The project, which is part of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, is expected to be completed within 36 months and will serve as a major trading hub for traders and businesses within the district and surrounding communities.

Speaking at a ceremony to officially commence the project, the District Chief Executive, Charles Appiah Kubi, called on residents to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure the successful and timely completion of the project.

He said the Assembly would closely monitor the progress of work to prevent the project from being abandoned.

“I will personally monitor the contractor to ensure that work progresses steadily and the project is completed on time. We do not want this to become one of the abandoned projects in the district. We are committed to seeing it through to completion for the benefit of our people,” he assured.

The contractor, Neckseth Construction, after receiving the project documents, also assured residents of its commitment to delivering the project within the stipulated time frame.

The Chief of Tebeso, Nana Appiah Anniamah, appealed to the government and all stakeholders not to allow the market project to suffer the fate of previously abandoned projects in the area.

He expressed concern over the impact abandoned projects have had on development in the community.

“One major challenge affecting development in our community is the issue of abandoned projects by successive governments. It is a waste of taxpayers’ money, and we are pleading with the government to ensure this project is completed,” he stated.

The proposed 24-hour economy market is expected to include about 300 lockable shops, over 500 stalls, a police post, fire service post, clinic, pharmacy, rest house, warehouse facilities, sanitation infrastructure, and other essential amenities aimed at improving trading activities and enhancing local economic growth.

Nasire Best, as he has been identified to the BBC by Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police Department, previously obstructed a White House entry lane in June of 2025 and told Secret Service agents he was Jesus Christ.

He was sent for a mental evaluation after that incident.

Best is accused of firing shots outside the president’s home just after 18:00 EST (23:00 GMT) on Saturday – reporters filming outside ducked and ran for cover inside. US President Donald Trump was at the White House but was unharmed.

Court documents show that during a June 2025 incident with the Secret Service, Best, of Dundalk, Maryland, told agents he wanted to be arrested.

Despite having a mental evaluation, a month later in July, he again tried to access the White House.

Best was arrested by Secret Service agents after that second incident and charged with unlawfully entering a federally controlled property, according to court records.

He was released after being arraigned on the unlawful entry charge, but in August of 2025, he failed to appear for a status hearing, the documents show. That led to a no-bond bench warrant, allowing law enforcement to arrest him.

Then on Saturday, less than a year later, he reappeared outside the White House and began firing at a Secret Service checkpoint at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Secret Service officers posted on the corner returned fire, striking the gunman. Best was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A bystander was also wounded in the shooting, but the Secret Service did not give further details on their condition. No officers were injured in the attack.

Trump was at the White House at the time, but officials said no “protectees” or operations were impacted.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote on social media.

The shooting occurred a month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, forcing a swift end to the event and forcing Trump to be escorted out by Secret Service as hundreds of attendees were evacuated.

The accident occurred on Friday, May 22, 2026, involving a Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle with registration number GR 8231 C, which was travelling from Abotuase to Ningo in the Greater Accra Region.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), personnel from the Peki Fire Station responded swiftly after receiving a distress call at about 9:58 a.m.

In a statement issued by the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of the service, the fire officers said the vehicle was carrying 20 passengers, consisting of 11 males, five females, and four children.

The vehicle reportedly sustained severe damage in the crash, leaving several passengers trapped in the wreckage.

Firefighters managed to rescue 17 victims from the mangled vehicle.

“The rescue team successfully extricated 13 adults and four children from the wreckage,” the statement said.

However, three adults—two men and one woman—lost their lives in the accident.

Personnel from the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Kpando Divisional Command, together with officers from the Ghana Ambulance Service stationed at Afadjato and Juapong, assisted at the scene.

The injured victims and the bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the Kpando Government Hospital and Peki Government Hospital for treatment, preservation, and further investigations.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has renewed its appeal to motorists to strictly observe road safety regulations and avoid excessive speeding to help reduce road crashes across the country.

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The operation, conducted between 4:00 am and 7:00 am on Sunday, May 24, 2026, was led by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Officials said it was prompted by credible intelligence on ongoing galamsey activities along the river.

The joint team, mobilising from the Manso Adubia operational base in the pre-dawn hours, used darkness and the element of surprise to intercept miners before they could abandon the site.

When operatives arrived, they found several individuals actively engaged in illegal mining along the river. However, a number of Ghanaian operators spotted at a distance fled into nearby bushes upon seeing the task force — one of them visibly armed with a pump-action firearm.

Two Chinese nationals who attempted to flee were chased down and arrested. They have been identified as Lu Honggeng, 53, and Nong Zisun, 41. The two men have since been transported to the NAIMOS Secretariat in Accra for further investigation and onward handover to the Ghana Immigration Service.

Authorities described the environmental destruction at the site as alarming. Illegal miners had blocked and diverted portions of the Dankai River into an artificial dam to facilitate their operations — a deliberate reconfiguration that NAIMOS said amounted to “a profound assault on the hydrological integrity of the river and on the rights of downstream communities that depend on its waters.”

Officials also flagged the growing security risks at illegal mining sites, citing the armed suspect as evidence that such operations are becoming increasingly dangerous. “The presence of a pump-action firearm in the hands of one of the fleeing operators further reaffirms the hardening security profile of illegal mining sites,” NAIMOS said.

The Secretariat confirmed that the illegal damming and diversion of the Dankai River had been disrupted, and assured the public that sustained operations would continue in the Amansie East enclave and other affected areas until degraded water bodies are restored. It also warned illegal miners to desist from activities destroying forests and polluting rivers across the country.

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Speaking on JoyNews’s AM Show on Monday, May 25, Mr Glover said authorities in South Africa had failed to take proactive steps to protect foreign nationals, including Ghanaians, amid growing concerns over attacks on migrants.

His comments come as the first batch of Ghanaians in South Africa is expected to return home on Wednesday.

According to him, although evacuation efforts are underway, there are concerns that many Ghanaians living outside major cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg may be left out due to transport and accessibility challenges.

“The Foreign Minister should have taken his time a bit because, as we speak now, some of these Ghanaians are beyond Pretoria and Johannesburg. Even access to public transport to reach the embassy to register is a problem. So how do you reach these people?” he questioned.

Mr Glover argued that the situation reflects what he described as a lack of urgency on the part of the South African authorities in addressing the attacks.

“That is why I am blaming the South African government for not being proactive. President Cyril Ramaphosa has disappointed some of us. The South African government has not been up and doing,” he said.

He further alleged that authorities had failed to intervene in some incidents involving foreign nationals.

“You see Ghanaians being beaten, and they stand aloof and watch. They stand and watch and see how these foreigners are beaten,” he stated.

Reflecting on Africa’s historical support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, the former lawmaker expressed disappointment over the treatment of foreign nationals today.

“Everybody in Africa contributed to making sure you are who you are today. They gave you money, scholarships, and passports to move around these African countries. Look at what they are doing, and the South African government is watching these things while our people are being beaten,” he said.

Mr Glover also called on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the operations of South African mining companies in Ghana, suggesting he would oppose the renewal of their licences.

“I will appeal to President Mahama that next year the licences of those South African companies should never be renewed,” he said.

He added that he would support demonstrations over the issue and was prepared to personally join protests if the situation persists.

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According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, the suspects were arrested following a distress call received on May 20, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., indicating that some individuals had been apprehended by residents for engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The statement explained that upon receiving the information, the Berekum District Patrol Team proceeded to the scene where they met some youth of the town who had already arrested the suspects.

Police said the suspects were found with one pickaxe, four shovels, a water pumping machine and a woollen carpet allegedly used for washing gold.

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police, re-arrested and detained to assist investigations.

The suspects have been identified as Atule Nathaniel, 23; Azusiwine Cletus, 22; Ayaama Thomas, 15; Asigiya Joseph, 23; Aboyinga Aselise, 37; Atanbire Reymond, 20; Isaac Ntim, 46; and Aguya Isaac, 25.

Police say efforts are underway to prepare them for prosecution.

The Bono Regional Police Command commended members of the Amomaso community for their cooperation and urged the public to continue reporting illegal mining activities to the police.

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The reduced fee, which took effect on 11th May 2026, is expected to provide significant financial relief to market members still recovering from the devastating fire that destroyed about 60 per cent of the market in January 2025.

According to a joint statement signed by KOBA General Secretary Adwutwum Atta Manu, the agreement followed months of negotiations between the association and the AMA. The new fee structure acknowledges the continued economic strain on traders, many of whom are grappling with rising bale prices and declining quality of second-hand clothing.

“We are aware of many financial constraints impacting our members, from increased bale prices. We are happy to have reached this agreement with AMA,” Mr Atta Manu said in the statement.

He explained that the arrangement saves members a total of Five Hundred and Twenty-Four Ghana Cedis (GH₵524.00) compared to previous fee levels.

“The result is a testament to our strong working relationship with AMA and our unwavering commitment to acting in the best interests of those we represent,” he added. “We call on all market members to cooperate with AMA so that, together, we may continue to move forward with strength and unity.”

KOBA, established in July 2025 in direct response to the January 2025 fire, represents approximately 30,000 traders and retailers across all 16 sections of Kantamanto Market. The association is supported by Ghanaian NGO The Or Foundation.

The January 2025 fire devastated large parts of Kantamanto, one of the world’s largest second-hand clothing markets. Many traders lost their entire stock and have since struggled to rebuild their businesses amid rising inflation and import costs.

The reduced permit fee is expected to ease some of those burdens while encouraging formal cooperation between traders and the AMA.

KOBA executives are urging all market members to cooperate with AMA representatives when approached for permit renewals, describing the agreement as a shared step toward recovery and unity.

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Rubio told reporters in New Delhi that the U.S. would give diplomacy every chance to ‌succeed before exploring “alternatives”, after President Donald Trump said on Sunday he had told his representatives not to rush into any Iran deal.

There was a “pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the Strait, get the Strait open, enter into a very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter, and hopefully we can pull it off,” Rubio said.

A day earlier, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the U.S. blockade on Iranian ​ships in the Strait of Hormuz would “remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed”.

He added, “Both sides must take their time and get it ​right.”

There was no immediate response from Iran’s government. But the Tasnim news agency, linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said the U.S. was still obstructing parts ⁠of a potential deal, including Tehran’s demand for the release of frozen funds.

Oil prices fell 6% to two-week lows on Monday, as optimism grew that the United States and Iran were moving ​closer to a peace deal.

Trump raised expectations of an imminent deal on Saturday when he said Washington and Tehran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding on a peace agreement that would reopen the Strait ​of Hormuz.

Before the conflict, the critical waterway had carried a fifth of global shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas.

The two sides remain at odds on several difficult issues, such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s war in Lebanon with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia and Tehran’s demands for the lifting of sanctions and the release of tens of billions of dollars of Iranian oil revenues frozen in foreign banks.

STICKING POINTS

A senior Trump administration official outlined what he said ​were the latest contours of issues being negotiated.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official said Iran had agreed “in principle” to open the Strait of Hormuz, in exchange for the United States ​lifting its naval blockade, and to dispose of Tehran’s highly enriched uranium.

The U.S. understood that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, had endorsed the broad template of the deal, he added.

There was no immediate confirmation from Iran or ‌elaboration on ⁠what an “in principle” agreement meant.

The U.S. official said Washington envisioned first reopening the strait and lifting the U.S. naval blockade. Negotiating the details of the nuclear measures would take more time.

The official pushed back on suggestions that Iran had not accepted disposing of its stockpiled enriched uranium. “It’s a question about how,” the official said.

A second senior administration official said on Sunday the proposed framework would give negotiators 60 days to reach a final deal.

Iranian sources had told Reuters that in future stages, “feasible formulas” could be found to resolve the dispute over its highly enriched uranium stockpile, including diluting the material under ​the supervision of the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Iran has ​long denied U.S. and Israeli accusations that it ⁠is pursuing nuclear weapons and says it has a right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, although the purity it has achieved far exceeds that needed for power generation.

