The accused, Mahama Sani Razak, also known as Major Zack Gariba Tanko, has denied charges of defrauding Mr Lambon Justice Iddrisu by falsely claiming that he and junior military personnel would protect the complainant’s land from land guards.

Razak was remanded by Circuit Court Eleven and is expected to reappear on February 10, 2026.

The court further directed the prosecution to send the accused, who appeared in court on crutches, to the hospital for medical examination after he alleged that he sustained injuries during his arrest.

Presenting the facts, Police Chief Inspector Ebenezer Teye-Okuffo told the court that the complainant is a businessman residing at North Legon, while the accused claimed to be a miner living at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region.

According to the prosecution, the complainant owns plots of land at Kwabenya and, in March 2025, the accused introduced himself to him as a military officer.

Chief Inspector Teye-Okuffo said the accused later took the complainant to Burma Camp, where he further represented himself as a Major in the Ghana Armed Forces, stationed at the Military Police Unit.

During their interactions, the complainant informed the accused that land guards were harassing him on his Kwabenya land.

Convinced by these representations, the complainant agreed, after which the accused demanded and received GH¢192,000 to undertake the operation.

The court heard that the accused provided three MTN Mobile Money numbers with different account names, through which the amount was transferred.

After receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to carry out the agreement and subsequently went into hiding.

Chief Inspector Teye-Okuffo said further checks at the Ghana Armed Forces established that the accused was not a military officer. Armed with this information, the complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest.

Investigations also revealed that one of the Mobile Money accounts used belonged to the accused’s wife, who, upon arrest and interrogation, admitted receiving unspecified sums of money, which she withdrew on behalf of her husband.

The prosecution said the accused was initially arraigned before Circuit Court Three on July 8, 2025, and charged with fraud. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH¢300,000 with two justified sureties.

However, after meeting the bail conditions, the accused allegedly absconded, leading to the case being struck out on November 4, 2025, for want of prosecution.

The court heard that in January 2026, the Accra Regional Police Command received information that the accused had been arrested at Akuse in the Eastern Region in connection with a similar offence.

A new charge sheet was subsequently filed, and the accused was brought before the court.

Counsel for the accused, Mr Theophilus Donkor, in praying for bail, told the court that Razak is a businessman who owns two shops and three properties at East Legon, and is married to four women, three of whom are serving police officers.

He argued that the accused had pleaded not guilty and was therefore presumed innocent until proven guilty, adding that bail was at the discretion of the court. He also claimed the accused required medical attention, alleging that he was assaulted during his arrest.

The prosecution opposed the bail application, describing the accused as a fugitive who was likely to abscond again if granted bail.

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Ghana Water Limited (GWL) said the incident occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026, affecting the eastern corridor of Accra and surrounding areas. Engineers were immediately deployed and are working round the clock to repair the damaged pipeline.

GWL explained that the size of the transmission main and the complexity of the repair require careful handling to ensure safety and durability, adding that efforts are being made to restore supply as quickly as possible.

Areas affected by the disruption include the entire Tema Metropolis, Ashaiman, Gbetsele, Akatamanso, Klagon, Lashibi, Baatsonaa, Spintex, parts of East Legon, Nungua, Teshie, and nearby communities.

The company has advised essential service providers, particularly schools and hospitals, to contact GWL for assistance during the outage.

GWL apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured customers that water supply will be restored immediately after repairs are completed. The company also said further updates will be communicated as the situation develops.

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The festival was officially launched at a media event in Accra on Friday, January 16, 2026, bringing together government officials, diplomats, developers, investors, industry stakeholders, and the media to shape a new vision for Africa’s real estate sector.

Desmond Oteng, Founder and CEO of AREF, described the initiative as a movement designed to address Africa’s rapid urbanisation through intentional and inclusive city building. “Africa is urbanising faster than any other continent, yet our conversations still centre on buildings and prices rather than people, sustainability, and quality of life,” he said.

He explained that AREF seeks to reposition real estate as a catalyst for economic growth, climate responsibility, cultural identity, and inclusive development.

The maiden festival is scheduled for April 18–19, 2026, in Accra, with participation from policymakers, developers, investors, planners, prop-tech innovators, and diaspora stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.

International interest was highlighted by the presence of Barbados’ High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, who announced her country’s participation and described AREF as a bridge between diplomacy, investment, and sustainable development.

From the government’s side, Mr. Agyemang of the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President noted that Ghana is shifting focus from remittances for consumption to structured diaspora investments in real estate and asset creation.

Organisers say AREF aims to influence policy dialogue, attract credible global capital, and promote responsible urban development as African cities confront unprecedented population growth.

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The hikes, which have not been officially sanctioned by the Ministry of Transport nor the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), are being justified by operators as a desperate response to the worsening traffic congestion in the capital.

Despite a significant drop in fuel prices and strengthening of the Cedi, commuters seem not to benefit from the gains.

The “Order from Above”

On the ground at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, the atmosphere is one of frustration and resignation.

One ‘mate’ on the Dome-bound route explained to JoyNews on Thursday, January 15, that the decision to hike prices was passed down directly from vehicle owners and station masters.

“It’s an order from above. Yeah, so whatever the master will say is what we also abide by,” the conductor told reporters.

The primary culprit, according to the operators, is the staggering amount of time lost in transit.

The stretch between the Interchange and Dome, which should ideally take 30 minutes, has become a multi-hour ordeal.

“Of late, the traffic has been worrying. We could be in the traffic for almost two or three hours. So if we do not increase the price, it goes against us. That is the reason why we are doing that [increasing fares], absolutely nothing else more.”

The situation is not any better at other locations such as Mallam, Kasoa, the central business district in the capital, Madina, Lapaz and Ablekuma.

Government and GPRTU at Loggerheads

The government has been quick to condemn the unauthorised increases.

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has urged the public to resist paying any fare that has not been officially gazetted.https://www.youtube.com/embed/vk9ejdPo5uY?si=32Gd7i26QlZXTjWL

He maintained that while the government acknowledges the challenges, unilateral hikes undermine the social contract and economic stability.

However, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has signalled that its members are at a breaking point.

While the union has officially called for calm, local branches have expressed that the delay in reviewing the standard fare structure—amidst rising operational costs—is forcing drivers to take matters into their own hands to avoid total business collapse.

The Abossey Okai Contradiction

The drivers’ claims of unbearable operational costs have been partially challenged by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association.

In a recent briefing, the Chairman of the Abossey Okai Dealers Association, Frank Otchere, said prices of most spare parts have fallen, largely due to the appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar.

The only outlier in this stability is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicle.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Otchere explained that components for private vehicles, including Toyota Vitz cars commonly used by ride-hailing services, have seen significant price reductions.

“If you come to the Toyota Vitz with Uber and everything, prices have dropped. Batteries and others, too. The dollar is down, so there is no reason why we should be raising our prices,” he said.

According to him, the only notable challenge in the market relates to spare parts for Sprinter buses, which are widely used for public transport, and the individuals who import and sell those vehicles.

“We have a challenge with the Sprinter buses and the people who sell the Sprinters. That’s the only challenge we have. Aside from that, if you go to all the stores around here, prices have dropped,” he noted.

Mr Otchere supported his claims with examples, indicating that engines which previously sold for GH¢15,000 are now going for about GH¢10,000, while engine oil prices have dropped from GH¢600 to GH¢350. He added that batteries, once sold for GH¢1,700, are now priced between GH¢1,000 and GH¢1,002.

He also commended the government for stabilising the currency and creating conditions that have led to reduced prices in the spare parts market.

“Prices have dropped, and we have to give credit to the government. They are doing a very good job,” Mr Otchere stated.

Calls for the Transport Minister’s Dismissal

The chaotic state of the transport sector has led to a fierce backlash from the Concerned Drivers Association.

The Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, has called for the removal of the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, accusing him of poor management of the transport sector in Accra and other major cities.

 Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Agboado said the Minister has failed to engage transport unions on the challenges confronting the sector, arguing that the lack of stakeholder consultation makes his continued stay in office untenable.

“The government has to sit up and analyse the situation so that we can solve it amicably. But if I have to speak frankly, the Minister of Transport should not be at post again. The Transport Minister must go,” he stated.

He accused the Minister of non-performance, saying his output pales in comparison to that of other public officials. He cited what he described as improved performance at institutions such as the Gold Board, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana and the National Petroleum Authority.

“When you go to the Gold Board, the CEO is performing well. In the finance sector, Ato Forson is performing well. At the Bank of Ghana, the Governor is performing well. At the NPA, fuel prices have reduced from about 17 cedis to between 10 and 11 cedis,” he said.

“So what is the Transport Minister doing in his office?” he questioned.

