A dramatic scene unfolded at Sekondi Market after an alleged thief reportedly got his hand stuck inside a woman’s handbag while attempting to steal her iPhone 17 Pro Max.According to eyewitnesses, the suspect allegedly tried to sneak the expensive phone out of the woman’s bag but suddenly found himself unable to remove his hand. The bizarre moment quickly drew a large crowd, with many left stunned as the man struggled helplessly.Narrating the incident, the woman claimed this was not an ordinary situation, revealing that she had sought spiritual protection after her previous iPhone was stolen.“The last time my iPhone was stolen, I sought spiritual protection. Today, a thief’s hand got stuck in my bag and won’t come out unless we cut it off,” she reportedly said.Videos and photos from the market have since gone viral on social media, sparking mixed reactions among Ghanaians. While some described the incident as “spiritual justice,” others questioned whether there could be another explanation behind the strange occurrence.The alleged thief was eventually surrounded by traders and bystanders as the unusual drama continued at the busy market centre.<h2>Video</h2><div class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm border border-gray-200 my-4"><div class="relative w-full" style="padding-bottom: 158.14%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Freel%2F985017080941871%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=301&amp;t=0" width="301" height="476" title="Embedded content" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" class="absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full rounded-lg border border-gray-200 shadow-sm"></iframe></div><div class="mt-2 text-xs text-gray-500 text-center">Embedded content from: www.facebook.com</div></div>

Video: Thief’s hand gets stuck in woman’s bag while attempting to steal iPhone 17 Pro Max

School is hard. But these free AI tools are making life easier for students across Ghana — and you need to know about them.Let's be honest. Being a student in Ghana is not easy.You wake up early, squeeze into a trotro, sit through long lectures, come home tired, and still have assignments waiting for you. Sometimes the light goes off just when you are about to study. Sometimes you do not even understand what the lecturer taught and you are too shy to ask.That is where AI comes in.No, AI will not write your exam for you. But it will explain that confusing topic at 11pm when your lecturer is asleep. It will fix your grammar before you submit that essay. It will summarise 40 pages of reading into 5 minutes.These tools are free. They work on your phone. And students all over Ghana from KNUST to UCC to Legon are already using them.Here are the 5 you need to start using today.<h2>1. ChatGPT — The Study Partner You Never Had</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779891770424-r199y9dfm.webp" alt="ChatGPT" data-credit="ChatGPT" title="ChatGPT" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://chat.openai.com">chat.openai.com</a> Cost: FreeImagine having a very brilliant friend. Someone who studied every subject science, history, law, business, everything. And any time you message them, they reply immediately. No attitude. No "I'm busy." Just answers.That is ChatGPT.You can ask it anything. "Explain the causes of World War One like I am in SHS." It will break it down simply. " Help me write an introduction for my essay on climate change. "Done in seconds." Give me 20 practice questions on organic chemistry. "It will generate them instantly.Many students in Ghana are already using ChatGPT to revise before WASSCE and prepare for university exams. If you are not using it yet, you are leaving free help on the table.How to start: Go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://chat.openai.com">chat.openai.com</a> on your phone, create a free account, and just start chatting like you are texting a friend.<h2>2. Grammarly — So Your English Doesn't Embarrass You</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://eduhelpgalaxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Grammarly-Ai.png" alt="Grammarly" data-credit="Grammarly" title="Grammarly" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://grammarly.com">grammarly.com</a> Cost: FreeWe all know that one person whose English in assignments is always clean and professional. Chances are they are using Grammarly.Grammarly is an AI tool that reads your writing and fixes your grammar, spelling, and sentence structure in real time. It works right inside Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and even your browser.So when you are typing that assignment and you write something wrong, Grammarly quietly highlights it and shows you the right way. No judgement. Just correction.It is especially useful if English is not your first language. Whether you speak Twi, Ga, Hausa or Ewe at home, Grammarly helps your written English sound polished and confident.How to start: Download the free Grammarly extension on your laptop browser. It will automatically start checking everything you type online.<h2>3. NotebookLM — Turn Your Lecture Notes Into a Smart Assistant</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*WkjPRxKMpRPkME13bIzceg.png" alt="NotebookLM" data-credit="NotebookLM" title="NotebookLM" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://notebooklm.google.com">notebooklm.google.com</a> Cost: FreeHere is a situation many students know too well. You have an exam tomorrow. You have 6 PDF documents, 3 lecture slides, and a 40-page handout to read. Where do you even start?NotebookLM solves this problem completely.It is a free AI tool from Google. You upload all your documents – your lecture slides, your textbook chapters, and your research papers – and it reads everything for you. Then you can ask it questions directly from your own materials."Summarise Chapter 3 for me." "What are the main points from today's lecture?" "Explain this concept in simple terms."It answers using only your uploaded documents. So you know the answers are relevant to exactly what your lecturer taught, not random information from the internet.For final year students doing projects and dissertations, this tool alone can save you weeks of work.How to start: Go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://notebooklm.google.com">notebooklm.google.com</a>, sign in with your Gmail, and upload your first document.<h2>4. QuillBot — Your Secret Weapon Against Plagiarism</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://www.buzzcube.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/quillbot-ai-review.jpg" alt="QuillBot" data-credit="QuillBot" title="QuillBot" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://quillbot.com">quillbot.com</a> Cost: FreeEvery university student in Ghana knows the fear of plagiarism. Your lecturer runs your work through a plagiarism checker, and if your similarity score is too high, you are in trouble.QuillBot fixes this problem.It is an AI tool that takes any sentence or paragraph and rewrites it in fresh words — while keeping the same meaning. So if you read something from a textbook or website and want to use the idea in your assignment, QuillBot helps you rewrite it properly in your own style.It also has a summariser. Paste in a long article, and it will give you the key points in a short paragraph. Perfect for when you are researching and do not have time to read everything.How to start: Go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://quillbot.com">quillbot.com</a> — no account needed for basic use. Just paste your text and click paraphrase.<h2>5. Google Gemini — Free, Fast and Connected to the Internet</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://sm.pcmag.com/pcmag_me/review/g/google-gem/google-gemini_yr4d.jpg" alt="Gemini" data-credit="Gemini" title="Gemini" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://gemini.google.com">gemini.google.com</a> Cost: FreeGoogle made their own AI assistant and called it Gemini. And because it is Google, it is connected to the internet and gives you current, up-to-date information.This makes it very powerful for students who need to research current affairs, recent news, or updated statistics for their assignments.You can also use it to solve maths problems step by step, plan your study timetable, or even practice speaking and writing in a foreign language if you are studying one.And since most students in Ghana already have a Gmail account, you can sign in immediately with no new registration needed.How to start: Go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://gemini.google.com">gemini.google.com</a>, sign in with your Gmail, and ask your first question.<h2>The Truth About AI and Studying</h2>AI is not cheating. Cheating is when you copy someone else's work and pretend it is yours.AI is a tool just like a calculator, a dictionary, or a library. The students who learn how to use these tools well will have a serious advantage over those who do not.You still need to read. You still need to think. You still need to show up and write your own exam. But when you are confused at midnight, when your notes are messy, and when your grammar needs work, these tools are there to help.Start with just one today. Download Grammarly on your laptop or open ChatGPT on your phone. Give it one week and see the difference it makes.Your mates are already using them. Do not be left behind.

5 best AI tools every student in Ghana should use in 2026

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaian youth to stay away from drug abuse and all related illegal activities, urging them to focus on education, discipline, and national development.Delivering his 2026 Eid al-Adha message at Independence Square in Accra on Wednesday, May 27, the president also appealed for continued peace, unity, and religious harmony across the country.He referenced the teachings of Islam, noting that the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s life embodied values such as mercy, humility, honesty, kindness, and justice.“As Muslims, we are guided by the teachings and examples of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, whose life embodied mercy, humility, honesty, kindness, and justice,” he stated.<h2>Call to Youth on Discipline and Development</h2>President Mahama strongly cautioned young people against substance abuse, stressing the need for responsible citizenship and personal development.“I especially encourage our young people to remain disciplined, law-abiding, respectful, and responsible citizens. I urge you also to avoid drug addiction. Our nation needs young people who are focused on education, skills, hard work, entrepreneurship, and service to humanity,” he added.<h2>Peace and Religious Harmony in Ghana</h2>He also highlighted Ghana’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence, noting that Christians and Muslims have peacefully lived together for generations, sharing communities, schools, businesses, and families.The President further commended the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, for his continued role in promoting peace, tolerance, and unity in Ghana.

Eid al-Adha 2026: 'Avoid drug addiction' - Mahama urges the youth

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will allocate GH¢100 million to Ghana’s 10 technical universities in the 2027 national budget, with each institution expected to receive GH¢10 million.The funding, to be drawn from the GETFund, is designed as seed capital to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with a focus on infrastructure development, research, and innovation across the institutions.President Mahama made the announcement when he opened the 2026 Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities of Ghana (ARCTUG 2026) held at Takoradi Technical University.<h2>Linking Education to Industry</h2>He stressed the importance of aligning education with industry needs, noting that countries achieving rapid economic growth are those that successfully connect academic research to real-world production and innovation.“This conference comes at a critical moment in our national journey. Across the world, countries that are succeeding economically are those that have successfully connected education to industry, research to production, and innovation to enterprise,” he stated.The president added that modern economies are increasingly driven by ideas, skills, technology, and innovation rather than natural resources.<h2>10-Year Technical University Milestone</h2>Mahama also marked the 10th anniversary of Ghana’s transition from polytechnics to technical universities, describing it as a major reform initiated under his previous administration.He recalled that the decision, taken a decade ago at the same venue, faced initial criticism but has since become a key pillar in Ghana’s education system.<h2>Focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship</h2>The president urged technical universities to move beyond producing job seekers and instead focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and global competitiveness.He also linked the initiative to the government's broader STEM agenda, which includes integrating robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology into Ghana’s education system.Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu assured that the ministry is working to secure adequate funding to support TVET reforms.Stakeholders at the conference, including university leaders, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive industrial transformation and national development.

10 technical universities to receive GH¢10m each in 2027 budget

Ghanaian authorities have begun the repatriation of its citizens from South Africa, with the first group of about 800 people expected to be flown back home on Wednesday morning.According to reports from the BBC, dozens of buses arranged by the Ghanaian embassy arrived at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport around 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT), transporting passengers who had registered for evacuation.The group included men, women, and children of various ages. A smaller number of passengers also arrived in a police van and were separated from the larger group under police supervision.All individuals were reportedly registered and processed by embassy and airport officials before departure.<h2>Rising Anti-Immigration Protests Spark Concerns</h2>The evacuation comes in the wake of recent anti-immigration protests across several South African cities, which have raised fears of renewed xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.Demonstrators, under a movement known as “March and March", have accused undocumented migrants of putting pressure on public services and have called on the government to tighten immigration enforcement. The group has also set a June 30 deadline for illegal migrants to leave the country.<h2>Voices From the Evacuation</h2>Few of the departing Ghanaians agreed to speak to the media, but one passenger, Rudolph — who has lived in South Africa for 10 years and runs a salon — said he was leaving due to growing insecurity.“It's not comfortable for us to stay here anymore, so we have to go. I think we will find peace at home,” he said.Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the government intervened after many citizens reported feeling unsafe and economically restricted.He explained that the state’s priority was to ensure the safety and dignity of Ghanaians abroad, while also supporting reintegration for returnees.Authorities indicated that while an initial group of about 300 people would depart on Wednesday, additional registered citizens were still undergoing screening and would be repatriated in subsequent phases.<h2>Background and Broader Concerns</h2>An estimated 25,000 Ghanaians live in South Africa, many engaged in small and medium-scale businesses.Analysts have linked the resurgence of anti-migrant sentiment to broader socio-economic pressures and upcoming local elections scheduled for later this year.South Africa has experienced previous waves of xenophobic violence, including deadly outbreaks in 2008 and 2019, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of foreign nationals.<h2></h2>

Ghana repatriates citizens from South Africa amid rising protests

The Ghana national football team continued preparations for the upcoming international friendly against the Wales national football team and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 16 players training at Dragon Park in Cardiff on Tuesday.Three more players—Baba Abdul Rahman, Paul Reverson, and Christopher Bonsu Baah—joined the squad and participated in the team’s afternoon training session.Their arrival increases the number of players currently in camp to 16 after 13 players reported for duty when camp officially opened on Monday.The Black Stars are using the training sessions to fine-tune tactics and build momentum ahead of the highly anticipated clash against Wales as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.<div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://cdn.ghanafa.org/2026/05/WhatsApp-Image-2026-05-27-at-4.43.26-AM-1.jpeg" alt="Black Stars" data-credit="Black Stars" title="Black Stars" width="auto" height="auto"></div><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://cdn.ghanafa.org/2026/05/GHA01721.jpg" alt="Black Stars" data-credit="Black Stars" title="Black Stars" width="auto" height="auto"></div><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://cdn.ghanafa.org/2026/05/GHA01738.jpg" alt="Black Stars" data-credit="Black Stars" title="Black Stars" width="auto" height="auto"></div><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://cdn.ghanafa.org/2026/05/GHA01695.jpg" alt="Black Stars" data-credit="Black Stars" title="Black Stars" width="auto" height="auto"></div><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://cdn.ghanafa.org/2026/05/GHA01703.jpg" alt="Black Stars" data-credit="Black Stars" title="Black Stars" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

Photos: 16 Black Stars train ahead of Wales game

The Bank of Ghana has directed Mobile Money Fintech Limited to suspend its planned 0.75 percent charge on direct wallet-to-bank transfers.The proposed fee, which was scheduled to take effect from June 1, 2026, has been put on hold pending further stakeholder consultations, the central bank announced on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.The move comes after MTN Ghana informed customers on Monday, May 25, that transfers from MoMo wallets to bank accounts would attract a 0.75 percent transaction fee, capped at GH₵5.Under the proposed arrangement, customers would have been charged even when transferring money between their own registered MoMo wallet and personal bank account—a service that had previously been offered free of charge.In a statement, the Bank of Ghana explained that the suspension is part of its commitment to ensuring fairness within Ghana’s mobile financial services sector while safeguarding consumer interests and financial well-being.The central bank also clarified that, for now, wallet-to-bank transfers will continue without the proposed charge.Existing charges on transfers between MoMo wallets, as well as cash-in and cash-out transactions at mobile money agent points, remain unchanged.As of Tuesday evening, MTN Ghana had not officially responded to the directive issued by the Bank of Ghana.<h2>Why the Decision Matters</h2>The proposed fee had sparked public concern among mobile money users, with many questioning the introduction of charges on a service that has become a key part of digital banking and financial transactions in Ghana.Mobile money remains one of the most widely used financial services in the country, serving millions of users for payments, transfers, savings, and business transactions.The Bank of Ghana’s intervention is expected to provide temporary relief to customers while further discussions take place regarding the proposed charges.

BoG suspends 0.75% MTN MoMo-to-Bank transfer fee

Mikel Arteta has been crowned the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Season for the first time after guiding Arsenal to the 2025/26 Premier League title.The triumph marks a historic moment for the Gunners, who secured their first league crown in 22 years since the legendary “Invincibles” campaign under Arsène Wenger in the 2003/04 season.Arteta becomes the first Arsenal manager since Wenger to win the prestigious award, with Wenger previously claiming it during all three of his title-winning campaigns in 1997/98, 2001/02, and 2003/04.After finishing runners-up in three consecutive seasons, Arteta finally led Arsenal to Premier League glory, edging out Manchester City in the penultimate matchweek to clinch the title.<h2>How Arteta Transformed Arsenal Into Champions</h2>Arsenal’s title-winning success was built on defensive solidity and tactical discipline throughout the campaign.The North London side recorded 19 clean sheets in 38 league matches and conceded just 27 goals—both are the best defensive statistics in the Premier League this season.Going forward, Arsenal also impressed in attack, scoring 71 league goals, the second-highest tally in the division behind Manchester City’s 77.Arteta also made history by becoming the first manager to win the Premier League with a club he previously represented as a player. The Spaniard played for Arsenal between 2011 and 2016 before later taking charge of the team.At 44 years and 54 days old, Arteta is now the third-youngest manager to win the Premier League title. Only José Mourinho achieved the feat at a younger age during his early title-winning years with Chelsea.The award was decided through a combination of public votes and selections from a panel of football experts.Other managers shortlisted for the award included Keith Andrews of Brentford, Michael Carrick of Manchester United, Pep Guardiola of Manchester City, Andoni Iraola of AFC Bournemouth, and Régis Le Bris of Sunderland.

Mikel Arteta wins PL manager of the season 

Ghana’s movie industry has been thrown into mourning following reports of the death of actress Beverly Afaglo at the age of 42.Her husband, Choirmaster, popularly known as Choirmaster or Praye Honeho of the music group Praye, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional Instagram post shared on Sunday, May 24, 2026.In the touching tribute, the musician expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his wife just days before her birthday. He described Beverly as the pillar of his life, crediting her for being his source of happiness, strength, and inspiration throughout their years together.He wrote, "My heart is shattered beyond words over the death of my beloved wife Beverly Afaglo!!! It would have been just like 4 more days to your birthday, but I guess the Lord wanted to celebrate with you, so he called you. You were my strength, my happiness, and the reason my life felt complete. Every moment with you was a blessing I will cherish forever!! I am hearing your voice right now cheering me up as always, my number one fan!! I promise to take care of and continue everything we planned and started!! Until my last breath, you will remain in My Heart Forever!!! Sleep well, my babe!!!R. I. P. to a #legend.Sesei Akaminkoaaaa!!It’s a dark day, Choristerz; we all lost a big one!!!"Following the announcement, fans, colleagues, and loved ones flooded social media with tributes, mourning the actress and celebrating her contribution to Ghana’s film industry and entertainment space.The cause of her death has not yet been made public. Beverly Afaglo was 42 years old.

Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo dies at 42

In what appeared to be a subtle jab at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has described President John Dramani Mahama’s post-election outreach as the “proper” thank-you tour of the party.Speaking in Sawla in the Savannah Region on Friday, May 22, Mr. Iddrisu appeared to draw a distinction between President Mahama’s tour and another recent outreach effort by Asiedu Nketiah, insisting that Mahama’s tour was the official appreciation tour.“I recall when President Mahama came for his thank you tour — not the other thank you tour — the proper thank you tour of President Mahama as President and flagbearer,” he said.In remarks that have already sparked political discussion within the governing party, he added: “What cannot be said? We can say it. A proper thank you tour of President Mahama, not the curtain-raiser one.”PoliticsThe comments come on the same day the NDC National Chairman also stated that the parliamentary leadership reshuffle, which saw Mr. Iddrisu removed as Minority Leader and replaced by Cassiel Ato Forson, helped the party win the 2024 election.The changes, announced by the NDC leadership in January 2023, resulted in a complete restructuring of the Minority leadership as part of what the party described as a broader strategic reorganisation ahead of the 2024 general elections.Mr. Asiedu Nketiah recently defended the controversial reshuffle during his thank-you tour in Tamale, arguing that the move was necessary to strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.According to him, the NDC required a new “forward line” in Parliament to improve its chances of defeating the then-governing New Patriotic Party in the 2024 polls.Despite strong backlash and internal tensions at the time, the NDC went on to secure a decisive electoral victory, with both Mr. Iddrisu and former Chief Whip Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak later appointed to senior positions in the Mahama administration.Although Mr. Iddrisu did not directly elaborate on what he meant by the “curtain-raiser” remark, the statement is likely to intensify conversations within the NDC over lingering divisions, reconciliation efforts, and the political fallout from the parliamentary leadership shake-up.

Mahama’s ‘Thank You Tour’ the proper one, not the ‘curtain raiser one’ – Haruna Iddrisu

The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, says the party’s sweeping victory in the 2024 general elections was driven in part by difficult but deliberate changes to its parliamentary leadership structure, which he insists were necessary to strengthen the party’s electoral competitiveness.The NDC in 2023 reshuffled its parliamentary leadership, removing the then entire Minority leadership team led by Haruna Iddrisu as part of what the party described as a broader restructuring exercise from the grassroots to the national level.Under the changes communicated to Parliament in a letter dated January 23, 2023, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, was named Minority Leader, replacing Haruna Iddrisu, while Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, took over as Deputy Minority Leader from James Klutse Avedzi. Kwame Agbodza was also appointed Minority Whip, with Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyo Ghansah serving as First and Second Deputy Whips respectively.Speaking in Tamale on Friday, May 22 on the restructuring of the party’s parliamentary leadership, Mr. Nketiah described the period leading up to the election as one that demanded bold strategic decisions in response to emerging political realities.He said he warned that without changes to what he termed the party’s “forward line” in Parliament, the NDC risked an electoral setback.“New things were emerging and I said that we have to change the forward line of Parliament otherwise it will be difficult for us to win the election,” he said.According to him, he had to assume the role of what he called a “coach” of the party heading into the polls, even when there was initial disagreement from President John Dramani Mahama over the proposed changes.He explained that his mandate as party chairman required him to take responsibility for electoral strategy, including difficult decisions on parliamentary leadership.“You have elected me as Chairman of this party, I am the coach of the party going into the election so let me make the changes that will win us the election,” he recounted.Mr. Nketiah said the decision generated internal tensions and public misunderstanding at the time, with some interpreting it as personal conflict within the party.“There was hell and people started thinking that somebody who has been my friend for more than 20 years has suddenly become my enemy,” he said, stressing that the move was strictly strategic.He maintained that the objective was to reposition the party for electoral success, not to sideline long-serving members.After the elections, he said he advised President Mahama that experienced figures such as Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak should not be left out of government appointments, a position the President agreed with.Following the party’s victory, both figures were subsequently appointed to senior roles in government, a move Mr. Nketiah said reinforced unity within the NDC.He further noted that the outcome of the 2024 election demonstrated the effectiveness of the strategy, describing it as one of the party’s strongest performances in the Fourth Republic.“We went into the election, and we won. Have you seen such victory in Ghana since the beginning of the Fourth Republic?” he said.Mr. Nketiah also urged party members to avoid internal factionalism, warning against attempts to create divisions within the NDC.“If you are forming groups—Haruna groups, Asiedu Nketiah groups—that is not our case. The NDC will continue to be one,” he said.He emphasised that while internal disagreements are natural in politics, unity remains essential for sustaining electoral success and governing effectively.

Asiedu Nketiah: We won 2024 elections because we removed Haruna, Muntaka

President John Dramani Mahama says the government will announce the second phase of the Big Push infrastructure programme during the presentation of the 2026 budget in November this year. According to the President, the next phase of the programme will include additional road projects across the country, including roads within the Savannah Region.President Mahama assured traditional leaders and residents of the Savannah region that, as part of his resetting Ghana Tour, their road concerns have been captured under the upcoming phase of the programme aimed at accelerating infrastructure development nationwide.Ghana travel guide“There is a second phase that we are scoping. It will be announced by the Minister of Finance when he presents the budget in November this year to Parliament. I can assure the chiefs and my fathers that “your roads are contained in the Big Push project for next year.“You will hear it, it will be announced in the budget in November. Early next year, we will have the contractors on the ground working on the roads,” he said.He added that the contractors are expected to move to the site early next year to begin work on new road projects under the next phase of the Big Push programme.In his address, he said the government is already undertaking works on about 2,000 kilometres of roads across the country under the first phase of the initiative, funded through local resources.“I commissioned the start of the Big Push project several months ago. Since then, work is going on about 2,000 kilometers of roads all around the country, all at the same time, all paid with our own resources, our Ghanaian cities. We are paying for all those roads ourselves,” he added.