Trump, whose approval rating has been hit by the war’s impact on U.S. energy prices, and who has faced congressional efforts to curb ​his war powers, has repeatedly played up the prospect of a deal to end the conflict started by the U.S. and Israel on February ​28.

A tenuous ceasefire has held ⁠since early April.

The president hit back at critics of his handling of the negotiations and his willingness to compromise with Iran.

“If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one … So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about,” Trump posted on Sunday.

Any deal reinforcing the current fragile ceasefire would bring relief to markets but not immediately defuse a global energy crisis, which has driven up the costs of fuel, fertiliser and food.

The U.S.-Israeli bombing of Iran killed thousands of people in ​Iran before it was suspended in early April.

The weapons, collected through a recent nationwide amnesty exercise, are currently being secured by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons ahead of their final destruction.

The Executive Director of the Commission, Adam Bona, says the agency is working closely with security services to ensure all recovered weapons are properly documented, safely stored, and disposed of in line with international standards.

He noted that the scale of surrendered arms reflects growing public cooperation with efforts to curb the spread of illegal weapons in the country.

Authorities have scheduled the public destruction exercise for July 25 and July 29, with the process expected to be carried out openly to strengthen accountability and public confidence. The Presidency has been invited, with the President expected to attend in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Mr. Bona said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to reduce illicit arms circulation and enhance national security.

Beyond the disarmament agenda, attention at the event also focused on the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Naa Momo Lartey, called for stronger inclusion of women in decision-making processes related to peace and security, stressing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without their active participation.

She referenced global commitments under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for increased involvement of women in peace and security frameworks.

Madam Lartey also highlighted the role women play at the community level in preventing and resolving conflicts, noting that their involvement often helps restore trust and calm tensions.

She urged closer collaboration between state institutions and development partners to expand public education on peacebuilding, particularly at the grassroots level.

The Minister further encouraged women and girls to take active roles in promoting peace within their communities, describing inclusive participation as key to sustaining national stability.

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On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said an agreement with Tehran had been “largely negotiated”, and details would be announced soon, but the following day, he urged his negotiating team not to rush an agreement.

On Monday morning in Asia, the global oil benchmark Brent was down 4.8% to $98.52 (£73.11), while US-traded crude was 5% lower at $91.76.

Trump had previously said the deal would include reopening the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route, without providing further details.

The narrow waterway, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes, has been effectively closed since the conflict started on 28 February.

The Nikkei 225 stock index in Japan rose above 65,000 for the first time after gaining 2.9% on hopes that the strait would soon reopen.

Japan, like nearby South Korea, has been particularly affected by the conflict, as it is heavily reliant on energy from the Gulf.

UK and US energy and financial markets are closed on Monday for public holidays.

Trump said on social media on Saturday that he had a “very good call” with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others about a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE”.

“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed,” Trump said.

“Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly.”

He also said he had a call on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which “went very well”.

The president did not give any further details on the deal, but has insisted any agreement would “absolutely” prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

But on Sunday, he said on Truth Social: “Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei earlier told state television that US and Iranian positions had been converging in the last week, but warned that did not mean agreements would be reached on key issues and accused the Americans of “contradictory statements”.

Global energy markets have seen big price swings since early March after Iran threatened to attack ships trying to use the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks on the country.

While crude oil prices have fallen sharply today, they remain significantly higher than before the war.

In the lead-up to the conflict, Brent was trading at around $70 a barrel.

Tehran also attacked Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

A ceasefire was agreed in early April, and since then, Washington and Tehran have engaged in talks over a long-term peace deal.

“There is now some light at the end of the tunnel, which will bring some near-term oil price relief,” Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial.

“But even in the most optimistic scenario from here, oil markets will remain tight through 2027 given the time required to normalise oil flows through the Strait, repair damaged oil facilities, and rebuild global oil stocks that have seen record depletion since the war began,” he added.

Guardiola, who led City to six Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph and the Club World Cup, will leave at the end of the ​season after a decade in charge.

Italian Enzo Maresca, who ​has previously coached Chelsea and Leicester City and also ⁠worked under Guardiola as an assistant at City, is reported ​to be the leading candidate for the top job at the ​Manchester club.

Asked if City’s administration had sought his advice on the next manager, Guardiola told reporters on Friday: “It doesn’t work to copy and paste in ​this kind of job.

“You have to be unique, natural and ​yourself and the new manager will be himself,” the Spaniard added, speaking ahead ‌of ⁠City’s final league game of the season at home against Aston Villa.

“The moment it starts to be a copy of another one… Everyone is everyone. It has to be like that. ​And that’s why ​everything is going ⁠to be good.”

Guardiola leaves City with the spectre of the 115 charges of alleged breaches of ​the Premier League’s financial rules still looming large ​over his ⁠tenure, but he said he was confident there was no cause for concern.

“Because I trust them,” he added.

“I trust them! Because I ⁠spoke ​with them and I trust how ​they behave and (what) they did. So what happened — there will be the resolution. I ​trust them.”

According to information gathered, armed men allegedly brought into the community to provide security for an illegal mining site operated by a company identified as PRP have reportedly been firing gunshots indiscriminately to intimidate residents who oppose their operations.

The deceased, identified as 46-year-old Mensah Ango, was reportedly sent by the chief together with some linguists to invite leaders of the mining company to the palace over concerns surrounding alleged illegal activities on the community’s land.

Unfortunately, during the process, the armed men allegedly opened fire on him.

The incident has since sparked anger among the youth in the community, who have threatened to set ablaze mining equipment and properties belonging to the illegal miners in retaliation for the killing.

Residents further alleged that the armed men have previously shot and killed about three other innocent persons in the community for openly opposing the illegal mining activities.

Speaking in an interview, the Chief of Gwira Ampansie, Nana Kojo Mensah, expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the area and accused state authorities, particularly the District Chief Executive (DCE), of failing to act despite several complaints lodged against the mining company and the violent conduct of the armed men.

He further alleged that the illegal miners appear to be enjoying support from some state officials, making it difficult for the community to obtain justice.

Nana Kojo Mensah is therefore calling on the government, especially the President and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), to urgently intervene and flush out the illegal mining company, PRP, from the community following the repeated attacks and killings of innocent residents.

The chief added that life has become unbearable for residents, most of whom are poor and powerless, making it difficult for their grievances to receive the needed attention from authorities.

According to the chief, the continuous inaction by authorities has emboldened the illegal miners to operate with impunity, leaving residents living in constant fear and insecurity.

He is therefore appealing for immediate intervention to restore peace and safety in the community.

Responding to the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, Herbert Kuah Dickson, disclosed that he was informed about the development and immediately directed the police to take action.

According to the MCE, six persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, including three foreign nationals.

Mr Kuah Dickson assured residents that the Assembly, together with the security agencies, will take the necessary measures to maintain peace, law, and order in the community.

The donation formed part of efforts to support affected students and help the school recover from the incident.

The relief package included mattresses, bedsheets and other essential supplies to provide immediate assistance and restore some level of comfort to students affected by the fire.

Mr. Gakpey presented the items during a visit to the school, where he interacted with school authorities and students.

The fire incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, and destroyed sections of the dormitory, disrupting accommodation arrangements for students and causing concern among staff and the school community.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service at the Anloga Fire Station responded swiftly to the scene and managed to contain the fire before it spread to other parts of the school.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has urged students, teachers and school authorities across the country to strictly observe fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents in educational institutions.

On Thursday, the Rwampara health centre was stormed by a group of angry residents demanding the bodies of relatives who had died from Ebola, according to local sources. The incident was also confirmed by partners of the Congolese government involved in the response in the area.

A day later, a tent provided by Doctors Without Borders, also known by its acronym MSF, at a hospital in Mongbwalu in Ituri province was set on fire.

“Following the death of a patient showing symptoms of Ebola virus disease in one of the tents, healthcare staff isolated the body in line with strict health protocols,” the NGO Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

It said that while the body was being prepared for burial, tensions flared, resulting in the burning of two tents.

“Despite this incident, the teams were also able to secure the body of the deceased patient in preparation for a dignified and safe burial, in accordance with Ebola response standards,” ALIMA added.

Health workers in Ebola-hit areas of the eastern DRC have repeatedly faced resistance from communities over strict burial protocols, which require specialised handling of bodies to prevent further transmission of the virus. Aid agencies said the tensions are often driven by fear, rumours and mistrust of medical teams.

“Some people here believe that Ebola is a business,” said Gloire Idriss, a resident of Rwampara who witnessed the scene. “When healthcare providers refuse to hand over the bodies of those who have died from Ebola, people think they might be trafficking their organs.”

The Congolese health minister has said the bodies of Ebola victims remain highly contagious and must be handled only by trained teams in protective gear.

“Let us bury the deceased safely,” Roger Kamba told Radio France Internationale. “The dead must not take others with them into the grave.”

In the eastern DRC, it is customary for relatives and neighbours to gather at the home of the deceased to pay their last respects, and some mourners touch the body as a final act of farewell.

“When my daughter died of Ebola last month, the medical team came to bury her. We didn’t get to say our final goodbyes. It still upsets me that I had to watch her funeral helplessly without our cultural rites,” said Lokana Jean, a 40-year-old resident of Mongbwalu. Name changed for privacy reasons.

“Under normal circumstances, I would have held her close and felt her final warmth,” he told Al Jazeera.

Rising cases

As of Saturday, nearly 180 people had died from the disease and close to 800 cases had been recorded, according to the Congolese Ministry of Public Health.

Authorities in Ituri have introduced measures to try to slow transmission, including limits on public gatherings, suspension of wake services and a ban on moving bodies between locations.

Rodriguez Kisando, a doctor specialising in health and the environment, said violence targeting Ebola treatment facilities is being driven by rumours and misinformation.

“When an epidemic breaks out, rumours spread quickly. If accurate information is not shared fast, people will believe anything, and that is when violence takes hold,” he told Al Jazeera.

Response under strain

He warned that attacks on treatment centres along with patients fleeing before completing care could speed up the spread of the disease.

“As long as there are scenes of violence and sick people escape from Ebola treatment centres before they are cured, the disease will continue spreading. This is extremely serious,” he said.

Amid a sharp decline in international aid, Congolese authorities said the national treasury is covering a large share of the response, and shortages are becoming more visible.

ALIMA said resources for detecting, treating and preventing Ebola remain severely inadequate and called for more international support.

A senior Congolese official involved in the response in Rwampara, speaking on condition of anonymity, said treatment centres were overwhelmed.

“We are receiving new confirmed cases almost every day. The resources we have are not enough for the scale of the outbreak,” he said.

Authorities in Ituri and North Kivu are urging residents to wash their hands regularly, keep their distance from the sick, cook food thoroughly, avoid self-medication and trust response teams.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has placed 10 African countries on high alert: South Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Republic of Congo, Burundi, Angola, the Central African Republic and Zambia.

The DRC, Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination, including surveillance, early warning systems, border monitoring and improved laboratory and response capacity.

The meeting, captured on video, laid bare the depth of the crisis facing Ghana’s estimated 20,000-strong community in South Africa — a community now fractured between those desperate to leave and those trapped by circumstances they cannot easily walk away from.

One distressed man, identifying himself as a teacher who had been working legally in South Africa, did not mince words.

“We don’t want to stay here. I’m sick and tired of this country,” he said directly to the minister. “I have been working as a teacher in this country. Not that Ghanaians are illegal — but the Home Affairs [department] forces most of them to be illegal.”

He explained that many Ghanaians who once held valid legal status have found themselves in bureaucratic limbo, with permanent residency permits revoked without clear justification, and business permits that were renewed multiple times suddenly declared fraudulent by authorities.