The Commuter’s Burden

For the average worker travelling from Dome to the central business district, the cumulative effect of these hikes is devastating.

With many drivers charging an extra GHS 2.00 to GHS 5.00 above the old rate, daily transport costs have jumped by nearly 30% and up to 50% in some cases.

As the “order from above” continues to hold sway at the bus terminals, all eyes are on the Ministry of Transport to see if it can move beyond rhetoric to provide the enforcement and traffic solutions required to stabilise the sector.

Meanwhile, the GPRTU is seeking assistance from the police and government to curb unapproved fares.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Thursday, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said, “The one thing we will do is that we need police help. We have our bylaws, and being part of the group means you have to follow these laws. Even when we reduced lorry fares by 5 percent last year, we documented it and gave written instructions for all our drivers to abide by it. But if you are not a member of the union, we don’t have the power to discipline you”.

He added that government engagement with transport unions is important to ensure compliance.

“If the Transport Minister calls a meeting on any fares agreement, union drivers can participate and have a say. But drivers outside the union will always find ways to overcharge unless the government intervenes,” he said.

Mr Amoah further urged that drivers operating outside established unions or associations should either join an existing union or legally form an association to be recognised and regulated.

“The solution lies with the government, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs), and the Road Safety Authority to create clear rules that will control drivers in Ghana,” he said.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, January 15, Mr Arkhurst said the authority has already designed the required road and transport infrastructure to ease congestion in the national capital.

He emphasised, however, that implementation depends on the country’s leadership having the necessary political will.

“All the issues that are happening, the solutions are there. It is the political will and the commitment to say that we want to consciously solve the issue, we want to go ahead and implement the plans that we have,” he said.

“It is time to have the conversation; all stakeholders, come together. The government should play that critical role. If it is the road network that we are not ready to resolve, because it requires a lot of financial resources to be able to do that, from the public transport system, the solution is there, so we have to take that initiative and try to develop it,” he added.

“We hope that one day, the government will see the need that it is time to implement the plans we have to solve our problems,” he emphasised.

In recent times, road traffic congestion has worsened in the national capital.

Commuters are often seen stranded while trying to find transport to their homes and workplaces during morning and evening rush hours.

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According to him, certain drivers deliberately create artificial shortages within the transport system—especially during peak hours in major urban centres—in order to charge higher fares and increase their profits.

Transportation in the capital has become increasingly challenging in recent days, with commuters enduring long queues and inflated fares in areas such as Madina, Amasaman and Kasoa.

The situation, which worsened during the 2025 yuletide season, has persisted despite assurances from the Minister of Transport that measures are being put in place to address the challenges.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged the frustration of commuters but noted that the transport sector is largely operated by private drivers organised under unions such as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

He explained that following successive reductions in fuel prices—leading to a 15 per cent cut in approved transport fares—some drivers have deliberately avoided designated terminals and instead roamed in search of passengers willing to pay above the approved fares.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described the practice as illegal and assured the public that the government would take firm action against operators who flout the law, stressing that steps would be taken to restore order and sanity in the transport sector.

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The flight, EK261, was operating from Dubai International Airport to São Paulo on Friday, January 9, when the crew received the alert while the aircraft was en route across the African continent and preparing to cross the South Atlantic Ocean.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that the aircraft, bearing registration A6-EUG, departed Dubai at 9:51 am, around 46 minutes behind its scheduled departure time. The initial stages of the long-haul flight were reported to be uneventful.

The situation changed when intermittent warnings suggested that smoke may have been emanating from the aircraft’s forward cargo hold.

Acting out of caution, the flight crew decided to divert to the nearest suitable airport capable of handling the Airbus A380, selecting Kotoka International Airport in Accra.

The aircraft landed safely in Accra at approximately 4:30 pm local time without further incident. Upon arrival, the plane was inspected by technical personnel, who later determined that the alert was the result of a system malfunction rather than an active fire.

After clearance was granted, the aircraft resumed its journey, departing Accra at about 7:31 pm local time. It later arrived at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport at 11:24 pm, approximately six hours later than scheduled.

The return flight from São Paulo was also delayed by about 90 minutes as a result of the diversion.

Aviation analysts note that the captain’s decision to divert early was influenced by the need to ensure access to an airport capable of accommodating the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Had the flight continued further into the Atlantic, diversion options would have been significantly reduced.

The aircraft involved, with serial number 219, has been in service with Emirates since October 2016. It conducted its first test flight in April 2016 under a temporary Airbus registration before joining the airline’s fleet.

The diversion marked a rare appearance of the Airbus A380 in Accra and only the third time the double-decker aircraft has landed at Kotoka International Airport.

Emirates previously operated a one-off A380 service to Accra in 2018 to showcase the airport’s new terminal and its capacity to handle large aircraft.

British Airways was the second airline to bring an A380 to Accra, when one of its aircraft made a technical fuel stop at the airport in September 2022 during a Johannesburg to London Heathrow flight.

Although passengers ultimately arrived several hours late in São Paulo and some onward connections may have been disrupted, the diversion underscored Emirates’ adherence to safety procedures and its willingness to take precautionary action to protect passengers and crew.

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Addressing the media in Accra on Tuesday, the Regional Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to curb crime during the Christmas season and beyond.

According to her, the command carried out targeted swoops in various jurisdictions, leading to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of exhibits such as narcotic substances, motorcycles and other items believed to be stolen.

She disclosed that one of the operations was conducted on Thursday, December 18, by officers from the Kotobabi District under the Nima Division. The exercise took place at Alojo, near the Merciful Hotel Annex, and resulted in the arrest of four suspects.

Superintendent Obeng further revealed that another swoop was carried out on Sunday, December 21, by personnel from the Railways District Command under the Accra Central Division. That operation targeted identified criminal hideouts and led to the arrest of 15 persons.

In addition, a motor traffic operation was conducted on Friday, December 19, within the East Legon area and the Airport Division. The exercise, aimed at reducing crime and road traffic accidents, led to the arrest of 36 motorbikes. Riders who committed minor offences were issued warning letters, while others are being processed for court.

She noted that similar operations were carried out in other parts of the metropolis as part of the command’s broader strategy to ensure a safe and crime-free festive season.

On the status of those arrested, Superintendent Obeng said all suspects are currently undergoing screening. Those found to have committed offences will be arraigned before court, while individuals not linked to criminal activity will be released.

She added that investigations are ongoing and that all recovered exhibits have been retained and, where necessary, will be forwarded to the Police Forensic Laboratory for further analysis.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, Superintendent Obeng assured the public that the police remain resolute in maintaining law and order, combating drug trafficking and addressing other forms of criminal activity within the metropolis.

She also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to help keep Accra safe throughout the festive period and beyond.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, she explained that lower fuel prices have made transportation more affordable, enabling people to travel to their hometowns, complete their festive shopping early, and enjoy the Christmas season with less stress.

According to her, the development reflects responsive and people-centred leadership, describing President John Dramani Mahama as a humane, hardworking, and humble leader who prioritises the needs of Ghanaians.

“Ghana has become a better place recently. The traffic in town has reduced, even during this festive season, which has made it easier for people to travel back home to celebrate the holidays,” she said.

She added that the reduction in fuel prices has further eased movement within the city.

“Fuel prices have dropped, and that has reduced congestion in Accra. Many people have already completed their Christmas shopping. John Mahama has had a positive impact on the country. He is compassionate, hardworking and truly cares about the people. Ghana has become sweet under his leadership, and we applaud him for the good work he is doing,” Nana Yaa Jantuah stated.

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Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari announced the move, saying the emergency measure is expected to improve safety, reduce long waits, and curb exorbitant fares charged by some private operators.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, the Minister said the deployment takes effect today, December 10, and forms part of an immediate response to growing concerns about unreliable evening transport in the capital.

He explained that the Ministry, working with Intercity STC Coaches Limited, will “mop up” long-distance buses that return early to Accra and redeploy them on key intra-city routes.

“We are going to employ some buses commencing from today, 10th December,” he said.

“We will ensure that those buses are available at the peak hours to support our commuters who close from work to get home safely.”

Under the new arrangement, each corridor will receive a minimum of eight buses operating between 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The four routes are:

• Accra–Madina–Adenta
• Accra–Achimota–Amasaman
• Accra–Mallam–Kasoa
• Accra–Tema Beach Road

Bukari said the goal is to expand the number of buses in the coming weeks to ensure that “we’ll be able to pick all our commuters home safely.”

Commuters in Accra have for months struggled to secure transportation at peak hours, often facing steep fare hikes by some commercial drivers who take advantage of the shortage.

The Ministry says this deployment is an interim solution while broader, long-term reforms in the urban transport system are being considered.