Savannah roads included in next phase of Big Push project — Mahama

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has confirmed that Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will announce Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 1.Okraku made the announcement via Facebook following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico in a pre-World Cup international friendly played in Puebla.The Black Stars endured a difficult outing against El Tri, conceding just two minutes into the match after a costly goalkeeping error. Guillermo Martínez later doubled Mexico’s advantage as the hosts controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout large spells of the game.Despite a slow first half, Ghana showed improvement after the break and created several chances through Joseph Afena-Gyan and Majeed Ashimeru. The Black Stars also came close when one effort struck the crossbar, but they were unable to convert their opportunities as Mexico maintained defensive discipline to secure the win.After the match, Okraku described the friendly as a valuable opportunity for assessing young and fringe players ahead of upcoming competitions, including the Olympic qualifiers.“Objective accomplished! This event has provided significant stage exposure for the majority of our U-23 players, who will soon assemble for the Olympic qualifiers, as well as other players who had limited playing time,” Okraku said.He further confirmed that the World Cup squad announcement is scheduled for June 1, urging continued support for the national team.The GFA president also hinted that several players who featured against Mexico could be included in the squad for the Olympic qualifiers.The Black Stars will now shift focus to their next pre-World Cup friendly against Wales as preparations continue ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Breaking News: Carlos Queiroz to name Black Stars World Cup squad on June 1

Mexico defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 2-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly, with El Tricolor controlling much of the contest and punishing Ghana with goals in both halves.The Black Stars made a nightmare start, conceding just two minutes into the match after a goalkeeping error gifted Mexico an early lead. Brian Gutiérrez then added to Ghana’s misery with a superb curling effort to put the Mexicans in control.Mexico continued to press for a second goal, but Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare responded with a brilliant save to keep the scoreline manageable. Ghana’s first real chance came in the 15th minute when Joseph Afena-Gyan found space, but his effort went narrowly wide into the side netting.As the first half progressed, Mexico dominated possession and dictated the tempo, leaving the Black Stars chasing the ball and struggling to build meaningful attacks. Ghana found it difficult to string passes together or hold on to possession for long periods.Mexico thought they had doubled their advantage in the 39th minute after a powerful header beat Asare, but the effort was ruled out by the referee. Even so, El Tricolor remained firmly in control heading into halftime.After the break, Ghana improved slightly and created a few openings. Majeed Ashimeru managed to break into the box but failed to convert, while Afena-Gyan forced another save from the Mexico goalkeeper. Ghana also came close with a shot that rattled the crossbar.Mexico, however, restored their dominance and eventually scored their second goal through Guillermo Martínez, who finished calmly after a strong attacking move and beat Asare to seal the result.Despite a more determined second-half display and several changes from the Black Stars, Ghana could not find a way back into the game. Mexico stayed compact at the back, showing composure and discipline to protect their clean sheet.The match ended 2-0 in favor of Mexico, leaving the Black Stars with work to do ahead of their next pre-World Cup friendly against Wales before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana vs Mexico: Black Stars fall to El Tricolor in pre-World Cup game

The Ghana national football team are expected to take on the Mexico national team in an international friendly on Saturday, 23 May 2026, as part of their build-up to the FIFA World Cup.The match will serve as an important opportunity for the Black Stars’ technical team to assess new and fringe players ahead of the tournament. With head coach Carlos Queiroz absent due to personal reasons, assistant coach Desmond Offei will take charge of the side in Puebla.Offei will be supported by goalkeepers’ trainer Daniel Gaspar and set-piece coach/video analyst Gregory De Grauwe as Ghana fine-tunes its preparations for the World Cup, where they have been drawn against Panama, England, and Croatia.The friendly is expected to give opportunities to several players, with Benjamin Asare among the few members of the squad who have recently featured regularly for the national team.<h3>Predicted Ghana Line-Up vs Mexico</h3>Goalkeeper: Solomon AgbasiDefenders: Razak Simpson, Ebenezer Abban, Oscar Oppong, Terry YegbeMidfielders: Majeed Ashimeru, Salim Adams, Abdul Aziz Issah, Jesurun Rak-SakyiForwards: Felix Afena-Gyan, Ibrahim OsmanThe fixture is seen as a key tactical test for Ghana as they refine their squad structure and build chemistry ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign.

Ghana vs Mexico: Black Stars probable line-up

Football is, at its core, a beautifully simple game. In theory, all you need is something round and a patch of ground. But the official match ball for FIFA World Cup 2026™ is proof that at the highest level of the sport, every detail matters, and this ball may be the most technically advanced piece of football equipment ever put into play.<h2>What Is the TRIONDA?</h2>Revealed by FIFA and Adidas on October 2, 2025, in New York City, the TRIONDA is the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.The name itself tells the story. "Tri" means three, representing the three host nations — while "Onda" is the Spanish word for "wave" or "vibe", reflecting both the collaborative spirit of the tournament and the flowing, wave-inspired design on the ball's surface.Each of the four panels features the national colours red, blue, and green that meet at the centre in a triangular form, symbolising three nations coming together to host the tournament for the first time. Host nation icons are woven throughout the design: a star for the USA, a maple leaf for Canada, and an eagle for Mexico. Gold embellishments finish the design as a tribute to the FIFA World Cup trophy itself.<h2>A Four-Panel Design Built for Stability</h2>Not all World Cup balls have aged well in the memory of players. The 2010 Jabulani became infamous for its erratic, unpredictable flight path. Adidas has clearly learned from that experience.The TRIONDA uses a brand-new four-panel construction featuring intentionally deep seams and strategically placed debossed lines alongside embossed country icons. Together, these create a ball surface that produces optimal in-flight stability by ensuring sufficient and evenly distributed drag as the ball travels through the air. In plain terms: what you see when you strike it is what you get.The embossed icons also serve a performance function beyond aesthetics; they provide elevated grip when dribbling or striking in wet or humid conditions.<h2>The First World Cup Ball Engineered for Multiple Climates</h2>This is a genuinely historic distinction. The TRIONDA is the first official FIFA World Cup match ball designed with several different climates in mind simultaneously.The 2026 tournament spans 16 host cities, from Vancouver in the north to Mexico City in the south, each with distinct weather patterns across June and July. Adidas engineered the ball's textured surface specifically so that it delivers a consistent feel underfoot regardless of whether a player is competing in a cool, damp Canadian evening or a hot, humid afternoon in the southern United States.<h2>The AI Chip: Everything You Need to Know</h2>This is where the TRIONDA moves into genuinely new territory.The ball features Adidas Connected Ball Technology built around a side-mounted 500Hz motion sensor chip — and the details of how it works are worth understanding.The chip needs charging before kickoff. Every match ball must be plugged in and charged before play begins. The battery lasts up to six hours, which comfortably covers a full match, extra time, and a penalty shootout.The sensor has moved position since 2022. In the Al Rihla used at Qatar 2022, the chip was a centre-mounted system held in place by a suspension system. In the TRIONDA, the 500Hz IMU motion sensor now sits inside a specially created layer within one of the four panels. This side-mounted placement improves both accuracy and structural reliability.Every touch is recorded. Each time a player makes contact with the ball, the sensor captures its precise location and movement data. The chip is so lightweight that players cannot feel it during play.It works in combination with 12 stadium cameras. The ball's sensor data is paired with 12 cameras positioned around each stadium, collectively tracking the precise location of the ball and every player on the pitch 50 times per second. This creates a complete, real-time picture of every moment in a match.The data feeds directly to VAR. All of this information is transmitted live to VAR officials and is used to determine goal-line incidents, offside decisions, and handball calls — with the explicit aim of producing faster and more accurate rulings than were possible in 2022.<h2>How It Compares to the 2022 Al Rihla</h2>The Al Rihla introduced Connected Ball Technology to the World Cup stage for the first time. The TRIONDA builds on that foundation in three meaningful ways. The sensor chip has been repositioned from a centrally suspended system to a panel-mounted one, increasing reliability. The surface has been entirely re-engineered for multi-climate performance rather than a single host environment. And the ball's data system is now more tightly integrated with stadium tracking cameras to support semi-automated officiating across the most complex World Cup – 48 teams, 16 cities, 104 matches – the sport has ever staged.<h2></h2>

Facts about 2026 FIFA World Cup ball every player must know

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Freddie Blay, has declared his support for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in his bid to become the party’s next National Chairman.The endorsement came during a private meeting held at Freddy Blay’s residence, where the former party chairman praised the campaign structure put together by Wontumi and his team.Blay described the group surrounding the Ashanti Regional Chairman as a “solid team” and commended members individually for their commitment and efforts toward the campaign.He also assured Wontumi of his full backing, describing his endorsement as genuine and unwavering.“I will support him every step of the way,” Blay stated, adding that this was the right moment for Chairman Wontumi to lead the party.“This is the time for Chairman Wontumi. This is his moment. He is the man of the moment,” he said.Touching on Wontumi’s ongoing legal challenges, Blay offered words of encouragement and prayed for strength, endurance and perseverance as he navigates the court processes.The two party figures also discussed campaign strategy ahead of the internal contest, with Freddy Blay reportedly identifying key areas such as Greater Accra Region and the Eastern Region as crucial regions requiring attention.The meeting is being viewed as a significant boost for Chairman Wontumi as he seeks support from influential figures within the party while dealing with both political and legal pressures.

'This is Wontumi’s moment' – Freddie Blay backs NPP National Chairman hopeful

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his five-year wait for a major trophy after scoring twice to help Al Nassr secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title with a dominant 4-1 victory over Damac on Thursday night.The Portuguese superstar played a decisive role as Al Nassr finished two points ahead of rivals Al Hilal to clinch their first league crown since 2019.Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the first half with a powerful header before Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage shortly after the break with a clinical finish.Damac briefly threatened a comeback after Morlaye Sylla converted from the penalty spot, but Ronaldo responded in style to put the game beyond doubt.The veteran forward produced a stunning free-kick from a tight angle before adding his second goal late in the match with a close-range finish to complete the 4-1 victory and spark celebrations among Al Nassr supporters.The result also helped Ronaldo end a lengthy trophy drought at club level. Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, his only previous silverware had been the Arab Club Champions Cup, a competition not officially recognised by FIFA.Ronaldo’s last major club trophy before Thursday’s triumph came with Juventus in 2021 when he won the Coppa Italia.The title victory also marked a strong response from Al Nassr after their recent AFC Champions League final defeat to Gamba Osaka, with Jorge Jesus’ side holding their nerve on the final day of the season to secure the championship.

Cristiano Ronaldo wins Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr after 5 years

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a woman for allegedly making threats and offensive remarks directed at President John Dramani Mahama in viral TikTok videos circulating on social media.According to a statement from the police, the suspect, identified as Mahama Aminat, also known as Akosua Serwaa Minat, was arrested by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) for offensive conduct and alleged threats against the President.Police indicated that the suspect appeared in multiple videos shared online in which she allegedly insulted the president, threatened his life, and incited others to attack both him and his wife.Following the circulation of the videos, a joint operation involving the CVET and the Surveillance Unit of the National Operations Department tracked and arrested her on May 20, 2026, at Sekyere Zongo in the Sekyere Kumawu District of the Ashanti Region.“The suspect was captured in some videos posted on TikTok making insulting remarks about the President, threatening the life of the President and inciting others to harm both the President and his wife,” the police statement confirmed.Authorities say the suspect is currently in police custody and will be arraigned before court in due course.The arrest has also sparked wider public debate on the limits of freedom of speech and online expression in Ghana, especially amid recent enforcement actions targeting social media users.

Woman arrested for threatening President Mahama on TikTok

The Court of Appeal has directed the Bank of Ghana to reinstate the operating licence of GN Bank, marking a significant reversal of an earlier High Court decision that had upheld the central bank’s revocation of the financial institution’s licence.In its ruling, the three-member appellate panel also ordered that all assets belonging to GN Bank be returned to its original owners. Additionally, the court instructed the Receiver to immediately hand over management of the institution back to its former leadership team.The decision represents a major turning point in the long-standing legal dispute between GN Bank and the Bank of Ghana, which stems from the 2018 banking sector clean-up exercise.<h3>Background to GN Bank’s Licence Revocation</h3>GN Bank was initially downgraded to a savings and loans institution on January 4, 2019, and subsequently rebranded as GN Savings and Loans Company Limited.Later that year, on August 16, 2019, the Bank of Ghana—then led by Governor Ernest Addison—revoked the company’s licence and appointed Eric Nana Nipah as Receiver to manage its operations.Following the decision, the owners of GN Savings and Loans, led by businessman Papa Kwesi Nduom, filed a lawsuit at the High Court in Accra on August 30, 2019, arguing that the revocation was unlawful, malicious, and unreasonable.<h3>High Court Ruling in Favour of Bank of Ghana</h3>On January 24, 2024, the High Court, presided over by Justice Gifty Addo Adjei, ruled in favour of the Bank of Ghana.The court found that governance weaknesses had rendered GN Savings and Loans unable to meet its financial obligations and determined that the institution failed to prove it was solvent at the time its licence was revoked.Justice Addo Adjei further held that the central bank’s actions were lawful under Article 130 of the 1992 Constitution and dismissed claims that the regulator acted unfairly or illegally.The court also rejected allegations of discrimination, noting that similar enforcement measures had been applied to other financial institutions during the sector-wide clean-up exercise.The latest Court of Appeal ruling now reopens a major chapter in Ghana’s banking sector reforms, with far-reaching implications for regulatory authority and financial sector accountability.

Court orders GN Bank licence restored in major legal win over Bank of Ghana

A 21-year-old woman has been arrested by police in Ashaiman for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illegal drugs into a police cell by hiding them inside food items intended for her boyfriend in custody.The suspect, identified as Anita, was reportedly apprehended at the Ashaiman Police Command after officers intercepted the items during a routine inspection.According to a report by Crime Check TV, Anita had visited the station with a meat pie and yoghurt for her boyfriend, Richard Acquah, who is currently being held by police.However, officers allegedly discovered suspected tramadol tablets concealed inside the food items before they could be handed over to the detainee.Reports indicate that suspected Tramadol 250 tablets were hidden in both the meat pie and yoghurt containers, raising suspicion among officers and leading to Anita’s immediate arrest for further investigations.The circumstances surrounding Richard Acquah’s detention have not yet been disclosed.The incident has since sparked discussions on social media about the growing abuse and illegal distribution of Tramadol, particularly among young people in Ghana and across West Africa.Although tramadol is legally prescribed for pain management under strict medical supervision, authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over its misuse and illegal circulation.The case has attracted public attention following reports of the arrest on social media and local news platforms.

21-year-old woman arrested for hiding tramadol in meat pie for boyfriend in police cell

The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over his silence on the recent arrests of opposition party officials by state security agencies.According to Ahiagbah, the increasing involvement of state security operatives in the arrest of NPP members over public comments and political statements raises concerns about free speech and democratic governance.Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, May 20, he questioned the government’s handling of dissenting views, arguing that the recent trend of arrests appears unprecedented and inconsistent with the democratic principles the National Democratic Congress (NDC) defended while in opposition.He suggested that the actions of state institutions under the current administration were creating fear among political actors and critics, insisting that security agencies should not be used to intimidate individuals for expressing their opinions.“President Mahama, I am shocked because none of these happenings marries with his personality and the things he said in opposition. I am surprised if President Mahama is still the President, and if he is, then I am afraid to say that he is not in charge. The things that are happening and the President is silent about them are shocking,” he stated.Mr Ahiagbah’s comments follow the recent remand of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, who is being investigated over alleged misinformation and offensive public remarks.Abronye DC was remanded for two weeks by the court as investigations continue into the allegations against him, a development that has triggered political debate and criticism from sections of the opposition party over the conduct of the security agencies.

Mahama’s silence on arrests of NPP officials shocking – Ahiagbah

The National Peace Council (NPC) has called for calm and restraint amid rising political tensions in the country, following recent arrests of some political actors over alleged unlawful public comments.The call comes in the wake of a petition by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the Diplomatic Corps after the arrest of its Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC. He is facing charges under Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act for allegedly offensive conduct and related offences.The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has also come under criticism after publicly questioning the conduct of a presiding judge in the case and stating that he would continue to disregard him over what he described as the wrongful application of the law.The NPP National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, has further warned that the party could take actions that would make the country “extremely ungovernable” if what he described as continued harassment and intimidation of its members is not stopped. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, May 19, during a courtesy call on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, he said the party would not remain silent while its members were allegedly being targeted.But in a press release issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the NPC expressed concern about the developments and urged all parties to respect due process and constitutional provisions.The Council stressed that Ghana’s democracy is anchored on the rule of law and called for moderation in public discourse, particularly among political actors and media practitioners.Ghanaian culture blogIt further reminded security and judicial institutions to carry out their duties with fairness, transparency, and professionalism, while protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.The NPC urged political parties, communicators, and supporters to avoid making inflammatory or unverified statements that could escalate tensions or trigger violence.“Political parties, their communicators and actors must refrain from making unsubstantiated, inflammatory statements and actions that have the potential to incite violence,” the statement said.It also advised political commentators both in Ghana and abroad to be mindful of their remarks and their impact on national cohesion and stability.

Peace Council urges calm amid rising political tensions

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the Minority Caucus in Parliament to remain firm and focused in holding the government accountable as Parliament resumes sitting on Thursday, May 21. Addressing the caucus on Wednesday, May 20, ahead of the reconvening of Parliament, Dr. Bawumia commended members for what he described as their strong performance in scrutinising government policies and actions.He said the role of the Minority goes beyond their numerical strength in the House, stressing that they carry the expectations of NPP supporters and many Ghanaians.According to him, the Minority Caucus serves as a key institution of accountability and oversight, particularly at a time when citizens are assessing the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.Dr. Bawumia emphasised that the Minority is not a passive observer in Parliament but a critical force in safeguarding democratic accountability and reassuring the public.“The role you play from this Thursday is bigger than the seats we occupy. You are the Parliamentary face of the hope that millions of Ghanaians still have in the NPP. You are the expression of the ambition and plans of our party for the people of Ghana.Sports news Ghana“Do not underestimate your place in this moment. In opposition, the Minority Caucus is not a spectator. You are the first line of accountability, the first line of policy scrutiny, and the first line of reassurance for citizens who are beginning to ask whether the promises made to them were merely thought-through or merely crafted for campaign applause and deception,” he said.Dr. Bawumia further expressed confidence in the caucus, praising their intellect, political experience, courage, and commitment to both the NPP and the country.“I believe in this caucus, I believe in your intellect, courage, experience, political instincts and your love for NPP and Ghana,” he added.

Remain firm in scrutinising government – Bawumia to NPP MPs

Aston Villa ended a 44-year wait for European glory with a dominant 3-0 victory over SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final at Besiktas Park, denying the German side their first major trophy in club history.Wearing an all-white kit in tribute to their 1982 European Cup-winning team, Villa made a strong start and nearly opened the scoring within two minutes when Morgan Rogers forced an early save from Noah Atubolu with a powerful effort.Freiburg responded with a rare attacking moment through Nicolas Höfler, whose effort went narrowly wide as they struggled to settle in their first-ever European final.Villa took full control before halftime, scoring twice in a seven-minute spell. The opener came from a well-rehearsed corner routine, with Youri Tielemans finishing clinically after intelligent movement created space inside the box.Moments later, Emiliano Buendía produced a moment of brilliance, turning sharply on the edge of the area before curling a precise strike into the far corner to double Villa’s lead and ignite celebrations among their supporters.Any hopes of a Freiburg comeback were effectively ended just before the hour mark when Morgan Rogers added a third, finishing from close range after a sharp assist from Buendía.Despite late changes from Freiburg, Villa remained in control and continued to threaten further goals through Buendía and John McGinn, but the scoreline stayed at 3-0.The victory sealed Aston Villa’s long-awaited European triumph and marked a defining moment in Unai Emery’s tenure, as the club celebrated a historic night of success on the continental stage.

Aston Villa win Europa League for the first time 44 years

Teachers at Kobedi AME Zion Primary and Junior High School in the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region have reportedly abandoned classes indefinitely following the deaths of two teachers under circumstances that have created fear and tension within the community.Among the deceased is the school’s head teacher, Madam Gladys Dorlo Batinge, whose passing, alongside that of another colleague, has heightened anxiety among staff and residents.According to a report by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline qbe-widget" href="https://crimecheckghana.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Crime Check News</a>, the boycott began on Monday, May 18, 2026, leaving pupils without lessons as classrooms remain locked.A visit to the Kobedi community near Chiraa reportedly showed deserted school premises, with neither teachers nor pupils present during school hours.The development has sparked widespread rumours within the community, with some residents alleging that the deaths may be linked to a curse reportedly invoked by a student after accusations of extortion were levelled against school authorities.Some residents, who spoke anonymously, claimed that local beliefs surrounding a deity associated with the alleged curse had instilled fear among teachers, contributing to their decision to stay away from the school.“We are reliably informed that teachers have resolved to boycott classes and register their displeasure about the present happenings in the school,” a community member reportedly told Crime Check News.A teacher at the school also allegedly confirmed that staff members had agreed not to return to the classroom until the reported curse was revoked.The situation has disrupted academic activities in the area, with many pupils reportedly left roaming the community during school hours.Authorities are yet to officially comment on the allegations surrounding the deaths and the reported curse claims.

Teachers boycott school after death of 2 colleagues, including headmistress, over alleged student curse

For the first time in more than two decades, the football gods of North London have finally bowed in favour of their own Arsenal.The cheers pouring down inside the Emirates Stadium were no longer born from heartbreak but from the overwhelming release of a dream fulfilled. On a night drenched in emotion, destiny finally stretched out its mighty hand and fired the Gunners toward immortality. After years of pain, near misses, and endless waiting, Arsenal have risen once again to reclaim the Premier League crown, and North London now stands smiling beneath the glow of champions.Players rose to their feet in pure, unfiltered joy.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="Title-winning Arteta joins elite Arsenal managerial class https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/sports/title-winning-arteta-joins-elite-arsenal-managerial-class">Mikel Arteta</a>, a man who has carried the weight of this club's dreams on his shoulders through winter after bitter winter, finally, finally smiled again. And supporters from Lagos to London, from Tokyo to Toronto, felt that singular feeling rise through them like a tide: we are champions.<h2>The Man Who Chose to Believe</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779271842790-8jmishj3fvp.jpg" alt="Mikel Arteta [Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters]" data-credit="Mikel Arteta [Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters]" title="Mikel Arteta [Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters]" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Arteta knows Arsenal in his bones. He wore the shirt from 2011 to 2016, lifting the FA Cup twice as captain, bearing witness to the turbulence of the late Wenger years. But what he encountered when he was handed the manager's job in December 2019 was something even more sobering: a club that had lost its soul.His first match told the story in the starkest terms: Arsenal were three goals down by half-time. The match ended in front of thousands of empty seats, in an eerie, hollow quiet. Arteta had spent years as Pep Guardiola's assistant, absorbing the methods of one of the greatest football minds who ever lived, and even he was stunned by how far the club had fallen.Reconnecting with the supporters became his first and most urgent priority. Before the tactics. Before the transfers. Before anything else, the people.<h2>Writing His Own Story</h2>A young manager shaped by the finest football brain of his generation faced a choice: imitate, or create. Arteta chose to write his own story — authored in philosophy, hope, aspiration, relentless hard work, and an iron determination to deliver what this fanbase had been aching for across two lost decades.There was one moment, now etched into Arsenal legend, that crystallised everything about his approach. Ahead of a crucial away fixture at Anfield, Arteta did something unexpected. He walked into the training ground, pressed play, and let "You'll Never Walk Alone" thunder through the speakers. Not as a taunt, but as a lesson. Listen to what belief sounds like. Now build yours. In that moment, the players understood: they would never face this alone.Then came the investment that backed the vision: approximately €1.08 billion (£920 million) committed to over 40 new players since his arrival. Every signing was a brushstroke in a portrait of a team being rebuilt from its foundations upward. Tonight, that investment declared its extraordinary return.<h3>351 Matches Managed</h3><h3>60.4% Win Rate</h3><h3>212 Victories</h3><h2>The Night Nobody Slept</h2>When the final whistle confirmed what the world had been waiting for, London did not sleep. The players did not sleep. Videos and photographs flooded every corner of the internet: players dancing in the streets at 3:00 in the morning, red scarves wrapped around shoulders, arms raised to a sky that had never looked so generous.The streets smiled.The neighbourhood around the Emirates overflowed with thousands who came not because anyone summoned them, but because something magnetic and ancient was pulling them home.Millions more around the globe leant into their screens and felt that feeling that cannot be borrowed or manufactured. The feeling of belonging to something that has finally, at enormous cost and with extraordinary love, delivered on its promise.Across 351 matches, 212 victories, 51 draws, and 88 losses across six seasons of building and believing and refusing to break, Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal back to the very summit of English football. Three major trophies. And now this: the one that matters most.The man who arrived at a broken club, blasted a rival's anthem through the training ground speakers, and dared his players to dream has delivered the dream.The tears have fallen. The smile has come.And North London, all of it, every corner, every generation, can now sleep knowing they are, at last, champions of England.<h2>The UEFA Champions League awaits the Gunners.</h2>Arsenal are on their way to Budapest.One last step. One final mountain. Paris Saint-Germain is standing in the way of history.This isn’t just a final anymore; it feels like destiny asking its final question: are you ready?Because this Arsenal side doesn't travel like tourists. They travel like believers. Like a team that has already survived the fire and learned how to walk through it without flinching.Budapest waits. Europe waits. And Arsenal? They arrive carrying the weight of North London on their shoulders and the belief that this time, they’re not just there to compete… they’re there to take it all.SOURCE: Christopher Sededzi Kwame<div class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm border border-gray-200 my-4"><div class="relative w-full" style="padding-bottom: 113%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FChristopherSededziKwame%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02G5EQhRT1fjmCrJrbqB6V4aMBCCZEbTfcNCbZ8qmPWjbq7W8WdGVrfpgRyZdurgBZl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="565" title="Embedded content" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" class="absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full rounded-lg border border-gray-200 shadow-sm"></iframe></div><div class="mt-2 text-xs text-gray-500 text-center">Embedded content from: www.facebook.com</div></div>

Arteta awakened the fans, Arsenal rewrote history, and the football gods finally rewarded them with EPL crown

The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of acting in bad faith and undermining Ghana’s democratic principles, citing what he describes as multiple arrests of party activists.This comes after the NPP appealed to the diplomatic community and international partners to closely monitor what it describes as a deteriorating human rights and democratic governance situation in Ghana.The appeal was made during the presentation of a petition to Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana.Presenting the petition on behalf of the party, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip of Parliament, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, called on the international community to remain vigilant and actively engaged in protecting Ghana’s democratic principles.Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, May 19, Mustapha said the party has recorded several cases of its members being arrested, which he believes point to a coordinated pattern rather than isolated incidents.“We can count not less than 14, 15, 16 different cases of NPP activists arrested in one way or the other and we think that these are not isolated,” he said.Mr Mustapha said the situation amounts to what he described as a “rehearsed strategy” and argued that the party must take collective action in response.“This is a very rehearsed strategy that needs concerted efforts from the party,” he stated.According to him, the NPP has decided to escalate the issue by engaging the diplomatic community in Ghana to draw attention to what it considers human rights abuses.“So we have also decided to embark upon a number of actions and first and foremost we decided to call upon the diplomatic community so that they are brought up to speed and abreast with the human rights abuse happening in Ghana,” he said.He explained that the move is intended to ensure that the party is not wrongly portrayed in the event of any escalation, while also placing responsibility on the government.“So that if anything happens the NPP will not be seen as the fomenters of trouble or problems but that the government is acting in bad faith and undermining the very beautiful democratic ethos that we have built in Ghana,” he added.

