year’s presidential election, though Kevin voted Republican in the 1990s.

Their problems with the second Trump administration go well beyond the usual policy tussles and fierce disputes.

“I feel like the government that we have is not based in reality. It is based on propaganda,” said Kevin Cellura, citing the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol inspired by Trump’s repeated, false claims that former President Joe Biden had rigged the preceding presidential election.

Trump’s reascension provided the “spark” the couple needed to fulfil a long-standing desire to move overseas, Kevin said. They are set to teach at a school in Morocco’s capital Rabat, that follows the American model of education. They have one-way plane tickets on August 10.

They have one-way plane tickets on August 10.

President Donald Trump’s reelection in November 2024 convinced North Carolina couple Kevin and Jessica Cellura to begin the process of moving to Morocco. Courtesy Jessica Cellura

Official data from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada show a surge in the number of Americans applying to become citizens in recent months.

More than 1,900 applied for a British passport during the first quarter of 2025, the most since the UK’s Home Office began keeping records in 2004. In Ireland, too, around 4,700 people residing in the United States applied for Irish citizenship based on their ancestry during the same period, according to the country’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade — the highest quarterly figure in a decade.

It is impossible to know the personal stories behind thousands of data points, and the extent to which politics has played a role, if at all. Very often, people can only apply for citizenship after several years living in a country.

Dina Modi, an immigration casework supervisor at Immigration Advice Service, a British firm providing legal assistance to people hoping to move to and from the UK, said her clients rarely relocate over a single reason like politics. She partly attributes the recent rush of Americans seeking British passports to changes in UK tax and immigration laws.

A chunk of people simply need options, according to Modi. They have no concrete plans to move but want the ability to do so quickly. Other immigration advisers have witnessed the same impulse, telling CNN that some Americans view dual citizenship as a sort of insurance against what they perceive to be a deteriorating political landscape at home.

The Celluras, though, are not hesitating to leave. “I’m not going to be a sitting duck. I’m going to figure out our exit strategy,” Jessica recalls thinking after November’s votes were tallied.

‘Political wildfire’

Before the build-up to the election, David Lesperance reckons he received a maximum of two inquiries per week from Americans wanting to relocate. Now, the head of Lesperance & Associates, a tax and immigration advisory firm, he fields as many as five per day.

“(The) people who seek me out tend to be the people who feel they’re targets,” he said, noting that his clients tended to be wealthy, with the means to move abroad.

In the days following Trump’s January executive order restricting gender-affirming medical care for young people, Lesperance said he received seven inquiries from parents with a trans child.

For these families, he said, America represents a “political wildfire zone,” and “they can smell the smoke more than the average white heterosexual male with a MAGA hat on.”

Melvin Warshaw, an international tax lawyer who sometimes works with Lesperance, said he has also received more inquiries from members of the LGBTQ+ community since the election. Another cadre of his clients are those who worry that America is “fast approaching an oligarchy or an autocracy.”

Fundamentally, both groups believe “their rights are being deprived if they continue to live in the US,” according to Warshaw.

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell offers one high-profile example. O’Donnell, who has traded public jibes with Trump for almost two decades, decamped to Ireland in January with her non-binary child, and is seeking citizenship based on her ancestry.

“When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back,” she explained in a March posting on TikTok.

‘Ideological civil war’

Erik Lindsay did not leave America because of Trump per se, but he found that he could no longer stand the country’s deep political divisions.

The 50-year-old screenwriter and novelist said the coronavirus pandemic provided the “catalyst” for his move from Manhattan Beach, California, to Italy in 2020 — a time in America he likened to an “ideological civil war” where people dying “had become politicised.”

But Lindsay’s desire to relocate to his great-grandparents’ birthplace — and where he thus had a claim to citizenship — had been percolating since Trump’s first election in 2016 when he felt his friend group fracturing over politics.

Screenwriter and novelist Erik Lindsay pictured hiking in Capri, Italy, in 2021 after his relocation from Manhattan Beach, California. Courtesy Erik Lindsay

Lindsay has never voted for Trump, but he remembers the vitriolic reaction he received after posting a message on his Instagram account soon after the 2016 election imploring his anti-Trump friends to stay calm and take the long view of American history. “It just got venomous,” he said.

Lindsay recently became an Italian citizen — though only just before the rules changed. Italy, like Britain, has started to tighten rules on who can claim passports and visas. In May, Rome enacted a law removing the route to citizenship through great-grandparents.