The man also described an incident involving a Ghanaian woman who was knocked down by a car. He said he personally took up her case, hired a lawyer at his own expense, and pursued it to its conclusion — only to be told the claim had been declined.

Another speaker, a woman, raised urgent concern for Ghanaians living outside Pretoria who are too scared to travel to register for the repatriation programme.

“Some of us outside Pretoria can’t even travel by bus or taxi to come and register their names, because they are scared,” she said. “The moment they started the makwerekwere style” — a derogatory term used by some South Africans against foreign nationals — “they have to divert the taxis somewhere. So what about them? What are the safety measures towards them?”

Her words highlighted a critical gap in the evacuation effort: that the most vulnerable Ghanaians, those stranded in townships and smaller towns beyond the capital, may be entirely unreachable.

A business owner at the meeting offered what was perhaps the starkest assessment of the situation, warning that the current wave of anti-immigrant sentiment is not a passing storm.

“What we are seeing or witnessing is not something that is going to end today,” he said. “Most of them have put these guys who are doing these demonstrations on the payroll — a strong one. So it’s not something that’s going to end today.”

Looking ahead to a worst-case scenario, the businessman said he had already begun exploring whether South African counterparts could formally take over Ghanaian-owned businesses through a regulated process.

“I’m looking at a worse scenario as a business owner — discussing with South African counterparts if they can actually have a takeover plan of Ghanaian businesses. At the VTI, they’ve got a takeover regulatory panel where they will be able to give us offers so that they can take over those businesses to local South Africans, so that we can leave peacefully.”

A Government Responding

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has since announced a support package for evacuees, including a “Welcome Home Financial Package,” transport assistance, a reintegration allowance, and free psychosocial support services.

By May 21, over 800 Ghanaians had registered at the High Commission in Pretoria for evacuation, with the first batch of returnees expected to depart once a verification and screening exercise is completed.

But as the voices from that Pretoria meeting make clear, the numbers alone do not capture the full weight of what is being lost — livelihoods built over decades, legal status stripped away by bureaucratic decisions, and a deep sense of betrayal felt by people who played by the rules and still found themselves unsafe.

For many of them, the question is no longer whether to go home. It is whether Ghana will be ready to truly receive them when they do.

Ghanaians in South Africa who need help and want assistance to return to Ghana pic.twitter.com/Q2LJXvXOFs

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) May 24, 2026

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GNFS contains fire outbreak at Atekyem in Koforidua

Five people were confirmed trapped, including two in contact with rescuers, ​and 18 more were feared under the rubble, officials said.

“We have five ⁠confirmed trapped victims, and we have a figure of 18 workers from the list ​of construction workers on duty today, but no feedback yet from their families. This ​brings the estimated number of trapped victims to 23 as of today,” Maria Leah Sajili, information officer at the regional Bureau of Fire Protection, told a press briefing.

At the site of the collapsed multi-storey building ​under construction in the city of Angeles, north of the capital Manila, rescuers were seen ​clambering over a mound of concrete slabs and mangled steel, covered in green netting, searching for ‌survivors.

The ⁠number of rescued, including those in the vicinity, remained at 24, with no deaths reported, Sajili said.

Among the rescued was a 51-year-old Malaysian national who was staying in a nearby budget hotel, which was damaged when the concrete structure collapsed, Jay Pelayo, the Angeles city ​information officer, told Reuters ​in a phone ⁠interview.

He had earlier told DZBB radio that 30 to 40 people were feared trapped, based on information from a site foreman who was among ​those who escaped.

Officials said the cause of the collapse is ​under investigation, ⁠but records showed the building was intended as a nine-storey condo-hotel under the approved permit, but a 10th floor for a pool was being constructed.

Ambulances were on standby, and fire ⁠trucks had ​been deployed to assist in the rescue, Pelayo ​said, adding that moving the concrete debris was a challenge for rescuers.

According to the Service, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after a distress call was received at about 11:14 a.m.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the GNFS said a team led by Assistant Divisional Officer I (ADO I) Sagoe arrived at the scene at 11:26 a.m. and found a six-bedroom self-contained house engulfed in flames from the roof section.

Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control at 12:21 p.m. and completely extinguished it at 12:57 p.m.

Although the building and most of its contents were destroyed, the fire officers were able to salvage several household items from the blaze.

The salvaged items included a tabletop fridge, kitchen utensils, a 6kg gas cylinder, plastic racks and wash basins.

The Service confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded in the incident.

According to the GNFS, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Fire Service further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report fire outbreaks promptly to help prevent extensive damage and loss of lives.

The BBC’s US media partner CBS has named the suspect as Nasire Best, a 21-year-old man who was known to the protection agency and had a documented history of mental health conditions.

US President Donald Trump thanked the officers for their “swift and professional action” in apprehending the gunman, who he said in a Truth social post had a “violent history and possible obsession with our Country’s most cherished structure”.

The shooting comes only a month after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The incident on Saturday remains under investigation and road closures around the White House will likely stay in place overnight.

Shortly before 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT), a man pulled a gun from his bag and “began firing” outside the White House at the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington DC, near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Secret Service officers posted on the corner returned fire, striking the gunman. He was then taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A bystander was also wounded in the shooting, but the Secret Service did not give further details on their condition. No officers were injured in the attack.

Trump was at the White House at the time, but “no protectees or operations were impacted”, the agency said.

The suspect was later identified in US media as Best, who had been known to both the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department and had used a revolver, law enforcement sources told CBS.

A source familiar with the investigation told CBS that Best had attempted to gain entry to the White House in July 2025 and had been arrested by officers nearby, after which he spent time at a psychiatric facility. He had been living in Washington DC for 18 months.

“Thank you to our great Secret Service and Law Enforcement for the swift and professional action taken this evening against a gunman near the White House,” Trump wrote on social media.

Noting that the shooting had occurred since the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was disrupted by a different shooter, he said it showed how important it was “for all future Presidents, to get, what will be, the most safe and secure space of its kind ever built in Washington” – a reference to his planned White House ballroom.

After shots were heard, reporters at the White House were rushed into a briefing room. Some had been filming when the incident occurred and shots could be heard in the distance as they spoke to camera.

Footage shared by ABC’s senior White House correspondent Selina Wang showed her taking cover as a volley of shots could be heard from across the North Lawn.

“We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,” Wang wrote on X.

Aaron Navarro, a CBS News reporter, told the BBC he had been on the North Lawn when he heard gunshots, “at points sounding like they were coming from different guns, just outside the grounds”.

“As soon as we heard it, we ducked down and I started to see other reporters starting to run, and you shortly heard Secret Service officers saying ‘get inside, get inside’,” he said.

Once inside, he said reporters were locked down in the press briefing room for around 30 minutes. Outside, they saw Secret Service officers and then, just beyond the grounds, they eventually saw ambulances.

Navarro said it was unclear exactly where Trump was inside the White House when the shooting took place and “whether he even heard it, as it was a good distance [away]”.

He said the shooting took place in a busy area with a cafe and restaurants, but that it was not as busy as it could have been since the shooting occurred on a weekend evening.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the Secret Service for their “decisive action” in responding to the shooting.

Thune wrote on a social media that he was “grateful” for their efforts, while Johnson said on X: “Our prayers are with the victims of tonight’s senseless shooting for a speedy recovery.”

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But as he prepares to say his goodbyes on Sunday, there is plenty to appreciate and admire in the here and now.

There are the standards Salah helped to set that emanated through the club in his and Liverpool’s quest for greatness.

Then there are the records he broke and the trophies his goals brought to Anfield.

Above all, there is the sheer joy he brought and the memories he provided.

“He [Salah] set completely new standards for a professional football player – how hard you can work, how much you can invest in recovery and everything,” Jurgen Klopp told BBC Sport in March.

Klopp was the manager when Liverpool signed the Egyptian from Roma in 2017 for £34m.

The deal was questioned because of Salah’s previous struggles with Chelsea in the Premier League, but those who scouted him for Liverpool were convinced.

Yet even they – the scouts, Klopp, everyone involved – could not have anticipated how Salah would become an all-time great.

His haul of 257 goals for Liverpool has pushed him past the likes of Sir Kenny Dalglish, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard. Only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285) have scored more.

“Mohamed knew what he had to do to become a Liverpool legend and he took it to a different level,” Rush told BBC Sport.

“He couldn’t believe how many goals I scored. so he actually said to me: ‘Did you count your goals in training?’

“So he’s got that Scouse sense of humour as well. But it’s not just goals; you look at the number of assists and he’s a complete footballer.”

For the record, there have been 119 assists.

Salah’s average of a goal or an assist every 94 minutes for Liverpool is astonishing. That’s 376 goal involvements in 35,326 minutes of football.

These are remarkable feats by the man who began his journey in Nagrig, a village in rural Egypt, and became one of the greatest players for one of the world’s greatest football clubs.

Salah sat on a throne inside Anfield last year – the club’s ‘Egyptian king’ had committed to extending his reign and marked the occasion in regal style. But now his abdication moment has arrived, a year earlier than planned.

It is not clear for which club or in which country Salah will play next season.

Brentford at home marks the final page in the defining chapter of his footballing life. What a life.

The self-aware Salah appreciates his superstar status, and revels in what he stands for in both the footballing world and the Arabic world.

But he also knows how hard he has worked to reach that status.

No overseas player in the history of the Premier League has scored more goals than Salah’s 193 in the competition.

At half-time on his Liverpool debut at Watford, on 12 August 2017, Klopp’s message to the new recruit was simply: “Welcome to the Premier League.”

Liverpool trailed 2-1 at the interval, but Salah scored in the second half, with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino also on the scoresheet that day in a 3-3 draw at Vicarage Road.

What a formidable attacking trio Salah, Firmino and Mane proved to be.

Tuned in to a wavelength seemingly all of their own, they won the lot across five years together and in a manner that gained admirers from across the world.

Only sport has the capacity to combine a trio from Egypt, Senegal and Brazil and deliver such magic. “They scare me, they’re dangerous” was the verdict of Pep Guardiola.

By now, it is well documented that Salah and Mane were never the best of friends, but they never stopped talking, with Firmino saying he was the “firefighter” in those moments when it threatened to boil over.

Privately, those at Liverpool during the time, including Firmino, were aware that the competition between Salah and Mane helped them reach their personal pinnacles.

Salah would never have scaled such heights without that sheer single-mindedness and desire to become the best footballer possible.

“A footballer to the absolute core of his being” was the verdict of one club employee.

“Mo is not a big talker, but obviously he’s a leader by example. So it’s those types of things I’m 100% going to miss,” said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

There is the tale of how after a game where Liverpool beat Watford 5-0, Salah asked Ben Foster which way the goalkeeper would have dived if there had been a penalty.

With such a focus on the marginal details, it was little surprise that players of all ages would look up to him. Put simply, Salah would do things and others would follow.

Best minutes per goal rate

All-time Premier League

Source: Opta • Minimum 100 goals scored

Those close to Salah speak of an individual who is fun to be around yet aware of the opinions of others. Salah keeps the receipts, as some would say.

Aside from building his formidable physique, one of the biggest changes through his time at Liverpool has been his focus on becoming a more positive person and simply trying to smile more when things have not gone well.

Such a shift came about after Andy Robertson, who joined in the same summer, encouraged Salah to work on his body language.

Yet there was hardly astonishment from those at Liverpool when Salah had his outburst at Leeds in December, when a place on the bench for a third successive game hurt him.

He had started 53 Premier League games in a row before that spell as a substitute, which ultimately signalled the start of the end and the ugly breakdown of his relationship with head coach Arne Slot.

It reached the point where Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy were more than fine with Salah terminating his contract a year early, to leave on a free this summer.

‘Definitely one of the toughest players I have faced’

This has undoubtedly been a difficult campaign for so many of the current Liverpool squad, with Slot describing it has toughest season “by a mile”.