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Speaking on the AM Show on Joy News, Professor Ayamga-Adongo revealed that some residents in the capital are now importing rocks and processing gold in their homes—an activity that could release dangerous chemicals, including mercury, into the environment.

“I just got some disturbing news that even in the cities of Accra, people now bring in rocks and other things, and then they are processing gold in their homes. This could discharge mercury and other banned substances into the environment. So, it is not just the forest that is being destroyed,” he said.

The EPA Deputy CEO cautioned that the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, must not be seen as the sole responsibility of the Presidency or security agencies.

He stressed that citizens must also take ownership of protecting their immediate surroundings.

“Instead of saying, ‘Hello, dear Mahama,’ I think our caption should be ‘Dear Ghanaians.’ Albert Einstein said something I always want to reiterate — we cannot solve our problems with the same mindset we had when we created them. We need to change our thinking,” he added.

Professor Ayamga urged the public to be more vigilant and proactive in reporting illegal activities, pointing out that pollution of water bodies and environmental degradation affect everyone, not just the government.

“When activities around us are polluting our waters and endangering all of us, it’s not enough to just blame the President. The Presidency or your home, is an extension of the Presidency, and we need to see this as our responsibility,” he said.

Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Despite intensified crackdowns and national campaigns against galamsey, the menace continues to threaten river bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems across the country.

The EPA has, in recent months, stepped up efforts to monitor and clamp down on environmentally harmful practices in both rural and urban communities.

Source: Caleb Ahinakwah

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The new Academy will be a state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar facility designed to deliver even better educational and athletic outcomes for RTD Ghana’s nearly 100 students, drawn from Ghana and the surrounding region.

The construction phase of the new facility is scheduled to begin in early 2026. While construction is ongoing, RTD will offer positions to all its existing 127 employees in Ghana and will honour all student-athlete scholarships at a temporary facility near Accra before the new Academy opens, potentially as soon as 2027.

The announcement of a new home for RTD Ghana marks a new chapter in the history of the storied Academy. Since Right to Dream was founded in Ghana in 1999, the organisation has created life-changing opportunities for young people in the country to pursue careers either in football or through international educational programs. The Academy also provides a professional home for the entire Right to Dream family, including world-class educators, coaches, administrators, and staff.

Mohammed Kudus and Abdul Mumin

The Academy will be part of the global RTD operation that includes four academies and three professional football clubs on three continents, backed by the Mansour Group, which has operations around the world.

The new facility in Ghana will be the third new RTD academy to be built since RTD was acquired by the Mansour Group’s investment arm, Man Capital LLP, from the then majority owner and founder, Tom Vernon, in a cash-and-stock transaction in 2021.

The Mansour Group has recently invested more than US$180m (GHC 2.23bn) in RTD, including €15m (GHC 217m) in Ghana alone, a new Academy and football club in the USA, infrastructure, staff, student-athlete scholarships and other investments.

Further announcements regarding the location and design of the new Academy will be coming soon. The existing facility in Old Akrade will continue to be owned by Tom Vernon’s foundation, but will not be part of the global RTD group.

The new facility in Ghana follows the construction of new RTD academies in Cairo, Egypt, which was completed in 2023, and San Diego, California, which received its official opening in September 2025. The new RTD academy in San Diego has been hailed by football industry leaders as first in class and one of the best in North America.

At the same time, the number of students, primarily West African, becoming professional footballers or receiving academic scholarships at some of the best schools in the USA, has reached a record high in recent years. And never before has Right to Dream seen so many graduated student-athletes representing their national teams at the highest level of the sport.

For the Mansour Group, chaired by Sir Mohamed Mansour, the distinguished Egyptian-British entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, the announcement marks an increase in its decades-long investment in Ghana and the Ghanaian people.

Over the last 10 years alone, it is estimated that the Mansour Group has invested and contributed around US$ 600m (GHC 7.23bn) in the country. Mantrac, the group’s Caterpillar machinery dealership, has operated in Ghana since 1997, employs nearly 800 staff across four branches in Ghana, and has trained more than 500 young mechanical engineers since establishing an educational program a decade ago. Mansour Autos and Spare Parts Ghana, the group’s automotive dealership founded in the country in 2014, is considered to be one of the leading companies in the Ghanaian automotive sector, employing more than 70 skilled people across a number of showrooms, workshops and other facilities in Ghana.

Sir Mohamed Mansour, Chairman of Right to Dream:

“Ghana, for decades, has been at the heart of the Mansour Group, and Ghana will always be at the heart of Right to Dream. This is where this opportunity-giving program and model was born, and it has always been our ambition to make sure the talented youth, and all our employees, in Ghana have the facilities and home to match their potential and our common vision.

“This is an investment in people and purpose, which will benefit all our students from all over Ghana, their families, their communities, and hopefully give them even bigger opportunities as role models, successful football players, academic scholars, and leaders who make their country proud.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Ghana’s Government.

Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation:

Kofi Adams

“This partnership builds on a powerful story that has already transformed lives. For years, Mansour Group, through the Right to Dream Academy, has shown what is possible when sport is used as a vehicle for human potential, combining football, education, and character development to shape the next generation of leaders.

“The decision to expand that mission here in Accra and reinforce Ghana’s place as Africa’s hub for football talent is more than an investment; it is a vote of confidence in our nation’s future. It is proof that when vision meets structure, and when passion is matched with purpose, sport becomes far more than a game; it becomes a driver of education, empowerment, and national transformation.

“Government stands ready to build the enabling environment for such partnerships to grow, ensuring that grassroots talent is discovered early, supported deliberately, and developed into a global export that carries Ghana’s name to the highest levels of the sport.”

For more information, please contact Vicky Ndukwe at Burson at vicky.ndukwe@bursonglobal.com

The Airbus A330-223, registered N857NW, departed Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 11:02 UTC, slightly behind schedule.

Instead of continuing its transatlantic journey to Atlanta, the aircraft turned north-west into Ghanaian airspace, circled near Kumasi, and landed safely at Kotoka International Airport in Accra at approximately 12:12 UTC.

Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft was airborne for about 70 minutes before the diversion.

The jet, which is over 20 years old, is normally used on Delta’s daily DL54/55 service connecting Lagos and Atlanta, one of the few nonstop links between West Africa and the United States.

Delta Air Lines has not yet issued an official statement on the diversion. All passengers and crew disembarked safely upon arrival in Accra, and no injuries were reported.

Source: Collins Frimpong

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The emergency repair works, expected to last three days, will disrupt water supply to the entire Tema Metropolis and parts of Accra, including Ashaiman, Gbetsele, Akatamanso, Klagon, Lashibi, Baatsonaa, Spintex, East Legon, and surrounding areas.

GWL management has advised customers to store sufficient water while the supply remains available. Essential service providers such as schools and hospitals are encouraged to contact GWL for support through its toll-free line, WhatsApp, or social media platforms.

The company assured customers that water supply will resume immediately after repairs are completed, apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Read the statement below:

INTERRUPTION IN WATER SUPPLY DUE TO EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS AT KPONG TREATMENT PLANT

The Management of Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL) wishes to inform its cherished customers and the public that there has been a damage to the raw water transmission pipeline that serves the Kpong Treatment plant, today 28^th August 2025. This has necessitated a shutdown of the treatment to allow for emergency repair work to be undertaken.

The repair work, which has since commenced, is expected to last for three (3) days. Consequently, there will be temporary interruption in water supply until the work is completed.

Affected Areas

The interruption will affect customers in the entire Tema Metropolis and most parts of Accra, including but not limited to Ashaiman, Gbetsele, Akatamanso, Klagon, Lashibi, Baatsonaa, Spintex, Parts of East Legon, and surrounding communities

Customers in these areas are kindly advised to store adequate quantities of water while supply is still available.

Support for Essential Service Providers

Essential service providers, especially schools and hospitals, are encouraged to reach out to GWL for assistance during this period through the following channels:

Toll-Free (Telecel lines only): 0800 40000

• Phone: 0302 2218240 / 0207385089 / 0207385090
• WhatsApp: 0555123393 / 0555155524
• All GWL Social Media Handles

Commitment to Restoration

GWL assures all affected customers that water supply will be restored immediately upon completion of the repair work. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this interruption may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our valued customers.

For further enquiries, please contact:
PR & Communications Department
📧 prcommunication@gwcl.com.gh

Source: AdomOnline

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The disruption is to allow for emergency repairs on a main 36-inch pipeline from the Weija Treatment Plant.

Affected areas include Korle-Bu, Dansoman, Mamprobi, Chorkor, Malam, Gbawe, Ablekuma, Kwashiman, Awoshie, Sowutuom, Santa Maria, Tesano, Abeka, Kaneshie, Odorkor, Dakuman, and surrounding communities.