Lindsay was lucky with his timing. Now, he can choose to live in Italy, or between Italy and America, at a whim. But life feels lighter in Italy.

“To have any nuance in a conversation with anybody regarding politics that’s an American is impossible,” Lindsay said. “You can do it here.”

Sports Minister calls for harsher punishment over violence at league matches

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:37:29 +0000

Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has called for stiffer penalties against individuals who breach the law and incite violence at football stadiums across the country.

His comments come in the wake of violent scenes that disrupted a Matchday 33 fixture of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC.

The game was abruptly halted after Nations FC players and officials stormed the pitch in protest of a second penalty awarded to the home side.

The protest escalated into chaos, ultimately forcing Nations FC to abandon the match.

In a disturbing turn of events, the club’s owner, Dr. Kwame Kyei, and its president, Divine Kyei, were reportedly assaulted during the commotion.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Minister Adams stressed the need for accountability and swift disciplinary action, regardless of the individuals’ social or political standing.

“People must be punished when they are found to be doing something wrong, irrespective of their status in the country or their political affiliation,” he said.

“We must have the tenacity to punish people when they do wrong. That is the only way, as a country that loves football, we have to go, and we will benefit from it.”

He warned that if such violent incidents persist, they could drive supporters away from the domestic league in favour of foreign competitions.

“If we allow such things to continue, 90 per cent of the football-loving fans will focus on the foreign leagues rather than your own league,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed it has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

C.K. Akonnor distances himself from calls for Otto Addo’s sacking after AFCON miss

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:34:37 +0000

Former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has distanced himself from growing calls for the dismissal of current Ghana boss Otto Addo, following the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ghana, four-time African champions, will miss out on the prestigious continental tournament for the first time in over two decades. The 2025 edition is scheduled to be held in Morocco.

The Black Stars endured a disappointing qualification campaign, finishing bottom of their group without a single win—registering three draws and three defeats.

This poor run triggered heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, with many demanding Addo’s removal.

However, the former Borussia Dortmund assistant has since steadied the ship, guiding Ghana to consecutive wins over Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In an interview with Citi Sports, Akonnor advocated for stability within the technical team, warning against the frequent changes in coaching staff.

“I didn’t call for Otto Addo’s sacking after the AFCON qualification setback,” Akonnor said. “The constant hiring and firing can overwhelm the players and disrupt progress.”

The Black Stars recently secured a third-place finish in a four-nation tournament in London and are set to regroup in September for World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali on Matchdays 7 and 8.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs paid hotel security officer to hand over video, jury hears

Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:28:15 +0000

Sean “Diddy” Combs paid a hotel security officer to hand over surveillance footage that showed the hip-hop mogul violently attacking his then-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, in a hallway, the officer testified on Tuesday at Combs’ sex trafficking trial.

Eddy Garcia, who had worked at an Intercontinental hotel, told jurors that Combs contacted him shortly after the incident and asked for the footage. Combs said he would “take care” of Garcia if he gave him the video, Garcia said.

“He was concerned that this video would get out and that it would ruin his career,” said Garcia, who was granted immunity from prosecution to testify.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five counts, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan say Combs over two decades, coerced women, including Ventura, to take part in drug-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.”

The trial is in its fourth week.

Jurors had previously been shown a March 2016 surveillance video from the hallway of the Intercontinental hotel in Los Angeles where Combs, wearing only a towel, threw Ventura to the ground, kicked her and dragged her away

Sean Combs mother was in court

Ventura said the incident occurred after Combs had given her a black eye during a “Freak Off.”

Garcia said he relayed Combs’ message about the video to his boss, who told him he would give Combs the video in exchange for $50,000.

The next day, Garcia testified he saw his boss enter the room that hosted servers for the surveillance cameras.

He said the boss gave him a USB drive, which he gave to Combs, who later returned with a brown bag and a money counter.

Garcia said Combs ran cash from the bag through the counter, which displayed $100,000, returned the money to the bag, and handed the bag to him.

Combs’ lawyers have acknowledged he was at times abusive in domestic relationships, but argue that women who took part in “Freak Offs” did so consensually.

Prosecutors say bribery is among the racketeering acts that Combs or his employees undertook in order to facilitate “Freak Offs” and prevent word of his abuse from getting out.

Combs could face life in prison if convicted on all counts. Prosecutors have said they may finish presenting their case next week, allowing the defence to put on its case.