Like others, Salah was deeply affected by the death of team-mate Diogo Jota in July.

“Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break. Team-mates come and go but not like this,” Salah posted last summer.

To watch Salah cry at Anfield in front of the Kop in Liverpool’s first game after Jota’s death was a reminder that he is as human as the rest of us.

On the football pitch, of course, he did things that were truly out of the ordinary.

At his peak, Salah came as close as anyone to reaching the levels of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in their prime.

In his debut season at Liverpool, he provided a combined goals and assists tally of 58, averaging one goal involvement every 71 minutes.

Last season, he delivered 57 goal involvements – one every 79 minutes. His consistency and longevity has been staggering.

It was telling to read a recent interview with Rio Ngumoha, where the 17-year-old Liverpool winger revealed how Salah stressed to him that the best players, in addition to skill, always score goals and produce assists.

Simple enough, but it was a reminder that end product is the currency that Salah deals in. No player has more goal involvements (283) for one club in the history of the Premier League.

Best minutes per goal rate

Premier League for Liverpool

Source: Opta

It would be easy to focus only on the numbers because they are extraordinary.

More than anything, though, it is about the memories.

For Klopp, the standout shared moment is winning the Champions League final against Tottenham in Madrid in 2019, a year after Liverpool had lost to Real Madrid in Kyiv.

That triumph seven years ago delivered the first trophy Klopp and Salah both won at Liverpool.

I recall talking to a Liverpool fan who said he had never watched replays of Salah’s second-minute penalty against Tottenham or Divock Origi’s late clincher because he didn’t want to tarnish the memory of how it all felt inside the ground.

Salah was part of a side that made them feel that way.

There was the goal against Everton that won the FIFA Puskas Award in 2018 and the chip against Manchester City in the Champions League. He stood with his arms stretched wide after that one, taking in the acclaim of the away end.

Then the bullet strike against Chelsea at Anfield, which Klopp jokes would still be travelling if it wasn’t for the net, and the breakaway goal against Manchester United in the season when Liverpool won their first Premier League title.

Salah made Old Trafford his playground, scoring more Premier League goals there than any other opposition player.

The list goes on. How about the solo effort against Manchester City at Anfield, when he evaded a sea of blue shirts for one of the great Premier League goals?

Aymeric Laporte, who won five league titles in six years for City, recalls just how tough Salah was to defend against.

“I remember that goal perfectly. I was thinking that he is left-footed so I went to my right side to block the shot with the left, but he cut to the right and even with such a small space of a few centimetres, he scored with his weaker foot,” Laporte tells BBC Sport.

“Salah was always on fire when he played against us and definitely one of the toughest players I have faced. We always struggled against Liverpool and Pep [Guardiola] and us knew about the capacity he had to score from any situation.”

Whether he was celebrating a goal with his shirt off or bowing down in Sujood – the Islamic act of prostration – there are images of Salah that will never be forgotten.

For a generation of Liverpool supporters, he will always be the greatest.

“The legacy speaks for itself – the numbers, the trophies. the way he set a culture and a standard under Klopp,” former Reds captain Gerrard told BBC Sport.

“Speaking as a fan, we all appreciate what he’s done. He’s up there with the greats of this club. Mohamed Salah is loved and adored by us all.”

It spoke volumes that Trent Alexander-Arnold put Salah alongside Gerrard as “both number one” in his ranking of Liverpool legends.

After Klopp’s 2023-24 farewell season, Salah said: “We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fans deserve it and we will fight like hell.”

He and Liverpool delivered on the promise.

Salah’s 2024-25 season will go down as one of the finest in the history of English football, as he achieved the most goals and assists in the Premier League during that campaign on Liverpool’s journey to a 20th title.

Maybe it is timely too that he has struggled in his final season – to highlight the incredible heights he scaled previously.

A return of 13 goals and 10 assists would be solid enough for some, but it is nothing really compared to Salah’s previous campaigns.

Yet Salah knows full well that he has already made history and earned legendary status. No late pokes of frustration could affect his long-term legacy.

And so here we are, almost nine years on from Salah’s arrival. All good things must come to an end.

A journey which began deep in the Nile Delta in the 1990s has had its most fruitful stop-off in Merseyside, where Salah will get his mosaic on the Kop before the next chapter of his life begins.

“He knows this was the perfect club for him and he was the perfect player for us,” said Klopp.

The right player, for the right club, at the right time. That has been Salah all over, and his impact won’t be forgotten any time soon.

As Klopp once said: “It’s not so important what people think when you come in; it’s much more important what they think when you leave.”

Salah has been the Liver bird’s right wing for almost a decade

Premier League availability for Liverpool

Source: Opta

The decisive encounter, which offered a final route to the global tournament later this year, ended 2-2 after regulation time before Uganda held their nerve from the spot to secure qualification.

The Black Starlets made a dream start and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock. Rising talent Eric Gyamfi capitalised on poor marking at the back post and coolly fired the ball through the legs of Uganda goalkeeper Lukyamuzi to hand Ghana an early advantage.

Uganda responded by switching to a back-three system, a tactical adjustment that quickly changed the complexion of the game.

Owen Mukise soon tested Ghana goalkeeper John Annan with a powerful strike from outside the box, forcing the shot-stopper into a low save. Moments later, Uganda found their breakthrough in spectacular fashion as captain Mukise curled the resulting corner directly into the net to level matters 12 minutes before halftime.

The equaliser lifted the East Africans, who pushed for a second goal, but Ghana remained resolute as the sides went into the break tied.

Uganda resumed strongly after halftime and nearly moved ahead when midfielder John Owino rattled the crossbar with a fierce effort just two minutes after the restart.

Despite Uganda’s growing momentum, Ghana reclaimed the lead against the run of play. Gyamfi again proved instrumental, delivering a dangerous cross from the left that was intelligently dummied by Clement Agyei, allowing Abdul Latif to pounce on the loose ball and stab home.

With victory within touching distance, Ghana looked set to book their place in Qatar until late drama unfolded.

Uganda appealed for a penalty deep into the contest after a handball incident inside the Ghana penalty area. Following a review initiated after protests from the Ugandan bench, the referee pointed to the spot after determining that right-back Nicholas Asumang had handled Mukise’s cross.

Ibanda Arafat stepped up confidently and sent Annan the wrong way to restore parity and force the match into added time.

Although 10 minutes of stoppage time were played, neither side managed to find a winner.

In a tactical move ahead of the expected shoot-out, Ghana coach Prosper Ogum introduced goalkeeper Michael Armah and Mark Mensah late in the game in place of John Annan and Nicholas Asumang.

However, the substitutions could not prevent heartbreak as Uganda edged the shoot-out 8-7 to secure only their second-ever qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, having reached the tournament for the first time last year.

The result brought Ghana’s campaign to a painful end. Across four matches at the U-17 AFCON and World Cup playoffs, the Black Starlets recorded one win, two draws and one defeat, scoring seven goals and conceding six.

He described the project as the fulfilment of a long-held dream dating back to his time as Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said the establishment of the tertiary institution would transform educational opportunities for young people in the region and help bridge the development gap between northern Ghana and the rest of the country.

“This is a dream come true, because this project has been on the drawing board from when I was a Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi. Today is a very proud moment for all of us, that finally this project is coming to pass,” he said.

According to the President, the absence of a tertiary institution in Bole for many years forced students who completed secondary school to travel to other parts of the country to continue their education.

“At the time, Bole had no tertiary educational institution, so when our children finished Bole Secondary School, they had to go to all other parts of the country in order to be able to get tertiary training,” he stated.

He said the area has already benefited from the establishment of a nursing training college, which has produced several graduates currently serving in Ghana’s health sector.

“Several nurses have graduated from that school, who today are working in the public health system,” he added.

He explained that although efforts had previously been made to launch the College of Education project, progress stalled due to funding challenges.

“We made an effort to begin it. That is why you see this whole foundation here. But now we have funding for it from the GETFund,” he said.

The President said the new college would have the capacity to accommodate 1,500 students and would feature modern academic and residential infrastructure.

The proposed facilities include student hostels, a principal’s residence, a vice-principal’s residence, a lecture hall complex, an 18-unit classroom block, an auditorium, a two-storey library and ICT block, a dining hall and kitchen, two-bedroom staff flats, five four-unit, two-bedroom staff quarters, and two-storey administration blocks.

He expressed optimism that the institution would soon become a reality.

“You can see the beautiful campus pictures here, so after many months from now, we will come here and commission it. You’ll see all these buildings here,” he said.

The President also announced a series of educational and infrastructure projects earmarked for the Savannah Region. These include the construction of a new STEM secondary school in Tinga, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre in Kulmasa, and a proposed University of Science and Technology for the Savannah Region.

“We are also building a new university for the Savannah Region, which will be a university of science and technology. We will go and inspect the site tomorrow,” he disclosed.

President Mahama said the projects form part of efforts to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in northern Ghana through education and infrastructure development.

“We know that poverty is endemic in our area, and education is one of the means of social mobility, getting our people to be able to take their destiny into their own hands,” he stressed.

On healthcare, the President announced plans to upgrade the Tinga Health Centre into a polyclinic and transform the Bole Hospital into a 160-bed district hospital.

“For that reason, we are going to upgrade the Tinga Health Centre into a Polyclinic so that healthcare services can match the needs of this growing population,” he said.

“At the same time, we are upgrading the Bole Hospital into a 160-bed capacity District Hospital. This will strengthen referral services in this area.”

The President further talked about ongoing road projects in the area, including the Wenchi-Bamboi-Bole-Sawla road and the Bole-Chache road linking Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire.

“Finally, it is getting a big push to be done under the Big Push project so that we can complete it on time,” he said of the Wenchi-Bamboi-Bole-Sawla highway.

He added that a modern 24-hour market would also be constructed in Bole to boost economic activity.

“This afternoon, we are going to cut sod for a 24-hour market, a modern market in Bole, which will operate 24 hours a day. It will have a police station, a fire station, a kindergarten and daycare centres, warehouses and everything in it,” he announced.

The emergency funding will support an intensified response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other vulnerable countries within the central and eastern African region, amid growing fears among global health experts that the virus could spread beyond borders if urgent action is not taken.

According to international health coordinators, the funds will go directly into frontline medical operations rather than administrative expenses, as efforts are scaled up to control the outbreak.

A major portion of the money has been allocated to strengthening contact tracing systems, which health experts consider critical in stopping the spread of Ebola. Since the virus is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, health workers are racing to identify and monitor everyone who may have been exposed to confirmed cases.

Specialised field teams are being equipped with digital tracking tools and personal protective equipment to trace infections in crowded urban areas as well as remote forest communities.

The funding is also being used to rapidly establish specialised treatment centres and mobile isolation units to care for infected patients and prevent further transmission.

Medical supplies, including experimental drugs, rehydration fluids, and bio-secure protective gear, are already being transported into affected areas using the newly released emergency funds.

The UN also says community engagement will play a central role in the response, noting that mistrust and misinformation have complicated previous Ebola outbreaks in the region.

Ebola: UN allocates $60 million from emergency response fund to fight deadly outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo & the wider region.

Resources being directed toward contact tracing, establishment of treatment centres, community engagement & more. pic.twitter.com/nP9NNPwXZS

— United Nations (@UN) May 22, 2026

As part of the strategy, portions of the funding will support local leaders, youth groups, and traditional authorities to carry out public education campaigns aimed at helping residents recognise symptoms early, report suspected infections, and cooperate with health officials.

The UN has indicated that it will continue monitoring the situation closely, warning that although the emergency funding provides critical support, containing the outbreak will require sustained cooperation among governments and strong cross-border surveillance efforts across the region.