The maintenance work is scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., after which normal water supply is expected to resume.

Management has apologised for the inconvenience and urged residents to store sufficient water in advance.

Source: AdomOnline

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The Public Health Nurse at the Regional Health Directorate, Charity Sikanku, disclosed this during the launch of activities to mark Breastfeeding Month.

Madam Sikanku attributed the low rate in the capital to the demanding work schedules of many mothers, which make it difficult for them to dedicate time to breastfeeding. In contrast, the Savannah Region leads with an impressive 78% exclusive breastfeeding rate.

She called on workplaces to establish breastfeeding corners to support nursing mothers, emphasizing that such initiatives would reduce dependence on baby formula and help prevent diseases associated with early introduction of alternative feeding.

“There is also an economic strain on mothers who do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, as they end up spending more money on baby formulas,” she said.

Sikanku further advocated for an extension of maternity leave, saying this would give mothers the necessary time to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the recommended six months.

She cautioned that the low rate of breastfeeding in Accra could negatively affect children’s academic performance compared to regions like Savannah, where exclusive breastfeeding is more widely practiced.

“Babies in the Savannah Region often look healthier and perform better academically, and this is closely linked to the impact of breast milk on their development,” she stated.

She also urged mothers to ignore myths such as the belief that breastfeeding causes sagging breasts—misconceptions that discourage many from practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

Madam Sikanku concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous education, community support, and strong policy backing to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendation that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months.

Source: Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi

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In a statement issued Monday, July 22, the Authority cited significant road safety risks posed by such installations, describing them as visual distractions to drivers and obstructions to motorists and pedestrians.

“This action is necessitated by the significant road safety risk these signs pose, as they cause visual and cognitive distractions to drivers and obstruct the view of road users,” the statement noted.

The directive follows a successful pilot exercise in Ayawaso West Municipality and will now extend across major routes in the Greater Accra Region from August. Targeted corridors include:

• N1 Highway (Achimota Overhead to Dzorwulu Fiesta Royale)
• Dr Kwame Nkrumah Circle Stretch (Circle to Odorkor and Weija Intersection)
• Spintex Road (Action Chapel Intersection to Palace Mall)
• Kawokudi to Achimota Stretch

The NRSA has warned advertising agencies, corporate clients, and sign owners to voluntarily remove their installations from the specified areas.

“Failure to comply will result in the forceful removal of the signs by the Authority and its partners, with the full cost of the exercise charged to non-compliant owners,” it said.

The Authority urged public cooperation, stressing that the nationwide initiative is critical to ensuring safer roads for all users.

Source: AdomOnline

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The launch ceremony was held on Friday, June 20, at the Palms by Eagles Hotel, located in Airport City, Accra.

Speaking at the event, AWA’s Head of Safety, Andrew Asante Amankwah, assured attendees of the airline’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety across all its operations, including the newly introduced route.

“I am pleased to assure our passengers and potential passengers that our new route is safe for everyone, just like all our routes,” he stated.

Also present was Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, David Kabre, who praised the move as a significant boost to Ghana–Burkina Faso relations.

He emphasized the route’s potential to enhance economic ties and cross-border business.

“This new route comes at a perfect time for Ghana-Burkina Faso relations. It will help accelerate business growth between both countries,” he said. He also acknowledged former President John Mahama for playing a key role in facilitating the initiative.”

AWA Vice President Andy Zhang expressed pride in the airline’s journey and was hopeful about the opportunities this new route could unlock.

“Since our launch, we’ve served over five million passengers and earned the trust of the public. This milestone couldn’t have been achieved without the support of Ghana,” he said. “We hope this new route will unlock more business opportunities between Ghana and Burkina Faso.”

The Accra–Ouagadougou route will operate three times weekly—on Tuesday mornings, Thursdays, and Sundays. Flights will depart Accra at 10:10 a.m. and return from Ouagadougou at 12:30 p.m.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of a five-member robbery gang responsible for two major attacks in Accra.

According to a Police statement, the incidents took place at the Jos Bakery Head Office in Dome and at ACP Junction.

The Jos Bakery robbery occurred on May 11, 2025, around 1:25 a.m., when two armed men—Isaac Agbezudor, alias “Money Man,” a 20-year-old mechanic, and Justice Akwasi Sarfo Oppong, alias “Gariba Manta” or “Demon,” a 19-year-old Okada rider—attacked staff members.

Riding an unlicensed motorbike, the suspects fired a locally made pistol to scare their victims and made away with a Tecno Pop 8 smartphone valued at GH¢1,500 and a handbag containing personal belongings.

Agbezudor was arrested on May 14 through a covert Police operation. His accomplice, Sarfo, was later picked up on May 22 at a mining site between Osino and Saaman.

Further investigations linked Sarfo to an earlier robbery that occurred on February 5, 2025, at ACP Junction, involving three other accomplices: Bright Alikor, Emmanuel Nii Odartey Lamptey, and Prince Owusu.

All five were arraigned before the Kwabenya Circuit Court, convicted, and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The Police Command commended its intelligence and operations units for their swift work in arresting and securing convictions against the suspects.

Source: Adomonline

The confiscated items included 15 brands of illicit shisha (waterpipe) flavours, three brands of illicit cigarettes, and seven brands of nitrous oxide canisters.

Others were 21 brands of illicit vapes, 10 brands of illicit cigars, and four brands of illegal wraps of tobacco.

The operation, part of activities to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day (May 31), was carried out by FDA officials in collaboration with two police officers at four out of six targeted facilities.

The facilities were located at Kwabenya, East Legon, Abeka, Fadama, Tabora, and Achimota. The remaining two were closed at the time of the visit.

The Head of the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, Jemima Odonkor, said the exercise was part of the Authority’s sustained efforts to clamp down on the sale of unwholesome products and protect public health.

She noted that the seized items entered the country through unapproved routes.

“The Authority will apply the necessary legal and regulatory sanctions to the distributors and sellers of the products,” she stated.

Madam Odonkor reaffirmed the FDA’s commitment to preventing the patronage and use of such products in the market.

She added that the Authority would intensify awareness efforts to educate the public on the health risks of tobacco use.

“We will be visiting schools to educate our students on the harmful effects of tobacco products to safeguard them from illicit drugs,” she said.

According to NADMO, the tragic incident was attributed to inadequate drainage infrastructure and unchecked urban development.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV on Friday, Richard Amo Yartey, Director of Inspectorate at NADMO, revealed that three fatalities occurred in the Ga East Municipality, while two others were recorded in Adenta.

“Our records show that five people died—three in Ga East and two in Adenta. It’s a very unfortunate situation, and it highlights the urgent need to intensify public education. I encourage citizens to pay close attention to weather alerts for their own safety,” he said.

Mr. Yartey emphasized that the flooding was not caused by an unusually heavy downpour. He noted that the Ghana Meteorological Agency recorded only 25 millimetres of rainfall, but runoff from previous rains and poor drainage systems made even that amount devastating.

Several communities—including Adenta, Kaneshie, Weija, Adabraka, and parts of Tema—were badly affected. Roads became impassable, vehicles were submerged, and thousands were stranded.

NADMO is calling for stronger enforcement of building regulations and improved urban planning to help prevent future disasters.

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Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has responded by directing all regional health directors to reactivate their public health emergency operations centres.

They are also being urged to step up surveillance, risk communication, and case management efforts across the country.

These new cases mark the first confirmed infections this year.

According to health officials, the two cases are unrelated and were both identified at a health facility.

Contact tracing is currently underway to prevent further spread. The patients are under close monitoring.

Ghana’s outbreak of Mpox began on June 8, 2022, when five initial cases were reported.

By November 2023, the country had confirmed a total of 34 cases. Before this outbreak, Mpox was not known to be endemic in Ghana.

A circular signed by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service called for a renewed response to the threat, including improved detection and response strategies.

Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact. Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

Across Africa, the disease remains a major concern. As of March 2025, more than 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths have been recorded in 22 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been hardest hit, accounting for a large share of both the cases and the fatalities.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee will convene in Accra on April 26, 2025, at 10:00am.

This meeting is expected to take key decisions aimed at enhancing the development of the African game across all levels.

In accordance with the provisions of the CAF Statutes, CAF’s new Vice-Presidents will be elected at the meeting. The election of the Vice-Presidents is not only a fulfilment of a major governance requirement; their roles are of great importance for the development of African football.

The meeting will be chaired by the CAF President, who was overwhelmingly endorsed for a fresh 4-year term by the 54 Member Associations of CAF, and will discuss topical issues affecting African football, including development programs, competitions and governance.

The meeting will also focus on CAF’s various initiatives and programmes for the promotion of football excellence in Africa.