NDC gov’t undermining Ghana ‘s democracy – NPP

After leading Arsenal to the 2025/26 Premier League title, Mikel Arteta has firmly etched his name into the club’s history as one of its greatest managers of all time.The former captain has become the first ex-Arsenal player to return and guide the club to a top-flight championship as manager, ending a 22-year wait for league glory and completing a remarkable transformation since his appointment in December 2019.Since taking charge, Arteta has delivered consistent year-on-year progress, never finishing lower than the previous season across his six-and-a-half years in north London.He initially guided the team to an eighth-place finish during his first partial season, which also ended with FA Cup success, before matching that league position in 2020/21.From there, he elevated Arsenal to fifth place the following campaign, laying the foundation for the sustained rise that ultimately led to Premier League triumph. He came agonisingly close to the Premier League title in each of the following three seasons, all of which ended in runners-up finishes. However, he has now taken the final step, joining the elite group of Arsenal managers to have won at least one of the club’s 14 league championships.<table style="min-width: 50px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Manager</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Titles won</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Herbert Chapman</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2 - 1930/31, 1932/33</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Joe Shaw</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1 - 1933/34</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">George Allison</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2 - 1934/35, 1937/38</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Tom Whittaker</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2 - 1947/48, 1952/53</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Bertie Mee</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1 - 1970/71</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">George Graham</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2 - 1988/89, 1990/91</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Arsene Wenger</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">3 - 1997/98, 2001/02, 2003/04</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mikel Arteta</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1 - 2025/26</td></tr></tbody></table>What makes Mikel Arteta’s achievement even more extraordinary is that he was entrusted with the role despite never having managed a senior team before. The last manager to win the English league title in their first managerial job was Kenny Dalglish, who achieved the feat after taking charge of a dominant Liverpool side in the 1980s.Arteta now joins a select group of Arsenal managers who have delivered league glory, including Bertie Mee, Tom Whittaker, George Allison and Joe Shaw.At just 44 years and 54 days old, the Spaniard also becomes the youngest Arsenal manager to win the league title, narrowly surpassing George Graham, who was 124 days older when he secured the 1988/89 championship.Only José Mourinho has won the Premier League at a younger age than Arteta. Youngest managers to win the Premier League<table style="min-width: 75px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Season</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Manager</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Manager Age</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2004/05</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Jose Mourinho</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">42 years, 94 days</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2025/26</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mikel Arteta</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">44 years, 54 days</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1994/95</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kenny Dalglish</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">44 years, 71 days</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2024/25</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Arne Slot</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">46 years, 222 days</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2017/18</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Pep Guardiola</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">47 years, 87 days</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">2011/12</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Roberto Mancini</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">47 years, 168 days</td></tr></tbody></table>Mikel Arteta also becomes only the second person to feature in the Premier League as a player and later win the competition as a manager, following Roberto Mancini, who played for Leicester City in 2001 before guiding Manchester City to their first title 11 years later. His mentor, Pep Guardiola, remains the only other Spanish manager to have lifted the Premier League trophy.Having secured 25 wins this campaign to seal the title and return the league crown to the Emirates, Arteta has further strengthened his legacy. He also led Arsenal to the Champions League final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in a bid to be crowned Europe’s top club.The Arsenal boss has now surpassed a 60% win rate across his 351 matches in charge, placing him above club legends such as Arsène Wenger, George Graham and Herbert Chapman in terms of win percentage among managers with at least 50 games.<table style="min-width: 150px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">.Manager</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">P</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">W</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">D</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">L</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">W%</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mikel Arteta</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">351</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">212</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">66</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">73</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">60.4%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Arsene Wenger</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">1235</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">707</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">280</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">248</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">57.2%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Unai Emery</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">78</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">43</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">16</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">19</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">55.1%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Harry Bradshaw</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">184</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">96</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">35</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">53</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">52.2%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Herbert Chapman</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">403</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">201</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">97</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">105</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">49.9%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">George Graham</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">460</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">225</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">133</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">102</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">48.9%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Tom Whittaker</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">429</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">202</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">106</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">121</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">47.1%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">George Allison</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">279</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">129</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">74</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">76</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">46.2%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Don Howe</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">117</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">54</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">32</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">31</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">46.2%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Terry Neill</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">416</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">187</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">117</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">112</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">45.0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Bertie Mee</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">540</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">241</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">148</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">151</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">44.6%</td></tr></tbody></table>After ending the club’s long wait for a league title, he now has the opportunity to achieve a feat no Arsenal manager has ever accomplished in the club’s 139-year history — guiding the team to European champions. SOURCE:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="www.arsenal.com "> Asernal.com</a>

Title-winning Arteta joins elite Arsenal managerial class

Arsenal F.C. have been confirmed as Premier League champions after Manchester City F.C. failed to beat Bournemouth, mathematically sealing the title race and delivering the Gunners their first league crown since 2004 with a game to spare.The decisive moment came after City dropped crucial points, making it impossible for Pep Guardiola’s side to catch Arsenal at the top of the table.The victory ends a 22-year wait for league glory and secures Arsenal’s 14th top-flight title, strengthening their status as the third-most successful club in English football history behind Liverpool and Manchester United.After finishing runners-up in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Arsenal finally turned consistency into silverware under Mikel Arteta.This season’s triumph was built on balance and control rather than one dominant run, with the Gunners excelling defensively while maintaining steady attacking threat throughout the campaign.Set pieces proved decisive, while discipline and game management helped Arsenal avoid the late-season collapse that previously cost them the title.Unlike their 2022/23 heartbreak when Manchester City overtook them late in the season, Arsenal this time sustained momentum through winter and handled pressure with maturity.Key signings such as Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres added depth and quality at crucial moments, strengthening the squad across all competitions.For Arteta, the title crowns a long-term rebuild that began in 2019 when Arsenal were struggling in mid-table positions.After winning the FA Cup in 2020, he gradually transformed the club through a demanding transition period marked by setbacks, scrutiny and rising expectations.Now, his project has delivered Arsenal’s first Premier League title since Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles in 2003/04, alongside a modern-era Champions League final appearance.Arteta also becomes only the sixth manager in Arsenal history to win a top-flight English league title.

Breaking News: Arsenal crowned Premier League champions after 22-year

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a turning point in how fans consume football content. TikTok has secured an official partnership with FIFA, making it a primary destination for real-time highlights, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and live broadcaster activity — all in a mobile-first, short-form format.<h2>Can you live stream 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on TikTok?</h2>TikTok will not offer full 90-minute match broadcasts. However, as FIFA's preferred platform for the tournament, it allows authorised regional broadcasters to stream live match segments within a dedicated World Cup hub. For complete, uninterrupted coverage, fans should turn to official television or streaming platforms. TikTok functions as a powerful second-screen companion — perfect for real-time clips, reactions, and discovery.<h2>How to Find the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Hub on TikTok</h2>Open the TikTok app and search for any of these terms:<ul><li>"World Cup"</li><li>"FIFA World Cup"</li><li>"World Cup 2026"</li></ul>The verified, official tournament hub will appear at the top of your search results.<h2>Is FIFA World Cup content on TikTok free?</h2>Yes. The official FIFA World Cup 2026 Hub, creator content, and broadcaster clips are all completely free to access on TikTok. Note that full-match streaming on external platforms may require a paid subscription or TV licence depending on your region.<h2>2026 FIFA World Cup: Official Broadcasters by Region</h2><table style="min-width: 75px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Region / Country</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Official Broadcaster(s)</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Streaming Platform(s)</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Australia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">SBS</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">SBS On Demand</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Brazil</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Grupo Globo / CazéTV</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Globoplay</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Canada</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Bell Media (TSN, CTV, RDS)</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">TSN Direct, RDS Direct</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">France</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">beIN Sports / M6</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">beIN CONNECT, 6play</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Germany</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">ARD / ZDF / Magenta Sport</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">ZDF Mediathek, MagentaTV</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">India &amp; South Asia</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Viacom18 / JioCinema</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">JioCinema</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Italy</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">RAI / DAZN</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">RaiPlay, DAZN</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Japan</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">DAZN / NHK / Nippon TV / Fuji TV</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">DAZN, NHK+</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mexico</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">TelevisaUnivision / TV Azteca</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">ViX</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">MENA</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">beIN Sports</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">beIN CONNECT</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">New Zealand</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">TVNZ</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">TVNZ+</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Portugal</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sport TV / LiveModeTV</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sport TV app</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">South Africa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">SuperSport / SABC</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">DStv Stream, SABC+, Showmax</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">South Korea</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">JTBC / KBS</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">NAVER Sports, regional apps</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Spain</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">RTVE / DAZN</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">RTVE Play, DAZN</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sub-Saharan Africa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">New World TV / SuperSport</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Regional streaming platforms</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">United Kingdom</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">BBC / ITV</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">BBC iPlayer, ITVX</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">United States</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">FOX Sports / Telemundo</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Fubo, Peacock, Tubi</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>What World Cup Content Will Be Available on TikTok?</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 Hub will feature:<ul><li>Official Creator Correspondents — 30 specialist creators embedded across host cities, delivering exclusive access to training grounds, press centres, and team arrivals.</li><li>Broadcaster Highlights — Verified media accounts posting instant goals, match clips, and post-match analysis.</li><li>Archival Footage — Licensed historic tournament moments paired with 2026 match action.</li><li>Match Schedules &amp; Filters — Localised information and interactive tools to personalise your tournament feed.</li></ul><h2>Are World Cup Clips on TikTok Geo-Blocked?</h2>General fan content and trending videos are accessible worldwide. However, official match highlights and live broadcast segments published by regional rights holders may be geo-restricted based on international broadcasting agreements. Availability depends on your country.

How to Watch FIFA World Cup on TikTok

Ghana's stock market has a new king. William Tewiah, the founder of ZEN Petroleum Holdings PLC, has emerged as the country's richest individual stock market investor following the company's landmark listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) in April 2026.His 80% stake in ZEN Petroleum is now valued at approximately GHS 3.87 billion — equivalent to around $338 million at current exchange rates — a figure that places him well ahead of Ghana's longest-standing equity market heavyweights.The IPO That Changed EverythingZEN Petroleum was listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange at GHS 5 per share in April 2026, offering 128 million shares to investors in a deal that attracted overwhelming institutional demand.The public offer targeted $56 million (GHS 640 million) in fresh capital, but investor appetite far exceeded expectations. By the close of the offer, bids had reportedly surpassed $84 million (GHS 970 million) — a rare level of oversubscription for a Ghanaian IPO — signalling unusually strong confidence in the company and its sector.Since listing, ZEN Petroleum's share price has climbed from GHS 5 to GHS 7.55, pushing the company's total market capitalisation to nearly $422 million (GHS 4.83 billion) and making it one of the Ghana Stock Exchange's most valuable listed companies within weeks of its debut.Dethroning a Legend: How Tewiah Overtook Daniel OforiFor years, veteran investor Daniel Ofori held the unofficial title of Ghana's most influential individual shareholder on the GSE, having built considerable stakes across blue-chip financial institutions including GCB Bank, SIC Insurance, CalBank, and Société Générale Ghana over several decades.Tewiah's ascent has reshaped that landscape almost overnight. Unlike Ofori, whose wealth was assembled through diversified holdings across multiple listed firms built over a long career, Tewiah's fortune rests almost entirely on the public market valuation of a single company he founded, scaled privately, and then brought to market.A Historic First for Ghana's Energy SectorBeyond the headline numbers, ZEN Petroleum's listing carries deep symbolic weight for Ghana's business community.The company became the first indigenous private downstream petroleum firm ever to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange — a sector that has historically been dominated by multinational corporations and foreign-backed operators.Company executives have been deliberate about preserving that Ghanaian identity. Board Chairman Frank Adu Jr has publicly stated that measures have been put in place with market regulators to ensure ZEN Petroleum remains fully Ghanaian-owned, even as it trades publicly on the exchange.Tewiah himself has indicated plans to gradually dilute his personal stake over time by broadening public ownership and introducing employee share participation schemes — moves that would deepen the company's local footprint further.What This Means for Ghana's Capital MarketMarket analysts say ZEN Petroleum's rapid valuation rise reflects growing investor confidence in locally owned energy infrastructure businesses at a moment when African institutional investors — particularly pension funds — are increasingly seeking long-term opportunities closer to home.For the Ghana Stock Exchange, the listing is also a significant institutional win. The exchange has spent recent years working to attract more high-quality local listings after a difficult period marked by economic pressure, currency depreciation, and the country's sovereign debt restructuring challenges.ZEN Petroleum's successful debut offers a compelling case study in what a well-structured, founder-led Ghanaian IPO can achieve.The Bigger Picture: A New Generation of African FoundersFor many observers, William Tewiah's story is about more than personal wealth creation. It represents the emergence of a new generation of African entrepreneurs building large, indigenous companies with the scale and credibility to command serious valuations on public markets.His journey from founder to Ghana's richest stock market investor in a single listing is precisely the kind of story Africa's capital markets have long needed to tell.

Meet Ghana's Richest Investor: William Tewiah

Ghana has been drawn in Group C of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia following the official draw held on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association.The Black Stars are expected to face a difficult qualification campaign, with former African champions Côte d’Ivoire emerging as the standout opponents in the group.A total of 48 nations were placed into 12 groups of four as countries across Africa began the race for qualification to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.Defending champions Morocco were drawn in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger and Lesotho. Morocco head into the qualifiers as holders after CAF ruled Senegal to have forfeited the previous AFCON final despite losing 1-0 on the pitch.Several groups are expected to produce fierce competition, including Group J, which features Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia, while Nigeria headlines Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.Tournament hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will also participate in the qualifiers despite already securing automatic qualification for the finals. In groups involving a host nation, only one additional qualification slot will be available for the remaining teams.South Africa was drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea, while Algeria will battle Zambia, Togo and Burundi in Group I.The qualification campaign will be played across three FIFA international windows due to the shortened calendar ahead of the tournament.Matchdays one and two are scheduled between September 21 and October 6, 2026. Matchdays three and four will take place from November 9 to 17, 2026, while the final two rounds of matches are fixed for March 22 to 30, 2027.<h2>AFCON 2027 Qualifying Groups</h2>Group A: Morocco, Gabon, Niger, LesothoGroup B: Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South SudanGroup C: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Gambia, SomaliaGroup: D: South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, EritreaGroup E: DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, ZimbabweGroup F: Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, and the Central African RepublicGroup G: Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, CongoGroup H: Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, BotswanaGroup I: Algeria, Zambia, Togo, BurundiGroup J: Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, EthiopiaGroup K: Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, LiberiaGroup L: Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau

Ghana Drawn in Group C of 2027 AFCON qualifiers | Full draw revealed

Imagine getting paid to start a new life somewhere beautiful. No, it's not a scam — it's happening right now, in some of the most stunning places on earth.From mediaeval Italian villages offering €28,000 in cash to remote Irish islands handing out grants worth €84,000, governments around the world are literally competing for new residents. The reason? Population decline, brain drain, and emptying rural towns are forcing countries to get creative — and financially generous.Whether you're a remote worker, an entrepreneur, a retiree, or someone simply ready for a fresh start, this is your complete guide to the 10 countries that will pay you to move there in 2026.<h2>Why Are Countries Paying People to Move There?</h2>Before we dive into the list, it's worth understanding why this is happening. Across Europe and beyond, rural areas are quietly disappearing. Young people leave for cities, schools close, businesses shut down, and entire communities slowly fade away.The solution? Financial incentives. Governments have realised that offering cash grants, tax breaks, and housing subsidies is far cheaper than watching entire regions die. For globally minded people ready to relocate, that means a once-in-a-generation opportunity.Here are the 10 best countries taking advantage of this strategy right now.<h2>1. Italy — Up to €100,000 to Renovate a Home.</h2>Italy is, without question, the world leader in relocation incentives — and it keeps getting better.The most generous offer right now comes from Trentino, in the Italian Dolomites, where the provincial government is offering up to €100,000 (approximately $107,500) to buy and renovate a home in one of 33 selected mountain villages. That breaks down into up to €80,000 for renovation work and up to €20,000 toward the property purchase itself, with no repayment required as long as you fulfil the conditions.But that's just one programme. Across the country, other regions are running their own incentives:<ul><li>Calabria offers up to €28,000 to individuals under 40 willing to move to villages with fewer than 2,000 residents and either start a local business or fill an in-demand role.</li><li>Sardinia offers up to €15,000 for anyone who settles in a municipality with fewer than 3,000 residents.</li><li>Sicily has famously sold homes for as little as €1 — yes, one euro — with renovation requirements attached.</li></ul>Who it's ideal for: Remote workers, retirees, families, and renovation enthusiasts who dream of la dolce vita in the Italian countryside.<h2>2. Ireland — Up to €84,000 for Island Living</h2>Ireland's Our Living Islands programme is one of the boldest relocation incentives in the world. Launched in 2023 to repopulate its 30 remote offshore islands, the scheme offers incoming residents up to €84,000 (around $92,000) in renovation grants to restore and inhabit a home on one of these breathtaking Atlantic islands.These are real communities connected to the Irish mainland, rich in culture and natural beauty but facing serious population decline. The grants are designed to bring life back to them.This programme is primarily aimed at Irish residents or those who can establish residency, so international applicants will need to check visa pathways. But for those who qualify, the combination of funding, scenery, and community spirit is hard to beat.Who it's ideal for: People seeking a quiet, scenic life close to nature, with a strong sense of community and Irish culture.<h2>3. Switzerland — Up to $25,000 per adult in Albinen.</h2>Switzerland paying you to live there sounds almost too good to be true — but the village of Albinen, in the canton of Valais, has been doing exactly that.The programme offers $25,000 per adult and approximately $11,000 per child to families willing to settle in the village long-term. The catch? You must stay for at least 10 years, and you need a Swiss C permit (permanent residency) to qualify — which typically takes years of living in Switzerland to obtain.It's not a quick-win programme, but for those already on the path to Swiss residency, the combination of mountain air, world-class public services, and a cash incentive makes it exceptionally compelling.Who it's ideal for: Long-term planners already pursuing Swiss residency who want to settle in a stunning Alpine community.<h2>4. Greece — €500 Per Month on a Remote Island.</h2>Greece is offering a monthly stipend to families willing to move to Antikythera, a tiny island in the Aegean Sea between Crete and the Peloponnese. With fewer than 50 year-round residents, the island faces existential depopulation.The Greek Orthodox Church of Kythera is offering selected families a free home, a plot of land, and €500 per month for at least three years. That's roughly $18,000–$20,000 in total support, plus housing.The selection process is competitive and highly specific — priority is given to families with at least four children and practical skills like farming, fishing, baking, or construction. Only five families will ultimately be chosen.Beyond Antikythera, Greece's national government is also offering broader tax incentives: a 50% income tax reduction for seven years for professionals who relocate and work in Greece, and a flat 7% tax rate for foreign pensioners.Who it's ideal for: Large families with practical skills seeking an off-grid Mediterranean lifestyle, or professionals and retirees attracted by significant tax savings.<h2>5. Japan — Up to ¥4,800,000 for Rural Relocation</h2>Japan is facing a demographic crisis. In 2025, roughly 670,000 babies were born – the lowest number since records began in the late 1800s and a fraction of the two million annual births recorded in the 1970s. The result is a country with thousands of emptying rural towns desperately in need of new residents.The government's Regional Revitalisation Programme is one of the most substantial relocation incentives anywhere in the world, offering expats up to ¥4,800,000 (approximately $30,364) in funding and support to relocate to designated rural areas.Additionally, rural prefectures offer relocation bonuses of up to ¥1,000,000 (around $6,500) per person, with extra funding of ¥3,000,000–¥5,000,000 available for families or those willing to start a local business.Who it's ideal for: Families, remote workers, and entrepreneurs drawn to Japanese culture, safety, and the charm of rural living.<h2>6. Spain — €3,000 to €16,000 for Rural Settlement</h2>Spain has been quietly fighting its own depopulation crisis, and a growing number of regions are offering direct financial payments to newcomers willing to settle in rural villages.<ul><li>Ponga (Asturias) pays up to €2,000 for singles and €3,000 for families with children — plus additional bonuses for each child born during residency.</li><li>Extremadura announced a programme paying 200 people $16,000 each to relocate to the region.</li><li>Across Spain, digital nomads are being actively courted through a dedicated digital nomad visa, launched in 2024, with grants and tax incentives attached.</li></ul>Spain's incentives tend to be smaller than Italy's, but the lifestyle trade-off — Mediterranean climate, world-class food, and vibrant culture — makes up a significant part of the package.Who it's ideal for: Remote workers, young families, and digital nomads who want an affordable European base with strong cultural appeal.<h2>7. Chile — Up to $80,000 for Entrepreneurs</h2>South America's most forward-thinking relocation programme, Start-Up Chile, is explicitly designed for entrepreneurs and innovators. The government offers equity-free grants ranging from $15,000 to $80,000, depending on the stage of your business, plus a fast-tracked two-year Startup Visa.The programme operates across three tiers — Build (early-stage ideas), Ignite (validation), and Growth (scaling) — and backs approximately 100 startups per year. Alongside the funding, accepted entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship networks, co-working spaces, and a growing ecosystem of global innovators in Santiago.While the programme is fundamentally a business grant rather than a pure relocation incentive, the visa pathway and comprehensive support make Chile one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurial professionals.Who it's ideal for: Tech founders, startup entrepreneurs, and innovative professionals looking to build a business in a dynamic, emerging market.<h2>8. Canada — Tax Credits, Grants, and Permanent Residency Pathways</h2>Canada's approach to paying people to move there is more systemic than a single headline-grabbing grant, but the long-term financial benefits are substantial.The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot helps skilled workers relocate to smaller communities with local employment support and housing assistance. The startup visa programme goes further, offering entrepreneurs permanent residency alongside access to government-funded incubators and venture capital networks.In certain provinces, targeted initiatives add extra value: Saskatchewan's Graduate Retention Programme, for example, offers significant tax credits to recent graduates who live and work in the province. The province of British Columbia and several others also offer incentives aimed at healthcare workers, teachers, and skilled tradespeople.Who it's ideal for: Skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and graduates seeking permanent residency in a stable, high-quality-of-life country.<h2>9. Portugal — Tax Incentives for Professionals and Remote Workers</h2>Portugal may have phased out its famous Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax programme, but it has replaced it with the IFICI scheme – often described as NHR 2.0 – which continues to offer meaningful tax advantages to qualifying professionals, researchers, and innovators who relocate to Portugal.The government's Emprego Interior MAIS programme also offers up to €5,000 ($5,400) for remote workers and freelancers willing to move to less-populated inland areas — with the added bonus of Portugal's genuinely affordable cost of living, stunning coastlines, and warm climate.Portugal remains one of the easiest countries in Europe to establish residency, and its combination of lifestyle, language accessibility, and financial incentives keeps it firmly on the list.Who it's ideal for: Remote workers, freelancers, researchers, and professionals in qualified fields who want an EU base with a high quality of life.<h2>10. Denmark — Startup Grants for Entrepreneurs</h2>Denmark rounds out the list with Start-Up Denmark, a government programme welcoming international entrepreneurs to launch businesses in high-growth sectors including cleantech, design, technology, and life sciences.Successful applicants receive a Danish residence permit tied to their business, access to the country's excellent infrastructure, and entry into one of Europe's most supportive startup ecosystems. Denmark consistently ranks among the world's best countries for quality of life, gender equality, and work-life balance — making the relocation itself part of the reward.Who it's ideal for: Entrepreneurs and innovators in tech, sustainability, and design who want to build a business within a thriving European economy.

10 countries that will actually pay you to move there

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/sports/neymar-included-in-brazils-2026-world-cup-squad#google_vignette">Neymar has been named in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,</a> with head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirming the veteran forward’s place in the final team while leaving out Chelsea striker João Pedro.The announcement, made on Monday, ended weeks of speculation over Neymar’s inclusion as Brazilian fans awaited Ancelotti’s final selection for the tournament.The 34-year-old remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals and is preparing for his fourth World Cup appearance after previously featuring in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.Neymar has enjoyed an impressive World Cup record, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 13 matches. Among Brazilian players, only Ronaldo, Pelé and Jairzinho have been directly involved in more World Cup goals.The Santos forward also joins Lionel Messi and Luka Modrić as one of only three players to score and assist at each of the last three World Cups.Brazil continue to hold their historic status as the only nation to appear at every World Cup since the tournament began in 1930. The five-time champions will make their 23rd appearance and still boast the best win rate in World Cup history, with 76 victories in 114 matches.Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has also been included despite not featuring for his club since March because of injury concerns.Teenage striker Endrick earned a place in the squad as well, while Joao Pedro was one of the notable omissions despite enjoying a strong Premier League campaign.Only Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes and Igor Thiago have registered more direct goal contributions in the Premier League this season than João Pedro, who recorded 20 goal involvements — level with Antoine Semenyo.Brentford forward Igor Thiago is among Brazil’s attacking options alongside Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luis Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli as the Selecao prepare for Group C clashes against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.<h2>Full Brazil Squad for 2026 World Cup</h2>Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, WevertonDefenders: Alex Sandro, Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Roger Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos, WesleyMidfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo, Fabinho, and Lucas PaquetaForwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luis Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Rayan, and Vinicius Junior.