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He noted that the activities of table-top fuel sellers expose both customers and surrounding communities to the risk of fire outbreaks and possible explosions.
‎
‎Mr Gyan stressed that the situation, if left unchecked, could result in serious disasters in the affected communities. He therefore urged the public to avoid purchasing fuel from unauthorized dealers and instead patronize licensed filling stations approved by the NPA.
‎
‎The Regional Manager further reveals that some operators of unlicensed gas stations import gas from the Ivory Coast and transfer the products into Ghanaian cylinders, a practice he says violates the operational regulations of the NPA and compromises safety standards within the petroleum sector.
‎
‎He says the Authority will continue monitoring the activities of illegal operators and collaborate with the security agencies to enforce the law against offenders.
‎
‎Mr Gyan is therefore cautioning all illegal fuel dealers and unlicensed gas station operators to regularize their operations and comply with the laid-down regulations or face the full rigours of the law.

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Addressing the media, Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said intensified intelligence-led operations over the past year have resulted in the arrest of several suspects linked to violent crimes across the country.

According to the IGP, police have also made progress in combating cybercrime, including online scams and threats circulated on social media.

He noted that continued security operations in Atebubu have made it difficult for criminals to operate freely in the area.

“These operations will continue so that law-abiding citizens of the town can live their lives and carry out their normal business activities without any fear of criminal attacks,” he said.

The police chief confirmed that suspects connected to the killing of the Queenmother of Abamba, Nana Serwaa Gyan Kuma, have been arrested.

The Queenmother was reportedly shot dead at her residence in Atebubu on February 25, 2026, after returning home from work.

According to police, she was attacked while alighting from her vehicle after closing from her restaurant business, Ohema’s Kitchen.

Officers who responded to the scene recovered three spent 9mm cartridges.

A post-mortem examination conducted at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital reportedly concluded that she died from massive haemorrhage resulting from multiple gunshot wounds.

The IGP explained that following the murder, he deployed a joint team comprising intelligence officers, cybercrime experts, anti-robbery personnel and regional commanders to investigate the case.

Police say a major breakthrough came after suspects arrested in Kasoa for preparation to commit robbery were interrogated.

During questioning, one of the suspects, identified as Abdul Razak Ibrahim Langa, alias Zak, allegedly admitted having knowledge of the Queenmother’s murder and confessed that he was present when she was shot.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Nana Yaw Bediako, alias Nana Yaw, who police identified as the alleged shooter.

According to police, Nana Yaw Bediako confessed and implicated Nana Owusu Sankofi II, also known as Charles Kofi Owusu, chief of Akokoa, alleging that he contracted them to kill the Queenmother for GH¢50,000.

Investigators also linked Ishaku Alhassan, alias Sule Yagani, a convicted inmate currently serving a sentence at Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, to the alleged murder plot as an intermediary.

Two additional suspects, Raymond Agyemang Darko, the Abakomahene of Akokoa, and Bukari Amadu, a driver, have also been arrested.

The Bono East Regional Police Commander, Osei Shaibu, disclosed that five key suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, while three others have already been arraigned before the Techiman District Court and remanded.

Police investigations further suggest that the murder was allegedly orchestrated through intermediaries, with money transferred through mobile money transactions.

According to investigators, GH¢21,000 was allegedly used to purchase a pistol and ammunition, while further payments were made after the killing.

Forensic examination of mobile phones reportedly revealed communication between some of the suspects before and after the crime using a SIM card allegedly procured specifically for the operation.

Police also disclosed that on May 19, a joint team escorted some suspects to Atebubu for a reconstruction of the crime scene, during which they allegedly demonstrated how the attack was carried out.

The suspects reportedly told investigators that they ambushed the Queenmother and followed her to her residence before opening fire.

After the attack, they allegedly fled to a hotel near the Atebubu market before travelling to Accra the next morning.

Police further alleged that during the arrest of the chief of Akokoa, he attempted to offer GH¢200,000 to officers to avoid detention and made an immediate payment of GH¢100,000, which investigators say has been retained as evidence.

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Rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, climate variability, and unsafe human practices continue to worsen the impact of seasonal disasters. As officers of the Ghana National Fire Service respond to emergencies nationwide, it is evident that disaster prevention cannot be left solely to emergency institutions. Public safety is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from individuals, communities, institutions, and local authorities.

Fire Safety During the Rainy Season
Contrary to public perception, fire outbreaks often increase during periods of heavy rainfall. Most of these incidents are linked to electrical faults caused by leaking roofs, poor wiring systems, and neglected infrastructure.

When rainwater penetrates damaged roofing systems and ceiling spaces, it frequently comes into contact with electrical wiring. Compromised insulation and overloaded circuits can trigger short circuits, generating intense heat capable of igniting combustible materials such as wooden roofing components, furniture, and household items.

To reduce such incidents, property owners must conduct regular inspections of roofs and electrical installations before the peak rainy season. Faulty wiring systems should be repaired by certified electricians, while homes and workplaces should be equipped with functional smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, particularly Dry Chemical Powder and Carbon Dioxide extinguishers.

Public education on basic fire response procedures is equally important. Early detection and immediate intervention can significantly minimize damage and save lives.

Electrical Safety and Storm Hazards
Water and electricity remain a deadly combination during storms and floods. Heavy rains and strong winds frequently damage electrical infrastructure, causing fallen power lines and exposed electrical systems.

A fallen cable on a flooded street or metallic surface can instantly become fatal. Unfortunately, some members of the public unknowingly approach or attempt to move such wires, placing themselves at great risk.

Indoor electrical hazards are also common during floods. Electrocution incidents often occur when individuals attempt to unplug appliances or move through flooded rooms while electricity is still connected.

The public is therefore advised to observe the following safety precautions:
• Never touch or approach fallen electrical cables. All downed wires should be treated as live and immediately reported to the Electricity Company of Ghana or emergency services.
• Switch off the main power supply immediately when floodwaters begin entering a building, provided it can be done safely.
• Avoid using appliances exposed to rainwater or flooding until inspected by qualified electricians.
• Keep children away from flooded areas and exposed electrical installations.

Flooding and Environmental Challenges
Flooding remains one of the most destructive disasters during Ghana’s rainy season. While climate change contributes to increased rainfall intensity, many flood incidents are largely caused by human activities.

The indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste into gutters and drainage systems continues to obstruct water flow and worsen flooding in urban communities. Additionally, unauthorized construction on waterways, wetlands, and floodplains interferes with natural drainage channels.

To strengthen community resilience, residents in flood-prone areas must develop evacuation plans and identify safe locations on higher ground. The public should also monitor weather forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.

Importantly, no individual should attempt to walk, swim, or drive through moving floodwaters. Even shallow fast-moving water can sweep away people and vehicles within seconds.

Public Health and Community Responsibility
Floodwaters often contain sewage, chemicals, and harmful bacteria that expose communities to diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with contaminated water and thoroughly disinfect homes and surroundings after floods recede.

Ultimately, the rainy season should not become a period of destruction and preventable deaths. By promoting environmental sanitation, maintaining safe electrical systems, observing fire safety protocols, and prioritizing disaster preparedness, communities can significantly reduce the impact of seasonal hazards.

The Ghana National Fire Service remains committed to protecting lives and property through fire prevention, emergency response, public education, and disaster management initiatives. However, building safer and more resilient communities requires active public participation and a collective commitment to safety.

He has been left partially paralyzed, jobless and traumatized.

The case, which reportedly occurred two years ago, has resurfaced with renewed public anger after the victim revealed that the officer accused in the shooting, William Anyinidoho, is still at post and has not been interdicted or prosecuted.

Speaking on the programme hosted by Lady Gold White, Eric Owusu Agyemang broke down while recounting how a simple moral warning allegedly triggered a violent response.

According to him, the officer had asked him to buy “laka,” a local alcoholic drink, while in uniform. Eric says he obliged but also told the officer it was wrong for a serving police officer to consume alcohol while on duty.

“I told him it is not right for a police officer to drink alcohol in uniform,” Eric recounted. “He didn’t respond at the spot, but later he got angry.”

What followed, he says, was a confrontation that escalated beyond imagination.

Eric alleges that after stepping out of the drinking spot, the officer instructed him to kneel down. Moments later, a gunshot rang out.

A key eyewitness, Diana, who operates a nearby shop, told Obra Show she initially assumed the two men were friends until she witnessed the confrontation unfold.

“I saw them come out together. I thought they were friends. Then I heard him instruct Eric to kneel,” she narrated. “After the gunshot, he fired another shot into the air and stood there for a long time. It was like he was making sure the victim was dead.”

According to Diana, panic erupted immediately after the shooting. The officer eventually left the scene, after which bystanders rushed there, only to discover Eric was still alive and moving.

“He was shaking,” she said. “We didn’t believe he had survived.”

She added that she quickly arranged a taxi to rush him to the hospital and later helped locate his wife, who had given birth less than two months before the incident.

Eric says the consequences have been devastating. He lost his job, mobility in parts of his body and what he described as his dignity. Today, he lives with partial paralysis and ongoing medical challenges.

Adding another layer to the controversy, CID officer Mathias Ninja reportedly confirmed on the programme that the incident did occur and that police authorities have been involved in Eric’s care for the past two years.

However, the central question dominating public reaction is why the accused officer remains in active service.

“If a civilian had done this to a police officer, would he still be walking free?” Eric questioned on air. “Why is it different when it is a police officer?”

The allegations have reignited debate about accountability within the Ghana Police Service, with growing calls for transparency, disciplinary action and a full public update on the status of the case.

For Eric Owusu Agyemang, however, the matter is no longer just about procedure — it is about survival.

“I have lost my job, my legs and my dignity,” he said quietly on air.

And for many listeners, the unanswered question remains: two years later, who is protecting the victim, and who is protecting the accused?

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Eli described the situation as unfortunate, accusing the MCE, Freeman Tsekpo, of attempting to evict traders from what he described as lawfully acquired land.

“It is quite unfortunate. We have an MCE who wants to sack us from our lands. He wants to move us from our lawful acquired lands and give them to a private developer while the matter is still in court,” he alleged.

According to him, the traders have operated on the land for more than 60 years and are surprised by what they describe as renewed attempts to remove them.

“We have been here for over 60 years. So anytime there is demolition in Ashaiman, we are not surprised because it always comes back to us,” he added.

Mr. Eli further accused the MCE of targeting their association whenever he visits the area.

“The moment he comes to our site, he tells us to leave. It looks like he has an agenda against us. Sometimes we feel we are being treated like squatters on our own legally acquired land,” he said.

He also claimed that although the Member of Parliament intervened in the matter, the MCE reportedly insisted on proceeding with his position.

“Even when the MP tried to intervene, the MCE said he would not listen to anyone. It looks like he is determined to erase us from the map,” he stated.

The spokesperson appealed directly to the President to intervene, saying the situation could affect many other residents if not addressed.

“We are appealing to the President to intervene because this is not just about us. Today it is us; tomorrow it could be someone’s home, business or school,” he warned.

He maintained that the traders possess valid documentation for the land, including allocation papers and building permits allegedly issued by the Tema Development Corporation (TDC) and the Assembly.

“We have documents, building plans and permits. The Assembly itself has given us approval. The only reason we have not fully developed the land is because the matter is in court,” he explained.

The comments follow renewed tension between the Peaceful Settlers Traders Association and the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly after reports that about 100 shops have been earmarked for demolition.

While the traders insist they have legal documentation, the MP has reportedly stated that he cannot determine ownership of the land, stressing that the matter lies within the jurisdiction of the Municipal Assembly and the courts.

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The FC Nordsjaelland midfielder has rapidly grown into a key figure since breaking into the Black Stars setup, establishing himself as a regular presence in the national team.

At club level, Yirenkyi has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Danish top flight, earning widespread recognition for his consistent performances. His form has already been rewarded with a Player of the Season accolade at FC Nordsjaelland, along with a nomination for the league’s top individual honour.