Ghana is ready to host the CAF Executive Committee meeting, which brings together seasoned CAF administrators from across Africa.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, ahead of the State of the Nation Address, Oko Vanderpuije emphasized that once District Chief Executives (DCEs) are sworn in, they will be directed to prioritize sanitation and urban management.

He highlighted persistent issues such as waste management failures, street congestion, and illegal trading, stressing that the NDC’s overwhelming victory in the 2024 elections reflects the people’s demand for real change.

“Very soon, we will have our District Chief Executives, and when that is done, they will be informed and instructed to ensure that we reset in all operations, and the sanitation issue will be taken care of. We will deal with congestion and illegal trading. That is what we campaigned on, and the people voted massively for us, so we will make Ghana work again,” he stated.

His comments come amid growing concerns over urban management in the capital, with calls for stricter enforcement of sanitation laws and decongestion efforts.

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Scheduled for a six-hour flight, the aircraft was forced to turn back due to an emergency, although the exact cause remains unknown.

The aircraft was observed circling Ghanaian airspace to perform a fuel jettison, a procedure used in aviation to dump fuel and reduce the aircraft’s weight to a safe landing limit.

This maneuver ensures the aircraft can land without risking structural damage or safety hazards.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 successfully executed the fuel dump and landed safely at Kotoka International Airport at 12:26 AM, with no reported damages or injuries.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 remains under scrutiny due to ongoing safety concerns.

The aircraft was globally grounded in 2019 after two fatal crashes linked to a flawed Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS).

Recent issues, including faults in the anti-icing system, have raised further questions about its safety and reliability.

Regulatory bodies, such as the FAA, continue to enforce stricter oversight as Boeing works to rebuild trust in the aircraft’s safety.

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Accra’s rent index of 12.0 also placed it 230 in the world.

According to the data and research powerhouse, high rents can strain household finances, leaving families with little discretionary income to spend on needs such as food, education, healthcare, and transportation.

It stated that a high rent cost raises the question of how important said urban centers are, considering that a lot of jobs these days can be done remotely.

Lagos is the most expensive city in Africa with a rent index of 24.3. It is ranked 122 in the world.

In 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th places are Cape Town (18.0), Addis Ababa (17.8) and Dar es Salaam (14.4) respectively.

Numbeo said while the importance of urban centers such as proximity to better infrastructure and economic opportunities, cannot be disputed, the cost of living against revenue can always be weighed.

Meanwhile, Alexandria in Egypt; Cairo, capital city of Egypt; Tripoli in Libya; Algiers in Algeria and Tunis, Tunisia are the cities with the lowest cost of rent.

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Many road users, particularly drivers, attribute the gridlock to increased shopping activity ahead of the festive celebrations.

However, others point to the growing number of street vendors occupying major roads as a significant cause of the congestion.

In an interview with Adom News, one driver shared his frustration, stating that he had been stuck in traffic for over 45 minutes.

He noted that, the delays were hurting his daily operations, leading to financial losses from wasted fuel and missed sales targets.

He called for the removal of street vendors from the roads, emphasizing their role in exacerbating the congestion.

Another driver acknowledged that Tudu is known for its frequent traffic jams but described the current situation as particularly intense.

He attributed this to the influx of people in town during the festive season, which has further slowed vehicular movement.

The combination of holiday shoppers and street vendors has resulted in an overwhelming buildup of cars, leaving many drivers anxious and frustrated.

As the holiday season intensifies, the challenges of managing street vendors and maintaining smooth traffic flow remain pressing.

Drivers are calling on authorities to implement a balanced solution that addresses the needs of vendors while ensuring free movement of vehicles in Accra’s busiest areas.

Source: Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi

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The areas that have experienced the outages the most include Oshiye, Boartianor, Adabraka, Dansoman, Teshie, Adenta, Madina, Mataheko, Kaneshie, Sarpeiman, Shukura, Mallam, Gbawe, Accra New Town, and Ngleshie Amanfro.

A resident of Oshiye, Abena Gyan, reported that unannounced light-offs had been occurring in her area for the past two months. Last Saturday and Sunday, for instance, she noted that there were power outages in her area and its environs, mainly in the afternoon.

Ms. Gyan mentioned that the power outages lasted about two hours before being restored. Previously, on Thursday and Friday, she said there were also outages in the evenings. “As for my area, there have been persistent light-offs,” she emphasized.

Another resident, Hannah Asamoah from Sarpeiman, stated that outages affected her area virtually the entire day last Sunday, preventing her from undertaking domestic and business activities.

She reported that the power went off around 7 a.m. and was restored at 7 p.m. When she called the Electricity Company of Ghana office in Amasaman, an official informed her that the lines were being worked on, hence the outage.

“The unannounced outages are a big worry to us because they affect the work we do at home, especially during the weekends,” she said.

Residents in Mataheko and its environs also complained of the outages, saying that business activities were being negatively impacted.

A steel bender named Robert Tetteh from Ngleshie Amanfro stated that power outages in his area were not surprising. Over the weekend, he noted outages, and last Monday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the lights were off.

“It came on around 10 p.m. and went off again. I only woke up in the middle of the night to see the lights back on, so it’s a problem,” he emphasized.

Gas Shortage

The Daily Graphic has contacted the Ministry of Energy for comment, but the ministry stated that its Director of Power would be detailed to respond to the queries; however, he had not responded 24 hours after the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Daily Graphic sources, who do not have permission to comment, disclosed that there has been a drop in the availability of gas from Eni to independent power producers (IPPs) due to commercial issues related to gas supply.

This situation has persisted for about a week, affecting the operations of power producers. The sources indicated that until the commercial issues are addressed, there will be a continuous drop in gas supply to thermal plants for electricity generation.

Eni, for instance, is reportedly owed $400 million by the Government of Ghana. The sources noted that the current situation is unrelated to the Sunon Asogli Plant, which has already shut down due to the government’s indebtedness to it and other IPPs. The bottom line of the power outages, according to the sources, is the lack of sufficient gas supply to meet local demands.

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He will engage various communities as he seeks to rally support ahead of the upcoming elections.

The campaign kick-off will begin with a community engagement session at Old Ningo in the Ningo Prampram constituency, where Mr Mahama will listen to the concerns of residents and share his vision for the area.

Following the initial engagement, Mr Mahama will address a mini-campaign durbar in Prampram, where he will emphasise the importance of unity and collaboration within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as they prepare for the elections.

As part of his campaign activities, Mahama will participate in a mini rally in Afienya, further solidifying his presence in the Ningo Prampram area.

He will then move to Gbetseli in the Kpone Katamanso constituency, where he will continue his community engagement efforts, addressing the needs of the residents and urging them to support the NDC in the upcoming elections.

The day’s activities will be concluded with Mr Mahama meeting stakeholders in the Tema industrial area, specifically in Community 9, where he discussed economic development and job creation.

He will also interact with traditional heads and religious leaders at a mosque in Community 7, highlighting his commitment to fostering peace and cooperation among different communities.

Mr Mahama will wrap up his day with a community engagement session in Tema New Town, reinforcing his message of hope and progress for the people of Greater Accra.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

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The heavy rains caused drainage systems to overflow, resulting in a surge of primarily plastic, flooding the area.

A sea of filth engulfed the streets, with plastic bottles, bags, and other refuse creating an unsightly and hazardous environment.

Below are some pictures by Myjoyonline.coms photo journalist, David Andoh

Source: Adomonline

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In a statement released on Friday, September 10, the Police provided details on the specific routes that will be affected and alternative traffic diversions that will be put in place.

Officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will be deployed to manage traffic and assist motorists during the period.

The Police also advised pedestrians to avoid using the stretch between the AU Roundabout and the 37 Roundabout.

Special arrangements will be made for individuals needing access to essential services, such as the 37 Military Hospital, TV3, and those residing in the affected areas.

Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to comply with the diversions and follow the guidance of traffic officers to ensure smooth operations during the period of the roadblocks.

Roads to be blocked include:

2. Traffic from AU Roundabout will turn at the Castle Road to the Ridge Roundabout to the Kanda Highway, through to Gold House Traffic Light (Kawukudi). Alternatively, from the AU Roundabout to the Castle Road link up with the Lokko Street, and link up to the Independence Avenue to Labone and beyond.

3. From the AU Roundabout, traffic will turn right towards the Second Avenue (GI)), to the Ring Road Central, in front of the Poke Headquarters to the Dankwa Cirde, through the Cantonments Road to the Ghana International School and along the Second Circular Road to Giffard Road (El•Wak traffic light) and beyond.

4. Traffic from Madina direction to Accra will terminate at 37 Roundabout and be diverted as follows: Obasanjo Highway to Gold House Traffic Light and turn unto the Dr. Liman Highway (Kanda Highway), to the Ridge Roundabout to the Castle Road to Accra Central Business District.