Fernandes confirms ‘big offer’ rejected to stay at Man Utd

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:59:50 +0000

Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he was the subject of a “big offer” from Al-Hilal, but has decided to remain at Manchester United.

Reports have swirled around the Portuguese star in recent weeks, particularly in the wake of United’s limp UEFA Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 1-0 loss left The Red Devils’ with a season to forget, with no silverware and having finished in a historically-low 15th position in the Premier League.

A final-day win over 10-man Aston Villa was their only league victory against a non-relegated team since February.

Fernandes suggested after the Bilbao final that while he was committed to United, the fallen giants may decide to “cash in” on him.

And this week, widespread reports emerged of a £100 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to United, alongside a £700,000 per week contract for the midfielder.

On Tuesday evening, Fernandes used his pre-game press conference ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany to put the story to bed.

He said: “There was that possibility. The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it.

“It was a big offer, very ambitious. There was a waiting period for me to think about the future.

“As I have always said, I would be willing to do it if Manchester United thought so. I spoke to the coach, Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it.

“The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.

“I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.

“It would have been easy to move there, but I want to keep myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions and I feel capable of it. I am happy with my decision.”

Fernandes led the United ranks for both goals and assists this season, racking up 19 of each across all competitions.

He is nearing a goalscoring milestone for his career in England, sitting on 98 as he now heads into a seventh season.

The club captain has won the League Cup and FA Cup with United, as well as finishing as Europa League top scorer twice en route to collecting runners-up medals.

Sabalenka to face Swiatek in blockbuster semi-final

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:28:57 +0000

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster French Open semi-final between two title contenders.

Sabalenka edged a tight quarter-final against China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 on a blustery Court Phillippe Chatrier on Tuesday.

Poland’s Swiatek then came through 6-1 7-5 against Elina Svitolina to set up a fascinating last-four encounter.

Belarusian Sabalenka replaced fifth-ranked Swiatek as world number one in October last year.

The pair have met 12 times, with Swiatek leading the head-to-head 8-4 – but they have not met at a major since the 2022 US Open semi-finals.

Swiatek has won four of the past five Roland Garros titles, while Sabalenka is bidding for her first Paris trophy.

“Aryna has a game for every surface, so I need to focus on myself, do the work, be brave in my shots and just go for it,” Swiatek said.

“It is going to be a tough match, but I’m happy for the challenge.”

‘A true battle’ – Sabalenka advances

For all that Swiatek has dominated the French Open in recent years, Sabalenka is the player to beat this time around.

She has won three titles this year – including one on the Madrid clay – and reached two further finals, as well as strengthening her grip on the top ranking.

But her three-set defeat by Madison Keys in the Australian Open final stung – and she looks on a mission to avenge that loss.

Zheng had cause for optimism. She snapped a six-match losing streak to Sabalenka on the Rome clay in May and ultimately started the better of the two.

However, the mistakes were the difference, with Zheng committing 31 unforced errors to Sabalenka’s 18 and winning just 39% of points behind her second serve.

Sabalenka was visibly unimpressed with the wind, her game and finding herself down an early break in the first set, but she generated enough rhythm to break back for 4-4.

The top seed dominated the eventual tie-break, taking it on a long whipped forehand from Zheng, and repeatedly battled back from 0-30 down in her service games to keep the second set close.

The pair exchanged breaks before Zheng played her worst game of the match to hurry Sabalenka along to a 4-3 lead.

Sabalenka’s quality then shone through as, with Zheng 40-0 up and serving to stay in the match, she hammered winners past her opponent to seal the match as quickly as possible.

“That was a true battle – I have no idea how I was able to get back into that first set,” Sabalenka said.

“I was ready to leave everything I have on court to win.”

‘Proactive’ Swiatek sees off Svitolina

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Iga Swiatek has won four of the past five Roland Garros titles

Swiatek’s struggles in the build-up to the French Open were well-documented, but there was always a chance her game would click into place in Paris.

Victory over Elena Rybakina in the fourth round, with Swiatek battling back from a set and a break down, will have been a welcome confidence boost.

Although the first set was closer than the scoreline suggested, once Swiatek broke there was an inevitability about it.

One of the best frontrunners, Swiatek saved break points in her first service game, broke and then reeled off five games in a row to deflate Svitolina.

Svitolina, who has added more attack to her game since her return from maternity leave, took a 3-1 lead with some powerful hitting early in the second set.

But Swiatek broke back in the next game and, just as Sabalenka did, capitalised on a wobbly Svitolina service game to regain the break lead and ultimately serve out the match.

“I wanted to be proactive and really lead in the game, so I’m happy I did that,” Swiatek added.

Bublik’s rise from Vegas refresh to Sinner showdown

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:24:28 +0000

The best moment of Alexander Bublik’s life came after the most desperate position of his career.

The 27-year-old has always had a complicated relationship with tennis, stating he hated the sport “with all my heart” in a 2020 interview.

After losing eight of his first 10 matches in 2025 and spiralling down the rankings, his coach suggested a new approach.

It was unconventional, to say the least. But the decision to practise less and head to Las Vegas has worked wonders.

On Wednesday, Bublik will look to extend his remarkable, unexpected French Open run by stunning world number one Jannik Sinner to reach a first Grand Slam semi-final.

He has already upset top-10 players Jack Draper and Alex de Minaur – all just weeks after he wanted to quit for good.

“My coach suggested a trip to Vegas. He’s like, if you [continue to] play like this, we’re just going to be out of tennis, [out] of the conversation,” Bublik said.

“I said, OK, if it goes well, it goes well. If not, thank you very much, tennis.”

It’s safe to say it worked.

Journey back from ‘disgraceful’ low

Stood with hands on hips, face covered in red clay after falling to the ground in joyous disbelief following his fourth-round win over Draper, Bublik lapped up the crowd’s adulation.

Eyes filled with tears, he told the crowd: “Sometimes in life, there’s only one chance. I had a feeling that that was mine and I couldn’t let it slip.

“Standing here, it’s the best moment of my life.”

What has made it even sweeter is how unexpected it all is.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Alexander Bublik came back from a set down to beat Jack Draper 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4

Bublik, currently ranked 62nd, is set to return to the top 50, only three months after dropping to 82 in the world.

“I was telling my coach I want to quit tennis because I can’t be 80 in the world, it feels disgraceful. I hated it,” Bublik told TNT Sports.

“I had no room to cry. If I have room to cry, I always will cry.

“When you have no options [left], this is how it works.”

The ‘Hangover-style’ Vegas reset

Bublik’s trip to Vegas – off the back of a first-round exit at Indian Wells in March – was never meant as a training exercise.

He told reporters it was “like a Hangover thing Vegas” – a reference to the 2009 comedy film.

“My fall was not linked with lack of attitude and lack of practising,” said Bublik, who has been criticised for his on-court behaviour, external and racquet smashing.

“I just burned out because I was waiting for the results to come. I got to the point of ‘OK, why am I sacrificing so much? For what?’

“It was a good three days [in Vegas]. I let it all out.

“I said, I’m useless now, I can’t win a match, so let it be – let’s see how it goes.”

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Bublik is the lowest-ranked man to beat two top-10 opponents at Roland Garros since the 100th-ranked Andrei Medvedev beat Pete Sampras and Gustavo Kuerten to reach the 1999 final

Bublik then went from Vegas to Phoenix, Arizona, for a Challenger event, landing just five hours before his first match.

He went on to make the final, denied only by talented teenager Joao Fonseca. Two months later, he won the title in Turin.

But it is in Paris where he has truly shone. Armed with a remarkable range of shot-making, including an utterly devastating drop-shot, he has thrilled the crowds on his way to his best Slam result.

‘We just have to be ourselves’

Bublik, who has a two-year-old son, has long been clear that tennis is not everything.

“Tennis is 50% of my life. I have other parts – being a dad, being a friend – which have the same importance to me,” he said.

“I will not put my health on the line. I’m not going to fight through injuries.

“If you tell me I will win a Slam but won’t be able to walk by 40, I’m not going to take the Slam.”

That freedom has helped Bublik become the lowest-ranked man to earn two wins over top-10 opponents at Roland Garros since 1999.

None of his four ATP Tour-level titles or 11 finals have come on clay – a surface on which his 41% win rate before this French Open represented his lowest across all surfaces.

But Bublik is, crucially, enjoying his time on court – and is all the more dangerous for it.

“I’m the guy you can see having a nice time down the street in Paris in the evening before a match,” Bublik added.

“I’m social. I can skip practice if I don’t feel [it]. I think it’s pretty normal.

“This craziness that social media put in us, that we have to be the best version of ourselves?

“No – we just have to be ourselves.”