The dynamic midfielder has registered two goals in 17 appearances this season, further underlining his growing influence.

With Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz expected to unveil his final World Cup squad on June 1, Yirenkyi is widely tipped to make the cut, with many viewing him as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents heading into the tournament.

Below is the list of young players to watch out for:

ELIESSE BEN SEGHIR (MOROCCO)

Age: 21

Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Ben Seghir is seen as arguably the brightest young star in the Moroccan set-up, having had an excellent season on the left wing for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga.

Born in France, he started at Monaco before moving to Germany at the start of this season and has worked his way into contention for a starting berth.

He has featured in the UEFA Champions League and has featured in seven of Morocco’s 10 games in the qualifiers for the World Cup.

YAN DIOMANDE (IVORY COAST)

Age: 19

Club: RB Leipzig

Another left winger who has been in incredible form in the Bundesliga this season with RB Leipzig, managing over 20 goal contributions in all competitions.

He was signed from Leganés in Spain at the start of the campaign and became an instant regular with his speed and power.

Born in Abidjan, he moved to the United States and developed there before joining Leganés in November 2025, and months later, was on the move again to Germany.

He is one of the most exciting forwards in any African side at the moment and has a huge future in the game.

EL HADJI MALICK DIOUF (SENEGAL)

Age: 21

Club: West Ham United

It might have been a season of struggle for West Ham United, but one of their bright sparks has been left-back Diouf.

The 21-year-old played in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and was a key man for the side throughout the tournament.

Signed from Slavia Prague at the start of the season, he has huge potential with excellent physical attributes and has been a real find for club and country.

IBRAHIM MAZA (ALGERIA)

Age: 20

Club: Bayer Leverkusen

Another North African youngster at Leverkusen, Maza was actually born in Berlin and came through the ranks at local side Hertha.

He moved to Leverkusen at the start of this campaign and has been a big part of their season, topping 10 goal contributions in all competitions, including the Champions League.

He made his Algeria debut in 2025 and was a big part of their team at the Africa Cup of Nations and in the latter stages of the World Cup qualifiers.

He plays as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers.

IBRAHIM MBAYE (SENEGAL)

Age: 18

Club: Paris Saint-Germain

The French-born right winger has had a breakthrough season with Paris Saint-Germain and also with the Senegal national team, where he is seen as a big future star.

He came through the youth system in Paris and made his debut at the start of last season, but it was only really in this campaign that he nailed down a regular spot.

He has been hugely impressive and also featured in six of Senegal’s games at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, including the final.

MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI (SOUTH AFRICA)

Age: 20

Club: Chicago Fire

The centre-back is hard as nails and, having burst onto the scene a little over a year ago, has established himself as a regular for club and country.

He made his Orlando Pirates debut in early 2025 and, within a few months, was called up to the South African national team, and from his first day in camp was first-choice in the heart of defence.

He has since signed for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer as he makes the next step in his career, but a strong World Cup could see him move again to a top European league.

RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG (SOUTH AFRICA)

Age: 21

Club: Orlando Pirates

The playmaker features as a winger for his South African club Orlando Pirates, but Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos insists he is rather a ‘number 10’ operating behind the striker.

He has skill and vision aplenty and has turned into a prolific scorer and creator of goals, having topped 20 goal contributions in the 2025-26 season.

He will vie for a place in the Bafana side with the vastly experienced Themba Zwane, so he may not start, but will be a big impact player off the bench.

NOAH SADIKI (DR CONGO)

Age: 21

Club: Sunderland

Sadiki has been a massive player for Sunderland on their return to the Premier League and also played a big part in the Democratic Republic of Congo qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

Having been born in Brussels, Sadiki is a former Belgian youth international midfielder but switched his allegiance to DR Congo in 2023, making his debut a year later.

He came through the ranks at top Belgian club Anderlecht before helping Union Saint-Gilloise to the league title in 2024-25.

That prompted Sunderland to move for one of the top young midfield talents in Europe.

CHEMSDINE TALBI (MOROCCO)

Age: 21

Club: Sunderland

Another Belgian-born player who has excelled at Sunderland this season, Talbi arrived from Club Brugge at the start of the campaign.

He was also a former Belgium youth international who switched to Morocco last year, and featured for them at the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

In many ways, he shows the path for South African youngster Shandre Campbell, who is currently part of the Club Brugge set-up.

CALEB YIRENKYI (GHANA)

Age: 20

Club: Nordsjælland

Yirenkyi was discovered through the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana and earned a place at Nordsjælland in 2024.

He has drawn comparisons with former Black Stars legend Michael Essien, and 2025 was a real breakthrough year for club and country.

He has been a regular for Nordsjælland since breaking into their first team and has also become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Ghana.

He must convince new coach Carlos Queiroz he can be the man at the World Cup, but he has certainly staked a massive claim with a superb season in Europe.

“They started throwing projectiles at the hospital. They even set fire to tents that were being used as isolation wards,” local politician Luc Malembe Malembe told the BBC about the scene he witnessed at Rwampara General Hospital.

In the chaos, police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

The body of a dead Ebola victim is highly infectious, and the authorities need to ensure safe burial to stop the spread of the virus.

Medical workers at the Rwampara hospital, located near the city of Bunia in Ituri province, where almost all of the cases have been reported, were placed under military protection as the police moved in to restore order.

A healthcare worker was injured by stone-throwing protesters before law enforcement agents intervened, a hospital worker told the AFP news agency.

The man who died was a popular figure in the local community, and those upset by his death did not “grasp the reality of the disease,” Jean Claude Mukendi, who is coordinating the security response to Ebola in Ituri, told the Associated Press.

Witnesses told Reuters the young man was a footballer who had played with several local teams. His mother told the news agency she believed her son had died of typhoid fever, not Ebola.

Malembe said the crowd did not believe the virus, which has so far killed more than 130 in eastern DR Congo, was real.

“People are not properly informed or sensitised about what is happening. For a certain segment of the population, especially in remote areas, Ebola is an invention by outsiders – it does not exist,” the politician said.

“They believe it is the NGOs and hospitals creating this to make money, and this is tragic.”

He said two tents had been burned down, along with a body that had been due to be buried.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “safe and dignified burials” for Ebola victims, with trained teams using protective equipment to handle bodies.

Six patients had been receiving treatment in the tents on the grounds of the hospital – and it was reported they may have fled in the mayhem.

But according to the medical charity Alima, which reportedly ran the tents, they are all accounted for and “are currently being cared for at the hospital”.

The unrest came as it was announced that DR Congo’s national football team had cancelled its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa, because of the outbreak.

The WHO has called it a “public health emergency of international concern”, but said it was not at pandemic level.

On Wednesday, the WHO said 139 people in DR Congo were thought to have died from Ebola, out of 600 suspected cases.

However, on the same day, Congolese Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba told state broadcaster RTNC TV that authorities had registered 159 deaths.

Two cases of the virus have been detected in DR Congo’s neighbour, Uganda.

The authorities there have temporarily suspended flights, buses and all other public transport crossing the border as a result of the outbreak. Passenger ferries are also not permitted on the Semliki River, which forms part of the border between DR Congo and Uganda.

The outbreak has been caused by a rare species of Ebola known as Bundibugyo. There is currently no vaccine for this species and the WHO has said it could take up to nine months for a jab to be ready.

On Thursday, the M23 – a rebel group that controls parts of eastern DR Congo – said it had confirmed the first case of Ebola in the South Kivu province, which is hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre in Ituri.

The 28-year-old, who had travelled from Kisangani, died before the diagnosis was confirmed, according to a rebel statement.

Kisangani is a large city in north-central Tshopo province where no Ebola infections have currently been recorded.

There are growing concerns about access to areas under M23 control.

The group has never managed a crisis like Ebola, but has said it will work with international partners to contain the virus.

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The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after a section of a mountain rock reportedly gave way and collapsed onto structures within the community.

Emergency responders from the Regional Headquarters were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call and immediately launched a rescue operation.

The team successfully rescued two victims — a woman and a young boy — who had become trapped beneath the debris. Both were later transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities said the affected property belongs to a foreign national identified as Jocob Redicob and includes a church, a school and a workshop located within the impacted area.

Following the rescue operation, officers led by Deputy Regional Commander DOI Walter Drayi returned to the community on Thursday to conduct a detailed assessment of the area and determine the extent of damage.

Preliminary findings raised concerns about safety within the vicinity.

As part of immediate recommendations, the Fire Service advised that the affected school be temporarily closed while further investigations and safety assessments continue.

Officials also recommended a possible evacuation of residents living within the danger zone to prevent additional casualties in the event of further rock movement.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the area as investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.

Two people, a man and a woman, who were buried in the debris, were rescued by local townsmen just as personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived at the scene.

This happened soon after 6 pm during a downpour.

About 50 goats and other livestock perished in the incident, which has thrown the community into a state of fear and anxiety.

The displaced are now perched with relatives and sympathizers.

The Volta Regional Commander of the GNFS, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Joseph Tetteh Freeman, later told the Graphic that no one died in the mudslide.

He said the injured individuals were rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the GNFS regional commander ordered people living close to the scene to evacuate immediately and keep off the scene for at least one week.

“This is because we need to bring in geological engineers to assess the situation,” he explained.

The commander said the mud covered at least acres, and advised residents of the community against going to the farm in the interim.

ACFO Freeman commended the local townsmen for taking up the responsibility to rescue the two people who were trapped in the debris.

“We will continue to visit Adaklu-Helekpe until we are sure the place is safe,” he affirmed.

A team from the National Disaster Management Organisation turned up at the scene at the time of filing this report. 

In 2017, the massive rocks on the Adaklu Mountain exploded violently and sent massive debris down to the community, compelling panicky residents to flee.

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The move follows the arrest of four armed illegal miners at Dominase on Wednesday, 20 May, during an operation targeting unlawful mining activities along the River Ankobra.

According to reports, the suspects, during interrogation, claimed they were acting under the direction of individuals identified as “Ras”, “Mambo” and “Nana Teku”, whom they alleged were National Security operatives based in Prestea.

The spokesperson for the Lands Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, said the investigation was prompted by concerns that some operations carried out by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) were allegedly being undermined by persons believed to be affiliated with National Security.

He indicated that the ministry was committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the allegations as part of broader efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining across the country.

“First off, the reason we even reported the persons who are alleged to be involved in this operation who are purportedly members of the National Security is the fact that it has become very apparent that Galamsey operations in that part of the country seems to have the complicity of certain people who ordinarily should not be involved,” he said in a interview on TV3’s News Central on Thursday, May 21.

“So, for the fact that it has become a crucial matter, the sector minister, Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has immediately commissioned a fact-finding team to unravel the truth in that particular development,” he stated.

According to him, there are growing indications that illegal mining activities within the Dominase enclave may be receiving support from individuals alleged to be National Security operatives.

“…because repeatedly, anytime NAIMOS goes on an operation in that particular enclave that is the feedback we get, that the activities of the men are actually being sponsored by certain persons who are supposed to know better,” h added.

He stated that the Minister had swiftly constituted a fact-finding team to investigate the allegations and determine the identities of those purportedly involved.

“So, basically a fact-finding mission has begun in that respect to unravel their identity and deal with them,” he said.

On Wednesday, May 20, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested four men for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities, unlawful possession of firearms, and environmental destruction along the Ankobra River at Dominase in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

During interrogation, the suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the authority of certain National Security personnel identified only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, all believed to be from Prestea. NAIMOS said the names had since been handed over to the police to aid ongoing investigations.

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Information gathered indicates that emergency responders were alerted shortly after the fire broke out at the house during the morning hours.

A response team arrived shortly after the distress call and managed to contain the blaze before it spread to adjoining structures.

Although no injuries or fatalities were recorded, the fire destroyed several personal belongings and food items stored in the house.