5. Traffic from 37 Roundabout will be diverted to turn at Giffard Road (Burma Camp Road) to link up with the Second Circular Road in front of the Ghana International School to the Cantonments Road towards Dankwa Circle.

6. Alternatively, motorists can go through the Giffard Road, towards Trade Fair and join the Beach Road towards the Central Business District.

7. The Presidential Drive (behind TV 3) would be blocked at the Kanda Post Office Junction. Motorists will be directed to use the Dr. Liman Highway (Kanda Highway) to access alternative routes.

8. Traffic will turn right to the Obasanjo Highway to Gold House Traffic Light to Dr. Liman Highway and beyond.

9. The road in front of the Prudential Bank will be blocked from the Ring Road towards TV3.

However, instead of finding prosperity, they often end up trapped in deplorable economic conditions characterized by poverty, limited access to essential services, and social marginalization.

The term “Kayayei” is derived from the Ga language and refers to female head porters.

These women, typically aged between 8 and 45, are often school dropouts or escapees of harmful cultural practices like forced marriages and female genital mutilation.

The journey south has become a generational pattern, often trapping these women in a cycle of poverty and exploitation.

They work long hours, carrying heavy loads on their heads through markets and lorry stations, assisting traders, and performing domestic chores under harsh conditions.

Despite their efforts, they earn minimal pay and are frequently subjected to abuse, victimization, and exploitation.

Their rest periods are dictated by the demand for their services, with Fridays and Saturdays being the busiest days.

Challenges and Vulnerabilities

The aspirations of these young women—to make money in Accra, return home, continue their education, and start businesses—are often crushed by the harsh realities they face in the city.

Working in the informal sector for low wages, Kayayei lack access to basic healthcare and education, which perpetuates their poverty.

Many are forced to sleep in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, exposing them to harsh weather and health issues such as respiratory infections and skin diseases.

Additionally, they are at high risk of sexual harassment, exploitation, stigmatization, and violence, with little to no legal protection or recourse against their abusers.

Despite these hardships, Kayayei demonstrate remarkable resilience in coping with the physical demands of their job.

They often take rest days when their health does not allow them to work, relying on painkillers to relieve constant pain instead of seeking proper medical care.

However, these coping mechanisms are far from ideal and can lead to further health issues.

Their low incomes and unstable living conditions create significant barriers to accessing proper healthcare.

In an interview with Adom News at the Tema Station, Farida, a Kayayoo (singular form of Kayayei), expressed her disillusionment:

“I thought Accra was like living abroad, but it is far from what I imagined. We sleep outside and lack access to adequate food, so we resort to eating once a day.

If I were home, I would have had tuo to eat and a good sleep in my room. Here, we are exposed to mosquitoes and the cold weather.

“I regret coming to Accra. I won’t repeat this mistake in my next life.”

Kayayei are socially, politically, and economically invisible, with their contributions to the informal sector often going unrecognized.

Their plight underscores the need for interventions that address the root causes of their migration, such as poverty and the lack of economic opportunities in the northern regions of Ghana.

Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

Source: Naa Yarteley Acquah & Yayra Lawoe

The event opened silently through the Osu township, with participants clad in all-white attires.

There was a declaration by the team in the Christiansborg castle and the opening of the Shika Shika Art Fair in the Garden.

Other activities during the first day of the Chale Wote Street Art Festival were a royal music performance by the Osu Klottey School of African Music, a Dagara Music Centre performance, a Nyonmo Y3 Jen Cultural Group dance performance, film screening and conversations.

The 2024 edition of the festival is slated for August 19-25 at the Black Star Square.

Themed ‘And Now An End To The Empire Of Horrors,’ draws inspiration from some of Africa’s deepest history that lies in the Gulf of Guinea. Chale Wote seeks to artistically focus on the tales of the fantastic and mortal gods from the Gulf of Guinea, which can be understood as allegories that illustrate the social conditions created by genocidal squatter colonialism.

Chale Wote 2024 explores the history of the place through its origins and an examination of it concerning its death and the current rebirth of its sacred sciences, long forgotten and buried with the giants. The event will curate a multiplicity of counterhegemonic narratives about this rebirth in their most spectacular form through art and entertainment.

As strong advocates of art education, the organisers are also interested in works that can be tailored to include salons and knowledge-sharing labs with children and/or youth during the festival period.

The one-week-long festival will be held from Monday, August 19, to Sunday, August 25, 2024. Therefore, selected artists will be expected to release the works from August 10 to 18, 2024, and have them ready for display from the beginning to the climax of the festival.

For the second time, The Multimedia Group is the official media partner for the festival.

Through its experienced reporters, the media company will give viewers, listeners and readers of its platforms, comprehensive coverage of everything that happens throughout the period.

The festival will be transmitted on Hitz FM, and Joy Prime, and have reports published on myjoyonline.com. There will be special features on all the other media outlets of The Multimedia Group.

Last year, the event started from Independence Square into the Osu township, where the High Court complex is, down into Independence Square, into the Osu Castle, into the Osu community, all the way down to Oxford Street, and all up to the Osu cemetery traffic light coming towards Accra Sports Stadium, rounding it back into Independence Square.

The story was also performed as a musical theatre piece called ‘Memory Movement Freedom’ by multiple community-based performances, dance troupes and brass bands.

Some major activities for last year’s edition of the festival were photo exhibitions, street painting, graffiti murals, interactive installations, street boxing, movie screenings, processions, design labs, movie screenings, and more.

The 14th edition of the Chalewote Street Art Festival promises to be an amplified version of last year’s.

It is organised by Accra [dot] ALT, in collaboration with Redd Kat Pictures and Chale Wote Street Art Projekt.

Source: Kwame Dadzie

The two-day event, which took place in Accra, featured professionals from telecom, banking, insurance, pharmaceuticals, technology, and more.

The National Sales Academy (NSA) and the National Sales Achievers Awards (NSAA) was also launched at the conference.

At the closing ceremony, Clarus Kwofie, General Manager of CorEvents Solutions, expressed pride in the conference’s achievements.

“We introduced fresh strategies focused on customer-centric approaches and explored how technology can enhance our sales processes. The networking sessions have already sparked new partnerships, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” he noted.

“This event has not only showcased our progress but has also set the stage for future accomplishments in sales,” Mr Kwofie added.

He encouraged participants to remain engaged and to share their experiences to inspire others.

Mr Kwofie also extended gratitude to the guest speakers, partners, and sponsors, including MGA Consulting Ghana Limited and Telecel Ghana, for their support.

The conference, themed “Sales Unleashed: The Role of Sales in Sustained Organizational Revenue Growth and Economic Development,” featured keynote addresses and dynamic discussions on thriving in uncertainty, women in sales leadership, and more.

Source: Adomonline

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Effective August 26, 2024, the Embassy will transition to a new visa services provider. This change will impact the scheduling and management of visa appointments, as well as access to customer service.

Key dates and actions:

August 16, 2024: Access to the current visa service provider’s website and services will cease. After this date, users will not be able to make new visa appointments, cancel or reschedule existing appointments, or access customer service.

August 21, 2024: Last day to drop off documents at Premium Delivery locations.

August 23, 2024: Last day to drop off documents at locations in Ghana for delivery to the Embassy.

August 26, 2024: The new visa appointment website will go live, allowing for fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service. New document drop-off and pickup locations will also be available.

Impact on visa applicants:

Interviews Scheduled On or Before August 16:

No further action required. Continue to access your account on ustraveldocs.com to review appointment details and contact customer service as necessary.

Interviews Scheduled Between August 16 and August 26:

No further action required. However, you will not have access to your ustraveldocs.com account after August 16. Ensure you print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16 and attend your scheduled interview. If you miss your interview, check the new visa services website after August 26 for rescheduling instructions.

Interviews Scheduled for August 26 or Later:

No further action required, but you will not have access to your ustraveldocs.com account after August 16. Print your appointment confirmation letter before August 16. Beginning August 26, create a new user account on the new visa services website to manage your appointment and access customer service.

Paid Visa Application Fee but No Scheduled Interview:

Schedule your visa appointment as soon as possible and follow the guidelines based on your interview date.

Planning to Travel in August or September and Have Not Paid the Visa Application Fee:

Pay the visa application fee and schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Note that appointment slots for August and September are limited, and you may need to wait until after August 26 to begin the visa process.

Planning to Travel After August or September and Have Not Paid the MRV Fee:

Wait until after August 26 to begin the visa application process.

The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of travel and other relevant factors. Visa applicants must establish that they meet all requirements for the visa category they are applying for. For more information and updates, visit the U.S. Embassy in Accra’s website.