Neymar in, Joao Pedro out – Full Brazil World Cup squad

The Damang Gold Mine has completed another sale of gold, delivering a consignment representing 100 per cent of its production to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).The latest shipment is estimated at 121 kilogrammes of gold, equivalent to about 3,400 ounces. This figure surpasses the 103 kilograms recorded during the company’s first transaction with GoldBod.Speaking at the GoldBod Assay Laboratory in Accra on Monday [May 18, 2026], Technical Director of GoldBod, Michael Arko, praised the management of Damang Gold Mine and its parent company, Engineers and Planners, for their confidence in the government’s national gold policy.“Today marks a very significant and refreshing moment for us at Ghana GoldBod,” Mr Arko said as quoted by Graphiconline“This is the second time Damang Gold Mine is delivering 100 per cent of its gold production to the Ghana GoldBod, and we highly commend the management for supporting the national policy.”He noted that the company’s continued engagement reflects increasing industry support for efforts aimed at maximising national benefit from Ghana’s mineral resources.Mr Arko explained that government policy encourages large-scale mining firms to supply between 20 and 30 per cent of their gold output to the state in order to retain more value within the economy and strengthen national revenue generation.He further called on other mining companies to follow Damang Gold Mine’s example in supporting local participation in the gold trade.“If all the other mining companies follow this good example, it will do well for our economy,” he said.Speaking to the media, Bobby Banson, legal representative for Damang Gold Mine, said the decision to sell its entire gold output to Goldbod demonstrates the company’s commitment to Ghana’s economic development.He dismissed suggestions that the initial delivery was symbolic, stating that the second transaction confirms a sustained commitment to the policy.“For those who thought what we did last time was a nine-day wonder, this is further evidence of the commitment of the mine, wholly owned by a Ghanaian, to support the Ghanaian economy,” Mr Banson said.He also reaffirmed the company’s intention to continue granting GoldBod the right of first refusal on future production, subject to its financial capacity.“As long as GoldBod has the financial capacity to take it, we will continue to give them the right of first refusal because we want to contribute in our own small way to bringing stability to our economic fortunes,” he said.

Damang Gold Mine sells 3,400 Ounces of Gold to GoldBod

Neymar has officially been named in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a major comeback for the superstar after a long spell away from international football.The confirmation comes from head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has included the 34-year-old forward as part of his final tournament squad ahead of the global showpiece.The decision signals Neymar’s return to the biggest stage in world football after years of injury setbacks and inconsistent availability, despite his recent resurgence at Santos FC.<h2>Return after a long absence from international football</h2>Neymar, once the undisputed leader of the Seleção, last played for Brazil on October 18, 2023, in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay. His inclusion in the 2026 squad ends an international absence of around 943 days.He is also set to end a goal drought for Brazil that dates back to September 9, 2023, when he scored twice against Bolivia.<h2>New tactical role in Brazil’s system</h2>The 34-year-old is no longer expected to operate as a traditional explosive winger. Instead, Neymar has transitioned into a more central creative role.He is now viewed as an attacking midfielder who will focus on playmaking, chance creation, and linking Brazil’s attacking structure rather than relying on pace-driven wing play.This evolution is expected to give Brazil additional creativity and experience in key moments during the tournament.<h2>Neymar’s experience is key for Brazil</h2>Despite injury concerns in recent years, Neymar remains one of Brazil’s most experienced and technically gifted players. His inclusion adds leadership, creativity, and tournament experience to Ancelotti’s squad.<h2>Key takeaway</h2>Neymar’s confirmed inclusion in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad marks a major return to international football, as he prepares for what could be one of his final appearances on the global stage.

Neymar Included in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad 

The High Court in Accra has granted bail to former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, in the ongoing criminal trial involving alleged financial loss and corruption-related offences tied to over GH¢50 million in public funds.Hanan Abdul-Wahab was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢60 million, while Faiza Seidu Wuni was granted bail in the sum of GH¢3.5 million, with both accused persons required to provide two justified sureties each to be justified.The ruling comes after both accused persons pleaded not guilty to a revised 20-count charge sheet filed by the Attorney-General’s Department.In addition to the bail sums, the court imposed stringent conditions aimed at securing the attendance of the accused persons throughout the trial.The court ordered that both accused be placed on a stop list at all entry and exit points of the country, effectively restricting their ability to travel internationally while the case is ongoing.They have also been directed to deposit their passports with the Registry of the Court.As part of the bail conditions, the accused persons are required to report to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) once every fortnight.The court further noted that the accused persons shall continue to be subject to their existing EOCO bail terms, citing concerns that they may not immediately meet the newly imposed terms.The court has thus given the accused persons until 21 May 2026 to fully comply with the bail conditions, including securing sureties and fulfilling all administrative requirements attached to their release.On the prosecution side, the court directed the State to file its witness statements and disclosures within seven days, where the same have not already been filed.The accused persons have also been ordered to file a list of witnesses they intend to call in their defence, should they choose to do so.The matter has been adjourned to 28 May 2026 at 12:00 noon for a Case Management Conference (CMC).

Ex-NAFCO boss, wife granted bail, placed on travel ban in GH¢50m trial

Across cultures and continents, a wedding is more than a ceremony, it is a statement. From opulent ballrooms in Luxembourg to multi-day festivals in India, the world's most extravagant weddings reflect the values, traditions, and economic realities of their societies. Below is a definitive look at the ten countries where couples invest the most in their big day.<h2>1. Luxembourg — ~$39,245</h2>Luxembourg tops the charts as one of the wealthiest nations in the world, and its wedding culture mirrors that prosperity. Couples here favour luxurious venues, premium catering, and top-tier entertainment. With a population that prizes elegance and class, no detail is left to chance. The emphasis on sophistication — from bespoke floral arrangements to black-tie receptions — makes Luxembourg's weddings among the most costly per capita on the planet.<h2>2. Sweden — ~$38,290</h2>Swedish weddings are defined by impeccable design sensibility. Couples invest heavily in high-end venues — often countryside estates or waterfront properties — gourmet catering and premium décor. Designer attire and carefully curated aesthetics are a given. Sweden's deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship extends naturally to the wedding day, where every element is expected to meet an exacting standard of beauty and taste.<h2>3. United States — ~$30,000–$35,000</h2>The United States consistently ranks among the top wedding-spending nations globally. The average American wedding costs approximately $30,000, encompassing venue hire, catering, professional photography, floral arrangements, entertainment, and bridal attire. High-profile social expectations and a robust wedding industry — complete with planners, stylists, and luxury vendors — drive costs upward. Celebrity and society weddings, which routinely run into the millions, further set the cultural benchmark for opulence.<h2>4. United Kingdom — ~$28,500</h2>British weddings are a unique blend of time-honoured tradition and contemporary luxury. With an average spend of around $28,500, couples in the UK invest in everything from stately manor houses and historic castles to modern urban venues. Flowers, live music, and professional photography rank among the top priorities. Royal weddings continue to shape public imagination, reinforcing a national culture of pomp, ceremony, and tasteful extravagance.<h2>5. Spain — ~$25,700</h2>In Spain, weddings are deeply social occasions — large gatherings that celebrate family, community, and culture. The average cost of $25,700 reflects the Spanish appetite for grand venues, elaborate meals, and a strong emphasis on music and entertainment. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid command premium prices for wedding venues, and couples typically host sizeable guest lists, further elevating the overall expenditure. Photography, attire, and live music are among the most important line items in the Spanish wedding budget.<h2>6. India — ~$25,000 (Middle Class) / $45,000+ (Affluent)</h2>Indian weddings are legendary for their grandeur. Multi-day ceremonies, hundreds of guests, and elaborate rituals make them some of the most spectacular celebrations in the world. For middle-class families, the average spend hovers around $25,000, while affluent households regularly exceed $45,000 — and elite weddings can run into millions. With an average guest list of over 300 people, the sheer scale of an Indian wedding drives costs across catering, décor, traditional attire, music, and religious ceremonies.<h2>7. Italy — ~$23,900</h2>Italy's breathtaking landscapes and world-class cuisine make it a natural setting for unforgettable weddings. The average Italian wedding costs around $23,900, with couples investing in iconic venues in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Venice, alongside high-end catering and designer fashion. Italian weddings are steeped in tradition — including the gifting of bomboniere (decorative favours to guests) — and religion plays a significant role, with many couples opting for church ceremonies. Destination weddings from abroad further inflate the country's overall wedding spending figures.<h2>8. Canada — ~$19,000–$22,000</h2>Canadian weddings, particularly in cosmopolitan hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, combine modern aesthetics with cultural warmth. Couples typically spend between $19,000 and $22,000, with a significant portion allocated to photography, videography, and custom décor — often staged against Canada's stunning natural backdrops. The average planning timeline stretches to roughly 14 months, reflecting the care and investment couples put into their celebrations.<h2>9. France — ~$17,600</h2>In France, the wedding table is the centrepiece of the celebration. French couples prioritise exceptional catering above all else, with a top-tier caterer being the most sought-after vendor. The average wedding costs around $17,600, and celebrations are characterised by elegance, restraint, and refined taste. Notably, French couples are among the most likely to pay for their weddings outright, with Portugal being the only other country where credit use is similarly low.<h2>10. Portugal — ~$15,000–$16,700</h2>Portugal rounds out the top ten with an average wedding cost of approximately $15,000–$16,700. Portuguese couples are known for their commitment to tradition and elegance, investing in scenic venues, exquisite cuisine, and personalised details. Photography is the single most important vendor category, and couples here are the least likely in the world to take out loans or use credit to fund their weddings — a reflection of the country's cultural values around financial prudence and family contribution.

10 countries that spend the most on weddings

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a remarkable step ahead of the FIFA World Cup after confirming that popular supporter “Lumumba” will be part of the country’s official delegation for the tournament.The unprecedented decision was reportedly made following a special request from the national team players and later approved by President Félix Tshisekedi.Under the arrangement, Lumumba’s entire World Cup experience will be fully funded by the state, including flights, accommodation, feeding, match tickets, and travel logistics.Authorities have also confirmed that assistance will be provided for all travel documentation and visa arrangements to ensure he travels smoothly with the delegation.Lumumba rose to prominence during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where his energetic support and passionate presence in the stands attracted attention from football fans across Africa.His unwavering backing of the Congolese national team quickly transformed him into a symbolic figure among supporters, with many seeing him as a representation of the strong bond between the players and their fans.Officials believe his inclusion goes beyond symbolism, describing it as recognition of the important role supporters play in the team’s success and morale.The move has also been viewed as a major morale booster ahead of the World Cup, reinforcing unity within the squad and among fans worldwide.For Lumumba, the announcement represents an extraordinary continuation of a journey that began during the AFCON tournament in Morocco, where he evolved from a passionate supporter into one of the most recognised fan figures in African football culture.As DR Congo prepares for football’s biggest stage, the gesture has been widely praised as a powerful symbol of connection between the national team and the supporters who follow them across the globe.

DR Congo include famous supporter Lumumba in official World Cup 2026 delegation

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid CF after all terms were verbally agreed upon between both parties for a new two-year contract.According to Romano, only the formal signing of documents remains before the deal is officially completed, with Mourinho expected to travel to Madrid after Real Madrid’s final La Liga fixture against Athletic Club.The agreement will see Mourinho begin a dramatic second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu more than a decade after leaving the club in 2013.The Portuguese manager previously coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning the La Liga title and Copa del Rey during one of the club’s most competitive eras.Mourinho’s expected return is already generating excitement among fans as the Spanish giants prepare for a new chapter ahead of next season.<h2></h2>

Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid on a 2-year deal

The Ligue 1 clash between FC Nantes and Toulouse FC was dramatically suspended just 20 minutes into play on Sunday amid a violent pitch invasion by angry supporters.The situation escalated at the Stade de la Beaujoire after Nantes’ recent relegation to Ligue 2 was confirmed, sparking outrage among sections of the home crowd. Furious supporters broke through barriers and stormed onto the pitch, forcing officials to halt the match immediately.Chaos unfolded as players from both teams were rushed off the field and into the dressing rooms for safety while security struggled to regain control of the situation.Tensions also boiled over on the touchline, where Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodžić attempted to confront the angry fans but was pulled away by members of his coaching staff to prevent escalation.The pitch invasion created complete disorder inside the stadium, with flares reportedly set off and stewards overwhelmed as the match was brought to a sudden and indefinite suspension.<h2></h2>

BREAKING: FC Nantes vs Toulouse suspended after pitch invasion chaos following relegation fury

Medeama SC has secured the 2025-26 Ghana Premier League title and booked their place in next season’s CAF Champions League following a commanding 5-2 victory over Heart of Lions at the TnA Stadium on Sunday.The Tarkwa-based side sealed the championship with one match to spare after the closest challengers, Bibiani Gold Stars, lost to Dreams FC earlier in the day.Knowing victory would confirm them as champions if Gold Stars dropped points, Medeama delivered a ruthless performance despite heavy rainfall delaying kickoff at the TnA Stadium.Kelvin Obeng opened the scoring in the 18th minute before completing his brace later in the first half to give the hosts complete control.Heart of Lions briefly threatened a comeback after pulling one back, but Medeama remained sharp in attack throughout the contest.Derrick Fordjour struck twice in the second half, while Prince Owusu added another goal late on to cap an emphatic title-winning performance.Heart of Lions scored twice, including a late penalty converted by Etse Dogl, but Medeama’s dominance ensured the result never looked in doubt.The triumph marks Medeama’s second Ghana Premier League title in three years after their maiden success in 2023, with the club now set to represent Ghana once again in the CAF Champions League.

Medeama crowned 2025-26 GPL champions, seal CAF Champions League spot

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has warned supporters not to “run down” their own government out of frustration over delayed appointments, stressing that doing so would ultimately hurt both the party and its supporters.Addressing party supporters during his “Thank You Tour” at Daboya Mankarigu in the Savannah Region on Saturday, May 16, Mr Asiedu Nketiah cautioned party faithful against publicly criticising the government, especially over appointments, saying such actions could undermine the progress of the administration they worked hard to elect.He urged Ghanaians and supporters of the ruling NDC not to lose faith in the government of President John Dramani Mahama, insisting the administration is laying the right foundation to reset the country.“So those of you who brought the NDC government to power, don’t give up. Don’t begin running your own government down. If you do that, you are running yourself down. Let’s focus,” he warned.According to him, many Ghanaians believe the NDC government has made a strong start and is on the path toward rebuilding the country.

Don’t run down Mahama gov’t over appointments – Asiedu Nketiah warns NDC

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed the death of a 70-year-old woman following a devastating commercial fire outbreak at Suame Magazine Zone 18 near the garages in Kumasi in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026.Remove adsAccording to the Ashanti Regional Command of the GNFS, the fire incident destroyed several properties, including wooden structures, metal containers, vehicles and vehicle spare parts.The service said the Breman Fire Station received a distress call at about 3:22 a.m. reporting a fire involving structures and vehicles within the enclave.AIListenQuizAskBackgroundA combined firefighting team from the Breman and Komfo Anokye Fire Stations, led by Station Officer One (STNO I) Ampaabeng, was immediately dispatched to the scene with fire tenders FS 435 and FS 737, arriving at approximately 3:34 a.m.Upon arrival, firefighters found the blaze fully developed and engulfing three wooden structures, three metal containers, four vehicles and nine DAF vehicle engines.Firefighters quickly deployed both offensive and defensive firefighting strategies and succeeded in bringing the fire under control by 3:59 a.m. before fully extinguishing it at 4:51 a.m. using water and foam.The GNFS identified the deceased as Madam Bawama Naya, aged 70, who was trapped in the inferno. Her charred body was later handed over to officers from the Suame District Police Command for preservation and further investigations.Remove adsThe fire service noted that the swift response by personnel helped save three Sprinter buses, one Benz bus and one Opanka bus from destruction.Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.The Ghana National Fire Service has meanwhile urged the public, particularly operators within industrial and commercial areas, to strictly observe fire safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.<div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://media.3news.com/Suame%20magazine%20fire%201.jpg" alt="Suame magazine fire 1" title="Suame magazine fire 1" width="auto" height="auto"></div><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://media.3news.com/Suame%20magazine%20fire%202.jpg" alt="Suame magazine fire 2" title="Suame magazine fire 2" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

70-year-old woman dies as fire destroys structures, vehicles at Suame Magazine in Kumasi

The figures paint a troubling picture of a critical piece of urban infrastructure under sustained assault from reckless drivers, organised theft syndicates, equipment obsolescence and institutional bottlenecks that have left the government owing money to the very contractors responsible for maintaining the system.The NumbersOf the 411 traffic signal installations across 11 regions under DUR jurisdiction, only 257, representing 63 percent are currently operational. A further 132 signals, or 32 percent, are inactive, contributing to severe gridlock at key urban intersections. An additional 22 units, representing five percent, have been permanently decommissioned due to structural damage or road redesigns.The geographic distribution of the infrastructure is also a concern. The Greater Accra Region alone hosts 59 percent of all signals, 241 installations — while the Ashanti Region accounts for a further 15 percent with 61. Five regions currently have zero traffic lights under DUR oversight.Remove adsWhy Are the Lights Off?Between 2020 and 2026, 587 distinct critical incidents disrupted the network. Vehicular crashes account for the overwhelming majority 77.5 percent or 455 incidents with reckless driving and overspeeding repeatedly destroying poles, gantries and controllers at major intersections including Okponglo, Tesano and Kasoa.Vandalism and theft account for a further 17.4 percent of incidents 102 in total with organised syndicates actively targeting computerised controllers, solar panels, inverters, backup batteries and underground copper cables. A further 30 cases involve equipment so outdated that replacement parts are no longer manufactured.The Awoshie-Pokuase corridor offers a stark case study of the scale of destruction. At School Junction, a violent crash obliterated the solar array and control system and resulted in a driver fatality. At Odorgono and Anyaa Market, thieves repeatedly bypassed security enclosures to strip out backup batteries and micro-controllers. Along the corridor, criminals have physically climbed overhead gantries to slice and extract specialised copper solar power delivery cables.Institutional BottlenecksRestoration efforts are being severely hampered by two compounding problems. Contractual disputes have stalled procurement and maintenance processes. More critically, the state currently owes maintenance contractors for previously completed works, bringing rapid-response restoration to a near standstill. Ghana is also facing a $55 million court judgement debt in relation to the Accra Intelligent Traffic Management contract — a liability that hangs heavily over the sector's modernisation agenda.Security and ModernisationTo protect newly installed assets, the DUR is deploying heavy-duty steel burglarproof cages around control cabinets, thicker iron casing plates, lockable underground chamber slabs and strict identity protocols for authorised field technicians. Increased legal enforcement under the Road Traffic Regulations for damaging public road infrastructure is also being pursued.On the technological front, long-term relief is being sought through intelligent traffic systems. The Area-Wide Traffic Signal Control System (AWTSCS), currently operational on the Neoplan-to-CBD corridor and funded through a French Development Agency and Government of Ghana partnership, integrates 33 smart controllers, 80 CCTV cameras and a Bus Priority System feeding into the Accra Traffic Management Centre.However, the flagship Accra Intelligent Traffic Management System (AITMS) Phase II, which features a state-of-the-art Intelligent Tower command centre — remains only 23 percent complete due to ongoing legal disputes, with critical high-tech hardware sitting idle in storage.Minister Agbodza, in releasing the assessment, called on the public to help protect road infrastructure, stating: "Let's work together to keep our public road traffic lights working."

Only 63% of Ghana's traffic lights are working - Roads Minister Agbodza reveals alarming national assessment

An outspoken operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Agbey, has accused some government appointees of arrogance, disrespect, and disdain toward the party's grassroots supporters.In a press statement, Mr Agbey said many appointees under the administration of John Mahama had become “demigods” who treat party footsoldiers with contempt after assuming office.“As a longstanding operative, active and loyal member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), I am infuriated by the continuous disdainful attitude of government appointees towards NDC grassroots membership and footsoldiers,” he stated.He argued that political appointees owe their positions to the sacrifices of party activists and should therefore remain accessible and respectful to them.“Therefore, the assertion by some of these appointees that they are in office to serve Ghana and not NDC footsoldiers is arrogance beyond belief,” he said.Mr Agbey singled out Kwesi Afrey Biney, accusing the Social Security and National Insurance Trust boss of repeatedly turning away party supporters.“Who told this ingrate that he would be serving as SSNIT boss if NDC was still languishing in opposition?” he questioned.According to him, some appointees had forgotten the role grassroots members played in returning the party to power and were now “feeding fat on the sweat of ordinary party people.”He warned that the growing frustration among party supporters could damage the image of both the government and the NDC if left unchecked.“The arrogance and disdain must stop, and it must stop now,” he stressed.Mr Agbey also invoked President Mahama’s inaugural message on January 7, 2025, in which the President cautioned against disrespect and arrogance in government.“President Mahama’s message on his investiture was clear: ‘I’ll not tolerate disrespect and arrogance in my government,’” he noted.He further urged appointees to embrace humility, tolerance, and openness in their dealings with the public and party faithful.“By every standard of civility, culture, and political hierarchy, the grassroots deserves a respectful and dignified reception whenever they call on any of President Mahama’s appointees,” he said.The NDC operative concluded by urging party loyalists to speak up against what he described as “dangerous intolerance” within government circles.

You are nothing without footsoldiers – NDC’s James Agbey fires warning at Mahama appointees

Fresh court documents filed at the High Court in Accra have alleged a list of criminal charges against former National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, over alleged financial improprieties involving millions of Ghana cedis.The new charge sheet, filed by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice on May 15, 2026, levels 20 counts against the couple, including stealing, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the State, abuse of public office for profit, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering.The latest development follows the re-arrest of Mr Aludiba and his wife by operatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) shortly after they were discharged by the High Court in an earlier case.According to the court filing, prosecutors accuse the former NAFCO boss of fraudulently obtaining GH¢734,400, the cedi equivalent of US$127,500, from NAFCO in 2017 under the pretext of rent payments purportedly covering the period between May 2017 and May 2019.The state alleges that the representation was false and constituted defrauding by false pretence contrary to Section 131 of the Criminal Offences Act.A second charge accuses Mr Abdul-Wahab of wilfully causing financial loss to the state through the same alleged rent claim.Further allegations relate to payments allegedly made through a private entity known as Sawtina Enterprise.The prosecution claims that between February 2017 and February 2025, Mr Aludiba, while serving as CEO of NAFCO, allegedly diverted approximately GH¢50.8 million from the state agency under the guise of making payments to one James Tieku-Apawu, trading as Sawtina Enterprise, for foodstuff purchases.Court documents allege that the transactions amounted to stealing and constituted abuse of public office for personal gain.The state further alleges that the payments caused substantial financial loss to NAFCO.In another set of allegations, prosecutors accuse the former CEO of channelling payments from NAFCO to a business allegedly owned by his wife, identified in the charge sheet as Alqarni Enterprise.The documents allege that between September 2018 and August 2019, payments amounting to more than GH¢3.34 million were made to the enterprise for purported food supply transactions.Prosecutors claim the transactions were fraudulent and constituted theft and abuse of office.Faiza Seidu Wuni, named as the second accused person, is facing separate charges of defrauding by false pretence, dishonestly receiving and money laundering.According to the charge sheet, the state alleges she falsely represented that her business had supplied food items to NAFCO, causing the company to part with more than GH¢3.34 million.The prosecution also alleges that she knowingly received and possessed funds believed to have been obtained through unlawful means.The money laundering charge filed under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), accuses her of allegedly taking possession of the funds while allegedly aware that the money had been acquired through stealing.The case has already generated significant public and political attention following complaints by defence lawyers over the handling of the accused persons after their re-arrest.Counsel for the former NAFCO CEO, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, had earlier criticised EOCO’s actions, accusing investigators of denying the accused access to lawyers and refusing bail despite existing court processes and earlier bail conditions.Mr Dame also described the prosecution’s conduct as an abuse of prosecutorial discretion and alleged that his clients had endured what he termed “pre-trial torture and harassment".NAFCO, a state-owned institution established to support food security and stabilise agricultural commodity prices, has in recent years faced scrutiny over procurement practices, storage systems and financial management.The case is expected to return to court in the coming days as prosecutors seek to formally move the new charges against the accused persons.

Ex-NAFCO boss Hanan and wife dragged back to court over alleged theft, fraud and money laundering exceeding GH¢60m

The State Transport Company(STC) has appealed to passengers to remain patient amid growing concerns over long waiting hours at its terminals and the condition of some of its buses.Management said steps are already being taken to address the challenges, including plans to expand the company’s fleet with about 120 additional buses by the end of the year.The concerns follow a viral video in which some passengers complained about prolonged delays and what they described as poor service delivery at various STC terminals across the country.Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Finance and Administration, Nuru Hamidan, explained that the delays are largely linked to strict safety procedures conducted after every trip.“We have standards that we follow. What differentiates us from other buses is safety. Whenever a bus offloads passengers, it goes straight to the workshop for proper checks before it hits the road again,” he said.Mr. Hamidan, however, acknowledged that the corporation is currently operating with a limited number of buses, a situation he said has affected service delivery and contributed to passenger frustrations. He assured customers that management is working to improve operations and reduce delays.Meanwhile, the company said it is expecting about 120 new buses to be added to its fleet before the end of the year, a move it believes will significantly improve service delivery and ease pressure at terminals nationwide.STC further noted that, in the interim, it is relying on alliance partnerships with other transport operators to help manage passenger demand and reduce the impact of the current fleet shortage.

Long delays temporary, 120 buses coming - STC

The Ghana Navy has rescued seven suspected stowaways from a Belgian-registered crude oil tanker operating off the coast of Tema after the vessel raised an emergency alert about individuals hidden in its rudder trunk.The rescue operation followed a distress call received through the Maritime Operations Centre after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Abidjan alerted Ghanaian authorities on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.The tanker, identified as MT Cap Felix, was said to be operating about 200 nautical miles south of Tema Harbour at the time of the incident.Addressing the media on Saturday, May 16, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Solomon Aseidu-Larbi, said the Navy immediately deployed Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota under the command of Commander Ishmeal Kofi Quansah to intercept the vessel at sea.According to him, GNS Achimota departed Tema Harbour at about 7 pm on the same day and successfully reached the tanker, where naval officers safely rescued the seven male suspects from the vessel’s rudder trunk.Commodore Aseidu-Larbi disclosed that preliminary investigations suggest the individuals are believed to be from a Ghanaian community living in Côte d’Ivoire and may have boarded the tanker illegally while it was anchored in Ivorian waters.He further explained that the MT Cap Felix is a Belgian-flagged crude oil tanker with a gross tonnage of about 82,000 tons and an IMO number 9380738, adding that its last port of call before the incident was Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire.The rescued suspects have since been handed over to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Marine Police for further investigations and possible prosecution. An officer of the Ghana Immigration Service told Graphic Online that the suspects would first be profiled before being transferred to the Ghana Police Service for further action.

Ghana Navy rescues seven suspected stowaways from oil tanker near Tema

Mr Awentami Paul Afoko, a National Chairman hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), says the party must choose its next national leaders based on competence and not ethnic considerations.Mr Afoko made the remarks during consultative meetings with the Ashanti Regional Council of Elders and the Ashanti Regional Executives in Kumasi weeks ago.The engagements form part of his nationwide outreach to party stakeholders and fostering unity ahead of the NPP’s National Delegates Conference.Addressing both groups in separate meetings, Mr Afoko expressed concern about the NPP’s current state but cautioned against dwelling on the 2024 electoral defeat amid the blame game.“We need to gather collective experiences”, he urged.He stressed that his ambition is to help rebuild the party: “I would want to be remembered for rebuilding the party. We must all put our hands on deck. We cannot sit and watch the party slide backwards.”Mr Afoko told the Regional Council of Elders and Regional Executives that the grassroots are critical in the party’s electoral fortunes. “The heartbeat of the NPP is the Ashanti Region, and that remains a fact. I am open to advice because you are the ones running the party.”He urged unity, saying the NPP cannot leave power in the hands of the NDC and must combine experiences to salvage its fortunes.Speakers at both meetings encouraged Mr Afoko to remain committed to rebuilding the party and making it a formidable force to be reckoned with ahead of the 2028 general elections.Mr. Afoko is campaigning on his 3R Agenda: Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture, which he argues is critical to returning the NPP to power.”

Choose competence over ethnicity – Paul Afoko tells NPP

A Technical adviser at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Theo Acheampong, has disclosed that the government’s planned private sector participation in the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is expected to commence by early 2027 as part of ongoing energy sector reforms.Ghanaian Culture BlogHe explained that the initiative, being driven jointly by the Government of Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is aimed at addressing persistent commercial and technical losses within ECG while improving efficiency in electricity distribution nationwide.“The private sector participation under ECG will happen. End of year going into early next year,” he stated on Joy FM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, underscoring government’s commitment to pushing ahead with the reforms despite opposition from organised labour.Dr Acheampong stressed that the arrangement will not amount to full privatisation or an outright sale of ECG, but will instead be implemented through public-private partnerships and concession models designed to enhance operational performance.Meanwhile, former ECG Managing Director Samuel Dubik Mahama has highlighted operational challenges within the company, noting that under the cash waterfall system, only a portion of revenue collected is retained by ECG, with significant deductions covering salaries and other operational costs including fuel, healthcare obligations and maintenance expenses.

ECG private sector participation to begin by early 2027 – Finance Ministry adviser

Elon Musk has come under criticism on social media following remarks about Instagram that many users described as misogynistic, sparking a wider debate about gender stereotypes and online behaviour.The controversy began after the billionaire responded to a viral thread discussing how social media habits can reflect different phases in an individual’s life, where users joked about trends such as posting curated images, frequent stories and other content patterns. Musk commented on the thread, stating that Instagram is a platform primarily for girls.In a separate response, Elon Musk elaborated on his remark, stating that he finds it unusual when grown men share their Instagram profiles with him, adding a comment questioning whether such behaviour indicated a shift in identity.The remarks quickly drew backlash online, with several users criticising the statement as dismissive and rooted in gender bias. Social media users questioned how a global business leader could make such comments, while others pointed out that Instagram has a near-even gender distribution, challenging the basis of his claim.Some users also highlighted the broader implications of such statements when made by influential figures, stating that casual remarks can gain disproportionate attention and impact due to the speaker’s stature.At the same time, a section of users responded with humour, framing the comment within the cultural differences between social media platforms, with some describing X as a fast-paced, high-intensity platform focused on immediacy and discourse, while portraying Instagram as a more curated and aesthetic-driven space. Others made satirical comparisons between the two platforms, suggesting that each serves a different kind of online expression and audience.There were also users who mocked the remark by suggesting that the perception of platforms often changes depending on ownership or context, adding to the mixed reactions surrounding the issue.Musk has consistently positioned his social media platform X as a free-speech-focused alternative to platforms owned by Meta, amid his ongoing rivalry with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and the latest episode has further fuelled discussions around platform identity, user behaviour and the influence of high-profile figures on online discourse.

Elon Musk faces backlash over ‘Instagram is for girls’ remark

What is the longest street in the world? It's a question that sparks more debate than you might expect. Streets, avenues, and boulevards blur into highways, names change, and records get disputed. But one thing is certain — some of the world's streets stretch so far that walking them would take days. In this guide, we explore the 5 longest streets in the world, covering their lengths, histories, and what makes each one extraordinary.<h2>1. Yonge Street – Toronto, Canada</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779016669402-owkulcz9rah.jpg" alt="Yonge Street – Toronto, Canada" data-credit="Yonge Street – Toronto, Canada" title="Yonge Street – Toronto, Canada" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Length: Approximately 56 kilometres (34.8 miles) Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Named After: Sir George Yonge, the British Secretary of War<h3>Overview</h3>Yonge Street is widely regarded as one of the longest streets in the world and is undoubtedly Canada's most famous road. Stretching from the shores of Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto northward to just beyond Holland Landing, Yonge Street has long been considered the backbone of Ontario's capital city. For decades, the Guinness Book of World Records listed it as the longest street in the world, a claim that was held from 1977 until 1999.<h3>History</h3>Yonge Street dates back to 1794, when Ontario's first colonial administrator, John Graves Simcoe, ordered its construction. It was originally designed as a military supply route connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe, providing a critical pathway into the Upper Great Lakes region. The street was named in honour of Simcoe's friend, Sir George Yonge, a British secretary of war and a known enthusiast of road-building.The famous claim that Yonge Street stretched 1,896 kilometres arose from a popular conflation of the street with Ontario's Highway 11, which runs north all the way to the Minnesota border. This misconception was first added to the Guinness Records in 1977 at the request of Toronto writer Jay Myers, who had written a book about the street's history. The claim was quietly dropped in 1999, when Guinness corrected the record.Today, even by conservative measurements, Yonge Street remains an impressively long urban corridor at around 56 km (or up to 86 km, including the Bradford-to-Barrie extension).<h3>What to See Along Yonge Street</h3><ul><li>St Lawrence Market – One of the world's great food markets</li><li>CN Tower – An iconic Toronto landmark visible from much of the street</li><li>Yonge-Dundas Square – Toronto's answer to Times Square</li><li>Alexander Muir Gardens – A beautiful green space along the route</li><li>Canada's first subway line – Running beneath Yonge Street since 1954, the Yonge–University line is now the busiest subway line in Canada.</li></ul><h3>Key Facts</h3><ul><li>Declared a National Historic Site of Canada</li><li>Once listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's longest street</li><li>Crosses through multiple distinct Toronto neighbourhoods</li><li>Home to annual events including parades and major street celebrations</li></ul><h2>2. Western Avenue – Chicago, USA</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779016730396-wuxpdttycsh.jpg" alt="Western Avenue – Chicago, USA | Photo via Shutterstock " data-credit="Western Avenue – Chicago, USA | Photo via Shutterstock " title="Western Avenue – Chicago, USA | Photo via Shutterstock " width="auto" height="auto"></div>Length: Approximately 44 kilometres (27.4 miles) total; 38.6 km within city limits. Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA Named After: It served as the western boundary of Chicago between 1851 and 1869.<h3>Overview</h3>Western Avenue is Chicago's longest street, running 24 miles within the city from Howard Street in the north to 119th Street in the south. When extended beyond Chicago's boundaries to the Will/Kankakee County line, the total road reaches approximately 27.4 miles (44 km). It holds an important place in Chicago's urban identity, slicing through 16 of the city's 77 community areas and serving as a dividing line between dozens of distinct neighbourhoods.<h3>History</h3>Western Avenue was established as the western boundary of the city of Chicago between 1851 and 1869, which is precisely how it earned its name. Over the years, different sections of the road have carried other names — including Asbury Avenue in the northern suburbs, Blue Island, and Robbins — reflecting its patchwork expansion over time.In 1924, the Chicago City Council briefly renamed the entire street "Woodrow Wilson Road" to honour the recently deceased 28th US president. The ordinance was quickly repealed, and the Western Avenue name was restored. Today, the street passes through an extraordinary variety of communities, making a journey along its length feel like a tour of Chicago's many social and cultural worlds.<h3>What to See Along Western Avenue</h3><ul><li>Rosehill Cemetery – One of Chicago's oldest and most historic burial grounds</li><li>McKinley Park – One of the city's first parks, placed in an industrial zone and designed in 1901</li><li>Five CTA "Western" stations – On the Blue, Orange, Pink, and Brown lines</li><li>Diverse immigrant and ethnic communities – From West Ridge to Beverly, the street reflects Chicago's rich multicultural heritage.</li><li>Numerous car dealerships – A quirky claim to fame the street has held for decades.</li></ul><h3>Key Facts</h3><ul><li>Once claimed by some to be the longest street in the world</li><li>Intersects with 16 of Chicago's 77 community areas</li><li>The annual St Patrick's Day parade route passes through the area</li><li>Home to the world's largest motorcycle parade: the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade</li></ul><h2>3. Avenida Rivadavia – Buenos Aires, Argentina</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779017274832-uhqvpgo7edp.jpg" alt="Avenida Acoyte y Avenida Rivadavia, Buenos Aires via Wikipedia" data-credit="Avenida Acoyte y Avenida Rivadavia, Buenos Aires via Wikipedia" title="Avenida Acoyte y Avenida Rivadavia, Buenos Aires via Wikipedia" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Length: Approximately 35–37 kilometres (21–23 miles) Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina, stretching west to Merlo, Province of Buenos Aires Named After: President Bernardino Rivadavia, Argentina's first head of state.<h3>Overview</h3>Avenida Rivadavia is one of the most iconic thoroughfares in South America and is considered among the longest avenues in the world. Extending from the historic Plaza de Mayo in the heart of Buenos Aires westward to the suburb of Merlo, it stretches approximately 35 to 37 kilometres. The avenue divides Buenos Aires into its northern and southern halves and has served as the city's main artery for over two centuries.<h3>History</h3>Rivadavia Avenue's origins stretch back to 1776 and the Spanish colonial era, when it was designated a Camino Real – a Royal Road – running westward from Buenos Aires toward Mendoza. Over the following decades it earned various names: "Camino de Flores" (Road of Flowers) and then "Federación" under Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas in 1836. It was finally renamed Avenida Rivadavia in 1857, in honour of Bernardino Rivadavia, Argentina's first president, following the restoration of constitutional rule.In 1928, Rivadavia Avenue was the route of Buenos Aires' very first bus line, running from Primera Junta to Lacarra — a development that began the gradual decline of the city's once-extensive trolley network. By the 1970s, the avenue had become one of the most congested roads in the metropolitan area, driven by rapid suburban development to the west.<h3>What to See Along Avenida Rivadavia</h3><ul><li>Plaza de Mayo – The historic square at the avenue's eastern origin, flanked by the Casa Rosada presidential palace</li><li>Argentine National Congress – A magnificent Beaux-Arts building at the avenue's intersection with Avenida de Mayo</li><li>Café Las Violetas (Almagro) – An Art Nouveau gem still serving alfajores and medialunas</li><li>Café El Molino – An iconic Art Nouveau building undergoing restoration near the Congress</li><li>Rivadavia Park – A green oasis in the Caballito neighbourhood featuring the Monument to Simón Bolívar</li><li>Buenos Aires Metro Line A – Running beneath the avenue with 11 of its 16 stations underground along Rivadavia</li></ul><h3>Key Facts</h3><ul><li>Carries 83 bus lines along its route — one of the busiest bus corridors in South America</li><li>More than 300,000 people use the avenue's transport daily.</li><li>All cross streets change their names at the intersection with Rivadavia – a unique urban planning quirk</li><li>Begins at the Casa Rosada and runs through key neighbourhoods: Monserrat, Almagro, Caballito, Flores, Villa Luro, and Liniers.</li></ul><h2>4. Broadway – New York City, USA</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779017448824-h88chlh16vp.jpg" alt="Broadway – New York City, USA" data-credit="Broadway – New York City, USA" title="Broadway – New York City, USA" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Length: Approximately 33 kilometres (20.5 miles) through Manhattan; extends to ~53 km into Westchester County. Location: Manhattan, New York City, USA (continuing into the Bronx and Westchester) Named After: From the Dutch "Breede Weg" (wide road), meaning "wide road"<h3>Overview</h3>Broadway is arguably the most famous street in the world, even if it doesn't top the charts for pure length. Running diagonally through Manhattan — an unusual feat given the city's strict grid layout — Broadway spans the full length of the island and continues north into the Bronx and Westchester County. Within New York City, it runs approximately 33 kilometres; in total, it stretches around 53 kilometres.It is globally synonymous with theatre, entertainment, Times Square, and the dazzling cultural life of New York City. The term "Broadway" has transcended geography to become a byword for world-class theatrical performance.<h3>History</h3>Broadway is one of New York's oldest streets, predating the United States itself. It originated as a footpath used by the Lenape people, known as the Wickquasgeck Trail, which ran along a natural ridge through the forested island of Manhattan. Dutch settlers widened the trail in the 17th century, calling it Brede Straat or Brede Weg — meaning "wide road" — before the British took control in 1664 and anglicised the name to "Broadway".The modern street still closely follows the original trail south of 23rd Street. By the mid-19th century, Broadway had become New York's cultural and commercial spine. In the 1890s, the Theatre District around Times Square was electrified with brilliant white bulbs — giving rise to Broadway's iconic nickname: "The Great White Way" — a phrase first coined in a New York Evening Telegram headline in 1902.<h3>What to See Along Broadway</h3><ul><li>Times Square – The dazzling commercial heart of New York, where Broadway crosses 7th Avenue at 45th Street</li><li>41 Broadway Theatres – The world's most celebrated theatrical district (though only four theatres are technically on Broadway itself)</li><li>Flatiron Building – The iconic triangular skyscraper at Broadway's intersection with 5th Avenue</li><li>Lincoln Center – The premier performing arts complex at West 65th Street</li><li>Bowling Green – Broadway's southern origin point in Lower Manhattan, one of the city's oldest public spaces</li><li>The Canyon of Heroes – Lower Broadway's section used for legendary ticker-tape parades</li></ul><h3>Key Facts</h3><ul><li>Broadway follows the route of a Lenape Native American trail over 400 years old.</li><li>The Theatre District attracts over 12 million visitors per year.</li><li>The longest-running Broadway show in history was The Phantom of the Opera, which ran for 13,981 performances before closing in April 2023.</li><li>The street's name comes directly from the Dutch "Brede weg" — making it one of the rare streets whose name is simply a translation of its predecessor's.</li></ul><h2>5. Kunaev Street – Tekeli, Kazakhstan</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1779017514690-m5siyard9x.webp" alt="Kunaev Street – Tekeli, Kazakhstan | Photo via Dreamstime.com" data-credit="Kunaev Street – Tekeli, Kazakhstan | Photo via Dreamstime.com" title="Kunaev Street – Tekeli, Kazakhstan | Photo via Dreamstime.com" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Length: Approximately 38 kilometres (23.6 miles) Location: Tekeli, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan Named After: Dinmukhamed Kunaev, first secretary of Kazakhstan's Communist Party<h3>Overview</h3>Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list, Kunaev Street in the remote Kazakh mining town of Tekeli is one of the longest streets in Central Asia and among the world's longest-named urban streets. Located about 300 kilometres northeast of Almaty in the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau Mountains, Tekeli is a former Soviet industrial town whose claim to global fame rests largely on this remarkable thoroughfare.At 38 kilometres, a walk from one end to the other would take between 6 and 8 hours at an average pace — longer than many city marathons.<h3>History</h3>Tekeli's growth was driven by the discovery of rich mineral deposits in the region, including zinc, lead, germanium, cadmium, and silver. The town became an important Soviet-era mining centre. During World War II, the area's metal processing plant was so productive that, according to local lore, every eighth bullet used by the Red Army was manufactured using materials processed here.Kunaev Street runs from the town's industrial zone westward to its sparsely populated outskirts, passing the historic lead factory and old railway tracks once used to transport locally produced materials. The street is named after Dinmukhamed Kunaev, a prominent Soviet statesman who served as the First Secretary of Kazakhstan's Communist Party from 1960 to 1986.<h3>What to See Along Kunaev Street</h3><ul><li>Snow-capped Dzungarian Alatau Mountains – Visible to the north and south throughout the walk</li><li>Confluence of three rivers – A scenic natural landmark along the route</li><li>Soviet-era industrial architecture – Warehouses, factories, and railway infrastructure from the town's peak years.</li><li>An uphill lookout point – offering panoramic views of Tekeli and the surrounding landscape</li></ul><h3>Key Facts</h3><ul><li>The longest street in Kazakhstan and one of the longest in Central Asia</li><li>A walk of its full length takes 6–8 hours.</li><li>The town of Tekeli has approximately 27,000 residents, making this one of the longest streets relative to the population of its host city.</li><li>Surrounded by the Dzungarian Alatau mountain range, Tekeli is one of the more remote towns to appear on any global record list.</li></ul><h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2><h3>What is the longest street in the world?</h3>The answer depends on how "street" is defined. Yonge Street in Toronto, Canada, is the most widely cited answer, measuring approximately 56 km. It was held in the Guinness Book of World Records from 1977 to 1999. However, Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario, has also been put forward as a candidate at around 81 km.<h3>What is the longest street in the USA?</h3>Western Avenue in Chicago is one of the longest continuous streets in the United States, stretching approximately 44 km in total. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles has also historically been cited as a contender.<h3>What is the longest street in South America?</h3>Avenida Rivadavia in Buenos Aires is considered the longest avenue in South America, running approximately 35–37 km from Plaza de Mayo to the western suburbs.<h3>What is the longest street in Europe?</h3>Roskildevej in Copenhagen, Denmark, is frequently cited as the longest street in Europe at approximately 31 km (19 miles), stretching from Copenhagen City Hall to the city of Roskilde.<h3>How long would it take to walk the longest street in the world?</h3>Walking the full length of Yonge Street (56 km) at an average pace of about 5 km/h would take approximately 11 hours without stops.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The world's longest streets are more than just long stretches of asphalt — they are living timelines of the cities and civilisations that built them. From Yonge Street's colonial origins in 18th-century Toronto, to the Lenape trail beneath Manhattan's Broadway, to the Soviet industrial legacy of Kunaev Street in Kazakhstan, each road tells a story that goes far beyond its length.Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a geography buff, or simply curious about what holds the record, these five streets offer a fascinating window into how cities grow, how history leaves its mark on the ground beneath our feet, and how far human ambition can stretch — sometimes for dozens of kilometres.

5 longest streets in the world

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has cautioned against premature celebration over recent gains in the economy, warning that early success must not breed complacency.Speaking at the 2026 Oxford Africa Conference at the University of Oxford on Saturday, May 16, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged improvements in Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators and institutional reforms but stressed that the country’s development remains unfinished.She said the progress made should instead strengthen leadership’s sense of responsibility and discipline in building a more resilient economy.The Vice President urged leaders to remain focused on long-term development goals without losing sight of the challenges ahead.“The foundations will be strengthened, but the work of building an inclusive and future-ready economy is only beginning,” she said.Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has stressed that the end of the IMF programme should not be interpreted as a signal for relaxed fiscal management.He made the point after Ghana’s conclusion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility programme&nbsp;warning that economic indiscipline remains a major risk factor for reversal of gains.Recalling Ghana’s past economic challenges, Dr. Forson noted that indiscipline has repeatedly contributed to the country’s return to IMF-supported programmes.

Economic gains should not breed complacency - Prof. Opoku-Agyemang

Chelsea has officially confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new men’s team manager on a four-year contract, marking the beginning of a new era at Stamford Bridge.The Spaniard will officially take charge on July 1, 2026, as Chelsea place their trust in one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches to lead the next phase of their project.Alonso arrives at Stamford Bridge following highly successful managerial spells with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he made history by guiding Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season, achieved without a single defeat.Chelsea praised Alonso as one of the most respected figures in modern football, highlighting his leadership, tactical intelligence, character, and experience as key reasons behind his appointment.Speaking after his unveiling, Alonso expressed pride and ambition in taking over at the Premier League giants.“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.”“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture, and winning trophies.”Alonso enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning 17 major honours for club and country, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the Spain national football team.Chelsea are confident that Alonso’s arrival will usher in a new period of sustained success at Stamford Bridge as the club looks to return to the summit of English and European football.

Xabi Alonso named Chelsea manager until 2030

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for major silverware with Al Nassr continues after the club fell short in the AFC Champions League 2 final, losing 1-0 to Gamba Osaka, marking another missed opportunity since his move to Saudi Arabia two and a half years ago.The defeat extends the Portuguese superstar’s pursuit of an official title with Al Nassr, despite high expectations following his blockbuster arrival.Attention now turns to the final matchday of the Saudi Pro League on May 21, where Al Nassr face Damac FC in a must-win encounter if they are to keep their slim title hopes alive.The situation remains finely balanced, as a draw could leave their fate dependent on rivals Al Hilal, who trail narrowly in goal difference and could overtake them with a strong final-day result.Amid the on-field pressure, uncertainty off the pitch is also growing, with reports suggesting that manager Jorge Jesus could leave the club at the end of the season, raising questions over Al Nassr’s long-term direction.Ronaldo did win the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023 after a 2-1 victory over Al Hilal, but the competition is not officially recognised as a major continental or domestic title.

Cristiano Ronaldo faces fresh Al Nassr title setback after AFC Champions League 2 defeat

It started with a bat, a ball, and a billion fans who refuse to look away.Cricket was never supposed to conquer the internet. It is a sport that can last five days. It has rules that confuse outsiders. It is played in a relatively small number of countries compared to football. And yet, when Google released its search data for 2025 and early 2026, cricket sat at the very top — the single most-searched sport on the planet.So how did a game born on English village greens in the 18th century become the internet's most dominant sport? The answer involves one billion Indians, a revolution in short-format cricket, and the most expensive sports broadcast deal outside of American football.<h2>The numbers don't lie.</h2>In April 2026, data from Similarweb confirmed what cricket fans already knew — "IPL" was the most searched query on Google worldwide, pulling in approximately 608 million searches in a single month. Not a celebrity. Not a news event. A cricket tournament.Google's own Year in Search report for 2025 told a similar story. The Asia Cup, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup ranked second, third, and fourth among the most-searched sporting events globally. Two Indian Premier League teams — Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals — broke into the top five most-searched sports teams in the world.Cricket now has an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide, making it the second most-followed sport on earth behind football. But in terms of Google search volume, it is fighting for the number one spot.<h2>India is the engine.</h2>No conversation about cricket's digital dominance is complete without talking about India. The country has a population of over 1.4 billion people, the majority of whom treat cricket not just as a sport but as a shared national identity.India's relationship with cricket goes back to 1721, when the first recorded match was played on Indian soil. By 1932, India had joined the elite club of Test-playing nations. When India defeated England in 1952 for the first time, it was more than a sporting result — it was a statement. From that point, cricket became woven into the fabric of everyday Indian life in a way few sports have managed anywhere in the world.Today, India generates more cricket revenue than every other country combined. The Indian Premier League, launched in 2008, sold its broadcasting rights for $6.2 billion over five years — one of the most valuable sports media deals on the planet. Each IPL season runs for roughly two months and features the world's best players in a fast, explosive format designed for the modern viewer. It is impossible to overstate its impact.When India plays Pakistan in any format, search traffic doesn't just spike — it overwhelms. The 2022 T20 World Cup match between the two sides drew 300 million concurrent viewers globally. That is not a misprint.<h2>T20 Changed Everything.</h2>Cricket in its traditional Test match format was never going to win the internet age. Five-day matches, complex scoring, and long pauses don't suit an era of 60-second videos and constant notifications.Then came T20 cricket — a three-hour, high-scoring, fireworks-at-the-boundary format that changed what the sport could be. The ICC launched the T20 World Cup in 2007. Within a decade, franchise leagues had sprung up across the world. The IPL led the way, followed by leagues in Australia, the Caribbean, Pakistan, South Africa, England, and the United States.The 2023 Cricket World Cup, held in India, attracted over 1.25 billion viewers worldwide across television and digital platforms — shattering every previous record. The 2023 tournament also generated 18.9 billion social media impressions, a number that reflects just how deeply cricket fans engage with the sport online.<h2>Cricket Is Going Global</h2>For most of its history, cricket was a sport played in countries once part of the British Empire — England, Australia, India, Pakistan, the West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and New Zealand. That geography is now expanding.The United States has seen a 300% growth in cricket participation and viewership since 2020, driven by South Asian and Caribbean immigrant communities and increased media investment. The ICC awarded the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosting rights to the USA, and games were played in New York and Florida to sold-out crowds.Afghanistan, a nation that barely had an organised cricket structure two decades ago, now regularly competes against the sport's biggest teams. Nepal, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands are growing their programmes. The ICC currently has 104 member nations.And then there is the biggest milestone yet: cricket is returning to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games for the first time since 1900. The exposure that comes with an Olympic debut — reaching audiences who have never watched a ball bowled — could be the moment that finally takes cricket global in every sense.<h2>The Face of It All</h2>Behind every search trend is a human being people want to follow. In cricket's case, that is Virat Kohli.The Indian batting star has 377 million combined followers across Instagram, Facebook, and X — the largest of any active cricketer and one of the largest of any sportsperson on earth. Google Trends data consistently ranks him as the most-searched cricketer globally. He is not just a player; he is a one-man media industry who has helped carry cricket's digital profile to heights no administrator could have planned.<h2>Why It's Not Slowing Down</h2>Cricket's rise on Google is not a spike — it is a sustained climb. The IPL runs every year. The ICC calendar features a major tournament almost every few months. T20 leagues now operate year-round across multiple continents, meaning cricket is always in season somewhere.Younger fans are engaging with cricket differently too — through short video clips, fantasy cricket apps, and social media commentary rather than sitting through full matches. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram have become as important to the sport's growth as television.The search data is simply a reflection of all of this. People are watching more cricket, talking about cricket more, and looking up cricket more than any previous generation. The sport that took 300 years to leave England has, in the last two decades, managed to capture the attention of the world.Whether you understand the LBW rule or not, you have almost certainly seen cricket trending. That is not an accident. It is the result of a sport that found exactly the right moment to evolve.Cricket is played in over 120 countries. The ICC has 104 member nations. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature T20 cricket for the first time in over a century.

How cricket became the world's most-searched sport

Chelsea has intensified its efforts to appoint former Xabi Alonso as the club’s next permanent head coach, with reports from Fabrizio Romano indicating that an agreement has now been reached on a four-year contract running until 2030.The Stamford Bridge side have been searching for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month after a disappointing campaign.BBC Sport previously reported that Chelsea had drawn up a shortlist that included Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner. However, Alonso quickly emerged as the club’s preferred choice.Although final details are still being completed, negotiations with the 44-year-old Spaniard have advanced significantly, with Chelsea now understood to have agreed terms on a long-term deal until 2030.The Blues are expected to officially announce their new manager in the coming days, having waited until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City before making any public statement.Discussions between both parties have been ongoing for weeks, with Alonso believed to have requested certain assurances regarding the club’s long-term project before agreeing to take the role.The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager had also been linked with a possible move to Liverpool, where he spent five years as a player, amid growing pressure on current boss Arne Slot after a difficult season.However, Liverpool are reportedly prepared to continue with Slot next season, though that stance could change if the club misses out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea agree four-year deal with Xabi Alonso

Manchester City secured their second trophy of the season after a brilliant strike from Antoine Semenyo sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea FC in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.In a tightly contested encounter that lacked sustained attacking quality, Semenyo produced the decisive moment in the second half to hand Pep Guardiola’s side another major domestic title.Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made several tactical adjustments to his starting lineup, surprisingly leaving Rayan Cherki on the bench while handing Omar Marmoush a starting role.City struggled to find rhythm during the opening half, while Chelsea appeared the more dangerous side despite failing to seriously test goalkeeper James Trafford.Chelsea controlled periods of possession and looked threatening going forward, although City created notable chances through Erling Haaland, who forced Robert Sanchez into an important save. City also had a goal ruled out after Matheus Nunes was adjudged offside in the build-up.The introduction of Cherki after the break failed to immediately improve City’s attacking intensity, with Chelsea continuing to push forward and appeal unsuccessfully for several penalty decisions.However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute through a moment of brilliance from Semenyo.Haaland raced behind Chelsea’s defence before delivering a low cross into the box, where Semenyo produced a sensational flicked finish past Sanchez to send the City supporters into celebration.Chelsea nearly responded instantly, but Enzo Fernández fired over the bar from a promising position.City later missed opportunities to extend their advantage as Nico O’Reilly and Cherki both squandered clear chances, while Chelsea substitute Liam Delap also headed over late in the game.Despite the narrow scoreline, Manchester City held firm to secure the FA Cup title, adding it to their EFL Cup triumph earlier this season.Guardiola’s side also remains in contention for a possible domestic treble as the Premier League title race heads into the final week of the campaign.

Semenyo fires Manchester City to FA Cup glory against Chelsea

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/business/govt-adjusts-fuel-relief-cuts-diesel-support-to-gh107-per-litre">Fuel prices</a> across Ghana are expected to increase in the coming days after the National Petroleum Authority announced higher ex-pump price floors for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for the second pricing window of May 2026.According to the new pricing figures, petrol will now sell at a minimum price floor of GH¢14.60 per litre, while diesel has been pegged at GH¢15.81 per litre. LPG will also retail at a minimum floor price of GH¢13.16 per kilogram.The revised figures represent a notable increase compared to the first pricing window of May 2026, when petrol sold at GH¢13.25 per litre, diesel at GH¢14.30 per litre, and LPG at GH¢13.02 per kilogram.Diesel recorded the highest jump, increasing by GH¢1.51 per litre, followed by petrol, which rose by GH¢1.35 per litre. LPG saw a marginal increase of 14 pesewas per kilogram.The new price floors are expected to influence pump prices nationwide as oil marketing companies adjust their retail rates in line with the updated pricing window.The National Petroleum Authority explained that the approved ex-pump price floors exclude additional charges such as international trading premiums and operating margins of bulk import and distribution companies, as well as marketers’ and dealers’ margins.Under Ghana’s Petroleum Products Pricing Guidelines, all oil marketing and LPG marketing companies are required to comply strictly with the approved price floors within each pricing window.The price floor serves as the minimum benchmark allowed for petroleum product sales during a specific period, helping regulate pricing stability in the downstream oil sector.Meanwhile, the government has introduced a new fuel price intervention aimed at cushioning consumers against rising global petroleum costs.In a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition on May 15, 2026, the government said the decision followed a Cabinet meeting chaired by President John Dramani Mahama to assess global oil market trends.Following a review, the government has extended its diesel support, absorbing GH¢1.07 per litre effective May 16, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise fuel prices and reduce the impact on consumers.

Fuel prices expected to rise as NPA raises petrol, diesel and LPG floors

FIFA has removed Dutch referee Rob Dieperink from its list of match officials for the upcoming FIFA World Cup following a police investigation in the United Kingdom over allegations of sexual assault involving a minor.Dieperink, who had been selected to serve as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the tournament, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in April after allegations surfaced in London.However, the Dutch official has maintained his innocence, stating that the investigation has now been closed and no charges will be filed against him.A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police later confirmed that authorities had completed their investigation and concluded that the evidence available did not meet the required threshold for further legal action.“Following these enquiries, they concluded that the evidential threshold had not been met. No further action will be taken,” the statement said.Despite the case being dropped, FIFA confirmed that Dieperink had been removed from the World Cup officiating list.Reports indicate that French referee Willy Delajod is expected to replace him for the tournament.In response to the development, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), which employs Dieperink, expressed support for the referee and defended his conduct throughout the investigation.The association stated that Dieperink fully cooperated with both police authorities and football governing bodies, including FIFA, UEFA, and the KNVB.Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Dieperink described FIFA’s decision as disappointing and said he had been wrongly accused.“It makes me very sad that I have been wrongly accused,” he said, adding that the allegations were dismissed after what he described as a thorough investigation.The KNVB reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and transparent football culture while also stressing the importance of fairness and allowing individuals the opportunity to defend themselves against allegations.Although cleared by police, the Dutch football federation confirmed that Dieperink would not officiate domestic matches this weekend due to the intense media attention surrounding the case.The incident has sparked discussion within football circles over safeguarding, accountability, and FIFA’s standards for appointing officials to major international tournaments.

FIFA drops World Cup referee Rob Dieperink after UK sexual assault investigation

The Ministry for the Interior has officially declared Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as a statutory public holiday in observance of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations across Ghana.The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday, May 15, 2026, and signed by the interior minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.According to the statement, the public is advised to observe the day as a nationwide statutory holiday.“The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 27th May 2026, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a statutory public holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the statement noted.Eid-ul-Adha, widely known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious celebrations in Islam. The occasion commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah before a ram was provided as a substitute.Muslims around the world mark the festival with prayers, charitable activities, and the sharing of meals with relatives, friends, and vulnerable members of society.In Ghana, the celebration is traditionally observed with large congregational prayers held at mosques and open prayer grounds in communities nationwide.The occasion is also characterised by the slaughtering of animals such as sheep and goats, family visits, and acts of generosity within communities.Eid-ul-Adha remains a recognised public holiday in Ghana as part of the country’s commitment to religious tolerance, diversity, and national unity, while acknowledging the contributions of the Muslim community to national development.

Gov't declares May 27 as a public holiday for Eid-ul-Adha celebrations

Google has announced a significant update to its advertising policy that will remove the browser back button as a trigger for vignette ads, starting June 15, 2026.The change, announced on May 7, 2026, will automatically apply to publishers who have enabled the “Allow additional triggers for vignette ads” option and will roll out across major browsers, including Chrome, Edge, and Opera.The update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and align its advertising ecosystem with new search quality standards. The company said the decision is linked to its policy against “back button hijacking", where websites or scripts disrupt users’ normal navigation by interfering with the back button.Under the new rule, vignette ads will no longer appear when users attempt to return to a previous page using the browser's back button, a trigger that previously contributed to ad interruptions during navigation.Google explained that the adjustment is designed to create a more seamless browsing experience while ensuring publishers comply with updated user experience guidelines across its network.Importantly, the company confirmed that no action is required from publishers, as the removal of the trigger will be implemented automatically on its end.The update is expected to reduce intrusive ad experiences and strengthen trust in digital advertising, particularly across mobile and web browsing environments.

Google removes back button trigger for vignette ads in major update

WhatsApp has introduced private chats with its AI chatbot, which not even the tech company will be able to read in a new "incognito" mode.It means neither the user's nor the AI's responses will be monitored if the feature is activated, and past conversations will disappear from the chat for the user.Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, said he felt people wanted to have private conversations with AI on sensitive subjects, including health, relationships and finances, and didn't want them to be accessible.But a cybersecurity expert has told the BBC this could lead to a lack of accountability for WhatsApp if things go wrong, as they would have no access to chat history.WhatsApp is owned by Meta, which also owns Instagram, Facebook and Messenger.When Meta AI was added to WhatsApp last year, it was criticised by some users who were <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline sc-2554282c-0 cDYatN qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7vzw78gz9o">angry at not being able to turn it off</a>.But in May 2025, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline sc-2554282c-0 cDYatN qbe-widget" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/28/zuckerberg-meta-ai-one-billion-monthly-users.html">said Meta AI had reached a billion users</a> across its apps."We've heard from a lot of people that they feel some discomfort about sharing [personal] information with the company, yet they want the answers," Cathcart said of the latest announcement.Currently most AI companies do store some data from chatbot use, and outside of businesses that pay premiums for enterprise accounts, that data can also be used to train future models of the product.Zuckerberg described it as the "first major AI product where there is no log of your conversations stored on servers".The technology behind WhatsApp's incognito mode is not the same as the <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline sc-2554282c-0 cDYatN qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clypzxl3lvqo">end-to-end encryption</a> the platform uses to protect other messages, but it is "the equivalent", Cathcart added.Prof. Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity expert at Surrey University, said there was a low risk of compromising WhatsApp's existing security by introducing a second system.However, there are concerns about how incognito mode could hide AI malfunction or abuse.A number of AI companies, including <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline sc-2554282c-0 cDYatN qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg505mn84ydo">OpenAI</a> and <a target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline sc-2554282c-0 cDYatN qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czx44p99457o">Google</a>, have been the subject of wrongful death lawsuits.Woodward said there was a risk of a lack of accountability for the AI's responses."Personally I think what you ask an AI should remain private, as some people ask it very personal matters – but you are placing a great deal of trust in the AI not to lead users astray," he told the BBC.The concern is that disappearing messages, which cannot be retrieved by the user or by Meta, would mean it would be impossible to find evidence of whether somebody's chats led to harm, death or suicide.Cathcart said incognito mode would initially only process text rather than images, and Meta AI's guardrails would err on the side of caution in refusing to answer requests which could be interpreted as harmful or illegal.WhatsApp has blocked other AI chatbots from being accessible from its systems, so the only AI that its billions of users can interact with on the platform is Meta's own."Meta is on track to shell out $145bn [£107bn] on AI infrastructure in 2026, and investors want to see a lot more bang for those mega bucks," said Susannah Streeter from investment platform Wealth Club."Investors are nervous about the scale of the spending, but Meta is counting on the push leading to significant returns. It's building out AI infrastructure to supercharge its platforms, and if it works, it could make its advertising and commerce empire even more dominant."<h2>Source: BBC</h2>

WhatsApp launches total private conversations with its AI chatbot

The Swedru Circuit Court has convicted and sentenced three men involved in a violent cutlass fight at the New Station Area of Akyem Oda, an incident that went viral on social media.The convicts, identified as 43-year-old George Okyere, 20-year-old Evans Adayele, and 26-year-old Joseph Nyabaah, were arraigned on two counts: fighting with a weapon and causing harm, contrary to Sections 203 and 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).All three pleaded guilty to the charges. The court sentenced Evans Adayele and Joseph Nyabaah to 12 months’ imprisonment with hard labour. George Okyere, however, was fined 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH₵6,000, and ordered to sign a three-year bond of good behaviour.Court records indicate that none of the accused persons had prior criminal records, a factor considered in sentencing.During proceedings, George Okyere told the court he had gone to purchase a pair of Wellington boots when he was confronted by the other accused persons, who arrived in a vehicle. He claimed the encounter escalated after he identified himself, which led to the confrontation.He admitted to taking part in the fight, including the use of a cutlass in public.The court noted that the incident involved the use of dangerous weapons in a public space, raising concerns about public safety.The case, which circulated widely on social media, sparked public debate over rising street violence and the use of weapons in community disputes.

Three convicted over viral Akyem Oda cutlass fight; two jailed, one fined

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to begin the Tamale and Yendi water system projects as part of government efforts to improve access to clean and reliable water in the Northern Region.The projects are expected to deliver about 30 million gallons of water daily to the Tamale metropolis and nearby communities, while additional small-town water systems will also be developed across the region.President Mahama made the announcement on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a courtesy visit by chiefs from the Northern Region at the Jubilee House.According to the president, the government is now entering the procurement phase of the projects, which are expected to significantly improve water supply and infrastructure in northern Ghana.“We’re moving to the procurement stage – the Tamale and Yendi water systems,” President Mahama stated.He explained that the Tamale water project will involve the construction of a new pumping station at Yapei on the White Volta to boost water production for the metropolis.“With the Tamale water system, the intention is to build a new pumping station at Yapei on the White Volta and produce about 30 million gallons of water for the Tamale Metropolis,” he said.The president further disclosed that Yendi will also benefit from a modern pumping station aimed at ensuring a stable supply of fresh water to residents.“Yendi will also have a new pumping station to produce fresh water for Yendi. Other small-town water systems are going to happen,” he added.The planned projects form part of the government’s broader agenda to tackle water supply challenges in Northern Ghana and expand access to essential infrastructure.Authorities believe the projects will reduce pressure on existing water systems, support population growth, and improve living conditions in Tamale, Yendi, and surrounding communities.

Tamale to receive 30m gallons of water under new project – Mahama

The National Democratic Congress has officially launched activities for its annual NDC Month celebration for June 2026, unveiling a nationwide programme centred on political reflection, civic engagement, and institutional accountability.Speaking at a media briefing held at the party’s headquarters in Adabraka, Accra, on Friday, May 15, 2026, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey said the annual observance provides an opportunity for the party to reflect on its history, renew its ideological commitment, and reconnect with its vision for governance and national development.According to him, this year’s month-long programme, which officially begins on May 15, will be held under the theme "Strengthening State Institutions: Lessons from the June 4, 1979 Uprising".Kwetey explained that the June 4 uprising remains a significant moment in Ghana’s political history, representing the values of accountability, discipline in leadership, integrity in public office, and social justice.He noted that these principles continue to shape the NDC’s political philosophy and remain key to the government’s ongoing “Reset Agenda” being championed by President John Dramani Mahama.According to the party, the Reset Agenda is aimed at rebuilding confidence in public institutions, improving transparency, and strengthening governance systems to better serve Ghanaians.The NDC General Secretary also paid tribute to former President Jerry John Rawlings, describing him as the founding figure of the party and a major force in Ghana’s democratic journey.He praised Rawlings for his dedication to probity, accountability, and social justice, adding that his legacy continues to influence the party’s direction and political identity.As part of the NDC Month celebrations, the party announced a series of activities scheduled across the country.A public lecture will be organised in the Banda Constituency on June 3 to discuss the historical significance of the June 4 uprising and its relevance to strengthening state institutions.On June 4, commemorative activities including flag-raising ceremonies, wreath-laying, and a durbar involving chiefs and residents will take place in the Bono Region to mark the anniversary of the uprising.June 10 has been designated as NDC Day, with activities focusing on the party’s ideological foundations and promoting greater participation of women and young people in politics.The party will also observe Cadres Day in Kumasi on June 19 under the theme "Ensuring Transparent Governance: The Role of Cadres", aimed at encouraging grassroots accountability and political responsibility.The month-long activities will climax on June 22 with Founder’s Day celebrations, during which the NDC headquarters will officially be named after Jerry John Rawlings alongside the unveiling of a bust in his honour.Kwetey stressed that the programme goes beyond ceremonial events and is intended to deepen political education, national reflection, and civic participation, particularly among the youth.He further called on party supporters, sympathisers, and the general public to actively participate in the commemorative activities while promoting unity, patriotism, and discipline throughout the celebrations.The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic governance, building resilient state institutions, and promoting accountability and inclusiveness in Ghana’s political system.

June 4: NDC launches 2026 ‘NDC Month’ with nationwide events honouring Rawlings’ legacy

The government of Ghana has announced an extension of its fuel price intervention programme, with revised support measures aimed at easing the burden of rising petroleum costs on consumers.The decision follows a Cabinet meeting chaired by John Dramani Mahama, where officials assessed developments in the global oil market and the effect of international price volatility on local fuel prices.In a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the government disclosed that its initial one-month relief package, introduced on April 16, 2026, officially ended on May 15, 2026. Under that package, the state absorbed GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol to stabilise pump prices.Effective May 16, 2026, the government has revised the diesel subsidy, announcing a new absorption rate of GH¢1.07 per litre as part of continued efforts to cushion consumers against increasing fuel costs.According to the Ministry, the adjustment is designed to provide ongoing relief for consumers while also ensuring the sustainable supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country amid persistent global market uncertainties driven by geopolitical tensions.The revised intervention is expected to remain in force for two pricing windows, although authorities say the measure will be reviewed depending on prevailing market conditions.The extension comes amid growing calls from transport operators, consumers, and industry stakeholders for government support to continue, as high global crude oil prices continue to impact transport fares and the overall cost of living.The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers has previously warned that removing the relief measures could lead to increased transport charges and renewed inflationary pressures on the Ghanaian economy.Government officials say they will continue monitoring developments on the international oil market and adjust policy measures where necessary to balance consumer protection with fiscal sustainability.

Gov’t adjusts fuel relief, cuts diesel support to GH¢1.07 per litre

Africa’s leading public health agency has declared an Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo after hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths were recorded in Ituri province.According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about 246 cases and 65 deaths have so far been reported, with the majority linked to the gold-mining towns of Mongwalu and Rwampara. The development has heightened concerns about the possible spread of the deadly virus across borders in Central and East Africa.As reported by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">BBC News</a>, the Africa CDC said it would hold urgent talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo, neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan, alongside international health partners, to strengthen response efforts and improve cross-border surveillance.Ebola, first identified in 1976 in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is believed to have originated from bats. This marks the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak.The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or broken skin and can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure, and death. Early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, and internal bleeding.According to the World Health Organization, Ebola has an average fatality rate of around 50%, with no fully proven cure currently available.Laboratory tests carried out by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed the virus in 13 out of 20 samples tested following consultations with Congo’s Ministry of Health and National Public Institute. Health officials are still conducting further analysis to determine the exact strain responsible for the outbreak.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">BBC News</a> also reported that additional suspected cases have emerged in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, although laboratory confirmation is still pending.The Africa CDC warned that the urban nature of Bunia and Rwampara, combined with mining activities in Mongwalu, significantly increases the risk of transmission. Executive Director Dr Jean Kaseya stressed that the movement of people between affected communities and neighbouring countries makes regional cooperation critical.Residents in affected and high-risk areas have been urged to strictly follow health guidelines issued by national authorities to help contain the outbreak.Although the Africa CDC has officially declared the outbreak, the Congolese government had not formally done so at the time of reporting. However, a government official told <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline qbe-widget" href="https://www.bbc.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">BBC News</a> that a press conference was expected later on Friday.The outbreak comes amid ongoing insecurity in Ituri province, which has remained under military rule since 2021 due to the activities of armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group linked to the Islamic State.Over the past five decades, Ebola outbreaks across Africa have claimed nearly 15,000 lives. The Democratic Republic of Congo experienced its deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020, when close to 2,300 people died from the virus.Last year alone, another outbreak in Kasai province resulted in 45 deaths, underlining the continued threat Ebola poses to public health systems across the continent.

Ebola outbreak claims 65 lives in eastern DR Congo

A Canadian court has sentenced a Ghanaian pastor based in Barrie, Ontario, to 18 months in prison after he was convicted in a case involving a 13-year-old girl linked to his congregation.Emmanuel Yeboah, 38, was found guilty of sexual assault, sexual interference, and assault following a trial over an incident that occurred three years ago. The ruling, delivered by Justice Robert Gattrell, has sparked widespread discussions within Ghanaian and immigrant communities in Canada about accountability, trust, and the responsibilities of religious leaders.Court proceedings revealed that Yeboah was viewed not only as a pastor but also as a trusted family friend by the victim’s relatives. Prosecutors told the court that he had offered to take the teenager to a piano lesson, but the outing later turned into what the court described as a serious breach of trust.Although graphic details were withheld during proceedings, evidence presented showed that inappropriate conduct took place while the pair were alone together. The teenager reportedly returned home visibly distressed after the incident.During sentencing, Justice Gattrell stated that some of Yeboah’s conduct reflected patterns commonly associated with grooming, including attempts to build trust through gifts and friendly gestures.The emotional impact on the victim became clearer days later when she unexpectedly encountered Yeboah again at her family home. Court testimony indicated that she became frightened and fled to a neighbour’s residence for safety. The case later resulted in an additional assault conviction linked to attempts to return her home.Despite the conviction, Yeboah continued to maintain his innocence throughout the legal process. The court also heard that some members of his congregation and wider community continued to support him after the guilty verdict.Prosecutors had pushed for a four-year prison sentence, arguing that the offences involved emotional harm to a vulnerable minor and a severe abuse of trust. However, the defence requested a reduced sentence of one year, citing Yeboah’s clean criminal record, his role as the sole provider for his family, and continued support from sections of the community.Justice Gattrell eventually imposed an 18-month custodial sentence after considering several mitigating factors, including the impact on Yeboah’s wife and children and the immigration consequences he could face as a permanent resident of Canada.Under Canadian immigration laws, non-citizens sentenced to more than six months in custody may face deportation proceedings after serving their sentence. While the criminal court does not directly determine deportation matters, the judge acknowledged that Yeboah could face removal from Canada upon release.The court also imposed strict conditions on Yeboah after his release, including restrictions on contact with anyone under the age of 18 unless another responsible adult is present.The case additionally raised questions about Yeboah’s pastoral credentials and religious background. Although widely described as a pastor during the trial, limited information was provided regarding formal ordination, religious training, or the official registration of a church organisation linked to him.Reports presented during proceedings suggested Yeboah mainly supported his family through work as an Uber driver and other gig economy jobs.The sentencing has since generated intense debate within sections of the Ghanaian-Canadian community, particularly around the level of trust placed in faith leaders and the need for stronger safeguards within religious settings.Child protection advocates have repeatedly warned that abuse involving trusted authority figures can have lasting psychological effects, especially when victims fear they may not be believed or worry about causing divisions within families and communities.Following the sentencing, Yeboah was taken into custody while his wife quietly left the courtroom alone, highlighting the emotional toll the case has had on multiple families.For many parents, faith leaders, and community advocates, the case has become a sobering reminder that positions of spiritual leadership must always be matched with accountability, transparency, and protections for vulnerable children.

Ghanaian pastor in Canada jailed 18 months over assault case involving teenager

The Ghana Education Service has announced that all first-year senior high school and technical school students will report to school on September 18, 2026, while assuring the public that every qualified candidate who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will secure placement into a second-cycle institution.In a statement issued by management, the Ghana Education Service congratulated all junior high school graduates for successfully completing the BECE and confirmed that comprehensive preparations have been made to receive fresh students across the country.<h2>GES Dismisses Reports of Possible Placement Crisis</h2>The Service rejected reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that about 72,000 students could miss placement into senior high schools and technical schools.According to GES, the claims are speculative and do not reflect the actual situation regarding student placement.Management therefore urged the public to disregard the reports, insisting that all qualified candidates will be placed in schools nationwide.<h2>Adequate Infrastructure Available for Students</h2>GES further assured parents and stakeholders that there are enough infrastructure and facilities available to accommodate all successful candidates.The Service explained that ongoing efforts to phase out the double-track system will not affect access to secondary education.Instead, management noted that the reforms are aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning while ensuring that every qualified student continues to have access to education.<h2>GES Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Education</h2>The Ghana Education Service reiterated its commitment to equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all Ghanaian children.Management also called on parents, guardians, and education stakeholders to support the collective effort to strengthen Ghana’s education system and ensure smooth placement for all students.<h2></h2>

GES announces September 18 as reopening date for 2026 SHS freshers

Ghana thought they had the perfect start; Algeria thought they were finished—but by the final whistle, neither side left as winners after a dramatic 2-2 Group D of 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations clash that swung violently from dominance to survival.The pulsating encounter, played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3), delivered end-to-end action, early goals, missed chances, and a late penalty miss in a match full of intensity and momentum shifts.The Black Starlets made a dream start, taking control of the game within the opening minutes.Gavi Yao opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, capitalising on an error from the Algerian goalkeeper, before Eric Gyamfi doubled Ghana’s advantage in the 10th minute with a brilliant long-range chipped finish that stunned the Algerian defence.At that stage, Ghana looked dominant, confident, and in full control of proceedings.Algeria came out revitalised in the second half and gradually imposed themselves on the contest.Their pressure paid off in the 57th minute when Adam Benali pulled one back after being set up by Mahdi Maghlout, shifting the momentum of the match.Just three minutes later, Zaidi completed the comeback, restoring parity at 2-2 and silencing the Ghanaian lead.Algeria were handed a golden opportunity to complete the turnaround in the 67th minute after Ghana conceded a penalty.However, Ilyas Grini failed to convert, sending his effort over the bar and keeping Ghana level in a crucial turning point of the match.<h2>Nervy Finish Ends All Square.</h2>Both sides pushed aggressively in the closing stages in search of a winner, but solid defending and missed chances ensured the match ended level.The result leaves both Ghana and Algeria with one point each after an evenly contested and entertaining Group D opener.The Ghana Black Starlets will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Senegal U17, where they will aim to bounce back with a victory.<h2></h2>

Algeria U17 stage comeback to hold Black Starlets to a draw in AFCON opener

Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé will headline a powerful France attack after head coach Didier Deschamps announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup.France head into the tournament with one of the most talented squads in world football, blending experienced stars with emerging talents across all departments.Mbappé, who has scored 56 goals for France—second only to Olivier Giroud—will be expected to lead the attack and potentially captain the side, despite recent concerns over injury setbacks.Dembélé, fresh from a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain and a Ballon d’Or-winning campaign, also enters the tournament as a key attacking figure, although he is still searching for his first World Cup goal.<h2>France’s Star-Studded Attack and Key Absentees</h2>France’s attacking lineup also features Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, PSG’s Désiré Doué, Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki, and Arsenal defender William Saliba among the Premier League-linked talents in the squad.Veterans Lucas Hernández and N’Golo Kanté are among the few remaining members of the 2018 World Cup-winning team, adding experience to Deschamps’ final tournament in charge.However, there were notable omissions, including Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani, both of whom featured in previous tournaments.<h2>Full France World Cup Squad (26 Players)</h2><h3>Goalkeepers</h3><ul><li>Mike Maignan (AC Milan)</li><li>Robin Risser (Lens)</li><li>Brice Samba (Rennes)</li></ul><h3>Defenders</h3><ul><li>Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)</li><li>Malo Gusto (Chelsea)</li><li>Lucas Hernández (Paris Saint-Germain)</li><li>Theo Hernández (Al Hilal)</li><li>Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)</li><li>Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)</li><li>Jules Koundé (Barcelona)</li><li>William Saliba (Arsenal)</li><li>Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)</li></ul><h3>Midfielders</h3><ul><li>N’Golo Kanté (Fenerbahçe)</li><li>Manu Koné (Roma)</li><li>Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)</li><li>Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)</li><li>Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)</li></ul><h3>Forwards</h3><ul><li>Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)</li><li>Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)</li><li>Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)</li><li>Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)</li><li>Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)</li><li>Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)</li><li>Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)</li><li>Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)</li><li>Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)</li></ul>

France World Cup Squad: Mbappe and Dembele lead star-studded 26-man team

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority) has announced extended working hours at selected offices across Ghana as part of efforts to improve service delivery and reduce waiting times for motorists.In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 14, the authority stated that the selected offices will now operate from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday to Friday.The move is expected to ease congestion and provide greater convenience for drivers and customers seeking licensing, registration, and related services, particularly in high-demand urban centres.<h2>Full List of DVLA Offices Operating Extended Hours</h2>Below are the 16 DVLA offices affected by the new working schedule:<ul><li>DVLA Prestige Centre Head Office (Accra)</li><li>DVLA Nkrumah (Nahrman) Office – Accra</li><li>DVLA Weija Office – Accra</li><li>DVLA Tema Office – Greater Accra Region</li><li>DVLA Kumasi Office – Ashanti Region</li><li>DVLA Tarkwa Office – Western Region</li><li>DVLA Takoradi Office – Western Region</li><li>DVLA Cape Coast Office – Central Region</li><li>DVLA Koforidua Office – Eastern Region</li><li>DVLA Sunyani Office – Bono Region</li><li>DVLA Techiman Office – Bono East Region</li><li>DVLA Ho Office – Volta Region</li><li>DVLA Tamale Office – Northern Region</li><li>DVLA Bolgatanga Office – Upper East Region</li><li>DVLA Wa Office – Upper West Region</li><li>DVLA Winneba Office – Central Region</li></ul><h2>DVLA Explains Purpose of Extended Hours</h2>The Authority explained that the new operational schedule is designed to improve efficiency and enhance customer experience by offering more flexible service hours for the public.Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours for faster processing of vehicle registration, driver licensing, and other essential services.

DVLA extends working hours to 6am–10pm at 16 offices nationwide – see full list

The flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, says the party will not be intimidated by the recent arrests involving some of its members, insisting that it will continue to engage the public and promote its ideas.His comments follow growing concerns within the NPP over the arrest of some party members by security agencies.Among the recent cases are the arrest of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, and the Agona West NPP Organiser, David Essendoh.Speaking at a meeting with student leaders at the University of Ghana on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ahead of a three-day boot camp organised by the party, Dr. Bawumia said the NPP would respond through political engagement rather than fear.Ghanaian Culture Blog“We will take the debate and idea to the country, and we will make our case. We are, however, saying that we will not be intimidated,” he said.“You can arrest all of us. We will come back and make our case to the people of Ghana,” he added.

We will not be intimidated by arrests - Bawumia

92% of Ghanaians value retirement savings, only 33% prepareA new report by Old Mutual has revealed a growing gap between retirement awareness and actual financial preparation among working Ghanaians.According to the 2025 Financial Wellness Monitor, while 92% of employed Ghanaians recognise the importance of saving for retirement, only 33% have taken practical steps to prepare financially for life after work.The findings highlight increasing concerns about long-term financial security despite signs of economic recovery in the country.<h2>Majority of Workers Fear Their Retirement Savings Are Insufficient.</h2>The report states that three out of four working Ghanaians believe they have not saved enough for retirement, raising concerns about the future financial wellbeing of many households.Confidence in retirement readiness has also declined significantly, with 74% of respondents expressing doubts that their savings would be enough to sustain them after retirement. This represents an 18-percentage-point increase in concern compared to 2023.The uncertainty affects workers across different income groups, including higher earners.Even among people earning above GH₵3,000 monthly, nearly two-thirds remain uncertain about their long-term financial stability.<h2>Low Trust and Limited Income Affect Retirement Planning</h2>The report identified several major barriers preventing Ghanaians from prioritising retirement savings.One of the biggest concerns is low confidence in pension systems, with 52% of respondents fearing they could lose their savings if pension providers collapse.Additionally, many Ghanaians continue to rely on family support during old age, with 55% expecting relatives to assist them financially after retirement.Limited income also remains a major challenge, as 32% of respondents said they simply do not earn enough money to save consistently.<h2>Retirement Planning Ranks Low Among Savings Priorities</h2>According to the report, retirement planning currently ranks seventh among the financial priorities of most working Ghanaians.People are placing greater focus on immediate financial needs, such as:<ul><li>Emergency funds</li><li>Education expenses</li><li>Business investments</li><li>Household spending</li></ul>Although some households are improving their financial conditions by reducing debt and adjusting spending habits, the report warned that many of these improvements may only provide short-term relief.<h2>Key Findings From the Report</h2><ul><li>92% of working Ghanaians value retirement savings.</li><li>Only 33% are actively preparing for retirement.</li><li>74% doubt their savings will be enough after retirement</li><li>52% fear losing savings if pension providers collapse</li><li>55% expect family support during old age</li><li>32% say low income prevents them from saving</li></ul>

92% of Ghanaians value retirement savings, only 33% prepare

Young Ghanaians aged between 18 and 35 can now apply for start-up business financing ranging from GH₵5,000 to GH₵500,000 under the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+).The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to promote entrepreneurship, industrial growth, job creation, and export development. Successful applicants will also benefit from digital skills training, internships, tax incentives, and access to concessionary funding.Below is a clear step-by-step guide on how to apply.<h2>Step 1: Visit the Official 24H+ Portal</h2>Applicants are required to access the official programme website via the 24H+ portal to begin the application process.<h2>Step 2: Go to the “Contact Us" page. Section</h2>On the homepage, navigate to the “Contact Us” tab to view available application options and programme details.<h2>Step 3: Select the “Expression of Interest" form.</h2>Click on the “Expression of Interest Form” to start your registration and indicate your interest in participating in the programme.<h2>Step 4: Choose Your Preferred Opportunity</h2>Applicants must select the relevant category under the 24H+ programme. Options include:<ul><li>Entrepreneurship or start-up business funding</li><li>Becoming a 24/7 Ready Business</li><li>Agro-processing and farming initiatives</li><li>Industrial park participation (e.g., Tamale Air Cargo Hub, Wumbei Industrial Park)</li><li>Creative sector opportunities (National Creators’ Academy)</li><li>Transport and logistics (Volta Lake transport system)</li></ul><h2>Step 5: Fill in Personal and Business Details</h2>Applicants will be required to provide accurate information, including:<ul><li>Full name</li><li>Age and contact details</li><li>Region and location</li><li>Educational background</li><li>Business idea or existing business information</li><li>Relevant skills and experience</li></ul><h2>Step 6: Submit Your Application Online</h2>After completing the form, submit it through the portal. Applications will be reviewed by the 24H+ Secretariat, with additional opportunities expected in future phases of the programme.<h2>Benefits of the 24H+ Youth Loan Programme</h2>Selected applicants may access:<ul><li>Business loans ranging from GH₵5,000 to GH₵500,000</li><li>Free digital skills training across TVET centres nationwide</li><li>Internships with partner organisations</li><li>Concessionary financing via Development Bank Ghana</li><li>Equity funding support through venture capital schemes</li></ul><h2>Additional Government Incentives for Businesses</h2>The programme also includes broader incentives such as the following:<ul><li>Reduced corporate income tax for shift-based operations</li><li>Priority access to utilities like electricity and water</li><li>Import tax exemptions on key machinery and raw materials</li><li>VAT relief for selected sectors</li><li>Export performance rebates</li><li>Tax-free periods for new businesses in manufacturing, ICT, agro-processing and tourism</li></ul><h2>Government’s Objective for the Programme</h2>According to President John Dramani Mahama, the 24H+ initiative is designed as a “holistic, integrated multisectoral programme” aimed at removing barriers to production, expanding industrial capacity, and creating sustainable jobs for young people across Ghana.

How to apply for 24-hour economy GH₵5K to GH₵500K youth business loan

Residents across several communities in western Accra are expected to experience interruptions in water supply following technical difficulties at the Weija Water Treatment Plant, Ghana Water Ltd has announced.In a statement issued on May 13, 2026, the company explained that the ongoing technical issues have affected water production and distribution, resulting in low water pressure and irregular water flow in parts of the capital.According to Ghana Water Ltd, engineers and technical personnel are currently working to resolve the challenges and restore normal water supply as quickly as possible.Areas expected to be affected by the disruption include:<ul><li>Dansoman</li><li>Mamprobi</li><li>Mataheko</li><li>Laterbiokorshie</li><li>Korle-Bu</li><li>Lapaz</li><li>MacCarthy Hill</li><li>Gbawe</li><li>Mallam</li><li>Tesano</li><li>Darkuman</li><li>North Kaneshie</li><li>Dome</li><li>Achimota</li><li>Anyaa</li><li>Ablekuma</li><li>Other surrounding communities</li></ul>The company advised residents in the affected areas to store water whenever supply is available to help manage the temporary disruption.Ghana Water Ltd also encouraged essential service providers and residents requiring urgent assistance to contact their assembly members or use the company’s customer service channels for support during the outage period.Management further apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused and appealed for patience and cooperation while repair works continue.<h3></h3>

Major parts of Accra West to be hit by water shortages – see full list

Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned Ligue 1 champions for a fifth consecutive season after a 2-0 victory over RC Lens, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ibrahim Mbaye sealing the title.Luis Enrique’s side only needed a point to secure the championship against second-placed Lens but delivered a composed and clinical performance to clinch the trophy with one game remaining.Lens started strongly and created two clear chances in the 20th minute, first through Wesley Saïd, whose effort was saved by Matvey Safonov, before Adrien Thomasson’s follow-up header was cleared off the line by Illia Zabarnyi.Despite Lens’ early pressure, PSG struck first in the 29th minute when Ousmane Dembélé intercepted possession from Malang Sarr and set up Kvaratskhelia, who finished neatly into the bottom corner.Dembélé, recently named Ligue 1 Player of the Year, came close to doubling the lead before halftime but missed narrowly, while Safonov remained alert to deny Lens at the other end.After the break, Lens continued to threaten through Abdallah Sima, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Mamadou Sangaré, but goalkeeper Matvey Safonov produced several key saves to preserve PSG’s advantage.Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, PSG sealed the win deep into stoppage time when Ibrahim Mbaye fired a powerful strike off the crossbar and into the net to secure a decisive second goal.The result confirms Paris Saint-Germain as champions once again, extending their domestic dominance under Luis Enrique.

PSG crowned Ligue 1 champions for 5th straight season

Inter Milan secured a historic 10th Coppa Italia title after defeating SS Lazio 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, completing a domestic double for the first time since 2010.Inter carried momentum into the final following a dominant 3-0 league win at the same venue just days earlier, which gave the Nerazzurri a psychological edge heading into the showpiece clash.The Serie A champions controlled proceedings from the start and broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when a corner from Federico Dimarco was flicked on by Marcus Thuram and deflected into the net via Adam Marušić.Despite lacking manager Maurizio Sarri on the touchline, Lazio struggled to cope with Inter’s high pressing and were repeatedly forced back without building sustained attacks.Inter doubled their lead after capitalising on a defensive error, as Denzel Dumfries dispossessed Nuno Tavares and set up Lautaro Martínez to calmly finish from close range.Lazio improved after the break and came close through Tijjani Noslin, while Inter threatened on the counter through Piotr Zieliński and Luis Henrique but could not extend their lead.Goalkeeper Josep Martínez ensured a clean sheet as Lazio’s late attempts were contained, securing a comfortable finish for the Nerazzurri.The victory makes Inter Milan the first club since Juventus in 2017/18 to win both Serie A and the Coppa Italia in the same season, marking a successful campaign under Cristian Chivu.Lazio, meanwhile, missed their final opportunity to secure European qualification and now face pressure to avoid a rare bottom-half finish in the league.

Inter Milan win 10th Coppa Italia title after 2-0 victory over Lazio

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/ghana-mp-kwame-ohene-frimpong-detained-in-amsterdam">Independent Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong</a>, was reportedly arrested by Dutch security officials at Schiphol Airport shortly after arriving from Ghana on a KLM flight linked to an alleged romance scam and money laundering investigation.<h2>How the arrest unfolded</h2>According to sources, the lawmaker departed Kotoka International Airport on Saturday, May 9, aboard KLM Flight 590. The aircraft reportedly took off from Gate C7 at about 10:10 p.m. before landing in Amsterdam at approximately 4:36 GMT on Sunday.Reports indicate that shortly after the plane landed, a team of Dutch security officials boarded the aircraft and headed directly to the business class section where Ohene Kwame Frimpong was seated alongside another senior government official.The officials allegedly identified the MP, informed him of his rights, and placed him in handcuffs before escorting him off the plane into a waiting security vehicle.He was later taken into detention for further investigations.<h2>Allegations linked to romance scams and money laundering</h2>The arrest is reportedly connected to allegations involving romance scams and money laundering. However, Dutch authorities have not yet publicly released detailed information regarding the investigation or any formal charges.The incident has since generated widespread public attention in Ghana following reports of the detention of the Asante Akyem North legislator.<h2>Parliament reacts to detention</h2>Ghana’s Parliament earlier confirmed that it had been informed about the detention of Ohene Kwame Frimpong in the Netherlands.In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament disclosed that the Rt. Hon. Speaker and leadership of the House were engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to gather more details surrounding the case.Meanwhile, former Asante Akyem North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi has urged the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions until investigations and legal proceedings are completed.

How Ohene Kwame Frimpong was arrested in Amsterdam revealed

A Federal High Court in Nigeria has sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison in absentia over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted Mamman on all 12 charges brought against him, ruling that prosecutors proved the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.The court ordered that the prison sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total jail term of 75 years. Mamman received seven-year sentences on most of the counts without the option of a fine, while additional counts attracted shorter prison terms and financial penalties.Justice Omotosho stated that the former minister’s absence during the judgement and sentencing proceedings was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the court agreed that sentencing could proceed despite his absence.The judge subsequently directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.The court further ordered the forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies, and properties linked to the former minister, including assets located in Abuja. Mamman was also directed to refund outstanding amounts from the N22 billion allegedly diverted from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.Saleh Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was first arraigned in July 2024 over allegations of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.<h2></h2>

Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman sentenced to 75 years for N33.8 billion fraud

Gold has been the ultimate store of value for thousands of years. Today, central banks around the globe hold billions of dollars' worth of gold as a financial safety net — a shield against inflation, currency devaluation, and geopolitical uncertainty. In 2025, gold prices surged past $4,300 per ounce, marking record highs driven by global tensions and a wave of central bank buying not seen in decades.So which countries hold the most gold? This guide ranks the 10 countries with the largest gold reserves in the world, with verified data from the World Gold Council and the IMF, and explains why each nation holds so much of the precious metal.<h2>Why Do Countries Hold Gold Reserves?</h2>Before diving into the rankings, it helps to understand why governments stockpile gold at all:<ul><li>Hedge against inflation: Gold holds its value when fiat currencies weaken.</li><li>Currency stabilisation: Countries with large gold reserves can defend their currencies during economic crises.</li><li>Geopolitical security: Gold is a politically neutral asset — unlike US Treasury bonds, it carries no counterparty risk.</li><li>Diversification: Central banks use gold to reduce dependence on any single currency, especially the US dollar.</li><li>Confidence signal: Large gold reserves reassure investors and trading partners of a country's financial strength.</li></ul>Since 2010, central banks globally have been net buyers of gold, and the past three years have seen purchases exceed 1,000 tonnes per year — the highest sustained buying pace in modern history.<h2>1. United States — 8,133 tonnes</h2>The United States holds more gold than any other country on Earth — by a very wide margin. Its 8,133 tonnes account for more than a quarter of all official gold reserves worldwide and represent roughly 74% of the country's total foreign reserves, the highest gold allocation of any major economy.The bulk of US gold is stored at Fort Knox in Kentucky (approximately 4,580 tonnes), with the rest held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Philadelphia Mint. These holdings have remained virtually unchanged for decades, reflecting a deliberately stable, conservative reserve policy.The United States' massive gold stockpile is deeply intertwined with the US dollar's status as the world's reserve currency. Even after the gold standard was abandoned in 1971, Washington retained its gold hoard as a symbol of financial credibility and monetary strength.Key fact: The US holds more gold than Germany and Italy combined.<h2>2. Germany — 3,352 tonnes</h2>Germany is the second largest gold holder in the world and the largest in Europe. Its vast reserves reflect decades of post-war economic discipline and the historical emphasis on financial stability embedded in German monetary policy.For many years, a significant portion of Germany's gold was stored abroad — mainly in the United States and France — as a Cold War-era security measure. Over the past decade, Germany undertook a high-profile repatriation programme, moving thousands of tonnes back to vaults at the Deutsche Bundesbank in Frankfurt. The exercise was completed ahead of schedule, in 2017.Germany's gold represents around 74% of its total foreign reserves, reflecting how central gold is to the country's reserve strategy.Key fact: Germany's gold holdings are the highest per capita of any major world economy, at about 40 grams per person.<h2>3. Italy — 2,452 tonnes</h2>Italy holds the third largest gold reserve globally, a position it has maintained for decades. The Banca d'Italia (Bank of Italy) stores its gold both domestically and in vaults in the United States and the United Kingdom.Italy's gold holdings are particularly notable given the country's challenging public finances. Gold constitutes roughly 68% of Italy's total reserves, making it one of the most gold-heavy reserve portfolios in the world. This high proportion has occasionally sparked political debate inside Italy about whether the reserves could or should be used to address government debt.Key fact: Italy's gold reserves are valued at well over $350 billion at current prices — a significant national asset.<h2>4. France — 2,437 tonnes</h2>France holds approximately 2,437 tonnes of gold, barely behind Italy and securing the fourth spot globally. The Banque de France manages these reserves, which are stored predominantly in underground vaults beneath the streets of Paris – known colloquially as "La Souterraine".Like Germany and Italy, France has maintained its gold reserves as a cornerstone of its financial sovereignty for generations. France was historically one of the loudest advocates for the gold standard, and that legacy endures in its reserve philosophy today.Key fact: Gold accounts for around 70% of France's total foreign exchange reserves.<h2>5. Russia — 2,327 tonnes</h2>Russia's central bank spent much of the 2010s on an aggressive gold-buying programme, purchasing hundreds of tonnes each year in a deliberate strategy to reduce dependence on the US dollar and build a financial buffer against Western sanctions. At its peak, Russia was the world's largest annual purchaser of gold.Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the resulting sanctions, Russia's gold reserve management has become more complex. Notably, Russia has been selling physical gold from its National Wealth Fund on the domestic market to maintain liquidity. As of late 2025, total official reserves stand at approximately 2,327 tonnes, though the portion held in the National Wealth Fund has declined.Key fact: Gold makes up roughly 29% of Russia's total foreign reserves — a deliberate buffer built to withstand financial sanctions.<h2>6. China — ~2,306 tonnes</h2>China is the world's largest gold producer and one of its fastest-growing official holders. The People's Bank of China has added more than 350 tonnes to its reserves between 2019 and 2024 alone, as part of Beijing's long-running effort to reduce reliance on the US dollar and strengthen the global standing of the yuan (renminbi).Despite the impressive total, gold accounts for only around 4–5% of China's enormous foreign exchange reserves — far below the proportions seen in Western central banks. Many analysts believe China's true gold holdings could be significantly larger than officially reported, given the strategic opacity around its reserve disclosures.Key fact: China is the world's largest gold miner yet imports vast additional quantities to build its official stockpile.<h2>7. Switzerland — 1,040 Tonnes</h2>Switzerland's gold reserves are remarkable given the country's small population of just 8.5 million people. Holding over 1,040 tonnes, Switzerland has one of the highest per capita gold holdings of any country on earth — roughly 120 grams per person.The Swiss National Bank (SNB) manages these reserves as part of a broader strategy of financial neutrality and stability. Switzerland famously sold around 1,300 tonnes of gold in the early 2000s, following a popular referendum, but has maintained its current holdings stable for the past two decades.Key fact: Switzerland's gold holdings per capita are among the very highest in the world, reflecting its unique role as a global financial safe haven.<h2>8. India — ~876 Tonnes</h2>India has been one of the most active central bank gold buyers in recent years. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has added over 200 tonnes to its reserves since 2020, bringing total holdings to approximately 876 tonnes — placing India firmly in the global top ten.India's relationship with gold runs deeper than central bank policy. The country's households and temples collectively hold an estimated 25,000 tonnes of privately owned gold — one of the largest accumulations of private gold anywhere in the world. For Indians, gold is woven into culture, tradition, and savings behaviour.In a notable development, India has been repatriating its gold from storage at the Bank of England back to domestic vaults, with the first batch of 100 tonnes returned in May 2024 — a sign of growing confidence in domestic storage capabilities.Key fact: India's private gold holdings dwarf even its central bank reserves, making the country one of the world's largest gold-holding nations in total terms.<h2>9. Japan — 846 tonnes</h2>Japan holds 846 tonnes of gold in its official reserves, making it the ninth largest holder globally. Unlike China, India, or Russia, Japan has not been actively expanding its gold reserves in recent years — its holdings have remained relatively stable.Historically, Japan used a portion of its gold reserves to help stabilise its economy in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which dealt a severe blow to economic output and required major financial intervention.Gold represents just around 3% of Japan's total foreign exchange reserves — a notably low proportion for such a wealthy country — because Japan holds enormous quantities of US dollar-denominated assets and other foreign currencies.Key fact: Despite being the world's third-largest economy, gold constitutes a relatively small share of Japan's total reserves.<h2>10. Turkey — ~570 Tonnes</h2>Turkey rounds out the top ten with approximately 570 tonnes of gold. The country has faced persistent currency pressures over the past several years, with the Turkish lira losing significant value against major currencies. In response, the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey has used gold as an economic stabiliser and buffer.Turkey's gold reserve figures are somewhat unique because they include gold held on behalf of commercial banks — a domestic policy that allows Turkish banks to meet reserve requirements using gold rather than cash. This inflates the headline figure compared with the pure central bank holdings seen in other countries.Key fact: Turkey was one of the most active gold buyers among central banks between 2020 and 2025, using gold as a hedge against the lira's depreciation.<h2></h2>

10 countries with the largest gold reserves in the world

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has revealed that more than 15,000 Ghanaians have so far been registered in South Africa as authorities step up efforts to account for citizens amid growing concerns over xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, May 12, Mr. Quashie said the ongoing registration exercise has uncovered a significantly higher number of Ghanaians living in South Africa than previously estimated.According to him, earlier records suggested that only slightly above 5,000 Ghanaians were residing in the country. However, the current exercise, which began a few months ago, has substantially revised those figures.“We’ve registered close to 15,000. When I took over, what my predecessors indicated was that Ghanaians in South Africa were just a little above 5,000,” he stated.He explained that the exercise is still ongoing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and informal settlements where many Ghanaian residents face communication challenges.“These are places where we have been told there are Ghanaians living in informal settlements, where communication becomes very difficult, and for that, they cannot go on the website or contact us through the WhatsApp numbers provided,” he added.His comments come in the wake of government’s approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had granted approval for the evacuation to ensure the safety of affected Ghanaian citizens.Mr. Quashie, however, urged Ghanaians in South Africa to remain confident in the state’s support, stressing that Ghana remains committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens both at home and abroad.He further noted that Ghana also expects the same level of respect for its citizens abroad as it extends to foreign nationals living within its borders.

Xenophobia: Ghana registers over 15,000 citizens in South Africa

A 36-year-old entrepreneur has been arrested by the Cyber Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over allegations of non-consensual sharing of intimate images and online sexual exploitation.The suspect, Joshua Kojo Anane Boateng, who resides at East Legon in Accra, was picked up on May 6, 2026, during a joint intelligence-led operation involving the Cyber Crime Unit and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).Briefing the media on Tuesday, May 12, CID Director-General Commissioner of Police Lydia Yaako Donkor said investigations indicate that the suspect ran a Telegram platform called “VIP Sleep Fetish 2025.”She alleged that the suspect used a drug identified as alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, to allegedly sedate unsuspecting women before sexually abusing them, recording the acts, and sharing the videos online without their consent.According to her, further investigations suggest that the suspect frequented nightclubs, where he allegedly targeted victims, drugged them, and committed similar offences before circulating the content online.During the arrest, police retrieved several items including two iPhones, a feature phone, a memory card, a Seagate external hard drive, a MacBook laptop, an is Safe device, and empty sachets believed to have contained alprazolam and midazolam.The Police Service said the electronic devices have been secured for forensic analysis, while the sachets will be examined by the Food and Drugs Authority to determine their contents and classification.Commissioner Donkor confirmed that the suspect has been arraigned before court and investigations are ongoing. The Ghana Police Service says it remains committed to tackling cyber-enabled sexual exploitation and is urging the public to report such cases to the appropriate authorities.

East Legon Businessman arrested for alleged drugging and sexual abuse of women

Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has reportedly been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands.The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, and shared on the official platforms of the Parliament of Ghana.The statement did not provide details regarding the circumstances surrounding the detention but noted that parliamentary leadership is currently engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to gather more information.“It has come to the attention of Parliament that the Hon. Member for Asante Akyem North Constituency, Mr Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. The Rt Hon. Speaker and the leadership of the House are in touch with Ghana’s mission in The Hague for detailed information on the matter. The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement said.Kwame Ohene Frimpong won the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat as an independent candidate during the December 7, 2024, general elections.He secured victory with 26,926 votes, defeating former New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, who polled 8,933 votes, while National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Kofi Asamoah obtained 2,469 votes.

Ghana MP Kwame Ohene Frimpong detained in Amsterdam

Al-Nassr were forced to delay their Saudi Pro League title celebrations after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal at Al-Awwal Park, with a stoppage-time own goal from Bento denying them a crucial victory.A win for Al-Nassr would have stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points, effectively sealing the league title and delivering a first championship in the Cristiano Ronaldo era. However, the draw ensures the title race remains open, with Al-Hilal still in contention and holding a game in hand.Al-Hilal nearly made an early breakthrough inside four minutes, but Karim Benzema was denied by Bento. The French striker later had a goal ruled out for offside after finishing a Sergej Milinković-Savić cross.Al-Nassr took the lead eight minutes before half-time when Mohamed Simakan reacted quickest to a loose ball from a Marcelo Brozović corner, volleying confidently into the bottom corner.The hosts came close to extending their advantage before the break, with Kingsley Coman striking the post, while Cristiano Ronaldo also missed a key opportunity early in the second half.Al-Hilal pushed forward strongly after the interval, knowing a draw would keep their title hopes alive. Following Ronaldo’s substitution, Al-Nassr’s defence eventually cracked in the final moments. A long throw into the box created chaos, and Bento turned the ball into his own net after an unfortunate collision with teammate Íñigo Martínez.The result leaves Al-Hilal with a chance to close the gap when they face Neom in their game in hand on Saturday, setting up a tense finish to the Saudi Pro League title race depending on Al-Nassr’s final results.

Al-Nassr denied title glory by late Al-Hilal equaliser

The government has approved the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa following a renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that President John Dramani Mahama had granted presidential approval for the evacuation exercise as part of efforts to protect affected Ghanaian nationals.According to the minister, the affected Ghanaians had earlier responded to an advisory issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and registered with Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria for assistance and possible evacuation.“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has granted presidential approval for the immediate evacuation of 300 Ghanaians in South Africa,” Ablakwa said in a Facebook post.“These distressed Ghanaians had earlier complied with the Foreign Ministry’s advisory and registered with our High Commission in Pretoria to be rescued following the latest wave of xenophobic attacks,” he added.Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.“The Government of Ghana shall continue to safeguard the welfare of all Ghanaians, at home and abroad,” he stated.The evacuation decision comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals and businesses owned by other African migrants, including Ghanaians, have periodically come under attack.

Xenophobia: Mahama approves evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa

Fresh concerns have emerged across social media after unverified reports claimed that popular Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo had allegedly passed away following a reported battle with a severe kidney-related illness.The reports, widely circulated by several Nigerian blogs and entertainment platforms, alleged that the actor was rushed to hospital on Monday after his health reportedly deteriorated. According to claims published by [BroadwayTV](https://broadwaytv.tv/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), Alex Ekubo was allegedly placed on life support before reportedly dying on Tuesday afternoon.Some reports further suggested that the actor had been battling serious kidney complications, with speculation linking the illness to kidney cancer. However, there has been no official confirmation from his family, management, or medical authorities to verify the claims.Concerns about the actor’s wellbeing had reportedly grown in recent months after fans noticed his long absence from social media. Reports referenced by Nigerian blogs claimed that Alex Ekubo’s last public post online was made on December 30, 2024, fueling speculation among followers.Despite the viral nature of the reports, the claims surrounding the actor’s alleged death remain unconfirmed at the time of publication.Alex Ekubo is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actors, known for his appearances in numerous hit movies and television productions across Africa. He has built a strong reputation in the entertainment industry through his performances in romantic dramas, comedy films, and blockbuster Nollywood productions.

Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo dies amid kidney cancer rumours

The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCO) has announced that it will undertake emergency maintenance works at the Ho Bulk Supply Point on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/news/how-to-check-ecg-power-outage-schedule-in-ghana">Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)</a>, the exercise will result in a temporary power outage in Ho and several surrounding communities.<h3>Date and Time</h3><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1778579742275-yte38d0bokl.jpeg" alt="Ho Power Outage" data-credit="Ho Power Outage" title="Ho Power Outage" width="auto" height="auto"></div><ul><li>Date: Wednesday, 13th May, 2026</li><li>Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm</li></ul><h3>Affected Areas</h3>The following areas will be affected during the planned maintenance exercise:<ul><li>Trafalgar Hospital</li><li>Nurses Training School</li><li>Soldiers Barracks</li><li>Fiave</li><li>Daa Bra</li><li>Kpenoe</li><li>Takla</li><li>Hodzo</li><li>Food and Distribution</li><li>Big Market</li><li>Anlokodzi</li><li>Akoefe</li><li>Tokokoe</li><li>Tanyigbe</li><li>Hoviefe</li><li>Klefe</li><li>Ziavi</li><li>Microwave</li><li>Taviefe</li><li>Matse</li><li>Klave</li><li>Shia</li><li>Nyive</li><li>and it's surrounding areas</li></ul>ECG has apologised for the inconvenience that may arise as a result of the maintenance works.

Power outage to hit parts of Volta Region on May 13 as GRIDCO conducts emergency maintenance

John Mahama has officially signed the Legal Education Reform Bill (2025) into law, opening professional legal training to accredited universities across Ghana and ending the long-standing monopoly of the Ghana School of Law.The landmark reform, signed on Monday, May 11, 2026, introduces a new legal education framework aimed at expanding access to professional legal training while maintaining high standards within the legal profession.<h2>Ghana Ends Ghana School of Law's Monopoly</h2>The bill, which was passed by Parliament on March 26, 2026, allows accredited universities to provide structured professional legal education for aspiring lawyers.For decades, the Ghana School of Law remained the country’s only institution authorised to offer professional legal training, creating a major bottleneck for thousands of law graduates seeking admission into the legal profession.Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the reform is intended to strike a balance between regulation and opportunity.“Regulate legal education and ensure the highest standards in terms of legal education, but also open up a space for more opportunities for legal education in Ghana.”<h2>New Council to Oversee Legal Education</h2>Dominic Ayine confirmed that implementation of the new law will begin immediately with the establishment of a Council for Legal Education and Training.According to him, the council will regulate legal education, set professional standards, and oversee accreditation of universities approved to run the Law Practice Training Course.“Immediate implementation will start with the establishment of the Council for Legal Education, which is the body that will oversee legal education in the country.”He further disclosed that budgetary allocations for the implementation process will be included in Ghana’s 2027 national budget.<h2>Universities to Offer Law Practice Training</h2>Under the new legal education system, accredited universities will be permitted to run professional law practice training courses.After completing the programme, candidates will sit for a National Bar Examination to qualify as lawyers in Ghana.The reform is expected to significantly increase opportunities for law graduates who previously struggled to gain admission into the Ghana School of Law due to limited intake capacity.<h2>Debate Over Quality Assurance Continues</h2>Although the reform has been widely praised for improving access to legal education, discussions continue within legal and academic circles over quality assurance, accreditation standards, and readiness for implementation.The Ghana School of Law, established in 1958 under Kwame Nkrumah, has trained over 12,000 legal professionals since producing its first lawyers in 1963.

Ghana opens legal training to universities after 68 years, ends School of Law’s monopoly

Many Ghanaians have expressed concerns about how to access support from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares. The fund's administrator has outlined clear eligibility and access procedures for applicants seeking medical assistance.<h2>Who Can Benefit from the Trust Fund?</h2>To qualify for support under the Fund, applicants must meet the following key requirements:<ul><li>Must be a Ghanaian citizen</li><li>Must hold a valid National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card</li><li>Must be diagnosed with a medical condition covered under the Fund’s approved treatment list</li></ul>Authorities emphasise that patients cannot walk directly into the secretariat to request assistance. Instead, the process is fully digital and handled with dignity through medical professionals.Applications are initiated only by specialist clinicians at accredited hospitals through a dedicated digital platform.<h2>Enlisted Hospitals for the Patient Support Programme</h2>The programme will initially operate through 29 selected hospitals across Ghana to ensure fair and nationwide access:<ol><li>Korle Bu Teaching Hospital</li><li>Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital</li><li>Cape Coast Teaching Hospital</li><li>Tamale Teaching Hospital</li><li>Ho Teaching Hospital</li><li>Sunyani Teaching Hospital</li><li>Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital</li><li>Greater Accra Regional Hospital</li><li>Eastern Regional Hospital</li><li>Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital</li><li>Volta Regional Hospital</li><li>Kumasi South Hospital</li><li>Northern Regional Hospital</li><li>Upper West Regional Hospital</li><li>Upper East Regional Hospital</li><li>Sefwi-Wiawso Government Hospital</li><li>Goaso Municipal Hospital</li><li>Bole Municipal Hospital</li><li>Worawora Government Hospital</li><li>Holy Family Hospital, Techiman</li><li>Baptist Medical Centre</li><li>University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC)</li><li>37 Military Hospital</li><li>International Maritime Hospital</li><li>The Bank Hospital</li><li>Trust Specialist Hospital</li><li>Aisha Hospital</li></ol><h2>Summary</h2>The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is designed to support eligible NHIS cardholders with serious medical conditions through a structured referral system, ensuring patients are assessed and enrolled only through approved hospitals and medical specialists.

Who can benefit from the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) & list of enlisted hospitals

Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications - Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence Director of Research and Innovation, Fred Yeboah, has disclosed that the government’s One Million Coders Programme is aiming to train 300,000 people in 2026 as part of efforts to expand digital skills development across the country.Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show, Mr Yeboah, who also serves on the programme’s Implementation Committee, explained that the initiative is steadily expanding through universities, district-level centres, and community partnerships nationwide.“For this year, our target is 300,000,” he said. “We have started the process of training 300,000 for 2026.”The One Million Coders Programme forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical technology skills to improve employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.According to Mr Yeboah, participation in the programme remains free, with all Ghanaians possessing a Ghana Card eligible to enrol.“From a charcoal seller to a professor, everybody has an opportunity,” he stated, stressing that while the initiative primarily focuses on young people, it remains open to anyone interested in acquiring digital skills.He further encouraged participants to pursue long-term career pathways within the technology sector instead of viewing the courses as standalone training programmes.“We are not limiting anybody. You have to choose the kind of IT career you want, and then you can start from the beginner level, go to the intermediate level, and do advanced courses to be an expert in the field,” he noted.Mr Yeboah also addressed challenges some applicants have encountered during registration, particularly issues related to facial recognition verification connected to the Ghana Card system.He explained that several of the verification difficulties were caused by poor lighting conditions during registration and revealed that instructional materials had been shared on social media to guide applicants through the process.Additionally, he disclosed that the programme is working closely with industry partners to provide mentorship, innovation support, and access to remote employment opportunities for trainees after completing their courses.One of the programme’s partners, he noted, is Industry Emerging Africa, which focuses on preparing young people for careers within the global technology industry.“Our focus is not only in Ghana. We are also looking at remote job opportunities,” he said.

One Million Coders Programme targets 300,000 trainees in 2026 – GI-KACE Director reveals

Football has a singular gift: the ability to author its own stories in its own beautiful, unhurried time. For billions of fans across the world, it is the greatest sport in human history — and no other game paints pictures quite like it.On a warm Sunday night at Camp Nou, Barcelona stunned Real Madrid 2-0 to claim their 29th La Liga title, and Pedri González walked to the centre circle to perform the ritual that has made the world fall in love with him all over again.<h2>A Ritual That Transcends Football</h2>Football is full of rituals – goal celebrations, pre-match superstitions, and dressing room habits passed down through generations. But few are as quietly moving as the one shared between FC Barcelona midfielder Pedri and his father, Fernando González. Every time Pedri lifts a trophy, he stays on the pitch to take a penalty against his dad. Then they embrace — a moment that has become one of the most tender father-and-son traditions in the modern game.This is not a choreographed spectacle for social media. It is something altogether more human: a son honouring a father, and a father living a version of the dream he once had to set aside."Every trophy Pedri wins is a chance to honour his father — a way of letting him relive the dream he had to abandon."The story of Pedri and Fernando<h2>The Story of Fernando: The Goalkeeper Who Never Got His Chance</h2>Fernando González once stood on the edge of becoming a professional goalkeeper. He was on the verge of making his debut in Spain's third division — a step that, for a young man from the Canary Islands, would have been the fulfilment of everything he had worked towards. Then tragedy arrived without warning: Fernando's own father passed away, and with that loss came a responsibility far greater than any match. He set aside his gloves, gave up his footballing ambitions, and took over the family business.The dream of standing in goal — of being the last line, of the rush and the shout and the save — never fully left him. It simply found another form of expression. That expression is his son.<h2>How the Ritual Was Born — and Why It Endures</h2>The penalty ritual began not as a public statement but as a private act of love. After winning a major honour, Pedri invites his father onto the pitch, places the ball on the spot, and takes a shot – Fernando in goal, arms wide, living the role he once dreamed of. Then, whatever the outcome of the penalty, they hold each other. The stadium may be full or emptying; the cameras may be rolling or not, but in that moment, it is only the two of them.Fans across the world have embraced the tradition – not merely for its footballing charm, but for the story underpinning it: a father's forfeited dream, a son's soaring career, and a single penalty kick that bridges one generation to the next.<blockquote> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading">View this post on Instagram</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading"> </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYLImu7M4qw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading">A post shared by Fabrizio Romano (@fabriziorom)</a></blockquote><h3>Pedri &amp; Fernando: The Ritual Through the Trophies</h3>2024UEFA Euro 2024 — Spain's continental triumph. Pedri took the first widely seen penalty against his father, introducing the ritual to a global audience.2025 Supercopa de España 2025 — The ritual repeated. Fernando in goal at full time, Pedri stepping up with a smile, and the embrace that followed.2026 Supercopa de España 2026 — Another honour, another penalty, another moment that moved millions.May 10, 2026 La Liga 2025/26 Title — After Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at Camp Nou, the ritual returned to its grandest stage yet, with the Catalans celebrating their 29th league crown.<h2>Barcelona Stun Real Madrid at Camp Nou to Clinch the 29th La Liga Crown.</h2>On the night of May 10, 2026, Camp Nou roared as it always does when El Clásico is played between the white walls of Catalonia. Barcelona delivered a masterclass — composed, clinical, relentless — beating Real Madrid 2-0 and securing their 29th La Liga title in front of their own supporters. For the Catalans, it was another chapter in one of football's greatest rivalries, yet another headache delivered to their fiercest rivals.When the final whistle blew, the celebrations swept across the pitch. Confetti fell. Players embraced. And then Pedri went looking for his father.<h2>The Beautiful Game, At Its Most Beautiful</h2>There is a phrase often used about football – that it is more than a sport, that it carries within it entire lives and entire histories. The ritual between Pedri and Fernando is living proof of that. A penalty kick that lasts less than two seconds carries decades of love, of sacrifice, of roads not taken and roads that opened up instead.For Pedri, the ritual is a celebration of family, of sacrifice, and of shared joy. For Fernando, it is those few precious seconds as a goalkeeper — the role he was born to play but never got to keep — made real once more by the son he raised. And for the millions watching around the world, it is a reminder of why they fell in love with football in the first place.The beautiful game has its way of writing its own stories. And sometimes, those stories go far beyond the game.

Pedri's penalty ritual with his father - The tradition born from a dream deferred

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced scheduled maintenance works across parts of the Ashanti Region from Monday, May 11, to Tuesday, May 12, 2026, as part of efforts to improve power supply reliability and enhance service delivery.According to the ECG, the planned maintenance exercise will lead to temporary power outages in several communities during the stated hours. Residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to take the necessary precautions.<h2>Monday, May 11, 2026</h2>Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm<h3>Areas to be affected</h3><ul><li>Anwiankwanta</li><li>Ofoase Kokobe</li><li>Dominase</li><li>Adjamesu</li><li>Behenase</li><li>Poano</li><li>Ntinanko</li><li>Antoakrom</li><li>Surrounding communities</li></ul>ECG apologised for the inconvenience and assured customers that the exercise is necessary to improve electricity supply in the area.<h2>Tuesday, May 12, 2026</h2>Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm<h3>Areas to be affected</h3><ul><li>Mamponteng</li><li>Aboaso</li><li>Ntonso</li><li>Dumanafo</li><li>Ankaase</li><li>Asonomaso Nkwanta</li><li>Safo</li><li>Kona</li><li>Surrounding communities</li></ul>ECG said the maintenance works are aimed at strengthening service delivery and improving supply stability.<h2>Tuesday, May 12, 2026</h2>Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm<h3>Areas to be affected</h3><ul><li>Edwenase</li><li>Parts of Kwadaso</li><li>Nwamase</li><li>Parts of Apire</li><li>Ampatia</li><li>Bebu</li><li>Dako</li><li>Adumasa</li><li>Ampabame No. 1 &amp; 2</li><li>Mpatasie</li><li>Trade</li><li>Sabin Akrofrom</li><li>Takyiman</li><li>Denkyembouso</li><li>Ohwumasi</li><li>Hill Top</li><li>Parts of Asouyeboa</li><li>Parts of Tanoso</li><li>Yabi</li><li>Merewadwa</li><li>Kokode</li><li>Aburaso</li><li>Kromoase</li><li>Akyeremade</li><li>Chichibon</li><li>Gyekye</li><li>Dida</li><li>Odeneho Kwadaso</li><li>OWASS</li><li>Agric. Amanfrom</li><li>Santasi</li><li>Fankyenebra</li><li>Apemanim</li><li>Boko</li><li>Twedie</li><li>False</li><li>Manso Nkwanta</li><li>Antoakrom</li><li>Nweneso</li><li>Manso Adubia</li><li>Surrounding communities</li></ul>ECG noted that the maintenance exercise is essential to enhance the reliability of electricity supply and improve operational efficiency in the affected communities.

Ashanti Region to be hit by power outages from May 11 to 12 - See affected areas

FC Barcelona secured the 2025/26 La Liga title after defeating fierce rivals Real Madrid 2-0 in a thrilling El Clasico clash at Camp Nou.Barcelona wrapped up the title race with three matches still remaining, claiming their 29th La Liga crown in dominant fashion under manager Hansi Flick.The hosts made a dream start to the encounter and took the lead through Marcus Rashford, who curled a brilliant free-kick into the top corner in the opening stages of the game. Just nine minutes later, Ferran Torres doubled Barcelona’s advantage with a composed finish after a well-worked attacking move.Real Madrid pushed to get back into the contest before halftime, with opportunities falling to Gonzalo García and Aurélien Tchouaméni, but neither could find the breakthrough.After the restart, Madrid struggled to create clear-cut chances as Barcelona maintained control of the game. Jude Bellingham thought he had reduced the deficit midway through the second half, but his goal was ruled out for offside during the build-up.Barcelona comfortably saw out the victory to confirm another league triumph. Flick’s side also finished ahead in expected goals, recording 0.99 xG compared to Madrid’s 0.79.Barcelona will continue their title celebrations when they face Deportivo Alavés on Wednesday, while Real Madrid take on Real Oviedo on Thursday.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid in El Clasico to win 29th La Liga title

Black Sherif has been crowned <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/entertainment/who-won-what-at-27th-telecel-ghana-music-awards-full-list-of-award-winners-at-tgma-2026">Artiste of the Year at the 27th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards 2026</a>.The prestigious awards ceremony was held at the Grand Arena on Saturday, May 9, 2026.Black Sherif emerged victorious after edging out strong competition from fellow nominees Medikal, Stonebwoy, Wendy Shay, Sarkodie, and Diana Hamilton in what was widely regarded as one of the fiercest categories of the night.Earlier in March 2026, the TGMA Academy Board unveiled nominees across several major categories, including Artiste of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artiste.The night has also featured electrifying performances from some of Ghana’s biggest stars, including Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, Gyakie, Kweku Smoke, MOLIY, Wendy Shay, Medikal, Piesie Esther, and Diana Hamilton.This year’s edition of the awards is being held under the theme: “A Touch ofGlitter.”

Black Sherif crowned TGMA 2026 Artiste of the Year

TGMA 2026 Red Carpet: 10 best-dressed celebrities of the night

The TGMA delivers a night of thrilling moments, big wins, and unforgettable performances as Ghana’s top music stars battle for glory at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards in Accra.<h2>Here is a full list of winners at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.</h2><ol><li>Female Vocalist of the Year - Enam</li><li>Male Vocalist of the Year - Esiamah</li><li>Best Hiplife Song of the Year - Medikal</li><li>Highlife Song of the Year - Kofi Kinaata</li><li>Best Hipop Song of the Year - Black Sherif</li><li>Collaboration of the Year - Medikal</li><li>International Collaboration of the Year - Moliy</li><li>Afropop Song of the Year - Black Sherif</li><li>Afrobeats Song of the Year - Kojo Blak</li><li>Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year - Moliy</li><li>Best MUSIC Video of the Year - AratheJay</li><li>Best Urban/ Comtemporay Gospel Song of the Year - Kofi Owusu Peprah</li><li>Best Gospel Artist of the Year - Diana Hamilton</li><li>Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artist of the Year - Wendy ShaySongwriter of the Year - Black Sherif Best Rap Performance - Strongman Hiplife/Hip-Hop Song of the Year - Medikal Best Reggae Dancehall - Stonebwoy Best Group of the Year - Keche Best Highlife Artist of the Year - Kofi KinaataRecord of the Year - KwabenaBest New Artist - Kojo BlakBest Album/ EP of the Year - Black Sherif Best Music for Good of the Year - Lali &amp; LolaBest Song of the Year - Medikal ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Black Sherif </li></ol>

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