Among the items lost were quantities of cassava, maize and yam, resulting in significant losses to the affected household.

The timely intervention helped prevent further destruction within the neighbourhood.

Authorities say investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the fire.

The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. during a downpour. Two people, a man and a woman, were trapped in the debris but were rescued by local residents before Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel arrived at the scene.

About 50 goats and other livestock are reported to have perished, and displaced residents have since been staying with relatives and neighbours.

The Volta Regional Commander of the GNFS, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Joseph Tetteh Freeman, confirmed that no lives were lost. However, he ordered residents living close to the affected area to evacuate immediately and stay away from the scene for at least one week to allow geological engineers to assess the situation.

Freeman said the mud covered several acres of land and advised community members against going to their farms in the interim. He also commended local residents for acting swiftly to rescue the two survivors.

“We will continue to visit Adaklu-Helekpe until we are sure the place is safe,” he said.

A team from the National Disaster Management Organisation was also at the scene at the time of the report.

This is not the first time the community has been affected by the mountain. In 2017, rocks on the Adaklu Mountain exploded and sent debris cascading into the community, forcing residents to flee.

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According to NAIMOS, the arrest was carried out on Wednesday, May 20, during a routine patrol at about 3:25 p.m., when the team reportedly uncovered an active illegal mining site along the river.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 21, the Secretariat said its task force encountered four armed men at the site, believed to be providing security for the operation while also actively involved in the illegal mining activities.

“Upon arriving at the site, the task force was confronted by four armed thugs wielding machetes and pump-action guns,” the statement said.

NAIMOS added that the suspects initially resisted arrest and attempted to disrupt the operation.

“The armed thugs resisted arrest and refused to surrender to the task force. Instead, they violently attempted to obstruct the operation and prevent their arrest. However, the task force successfully subdued the suspects, leading to their apprehension,” it stated.

The suspects have been identified as Alpha Musa, 28; Rahaman Rojer, 29; Laji Bengali, 25; and Mohammed Agana, 25.

Following their arrest, NAIMOS said the suspects were interrogated to help uncover wider networks involved in illegal mining in the area.

During questioning, the suspects allegedly claimed they were operating under the instructions of individuals they identified as National Security personnel, named only as Ras, Mambo, and Nana Teku, believed to be based in Prestea. The Secretariat said the names have been forwarded to the police for further investigation.

NAIMOS further indicated that the illegal operation had caused severe destruction to land and forest cover, while also heavily polluting the Ankobra River.

Items retrieved from the site included two pump-action guns, 82 AA cartridges, three machetes, one water pumping machine, and two SDLG control boards believed to be linked to excavators used on site.

The Secretariat also noted that two excavators were spotted during the operation. However, due to the unavailability of low-bed transport at the time, the machines were immobilised on site after their control boards were removed.

The suspects, along with their mobile phones and a talisman found on them, were handed over to the Esiama District Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Asiedu of the Esiama District Police received the suspects.

NAIMOS reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal mining despite what it described as growing resistance from armed groups.

“The Secretariat wishes to caution all illegal miners and armed thugs against any form of resistance, as the task force will not be deterred by such reckless actions,” the statement stressed.

It also expressed appreciation to the public for supporting its work through intelligence sharing.

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The engagements, held in Accra, brought Dubai Chambers into discussions with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana.

The meetings were attended by Salem AlShamsi and formed part of a broader trade mission led by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to Ghana and Ethiopia. The mission is aimed at identifying new economic opportunities and supporting the expansion of Dubai-based companies into promising African markets.

In its engagement with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by its President Stéphane Miezan, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the business communities in Dubai and Ghana, facilitating bilateral trade, and expanding joint investment opportunities across priority sectors.

The discussions also centred on building sustainable economic partnerships capable of supporting stronger trade flows between both markets.

Dubai Chambers also met with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, represented by its Chief Executive Officer Simon Madjie. The meeting explored opportunities for cooperation across key economic sectors and highlighted investment advantages available to companies and investors in both Dubai and Ghana.

The engagement with GIPC also addressed ways to support investment flows and deepen private-sector participation between the two markets.

A separate meeting was held with the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, represented by its Executive Secretary Asaki Awingobit. That discussion focused on enhancing business cooperation, strengthening direct communication between companies, and opening new opportunities for trade and investment partnerships.

The engagements signal Dubai Chambers’ growing interest in Ghana as a gateway to West Africa’s trade and investment landscape, particularly as Dubai continues to position itself as a global hub for business expansion into emerging markets.

For Ghana, the meetings could help create new channels for investment promotion, export market access, logistics partnerships, and business-to-business cooperation with Dubai-based companies.

The latest engagements follow the Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s broader effort to deepen commercial links with African markets under its international expansion agenda.

Dubai Chambers said it remains focused on empowering businesses, delivering value-added services, and unlocking access to influential networks as part of Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its role as a global business hub.

For Ghanaian businesses, the key test will be whether these institutional engagements translate into concrete deals, export opportunities, investment inflows, and stronger private-sector partnerships beyond diplomatic and trade mission commitments.

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In a Facebook post on May 21, 2026, Mr Twum-Barimah stated that the High Court granted the NPP Bono Regional Chairman bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 with two sureties after eight days in BNI custody over comments made about a Circuit Court judge on social media.

According to him, the earlier decision by the Circuit Court to deny bail was challenged by Abronye DC’s legal team, leading to the High Court ruling in his favour.

“This is a victory not just for Abronye DC, but for every Ghanaian who believes you should not be thrown in jail for expressing a political opinion. Article 21 of our Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. Article 14 protects your personal liberty. Today, those provisions meant something,” portions of the post stated.

Mr Twum-Barimah further commended individuals who publicly supported Abronye DC during the period of his detention, saying the outcome reflected the importance of citizens speaking up on issues of constitutional rights and justice.

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The meeting focused on Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, policy reforms, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital skills development, satellite technology, connectivity expansion, and innovation.

The U.S. delegation included Brooke Donilon, Jaisha Wray, Laurie Kelleher, Acting Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, and Victoria Agbai, Commercial Specialist.

During the discussions, the delegation expressed appreciation to the Minister for Ghana’s role in hosting, for the first time, the satellite training programme organised by the United States Telecommunication Training Institute.

Briefing the delegation on ongoing policy and regulatory reforms within Ghana’s digital sector, Sam George highlighted the government’s efforts to review key legislation, develop Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence strategy, and position the country as a leading digital hub on the African continent.

The Minister also underscored the importance of the government’s One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to equip young Ghanaians with digital and coding skills needed for the future economy. He called for stronger partnerships to support the initiative.

He further stressed the need for effective regulatory frameworks to guide the deployment of satellite technology in a legal and responsible manner that protects national interests, promotes fair competition, and ensures security.

The U.S. delegation commended Ghana’s ambitious digital agenda and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the Ministry.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement aimed at promoting inclusive digital development, innovation, and economic opportunities for Ghanaians.

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The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and affected a boys’ dormitory on the school campus.

According to the Fire Service, personnel from the Anloga Fire Station responded swiftly after receiving a distress call at about 1:25 p.m.

A firefighting team led by Station Officer One (StnO1) Lumor Tobias was immediately dispatched to the scene, where officers managed to bring the fire under control and completely extinguish it before it spread to adjoining structures.

No injuries or casualties were recorded during the incident.

The Ghana National Fire Service has meanwhile appealed to students, teachers and school authorities across the country to strictly adhere to fire safety measures to help prevent similar incidents in schools.

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The temporary facility is being developed as part of emergency restoration efforts after the April 23, 2026 fire destroyed the switchyard control room and disrupted power supply across parts of the country.

Mr. Jinapor disclosed this during an inspection of ongoing restoration works at the facility, where he received a briefing from the management of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) led by Ing. Frank Otchere.

According to the briefing, the Temporary Control Room will be equipped with modern control systems and enhanced fire protection measures to improve operational safety and continuity.

Government is also engaging stakeholders in the power sector on plans to construct an ultra-modern permanent Control Room to strengthen the resilience and reliability of Ghana’s electricity transmission infrastructure.

The Minister commended GRIDCo, the Volta River Authority and technical teams for their efforts to restore operations and reinforce the country’s power system following the incident.

In a response to the Deputy AG’s public commentary on the ongoing trial of The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, Essuman argued that the assertion that “the money cannot be found” does not reflect the documentary record before the court.

He insisted that audited financial statements, board minutes, and supporting records clearly trace how the funds were handled within the GIIF structure.

Essuman specifically pointed to what he described as signed-off audited accounts showing the transactions in question, as well as evidence that GIIF received its shares within the consortium arrangement.

According to him, these details are not speculative but are captured in formal governance documents and financial statements that have been tendered in evidence.

His comments came after the Deputy AG announced that the prosecution had closed its case and referenced allegations that the former CEO and Board Chairman of GIIF approved a US$2 million payment to a foreign company without the necessary approvals.

The Deputy AG further noted that the accused persons have been granted time to file a submission of no case, which will determine whether the trial proceeds or the accused are discharged.

Essuman, however, maintained that the evidence already on record supports the defence position that the funds are traceable and properly accounted for.

He said the court will ultimately have to evaluate the totality of the documentary evidence, adding that the outcome of the no-case submission will be a key test of how the facts are interpreted judicially.

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According to the GNFS, the Suhum Municipal Fire Station received a distress call at about 1:42 p.m. and quickly dispatched a team of eight firefighters three minutes later.

The crew, led by Station Officer One (STNOI) Antwi Forson and assisted by Leading Fireman Nyade Gilbert Tettey, arrived at the scene at approximately 1:57 pm.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the fuel tanker, with registration number GM 5938-21, had veered off the highway into a nearby bush but remained upright.

Emergency personnel conducted a search of the area and confirmed that no one was trapped or injured in the incident.

The driver reportedly told authorities that the accident occurred after two middle tyres of the tanker burst, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The Fire Service secured the scene and ensured safety measures were put in place to prevent any potential hazard from the diesel cargo.

Although the tanker sustained partial damage, no casualties were recorded.

The GNFS later returned to base at about 2:51 pm after completing the operation.

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In three minutes, we were done. He then asked us a simple question. Did we already anticipate and deploy a public service process? We had not. Indeed, if we had, the solution to our problem could have been more seamless. The President’s question betrayed our poor planning. I felt embarrassed.

However, in typical Mahama fashion, Mr. President warmly glided through the glitch, soothing the moment with smiles, and proffering a solution to a challenge that might otherwise not have needed his intervention. Actions promptly followed within 24 hours! President John Dramani Mahama’s long experience as a politician, deep understanding of public sector processes, his sharp wit and uncommon grasp of issues, make him a ‘tough’ customer to deal with.

Overall, it has been a great year; a baptism of fire of sorts in public sector rigmarole, lots of support from family, colleagues, comrades, and not least, the Honorable Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. A truly great honor done me by Mr. President to serve in an impactful role. What reflections and experiences rise to the top, especially as it relates directly to President Mahama?   

1. The President’s Accra Reset Agenda Has Gone Viral!

The President has caught the attention and fired the imagination of the global health community. With the withdrawal of the United States from global health organizations, the collapse of USAID and its associated development funding, Africa was in dire need of a new kind of leadership. Mahama stepped into it. Forcefully. Elegantly. Inspiringly. His Accra Reset Agenda has elucidated a steady path to achieving Africa’s Health Sovereignty. For obvious reasons, health has now become the rallying cry for greater local financial ownership, stronger equal partnerships focused on national priorities, and a reset of the global health governance architecture.

• President Mahama Backs Global Health Rhetoric with Concrete Local Actions:  On 5^th August, 2025, Mahama articulated his bold vision on Africa’s health sovereignty in Accra. A day later, he backed his words with deeds when he allocated $50M in additional seed funding to the National Vaccine Institute (NVI). The President tasked NVI to advance local vaccine manufacturing, boost compliance with international regulatory standards, and build research and biomanufacturing skills.

John Mahama’s bold promise to uncap  Ghana’s National Health Insurance Fund, which he honored soon after he assumed the Presidency,  freed  an additional USD 320 million in 2025, with similar or higher inflows expected in 2026 and beyond. Even as Ghana undergoes a stringent International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, President Mahama’s far reaching policies are resetting the narrative on local resource mobilization.

To quote Dr. Victor Bampoe, CEO of the NHIA, “President Mahama’s visionary leadership has enabled the health sector to pursue end-to-end health coverage in its quest to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). With a decisive pivot to address the epidemiological transition (which now makes NCDs account for 42% of mortality among Ghanaians), healthcare provision starts with free primary healthcare, moves to the national health insurance scheme for communicable diseases and then to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund or Mahama Cares, which takes care of people with NCDs like cancer, stroke etc. With the extra funding provided by the uncapping, we have enabled four main outcomes; reduction in financial barriers to care; addressing low awareness of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); detecting NCDs early; and closing systemic gaps including gaps in equipment and infrastructure.” 

This decisive move by President Mahama to create more fiscal space for health has accounted  for the rapid payment of $25M in vaccine copayment in 2025, $120M earmarked for the free Primary Healthcare initiative in 2026, including the $46M worth of equipment already purchased to kick off the fPHC programme.

• Mahama’s Office Demonstrates Operational Efficiency: My meetings with the President are by far, my favorite. They are short, to the point and always impactful. I have never attended a meeting with President Mahama that lasted more than 30 minutes. This means that advanced preparation is always key; with key issues crystallized and options for decision making outlined. The ambassador in attendance promptly introduces attendees and agenda, a few thoughtful remarks from selected speakers, and the President caps it off, with clear decisions and the way forward. We take pictures. Post meeting actions are always tackled with prompt efficiency, often with Dr. Callistus Mahama, the President’s Executive Secretary acting within 24 hours of the end of the meeting. No frustrating repeated requests for appointments, non-responsive personal assistants, ill-defined agendas, missing correspondence, and the like! None of that!
• Mahama – An Authentic Champion for Global Initiatives. President Mahama is a communicator at heart, an excellent public speaker. Combined with his impactful reset agenda, the world is increasingly taking note, reaching out to him for leadership. In 2025, GAVI CEO, Dr. Sonia Nishtar reached out to Mahama to support the GAVI replenishment in June 2025 in Brussels to raise $9billion dollars to subsidize global immunization programmes. Why Mahama? Afterall, he was not the AU Chair. Not the ECOWAS Chair. Not on the GAVI Board. In the build up to Brussels, Bill Gates also reached out. And so did the Global Fund. At the fund raiser, the speech by Ghana’s John Mahama became the toast of the community. There he showed an uncanny ability to connect his personal story to the why of the moment, ending with an unforgettable rallying cry for action. It worked! And the decision of GAVI to rope in Mahama proved to be both strategic and wise. Today, President Mahama is the champion for numerous initiatives by the Africa Union including ACHIEVE, Africa’s latest attempt to redefine the vaccine R&D agenda!
• Never Miss the Mahama-moments. This is difficult to fully explain. Typically, it will happen during a situation where the President is required to explain an issue. He would sometimes launch into this detailed almost technical explanation, betraying such a deep grasp of the issues that belies his high-level strategic role as a President. How does he know so much about “galamsey” and the “Blue Economy” anyway?

If the health sector seizes the moment, this grand opportunity that the President has offered us, we stand the chance of being the most articulate definition of the Mahama legacy tenure.

The launch ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to bring together traditional leaders, opinion leaders, invited guests, media personalities, corporate institutions, and members of the Breman community.

The event forms part of preparations toward this year’s Odwira Festival, which is expected to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and development of Bremanman.

The Paramount Chief of the Breman Traditional Area, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, who also serves as President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, is expected to lead the traditional council during the launch ceremony.

The planning committee says this year’s festival will place strong emphasis on unity, cultural identity, youth involvement, development, and strategic partnerships aimed at projecting Bremanman to a wider audience.

As part of preparations ahead of the launch, members of the committee and traditional leaders have already begun engaging key stakeholders and media organisations to support publicity and coverage for the festival.

Media personality Alex Kobina Stonne, popularly known as Kobby Stonne, who has officially joined the planning committee as part of the media and communication team, is expected to help strengthen publicity efforts, media partnerships, and strategic communication for the festival.

The committee is optimistic that the 2026 edition of the Breman Odwira Festival will attract massive patronage and further promote the cultural values and developmental vision of the Breman Traditional Area.

The Breman Traditional Council has therefore invited the general public, indigenes of Bremanman, and all stakeholders to support and participate in the launch ceremony ahead of the main festival activities later this year.

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Leave Ghana if you can’t obey our laws – FABAG fires…

In a strongly worded statement, FABAG declared its “unequivocal support” for the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) as the regulator battles what the association described as “unjustified and excessive charges” imposed by shipping lines.

“The shipping lines should leave the Ghanaian market if they can’t obey the institutional laws of the country,” the association stated.

FABAG said it had taken notice of a suit reportedly filed by some shipping lines seeking an injunction against the enforcement of regulatory measures introduced by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority.

The association described the legal action as “unfortunate, counterproductive, and detrimental to the broader national interest.”

According to FABAG, businesses in Ghana, particularly those in the food and beverage sector, have for years endured excessive port and shipping-related charges.

It said many of these charges have increased the cost of doing business and contributed to rising consumer prices.

“At a time when industries are struggling with high operational costs, exchange rate instability, inflationary pressures, and unfair trade competition, every effort must be made to reduce the cost burden on legitimate businesses,” the statement said.

FABAG commended the Ghana Shippers’ Authority for what it described as its leadership and commitment to promoting “transparency, fairness, and accountability” within the shipping and logistics sector.

The association argued that attempts to block or delay the regulator’s interventions through legal action undermine national efforts to improve Ghana’s business environment and protect local industries.

“The Ghana Shippers’ Authority must be allowed to exercise its lawful regulatory mandate without intimidation or obstruction,” FABAG stressed.

It also called for greater transparency in shipping charges and related fees.

“Shipping charges and related fees must be transparent, justified, and subjected to proper stakeholder consultation,” the statement added.

FABAG further maintained that the interests of Ghanaian businesses and consumers must take precedence over “excessive profit-driven practices that negatively affect the economy.”

The association called on government institutions, trade associations, organised labour groups, and civil society organisations to support the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in its efforts to restore fairness within the shipping and port sector.

FABAG said it remains committed to “constructive engagement” and would continue advocating policies that protect businesses, jobs, investments, and consumers in Ghana.

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Ghana entered the decisive Group D clash under immense pressure following a 2-2 draw against Algeria and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal. The West African side needed at least a draw against South Africa to stay in contention for a place at the global tournament.

The Black Starlets made an impressive start and opened the scoring through captain Joseph Narbi, who calmly converted from the penalty spot with a powerful low strike beyond the South African goalkeeper.

Narbi doubled Ghana’s lead just before halftime, once again scoring from the spot after confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand the Black Starlets a comfortable advantage heading into the break.

South Africa attempted a comeback in the second half, with Obama Mhlongo pulling one back to reduce the deficit and spark hopes for the Amajitas. However, those hopes were quickly dented after the South Africans were reduced to ten men moments later.

Ghana took full advantage of the numerical superiority deep into stoppage time when Augustine Appiah capitalised on a defensive mistake to fire home a low finish and seal an emphatic victory.

Despite the win, Ghana finished third in Group D behind leaders Senegal and second-placed Algeria. However, the Black Starlets remain in the race for World Cup qualification through the newly introduced playoff system.

Ghana will now face the Uganda Cubs in a decisive playoff match, with the winner securing a place at the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The encounter is expected to carry extra intrigue as the Uganda side is coached by former Ghana international Laryea Kingston.

First-half stunners from Youri Tielemans and Emi Buendia gave Villa control before Morgan Rogers’ strike sealed a second major European title 44 years after they won the European Cup.

Nine of that team from 1982 were at Besiktas Park in Istanbul to watch Unai Emery win his fifth Europa League.

Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in November 2022 with Villa three points above the relegation zone and has transformed them into top five contenders and, now, a European champion.

Villa supporter Prince William celebrated at the final whistle as Villa won major silverware for the first time since the 1996 League Cup.

Noah Atubolu kept an early Morgan Rogers drive out and Nicolas Hofler – in his final game before retirement – fired wide, but then Villa took over.

Tielemans – who scored the winner for Leicester in the 2021 FA Cup final – brilliantly volleyed in to cap a short corner routine four minutes before the break.

Buendia added a stunning second in first-half stoppage time, curling beyond Atubolu from 18-yards to leave Bundesliga side Freiburg with no way back.

Rogers added a third just before the hour, poking in Buendia’s near-post cross, to underline Villa’s superiority.

Amadou Onana hit the post and Buendia should have netted a fourth but, by then, Villa had already sealed victory.

Kobby Stonne received the “Media Personality of the Year” award in recognition of his contribution to sports broadcasting, youth development and media influence in Ghana.

Known for his strong presence on “Fire for Fire,” Kobby Stonne has consistently played a key role on the popular sports show and often leads the programme professionally whenever the main host, Patrick Osei Agyemang, popularly known as Countryman Songo, is unavailable.

The colourful event, organised by Kensvic Communications under the theme “Beyond Borders: Shaping Africa’s Next Era of Influence and Transformation,” brought together distinguished personalities from the media, politics, traditional leadership, business and youth advocacy across Africa.

The awards ceremony featured keynote speeches, cultural performances, networking sessions and the honouring of personalities making significant impact in their various fields.

Some notable personalities recognised on the night included Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe; Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie Esq; Ambassador Ben Nixon Arthur-Hagan; cybersecurity advocate Bright Peter Kwaku; and traditional leader Dr. Nana Akomanyi Essandoh V.

A representative of the organisers said Kobby Stonne’s recognition was well deserved.

“Kobby’s consistency, passion and influence in sports media have inspired many young people. Honouring him as Media Personality of the Year reflects the impact his work continues to have beyond the screens,” the representative stated.

Speaking after receiving the award, Kobby Stonne thanked the organisers for the recognition and dedicated the honour to supporters of his media journey.

“This recognition means a lot to me and will motivate me to continue using my platform positively to impact society, especially the youth through sports and media,” he said.

Kobby Stonne currently works with Multimedia Group Limited and is regarded as one of the fast-rising voices in Ghanaian sports broadcasting and commentary. His achievement adds to the growing list of laurels credited to Adom TV and the Multimedia Group for nurturing some of the country’s most influential media personalities.

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According to the Ghana National Fire Service, firefighters responded swiftly after receiving a distress call shortly after midnight.

By the time emergency personnel arrived at the scene, the shop was already fully engulfed in flames.

The blaze destroyed several items, including perishable goods, personal care products, and an electricity meter, while parts of the container structure were also damaged.

Firefighters managed to contain and extinguish the fire before it spread to adjoining shops and nearby properties.

No injuries or fatalities were recorded in the incident.

Authorities say investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.

The accident occurred on Monday night when a DAF fuel tanker with registration number GC 4091-Z reportedly veered off the road and overturned while travelling from Accra to Yendi.

Firefighters from the Anfoega Fire Station responded swiftly to the scene following the incident.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service, emergency responders immediately shut down the tanker’s engine upon arrival to eliminate any possible source of ignition.

Firefighters also applied foam concentrate to cool the tanker and contain the situation, successfully preventing what could have resulted in an explosion.

Although the tanker sustained extensive damage to both the head compartment and bulk tank, no fire outbreak or casualties were recorded.

The cause of the accident is yet to be officially disclosed.