While this is a decrease of half a million compared to the same time in 2022, it remains a major concern. About 60% (representing 1.2 million) of these idle youth are females, showing the need for better support for girls’ education and job training.

The report revealed that the Greater Accra region has the highest concentration of idle youth, with one in every three idle youth residing there.

This translates to 565,360 youth not engaged in any of the three activities mentioned. Unlike other regions that were recording a decrease, Accra’s number of idle youth increased.

“Between the third quarters of 2022 and 2023, the percentage of youth NEET declined in all regions except Greater Accra which experienced a marginal increase of 0.5 percentage points. Greater Accra was the only region to record increases in youth NEET for both males and females between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023” the report said.

Checks by the JoyNews Research Desk revealed that this phenomenon is heightened by the high rate of migrants from other regions into Accra.

According to the latest thematic migration report from the Ghana Statistical Service, net migration to the central business district was around 1.1 million.

This is five times the number of migrants compared to the Ashanti region which placed second with 207,000 net migrants.

The report noted that people were attracted to the region because of the vast concentration of industries and other economic opportunities it harboured.

However, what happens when these migrants cannot find the opportunities they seek? When the demand for jobs and other economic opportunities exceeds availability, migrants are often left stranded and idle, with no employment, education, or training.

10 of the 16 regions in Ghana had more people leaving them to seek greener pastures due to limited infrastructures and job availability.

The current government made attempts to diversify the availability of factories to provide jobs by introducing the One District, One Factory initiative.

The policy delineates its objective as the establishment of at least one medium to large-scale factory or enterprise in each district to ensure a balanced geographical distribution of industrial activities across the country.

Current reports from the government’s Performance Tracker reveal that 169 companies are currently operational under the 1D1F initiative.

Independent checks made from the performance tracker indicated that only 118 companies were available on the tracker. All of which were stated to be completed.

The distribution of the projects however raises some important concerns about the evenness and spatial distribution of the projects.  The analysis of the data from the tracker revealed that the majority of the districts are concentrated in the southern part of Ghana.

District to Company Comparison by Region under the 1D1F

A closer look further shows that while some regions had almost two of the companies per district, others were left with only one or none for the entire region. This shows a drift in the geographic distribution of the companies as promised.

Performance Check

The 1D1F policy has seen some major performance in some regions as compared to others. Comparing the percentage of districts having benefitted from the policy in some regions compared to others shows the uneven distribution of the policy in contrast to the promise that was made.

1D1F: Project Financing

The government has over the years allocated GH¢2.13 billion to the 1D1F project. This translates to an average allocation of GH¢267 million since its inception in 2017. The highest allocation was in 2020 (election year) with some GH¢484 million allocation.

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The GSS’s latest population projections for 2021 to 2050 indicate a marked rise in the number of inhabitants throughout the Greater Accra region.

As of 2024, Ghana’s total population is projected to exceed 33 million, a significant increase from 30.8 million in 2021.

The Greater Accra Region, in particular, is anticipated to see a substantial rise in its population, including a growing number of school-aged children, which is expected to reach 2.96 million by 2030.

The youth population aged 15 to 24 years is also set to nearly double in size.

Presenting the data, Deputy Government Statistician Dr. Faustina Frempong urged the government to address the rapid population growth in the Greater Accra region, which is characterized by its limited land area.

“Government needs to intervene in the exponential population growth in the Greater Accra region covering smaller land spaces,” she cautioned.

The purpose of these population projections is to provide valuable insights into the future demographic landscape, aiding policymakers, researchers, and the public in understanding potential changes.

The GSS emphasized that these projections are crucial for monitoring the progress of national, continental, and global development goals.

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The capital city of Ghana had an index of 32 out of 100.

The Numbeo index utilised variables such as the rent index, grocery index, restaurant index, cost of living plus rent index, and local purchasing power.

With severe economic challenges, South Africa saw four cities ranked among the top 10 most expensive cities in Africa.

Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Lagos which is the biggest city in Africa came 4th followed by Durban in South Africa (5th) and Casablanca, Morrocco (6th).

Currency fluctuations, inflation, subsidy removals on essential commodities like fuel, and increased taxes fuel the rising cost of living in many African cities.

Therefore, basic commodities like food and utilities have witnessed price hikes.

While some African cities have experienced notable economic growth, income inequality remains a persistent issue.

The gap between the rich and the poor is widening, making it difficult for a significant portion of the population to cope with the rising cost of living.

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The festival promises to be an exhilarating celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and its global influence, culminating in a grand concert at the University of Ghana on Saturday, June 22.

Hosting WAMAFEST for the first time, Ghana adds this vibrant event to its growing list of international arts festivals, including the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, AfroFuture, and the Black Star Line Festival.

In his opening remarks, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, emphasized the importance of collaboration among West African countries to preserve and promote their cultural heritage through music.

He stated, “Music knows no borders, and neither should our efforts to protect our heritage.”

Prof Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University, underscored the significance of sustaining the festival for future generations.

“WAMAFEST is not just about today; it’s an investment in our cultural future,” she said.

Adding to the excitement of the festival, a Juneteenth Parade will take place over the weekend, celebrating freedom and promoting tourism and economic development in the subregion.

The West Africa Music and Arts Festival is part of the “Beyond the Return” campaign, a 10-year successor to the “Year of Return” campaign in 2019, which marked the 400th anniversary of the first recorded arrival of enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia, USA.

The launch event attracted notable attendees, including Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Agyapa Mercer; Second Lady, Samira Bawumia; CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman; and representatives from various West African countries.

Also in attendance were officials from Global A&R Warner Recorded Music, MUSIGA President Bessa Simons, HipHopPreneur and Marketing Strategist Professor Jasmine Young, alongside numerous music executives and artists such as Efya, Reggie Rockstone, and Trigmatic.

With the stage already set, WAMAFEST promises to be a blend of cultural pride and unity, resonating far beyond West Africa.

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The storm is currently observed in southern Togo and anticipated to affect the southwest part of Ghana later today.

A separate rainstorm over Burkina Faso is expected to cast cloudiness over parts of the Upper West with rains of varying intensity.

Areas expected to be highly affected by the rains include Tema, Accra, Koforidua, Begoro and its surroundings.

In the Volta environs, Aflao, Keta, Anloga, Ho, Akatsi, Somanya and surroundings are cautioned to prepare.

The state of the sea is rough.

His ambitious goal is to trek from Techiman to Accra, with a scheduled stop in Kumasi before midnight.

Meanwhile, Rafiwu’s journey, covering a distance of approximately 400 kilometres, aims to raise awareness for a cause yet unspecified.

Accompanying him on his journey is an ambulance, ensuring prompt medical assistance in case of any emergencies. Rafiwu’s determination and endurance are commendable as he embarks on this challenging trek across the country.

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Explaining the reason behind the decision to replicate the vigil that took place in Kumasi on April 17, 2024, Henry Osei Akoto, one of the leaders of the protest, said it is not enough to have only Kumasi featured.

He explained that moving the vigil around is meant to mount further pressure on the government, and to bring its attention to the debilitating effects of the power outages on businesses and livelihoods.

He added that the group will soon mobilize Ghanaians to protest against the erratic power supply, commonly known as Dumsor.

“We will mobilise Ghanaians on the streets soon if you don’t resolve dumsor; the inconveniences are just too much.

“You promised Ghanaians you were going to give us an uninterrupted power supply; see where you’ve brought us,” he said.

The Dumsor Vigil is organized by Ashanti Democrats, led by Jerry James Sukkah.

The date for the Accra version is yet to be announced.

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Scheduled for Friday, March 8, 2024, at the Legon Stadium in Accra, the festivities will kick off at 14:00GMT, featuring captivating acts by the likes of the “Freedom” hitmaker and the iconic “Terminator” singer as they take centre stage to mark the commencement of the games.

Adding to the excitement, Kamo Mphela and Ebo Taylor are also slated to grace the event with their performances.

From March 8 to March 23, 2024, the 13th African Games will be a celebration of athletic prowess and cultural richness across the continent.

Athletes from diverse backgrounds will converge to compete in a wide array of sports, including athletics, football, basketball, and swimming, among others.

With a total of 29 sports on display, categorized into Olympic qualifying sports (8), non-Olympic qualifying sports (15), and demonstration sports (6), the games promise a thrilling experience for sports enthusiasts.

The state-of-the-art Borteyman Sports Complex will serve as the venue for indoor sports, while football aficionados can anticipate thrilling matches at both the Accra Sports Stadium and the Cape Coast Stadium.

This comes on the back of recent reports of multiple non-functioning streetlights dotted across major streets of the capital.

Parts of the La Beach Road to the Teshie District Police Headquarters have been engulfed in darkness due to the ongoing road expansion projects. Danquah Circle, Awudome Cemetery, Old Abossey Okai central mosque to the Kaneshie First Light are all streets that lack illumination.

Speaking on Citi TV Mr Kapito urged Ghanaians to speak up against the menace as government officials do not feel the burden.

“These people we call honourable go around in convoys or motorcades so you and I have to make sure that no vehicle veers into our direction due to the lack of visibility. They do not care because we do not cry or shout out enough. In any other jurisdiction apart from these other African countries, these people would be held accountable. Even lawyers are afraid to go to court and sue somebody who knocked down somebody because there was no visibility.”

Meanwhile, Kofi Kapito also called for the scrapping of some agencies in the country which he claims are not serving their purpose. One such agency is the National Road Safety Authority, which he says has been reduced to performing ceremonial functions.

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Do you agree with what the figures are showing?

It says the “best value pound for pound kenkey is in La, Osu, Teshie are close 2nd. And well prepared too. Don’t be buying expensive ‘komi’ from East Legon, Dzorwulu and the likes-go to the source.”

Their journey commenced on Saturday, July 22nd, with the primary goal of raising awareness about digital poverty prevalent in rural areas of Ghana.

The group planned to reach London within 16 days, opting for a road trip instead of a seven-hour flight to the same destination from Ghana.

THE ROUTE

Day 1: Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, starting from the border at Gonokrom near Dormaa Ahenkro
Day 2: Bamako, Mali.
Day 3: Dakar, Senegal. An additional day has been scheduled for car servicing and maintenance.
Day 5: Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Day 6: Dakhla, Morocco.
Day 7: Guelmim, Morocco.
Day 8: Casablanca, Morocco.
Day 9: Tangier, Morocco.
Day 10: The journey continues from Tangier to Algeciras, Spain, using a ferry. Overnight stay in Valencia.
Day 11: Arriving in Monaco.
Day 12: Reaching Lake Como.
Day 13: Frankfurt.
Day 14: Amsterdam.
Day 16: Arrival in London via the Calais/Dover route.

This venture marks the first time Ghanaians are undertaking such an adventure.

The organisers said beyond the excitement, they also sought to gain first-hand experience of cross-border travel within the continent, aligning with the ideals of free trade.

Who are the Adventurers?

Comprising a team of Ghanaian professionals, the group includes realtors, bankers, software developers, and business leaders.

Their purpose transcends mere travel; Kojo Akoto Boateng, one of the participants, revealed that while these journeys are enjoyable, they are also avenues for building relationships and devising solutions for rural Ghana.

Their trips serve as fundraisers to establish schools, libraries, e-learning resources, and provide mentorship for rural children.

Among the predominantly male group, there is a lone female mechanic, Nana Efua Serwaa Adusei.

Driving Towards Digitization

Outside urban centres in Ghana, numerous communities and schools lack access to essential digital tools. Recognizing this, Kwabena Ayirebi, a leader among the adventurers, underscores the mission of the Wanderlust Ghana group to raise awareness about digital poverty in the country.

Their objective includes collecting funds to establish digital libraries that would link Ghanaian communities to the world of possibilities. The target of USD 100,000 aims to bring technology to the fingertips of young individuals, using these libraries as their gateway to a broader world.

As of August 4th, they have raised USD 6,000, designated as a digital catalyst fund to support digital charities.

Kwabena, a realtor, reflects on the journey’s conception since 2018, with the aspiration of completing it within sixteen days. The group documented every aspect of their voyage on social media, encompassing immigration and border procedures, as well as aspects like food and accommodation.

The Journey’s Genesis

Despite planning for the trip in 2018, the endeavour faced delays due to the challenge of assembling participants.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 further hindered their plans. Three years after the pandemic’s emergence, they finally gave themselves the green light, determined to embark on this journey without external sponsorship.

The road trip for digitization comprised a convoy of five Ghanaian-registered cars, crossing through Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania. Kwabena Ayirebi shared on Facebook that they serviced some vehicles in Dakar, Senegal before progressing to Morocco.

By August 4th, another member of the group, Kojo Saka, confirmed that they had driven 7,200 kilometres to reach Spain.

While some members returned to Ghana, others left for South Africa and the Netherlands due to work commitments. Ultimately, by August 6th, nine individuals successfully reached London, completing the entire journey.

#AccratoLondon Creates Social Media Buzz

On platforms like Facebook and Twitter, numerous individuals have praised the adventurers for their courage and determination.

Messages of encouragement flooded in, including those from media personalities and sports journalists.

Ghanaian sports journalist Saddick Adams expressed his wish to document this thrilling 10,000-kilometre journey.

Gary Al-Smith also conveyed his anticipation for an intriguing twist in the adventure’s conclusion.

Ben Dotsei Malo, former BBC editor and current UN News chief editor, lauded the journey as an amazing, daring, and beautiful adventure.

He extended his respect and admiration to the team for their meticulous planning and preparation.

While some raised concerns about the risks involved, Wanderlust Ghana remains undeterred, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to the #DrivingForDigitization agenda.

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The Minister met with the media earlier on Wednesday, July 26, as part of a briefing to provide updates on Ghana’s preparations to host the games.

The Games, which were initially scheduled for August 2023, will now take place in March 2024 with the infrastructure expected to be completed before then.

Among the 22 sporting events, seven will serve as qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, while the remaining 15 will be Non-Olympic qualifiers. Additionally, five sports disciplines will be showcased as demonstration sports during the event.

The Olympic Qualifiers include Badminton, Cycling, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, and Wrestling. These events present a significant opportunity for Ghanaian athletes to secure their places in the prestigious global sporting event, the Olympic Games.

Speaking about the aim of hosting and organizing the 13th African Games, Hon. Mustapha Ussif emphasised the event’s role in contributing to Ghana’s transformational agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want.”

The Games also seek to improve sports infrastructure in the country and position Accra as a Sports Hub in West Africa.

In terms of infrastructure development, significant progress is being made with the construction of world-class facilities at various locations. These include the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, the Rugby Pitch, the Games Village, and the Borteyman Sports Complex, which is set to be converted into a University of Sport for Development in the near future.

The Minister expressed confidence in the collective effort of all stakeholders, emphasizing the Government of Ghana’s unwavering commitment to host a successful and memorable African Games in March 2024. He called for a unified and collaborative approach to overcome challenges and ensure the Games celebrate African unity, diversity, and progress.

Ussif highlighted the benefits of hosting the 13th African Games, including financial gains from increased TV and online viewership, strengthening of the Ghana Cedi, foreign direct investment inflows, and potential savings in pre-tournament athlete camping.

The African Games, Accra 2023, are poised to be a remarkable event that showcases Ghana’s commitment to sports development and leaves a lasting legacy of environmental consciousness through the adoption of a “Green Game Strategy.”

With just seven months to go, the nation is eagerly anticipating the opening ceremony, scheduled for March 8, 2024, which will set the stage for an extraordinary celebration of African unity and sporting excellence.

The tremor with a magnitude of 2.8 on the Richter scale was slightly felt in High Street, Ridge and other parts of Accra Central at 9:49am .

In a release issued to that effect, the Authority said the epicenter is located 1.5km offshore near Jamestown in the Greater Accra Region.

The earth tremor, it said, is a minor one, hence no damage is expected to be caused.

Though natural disasters like tremors are difficult to predict, the Authority said it continues to monitor these events and subsequently inform the public to ensure safety and minimise risk.

Education and sensitisation on awareness and response during tremors are currently being undertaken by the Authority.

The latest tremor comes after two similar ones hit parts of Accra on Monday, December 12, 2022.

Accra and its environs are situated in the earthquake-prone zones so from time to time, the Authority warns that such tremors will be experienced.

Find attached press release below:

The basic purpose of a bus shelter is to provide cover for passengers from rain and wind. In addition, contemporary innovations and developments have added features that enable bus shelters provide passengers with comfort and protection from the scorching sun.

However, traders have taken over many bus shelters in Accra and transformed them into shops where they sit, display and trade their wares.

This new norm has often left passengers stranded as they wait for buses in the open or in extreme situations, virtually on the roads because the traders and their wares occupy the designated spots for them. They are simply exposed to all manner of dangers, including speeding vehicles.

Traders discomforting travellers in this manner acknowledged the illegality of their actions but they turned a blind eye. Local authorities have from time to time taken some drastic measures in an attempt to curb the illegality.   

The traders claim the same authorities are happy to collect daily tolls of GHȼ1.00 from them, in that sense, legitimizing the illegality, thereby emboldening them to return each day to perpetuate the wrong.

MyJoyOnline’s photojournalist Joseph Mawuli Tibu captured the following scenes in parts of the capital: