Manchester United extended their flawless run under returning caretaker manager Michael Carrick with a commanding 2-0 victory over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.The hosts were already in control before Spurs were reduced to 10 men in the 29th minute, when captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro, catching the Brazilian’s ankle with raised studs.Man United had threatened earlier through Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, and they capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 38th minute with an expertly executed set-piece.Bruno Fernandes delivered a clever corner to Kobbie Mainoo near the byline, and his cutback found Bryan Mbeumo, who calmly fired home from the edge of the box.Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario kept his side in contention before the break, producing a fine save to tip Casemiro’s header over the crossbar.In the second half, Spurs were again rescued by the offside flag as efforts from Amad Diallo and Cunha were ruled out.Vicario continued to impress with sharp reflex saves to deny long-range strikes from full-backs Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot, but United eventually secured the decisive second goal in the 81st minute.Substitute Benjamin Sesko narrowly missed Dalot’s dangerous cross, allowing Fernandes to react quickest at the far post and steer the ball past Vicario.Sesko had a late chance to add a third in stoppage time but headed straight at the Spurs goalkeeper. The victory moves United to within three points of second-placed Manchester City, who are set to face Liverpool on Sunday.Tottenham’s defeat, meanwhile, leaves them looking nervously over their shoulders, with the possibility of being just six points above the relegation zone should results elsewhere go against them.

Man United beat 10-Man Spurs to extend Carrick run

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected Mr Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed as its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East Constituency ahead of the March 3 by-election, following the party’s internal primary held on February 7, 2026.Provisional results released after the close of polls showed Mr Jamal, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, securing 431 votes from the total ballots cast.He was closely followed by Hajia Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament, Mr Naser Toure, who polled 399 votes. Mr Mohammed Ramne, the Ayawaso East NDC Constituency Chairman, placed third with 88 votes.Dr Yakubu Azindow obtained 45 votes, while Mr Najib Mohammed Sani recorded one vote.The closely contested primary attracted more than 1,100 accredited delegates from across the constituency, reflecting the high stakes involved in selecting a candidate for the by-election in a seat widely regarded as a stronghold of the governing NDC.Five aspirants contested the race. They were Hajia Amina Adam, Mr Baba Jamal, Dr Yakubu Azindow, who had previously contested the late MP in the 2023 primary, Mr Mohammed Ramne and Mr Mohammed Sani.Although the race was initially considered open, it later narrowed into a tight contest among Mr Jamal, Hajia Amina Adam and Dr Azindow.&nbsp;The election, however, was marred by controversy. Reports emerged both a day before the polls and on voting day of alleged inducement and vote buying, with claims that some delegates were offered television sets, cash and motorbikes in exchange for their support. Videos circulating on social media showed some delegates leaving polling centres carrying television sets and other items.In a statement issued on the same day, the NDC said its national executives had taken note of what it described as widespread incidents of inducement and vote buying allegedly perpetrated by some aspirants.The party condemned the acts, describing them as an affront to its values and principles, and announced that it had launched investigations into the matter.It warned that swift sanctions would be applied against any candidate found culpable, including the possible cancellation of elections in future cases.With the primary concluded, Mr Jamal is expected to lead the NDC into the March 3 parliamentary by-election as the party seeks to retain the Ayawaso East seat.

Baba Jamal wins Ayawaso East NDC parliamentary primary

The fugu is a handwoven cotton garment from Ghana that tells a powerful story of culture, resistance, and identity. This traditional smock, also called batakari, comes from the northern regions of Ghana and represents much more than clothing. It is a symbol of African dignity and pride.<h2>Origins and Names</h2>The fugu originates from northern Ghana, where different ethnic groups have their own names for it. The word "fugu" is a translation from the Moshie word for cloth, while the Dagombas call the garment "bingba". In the Asante Twi language, people know it as batakari. The Moshies, who migrated from Burkina Faso and settled in northern Ghana, along with the Hausas from northern Nigeria, introduced the garment through ancient trade routes that connected West African communities.This variety of names shows how the fugu belongs to many communities across West Africa. Each group claims it as part of their heritage, and each adds their own traditions to its making and wearing.<h2>How Craftsmen Make the Fugu</h2>The creation of a fugu is a careful process that involves entire communities. Local cotton is hand-spun and tightly woven into fabrics that protect wearers from both hot sun and cool winds. Threads are hand-dyed using natural plant-based pigments such as indigo leaves and tree bark, which creates the distinctive colours while keeping the process environmentally friendly.Men traditionally operate the looms, spinning cotton into narrow strips about four inches wide. These hand-loomed strips comprise a blend of dyed and undyed cotton yarns, intricately sewn together by hand, resulting in a distinctive plaid pattern. Skilled craftsmen add embroidery designs to enhance their beauty.This craft has become hereditary, with fathers transferring their knowledge and skills to their sons, who start learning at a very young age with simple wooden looms. This tradition ensures that each generation preserves the ancient techniques while adding their own creativity.<h2>Cultural and Spiritual Meaning</h2>The fugu carries deep spiritual and cultural importance. Initially worn by hunters and warriors who valued its strength and spiritual symbolism, the garment protected both body and spirit. In the 19th century, the batakari was worn by Ashanti military forces as war dress, made of cotton and covered with leather pouches and metal cases containing talismans, as the Ashanti forces believed this variant was bulletproof.Kings, chiefs, and warriors wear the fugu during important ceremonies. For northern chiefs, it remains mandatory ceremonial attire. People also wear special fugus during life celebrations, festivals like Damba, and other significant cultural events. The garment connects the wearer to their ancestors and community.<h2>Symbol of Independence</h2>The fugu achieved its most famous moment in Ghana's history on March 6, 1957. Ghana's founding fathers wore the smock to declare Ghana's independence from the British. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and members of the Big Six deliberately chose to wear splendid fugu smocks during Ghana's declaration of independence at the Old Polo Grounds in Accra.By rejecting Western suits in favour of this indigenous garment, Nkrumah made a bold statement of pan-African pride, cultural confidence, and the concept of the "African Personality". This powerful choice transformed the fugu from regional clothing into a national symbol. The image of leaders standing in their handwoven smocks remains one of the most powerful visual representations of Africa's decolonisation struggle.<h2>Modern Revival</h2>In February 2026, the fugu gained new international attention. President John Dramani Mahama wore the traditional attire during his visit to Zambia, sparking heightened international attention after a comment describing it as a "blouse" turned into a viral cultural conversation. Rather than being offended, Ghanaians used this moment to educate the world about their heritage.Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described President Mahama's deliberate choice as a symbolic revival of the "African Personality" championed by Nkrumah. President Mahama reflected that smock weavers in Ghana would be very happy because through the power of social media, they received branding and marketing they could never have imagined.<h2>Economic Impact</h2>Today, a vibrant traditional textile industry exists across Northern Ghana, from Bolgatanga through Tamale to Daboya, where young people are actively producing to meet growing demand. The fugu industry provides jobs for thousands of artisans who dye, weave, sew, and design these garments.The fugu has also spread beyond Ghana's borders. People of African descent wear smocks to churches, mosques, African festivals, and Kwanzaa celebrations in major Western cities like New York and Kingston, Jamaica. This shows how the garment connects diaspora communities to their African roots.<h2>Design and Everyday Use</h2>The fugu is versatile and comfortable. While traditionally a men's garment, women now wear it as tunics, dresses, blouses, or in traditional styles. Unlike the kente cloth or Japanese kimono worn for special occasions, fugu is an everyday garb that hangs loosely, making it easy to wear and work with while offering grace to the wearer.The design features a round neckline, short sleeves with wide openings, and hidden pockets decorated with embroidery. This makes it practical for daily life while still being beautiful enough for special occasions.<h2>A Living Heritage</h2>The fugu represents Ghana's living heritage. Each stitch speaks of endurance, each dye of tradition, and each finished garment of the unbroken thread connecting Ghana's diverse cultural landscape. From warriors to presidents, from village weavers to international fashion, the fugu continues to evolve while keeping its essential character.The fugu teaches an important lesson about cultural pride and dignity. It shows that traditional clothing can be both practical and meaningful, both ancient and modern. As young weavers continue this craft and people worldwide embrace the garment, the fugu remains a powerful symbol of African identity, resilience, and the enduring beauty of handmade traditions.

Fugu: Ghana's Traditional Smock of Pride and Heritage

The most geographically expansive Winter Olympic Games in history are set to get underway, with competitions spread across multiple venues in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Athletes representing more than 90 nations will compete across 16 sporting disciplines, battling for a record 195 medals.Events will include traditional Olympic favourites such as alpine skiing, ice hockey and figure skating, alongside modern additions like big air snowboarding. The programme will also feature ski mountaineering for the first time as an official Olympic sport, marking a significant expansion of the Winter Games roster.<h3>Where Will The Next Winter Olympics Be Held?</h3>Following the current Games, the Winter Olympics will move to France in 2030 — the first time the country has hosted the event in 38 years, since Albertville 1992. The 2030 edition will mark France’s fourth time staging the Winter Olympics.The Games are scheduled to run from February 1 to February 17, 2030, with the Paralympic Winter Games set for March 1 to March 10, 2030. Although final logistical details remain under development, organisers have outlined a regional plan focused on four main zones across the French Alps.<ul><li>Haute Savoie Zone: Cross-country skiing in La Clusaz, biathlon in Le Grand Bornand, plus an Olympic Village.</li><li>Savoie Zone: Alpine skiing in Courchevel and Méribel, ski jumping and Nordic combined events, sliding sports in La Plagne, and Olympic Villages in Bozel and La Plagne.</li><li>Briançon Zone: Freestyle skiing and snowboarding in Serre Chevalier and Montgenèvre, with an Olympic Village in Briançon.</li><li>Nice Zone: Indoor ice events including ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating and curling, alongside the International Broadcast Centre, Main Press Centre and the Closing Ceremony.</li></ul>The venue for speed skating has not yet been finalised and may potentially be located outside France. The opening ceremony location is also still to be confirmed.<h3>Why Are The Olympics Held Every Two Years?</h3>Historically, the Winter and Summer Olympic Games were staged in the same year every four years throughout much of the 20th century. However, this structure changed in 1994 when the International Olympic Committee amended the Olympic Charter, separating the two competitions.The shift began with the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, followed by the Summer Games in Atlanta in 1996. Since then, both the Summer and Winter Olympics have continued on separate four-year cycles but are staggered so that an Olympic event occurs every two years.The four-year period between Olympic Games is known as an “Olympiad”, with the Summer Games typically held in the first year and the Winter Games in the third year of the cycle. While the Olympic schedule is generally consistent, there have been rare interruptions due to global events such as world wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out where the 2030 Winter Olympics will take place

President John Mahama has called on African governments and partners to prioritise investment in women, describing it as a critical driver of national and continental development.Addressing the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia on Thursday, February 5, 2026, President Mahama said Africa could not afford to treat gender inclusion as a symbolic gesture, stressing that deliberate financial and economic empowerment of women was essential for sustainable growth.He highlighted steps taken by his government to translate commitments into action."Ghana has moved beyond symbolism to action. We have elected our first female Vice President and operationalised the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, mandating a minimum of 30 per cent female representation in public appointments," he said.President Mahama further announced that Ghana’s Reset Agenda includes plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank aimed at unlocking financing for female-led enterprises, noting that access to capital remains a major barrier for women across the continent.He urged African leaders to collectively push forward the Decade of African Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion, arguing that empowering women accelerates productivity, strengthens families, and boosts national economies."I urge us to advance together toward the Decade of African Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion. When we invest in women, we accelerate national development."Touching on broader continental integration, President Mahama said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a historic opportunity to deepen intra-African trade, promote value addition, and drive industrialisation.He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Zambia to reduce trade barriers, harmonise standards, and encourage private-sector partnerships."Our people are the true custodians of this partnership. The presence of Ghanaians in Zambia and Zambians in Ghana enriches both societies," President Mahama said.

Investing in women key to Africa’s development – Mahama tells Zambian Parliament

President John Mahama has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ghana and Zambia to allow visa-free travel for holders of all categories of passports.He described the agreement as a significant milestone towards promoting the free movement of people across the African continent.“This afternoon, we have signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding as the framework for our cooperation. Prominent among these is the MoU to allow visa-free travel for all categories of passport holders between Ghana and Zambia.“This is an important step towards the free movement of our people on the African continent,” President Mahama said.The announcement was made during his official address to the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia on Thursday, 5 February, where he underscored the importance of deeper regional integration to boost trade, investment and shared prosperity.President Mahama commended Zambia for its efforts to stabilise its macroeconomic environment, noting that the improved performance of the Zambian kwacha and ongoing reforms were sending positive signals to investors and regional partners.“Ghana looks forward to deepening trade, investment, and financial cooperation with Zambia to reinforce resilience and shared prosperity,” he said.He also expressed confidence in Zambia’s democratic institutions ahead of the general elections scheduled for August 2026, and reaffirmed Ghana’s support for peaceful, free and fair polls.“As Zambia prepares for general elections in August 2026, we express our trust in the strength of your democratic institutions and the commitment of the Zambian people to peaceful, free, and fair elections,” he stated.President Mahama added that both countries had revitalised the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation to provide a structured and results-oriented framework for collaboration.“It is in this spirit that Ghana and Zambia have revitalised the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, providing a structured, results-oriented framework for collaboration across priority sectors, including trade and investment, energy, tourism, mining, agriculture, education, science and technology, youth development, and defence cooperation,” he said.

Ghana, Zambia sign MoU to allow visa-free travel for all passport holders

The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/sports/sp-sport-promotions-and-pko-boxing-seal-long-term-partnership-ahead-of-koforidua-fight-night">PKO Foundation</a> has extended a helping hand to St Bakhita Foundation Ghana, an orphanage based in Accra, as part of its ongoing commitment to community support and social responsibility.The charity outreach saw the foundation donate a wide range of essential items to support the daily needs of the home.These included clothes, assorted food items, drinks, toiletries and a cash donation to assist with the running of the facility. St Bakhita Foundation Ghana currently cares for 47 orphans, providing shelter, education and basic welfare for children from vulnerable backgrounds.Leading the visit was PKO Foundation Chief Executive Officer Edward Osei, who was accompanied by members of his family.<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/1770301072645-63p5542bb5a.jpeg" alt="PKO Foundation supports St Bakhita Orphanage with major donation" data-credit="PKO Foundation supports St Bakhita Orphanage with major donation" title="PKO Foundation supports St Bakhita Orphanage with major donation" width="auto" height="auto"></div>The team spent time interacting with the children and staff, offering words of encouragement and sharing moments that highlighted the importance of compassion and community support.Speaking during the visit, representatives of the foundation noted that the donation was aimed at easing some of the immediate challenges faced by the orphanage while reinforcing PKO’s belief in giving back to society beyond sports and business.The foundation emphasised that supporting vulnerable children remains a key pillar of its humanitarian efforts.PKO Foundation also revealed plans to return to St Bakhita Foundation Ghana in the coming months to provide further assistance.The initiative, according to the foundation, is not intended to be a one-off gesture but part of a sustained effort to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the children.Chief Executive Officer of St Bakhita Foundation Ghana, Peter Kizito Awar Tamberson, expressed gratitude to the PKO Foundation and its leadership, describing the donation as timely and deeply appreciated.

PKO Foundation supports St Bakhita Orphanage with major donation

The 15-year prison sentence imposed on controversial evangelist Nana Agradaa has been reduced to 12 calendar months, with the Amasaman High Court ruling that the original punishment was harsh and excessive.In its decision, the court affirmed her conviction but exercised its discretion to vary the sentence, reducing it from the 15 years of hard labour earlier imposed by the trial court.The revised sentence takes effect from July 3, 2025, the date of her conviction, meaning Nana Agradaa will serve a total of 12 months in prison.The court held that although the offences for which she was convicted warranted punishment, the severity of the initial sentence was disproportionate under the circumstances, thereby justifying a downward adjustment.Nana Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist, was convicted of charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence.She was found guilty of luring victims through a 2022 televised broadcast, during which she falsely claimed to possess spiritual powers capable of doubling money.Her claims led several individuals to part with large sums of money in expectation of miraculous financial returns—promises that were never fulfilled.

Breaking News: Nana Agradaa’s 15-year jail term cut to 12 months

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the most prominent son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in Libya, according to officials and local media.Saif al-Islam Gaddafi’s lawyer, Khaled al-Zaidi, and his political adviser, Abdulla Othman, announced the 53-year-old’s death in separate posts on Facebook on Tuesday, without providing details.Libyan news outlet Fawasel Media cited Othman as saying that armed men killed Gaddafi in his home in the town of Zintan, some 136 km (85 miles) southwest of the Libyan capital, Tripoli.Gaddafi’s political team later released a statement, saying that “four masked men” stormed his house and killed him in a “cowardly and treacherous assassination”.The statement said that he clashed with the assailants, who closed the security cameras at the house “in a desperate attempt to conceal traces of their heinous crimes”.Khaled al-Mishri, the former head of the Tripoli-based High State Council, an internationally recognised government body, called for an “urgent and transparent investigation” into the killing in a social media post.Gaddafi never had an official position in Libya but was considered to be his father’s number two from 2000 until 2011, when Muammar Gaddafi was killed by Libyan opposition forces, ending his decades-long rule.Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was captured and imprisoned in Zintan in 2011 after attempting to flee the North African country following the opposition’s takeover of Tripoli.He was released in 2017 as part of a general pardon and has lived in Zintan since.Born in June 1972 in Tripoli, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was the second-born son of Libya’s long-time ruler.A Western-educated and well-spoken man, Gaddafi presented a progressive face to the oppressive government run by his father, and he played a leading role in a drive to repair Libya’s relations with the West, beginning in the early 2000s.He led talks on Libya abandoning its weapons of mass destruction and negotiated compensation for the families of those killed ⁠in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988.Educated ​at the London School of Economics and a fluent English speaker, he also championed himself as a reformer, calling for a constitution and respect for human rights. His dissertation dealt with the role of civil society in reforming global governance.But when the rebellion broke out against the elder Gaddafi’s ‍long rule in 2011, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi immediately chose family and clan loyalties, becoming an architect of the brutal crackdown on dissidents, whom he called rats.Speaking to the Reuters news agency at the time of the popular uprising in Libya in 2011, he said, “We fight here in Libya; we die here in Libya.”He warned that rivers of blood would flow and that the government would fight to the last man, woman and bullet.“All of Libya will be destroyed. We will need 40 years to reach an agreement on how to run the country, because today, everyone will want to be president, or emir, and everybody will want to run the country,” he said.Gaddafi was accused of torture and extreme violence against opponents of his father’s rule, and by February 2011, he was on a United Nations sanctions list and banned from travelling. He was also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity committed in 2011.After the rebels took over the capital, Tripoli, he tried to flee to neighbouring Niger dressed as a Bedouin tribesman. But he was captured by the Abu Bakr Sadik Brigade militia on a desert road and flown to Zintan.Following long negotiations with the ICC, Libyan officials were granted authority to try Gaddafi for alleged war crimes. In 2015, a Tripoli court sentenced him to death in absentia.After his release from detention in 2017, he spent years underground in Zintan to avoid assassination.In November 2021, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi announced his candidacy in the country’s presidential election in a controversial move that was met with outcry from anti-Gaddafi political forces in western and eastern Libya.As the election process ground on that year with no real agreement on the rules, Gaddafi’s candidacy became one of the main points of contention. He was disqualified because of his 2015 conviction, but when he tried to appeal ‌the ruling, fighters blocked off the court.The ensuing arguments contributed to the collapse of the election process and Libya’s return to political deadlock.SOURCE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/3/saif-al-islam-gaddafi-son-of-former-leader-killed-in-libya">ALJAZEERA</a>

Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former leader, shot dead in Libya

The European Union has called for intensified efforts to restore degraded lands across Africa, as the second phase of the Regreening Africa Project officially kicks off in Ghana.Speaking at the inauguration of the National Advisory Committee (NAC) of the Regreening Africa Project Phase Two in Accra, EU representative Clemens Beckers stressed the need to “step up a little bit” in regreening initiatives. He highlighted the importance of sustainable land restoration for strengthening community resilience against climate change, land degradation, and food insecurity.Dr. Tinah Mukunda, National Director of World Vision Ghana, which is leading the project alongside Catholic Relief Services under the coordination of CIFOR-ICRAF, outlined the activities, achievements, and goals of the second phase. She said the initiative aims to scale up sustainable land restoration practices, expand tree-based value chains, and promote inclusive green jobs, particularly for women and youth. According to Dr. Mukunda, the project seeks to strengthen community resilience, improve food and nutrition security, and restore degraded landscapes across northern Ghana.The Regreening Africa Project Phase Two builds on the successes of the first phase, with a focus on enabling policy environments, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based approaches to sustainable land management. The NAC, composed of representatives from national implementing organizations, the EU, farmer groups, the private sector, research institutions, and relevant government agencies, will provide strategic guidance, policy advice, and oversight to ensure the project’s effectiveness at the country level.The inauguration of the NAC marks a critical step in scaling up the project in Ghana. With the combined efforts of the European Union, World Vision Ghana, Catholic Relief Services, CIFOR-ICRAF, and local stakeholders, the initiative aims to restore degraded lands, create sustainable livelihoods, and empower communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

EU Calls for Renewed Efforts to Restore Degraded Lands at Regreening Africa Project Phase II NAC Inauguration

Africa will be represented by 15 athletes from eight nations at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which begin on 6 February in Italy. Despite limited access to snow and winter sports infrastructure across much of the continent, African athletes continue to break barriers and earn places on the global stage through determination, diaspora pathways, and international training opportunities.This year’s participation marks a significant increase from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where only six African athletes from five countries competed. At Milano Cortina 2026, athletes from Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Eritrea, Madagascar, Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa will take part in events ranging from Alpine skiing to skeleton.<ul><li>Total athletes: 15</li><li>Participating countries: 8</li><li>Disciplines: Alpine skiing (10 athletes), cross-country skiing (3), freestyle skiing (1), skeleton (1)</li><li>Largest team: South Africa with five athletes</li><li>Single-athlete nations: Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Eritrea</li><li>Two-athlete nations: Madagascar, Morocco, Kenya</li></ul><h3>Nigeria</h3>Samuel Ikpefan – Cross-country skiing Nigeria’s sole representative returns to the Winter Olympics after competing in Beijing 2022. Born in the French Alps, the 33-year-old aims to improve on his previous performance in the men’s sprint free event.<h3>Morocco</h3>Pietro Tranchina – Alpine skiing Competing in slalom and giant slalom, Tranchina will be one of Morocco’s key medal hopefuls on the slopes.Abderrahim Kemmissa – Cross-country skiing Kemmissa will participate in the men’s 10km freestyle race, representing Morocco in endurance skiing.<h3>Guinea-Bissau</h3>Winston Tang – Alpine skiing The 19-year-old will make history by representing Guinea-Bissau at its first-ever Winter Olympics. Born in Utah, Tang brings a diverse background and international racing experience.<h3>Benin</h3>Nathan Tchibozo – Alpine skiing The 21-year-old French-born skier will become the first athlete to represent Benin at a Winter Olympic Games, competing in both slalom and giant slalom.<h3>Madagascar</h3>Mialitiana Clerc – Alpine skiing Clerc makes history as the first African woman to compete in three Winter Olympics, having debuted at age 16 in PyeongChang 2018.Mathieu Gravier – Alpine skiing Returning for his second Olympic appearance, Gravier will compete in the giant slalom and continue Madagascar’s growing presence in winter sports.<h3>Eritrea</h3>Shannon-Ogbnai Abeda – Alpine skiing A veteran competitor, Abeda returns for his third Olympic appearance and has indicated Milano Cortina will be his final Games. He aims to surpass his 39th-place finish from Beijing 2022.<h3>South Africa</h3>South Africa fields the continent’s largest delegation with five debutants:<ul><li>Lara Markthaler – Alpine skiing: The 18-year-old competes in women’s giant slalom and slalom.</li><li>Thomas Weir – Alpine skiing: A 17-year-old rising star in men’s slalom and giant slalom.</li><li>Matthew Smith – Cross-country skiing: Set to compete in the 10km freestyle event.</li><li>Malica Malherbe – Freestyle skiing: Will take part in the women’s dual moguls competition.</li><li>Nicole Burger – Skeleton: Competes in the high-speed sliding event, representing Africa in one of the Games’ most intense disciplines.</li></ul><h3>Kenya</h3>Issa Laborde – Alpine skiing The 18-year-old, born in France, will represent Kenya in Alpine skiing after competing in the Winter Youth Olympics.Sabrina Simader – Alpine skiing A trailblazer for Kenyan winter sports, Simader initially announced retirement but is now expected to return to Olympic competition after previously representing the country at PyeongChang 2018.<h2></h2>

List of African Athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games

Athletic injuries represent a complex intersection of biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and environmental factors. Understanding the scientific principles underlying these injuries is essential for developing effective prevention strategies and optimising recovery protocols.<h2>Biomechanical Foundations</h2>The human body operates as an interconnected kinetic chain, where forces transfer through joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments during athletic movement. Injuries often occur when these forces exceed the structural capacity of tissues.During high-velocity movements like sprinting or cutting, ground reaction forces can exceed three to five times body weight, placing enormous stress on lower extremity structures.When proper biomechanical alignment is compromised, whether through fatigue, poor technique, or muscular imbalances, these forces concentrate in vulnerable areas, increasing injury risk.Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears exemplify biomechanical failure. Research demonstrates that these injuries frequently occur during deceleration, landing, or pivoting movements when the knee experiences combined forces of rotation, valgus stress, and anterior tibial translation.Female athletes exhibit a two- to eight-times higher ACL injury rate than males, partly due to biomechanical differences including greater knee valgus angles, reduced hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratios, and hormonal influences on ligament laxity.<h2>Tissue Mechanics and Failure Thresholds</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/1770191328798-gc0x7lvh0d.jpg" alt="Tissue Mechanics " data-credit="Tissue Mechanics " title="Tissue Mechanics " width="auto" height="auto"></div>Each biological tissue possesses distinct mechanical properties that determine injury susceptibility. Tendons, which connect muscle to bone, demonstrate viscoelastic behaviour—their stiffness and strength vary with loading rate. Sudden, explosive movements challenge tendons beyond their adaptive capacity, particularly when inadequate warm-up limits tissue pliability.Chronic overload leads to tendinopathy, characterised by degenerative changes in collagen structure and increased proteoglycan content, which weakens the tissue and predisposes it to rupture.Muscle strains typically occur at the musculotendinous junction, where contractile tissue transitions to collagen-rich tendon. High-speed eccentric contractions, where muscles lengthen under tension, generate the greatest forces and injury risk.The hamstring muscle group, which crosses both hip and knee joints and functions eccentrically during the terminal swing phase of sprinting, represents the most commonly strained muscle in many sports.Bone responds to mechanical stress through remodelling, a dynamic process balancing bone resorption and formation. When repetitive loading exceeds the bone's remodelling capacity, stress fractures develop.These injuries follow a continuum from bone stress reaction to complete cortical fracture and commonly affect the tibia, metatarsals, and femoral neck in runners and jumping athletes.<h2>Physiological Risk Factors</h2>Fatigue fundamentally alters injury risk through multiple mechanisms. As muscles fatigue, they lose their ability to absorb shock effectively, transferring greater stress to passive structures like ligaments and cartilage.Neuromuscular control deteriorates, compromising proprioception and increasing the likelihood of aberrant movement patterns. Studies consistently demonstrate higher injury rates during the latter stages of games and training sessions when fatigue accumulates.Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances impair muscle function and increase cramping susceptibility.Even modest fluid deficits of two per cent body weight can compromise cardiovascular function and thermoregulation, indirectly affecting performance and injury risk. Heat illness represents an extreme consequence of inadequate thermoregulation during intense exercise in hot environments.<h2>Neurological and Sensorimotor Factors</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/1770191472022-oiosndzemn.jpg" alt="Neurological and Sensorimotor Factors" data-credit=" Neurological and Sensorimotor Factors | JACOPIN/BSIP/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY" title="Neurological and Sensorimotor Factors" width="auto" height="auto"></div>The neuromuscular system governs movement control through complex feedback loops involving proprioceptors, the central nervous system, and motor neurones.Proprioception—the body's ability to sense joint position and movement—is critical for maintaining stability and executing coordinated movements.Ankle sprains often damage mechanoreceptors in ligaments, compromising proprioceptive feedback and increasing the risk of recurrent injury if not properly rehabilitated.Reaction time and anticipatory muscle activation patterns significantly influence injury risk. Athletes must activate stabilising muscles milliseconds before ground contact or impact.Inadequate neuromuscular programming leaves joints vulnerable during these critical moments. Plyometric training and sport-specific drills enhance these protective mechanisms by improving the speed and coordination of muscle recruitment patterns.<h2>Previous Injury and Scar Tissue</h2>Prior injury stands as one of the strongest predictors of future injury. Scar tissue that forms during healing lacks the mechanical properties of native tissue—it's typically less elastic, has altered collagen fibre orientation, and possesses reduced tensile strength.Incomplete rehabilitation compounds these structural deficiencies with persistent neuromuscular deficits, including strength asymmetries, reduced proprioception, and compensatory movement patterns that redistribute stress to other body regions.Concussions illustrate the complexity of repeat injury risk. Following a concussion, the brain enters a period of metabolic vulnerability where cellular energy systems are compromised.Sustaining another impact during this window, which may last days to weeks, can result in prolonged symptoms or, in rare cases, catastrophic outcomes like second impact syndrome.<h2>Training Load and Recovery</h2>The relationship between training load and injury risk follows a U-shaped curve. Insufficient training leaves athletes unprepared for competition demands, while excessive training without adequate recovery causes cumulative tissue damage and systemic fatigue.The acute-to-chronic workload ratio comparing recent training volume to longer-term average load has emerged as a valuable metric for monitoring injury risk.Rapid spikes in training intensity or volume, where acute load substantially exceeds chronic load, correlate strongly with increased injury incidence.Recovery represents more than passive rest. During recovery periods, tissues repair microtrauma, glycogen stores replenish, inflammatory processes resolve, and the nervous system recuperates.Sleep plays a particularly crucial role, with inadequate sleep duration and quality associated with significantly elevated injury rates. Athletes sleeping less than eight hours per night demonstrate up to 1.7 times greater injury risk than well-rested counterparts.<h2>Environmental and Equipment Factors</h2>Playing surfaces influence injury biomechanics. Natural grass provides more forgiveness than artificial turf, though modern synthetic surfaces have narrowed this gap.Surface traction affects the forces transmitted through the body during cutting manoeuvres—excessive traction can increase non-contact ACL injury risk by preventing the foot from sliding, thereby concentrating rotational forces at the knee.Footwear design impacts both performance and injury risk. Proper cushioning attenuates ground reaction forces, while appropriate support maintains alignment during dynamic movements.However, excessive cushioning may diminish proprioceptive feedback, and overly restrictive shoes can alter natural foot mechanics.Climate conditions affect tissue properties; cold temperatures reduce tissue compliance, increasing strain susceptibility, while hot, humid conditions elevate heat illness risk.<h2>Psychological and Behavioural Dimensions</h2>Psychological factors subtly but significantly influence injury vulnerability. High stress and anxiety elevate cortisol levels, which can impair tissue healing and immune function.Attentional focus affects movement quality—distraction or excessive pressure can disrupt motor control. Athletes with certain personality traits, including high risk-taking tendencies or perfectionism coupled with reluctance to report symptoms, may engage in behaviours that increase injury exposure.The psychological response to injury profoundly affects rehabilitation outcomes. Fear of re-injury can perpetuate compensatory movement patterns even after tissue healing completes.Conversely, athletes who return to play prematurely, driven by competitive pressure or inadequate appreciation of injury severity, risk exacerbating initial damage or sustaining new injuries to compromised tissues.<h2>Age and Developmental Considerations</h2>Youth athletes face unique injury risks related to skeletal immaturity. Growth plates, areas of developing cartilage near bone ends, represent zones of weakness susceptible to injury.Rapid growth during adolescence can temporarily reduce flexibility as bones lengthen faster than muscles and tendons adapt, creating imbalances that increase strain injury risk. Overuse injuries, including Osgood-Schlatter disease and Sever's disease, reflect repetitive stress on growing skeletal structures.Ageing athletes contend with progressive tissue changes, including reduced collagen elasticity, decreased muscle mass and power, slower recovery rates, and diminished proprioception.While these changes increase baseline injury risk, appropriate training modifications can substantially mitigate these effects. Master athletes often experience different injury patterns than youth, with a higher proportion of overuse injuries and degenerative conditions.<h2>Integrative Injury Prevention</h2>Modern injury prevention recognises that no single factor causes most injuries; rather, multiple risk factors interact dynamically.The sequence of prevention model proposes that injuries result from complex interactions between internal risk factors (age, previous injury, anatomical alignment) and external risk factors (training load, equipment, environment), mediated by an inciting event.Effective prevention requires comprehensive assessment addressing multiple domains—screening for biomechanical deficiencies, monitoring training loads, ensuring adequate recovery, optimising nutrition, and fostering psychological resilience.Emerging technologies, including wearable sensors, motion capture systems, and artificial intelligence algorithms, offer unprecedented opportunities for personalised injury risk assessment.These tools enable continuous monitoring of movement quality, training load, and physiological markers, potentially identifying elevated risk before injuries occur.However, translating data into actionable interventions remains challenging and requires integration of technology with clinical expertise and individualised athlete management.Understanding the multifaceted science behind player injuries empowers coaches, medical staff, and athletes to implement evidence-based strategies that reduce injury burden while optimising performance.As research continues revealing the intricate mechanisms underlying athletic injuries, prevention and treatment approaches will become increasingly sophisticated and effective.

The Science Behind Player Injuries

Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup final at Wembley after edging past Chelsea with a 1-0 victory on the night, completing a 4-2 aggregate win in the semi-final second leg.It was far from a spectacle, but it was a performance defined by discipline, defensive resilience, and efficiency – qualities that ultimately carried Mikel Arteta’s side through.The opening 45 minutes offered little in the way of excitement, reflecting the cautious approach adopted by both sides. Chelsea set up in a compact 3-5-2 formation, prioritising defensive solidity and aiming to keep Arsenal at arm’s length.Clear-cut chances were at a premium. Piero Hincapié forced a smart save from Robert Sánchez, while Enzo Fernández tested the Arsenal goalkeeper at the other end. However, neither side managed to gain real momentum, with expected goals telling the story—Chelsea 0.16, Arsenal 0.18 by the interval.Referee Peter Bankes blew for half-time with the tie finely poised, Arsenal still holding a narrow aggregate advantage.Chelsea remained patient after the restart, sticking to their plan of staying in the contest before unleashing attacking reinforcements later on. While the Blues were organised and difficult to break down, their lack of creativity in the final third proved costly.Arsenal, meanwhile, were content to control the tempo, protecting their lead with composure and denying Chelsea space between the lines. The Gunners’ backline stood tall, repelling crosses and snuffing out danger before it could develop.As the game drifted towards a goalless draw, it appeared Arsenal would progress without adding to the scoreline.Just when the contest seemed set to fizzle out, Kai Havertz struck late on the counter-attack, delivering the decisive moment of the match. The goal not only sealed the win on the night but also underlined Arsenal’s superiority across the two legs.Despite Chelsea’s solid structure and late attacking changes, their plan failed to yield the breakthrough they needed.Arsenal now advance to the EFL Cup final at Wembley, where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United. The victory keeps the Gunners firmly in contention for a remarkable quadruple and offers them a chance to lift the EFL Cup for the first time since 1993.

Arsenal seal EFL Cup final spot with gritty win over Chelsea

Ron Kenoly was far more than a gospel singer. He was a trailblazer of modern praise and worship, a pastor, a mentor, and a global voice whose music reshaped how millions of Christians across the world worship. His influence transcended denominations, cultures, and continents, making him one of the most significant figures in contemporary Christian music.Ron Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that continues to echo in churches, concerts, and worship gatherings worldwide.<h3>Early Life and Background</h3>Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States. He grew up in a Christian home and began singing at a young age in a local Baptist church, where his passion for music and worship first took shape.Kenoly placed strong emphasis on education and spiritual formation. Over the years, he earned multiple academic qualifications, including:<ul><li>A degree in Music from Alameda College</li><li>A Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College</li><li>A Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred Music from Friends International</li></ul>These academic foundations would later influence both the depth of his ministry and the structure of his worship music. Interestingly, Ron Kenoly was also related to Hollywood actor Don Cheadle, his cousin.<h3>Military Service and Early Musical Development</h3>Between 1965 and 1968, Ron Kenoly served in the United States Air Force. During his service, he performed with a touring band known as The Mellow Fellows, entertaining troops across military bases. This period sharpened his performance skills and broadened his musical exposure.It was also during his military years that he met his first wife, Tavita, with whom he shared 42 years of marriage and raised three sons—Samuel, Ronald, and Tony.<h3>A Surprising Secular Music Chapter</h3>Before becoming a gospel icon, Ron Kenoly briefly pursued a secular music career. In the early 1970s, he recorded demo tracks for songwriter Jimmy Webb and released early singles. Under the stage name Ron Keith, he was signed to A&amp;M Records, releasing R&amp;B and soul tracks including “I Betcha I’ll Get Ya” and “Soul Vaccination.”He was also part of a duo with Candy Rae, whose 1972 single “Lovely Weekend” reportedly sold close to 200,000 copies. Despite moderate success, Kenoly felt spiritually unfulfilled and made the defining decision to leave secular music behind.<h3>Transition to Gospel and Ministry</h3>Ron Kenoly turned fully to gospel music and ministry in the late 1970s. His journey was not immediate; he spent four years seeking a gospel record deal before finally releasing his first Christian album, “You Ought to Listen to This,” in 1983.This marked the beginning of a ministry-driven career that prioritized corporate worship, scripture-based lyrics, and congregational participation rather than performance.<h3>Global Breakthrough and Worship Revolution</h3>Kenoly’s defining breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of the album “Lift Him Up.” The project was revolutionary. At a time when worship music was largely subdued and traditional, Ron Kenoly introduced an energetic, joyful, scripture-rich worship style that invited active participation.The album sold over 500,000 copies, was certified Gold, and became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its era. It permanently changed the sound and structure of praise and worship music globally.Some of his most iconic songs include:<ul><li>Ancient of Days</li><li>Jesus Is Alive</li><li>We’re Going Up</li><li>Sing Out</li><li>My God Is Able</li></ul>These songs became staples in churches across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.<h3>Albums, Sales, and Musical Impact</h3>Over his career, Ron Kenoly released multiple influential albums, including:<ul><li>Ron Kenoly</li><li>God Is Able</li><li>Welcome Home</li><li>Sing Out with One Voice</li></ul>Collectively, his music is estimated to have sold over 60 million copies worldwide, making him one of the most commercially successful worship leaders in history.<h3>Pastoral Ministry and Global Reach</h3>Beyond music, Ron Kenoly served as a pastor and worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, where he ministered for many years. His leadership emphasized spiritual depth, joyful worship, and global missions.In his later years, Kenoly reflected proudly on the reach of his ministry, noting that his work had touched over 123 nations through worship, teaching, and conferences.<h3>Final Years and Reflections</h3>Just days before his passing, Ron Kenoly shared a reflective message marking his 48th year in ministry, expressing gratitude to those who supported his mission around the world. The message now stands as a poignant farewell from a servant who had completed his assignment.<h3>Tributes and Lasting Legacy</h3>Following his death, tributes poured in from across the global Christian community. Worship leaders, pastors, and gospel musicians credited Kenoly with shaping their calling and sound.Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey described him as a generational inspiration, noting that many modern worship leaders “grew up on his songs.” His longtime music director Bruno Miranda described walking with Kenoly not just as a colleague, but as a son and student of faithfulness.<h3>Why Ron Kenoly Matters</h3>Ron Kenoly was a pioneer of contemporary praise and worship, redefining how churches engage with music. He proved that worship could be both theologically rich and joyfully expressive, opening doors for generations of worship leaders after him.Though he is gone, his songs remain sung, his influence remains felt, and his legacy remains secure.Ron Kenoly didn’t just lead worship—he taught the world how to lift Him up.

The Life and Legacy of Ron Kenoly

SP Sport Promotions and PKO Boxing Promotions have formalised a long-term co-promotional and boxing management partnership, a move aimed at strengthening structured athlete development and elevating the professional boxing landscape in Ghana.The agreement, concluded following extensive engagements between both organisations, establishes a collaborative framework for the promotion, management, and career progression of boxers. It is designed to provide a clear pathway from talent identification through to sustained professional growth, anchored on shared values of discipline, athlete welfare, and long-term planning.Under the partnership, PKO Boxing’s management philosophy will be aligned with SP Sport Promotions’ promotional operations, ensuring consistency in standards across training, matchmaking, branding, and career development.While both entities retain the capacity to stage independent events, joint promotions and coordinated strategy will form the backbone of the collaboration.The partnership will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Fight Night scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Koforidua Total 2 venue. Organised in collaboration with T2 Bar and Grill, the event will feature a full professional card showcasing fighters from both stables and serve as the first public expression of the alliance.The Fight Night card will feature a blend of emerging prospects and battle-tested professionals from both stables, reflecting the developmental focus of the new partnership.Fans in Koforidua can expect competitive match-ups carefully selected to test progress rather than protect records, with young fighters given the platform to announce themselves on a bigger stage.Several of the billed boxers enter the night on upward trajectories, eager to stake claims for future headline bouts. The card is designed to balance entertainment with purpose, offering action for supporters while advancing the long-term careers of the athletes involved under the SP–PKO banner.Three of Ghana’s most promising fighters under PKO, Prince Kamaldeen, Ebenezer Kolebe and Benedict Baidoo, will be in action. Additionally, John Eshun will fight in an exhibition bout.<blockquote> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?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/p/DURKyQjiC9K/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading">A post shared by PKO BOXING (@pkoboxing)</a></blockquote>Beyond the launch event, plans are already in motion for the introduction of the PKO–SP Boxing Series, a travelling fight platform expected to tour multiple regions across Ghana before expanding into other African markets.The initiative is intended to decentralise boxing activity, bring the sport closer to local communities, and broaden its national footprint.The partnership signals a strategic step forward for both promotions, positioning them for sustained growth, stronger athlete pipelines, and increased relevance on the continental and international boxing stage.

SP Sport Promotions and PKO Boxing seal long-term partnership ahead of Koforidua Fight Night

Cristiano Ronaldo may still be delivering prolific numbers at the age of 40, but the current campaign is shaping up to be a frustrating one for the Portuguese superstar. Despite scoring 17 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League appearances, Ronaldo faces the possibility of ending the season without silverware.Al-Nassr currently sit three points behind league leaders Al Hilal in the title race. Their rivals could soon strengthen their position further, with Karim Benzema reportedly close to completing a high-profile move to Al Hilal. That potential transfer has reportedly sparked anger from Ronaldo, who is dissatisfied with Al-Nassr’s lack of activity during the winter transfer window.According to reports from Portugal, Ronaldo is unhappy with the club’s ambition and has reacted by refusing to take part in team activities with immediate effect. As a result, he is expected to miss Al-Nassr’s upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Riyadh on Monday.It remains unclear whether the forward intends to extend his protest into future matches, but his absence could have significant consequences. Ronaldo’s presence has been central to the league’s global attention, and his decision could affect matchday attendance and television viewership.Much now depends on whether Al-Nassr can reinforce their squad before the window closes. Should the club respond decisively, Ronaldo—who is eager to finish the season with a trophy—could return to action without delay.

Cristiano Ronaldo goes on strike at Al Nassr ahead of Al Riyadh clash

The 2026 Grammy Awards returned to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night, marking a historic turning point for music’s biggest night. Trevor Noah hosted the ceremony for the sixth and final time, while CBS aired the Grammys for the last time after more than five decades, with broadcasting rights set to move to Disney platforms in 2027.While most of the 95 Grammy categories were presented during the non-televised Premiere Ceremony hosted by Darren Criss, the main event delivered headline-making victories, genre-spanning excellence, and landmark achievements.<h2>Big Winners of the Night</h2>The top awards were shared among some of the world’s biggest music stars:<ul><li>Album of the Year: Debí Tirar Más Fotos — Bad Bunny 🏆</li><li>Record of the Year: Luther — Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA 🏆</li><li>Song of the Year: Wildflower — Billie Eilish &amp; Finneas 🏆</li><li>Best New Artist: Olivia Dean 🏆</li></ul>Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year win reinforced his global dominance, while Kendrick Lamar and SZA continued their award-winning partnership with Luther.<h2>Pop, Dance &amp; Electronic Highlights</h2><ul><li>Pop Vocal Album: Mayhem — Lady Gaga 🏆</li><li>Pop Solo Performance: Messy — Lola Young 🏆</li><li>Pop Duo/Group Performance: Defying Gravity — Cynthia Erivo &amp; Ariana Grande 🏆</li><li>Dance/Electronic Recording: End of Summer — Tame Impala 🏆</li><li>Dance/Electronic Album: Eusexua — FKA twigs 🏆</li></ul><h2>Rap, R&amp;B &amp; Hip-Hop Standouts</h2><ul><li>Rap Album: GNX — Kendrick Lamar 🏆</li><li>Rap Performance: Chains &amp; Whips — Clipse feat. Kendrick Lamar &amp; Pharrell Williams 🏆</li><li>Melodic Rap Performance: Luther — Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA 🏆</li><li>R&amp;B Album: Mutt — Leon Thomas 🏆</li><li>R&amp;B Performance: Folded — Kehlani 🏆</li></ul><h2>Rock, Alternative &amp; Metal Winners</h2><ul><li>Rock Album: Never Enough — Turnstile 🏆</li><li>Rock Performance: Changes (Live From Villa Park) — Yungblud 🏆</li><li>Metal Performance: Birds — Turnstile 🏆</li><li>Alternative Album: Songs of a Lost World — The Cure 🏆</li></ul><h2>Global &amp; African Music Recognition</h2><ul><li>African Music Performance: Push 2 Start — Tyla 🏆</li><li>Global Music Album: Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo — Caetano Veloso &amp; Maria Bethânia 🏆</li><li>Música Urbana Album: Debí Tirar Más Fotos — Bad Bunny 🏆</li></ul>

68th Grammy Awards: Full Winners List

Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun has assured his congregation of his unwavering commitment to ministry, despite his decision to temporarily step away from preaching following the failure of his prophecy regarding the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries.Addressing worshippers during a church service, the prophet explained that he felt compelled to speak candidly on the matter before the close of the service.He anchored his remarks in his book, School of Prophecy, particularly Chapter 16, “When a Prophet Misses It”, which he said provides guidance on how prophets should respond when a prophetic declaration does not come to pass.According to Prophet Nelson-Eshun, although the book was written several years ago, it was published last year and clearly outlines the principles of accountability and responsibility in such moments. He emphasised that he does not seek emotional encouragement from church members but rather expects integrity, transparency, and accountability—from both himself and the congregation.“I am not the kind of pastor who needs encouragement. I need you, as members of this family, to hold me to integrity and to what I said the Lord showed me,” he told the congregation.He revealed that he has fully subjected himself to the accountability process prescribed in his book and has already issued two formal statements in response to the failed prophecy.The first, he said, was a brief public apology, while the second addressed accountability in greater detail. He stressed that these statements clearly expressed his position and urged members to reflect carefully on their content.While acknowledging that he has no control over how individuals interpret or react to his actions, Prophet Nelson-Eshun reassured the congregation that he remains present and has not abandoned his calling or the church.He clarified that he was neither appealing to congregants to stay nor suggesting that anyone should leave. “I am not going to ask you to stay, nor am I asking you to leave,” he said, adding that his approach was rooted in humility and responsibility. “But I will be back.”As part of his accountability measures, the prophet announced that he would temporarily suspend preaching.Although he will continue attending church services, he stated that he would refrain from ministering from the pulpit for several weeks, in line with what he has consistently taught about taking responsibility when mistakes occur.In closing, Prophet Nelson-Eshun reminded congregants of two principles he described as fundamental, regardless of circumstances: maintaining faith in God and Jesus Christ, and preserving one’s personal integrity and sense of identity.“Never lose God, and never lose yourself,” he cautioned, noting that losing one’s identity could be more damaging than public criticism or disappointment.He concluded by thanking the congregation for their attention and reaffirmed his intention to return to active preaching at the appropriate time.

'I’m not asking you to stay or leave, but I’ll be back' – Bernard Elbernard speaks after failed NPP prophecy

Carlos Alcaraz has shattered countless milestones at a remarkably young age, but on Sunday night in Melbourne, he delivered the most significant achievement of his career to date.The 22-year-old Spaniard defeated Novak Djokovic in a gripping Australian Open final, winning 2–6, 6–2, 6–3, 7–5 to claim his first Australian Open title. With the victory, Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam, having already won the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros—each twice—making him the youngest man in tennis history to achieve the feat.The previous age record had stood since 1938, when Don Budge completed his Career Grand Slam at Roland Garros at 22 years and 11 months. Alcaraz surpassed that mark at 22 years and 8 months, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.<h3>Youngest Men to Complete the Career Grand Slam (by age)</h3><ul><li>22 years, 8 months: Carlos Alcaraz (2026 Australian Open)</li><li>22 years, 11 months: Don Budge (1938 Roland Garros)</li><li>24 years, 1 month: Rod Laver (1962 US Open)</li><li>24 years, 3 months: Rafael Nadal (2010 US Open)</li><li>26 years, 0 months: Fred Perry (1935 Roland Garros)</li><li>27 years, 8 months: Roy Emerson (1964 Wimbledon)</li><li>27 years, 9 months: Roger Federer (2009 Roland Garros)</li><li>29 years, 0 months: Novak Djokovic (2016 Roland Garros)</li><li>29 years, 1 month: Andre Agassi (1999 Roland Garros)</li></ul>Alcaraz’s Grand Slam journey has unfolded with almost poetic symmetry. He won his first US Open at 19, captured Wimbledon at 20, conquered Roland Garros at 21, and finally completed the set in Melbourne at 22.The Australian Open had long been his toughest challenge. Prior to this year, his best results were quarterfinal appearances—losing to Alexander Zverev in 2024 and Djokovic in 2025. That narrative changed dramatically in 2026.After a commanding 7–5, 6–2, 6–1 quarterfinal win over Alex de Minaur, Alcaraz earned revenge against Zverev in an epic semifinal. He survived severe cramping and rallied from 5–3 down in the fifth set to claim a marathon 6–4, 7–6(5), 6–7(3), 6–7(4), 7–5 victory that lasted five hours and 27 minutes.The final initially appeared to tilt Djokovic’s way. The 10-time Australian Open champion dominated the opening set, breaking serve twice and sealing it in just 33 minutes without facing a single break point.However, Alcaraz steadily turned the tide. By dramatically reducing his unforced errors and increasing his aggression, he broke Djokovic twice in each of the second and third sets to take a two-sets-to-one lead.The fourth set developed into a tense exchange of holds. Alcaraz missed six break points early, while Djokovic earned a break opportunity at 4–4, only for the Spaniard to hold firm. At 5–6, with Djokovic serving to stay in the match, Alcaraz seized his moment. A missed forehand from Djokovic handed him match point, and another error moments later sealed a historic victory.With that final shot, Carlos Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam, rewrote tennis history, and firmly established himself as the defining force of his generation.

Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to win Australian Open, completes career Grand Slam

The 2026 WWE Royal Rumble delivered one of the most unforgettable nights in recent wrestling history, featuring shocking returns, emotional farewells, dominant performances, and two decisive Rumble victories that reshaped the road to WrestleMania.From Roman Reigns reclaiming his destiny in the Men’s Royal Rumble to Liv Morgan finally achieving her long-awaited breakthrough in the Women’s Royal Rumble, the premium live event was packed with drama from start to finish.<h2>Roman Reigns Wins the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match</h2>Roman Reigns is officially headed back to WrestleMania.The Tribal Chief outlasted 29 other Superstars, eliminating Gunther last to win his second Royal Rumble Match and his first since 2015, reasserting his dominance on WWE’s biggest stage.<h3>Early Chaos and Breakout Performances</h3>The Men’s Rumble began with Oba Femi making his Royal Rumble debut at No. 1, immediately establishing himself as a powerhouse. Bron Breakker entered at No. 2, but chaos erupted early when a masked Superstar attacked Breakker, allowing Femi to eliminate him first.Femi continued his dominant showing by eliminating Solo Sikoa, Rusev, Rey Mysterio, and Matt Cardona, racking up five eliminations before being stopped later in the match.High-flying excitement came courtesy of Je’Von Evans, while confusion followed with the bizarre showdown between El Grande Americano and the “Original” El Grande Americano, which ended after Trick Williams and Cody Rhodes got involved.<h3>Surprise Debuts, Returns, and Power Shifts</h3>Former Powerhouse Hobbs, now Royce Keys, made his WWE debut at No. 14, eliminating Damian Priest in a standout moment.LA Knight returned at No. 21 to a massive reaction, eliminating Austin Theory and Bronson Reed. Moments later, Brock Lesnar entered at No. 22, tearing through the field before a dramatic collision with Oba Femi.Lesnar’s run ended when Cody Rhodes and LA Knight teamed up to eliminate him, shifting momentum yet again.<h3>The Tribal Chief Takes Control</h3>When Roman Reigns entered at No. 26, the entire tone of the match changed. Reigns eliminated The Miz, dropped multiple Superstars with Superman Punches, and squared off with Cody Rhodes before Jacob Fatu joined the chaos.The final stages saw eliminations fly rapidly:<ul><li>Drew McIntyre eliminated Cody Rhodes.</li><li>Reigns eliminated Logan Paul</li><li>Gunther eliminated Randy Orton.</li></ul><h3>Final Two: Reigns vs. Gunther</h3>Just hours after ending AJ Styles’ career, Gunther limped into the Rumble at No. 30 and somehow survived to the final two. However, Reigns dug deep, spearing The Ring General and tossing him over the top rope.Roman Reigns won the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble, booking his place at WrestleMania and reigniting his pursuit of championship glory.<h2>Gunther Ends AJ Styles’ Career in Emotional Showdown</h2>Earlier in the night, Gunther defeated AJ Styles in a brutal career-vs-pride match, forcing The Phenomenal One to pass out in a sleeper hold.Despite Styles landing a Styles Clash and Phenomenal Forearm, Gunther’s relentless power proved too much. After the bell, the WWE Universe gave Styles a standing ovation as he saluted the crowd in what appeared to be his final WWE match.<h2>Drew McIntyre Retains Undisputed WWE Championship Against Sami Zayn</h2>Drew McIntyre successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against a valiant Sami Zayn, who pushed the champion to his limits.Zayn survived multiple Future Shock DDTs, narrowly escaped defeat after a Claymore, and nearly won following a Helluva Kick. However, McIntyre powerbombed Zayn through the announce table before delivering back-to-back Claymore Kicks to retain his title emphatically.<h2>Liv Morgan Wins the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble Match</h2>After years of heartbreak, Liv Morgan finally completed her Royal Rumble story.Entering at No. 14, Morgan outlasted the field and eliminated Tiffany Stratton last to win her first Women’s Royal Rumble Match, earning a guaranteed title shot at WrestleMania.<h3>A Chaotic and Historic Start</h3>The Women’s Rumble opened with Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss at Nos. 1 and 2, briefly teasing a confrontation before working together.Jordynne Grace exploded into the match, scoring the first three eliminations, while Flair accidentally eliminated Bliss during a chaotic exchange involving Nia Jax.<h3>Returns, Betrayals, and International Showdowns</h3>The match featured intense rivalries and global star power:<ul><li>Becky Lynch clashed with Flair.</li><li>Natalya eliminated Lynch</li><li>Giulia, IYO SKY, and Asuka delivered a hard-hitting standoff.</li><li>Rhea Ripley made a dominant return, eliminating multiple Superstars.</li></ul><h3>Shocking Returns and Record-Breaking Performances</h3>The WWE Universe erupted when Brie Bella returned at No. 29, reuniting with Nikki Bella. Moments later, Tiffany Stratton entered at No. 30, landing a spectacular Swanton Bomb.Lash Legend stole the spotlight, eliminating five Superstars, including Charlotte Flair, who became the Iron Woman after lasting nearly an hour.Legend’s run ended at the hands of Ripley, before Raquel Rodriguez eliminated Ripley, only to be shockingly tossed out by Liv Morgan moments later.<h3>The Final Three and the Defining Moment</h3>The final three came down to Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, and Sol Ruca. After a frantic apron battle, Stratton eliminated Ruca, but Morgan struck with a sudden Oblivion, sending Stratton to the floor.Liv Morgan stood tall, victorious at last, booking her place at WrestleMania and cementing the biggest win of her career.<h2>Royal Rumble 2026: A Night That Changed WWE Forever</h2>With Roman Reigns reclaiming his throne, Liv Morgan achieving destiny, AJ Styles’ legendary career ending, and WrestleMania paths now set, Royal Rumble 2026 will be remembered as one of WWE’s most consequential events ever.The road to WrestleMania has officially begun — and the landscape of WWE has changed forever.

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Results: Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan punch their tickets to WrestleMania

Renowned Ghanaian cleric and prophetic voice, Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun, has publicly admitted that his widely circulated prophecy concerning the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries did not come to pass, offering an unreserved apology and announcing a temporary withdrawal from public prophetic declarations and pulpit ministry.In a detailed public statement, Prophet Nelson-Eshun acknowledged that he had incorrectly declared that Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong would win the NPP presidential primaries and emerge as the party’s flagbearer. According to the prophet, this declaration was not casual or informal but was communicated through a published book, multiple videos, and several media interviews, all delivered with prophetic authority.“That word did not come to pass. I missed it. I was wrong,” he stated, adding that he takes full responsibility for the failed prophecy and does not seek to blame external factors or individuals.<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: 50%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbernard.nelsontv%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0T6GcYwNEVpERyYxJAiopnJx9L84kjcQyoWmNRECeJmpjeqxRhTgQt443iui2d7Zkl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" 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><h3>Background to the Prophetic Declaration</h3>Prophet Nelson-Eshun has, over the years, built a strong following in Ghana and beyond, particularly for prophetic insights touching on national leadership, governance, and political transitions. Ahead of the NPP’s presidential primaries, he released prophetic interpretations which he said were received through prayer and spiritual discernment.To reinforce the seriousness of the revelation, the prophet went a step further by authoring a book that outlined the prophecy in detail. The publication sought to provide scriptural justification, prophetic symbolism, and spiritual reasoning behind his assertion that Hon. Kennedy Agyapong would lead the party into the next general election.The book, alongside sustained media appearances and online broadcasts, significantly amplified the message, leading many followers to place spiritual, emotional, and even political confidence in the declaration.<h3>Admission of Error and Public Apology</h3>Following the conclusion of the NPP primaries, which produced a different outcome, Prophet Nelson-Eshun said he was compelled by conscience and accountability to address the matter publicly.He admitted that many people were emotionally, spiritually, and politically affected by his declaration and expressed deep remorse, particularly to those who made decisions based on his prophetic word.“I spoke publicly with prophetic authority, and many trusted my word. I acknowledge this with humility,” he said, while asking for forgiveness from believers in Ghana and across the world.He further apologised to Christians who may now feel confused or doubtful about divine communication, stressing that his mistake should not be interpreted as a limitation on God’s ability to speak but rather as a human failure in interpretation and communication.<h3>Accountability Measures and Temporary Withdrawal</h3>In a subsequent Accountability Statement, Prophet Nelson-Eshun announced concrete steps aimed at restoring trust and reinforcing prophetic discipline.He disclosed that he has intentionally paused from making public prophetic declarations, especially on national and political matters. Additionally, he has voluntarily stepped back for a season from public teaching, preaching, and pulpit ministry.According to him, the decision is not an abandonment of his calling but a period dedicated to reflection, prayer, counsel, and strengthening accountability structures in how prophetic revelations are received and shared.“I remain committed to personal prayer, study, and quiet pastoral responsibility, while realigning myself in growth, integrity, and discernment,” he noted.<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: 50%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbernard.nelsontv%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0WvqfGjspg9v4HLu4VHoXVUjJWqNDKWePNpCveWLHrrDbwdN1RrrcVVN2Uijv2kWdl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" 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><h3>Public Reaction and Significance</h3>Prophet Nelson-Eshun’s admission has drawn significant public attention, with many observers describing the move as rare and notable within Ghana’s charismatic Christian space, where failed prophecies are often left unaddressed.Religious analysts say the episode has reignited national conversations about prophetic accountability, the intersection of religion and politics, and ethical responsibility in spiritual leadership.As he temporarily withdraws from public ministry, the prophet expressed gratitude to those who have corrected him “in love” and to supporters who continue to pray for him, emphasising that trust is sacred and must never be taken lightly.

Prophet Bernard Elbernard Nelson-Eshun admits failed NPP prophecy, steps back from public ministry

The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs has set up an intriguing lineup of fixtures, with teams battling for a place in the round of 16.Newcastle United have been drawn against Qarabag, marking their first-ever participation in the knockout rounds of European competition. The Magpies will make a 5,000-mile journey to Azerbaijan for the first leg on February 17 or 18, before hosting the return leg at St James’ Park on February 24 or 25 as a seeded team. The tie adds to Newcastle’s busy February schedule, coming ahead of Premier League fixtures against Manchester City (Feb 21) and Everton (Feb 28).Qarabag were heavily beaten 6-0 by Liverpool in the final league phase match but did manage a 2-2 home draw against Chelsea earlier in the group stage. Should Newcastle advance, they could face Chelsea or Barcelona in the round of 16.Benfica and Real Madrid will face each other once more following a dramatic conclusion to their league phase encounter. Benfica secured their place in the play-offs thanks to a last-minute headed goal by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, despite leading 3-2 against a nine-man Real Madrid side. The result condemned Real Madrid to ninth place, forcing them into an additional play-off tie.Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also settled for a play-off spot after a draw with Newcastle and will face an all-French clash against Monaco. Other key play-off matchups include:<ul><li>Juventus vs Galatasaray</li><li>Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt</li><li>Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge</li><li>Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta</li><li>Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos</li></ul><h3>Full Champions League Knockout Play-Off Draw:</h3><ul><li>Benfica vs Real Madrid</li><li>Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan</li><li>Monaco vs PSG</li><li>Qarabag vs Newcastle</li><li>Galatasaray vs Juventus</li><li>Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid</li><li>Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta</li><li>Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen</li></ul><h3>Potential Round of 16 Opponents for English Clubs:</h3><ul><li>Arsenal – Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Olympiacos, or Leverkusen</li><li>Manchester City – Benfica, Real Madrid, Bodo/Glimt, or Inter</li><li>Chelsea – Qarabag, Newcastle, Monaco, or PSG</li><li>Liverpool/Tottenham – Galatasaray, Juventus, Club Brugge, or Atletico Madrid</li><li>Newcastle – Chelsea or Barcelona</li></ul>The first legs of the knockout play-offs are scheduled for February 17-18, with the second legs taking place February 24-25.

Champions League Shock Draw: Newcastle Take on Qarabag, Real Madrid Face Benfica Drama Rematch

A cramping Carlos Alcaraz had to draw on every physical and mental reserve to come back from the brink and beat Alexander Zverev to reach a first Australian Open final.Spain's Alcaraz came through 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 after an enthralling five hours and 27 minutes – but the scoreline barely hints at the drama that occurred in Melbourne.Alcaraz had clinched the first two sets and was cruising when, serving at 4-4 in the third, he suddenly pulled up and was left barely able to serve or move.The world number one took a medical timeout – leaving third seed Zverev irate – and looked a shadow of his former self as his German opponent forced a decider.Zverev went an early break up in the fifth set and served for the match at 5-4 before Alcaraz produced a scarcely believable comeback.Buoyed by the crowd, Alcaraz broke to get the match back on serve and then capitalised on Zverev's nerves as the German served at 6-5 down to try to force a 10-point tie-break.Alcaraz fell to the floor in complete disbelief as Zverev missed a backhand and sent him into Sunday's showpiece.Victory keeps alive the 22-year-old's bid to write more tennis history – should he win on Sunday, he will become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.Only Novak Djokovic – and Alcaraz's own physical condition – now stand in the way of a fourth successive Grand Slam final between the Spaniard and Jannik Sinner.Serb Djokovic, bidding for a record 25th major singles title, faces world number two Sinner later on Friday.<h2>Alcaraz's bravery pays off once again.</h2>Alcaraz has produced some astonishing comebacks at Slams – none more so than when he saved three championship points before going on to beat Sinner in last year's French Open final.But this win, given his physical condition, will be just as pleasing.Alcaraz stood at the back of the court, telling himself, "Little by little, Charly, vamos," as he tried to find some energy late in the fourth set.Even before he began cramping, Alcaraz was the braver player. He took control of the rallies, going for the big shots – and finishing the match with 78 winners to Zverev's 56 showed how his 'big-time' tennis paid off.Zverev played at a high level but was not ruthless enough when it mattered.Alcaraz could barely at the end of the third set, but Zverev sprayed errors off the weakened serve and rarely tested him at the net.Twice Zverev had 0-30 on the Alcaraz serve to force a fifth set. Twice Alcaraz, urged on by the crowd, held and then served to love to send the fourth set to a tie-break.However, Zverev took advantage of Alcaraz's faltering serve in the tie-break and again in the first game of the fifth set to go an immediate break up.But the German has crumbled in key moments before, and his break lead never felt safe.Alcaraz put him under immediate pressure as he served for the match, and Zverev was ultimately left to contemplate another devastating loss.<h2>What are the rules on cramping?</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/1769768331050-wc3hpornbaf.webp" alt="Getty Images | Image caption, Alexander Zverev vented to a tournament official during Carlos Alcaraz's first medical timeout" data-credit="Getty Images | Image caption, Alexander Zverev vented to a tournament official during Carlos Alcaraz's first medical timeout" title="Getty Images | Image caption, Alexander Zverev vented to a tournament official during Carlos Alcaraz's first medical timeout" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Alexander Zverev vented to a tournament official during Carlos Alcaraz's first medical timeout.Zverev berated an official when Alcaraz took a medical timeout in the third set, calling it "unbelievable".Alcaraz was 5-4 up when he took the timeout. Within his opponent's earshot, Zverev repeatedly said that the Spaniard was cramping and not injured and therefore should not receive any treatment.Alcaraz had treatment to both thighs and was also drinking pickle juice, but his movement improved as the match went on.Players can take a three-minute medical timeout for physical injuries or illness but not for cramping, as it is seen as a conditioning problem rather than a physical injury.They can only be treated for muscle cramping during either a change of ends or the end of a set break.If a player cannot continue because of severe cramping, they may forfeit a point or a game to force a change of ends and receive treatment.However, if they claim to have an injury but the physiotherapist or doctor decides they have cramp, they will be told by the chair umpire to immediately resume playing.It is not the first time Alcaraz has struggled with cramp in a Grand Slam semi-final.Stress led to the then-20-year-old being hit by full-body cramps against Novak Djokovic at the 2023 French Open after two tight sets, and he quickly faded.When Alcaraz cramped against Djokovic two years ago, the Serb exploited his lack of movement, and he could do little more than see out the match.Zverev was not as ruthless – and he was ultimately made to pay for it.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/clyd77np0l0o">BBC Sports</a>

Carlos Alcaraz defeats Zverev to reach Australian open final

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a series of sanctions against both the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations while confirming a five-match suspension for Senegal coach Pape Thiaw following the tumultuous 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Morocco.The final, held in Rabat, was interrupted for over fifteen minutes after Senegal appeared set to abandon the pitch in protest of decisions made by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo. The match reached a tense climax when Morocco was awarded a late penalty following a VAR review. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s attempted panenka, sending the match into extra time. Three minutes into extra time, Pape Gueye scored a stunning left-footed strike from the edge of the area, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title in history.Pape Thiaw SuspendedCAF acted decisively by suspending Senegal coach Pape Thiaw for five official CAF matches, citing “unsporting conduct in violation of CAF Disciplinary Code principles of fair play and integrity” and for “bringing the game into disrepute.” The coach was also fined USD 100,000. The suspension will be served during Senegal’s upcoming AFCON qualifying matches, though Thiaw remains eligible to coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Senegal is drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and the winners of intercontinental play-offs involving Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq.Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for unsporting behaviour towards the referee. In addition, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined a total of USD 615,000: USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of supporters, USD 300,000 for unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and USD 15,000 for disciplinary issues related to player cautions.Moroccan SanctionsOn the Moroccan side, defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, with one match suspended for one year, for unsporting behaviour. Forward Ismael Saibari was suspended for three matches and fined USD 100,000. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined USD 200,000 for inappropriate conduct by stadium ball boys and USD 100,000 for their players and staff invading the VAR review area, obstructing the referee. An additional USD 15,000 was imposed for the misuse of laser pointers by Moroccan supporters, bringing Morocco’s total fines to USD 415,000.CAF Dismisses Morocco ProtestCAF also rejected a formal protest lodged by the FRMF, which had claimed that Senegal violated Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations during the final. By dismissing the petition, CAF reaffirmed Senegal as the rightful 2025 AFCON champions, closing the matter officially.

CAF imposes sanctions on Senegal and Morocco, bans Pape Thiaw after AFCON final chaos

The way we search for information online is undergoing a major transformation, thanks to AI-powered assistants like Google’s Gemini. These intelligent tools are changing user behaviour, moving away from traditional keyword searches toward natural, conversational, and intent-driven queries that deliver more relevant results faster.<h3>From Keywords to Conversations</h3>In the past, online searches were dominated by short, fragmented keywords such as “best smartphones” or “easy pasta recipe”. Today, users increasingly ask complete questions like, “Which budget smartphones have the best camera under $300?” AI assistants like Gemini understand these nuanced queries, providing precise answers that consider context and user intent, rather than just matching isolated keywords. This marks a significant shift in how people interact with search engines, turning searches into dynamic conversations rather than static lookups.<h3>Instant, AI-Generated Overviews</h3>One of Gemini’s standout features is its ability to deliver concise AI-generated summaries, often appearing at the top of search results. These overviews synthesise multiple sources, providing users with instant insights without needing to click through multiple websites. Users can also ask follow-up questions within the same search session, making the experience interactive and contextually aware, which is redefining expectations for online search.<h3>Personalised and Predictive Search</h3>AI assistants don’t just understand queries—they learn from user behaviour. Gemini can personalise responses based on previous searches, location, and interests, offering tailored recommendations and predictions. This makes the search experience faster, more efficient, and more aligned with individual user needs, signalling a shift from generic results to hyper-personalised answers.<h3>Changing Engagement Patterns</h3>The rise of AI-assisted search is altering engagement metrics. Users are spending more time in interactive search sessions, exploring AI-generated content and follow-up answers without navigating away from the results page. This shift is reshaping how websites and content creators approach SEO, emphasising structured content, clarity, and AI-readiness over traditional keyword strategies.<h3>Impact on Organic Traffic</h3>While AI overviews provide convenience for users, they also pose challenges for publishers. Zero-click searches, where the answer is fully displayed on the results page, are becoming more common. For businesses, this means the value of appearing in AI-generated snippets is just as important — if not more — than traditional organic clicks. Optimising content for AI comprehension, semantic relevance, and clear formatting is now critical to remain visible in search results.<h3>The Future of Search</h3>The influence of AI assistants like Gemini goes beyond search efficiency. Users are now asking more complex, natural-language questions, combining text, voice, and images in a single query. This evolution is fostering a new era of multimodal and interactive search, where the engine anticipates user needs and delivers precise, actionable results instantly.<h3>What This Means for Businesses and Users</h3>For users, AI-driven search like Gemini means faster answers, better personalisation, and an overall more intuitive experience. For businesses, content strategies must adapt: relevance, authority, and clarity are paramount. Websites must now be optimised not just for rankings but for AI understanding and summarisation, ensuring they appear in featured snippets and conversational overviews.In Summary: AI assistants such as Google Gemini are revolutionising the way we search. By transforming queries into interactive, context-aware conversations and providing instant summaries, these tools are reshaping user behaviour, forcing businesses and creators to rethink how they approach content and SEO in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

How AI assistants like Gemini are changing search behaviour

Football protests are rare, but when they occur, they often reshape match outcomes, tournament narratives, and even the laws of the game. From walk-offs and referee confrontations to official appeals that overturned results, these moments have left permanent marks on football history.Here are 10 of the most significant football protests that directly changed match results or competition outcomes.<h3>1. Senegal Walk-Off Protest – AFCON Final 2025</h3>Competition: Africa Cup of Nations Outcome Changed: Match flow altered, penalties and suspensions issuedSenegal’s temporary walk-off during the AFCON final against Morocco following a controversial VAR penalty decision caused a prolonged stoppage. CAF later punished both teams but rejected Morocco’s protest, officially confirming Senegal as champions. The incident reshaped disciplinary standards around protests at major finals.<h3>2. Chile vs Soviet Union – World Cup Qualifier 1973</h3>Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Outcome Changed: Match awarded by forfeitThe Soviet Union refused to play Chile in Santiago due to political unrest. Chile walked onto the pitch alone, scored into an empty goal, and FIFA awarded them a 2–0 victory — one of the most infamous protest outcomes in football history.<h3>3. Egypt Walk-Off vs Ghana – AFCON Qualifier 2013</h3>Competition: AFCON Qualifiers Outcome Changed: Match forfeitedEgyptian players abandoned the pitch after refereeing disputes. CAF later awarded the match to Ghana and fined Egypt, reinforcing strict rules against walk-offs in African football.<h3>4. Barcelona vs PSG – Champions League 2017 (Official Protest)</h3>Competition: UEFA Champions League Outcome Changed: Protest rejected, result upheldAfter Barcelona’s historic 6–1 comeback, PSG lodged an official protest over refereeing decisions. UEFA dismissed the appeal, but the case intensified VAR reforms and referee scrutiny across Europe.<h3>5. Nigeria vs Senegal – U-17 World Cup Qualifier 2018</h3>Competition: Youth World Cup Qualifiers Outcome Changed: Result annulledNigeria protested Senegal’s use of overage players. CAF upheld the complaint, disqualified Senegal, and advanced Nigeria — a protest that directly reversed qualification.<h3>6. Iran Women’s National Team Protest – 2011</h3>Competition: Olympic Qualifiers Outcome Changed: Global policy shiftIran protested FIFA’s hijab ban after being disqualified minutes before kickoff. Though the match stood, FIFA later changed its rules — one of the rare cases where protest altered football law itself.<h3>7. Cameroon vs Algeria – World Cup Qualifier 2022</h3>Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Outcome Changed: Appeal rejectedCameroon protested refereeing decisions after a dramatic loss to Algeria. While FIFA rejected the appeal, the protest led to referee suspensions and procedural reforms.<h3>8. Juventus vs Inter – Serie A Protest 1998</h3>Competition: Italian Serie A Outcome Changed: Title race altered indirectlyJuventus’ penalty appeal against Inter was denied, but the controversy forced officiating reforms in Italy and permanently changed how referees were evaluated.<h3>9. South Africa vs Senegal – World Cup Qualifier Replay 2017</h3>Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Outcome Changed: Match replayedFollowing South Africa’s protest over match manipulation, FIFA ordered a full replay — a rare decision that directly changed the qualification outcome.<h3>10. Morocco Protest vs Senegal – AFCON Final 2025</h3>Competition: AFCON Outcome Changed: Protest dismissedMorocco lodged a formal complaint claiming Senegal’s walk-off disrupted the penalty process. CAF rejected the protest, reinforcing Senegal’s title win and setting a precedent on match interruptions.<h2>Why Football Protests Matter</h2>Football protests:<ul><li>Influence referee accountability</li><li>Shape disciplinary codes</li><li>Set precedents for future competitions</li><li>Occasionally overturn results entirely</li></ul>While most protests fail, the few that succeed reshape football governance forever.

Top 10 football protests that changed match results

Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain firmly on track despite head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw receiving a suspension from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). While the ban followed dramatic scenes at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, it will not prevent Thiaw from leading the Teranga Lions on football’s biggest stage.<h3>Background to Pape Thiaw’s Suspension</h3>CAF handed Pape Thiaw a five-match ban and a financial penalty after ruling that he engaged in unsporting conduct during the AFCON final against Morocco. The incident occurred late in the match when Thiaw instructed his players to briefly walk off the pitch in protest against a controversial refereeing decision.The protest caused a lengthy interruption and sparked heated reactions across African football. Although Senegal eventually returned to the field and went on to win the final, CAF later determined that the actions of the coaching staff and players violated its disciplinary code.Several Senegal players were also sanctioned, and the Senegal Football Federation received a fine as part of the ruling.<h3>Why the Ban Does Not Apply to the World Cup</h3>Crucially, CAF’s disciplinary authority is limited to competitions under its jurisdiction. This includes the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifiers, and other CAF-organised tournaments.The FIFA World Cup, however, falls exclusively under FIFA’s governance. Since CAF did not request an extension of the ban to FIFA competitions — and FIFA has not issued any separate sanction — Pape Thiaw remains eligible to coach Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.This distinction is well-established in international football. Suspensions imposed by continental bodies such as CAF, UEFA, or CONMEBOL do not automatically carry over into FIFA tournaments unless explicitly stated.<h3>Impact on Senegal’s 2026 World Cup Campaign</h3>Senegal have already secured qualification for the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The confirmation that Thiaw can remain on the touchline provides stability and continuity as the team prepares for the tournament.With the ban affecting only future CAF matches, Senegal’s World Cup plans — including tactical preparation, squad management, and matchday leadership — remain unchanged.While Thiaw will be forced to serve his suspension during upcoming CAF competitions, including AFCON-related fixtures, his presence at the World Cup ensures Senegal will not face disruption during one of the most important periods in their football history.<h3>What This Means Going Forward</h3>The ruling allows Senegal to separate continental disciplinary matters from their global ambitions. CAF will continue to enforce its sanctions domestically, but FIFA events remain unaffected.For Senegalese fans, the message is clear: Pape Thiaw’s ban is a setback at the African level, not a World Cup crisis. The Teranga Lions will enter the 2026 tournament with their head coach fully available.

Why Pape Thiaw’s ban won’t affect the 2026 World Cup

FIFA has imposed a one-year suspension on seven foreign-born footballers who represented Malaysia after concluding that falsified documents were used to secure their eligibility for international competition.The sanctions followed a detailed investigation into the players’ naturalisation process, which revealed that documents submitted to FIFA contained inaccurate or misleading information regarding the players’ family heritage. The case came to prominence after the players featured in Malaysia’s 4–0 victory over Vietnam in a 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier.Under FIFA regulations, a player is eligible to represent a national team if they, a parent, or a grandparent were born in that country. Malaysian football authorities had maintained that the seven players met this criterion through Malaysian-born grandparents.However, FIFA investigators later obtained official civil registry records from the players’ countries of origin—Argentina, Brazil, Spain and the Netherlands—which directly contradicted the claims submitted by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). According to FIFA, the authentic documents showed that the alleged Malaysian birthplaces of the players’ grandparents did not exist in the official records.FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that the submission of incorrect eligibility documents constituted a serious breach of the principles of fair play and sporting integrity. The governing body described the actions as deliberate and incompatible with international football regulations.As a result, FIFA handed each of the seven players a 12-month ban from all football-related activities and imposed substantial financial penalties on both the individuals involved and the Football Association of Malaysia. The association was also fined heavily for its role in the case.Malaysia appealed the decision, insisting that the players were registered in good faith. However, FIFA rejected the appeal, prompting FAM to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While the case is under review, the controversy has already triggered widespread scrutiny of football governance and naturalisation procedures within the country.The fallout from the scandal has been severe, culminating in the resignation of the entire FAM executive committee, which stepped down in an effort to protect the credibility of Malaysian football and allow independent governance reforms to proceed without conflict.The case has become one of the most high-profile eligibility scandals in Asian football in recent years, serving as a stark warning to national associations about the consequences of violating FIFA’s eligibility rules.

Why FIFA banned Malaysia’s foreign-born players

Real Madrid failed to secure automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after a dramatic 4–2 defeat to Benfica, a result sealed in extraordinary fashion by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s stoppage-time goal that kept the Portuguese side alive in the competition.In a pulsating European encounter that saw José Mourinho haunt his former club once again, Benfica snatched the final place in the knockout-stage play-offs in front of a raucous crowd at the Estádio da Luz.Needing one more goal to edge past Marseille on goal difference, Trubin surged forward in the 98th minute and produced a diving header from Fredrik Aursnes’ free-kick, sending the stadium into delirium.The result, combined with Sporting CP’s late victory over Athletic Club, condemned Real Madrid to the play-off round, despite their hopes of automatic qualification.Madrid had survived early scares, with Thibaut Courtois tipping Gianluca Prestianni’s effort onto the crossbar before Heorhii Sudakov struck the woodwork. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Raúl Asencio’s delivery was met by Kylian Mbappé, who powered home a header for his 12th Champions League goal of the campaign—the highest tally by any player in the league or group phase.Benfica responded swiftly, with Andreas Schjelderup heading in an equaliser in the 36th minute following a cross from Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek forward then turned scorer himself, converting from the penalty spot just before half-time after Aurélien Tchouaméni fouled Nicolás Otamendi.The hosts extended their lead when Pavlidis teed up Schjelderup to fire past Courtois, compounding Madrid’s troubles. Mbappé briefly reignited hopes with a clinical first-time finish from Arda Güler’s cutback four minutes later.Both goalkeepers remained busy in the closing stages, with Courtois denying Leandro Barreiro and Trubin producing a crucial stop to keep out Mbappé at the other end. Madrid’s situation worsened further in stoppage time when Asensio and Rodrygo were both sent off, leaving the visitors with nine men.Benfica capitalised on their numerical advantage in unforgettable fashion as Trubin’s late heroics secured progression for Mourinho’s side. Real Madrid must now navigate the knockout play-offs, where a potential immediate rematch with Benfica—or a tie against Bodø/Glimt—awaits.

Late Goal, Red Cards, Chaos: Benfica snatch survival as Madrid collapse in Champions League thriller

The stage for the 2025–26 Champions League knockout rounds is set as the league phase came to a dramatic conclusion on a Wednesday night full of mayhem.Like last season, all 18 games on Matchday 8 of the Champions League league phase kicked off at the same time, making for constant goal updates, seeding swings and an ever-changing table over the course of a dizzying 90 minutes.As the clubs at the bottom of the standings fought to crack the top 24, the powerhouses at the top battled to finish in the top eight and therefore secure an automatic spot in the round of 16. A place in the knockout phase playoffs was a consolation prize for some and a massive accomplishment for others.In the aftermath of 18 final whistles sounding across Europe, here’s how the final league phase table turned out.The top eight teams—Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP and Manchester City—all automatically advanced to the round of 16, avoiding the knockout phase playoffs. Of those top clubs, only the Gunners put together a perfect league phase campaign.Arsenal’s arch rivals are the surprise in the last 16. Spurs might sit 14th in the Premier League standings, but they still finished above the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in the league phase with 17 points.While the top eight get to enjoy an additional period of rest, the teams in ninth to 24th must gear up for the knockout phase playoffs. The winners of each two-legged tie will join the already qualified eight teams in the round of 16, setting up a mouthwatering knockout stage.It took a 95th-minute strike for Sporting CP to dump Real Madrid out of the automatic qualification spots. A shock 4–2 defeat away at Benfica means they will have to go through the playoffs, although a 98th-minute strike by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was enough for the Portuguese side to sneak into the playoffs on goal difference with the final kick of the round.Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain also still have work to do if they are to reach the knockouts, as do last year’s beaten finalists Inter.Those outside of the top 24 saw their Champions League hopes come crashing down. In fact, before Matchday 8 even kicked off, Kairat Almaty, Villarreal, Slavia Prague and Frankfurt were already mathematically eliminated from the competition.Eight more teams joined them, including Napoli and Ajax, falling below the threshold by just a handful of points.<h2>Champions League 2025–26 Knockout Stage Seedings</h2><h3>Round of 16</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/1769640116601-c48pnlehq4j.webp" alt="Bayern Munich finished second in the league phase standings. / F. Noever/FC Bayern/Getty Images" data-credit="Bayern Munich finished second in the league phase standings. / F. Noever/FC Bayern/Getty Images" title="Bayern Munich finished second in the league phase standings. / F. Noever/FC Bayern/Getty Images" width="auto" height="auto"></div><ul><li>1-2: Arsenal and Bayern Munich</li><li>3-4: Liverpool and Tottenham</li><li>5-6: Barcelona and Chelsea</li><li>7-8: Sporting CP and Man City</li></ul>The benefit to finishing in the top eight comes not only with an automatic place in the last 16 but also with a seeding advantage—the eight teams will be seeded for the round of 16 and therefore play the second leg of their ties at home.The teams in first, second, third and fourth will also be seeded for the quarterfinals, which means they will play the deciding leg of their potential tie at home as well.Arsenal and Bayern Munich get the supreme advantage of having their seedings carry through to the semifinals, where their opponents would be forced to travel to the Emirates and Allianz Arena, respectively, for the second leg ... should they make it that far in the competition.<h3>Seeded Knockout Playoff Teams</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/1769640161123-f2qgqyp0wp5.webp" alt="Real Madrid dropped into the playoffs. / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images" data-credit="Real Madrid dropped into the playoffs. / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images" title="Real Madrid dropped into the playoffs. / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP/Getty Images" width="auto" height="auto"></div><ul><li>9-10: Real Madrid and Inter</li><li>11-12: PSG and Newcastle</li><li>13-14: Juventus and Atlético Madrid</li><li>15-16: Atalanta and Leverkusen</li></ul>Although it is not as good as directly qualifying for the round of 16, the teams that finished in ninth to 16th are at least seeded for the knockout phase playoffs. They all get the benefit of playing the second leg of their ties at home.Based on where they finished in the table, the seeded teams are broken up into pairs and will be drawn against a pair of unseeded teams. For example, ninth-place Madrid and 10th-place Inter will be drawn against 23rd-place Bodø/Glimt and 24th-place Benfica.Newcastle will have to go through either Monaco or Qarabağ, while it’s Club Brugge or Galatasaray for Italian giants Juventus.<h3>Unseeded Knockout Playoff Teams</h3>Galatasaray face a battle for the knockouts. / Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/Getty Images<ul><li>17-18: Borussia Dortmund and Olympiacos</li><li>19-20: Club Brugge and Galatasaray</li><li>21-22: Monaco and Qarabağ</li><li>23-24: Bodø/Glimt and Benfica</li></ul>The teams that finished from 17th to 24th are unseeded for the knockout phase playoffs. They will open their ties at home before travelling to their opponents’ grounds for the deciding leg.The good news for the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Marseille and the remaining six unseeded clubs is that they can potentially improve their standings if they last long enough in the competition. If a seeded team does not make it to the quarterfinals or the semifinals, the team that eliminated it gets to claim its seeding position.

Champions League Final League Phase Table, Knockout Stage Seedings

Seventeen officers of the Ghana Police Service have been promoted in recognition of their outstanding performance during major security operations that led to the seizure of large quantities of suspected narcotic drugs and illegal firearms in the Volta Region and Jacobu.The promotions, which took effect on 27 January 2026, were approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, following successful operations that underscored the officers’ professionalism, discipline, and operational efficiency.In a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service, the promoted officers were credited for their roles in an operation in the Volta Region that resulted in the interception of ten wrapped slabs of substances suspected to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of GH¢1,032,650. Additional sacks containing other suspected narcotic substances were also recovered during the operation.In a separate incident at Jacobu, officers on routine patrol intercepted and retrieved an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, and eight rounds of live AAA ammunition. The police service described the intervention as a crucial step in preventing the potential use of illegal firearms in criminal activities.The IGP, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers on their promotion, praising their courage, discipline, and commitment to duty.Mr Yohuno noted that the promotions reflect the officers’ dedication to the core values of the Ghana Police Service and their role in safeguarding public security. He urged them to view the elevation as both a reward for excellence and a responsibility to maintain high professional standards.The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its resolve to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, the proliferation of illegal arms, and organised crime, while continuing to promote accountability and reward exemplary performance within the service.<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: 50%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FGhPoliceService%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02JY1tSckfMkDjFTw5AtiLJCRUci9Ves6fS3hf8xmb8oUEy3WVKR3r6phdgme6Z2KFl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" 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>

IGP Promotes 17 Police officers after busting drugs, firearms in the Volta Region

In 2026, Nigerian streamers are firmly positioned at the epicentre of Africa’s streaming revolution, which has grown into a fully fledged digital economy.With the help of West African creators who today command enormous live audiences on Twitch and Kick, what started out as a niche gaming culture has developed into a high-impact entertainment sector.Here is a complete list of Africa’s top 10 biggest streamers in 2026, with Nigerians leading the ranks based on combined Twitch and Kick followership as well as continental cultural influence.Ilyas El Maliki (Morocco) – 847,000 followers Primary platform: KickAfrica’s biggest streamer overall, El Maliki reigns supreme on Kick. Known for his raw, unfiltered commentary in Moroccan Darija, he made global headlines after peaking at over 500,000 concurrent viewers during the Kings World Cup Nations. His massive North African fanbase makes him the continent’s undisputed heavyweight.Carter Efe (Nigeria) – 560,500 followers Primary platform: TwitchNigeria’s biggest streaming export, Carter Efe, transformed his comedy and music fame into Twitch dominance. Holding the title of the most-followed Africa-based Twitch streamer, his channel thrives on chaotic energy, celebrity-heavy livestreams and cultural crossovers. A record-breaking session with Davido in 2025 pushed him past the 500K milestone, cementing his place as Africa’s most influential streamer.Shank Comics (Nigeria) – 258,000 followers Primary platform: TwitchA true pioneer, Shank Comics was the first Nigerian to cross 100,000 followers on Twitch. His profile skyrocketed after attending Kai Cenat’s Streamer University in 2025, where he emerged as the first international student selected. Respected for his storytelling and cultural impact, Shank remains one of Africa’s most important streaming figures.Enzo (Rynenzo) (Nigeria) – 204,000 followers Primary platform: TwitchEnzo represents consistency and organic growth. Rising from just 200 followers in 2023, he built a strong community around pure gaming content. His landmark stream with global music star Rema, combined with his technical excellence, earned him the reputation of a “streamer’s streamer”.Peller (Nigeria) – 183,900 followers Primary platform: KickNigeria’s biggest streamer on Kick, Peller is the face of the platform’s West African expansion. As Nigeria’s first official Kick brand ambassador, he built a massive following almost from scratch. A viral snub incident during IShowSpeed’s Lagos visit only strengthened his fiercely loyal fanbase.Rachel Kay (South Africa) – 144,121 followers Primary platform: TwitchAfrica’s most-followed female streamer, Rachel Kay, is based in Cape Town and known for her high-quality RPG and survival game content. Widely recognised by global brands, she proves that African creators can remain locally based while commanding a premium international audience.Ojo (Nigeria) – 66,700 followers Primary platform: TwitchThough his follower count appears modest, Ojo’s influence is measured by his strong concurrent viewership. Popular for matchmaking and “Pluto” community content, he remains a central collaborator within Nigeria’s streaming ecosystem.Salma Hassan (Egypt) – 64,026 followers Primary platform: TwitchKnown as The_Salma, the Alexandria-based streamer is a dominant force in Egypt’s gaming scene. Her energetic morning streams and relentless consistency—often exceeding 300 hours a month—have earned her a loyal MENA following.Lord Lamba (Nigeria) – 39,600 followers Primary platform: TwitchTransitioning from viral skit-making to full-time streaming, Lord Lamba represents the challenge of converting social media fame into live-streaming dominance. Now U.S.-based, he remains influential but continues to navigate fluctuating live audiences.AliasV (South Africa) – 34,500 followers Primary platform: TwitchAfrica’s leading shoutcaster, AliasV, is globally respected for her Magic: The Gathering commentary. From Johannesburg to the world stage, she combines professional esports analysis with high-level streaming expertise.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/top-10-biggest-streamers-in-africa-2026/">Vanguard</a>

Top 10 biggest streamers in Africa

The Supreme Court of Ghana has overturned the Tamale High Court’s decision that nullified the parliamentary election results for the Kpandai Constituency in the Northern Region, effectively stopping the Electoral Commission’s planned rerun of the election.The apex court reached its decision by a 4–1 majority, with Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, who presided as president of the panel, dissenting. The majority ruling was delivered by Justices Yonny Kulendi, Amadu Tanko, Samuel Asiedu, and Henry Kwofie.In its ruling, the Supreme Court granted an application for certiorari filed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP Matthew Nyindam, who had challenged the High Court’s authority to annul his election. The Court is expected to issue its full written reasons on 6 February 2026.<h2>Jurisdictional Challenge by Nyindam</h2>Nyindam’s case was anchored on the argument that the Tamale High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the election petition brought by National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Daniel Nsala Wakpal. He contended that the petition was filed outside the constitutionally mandated 21-day period.According to Nyindam, the Kpandai parliamentary results were gazetted on 24 December 2024, making the petition filed on 25 January 2025 legally time-barred. His legal team argued that all orders flowing from the High Court’s ruling—including the annulment of the election and the directive for a rerun—were therefore invalid and should be set aside.<h2>NDC’s Response</h2>Counsel for Daniel Nsala Wakpal disputed this position, insisting that the relevant Gazette notice was published on 6 January 2025 and covered all constituencies, including Kpandai. They maintained that the petition was filed within the statutory timeframe.The NDC further argued that Nyindam had previously relied on the January Gazette in earlier legal proceedings and could not now disassociate himself from it without triggering issues of estoppel and procedural fairness.<h2>Electoral Commission’s Position</h2>Following the High Court’s decision, the Electoral Commission (EC) had scheduled a rerun for 31 December 2025, noting that multiple Gazette notifications had been issued in batches for different constituencies. However, the EC placed the rerun on hold pending the Supreme Court’s determination.<h3>Impact of the Judgement</h3>With the Supreme Court setting aside the High Court ruling, the proposed rerun has been cancelled. As a result, Matthew Nyindam retains his seat in Parliament, allowing him to continue serving as the duly elected Member of Parliament for the Kpandai Constituency.

Supreme Court overturns Tamale High Court ruling, halts Kpandai election rerun

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudeto Ablakwa announces the approval of a Ghanaian passport for US internet star IShowSpeed, citing his strong ties to Ghana and global promotion of the country through live streaming.The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudeto Ablakwa, has announced that the Government of Ghana has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to popular American internet personality Darren Watkins Jr, known popularly as IShowSpeed.In a social media post shared on Tuesday, January 27, Mr Ablakwa explained that the decision followed discussions and verification of what he described as the “irrefutable ties” between the content creator and Ghana.Addressing renowned Ghanaian travel vlogger Wode Maya, the minister stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally authorised the passport after establishing IShowSpeed’s strong connection to the country.“Following our discussions and subsequent confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana, I am pleased to inform you and our compatriots that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.<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: 50%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fokudzetoablakwa%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0acEY6aRwWZXyfddbKKeZEyms5Xb4qxZ8J9PAY6ScqXRgZtBKwar1SjycNoNS2WS8l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" 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>Mr Ablakwa commended both IShowSpeed and Wode Maya for promoting Ghana positively on the international stage, describing them as worthy ambassadors for the country and the African continent.“Keep making our great nation, Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you both,” he added.The minister also recalled that both content creators were granted diplomatic passports last year in recognition of their role in projecting Ghana’s image globally.“You remain our worthy ambassadors, and we are ever so delighted to have granted you a diplomatic passport last year,” he said.Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto AblakwaThe announcement has generated widespread public interest, with many Ghanaians welcoming the move as part of broader efforts to harness cultural influence and digital media to enhance Ghana’s global profile.IShowSpeed commands a massive international following and is widely known for his high-energy live streams and online content. His recent engagement with Ghanaian and African culture has continued to draw significant attention across social media platforms.

Ghana Grants Passport to IShowSpeed Over Strong Cultural Ties

The eagerly anticipated night of Champions League overstimulation beckons on Wednesday, as the 2025–26 league phase draws to a close.Everything that has happened so far has led to this point, with only six of the 36 teams aware of their fates heading into the final day. There are six more spots in the round of 16 up for grabs, while another eight will conclude the evening with their perhaps wildly optimistic dreams of Budapest dashed.18 simultaneous kick-offs can only mean chaos and all its synonyms. Good luck keeping up!<h2>Ajax vs. Olympiacos</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTAjax have saved themselves from the league phase abyss over the past two gameweeks, with back-to-back wins thrusting the Dutch giants into a position of contention.Their -12 goal difference (second worst in the competition) certainly works against them, and Fred Grim’s side are also taking on another confident unit in Olympiacos. Having suffered through a tough run of fixtures to begin their campaign, the Greeks have also won two on the bounce and will feel confident of sneaking into the playoffs should they triumph in Amsterdam.Prediction: Ajax 1–2 Olympiacos<h2>Arsenal vs. Kairat Almaty</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline tagStyle_1mfvp8o-o_O-style_aoxits qbe-widget" href="https://www.si.com/soccer/team/arsenal">Arsenal</a> are poised to become the first team since the switch to a ’Swiss Model’ to end the league phase with a perfect record. The Gunners are seven from seven, having downed Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Inter along the way.They cap their superb start to the 2025–26 Champions League at home to minnows Kairat Almaty, who’ll merely be hoping to relish the occasion on Wednesday night. Who knows when they’ll be back?Prediction: Arsenal 3–0 Kairat<h2>Athletic Club vs. Sporting CP</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTVictories for both in Gameweek 7 have increased the likelihood of Athletic Club and Sporting CP being involved in the playoffs, although the latter still have a shot of finishing inside the top eight.Luis Suárez’s late winner against holders Paris Saint-Germain means Sporting are level on points with eighth-place Chelsea, but the tight nature of the top half means only a victory will do for the Portuguese side in Bilbao.Athletic had been uninspiring for much of their league phase campaign, but they’re suddenly up to 23rd after a pair of draws was followed up by an impressive win over Atalanta.Prediction: Athletic Club 1–1 Sporting CP<h2>Atlético Madrid vs. Bodø/Glimt</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTFew would’ve projected Bodø/Glimt’s maiden Champions League triumph to come against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, but last week’s success was one they deserved after an unfortunate start to the competition.Bodø somehow failed to beat Tottenham Hotspur and were cruelly denied results against Monaco and Juventus. On the road, as expected, there have been a few more issues, but they did earn a point at Signal Iduna Park in Gameweek 6.They’re one of five teams hoping to sneak into the top 24 with a nine-point haul when it’s all said and done, but it’ll take a monumental effort from the visitors to overcome Atlético Madrid in the Spanish capital.Prediction: Atlético Madrid 3–1 Bodø/Glimt<h2>Barcelona vs. Copenhagen</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTSeven of Copenhagen’s eight points have been attained over the previous three gameweeks, but the Danes require a mini-miracle if they’re to make the playoffs.They would’ve hoped that Barcelona’s place in the round of 16 was already secure by the time their trip to Catalonia came about, but last season’s table-toppers instead require three points on Wednesday to avoid two extra games.After suffering somewhat throughout the autumn and start of winter, Hansi Flick’s side look as imperious as ever.Prediction: Barcelona 4–0 Copenhagen<h2>Bayer Leverkusen vs. Villarreal</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTThe tone was set by Luiz Júnior just a couple of minutes into Villarreal’s Champions League campaign, fumbling a harmless Lucas Bergvall cross into his own net. That led to their first of six league phase defeats, and the Yellow Submarine are one of just four eliminated teams.Their domestic form points towards a concerning underperformance in Europe, and Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to inflict further misery upon Marcelino’s side in Gameweek 8. A point may be enough for the hosts to make the playoffs, but they need a win to make sure.Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 Villarreal<h2>Benfica vs. Real Madrid</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTJosé Mourinho faces off against former employers Real Madrid in the Champions League for the first time since 2003 on Wednesday night.His Porto team failed to topple Los Blancos during the group stage of their eventually successful continental campaign, with Mourinho losing four of five meetings with the Spanish behemoths.Here, he faces up against a familiar face in Álvaro Arbeloa, whom he coached for the entirety of his Madrid tenure. Arbeloa succeeded Xabi Alonso as manager at the start of 2026, and his first experience of this competition on the touchline ended in a 6–1 rout of Monaco last week.A result for the visitors should be enough to see them into the last 16, while a desperate Benfica need all three points to make the top 24.Prediction: Benfica 0–2 Real Madrid<h2>Borussia Dortmund vs. Inter</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTDefeats last time out were damaging for both teams, but particularly Borussia Dortmund, who took on a vulnerable Tottenham Hotspur and were beaten 2–0 amid a woeful showing.Dortmund and Inter are now outsiders to make the top eight, but they’ll at least be involved in the playoffs. The Serie A leaders were outclassed by Arsenal last time out, succumbing to their third league phase defeat in succession.Their position of strength has quickly dissipated, and trips to Signal Iduna Park are seldom straightforward. Inter let a 2–0 half-time lead slip on their previous visit in November 2019.Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1–2 Inter<h2>Club Brugge vs. Marseille</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTClub Brugge defeated Atalanta in last season’s playoffs to make the round of 16, and the Belgians ensured they were in contention on the final day by beating Kairat 4–1 last week.Ivan Leko’s side have been free-scoring as of late, and there’s scope for Marseille’s visit to be a back-and-forth affair. Roberto De Zerbi’s side failed to turn up against Liverpool in a 3–0 defeat, but victory over Ligue 1 leaders Lens at the weekend restored some confidence heading into this one.A win for the hosts would see them usurp Marseille in the table, and ten points would surely be enough for them to progress.Prediction: Club Brugge 2–3 Marseille<h2>Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Tottenham Hotspur</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT14th in the Premier League but fifth in the league phase table, Tottenham Hotspur have certainly made the most of a rather tame Champions League schedule to arguably keep Thomas Frank in the job.As a result, to make the last 16 while avoiding the playoffs, they merely need to overcome one of the continent’s weakest defensive units on Wednesday night. Only Kairat and Ajax have conceded as many goals as Eintracht Frankfurt (19) in this season’s Champions League.Defeat to Qarabağ means the hosts have nothing to play for here, and they still have a pair of interim coaches in the dugout after Dino Toppmöller was sacked last week.Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1–2 Tottenham<h2>Liverpool vs. Qarabağ</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTLiverpool haven’t been quite as dominant in the league phase this season compared to last, but they’re up in fourth with an impressive 15-point haul.Their Premier League title defence ranks among the most disappointing, but the Reds could be dangerous in Europe, with the Anfield cauldron typically coming to life on the big occasion under the lights.However, a potential banana skin awaits in Gameweek 8. Qarabağ have been the competition’s surprise package and are poised for a spot in the playoffs. Defeat for Arne Slot here could be fatal.Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Qarabag<h2>Manchester City vs. Galatasaray</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTİlkay Gündoğan and Leroy Sané return to the Etihad for Galatasaray on Wednesday night, and the visitors have the chance to frustrate Pep Guardiola by forcing his side to play a pair of extra games in order to reach the last 16.Defeat in the Arctic last week leaves Manchester City in 11th, but if they beat the Turkish champions and three of the eight teams above them fail to win, Guardiola’s men will squeeze into the top eight and thus qualify for the round of 16 automatically.Sitting on ten points with Qarabağ, Gala should be okay for the playoffs no matter the outcome.Prediction: Man City 2–1 Galatasaray<h2>Monaco vs. Juventus</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTMonaco have lost four of their last five, and it would already seem as if Sébastien Pocognoli is on the verge of the sack.His side was blown away by Real Madrid last week, and that chastening defeat leaves Monaco vulnerable to elimination. They’re 21st and safe for the time being, but Juventus rank among the most exciting teams in Europe right now, and a 3–0 win over Napoli on Sunday was vindication for Luciano Spalletti that his side are following the right path.In a repeat of the 2016–17 semi-final, 15th-place Juve have an outside chance of making the top eight.Prediction: Monaco 0–2 Juventus<h2>Napoli vs. Chelsea</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTA pair of former west London villains are aiming to combine to salvage their Champions League campaign. Romelu Lukaku made his first appearance of the season at the weekend for a Napoli team that is down to its bare bones.Antonio Conte has faced off against former club Chelsea before, having taken the Tottenham job in 2021, but this feels like an important game for the Italian’s legacy.His woeful Champions League record will continue if the hosts fail to beat Liam Rosenior’s Blues, with Napoli currently 25th after drawing with Copenhagen last week. A win for Chelsea should see them into the last 16.Prediction: Napoli 1–1 Chelsea<h2>Pafos vs. Slavia Prague</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTPafos have been spirited in their two previous away defeats in this competition, but the Cypriots, who changed managers ahead of last week’s visit to Stamford Bridge, haven’t found the back of the net since Gameweek 5.Still, the novices have performed well overall, and they couldn’t have asked for a kinder fixture to wrap up their maiden league phase venture. Currently on six points, Pafos need plenty to go their way on the final day, but the playoffs aren’t out of the question yet.Slavia Prague are one of three winless teams through seven games, but they have offered bright accounts of themselves in defeats to Arsenal and Barcelona.Prediction: Pafos 1–0 Slavia Prague<h2>PSV Eindhoven vs. Bayern Munich</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTPSV Eindhoven took advantage of Liverpool’s progression this time last year, and they’re now facing a Bayern Munich side that have little to play for in terms of table position.They’ll want to finish second for the perks that are provided during the knockout stage, but Vincent Kompany is still expected to offer fringe squad members opportunities to impress in Eindhoven.PSV have thumped Napoli 6–2 and won at Anfield, yet they’re only on eight points and could miss out on the playoffs if a third consecutive defeat is endured here.Prediction: PSV 2–2 Bayern Munich<h2>Paris Saint-Germain vs. Newcastle United</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTThis pair memorably faced off during the 2023–24 group stages, when Newcastle United claimed a 4–1 home win and were harshly denied a 1–0 triumph in the reverse fixture. A woeful penalty decision bailed Paris Saint-Germain out, allowing them to equalise at the death.PSG have since gone on to win the competition, while some on Tyneside are fearful that things have gone stale under Eddie Howe. However, Newcastle have been good in Europe this season, and should they get over the line in Wednesday’s shootout for the last 16, there’s scope for Toon reinvigoration.The holders have a few blemishes on their record this term, but it was around this time last year when they settled into an imperious rhythm.Prediction: PSG 2–1 Newcastle<h2>Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Atalanta</h2>Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PTAtalanta missed a big opportunity at home against Athletic Club last week to all but seal their place in the round of 16. A 3–2 defeat saw them slide down to 13th, but they have a favourable fixture on the final day.La Dea have been gritty on the road throughout the league phase, winning back-to-back away from Bergamo after they were battered in Paris at the start of this season’s competition.As a result of an inferior goal difference, Union Saint-Gilloise are unlikely to make the playoffs despite their six-point haul. They’ve lost four of their previous five league phase games and are yet to notch a point at home. Newcastle and Inter have both won handsomely in Brussels.Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 0–0 Atalanta<h2>Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.fotmob.com/embed/news/01kfzez5mqcc/uefa-champions-league-predictions-matchday-128">FotMob</a></h2>

UEFA Champions League Predictions: Key picks and score forecasts for matchday 1/28

Officials in India have confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection, a rare but potentially fatal disease. The patients are two nurses working at a private hospital near Kolkata in the state of West Bengal. One of the nurses is reported to be in critical condition, according to coverage by The Telegraph, The Independent, and USA TODAY.In response to the confirmed infections, health authorities in India are stepping up efforts to contain the virus and prevent further spread. Some airports in Asia have also increased passenger screening to detect early signs of infection and reduce the risk of the virus spreading internationally.<h2>Where Are Nipah Virus Cases Occurring?</h2>The two confirmed Nipah infections are in West Bengal, India, near Kolkata. Both patients are nurses who were likely exposed while caring for infected individuals. While these cases are serious, health officials are working to trace contacts, isolate anyone exposed, and monitor for additional infections.Other countries, especially in Asia, have implemented enhanced screening at airports for travellers entering from India. This extra layer of monitoring is intended to identify anyone showing symptoms early and reduce the chance of international spread.<h2>What Is Nipah Virus?</h2>Nipah virus (often abbreviated NiV) is a zoonotic virus, which means it can jump from animals to humans. It’s carried by fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, and can spread to other animals like pigs and then to humans.First identified in Malaysia in 1998, Nipah virus outbreaks have occurred in South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh and India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is very serious and can cause severe illness.The fatality rate for Nipah virus infections has been estimated between 40% and 75%, depending on how quickly patients receive care and supportive treatment.<h2>How Does Nipah Virus Spread?</h2>Nipah virus is typically transmitted in several ways:<ul><li>Direct contact with infected bats, their saliva, urine, or secretions on fruit or surfaces</li><li>Close contact with infected animals, especially pigs</li><li>Person‑to‑person transmission, particularly in healthcare or caregiving settings</li></ul>To date, the virus has not been detected in the United States, but global health agencies remain alert.<h2>What Are the Symptoms of Nipah Virus?</h2>Symptoms of Nipah virus infection usually develop within 4–14 days after exposure. They can range from mild to severe, and early recognition is key to supportive treatment. Common symptoms include:<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Cough or sore throat</li><li>Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress</li></ul>In more severe cases, Nipah virus can cause encephalitis — inflammation of the brain — which may lead to seizures, disorientation, coma, and sometimes death.Because these symptoms are similar to many other infections, health workers focus on travel history and exposure risk to identify potential Nipah cases.<h2>What Are Health Authorities Doing?</h2>In India, public health teams are:<ul><li>Quarantining contacts of the confirmed cases</li><li>Monitoring symptoms among healthcare workers and family contacts</li><li>Increasing surveillance in areas where infection may spread</li></ul>Internationally, several airports in Asia have increased passenger health screening, especially for flights arriving from West Bengal. This includes temperature checks and health questionnaires to detect symptoms early.Global health organisations like WHO and CDC are closely watching the situation, providing guidance on infection control and prevention.<h2>How Serious Is the Risk to the Public?</h2>Nipah virus infections are rare, and the risk to the general public remains low, especially outside regions with confirmed cases. However, health authorities are taking the current situation seriously because of the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for person‑to‑person spread.If you live in or plan to travel to affected areas, it’s important to:<ul><li>Follow advice from local health officials.</li><li>Practice good hand hygiene</li><li>Avoid contact with sick animals or bats.</li><li>Seek medical care if you develop symptoms after exposure.</li></ul><h2>Bottom Line: What to Know</h2>Nipah virus is a serious infection carried by fruit bats that can spread to humans and cause severe illness. Two cases have recently been confirmed in India among healthcare workers, prompting quarantine measures and increased airport screenings in parts of Asia.Although rare, Nipah infections can be deadly, and health authorities are working actively to prevent further spread. Staying informed and following public health guidance is key to keeping yourself and your community safe.

Nipah Virus: What You Need to Know About the Recent Cases in India

American YouTube sensation and livestreamer IShowSpeed has ignited widespread online conversation after making a surprising personal revelation during a recent broadcast from Ghana, disclosing that his mother is Ghanaian.The unexpected announcement came amid his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour, adding a deeply personal layer to his visit as he continues to engage fans, experience local culture, and challenge long-standing stereotypes about the African continent.Born Darren Watkins Jr, IShowSpeed left viewers stunned when, during a relaxed exchange with his audience, he declared, “I’m back home — my mother is actually Ghanaian.” The moment quickly went viral, injecting an emotional twist into his usually high-energy content.A clip of the livestream, shared on X by entertainment platform @SIKAOFFICIAL1, amassed more than 22,000 views within hours. In the video, the streamer is seen riding through a busy Ghanaian roadway, likely in Accra, with palm-lined streets, passing vehicles, and everyday city scenes in the background. Dressed in a bright yellow Puma jersey — possibly a subtle nod to his well-known passion for football — Speed excitedly points at the camera, repeatedly declaring he is “back home” before revealing his Ghanaian roots, sending his live chat into a frenzy.IShowSpeed arrived in Ghana the night before the broadcast and has since been streaming his experiences across the country. His content has featured spontaneous street interactions, visits to notable locations, and unscripted moments that offer a glimpse into everyday life.The streamer is touring Africa under the banner “Speed Does Africa”, having already visited several countries on the continent. Throughout the journey, he has immersed himself in local cultures and shared raw, authentic experiences with his global audience. The tour has been widely praised for challenging outdated narratives, highlighting modern cities, vibrant lifestyles, strong community spirit, and the warmth of African hospitality.Many viewers, particularly in the United States, have admitted that the streams have reshaped their perceptions of Africa, countering stereotypes of the continent as unsafe or underdeveloped.The tour kicked off on 29 December in Angola, where Speed received an enthusiastic reception that set the tone for his travels. Ghana marks his latest stop, with a packed itinerary that reportedly includes public engagements and a supercar showcase at Independence Square.With his explosive personality and massive global following, IShowSpeed’s stay in Ghana continues to generate significant buzz — now made even more compelling by the revelation of his personal connection to the country.

'I’m back home; My mother is actually Ghanaian'- Ishowspeed reveals

Legal activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has confirmed that Abu Trica and two co-defendants have been formally discharged by the Gbese District Court.Tensions briefly flared in the courtroom after officers from the National Anti-Corruption Coordinating Committee (NACOC) allegedly attempted to rearrest the suspects immediately following the ruling, a move that reportedly drew the ire of the presiding judge.Speaking after the proceedings, Barker-Vormawor provided an update on the dramatic developments. “I’ve just left the Gbese District Court. Abu Trica and two others have been discharged. NACOC tried to rearrest them right inside the courtroom, which greatly offended the judge,” he stated. He added that the attempted rearrest occurred almost immediately after the court delivered its decision, momentarily heightening tension among those present.Earlier, the lead defence lawyer outlined the legal trajectory of the case. He explained that the court had addressed a preliminary objection regarding jurisdiction, which was raised after his client was denied bail during his initial appearance. “The objection centred on which court had the authority to hear the application, based on territorial jurisdiction. The court ruled that it was properly constituted to handle the matter and therefore struck out the objection,” the lawyer noted.He emphasised that the proceedings have yet to reach the stage where the substantive extradition request will be examined. “The case is scheduled to return on 13 January 2026, when the court will hear the formal jurisdictional application before considering the merits,” he said.Abu Trica, also known in court as Kumi, was arrested on 11 December 2025 in a coordinated operation involving Ghanaian security agencies and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Authorities allege he played a leading role in an online romance scam that targeted elderly individuals in the U.S., resulting in losses amounting to millions of dollars.Court documents further indicate that a federal grand jury in Ohio’s Northern District has indicted him on multiple charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy, alleging that he orchestrated the fraudulent operation and laundered the proceeds.

Court 'frees' Abu Trica, 2 others in alleged $8M romance scam case

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, is one of the most electrifying and controversial content creators to emerge from the digital landscape in recent years. Born on January 21, 2005, in Cincinnati, Ohio, this young American has transformed himself from an unknown teenager streaming to virtually no one into a global phenomenon with millions of devoted followers across multiple platforms.The Early Days and Humble BeginningsWatkins began his YouTube journey in 2016, initially creating content related to video games like NBA 2K and Fortnite. However, his early videos garnered minimal attention, and for years he streamed to audiences that rarely exceeded single digits. What makes his story remarkable is his persistence through this period of obscurity. Unlike many aspiring content creators who give up when success doesn't come quickly, Speed continued streaming consistently, slowly developing the chaotic, high-energy personality that would eventually catapult him to fame.His breakthrough began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were spending more time online. Speed's streams started gaining traction, not because of exceptional gaming skills, but because of his unfiltered, raw personality. He screamed, jumped around, expressed genuine emotions, and created moments that were impossible to ignore. His streams felt less like polished content and more like witnessing someone's unfiltered reactions in real time.The Speed Persona: Chaos and AuthenticityWhat distinguishes IShowSpeed from countless other streamers is his distinctive streaming style. His content is characterised by explosive energy, unpredictable behaviour, and an apparent lack of filter between his thoughts and actions. He's known for screaming at his screen, jumping around his room, and having emotional reactions that range from pure joy to visible frustration. This volatility creates an addictive viewing experience where audiences never know what might happen next.Speed's authenticity, or at least the perception of it, resonates strongly with younger audiences. In an era where many content creators carefully curate their online personas, Speed appears refreshingly unscripted. Whether he's raging at a video game, expressing his admiration for soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, or interacting with fans during IRL streams, he maintains a consistency of character that feels genuine.Controversies and Growing PainsSpeed's rise to prominence hasn't been without significant controversies. His unfiltered nature has led to numerous incidents that sparked criticism and concern. He's faced temporary bans from platforms for inappropriate behaviour, including incidents involving sexist remarks and threatening behaviour during streams. These controversies highlight the challenges young content creators face when suddenly thrust into the spotlight without guidance or understanding of the responsibilities that come with influence.Critics argue that his content sometimes promotes negative behaviour, particularly given his young, impressionable audience.His screaming, breaking items, and emotional volatility have raised questions about what message this sends to viewers. However, defenders point out that Speed's content is entertainment and that his audience understands the performative nature of his streams.Global Stardom and IRL ContentAs Speed's popularity exploded, reaching over 20 million YouTube subscribers, his content evolved beyond gaming streams. He began creating IRL (In Real Life) content, travelling to different countries and creating some of his most viral moments. His international trips have produced memorable content, from getting mobbed by fans in various countries to his adventures exploring different cultures.His love for soccer, particularly his obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo, has become a defining characteristic. Speed's emotional reactions to Ronaldo's games and his declarations of admiration have created countless viral moments. This genuine passion has helped him connect with the massive global soccer community, expanding his reach beyond traditional gaming audiences.The Business of Being SpeedBehind the chaotic streams lies a successful business operation. Speed has leveraged his popularity into various revenue streams, including YouTube ad revenue, merchandise sales, sponsorships, and brand deals. His ability to generate viral moments has made him valuable to brands looking to reach younger demographics, though his controversial nature means partnerships require careful consideration.His influence extends to music as well. Speed has released several songs that, while not critically acclaimed, have achieved popularity among his fanbase. Tracks like "Shake" have garnered millions of views, demonstrating his ability to diversify his content and maintain audience engagement across different formats.Cultural Impact and Generational DivideIShowSpeed represents a generational shift in entertainment consumption. For many older viewers, his appeal is difficult to understand. The screaming, the apparent chaos, and the unfiltered nature seem excessive or even concerning. However, for Generation Z and younger millennials, Speed's content represents authenticity and unscripted entertainment that contrasts with traditional media's polish.His success demonstrates how entertainment preferences have evolved. Modern audiences, particularly younger ones, often value authenticity and personality over production quality. They want to feel connected to creators as individuals rather than consuming carefully produced content that feels distant or corporate.Legacy and Future TrajectoryAs Speed continues to mature, both as a person and content creator, questions remain about his long-term trajectory. At just 20 years old, he's already achieved more than most content creators dream of, but sustainability requires evolution. Some wonder whether his high-energy style is sustainable or if he'll need to adapt as he and his audience mature.What's undeniable is that IShowSpeed has left an indelible mark on internet culture. His viral moments have become part of the digital lexicon, referenced and parodied across social media. Whether his influence represents the best or worst of internet culture depends on perspective, but his impact is undeniable. He's proven that in the modern digital landscape, personality can be just as valuable as talent, and authenticity—or at least its appearance—resonates powerfully with audiences seeking genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Who is iShowSpeed?

At least 11 people were killed and 12 others injured on Sunday when gunmen opened fire at a football field in Salamanca, located in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, local authorities confirmed.According to a statement from the mayor’s office, ten victims died at the scene while another succumbed to injuries in hospital. Twelve additional individuals sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical care. Authorities have launched an operation to apprehend those responsible for the attack.The same town also saw four bags containing human remains discovered late Saturday night, underscoring the escalating violence in the area.Guanajuato, a bustling industrial region and popular tourist destination, has earned a reputation as Mexico’s deadliest state due to ongoing gang-related turf wars, according to official homicide statistics.The incident comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host alongside the United States and Canada. Matches are set to take place in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will host five games, including the tournament opener, while the other two stadiums will stage four matches each, in addition to two inter-confederation playoff fixtures.

Gun attack at Guanajuato football field kills 11, injures 12 ahead of 2026 World Cup

Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the Camp Nou in 2026 took an unexpected turn as severe weather upstaged events on the pitch during their home clash with Real Oviedo.The match, billed as a symbolic homecoming after more than a month on the road, was overshadowed by torrential rain that swept across the city in the second half.The downpour exposed clear shortcomings in the newly renovated stadium, with several sections left uncovered and vulnerable to the elements.Supporters, media personnel, and even VIP guests were visibly affected.Fans scrambled to avoid pooling water in the stands, while journalists struggled to shield cameras and laptops as rainwater poured from parts of the stadium roof.In a striking scene, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was seen soaked in the stands, underscoring the scale of the disruption.<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: 56.0714%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1691873658444768%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" 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>Rare images circulating online showed water streaming through the structure, flooded seating areas, and spectators using jackets and umbrellas for protection.For a stadium that has only recently reopened and welcomed close to 45,000 fans, the scenes sparked widespread surprise and criticism.Many supporters opted to leave before full time, unable to endure the conditions without adequate cover.The incident served as a sobering reminder that, despite its modernization, the Camp Nou redevelopment remains incomplete.After eight consecutive away matches, including fixtures played at neutral venues in Saudi Arabia and more than 40 days without a home game, Barcelona’s return was meant to be celebratory.Instead, it became an uncomfortable demonstration of the stadium’s unfinished state, with flooding in the stands drawing more attention than the football itself.

Camp Nou flooded as heavy rain exposes flaws during Barcelona vs Real Oviedo clash [Video]

Manchester United completed an impressive double over two Premier League title contenders by coming from behind to defeat Arsenal 3–2, handing the Gunners their first home league loss of the season at the Emirates Stadium.Fresh from a morale-boosting victory over Manchester City, United faced arguably the league’s most in-form side and were immediately put under pressure.Arsenal dominated the early exchanges, though clear chances were limited.Leandro Trossard fired off target, while Martín Zubimendi came close with a well-directed header from Declan Rice’s cross, only to be denied by an excellent save from Senne Lammens.The breakthrough eventually arrived in fortunate fashion for the hosts.Patrick Dorgu’s partial clearance fell kindly to Martin Ødegaard, whose effort deflected off Lisandro Martínez and into the net. Despite Arsenal’s control, a costly mistake allowed United back into the contest.Zubimendi’s misplaced pass sent Bryan Mbeumo clean through, and the forward calmly rounded David Raya before finishing into an empty goal to level the score.United carried that momentum into the second half and struck decisively six minutes after the restart.Deployed in an advanced wide role, Dorgu justified his selection by unleashing a powerful long-range strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar following neat interplay with Bruno Fernandes.The goal stunned the Emirates and prompted Mikel Arteta to make four substitutions in quick succession, though Arsenal struggled to regain their rhythm.Michael Carrick’s side appeared comfortable as the match entered its closing stages, but a lapse in concentration reignited the contest.Bukayo Saka’s inswinging corner caused chaos in the area, and Mikel Merino reacted quickest to turn the ball home from close range, setting up a tense finish.Any hopes of a late Arsenal comeback were swiftly extinguished.READ MORE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/sports/mbappe-brace-fires-real-madrid-to-top-of-la-liga-table">Mbappe brace fires Real Madrid to top of La Liga table</a>United responded almost immediately when Matheus Cunha curled a superb effort from outside the box beyond Raya, sealing a memorable 3–2 victory.The result marked United’s first league win at the Emirates since 2017 and brought an end to Arsenal’s 17-game unbeaten home run in emphatic fashion.

Manchester United stun Arsenal at Emirates to end Gunners’ home unbeaten run

Accra Hearts of Oak delivered a commanding performance to secure a convincing 3–0 victory over Eleven Wonders in Saturday’s Ghana Premier League encounter, underlining their growing momentum in the title race.The Phobians set the tone early and were rewarded in the eighth minute through Mawuli Wayo, who showed excellent composure to control Henry Kwaku Boateng’s incisive pass before drilling a low finish beyond goalkeeper Obengfo Adjei. TThe early goal exposed Eleven Wonders’ tentative start and forced them into a reactive posture for much of the opening period.Hearts should have doubled their advantage almost immediately. Kwaku Boateng, however, squandered a golden opportunity just two minutes later, firing over from close range with the goal at his mercy. It proved a major let-off for Wonders, who struggled to settle and looked vulnerable whenever Hearts increased the tempo.The remainder of the first half was marked by a series of unforced errors from both sides, disrupting any sustained rhythm. Hearts’ Raphael Amponsah and Abdul Karim were guilty of breaking down promising moves, while Wonders’ Obed Ofori and Emmanuel Boateng similarly failed to capitalize in the final third. Nevertheless, Hearts remained the more purposeful side and went close again on the stroke of halftime when Frank Duku opted to pass rather than shoot from eight yards, with Wayo’s resulting header narrowly clearing the crossbar.The second half saw Hearts ruthlessly exploit Eleven Wonders’ defensive frailties. Their second goal arrived after a chaotic sequence in which Obengfo Adjei spilled a routine cross from Wayo, followed by a panicked defensive clearance. Although Kwaku Boateng and Hamza Issa both failed to convert initially, Martin Karikari reacted quickest to poke home and extend the lead.With the game firmly under control, Hearts continued to press, and their dominance was capped 13 minutes from time when Hamza Issa was fouled in the box by Kenneth Boakye Owusu, earning a penalty. After a brief moment of confusion over who would take the spot kick, Kelvin Osei Asibey stepped up and calmly dispatched the effort, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal the result.The emphatic win lifts Hearts of Oak to second place on 35 points, strengthening their push near the top of the table, pending the outcome of other fixtures. For Eleven Wonders, the defeat marks their 15th loss in 20 matches and leaves them rooted to the bottom of the standings on just nine points, deepening concerns over their survival prospects.

Hearts of Oak cruise past Eleven Wonders to move second in GPL league table

Real Madrid climbed to the summit of LaLiga after securing a composed 2–0 victory over Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica.Kylian Mbappé was the decisive figure, scoring twice to propel Los Blancos two points clear of Barcelona, who are scheduled to host Real Oviedo on Sunday. The French forward opened the scoring shortly after the restart before sealing the result from the penalty spot late in the game.With Villarreal still harboring slim title ambitions, the contest began cautiously, with both sides prioritizing defensive discipline. The clearest opportunity of the first half fell to Arda Güler in the 20th minute, but after weaving past several challenges, his effort was directed straight at goalkeeper Luiz Júnior.Madrid eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half, courtesy of Mbappé, although the move was largely crafted by Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian winger beat Pau Navarro before his low cross was blocked by Pape Gueye, allowing Mbappé to react quickest and convert the rebound.The opening goal stretched the game, with Mbappé and Vinícius both seeing further efforts blocked, while Villarreal responded through Alberto Moleiro, whose attempt was comfortably handled by Thibaut Courtois.Álvaro Arbeloa’s men put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time. Mbappé completed his brace with a calmly executed Panenka penalty after being fouled by Alfonso Pedraza, ensuring a valuable away win and top spot in the title race.

Mbappe brace fires Real Madrid to top of La Liga table

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), bringing to an end a year-long process that global health experts repeatedly warned would have serious consequences for public health in the U.S. and worldwide.Washington said the decision reflects what it described as longstanding failures in the UN health agency’s leadership and its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.President Donald Trump initiated the withdrawal on his first day back in office in 2025, signing an executive order notifying the WHO of the U.S. intention to exit. On Thursday, that withdrawal became official.In a joint statement, the U.S. Departments of Health and State confirmed that the United States will maintain only minimal, transitional engagement with the WHO to complete the exit process.“We have no plans to participate as an observer, and we have no plans to rejoin,” a senior U.S. health official said. Going forward, the administration said it will prioritize direct bilateral cooperation with individual countries on disease surveillance and public health initiatives, rather than working through multilateral institutions.<h2>Dispute over outstanding payments</h2>Under U.S. law, the country is required to provide one year’s notice and settle all outstanding financial obligations—estimated at about $260 million—before leaving the organization. However, U.S. officials have challenged the interpretation that payment is a legal precondition for withdrawal.“The American people have paid more than enough,” a State Department spokesperson said, arguing that previous contributions had not delivered sufficient value.The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed that all U.S. funding to the WHO has now been terminated. According to HHS, President Trump exercised his authority to halt future transfers of U.S. resources, citing claims that the agency’s actions during the pandemic imposed massive economic costs on the United States.Witnesses in Geneva reported that the U.S. flag had been removed from outside WHO headquarters on Thursday, symbolizing the formal end of the relationship.<h3>Wider implications for the United Nations</h3>The U.S. exit from the WHO comes amid a broader withdrawal from several UN-affiliated bodies. Analysts have warned that these moves, alongside the administration’s newly established Board of Peace, could weaken the overall authority and effectiveness of the United Nations system.While some critics of the WHO have floated the idea of creating an alternative global health body, a policy document reviewed by the Trump administration last year recommended instead pushing for internal reforms and stronger U.S. leadership within the existing organization.<h3>Global reaction and legal concerns</h3>Over the past year, international health leaders—including WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus—had appealed to the U.S. to reconsider. The WHO has stated that the United States still owes membership fees for 2024 and 2025.The issue is expected to be discussed at the WHO Executive Board meeting in February, where member states will examine the legal and financial implications of the U.S. departure.“This is a clear violation of U.S. law,” said Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute for Global Health Law at Georgetown University. “But the administration is highly likely to proceed regardless.”Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation and a major global health donor, said he does not expect a reversal in the near term but will continue to advocate for renewed U.S. participation. “The world needs the World Health Organization,” Gates said.<h3>Impact on global health</h3>The U.S. withdrawal has triggered a significant financial crisis within the WHO. The agency has already reduced its senior management team by half, cut programs across multiple departments, and announced plans to lay off roughly a quarter of its workforce by mid-year.Historically, the United States has been the WHO’s largest single contributor, providing approximately 18 percent of its total funding.Global health experts warn that the decision could weaken international systems designed to detect, prevent, and respond to future health emergencies.“The U.S. withdrawal from WHO risks undermining the collaborations the world depends on to manage global health threats,” said Kelly Henning, public health program lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies.As the WHO adjusts to a new financial and operational reality, questions remain over how global health coordination—and U.S. engagement in it—will function in the years ahead.

US officially leaves the World Health Organization

Driver’s licenses in Ghana will now expire on the holder’s date of birth, the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the Authority’s operations.In addition, the DVLA will this year roll out an SMS notification system to remind motorists in advance when their driver’s licenses and vehicle roadworthiness certificates are due for renewal.Mr. Kotey disclosed this at a press conference on Friday, January 23, 2026, to mark his first year in office. He explained that the new measures are designed to improve compliance, reduce lapses in renewals, enhance service delivery, and strengthen revenue mobilization across the transport sector.According to him, linking license expiration to a driver’s date of birth will simplify tracking, reduce confusion over renewal timelines, and align Ghana’s licensing system with international best practices. The SMS alert system will further reduce reliance on manual reminders and long queues caused by last-minute renewals.“We have introduced an SMS notification system that informs motorists when their license expiration is approaching. In addition, from this year [2026], we are starting a project where a driver’s license expiration will be attached to the holder’s date of birth,” Mr. Kotey stated.“Your date of birth will therefore be the day your license expires. The public should take note of this change. We are also extending this system to roadworthiness certification, so when it is time to renew your roadworthy certificate, you will receive an SMS indicating the due date,” he added.The reforms form part of the DVLA’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to improve efficiency, curb avoidable infractions, reduce revenue leakages, and support road safety enforcement nationwide.

DVLA introduces birthdate-based license expiry, rolls out SMS renewal alerts nationwide

The 2024 presidential candidate of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, has broken his silence on a US$14.9 million judgment debt being enforced in Ghana following a ruling by a court in the United Kingdom, insisting that the matter is still before the courts and that due legal processes are ongoing.In a statement issued on January 23, the business mogul and president of the Kwarleyz Group said reports circulating in the media had misrepresented the facts surrounding the judgment obtained by Cola Holdings Limited.Mr. Bediako maintained that he never contracted any loan from Cola Holdings Limited and that no monies were paid to him personally by the company.“I have not contracted any loan from Cola Holdings Ltd, and Cola Holdings Ltd has not paid any money to me,” he stated, explaining that the transaction at the center of the dispute relates to a loan contracted by Kensington Residential Partners 1 Limited (KRP 1) from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).According to him, KRP 1 is jointly owned by himself and Azad Cola, the owner of Cola Holdings Limited, and he was therefore surprised when Cola Holdings initiated legal action against him personally in the UK to recover a loan he says was contracted by the company and not by him.Mr. Bediako further disclosed that he later discovered that lawyers he had engaged in the UK failed to file processes in his defense, which led to the judgment being entered against him.Following the registration of the UK judgment in Ghana, he said he instructed his lawyers to challenge its enforcement because it was fraudulently obtained and that enforcing it would be contrary to public policy.“I instructed my lawyers in Ghana to resist the enforcement of the judgment on grounds that the judgment was obtained by fraud and that its enforcement will be against public policy,” he said.Although a High Court declined to set aside the registration of the foreign judgment, Mr. Bediako said he has since directed his legal team to file an appeal and to take steps to ensure that the judgment is not enforced pending the determination of all appeal processes.He further accused Cola Holdings of abusing the court process, arguing that the company failed to disclose to the UK court that it had already commenced separate proceedings in Ghana against KRP 1 over the same debt.According to him, the alleged concealment of this material fact amounted to fraudulent misrepresentation and misled the UK court into granting judgment against him personally.Mr. Bediako said he remains confident in Ghana’s justice delivery system and assured the public of his respect for the rule of law.“I am certain that after all the processes have been exhausted, the truth will stand, and no amount of machinations will derail my commitment to contributing my quota to the development of Ghana and Africa,” he added.

Nana Kwame Bediako breaks silence on US$14.9m UK judgment debt

PKO Boxing and the PKO Foundation have announced the appointment of Marvellous Nana Yaw Konadu as their new President, effective immediately.According to the organization, the decision was reached more than a week ago but was confirmed following due diligence and compliance procedures.He underwent a thorough assessment and was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors and all relevant stakeholders.<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/1769182663109-nmrk778f3pg.jpeg" alt="Marvellous Nana Yaw Konadu" data-credit="Marvellous Nana Yaw Konadu" title="Marvellous Nana Yaw Konadu" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Nana Yaw Konadu is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished boxers. Born in Sunyani in 1964, he compiled a professional record of 41 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, including 32 knockouts.He won world titles in two weight divisions, first capturing the World Boxing Council super flyweight title in 1989 before winning the World Boxing Association bantamweight title twice in the mid 1990s.His achievements contributed significantly to Ghana’s standing in global boxing and placed him among the most respected fighters in the country’s history.PKO praised Konadu’s character and values as decisive factors in the appointment. “Nana Yaw Konadu represents humility, hard work, transparency, and trustworthiness,” the company stated. “His leadership gives hope to fellow boxers and aligns with PKO’s mission to protect athletes, promote honesty, and build future world champions.”The organization also emphasized that boxers remain at the core of its priorities.PKO expressed gratitude to former interim Honorary President Joseph Agbeko, who stepped down following the transition.&nbsp;“We thank Joseph Agbeko for his contribution during the interim period while the company was being structured and formally established,” the company added.In a related development, PKO announced Mrs. Princess Sandelle Dankwa as its new PR and Marketing Manager.<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/1769182708650-2xep8b8m8n1.jpeg" alt="Mrs. Princess Sandelle Dankw" data-credit="Mrs. Princess Sandelle Dankw" title="Mrs. Princess Sandelle Dankw" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Her appointment was also unanimously approved after a comprehensive review. She brings experience in communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement and is expected to enhance PKO’s brand visibility and public outreach.

Two-Time World Champion Nana Yaw Konadu Takes the Helm at PKO Boxing 

Although Apple only launched the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, speculation surrounding its successor is already gaining momentum. According to a reliable industry tipster, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could introduce a significantly smaller Dynamic Island, marking one of the most notable design refinements in recent years.Renowned tipster Ice Universe claims Apple may reduce the size of the Dynamic Island from 20.7 mm on the iPhone 17 Pro models to approximately 13.49 mm on the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, representing a reduction of around 35 percent. This change is reportedly made possible by Apple’s work on under-display infrared sensors, which could partially relocate Face ID components beneath the screen.The pill-shaped Dynamic Island was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022, replacing the long-standing notch design. Beyond housing the selfie camera and Face ID sensors, it also powers interactive features such as Live Activities, real-time alerts, navigation prompts, and media controls.<h3>Under-Display Face ID Technology in Development</h3>Previous reports suggest Apple is developing under-display infrared sensors for biometric authentication. If implemented, this technology would allow the company to further shrink—or potentially eliminate—the Dynamic Island in future iPhone models. For the iPhone 18 Pro series, the design is expected to retain a smaller Dynamic Island, with the selfie camera remaining visible while some Face ID components operate beneath the display. However, not all Face ID elements are expected to be fully hidden under the screen at this stage.This transitional design approach is reportedly set to remain in place through 2026 and 2027, as Apple gradually refines its under-display sensor technology.<h3>Selfie Camera Placement Likely to Remain Centered</h3>There have also been rumors suggesting Apple might move the front-facing camera to the top-left corner of the display on the iPhone 18 lineup. However, Ice Universe has dismissed these claims, indicating that the selfie camera will remain centrally positioned, embedded within the reduced Dynamic Island. Only portions of the Face ID sensor array may be shifted slightly to the left.<h3>Launch Timeline</h3>The iPhone 18 series is expected to debut at Apple’s annual September event, in line with the company’s traditional release schedule. With several months remaining until launch, more leaks and details are likely to emerge as development continues.As always, Apple has not officially commented on the reports, and final specifications may change ahead of release.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max to Feature 35 Percent Smaller Dynamic Island - reports

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Randy Abbey, has refiled his GH¢20 million defamation lawsuit against the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, following an earlier procedural setback.The renewed legal action comes after the Accra High Court struck out the initial writ, describing it as procedurally defective because it was filed by COCOBOD’s Legal Department rather than through a private legal practitioner.<h3>Plaintiff’s case</h3>In the fresh writ filed by his lawyer, Alex Owoo, Abbey accused Abronye of making defamatory remarks on a radio platform that allegedly damaged his reputation. According to the statement of claim, Abronye claimed that the COCOBOD CEO travels from Accra to cocoa farms with a personal chair to meet cocoa farmers.The plaintiff further alleged that on the same radio program, Abronye accused him of removing COCOBOD’s Director of Finance with the intention of “stealing COCOBOD funds to the detriment of cocoa farmers.”Abbey has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as false, reckless, and a deliberate attempt to malign his character and undermine his professional integrity.According to the writ, the plaintiff contends that the statements were made with clear and deliberate intent to harm his personal and professional reputation, particularly in his role as Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, and to lower his standing in the estimation of the general public.In addition to seeking GH¢20 million in damages, Abbey is asking the court to order Abronye to issue an unconditional retraction and unqualified apology, as well as ensure the complete removal of the defamatory publication within 14 days of the court’s judgment.He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Abronye, or any person acting on his behalf, from making or publishing any further defamatory statements against him.

COCOBOD CEO Randy Abbey refiles GH¢20m defamation suit against NPP’s Abronye after court setback

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has assured the public that the Ghana Police Service is fully prepared to provide security for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) forthcoming presidential primaries.Speaking at a peace pact signing ceremony involving NPP presidential aspirants, the IGP disclosed that the party had formally written to the police some weeks ago to inform them that security for the elections would be handled solely by the Ghana Police Service.“Some few weeks ago, the NPP party wrote to the police to inform us that the security for the forthcoming presidential elections will be solely handled by the Ghana Police Service,” he said.Mr Yohuno explained that the police have since identified all polling areas and finalised comprehensive operational plans to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.“We want to assure you that we have been able to identify all the areas where the elections will take place. We have 276 plus one polling centres. We have been able to make our operational plans,” he stated.He added that the police service has engaged all regional commanders responsible for the various areas to coordinate and oversee security arrangements.“We have met all our regional commanders who are responsible for these areas where these elections will take place. We have gone over all the preparations over and over and are ready to go to the field,” the IGP noted.According to him, the only area where additional military support may be required is Bawku, due to its unique security situation. He revealed that the police have written to the Minister for the Interior to engage the Minister of Defence to facilitate military assistance in that area.Mr Yohuno added that in all other parts of the country, the military will remain on standby, while the police will take the lead in providing security.He further disclosed that a minimum of 70 police personnel will be deployed to each polling station, with senior officers also deployed nationwide to supervise operations.“We assure you that at least 70 is the least number of police officers will be at each polling station. We have deployed heavily. All senior officers countrywide are going to be at the police station,” he said.The IGP outlined a layered security strategy, including inner, middle, and outer deployment, noting that the outer deployment will be heavily reinforced.“We have the inner deployment, the middle deployment, and then the outer deployment. The outer deployment is heavily loaded,” he explained.Mr Yohuno thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in the Ghana Police Service to provide security for the exercise, describing it as a sign of trust in the professionalism of the police.The peace pact signing forms part of efforts by the NPP to promote peaceful internal elections and strengthen unity as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.

'The police are ready' - IGP assures ahead of NPP primaries

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has reaffirmed its readiness for the presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, assuring party members and the general public of a credible, transparent, and highly secured electoral process.A total of 211,849 delegates are expected to cast their votes at 333 polling centres spread across the country’s 276 constituencies. Voting will commence at 7:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m. nationwide.Chairperson of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, disclosed that all logistical, administrative, and security arrangements have been fully completed, adding that the Electoral Commission (EC) will oversee and conduct the entire process.“Everything that has to be done has been done. The Commission is ready, the police are ready, and all the necessary resources have been provided to ensure a smooth exercise,” he stated at a media briefing in Accra on Tuesday.Mr Osei-Owusu explained that the party worked closely with the EC in selecting voting centres, noting that each constituency would generally have one polling station. However, constituencies with more than 1,000 delegates were allocated additional voting points within the same locality to ensure efficiency.This arrangement resulted in a total of 333 polling centres nationwide, including one at the party’s national headquarters in Accra. He further revealed that two proposed voting centres were relocated following joint assessments by the EC and constituency executives, a decision unanimously endorsed by all five presidential aspirants.“At every stage, the contestants were fully involved. We shared the details, addressed concerns raised, and resolved issues collectively,” he noted.On the delegate register, Mr Osei-Owusu said all matters relating to validation, petitions, and corrections were handled transparently, with representatives of all aspirants actively participating throughout the process.From an initial register of 213,617 names, he said 2,827 deceased members and 653 individuals who had forfeited their party membership were removed, leaving 211,849 eligible delegates.“Even as we speak, representatives of the aspirants are at our IT centre verifying and endorsing the final register before printing,” he added.Mr Osei-Owusu further disclosed that the NPP has formally handed over the processes of voting, counting, collation, and declaration of results to the EC. Results will be declared at the polling centres, collated at regional centres, and finally announced at the party’s headquarters in Accra, where the official winner will be presented to the public.On security arrangements, he said the Ghana Police Service will deploy between 70 and 150 officers at each polling centre, with military support in selected areas, particularly parts of the Upper East Region.He issued a stern warning against the use of private security or vigilante groups, stressing that such actions would be dealt with decisively.“Anyone contemplating the use of private security or ‘macho’ men should desist. The police will act very firmly,” he cautioned.Mr Osei-Owusu also announced the abolition of proxy voting for the primaries, a move aimed at safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the election.“This is not an election where we should allow any room for claims that the process was compromised,” he explained.The five aspirants contesting the January 31 presidential primaries are Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, and Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.Expressing confidence in the process, Mr Osei-Owusu said the outcome would be widely accepted by all contenders.“Everyone will be satisfied that they either won because they were voted for or lost because the delegates voted otherwise,” he concluded.

NPP Primaries: Over 211,000 delegates to vote in 333 centres on January 31

Ghanaian rapper and songwriter Kwesi Arthur has publicly spoken out about what he describes as a long-standing dispute with his former management outfit, Ground Up Chale, and its co-founder, Glen Boateng.In a strongly worded statement shared on his verified social media account, the award-winning artiste alleged that he has been asked to pay $150,000 for the use of his own images in connection with a project he is seeking to release independently.According to Kwesi Arthur, the demand is based on claims that Ground Up Chale holds ownership of his image, music, and all related rights from 2016 to date. He maintains that he has had no professional relationship with the company since the release of his debut album, Son of Jacob.The rapper further alleged that he earned no income from his music during the period he was affiliated with the label and accused his former management of subjecting him to what he described as persistent threats and manipulation.Expressing concern for his personal safety, Kwesi Arthur stated that should anything happen to him, or if his current independent project is taken down, responsibility should be attributed to Glen Boateng and the Ground Up Chale team. He claimed there are deliberate attempts to prevent him from releasing music outside their control.He also opened up about the emotional and psychological impact of the dispute, revealing that the prolonged situation has taken a significant toll on his wellbeing. The artist explained that his decision to speak publicly was driven by concerns for the safety of himself and his family.“I’ve tried not to say anything for a long time,” he wrote, “but for the safety of myself and my family, I choose to publicly share the truth.”<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: 149.4%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D122155624778929207%26set%3Da.122102080166929207%26type%3D3&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="747" 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>As of the time of publication, Ground Up Chale and Glen Boateng have not issued a public response to the allegations. The claims have triggered widespread discussion across social media, with fans and industry stakeholders calling for transparency, accountability, and fair treatment of artists within the music industry.

Kwesi Arthur says former management should be held responsible if anything happens to him

Barcelona kept their hopes of a top-eight finish alive with a 4–2 victory over Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League, producing a performance that combined attacking quality with moments of vulnerability at the back.It was the hosts who struck first, as Vasil Kušej bundled the ball into the net from a corner to give Slavia an early advantage. Barcelona responded emphatically, turning the game on its head with an eight-minute brace from Fermín López. His second goal was the standout of the half, a superb curling effort from outside the penalty area that arced beyond goalkeeper Staněk.However, Barcelona’s lead was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Robert Lewandowski inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, allowing Slavia to head into the interval level.The visitors regained control shortly after the restart, with Dani Olmo making an instant impact off the bench. Having been on the pitch for less than five minutes, Olmo unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner to restore Barcelona’s advantage in what proved to be the goal of the night.Seven minutes later, Lewandowski made amends for his earlier error, finishing from close range to extend Barcelona’s lead and seal the contest.Statistically, Barcelona edged the encounter, registering a higher expected goals (xG) figure of 1.42, compared to Slavia’s 1.01, reflecting their greater attacking threat.The result leaves Barcelona ninth in the league phase, level on points with seven other teams. While automatic qualification is not entirely in their hands, a home victory over Copenhagen on Matchday Eight would significantly boost their chances of securing a place in the top eight.For Slavia Prague, any remaining hopes of finishing inside the top 24 have been extinguished. They sit 34th in the standings, remain one of only three teams yet to record a win, and will conclude their campaign away to Pafos.

Barcelona beat Slavia Prague 4-2 to stay in top-eight hunt

A NAIMOS officer was injured during a gunfight with armed galamsey thugs in the Dormaa Central Municipality of Bono. One assailant was killed, highlighting the dangers faced by anti-illegal mining personnel.The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has confirmed that a member of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force was shot during an anti-galamsey operation in the Bono Region, with one armed assailant killed in the ensuing exchange of gunfire.In a statement issued on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, and signed by Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Media Relations Officer, the Ministry said the incident occurred during a routine operation along the Subinkurom–Kyeremasu stretch in the Dormaa Central Municipality.According to the statement, the task force came under attack when armed men hiding in nearby bushes opened fire upon sighting the officers.“The armed thugs, who were hiding in the bushes, opened fire on sighting the NAIMOS task force. This led to an exchange of gunfire, during which one NAIMOS personnel sustained a gunshot injury,” the statement said.The injured officer, who was shot in the thigh, was immediately evacuated to the St Matthew Catholic Hospital at Ampenkuro, where he is reported to be responding well to treatment.“The injured officer was swiftly rushed to the St. Matthew Catholic Hospital at Ampenkuro, where he is currently responding to treatment,” the statement added.The gunfire exchange also resulted in the death of one of the attackers. NAIMOS identified the deceased as Abuu Ibrahim, who was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.“Meanwhile, one of the assailants who opened fire on the NAIMOS task force was shot dead during the exchanges. The deceased, identified as Abuu Ibrahim, was pronounced dead on arrival at the St. Matthew Catholic Hospital,” the Secretariat confirmed.The Ministry acknowledged the persistent dangers faced by personnel enforcing anti-galamsey measures but reaffirmed government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining.

One dead, NAIMOS officer injured in gunfight with armed galamsey thugs

Kylian Mbappé scored twice, and Vinicius Junior also played a starring role as Real Madrid trounced Monaco 6-1 in their first Champions League game under Álvaro Arbeloa.Madrid climbed to second in the 36-team standings, putting themselves in a great position for a top seeding in the last 16, by blowing away Sebastien Pocognoli's team, who remain at risk of an early elimination.Mbappé only needed five minutes to bite the hand that used to feed him, firing into the bottom-left corner after good link-up play from Franco Mastantuono and Federico Valverde.Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati then shot wide at the other end, with Monaco carrying a threat on the break, but Mbappé got his second goal with a simple finish off Vinicius' centre, with Eduardo Camavinga's clever flick instrumental in the build-up.Jordan Teze rattled the crossbar with a rasping strike before half-time, but after the interval, it was all Madrid.&nbsp;Mastantuono's first-ever Champions League goal made it 3-0, with the Argentina wonderkid finishing across Philipp Kohn after an excellent turn and pass from Vinicius.The Brazilian – who was booed by his own fans during Saturday's 2-0 win over Levante in La Liga – then saw a left-wing delivery turned home by the unwitting Thilo Kehrer before finally getting the goal his performance deserved in the 63rd minute.Vinicius took in Arda Güler's offload, advanced into the area and lashed a ferocious&nbsp;right-footed finish into the roof of the net.Monaco did get a goal back through Teze, who drilled home after a poor giveaway from substitute Dani Ceballos inside his own area, but Madrid restored their five-goal cushion when Jude Bellingham rounded Kohn 10 minutes from time.&nbsp;<h2>Data Debrief: Mbappé haunts former club as Madrid win big</h2>Monaco must be sick of the sight of Mbappe, who was once their breakout star in this competition as they reached the semi-finals in 2016-17.Mbappé has now been directly involved in 17 goals in 15 career appearances against Monaco (13 goals, four assists). Only against Montpellier (21) does he have more goal contributions in his career (also 17 versus Lille).Mbappé became the first player to surpass double figures in the 2025-26 Champions League (now on 11 goals), matching Cristiano Ronaldo's 2015-16 haul for the most by any player in a single group or league-phase campaign.But he was aided by a scintillating performance from Vinicius. The Brazilian created a whopping seven chances for his team-mates – more than twice as many as any other player – as well as registering two assists, forcing an own goal and getting on the scoresheet himself.And the third member of Madrid's front three, Mastantuono, became the third-youngest player to score for Los Blancos in the Champions League, at the age of 18 years and 159 days. Only Endrick (18y&nbsp;58d) and Raul (18y&nbsp;113d) have netted for them at a younger age.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.fotmob.com/news/1iqmhgsfcjfzg1bd11gselyp8b-real-madrid-6-1-monaco-mbappe-vinicius-shine-arbeloa-oversees-champions-league-rout">FotMob</a>

UCL: Real Madrid hammer Monaco as Mbappe and Vinicius run riot

Yaw Sarpong stands as one of Ghana’s most influential gospel musicians, a luminary whose work has shaped the landscape of contemporary worship in the country and beyond. With a career spanning over four decades, Sarpong has released more than 25 albums and countless songs, blending indigenous Ghanaian rhythms with spiritually rich, heartfelt lyrics. Known for his leadership of the Asomafo Band, his music consistently explores themes of faith, hope, gratitude, deliverance, and spiritual resilience.Here, we highlight the top ten songs that have defined Yaw Sarpong’s career and continue to inspire believers across generations.<h2>1. Wo Haw Ne Sɛn</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: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UrSSWsv4RFs?si=_cOVzMt2taTW7HWY" width="560" height="315" title="YouTube video player" 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.youtube.com</div></div>Theme: Comfort and Consolation Often regarded as Sarpong’s signature song, Wo Haw Ne Sɛn offers comfort to those facing life’s challenges. Its poignant lyrics acknowledge pain while assuring listeners of God’s constant presence. Over the years, this track has become a staple in funerals, prayer gatherings, and moments of reflection, resonating deeply with audiences seeking spiritual reassurance.<h2>2. Oko Yi</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: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UNldMO3mc7Y?si=DLMMVr2N8G0M9VLs" width="560" height="315" title="YouTube video player" 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.youtube.com</div></div>Theme: Trust and Perseverance A dynamic worship song, Oko Yi inspires believers to trust God through life’s battles. Its energetic tempo and uplifting message encourage perseverance and reliance on divine strength, making it a favourite in church services and gospel concerts.<h2>3. Tenabea Foforo</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: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PD0SoncHCyA?si=z2dgwy8ZySIrtf-W" width="560" height="315" title="YouTube video player" 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.youtube.com</div></div>Theme: Renewal and Thanksgiving Meaning “A New Abode” in Twi, this song celebrates spiritual renewal and gratitude for God’s transformative power. Its uplifting melody and positive message have made it a popular choice at weddings, dedications, and thanksgiving events, bridging worship with personal testimony.<h2>4. Mpaebo</h2>Theme: The Power of Prayer Mpaebo, meaning “Prayer”, emphasises the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God. The song encourages believers to approach Him with humility, seek guidance, and recognise prayer as an essential conduit for divine connection.<h2>5. Waye Awie</h2>Theme: Faith and Assurance This reflective song underscores the completed work of Christ and encourages listeners to place their trust fully in God’s provision. Its message of assurance makes it especially powerful in worship settings that focus on spiritual victory and faith affirmation.<h2>6. Honhom Kronkron</h2>Theme: The Guidance of the Holy Spirit Honhom Kronkron, meaning “Holy Spirit”, invites believers to seek divine wisdom and discernment. Its contemplative tone and spiritual depth make it a preferred choice for moments of reflection and consecration within church services.<h2>7. Dua Esi Asubonten Ho</h2>Theme: Divine Protection This inspirational song highlights God’s protection and sustaining power. Through its heartfelt lyrics, it reminds believers that life’s challenges are surmountable with divine guidance, making it particularly resonant for those seeking reassurance in uncertain times.<h2>8. Yenka Kyere Agya Se</h2>Theme: Bold Worship Meaning “Let Us Tell the Father”, this song encourages open proclamation of faith and worship. Its simple yet profound message fosters unity and joyful expression, making it a mainstay in congregational worship.<h2>9. Se Yehowa Hyira Wo A</h2>Theme: Blessings and Favour A song of thanksgiving, Se Yehowa Hyira Wo A celebrates God’s blessings and favour. Its uplifting lyrics and melody make it a popular choice during services focused on gratitude and praise.<h2>10. Hwan Na Adwendwen Da Noso</h2>Theme: Spiritual Reflection and Reassurance Translating to “Who Carries the Burden?”, this reflective piece addresses life’s anxieties and reminds believers that God alone sustains and comforts. Its unique instrumentation and profound message give it enduring appeal.<h1>The Legacy of Yaw Sarpong</h1>Yaw Sarpong’s music transcends mere entertainment; it is a tool for spiritual growth, ministry, and cultural expression. His songs resonate across generations because they combine indigenous Ghanaian musicality with universal themes of faith, hope, and resilience. From personal devotion to corporate worship, Sarpong’s catalogue remains a benchmark for gospel excellence in Ghana and beyond.His artistry demonstrates that gospel music can be both culturally rooted and spiritually transformative, offering listeners not only moments of joy and celebration but also deep spiritual reflection.

Top 10 Yaw Sarpong songs of all time

Morocco forward Brahim Diaz has spoken publicly for the first time following the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, offering a heartfelt apology after missing a decisive penalty in his country’s 1–0 extra-time defeat to Senegal.Posting on social media, Díaz expressed remorse for the miss, shared his disappointment, and thanked supporters for standing behind him throughout the tournament. In his message, he wrote:“My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I wasn’t alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all.”Despite the heartbreak in Rabat, Díaz delivered one of the most memorable individual campaigns of the competition. He scored five goals in five consecutive matches, earned the Golden Boot, and played a central role in Morocco’s journey to the final—including critical group-stage finishes and a key strike in the quarter-final win over Cameroon.But on the biggest night of all, a single moment proved decisive. Deep into stoppage time, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty after a review of a challenge in the box. The call triggered heated scenes, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw briefly withdrawing his players in protest before order was restored.With the stadium holding its breath, Díaz stepped forward. Attempting a composed Panenka finish, he watched goalkeeper Édouard Mendy remain upright and make the save that ultimately forced extra time — and swung momentum in Senegal’s favour.<h2>Taking Responsibility and Looking Ahead</h2>In his statement, Díaz personally accepted blame for the outcome and addressed supporters directly:“Yesterday I failed, and I take full responsibility and apologise from the bottom of my heart. It will take me time to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try. Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me and for everyone who suffered with me.”His reflections underscored the emotional toll elite competition exacts on athletes — and the deep connection between national teams and the communities they represent.

Brahim Diaz issues emotional apology after missed AFCON final penalty as Morocco falls to Senegal

FIFA has officially announced the full roster of hosts and group compositions for the FIFA Series 2026, marking a key milestone in the expansion of the initiative for both men’s and women’s national teams.Following the announcement of the expanded format in November 2025, the FIFA Series 2026 will feature 48 national teams competing across 12 groups of four teams each during the international match window in March and April. Representing nearly 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations, the tournament underscores the initiative’s global reach.A total of 11 FIFA Member Associations will host the series, with Rwanda accommodating two groups. The competition will comprise nine men’s groups and three women’s groups, featuring teams from all six FIFA confederations and highlighting the truly international nature of the series.The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan. The women’s contests will be staged in Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand.All matches will be broadcast globally, offering fans worldwide the opportunity to follow the action and ensuring visibility for participating national teams.The FIFA Series 2026 brings together teams across a wide competitive spectrum, reflecting its development-focused design. On the men’s side, participants range from established sides such as Australia (ranked 26th) to emerging football nations like the US Virgin Islands (ranked 207th).On the women’s side, teams span from Brazil (ranked 7th) to Turks and Caicos (ranked 194th). This diversity demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to creating meaningful international competition for member associations at all stages of development.Notably, five men’s teams—Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand, and Uzbekistan—have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, highlighting the series’ competitive relevance alongside its developmental objectives.Beyond the pitch, the FIFA Series promotes holistic football development, providing hosts and participating associations with practical experience in event delivery, operational planning, referee development, and competition organisation. These opportunities mirror the demands of major international tournaments and strengthen capacity across multiple functional areas.Aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023–2027, the FIFA Series 2026 enables cross-confederation competition without adding fixtures to the international calendar, while fostering technical growth, organisational development, and global exchange among Member Associations. MEN'S GROUPSAustralia (AFC)<ul><li>Australia (host)</li><li>Cameroon</li><li>China PR</li><li>Curaçao</li></ul>&nbsp;Azerbaijan (UEFA)<ul><li>Azerbaijan (host)</li><li>Oman</li><li>Sierra Leone</li><li>St Lucia</li></ul>&nbsp;Indonesia (AFC)<ul><li>Bulgaria</li><li>Indonesia (host)</li><li>Solomon Islands</li><li>St Kitts and Nevis</li></ul>&nbsp;Kazakhstan (UEFA)<ul><li>Comoros</li><li>Kazakhstan (host)</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Namibia</li></ul>&nbsp;New Zealand (OFC)<ul><li>Cabo Verde</li><li>Chile</li><li>Finland</li><li>New Zealand (host)</li></ul>&nbsp;Puerto Rico (Concacaf)<ul><li>American Samoa</li><li>Guam</li><li>Puerto Rico (host)</li><li>US Virgin Islands</li></ul>&nbsp;Rwanda (CAF) – Group A<ul><li>Estonia</li><li>Grenada</li><li>Kenya</li><li>Rwanda (host)</li></ul>&nbsp;Rwanda (CAF) – Group B<ul><li>Aruba</li><li>Liechtenstein</li><li>Macau</li><li>Tanzania</li></ul> Uzbekistan (AFC)<ul><li>Gabon</li><li>Trinidad and Tobago</li><li>Uzbekistan (host)</li><li>Venezuela</li></ul>&nbsp;WOMEN'S GROUPSBrazil (CONMEBOL)<ul><li>Brazil (host)</li><li>Canada</li><li>Korea Republic</li><li>Zambia</li></ul>&nbsp;Côte d’Ivoire (CAF)<ul><li>Côte d’Ivoire (host)</li><li>Mauritania</li><li>Pakistan</li><li>Turks and Caicos Islands</li></ul>&nbsp;Thailand (AFC)<ul><li>Congo DR</li><li>Nepal</li><li>OFC team</li><li>Thailand (host)</li></ul>&nbsp;Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.

FIFA Confirms Hosts and Group Line-Up for FIFA Series 2026

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final teetered on the edge of chaos before veteran French coach Claude Le Roy stepped in to calm tensions, ensuring Africa’s flagship football event reached its conclusion.The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time of the Morocco vs. Senegal showdown, when the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts and disallowed a Senegal goal for a marginal infringement. The decisions sparked furious protests from the Senegal bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing players to leave the pitch. Several players complied, creating scenes of confusion and tension that threatened to see the final abandoned.Amid the turmoil, Senegal captain Sadio Mané remained on the field, evaluating the situation as his teammates and staff clashed over the correct course of action.It was then that Mané turned to Le Roy, present at the stadium in his capacity as a television analyst. The former Senegal coach, revered across African football, played a key role in defusing the crisis.“When Mané was left alone on the pitch, he came and asked me, ‘What would you do if you were in my position?’” Le Roy recounted. “I replied, ‘I would continue playing, because the outcome is never decided!’ Then Sadio brought his teammates back onto the pitch.”Mané also consulted former Senegal internationals Mamadou Niang and El Hadji Diouf, whose advice reinforced Le Roy’s message and helped solidify the team’s decision to resume play.Once order was restored, the drama continued on the pitch. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved Brahim Díaz’s penalty, a pivotal moment that shifted momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour. In extra time, Pape Gueye struck in the 94th minute to secure a 1–0 victory, delivering Senegal their second AFCON title.After the final whistle, Mané emphasised that abandoning the match was never an option, highlighting the importance of protecting the reputation of African football.In a night marked by controversy, Claude Le Roy’s calm counsel proved instrumental in preserving the integrity of AFCON 2025, ensuring the tournament’s climax was decided on the pitch rather than off it.

How Claude Le Roy, Niang and El Hadji Diouf saved AFCON final after chaos

The second prosecution witness in the ongoing illegal mining trial involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has admitted under cross-examination that he did not personally hold a valid mining licence to operate at Samreboi, but was permitted by the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman to mine in the area.The witness, Henry Okum, who told the court that he is a small-scale miner, indicated that although he has been engaged in small-scale mining for about seven years and obtained a licence in 2017, the licence was not issued in his personal name but in the name of a company he described as “C34,” which he said was used for community mining.However, when pressed to produce the licence, Mr Okum failed to present it in court, stating instead that there was a video showing the launch of the company by a minister. He later contradicted himself by admitting that he did not, in fact, have a mining licence, but insisted that the presence of government officials at the site demonstrated official approval.Under further questioning by lead counsel for Wontumi, Appiah Kubi, the witness acknowledged that small-scale mining licences are restricted to specific locations, but was unable to clearly state the exact area his licence permitted him to operate.Okum claimed he operated at Samreboi under the authority of Akonta Mining Company Limited, which he said held a mining lease over the land.He testified that before moving to Samreboi, he conducted a search at the Minerals Commission and was informed that the concession belonged to Akonta Mining. This, he said, led him to approach Chairman Wontumi to seek permission to work on the land.Okum admitted he was neither a director nor a board member of Akonta Mining, but insisted that Chairman Wontumi owned the company. He further told the court that a letter was sent to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on Akonta Mining’s letterhead, signed by Chairman Wontumi, to facilitate operations on the site.“I don’t know Akonta Company, and again, before I went, it was Chairman who went to the operation on the ground for me through REGSEC, and the letter that we wrote to REGSEC had the Akonta Mining letterhead that was signed by Chairman Wontumi,” Okum responded when asked if he was granted permission by Wontumi.Although the witness claimed to have a copy of the letter, he failed to produce it in court, but assured the court he could make it available if given the opportunity. The prosecution prayed for the document to be produced before the close of its case, a request the court granted.On the condition of the land, Okum admitted that the Samreboi concession was not virgin land, describing it as an area riddled with abandoned pits from previous illegal mining activities. He said Chairman Wontumi had informed him of existing illegalities on the land and advised that abandoned pits be covered before mining could commence.The witness, however, rejected the suggestion that Chairman Wontumi’s complaint to REGSEC was solely about illegal mining, stating that the situation also created an opportunity for him to work on the land after the removal of illegal miners.He confirmed that REGSEC, led by the Regional Security Commander in Tarkwa, later stormed the site, drove away illegal miners, and seized excavators found operating there, which he admitted belonged to the illegal miners.Despite this, Okum maintained that Akonta Mining itself did not carry out mining operations at the site after the security operation, insisting that Chairman Wontumi handed over the concession to him to work on.The case has been adjourned to Monday, January 19, for continuation.

Wontumi Galamsey Trial: Witness admits Akonta Mining owner permitted him to mine at Samreboi

The Bureau of Ghana Languages has officially certified the teaching and learning of the Ahanta language in basic and secondary school after schools on Ahanta land, especially in the Ahanta West municipality.This giant achievement means the language can be examined at both the BECE and WASSCE levels by the West African Examinations Council.This follows the endorsement of the developed orthography for the Language, which the Bureau says meets all requirements.In a statement issued on January 15, 2026, the Bureau said “this endorsement is a crucial step towards making Ahanta language examinable at Basic Education and Senior High School levels.”The Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education can now begin the process of training teachers formally to teach the language.Ahanta, which already has a Bible translation for the New Testament has never been taught in schools, posing a serious danger of possible extinction of the language.The Member of Parliament, Mavis Kuukua Bissue, over the last year has made serious efforts including setting up a committee to develop a curriculum for the language.She earlier held discussions with the University of Education, Winneba as well for the training of teachers who would teach the Ahanta language.

Bureau of Ghana Languages endorses Ahanta language orthography for use in schools

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) disrupted multiple illegal mining sites, destroyed equipment, and arrested foreign nationals in the Eastern Region.The operations, conducted between 16 and 17 January 2026, have altered the dynamics of illegal mining along the Birim River basin and its surrounding areas.On Friday, 16 January, the NAIMOS task force, working alongside the Blue Water Guards, targeted Apoli Beposo in the Akim Oda Swedru District. Focusing on the Birim River, the team encountered illegal miners operating directly in the water. Upon sighting the operatives, the miners abandoned their activities, swimming across the river to escape.The task force retrieved four chanfan machines and burned them on the riverbank, halting the pollution of the river and providing local farmers and residents with a temporary respite from water contamination. Intelligence indicates that this operation has compelled many miners to cease working directly in the river.Later the same day, NAIMOS moved to another site at Apoli, where three Chinese nationals—Yug Rucheng, Qin Can, and Yang G. Lane—were arrested for illegal mining. The task force seized a blue Zonda vehicle and destroyed all makeshift structures at the site. The arrested suspects were escorted to Accra under strong security detail for further investigation.On Saturday morning, the task force targeted Nyafoman in the Birim North Municipality, a site notorious for hazardous mining practices. Most miners fled before the team could apprehend them.The operation resulted in the destruction of several chanfan machines, makeshift structures, and other equipment. Findings revealed that many of the miners were foreign nationals, primarily Burkinabe, who used dangerous chemicals like cyanide to extract gold, posing severe environmental and public health risks. The task force emphasized that this site requires constant patrols to prevent illegal mining from resuming.Later in the day, at Domeabra in the same municipality, NAIMOS again forced illegal miners to abandon their operations. Two excavators were found on site: one had already been immobilized by the miners, and the other was partially stripped of essential components, rendering it inoperable.The presence of the task force in the area has already discouraged several operators from returning, demonstrating the impact of sustained enforcement.NAIMOS notes that these operations have inflicted financial losses on illegal miners, disrupted their logistics, and restored a measure of order to rivers and surrounding lands. Looking ahead, the Secretariat plans to enhance river patrol capabilities by providing life jackets, speed boats, and hardboard boats to field teams.Furthermore, the permanent deployment of NAIMOS field operatives in hotspots across the Eastern Region is under consideration to ensure gains are sustained and illegal mining does not resume along the Birim River or in surrounding communities.The Eastern Region crackdown reflects a clear shift in NAIMOS’s approach: combining intelligence, rapid response, and a permanent presence to make illegal mining a high-risk, low-reward activity while protecting the environment and livelihoods of local residents.

Galamsey: NAIMOS arrests foreign nationals, cleans up Birim River

Management of the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, has strongly condemned comments by lawyer and media personality Miss Serwaa Amihere, in which the school was allegedly described as a “breeding ground for homosexuals”, describing the remarks as false, reckless and deeply offensive.In a press release dated January 17, 2026, PRESEC said it had taken “serious note” of the statement, stressing that the claim unfairly maligns its students and undermines the integrity and reputation of one of Ghana’s most respected secondary institutions.“Management unequivocally condemns this statement. It is false, reckless, and deeply offensive,” the school said, adding that the remarks constitute an irresponsible generalisation that seeks to stigmatise students and erode the moral standing of the institution.PRESEC emphasised that it is a Presbyterian mission school, founded over eight decades ago and governed by firm Christian principles in line with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and the laws of the Republic.According to management, any suggestion that the school promotes or tolerates conduct contrary to these values is a “gross misrepresentation” of its identity and mission.“For over eight decades, PRESEC has been dedicated to academic excellence, character development, discipline, leadership, and the moral upbringing of young men,” the statement said, noting that the school’s long record of achievement—including repeated successes at the National Science and Maths Quiz—reflects a culture of intellectual rigour, discipline, teamwork, and responsible leadership.The school warned that comments of such nature are not only inaccurate but potentially harmful, as they expose students to ridicule, prejudice and emotional distress, while damaging the hard-earned reputation of an institution that has contributed significantly to national development.“PRESEC will not accept or normalise such characterisations,” management stated.The statement thanked parents, alumni, students and the general public for their continued support and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to upholding its values, protecting the dignity of its students and maintaining high standards of academic and moral excellence.The PRESEC statement comes against the backdrop of renewed national debate on LGBTQI issues in Ghana, which remain socially and politically contentious.Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised under Ghana’s criminal code, and public opinion remains largely opposed to the promotion or perceived endorsement of LGBTQI lifestyles, particularly within schools and religious institutions.In recent weeks, public attention has been heightened by the circulation of a teacher training manual alleged to contain guidance on addressing sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms.The material, which sparked widespread backlash from parents, religious bodies and civil society groups, has been criticised as an attempt to introduce LGBTQI concepts into Ghana’s basic and secondary education system.The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) have since distanced themselves from the document, clarifying that it is not an approved curriculum or policy directive. Nonetheless, the episode has intensified public sensitivity around schools and LGBTQI-related discussions.Against this backdrop, PRESEC’s management said it was important to set the record straight and prevent the school from being drawn into broader ideological debates through what it described as defamatory commentary.The school reiterated its core mandate: “delivering quality education, enforcing discipline, shaping character, and preparing young men to become principled leaders and responsible citizens.”Management concluded by assuring stakeholders that PRESEC would remain steadfast in its values and mission, despite the ongoing public controversy.

PRESEC condemns ‘homosexual breeding ground’ comment by Serwaa Amihere; distances school from LGBTQI label

Senegal cemented their status as the continent’s dominant force after edging hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, sealing their second title in three editions of the tournament.With Africa’s two highest-ranked national teams meeting on the grand stage, anticipation was immense—and Morocco’s fan base delivered an electric atmosphere. The Atlas Lions roared on their side early, but despite both nations boasting formidable defensive records, the match unfolded at an unexpectedly fast tempo.Yassine Bounou was called into action early, denying Pape Gueye’s close-range header before Ismael Saibari fired wide at the opposite end. Just before the interval, Iliman Ndiaye came inches from breaking the deadlock when he burst through on goal, only for Bounou to block his low drive with a stretching leg.Senegal appeared sharper across the opening period, but Morocco asserted themselves after the restart. Ayoub El Kaabi twice came close, shaving the post after a clever pass from Bilal El Khannouss, before momentum was disrupted by a lengthy injury stoppage for Neil El Aynaoui. Senegal manager Pape Thiaw rolled the dice with attacking substitutions and was left fuming when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala whistled early, cancelling what would have been a headed goal from Idrissa Gueye.Controversy followed deep into stoppage time when VAR awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. After heated protests from the Senegalese players caused a lengthy delay, Díaz chipped a tame effort straight at Édouard Mendy, sending the encounter into extra time.Within minutes of the restart, the match delivered its defining moment. Senegal broke with pace, and Pape Gueye held off Achraf Hakimi before unleashing a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner to silence the stadium.Morocco threw caution aside in search of a response. Nayef Aguerd rattled the crossbar with a towering header, and Bounou made a desperate fingertip save to deny Cherif Ndiaye from sealing the win late on. But Senegal held firm to become the first nation since 1982 to beat the host in an AFCON final.The triumph confirms Senegal’s golden generation, adding to their maiden title in 2021. Morocco, despite thrilling supporters throughout the tournament, were left heartbroken as their quest for a first AFCON crown in half a century came up agonisingly short.

Senegal shock Morocco to lift AFCON title with extra-time victory in Rabat

A multi-agency security team has dismantled a network of suspected cybercrime centers operating in multiple suburbs of Greater Accra, resulting in the arrest of 53 Nigerian nationals.The operation, coordinated across January 16th and 17th, 2026, was initiated by actionable intelligence from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA).The intel revealed that young men were allegedly being exploited and coerced into various cybercrimes by kingpins operating from residences in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tuba.A joint force comprising operatives from National Security, the CSA, the CID Headquarters, and the Police SWAT unit executed coordinated raids on the identified locations. During the operations, authorities made a critical distinction between suspects and potential victims.Nine (9) individuals were arrested as suspects, while forty-four (44) others, found operating laptops in their apartments, were categorized as rescued victims believed to have been lured under false pretences. A significant cache of equipment was seized, including 62 laptop computers, 52 assorted mobile phones, and two (2) pump-action guns."All the arrested individuals have been duly profiled and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for safekeeping and further investigations," stated Communications Minister Sam George in a post on January 18th detailing the operation.He issued a stern caution: "We caution foreign nationals invited to Ghana to verify claims made by their fellow nationals to lure them here."The Minister highlighted that this crackdown is part of an ongoing effort, noting that some individuals from previous operations have already been handed over to Nigerian authorities at the Seme border, while others are facing criminal prosecution in Ghanaian courts."Protecting Ghana's cyber image internationally is non-negotiable," Minister George asserted, commending the CSA and partner law enforcement agencies for their work.

53 arrested in major cybercrime ring bust in Accra

Africa’s political landscape remains defined by some of the world’s most enduring presidencies, where leaders have held power not for years, but for decades.While many of these figures first emerged promising reform, stability, and nation-building, their prolonged rule has increasingly drawn scrutiny over democratic backsliding, weakened institutions, and contested elections.Today, several African heads of state rank among the longest-serving leaders globally, raising critical questions about governance, constitutional manipulation, succession planning, and the future of democracy across the continent.This report examines the five oldest and longest-serving presidents who continue to shape their nations and Africa’s political trajectory with far-reaching consequences.<h2>Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea (45 Years in Power)</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/1768737255334-3yw0c30151l.jpg" alt="Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo " data-credit="Image via AFP" title="Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo " width="auto" height="auto"></div>Teodoro Obiang has ruled Equatorial Guinea since overthrowing his uncle in August 1979, making him the world’s longest-serving head of state outside a monarchy. Now 82, Obiang presides over an oil-rich nation where immense natural wealth contrasts sharply with widespread poverty.Key characteristics of his rule include:<ul><li>Entrenched authoritarian governance and severe human rights violations</li><li>Concentration of power and wealth within his family, including his son and vice president, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue</li><li>Elections often yielding improbable results, with vote shares exceeding 90 per cent</li><li>International investigations into corruption, asset laundering, and illicit enrichment</li></ul>Despite enormous oil revenues since the 1990s, development remains limited, and inequality is among the highest in Africa.<h2>Paul Biya – Cameroon (42 Years in Power)</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/1768737392422-1f6ol6t62ii.webp" alt="Cameroonian President Paul Biya on the sidelines of the second Russia Africa summit in St Petersburg, 28 July 2023. © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS/SIPA PRESS" data-credit="Cameroonian President Paul Biya on the sidelines of the second Russia Africa summit in St Petersburg, 28 July 2023. © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS/SIPA PRESS" title="Cameroonian President Paul Biya on the sidelines of the second Russia Africa summit in St Petersburg, 28 July 2023. © Kirill Kukhmar/TASS/SIPA PRESS" width="auto" height="auto"></div>At 91 years old, Paul Biya is the world’s oldest sitting president. He ascended to power in 1982 after serving as prime minister for seven years. Over four decades later, Biya’s rule remains highly centralised and resistant to political reform.His tenure has been defined by:<ul><li>A 2008 constitutional amendment abolishing term limits</li><li>Persistent allegations of corruption and mismanagement</li><li>The protracted Anglophone conflict, which has destabilised English-speaking regions since 2016</li><li>Limited civic space for opposition parties and media</li></ul>Although frequently absent from public view, Biya maintains tight control over state institutions and won re-election in 2018 with an official 71 percent of the vote.<h2>Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – Uganda (40 Years in Power)</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/1768737455933-gws5rdm883u.jpg" alt="Yoweri Kaguta Museveni " data-credit="Yoweri Kaguta Museveni " title="Yoweri Kaguta Museveni " width="auto" height="auto"></div>Yoweri Museveni, 81, is one of Africa’s most enduring leaders, having first taken power in January 1986 after a protracted bush war. His rise brought relative stability following years of violent upheaval, but his prolonged rule has increasingly drawn criticism.Museveni has sustained his tenure through key constitutional changes:<ul><li>Removal of presidential term limits in 2005</li><li>Abolition of the 75-year age limit in 2017</li></ul>Most recently, Museveni secured a seventh term in the January 2026 general elections, winning 71.65 per cent of the vote. The election was marked by an internet shutdown, harassment of opposition groups, and allegations of electoral irregularities. His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), rejected the results.While Museveni’s supporters highlight decades of stability and infrastructure development, critics point to shrinking democratic space, military dominance in politics, and systematic suppression of dissent.Speculation continues around succession, especially regarding his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who holds significant influence within Uganda’s security architecture.<h2>Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of Congo (39 Years in Power, 27 Consecutive)</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/1768737532262-k1919py8m8j.jpg" alt="Denis Sassou Nguesso " data-credit="Denis Sassou Nguesso " title="Denis Sassou Nguesso " width="auto" height="auto"></div>Denis Sassou Nguesso first led the Republic of Congo from 1979 to 1992 before returning to power in 1997 through a civil war victory. Now 81, he has since entrenched his authority through constitutional changes and repeated electoral victories.Key features of his governance include:<ul><li>A 2015 referendum enabling him to bypass age and term limits</li><li>Heavy dependence on oil revenue with limited economic diversification</li><li>Persistent allegations of corruption and public fund mismanagement</li><li>Restricted media freedoms and tightly controlled elections</li></ul>Despite significant natural resources, Congo-Brazzaville continues to grapple with economic inequality and weak public institutions.<h2>Isaias Afwerki – Eritrea (31 Years in Power)</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/1768742888469-9cklc75e74d.webp" alt="Isaias Afwerki during a joint press conference at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya on Feb. 9.Photographer: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images" data-credit="Isaias Afwerki during a joint press conference at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya on Feb. 9.Photographer: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images" title="Isaias Afwerki during a joint press conference at the State House in Nairobi, Kenya on Feb. 9.Photographer: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty Images" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Isaias Afwerki has ruled Eritrea with absolute authority since the country gained independence in 1993. Now 78, he presides over one of the world’s most closed and militarised states.Characteristics of Afwerki’s rule include:<ul><li>No national elections held since independence</li><li>Absence of an implemented constitution despite ratification in 1997</li><li>Indefinite national service programme described by critics as forced labour</li><li>Harsh restrictions on media, civil liberties, and religious freedoms</li><li>High levels of emigration as citizens flee political repression</li></ul>Eritrea remains among the lowest-ranked countries for press freedom and human rights globally.<h2>Common Threads Across These Regimes</h2>Despite their diverse national contexts, these long-serving presidents share several trends:<h3>1. Constitutional Engineering</h3>Most have amended their constitutions—removing term or age limits—to legally prolong their rule.<h3>2. Weak Institutional Checks</h3>Judiciaries, parliaments, and electoral bodies often lack independence, enabling executive dominance.<h3>3. Resource Wealth Without Broad Development</h3>Oil-rich nations like Equatorial Guinea and Congo continue to experience high poverty and inequality.<h3>4. Limited Civic and Political Space</h3>Opposition figures, journalists, and civil society groups frequently face intimidation, arrest, or violence.<h3>5. Uncertain Succession Plans</h3>With most leaders advanced in age, concerns persist about stability when transitions eventually occur.<h3>6. Complex International Ties</h3>Despite governance issues, many maintain strong alliances due to strategic interests such as energy, security, and counterterrorism.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Africa’s longest-serving presidents represent a generation of leaders who came to power amid instability but have remained through entrenched political systems rather than democratic renewal. Their extended rule continues to shape political debates across the continent, energising youth movements, civil society organisations, and pro-democracy advocates pushing for term limits, stronger institutions, and peaceful transitions of power.As demographic pressures, economic challenges, and social aspirations evolve, the coming years will determine how African states navigate leadership change—peacefully or through political upheaval.

Top 5 Oldest and Longest-Serving Presidents in Africa

A student, Regan Kwesi Egbe Addo, also known as Morgan Addo, has been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly withdrawing GH¢24,849 from two GCB Bank customers’ accounts without authorisation.According to a report by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Addo faces two counts of stealing in separate cases and has pleaded not guilty.Prosecuting officer Chief Inspector Christopher Wonder told the court that the first incident occurred on September 17, 2025, when Addo allegedly disguised himself as a GCB Bank staff member at the Ministries ATM in Accra.The accused purportedly instructed the victim to accompany him to the Société Générale Ghana Bank branch at Premier Towers, where he stood behind the complainant during a transaction, observed the personal identification number (PIN), and later offered to “clean” the ATM card. He allegedly swapped the card in the process.Chief Inspector Wonder said Addo proceeded to make unauthorised withdrawals totalling GH¢14,949, using the victim’s card across Accra—including at Kempinski Hotel and the Shell Fuel Station at Airport City. CCTV reviews at GCB Bank reportedly traced the movements of both Addo and the complainant.In a second case, the prosecution stated that Addo employed the same method on December 23, 2025, to steal GH¢9,900 from a female GCB customer, who works with the Ministry of Fisheries. The withdrawal was made around 4:40 p.m.The woman later filed a complaint after seeing Addo’s name circulated by police as a suspect in ongoing ATM card theft investigations within the Accra Central Division.The court has granted Addo bail and scheduled a case management conference for March 11, 2026. The trial judge ordered the prosecution to provide witness statements and full disclosures before the next hearing.

Student faces court over GH¢24K theft

Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has assured commuters that the government has begun plans to procure high-occupancy buses to help address the worsening transport challenges.She gave the assurance during a high-level meeting with driver unions, as well as the Ministers for Transport and Local Government, aimed at finding a lasting solution to the current transport crisis affecting the capital and other urban centres.She revealed that President John Mahama has directed that support be extended to Metro Mass Transit, Aayalolo, and private transport operators through the provision of new buses.“In this vein, His Excellency the President has asked me to assure all of you that he will give support to Metro Mass, Aayalolo and the private sector with new high-occupancy buses in order to augment services in the medium term,” the Vice President stated.According to the Vice President, the planned procurement will help strengthen both state-owned transport companies and the private sector, which together carry the bulk of daily commuters.She said the move is part of the government’s broader effort to reduce pressure on the transport system and improve mobility for the public.At the meeting, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, expressed concern about the deteriorating state of public transport, blaming it largely on years of neglect and lack of investment in new vehicles.The Ministry of Transport and their agencies like Intercity STC and Metro Mass Transit Limited, and by extension Ayalolo under the Ministry of Local Government, have not seen any retooling of their vehicles,” he said.He explained that the absence of new buses has placed enormous pressure on the few vehicles currently in operation. “This has brought pressure on the few vehicles that they are operating,” he said.Mr Nikpe also pointed to challenges within the private transport sector, noting that many operators have struggled to renew their fleets over the years.The private sector also, over the years, has not been able to renew the fleet they operate,” he said, adding that increasing activities on major routes have worsened congestion and delays.“With a lot of activities on our routes, congestion and delays in movement, it has become so difficult for us to control and manage our traffic situation,” he said.However, the Transport Minister said the government is ready to take action to reverse the trend.The good news is that government is willing and prepared to retool our transport companies like the Intercity STC, the Metro Mass Transit Limited and Ayalolo under the Ministry of Local Government,” he said.

Gov’ t to support Metro Mass, Aayalolo and private sector with high-occupancy buses – Prof Opoku-Agyemang

IMANI Africa President, Franklin Cudjoe, has criticised the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government over delays in completing major road projects, including the Ofankor–Nsawam and Cape Coast roads, describing the situation as “unconscionable.”His comments come at a time when a scarcity of commercial vehicles has resulted in long queues, commuter frustration, and, in some cases, the exploitation of passengers by drivers.Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline google-anno" href="https://citinewsroom.com/2026/01/franklin-cudjoe-slams-akufo-addo-govt-for-stalled-roads-transport-chaos/#">&nbsp;TV</a>’s The Big Issue on Saturday, Mr Cudjoe blamed the Akufo-Addo administration for contributing to the current transport difficulties, arguing that the timely completion of major road projects would have helped ease the situation.He attributed the transport challenges largely to the poor state of the road network, as well as prolonged delays in road rehabilitation and the construction of new roads.According to him, the extended delays on critical routes such as the Cape Coast and Ofankor–Nsawam roads have caused significant discomfort for motorists and commuters alike.“The road network is also a big problem, a huge problem. Look at how long it is taking us to construct the Ofankor-Nsawam road; it’s beyond comprehension. I have never understood how we do things here. The previous government, money was allocated money to fast-track the work, but in the wisdom of the government, they thought that let’s not use all the money to construct such a major road, but let’s do small roads. Give some to some people and just chop the money. I mean, it’s unconscionable. We don’t think,” he said.Mr Cudjoe further accused the former government of mismanaging funds earmarked for the Ofankor–Nsawam project, insisting the road should have been completed long ago to reduce pressure on the corridor.“They shared the money like toffees. There was a deliberate attempt to destroy our public sector infrastructure, and it’s all because of corruption. The things we do as elite is so unconscionable, we should have finished that road long ago.“What kind of wicked people are these? Why do you do this to your country? The Ofankor-Nsawam road should have been done after former President Kufuor’s tenure. Look at the Cape-Coast road. It’s not fair, I think it’s deliberate and wickedness,” he said.He urged the Mahama administration to prioritise road infrastructure as a way of addressing the country’s transportation challenges.“The state should rather focus on fixing the roads, making roads motorable,” he suggested.Meanwhile, Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has assured the public that the government is taking concrete steps to address the recent transport challenges confronting commuters across the country.

Franklin Cudjoe slams Akufo-Addo gov’t for stalled roads, transport chaos

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, one of the presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), says Ghanaians are yearning for a new kind of politics anchored on ideas, solutions and national development.He made the remarks on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 17, where he shared his thoughts on the future direction of Ghana’s politics and leadership.According to Dr. Adutwum, the electorate is increasingly demanding politics that is responsive to their everyday needs and focused on practical outcomes.“Ghanaians want a different kind of politics — one that is about problem-solving, competence and delivering results for the people,” he said, stressing that political leadership must be purposeful and people-centred.The NPP presidential hopeful noted that leadership should be driven by a clear vision and commitment to national progress rather than rhetoric.He explained that the next phase of Ghana’s development will require leaders who understand policy, innovation and governance.“We must move the conversation towards ideas that can transform lives and strengthen our country,” Dr Adutwum stated during the discussion.Dr Adutwum added that his decision to contest the NPP flagbearership is rooted in his belief that Ghana needs forward-looking leadership capable of responding to current and future challenges.He said his engagement with party members and the wider public has reinforced his conviction that many Ghanaians are ready for a renewed political culture focused on development, accountability and national unity.The New Patriotic Party (NPP) internal race is currently focused on selecting a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections, with a national primary scheduled for January 31, 2026. This election follows the party's 2024 defeat and is seen as a critical moment for reorganization and leadership definition.&nbsp;

Ghanaians want a new politics of ideas and solutions – Adutwum

Former Chief Executive of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, has been arrested and placed in custody in the United States following the execution of an extradition request issued by Ghana.A statement from Victor Emmanuel Smith confirms that Tamakloe-Attionu is currently being held at the Nevada Southern Detention Centre, located at 2190 East Mesquite Avenue, Pahrump, Nevada.According to the release, she was arrested by U.S. Marshals on January 6, 2026, and has remained in detention since. Her arrest was triggered by a formal extradition request submitted to U.S. authorities in July 2024.She will remain in custody while U.S. courts begin proceedings to determine whether she will be returned to Ghana to serve her sentence. The development marks a major milestone in a high-profile legal case involving cross-border law enforcement cooperation.At present, no details have been provided regarding court dates or the scope of the legal issues the extradition hearing will cover. However, the detention confirms that U.S. authorities have formally acted on Ghana’s request, moving the matter into the judicial process.<h2>Background</h2>Tamakloe-Attionu was handed a 10-year prison sentence on April 16, 2024, after being convicted of embezzling GH¢3.19 million and causing a financial loss of GH¢90 million to the state during her time at MASLOC.Former MASLOC Chief Operating Officer Daniel Axim was also sentenced—receiving five years with hard labour. The pair were convicted on 78 charges, including causing financial loss to the state, conspiracy, theft, money laundering and violating public procurement rules.The case, which began in 2019 and involved testimony from six prosecution witnesses, proceeded without Tamakloe-Attionu after she left the country under the pretext of seeking medical care and failed to return. Axim testified in person but did not call any witnesses in his defence.Court findings revealed that the two unlawfully diverted state funds between 2013 and 2016. These included:<ul><li>withdrawing GH¢500,000 from Obaatampa Savings &amp; Loans under questionable terms,</li><li>misappropriating more than GH¢1.7 million earmarked for public sensitisation programmes,</li><li>failing to fully distribute funds meant for fire victims at Kantamanso, and</li><li>authorising vehicle and Samsung phone purchases well above prevailing market prices.</li></ul>In a related development, the Supreme Court on January 14 granted Axim bail of GH¢500,000 pending the determination of his appeal. His legal team filed for bail after he served nearly two years of his five-year sentence while the appeal process stalled.

Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu arrested in the U.S. after Ghana’s extradition request

Airbus Helicopters has announced the signing of a contract with Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of four helicopters, marking the company’s renewed engagement in the Ghanaian market with a commitment to sustained collaboration and enhanced customer support.Neither Airbus nor the government has disclosed the value of the procurement.The order comprises two H175M helicopters, one ACH175, and one ACH160. According to Airbus, the H175M units will serve as multi-role platforms capable of supporting troop and cargo transport, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, and humanitarian or disaster-relief operations. The ACH175 and ACH160 are expected to be deployed primarily for transport duties.Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and the Middle East at Airbus Helicopters, described the agreement as a clear demonstration of Ghana’s renewed strategic alignment with the manufacturer. He added that Ghana’s adoption of the H175M underscores the model’s adaptability across defence and security operations, while also positioning the country as a key regional operator of Airbus’ premium corporate helicopter line.The H175, operational since 2014, is classified as a super-medium helicopter, engineered to deliver long-range performance, strong payload capacity and superior flight comfort. It is configured for a wide variety of missions, including military and public-service roles, offshore operations, private aviation, and emergency response assignments.Meanwhile, the ACH160, the latest member of the Airbus Corporate Helicopters portfolio, is widely recognised as the most technologically advanced helicopter currently available. The aircraft integrates 68 patented innovations and provides up to 20 per cent more cabin volume per passenger than earlier-generation medium twin models, complemented by significantly larger windows that offer the brightest cabin environment in its class.

Ghana orders 4 helicopters for defence and transport operations

The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, marking a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing tightening of immigration controls.The freeze, which takes effect on January 21, applies to immigrant visa categories — including those for family reunification and employment. The pause will not affect nonimmigrant visas such as tourist, business or student visas, meaning individuals planning travel to the US, including for the World Cup later this year, are not directly impacted.Among the countries affected are Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia and Russia, alongside dozens of other nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.The action follows directives issued last year requiring intensified scrutiny under the “public charge” rule — a provision of US immigration law aimed at preventing applications from individuals deemed likely to depend on government assistance.“The State Department will use its authority to prevent potential immigrants who would become a public charge and exploit the generosity of the American people,” spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Wednesday. He added that the pause will remain in effect while officials reassess processing procedures to deter entrants considered likely to claim welfare or public benefits.Many countries included in the suspension overlap with those previously listed under expanded US travel restrictions.The full list covers 75 nations, including Afghanistan, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Cuba, Morocco, Brazil, Russia, Colombia, Somalia, Ethiopia, and others across every region where the US maintains diplomatic relations.The State Department has not indicated when immigrant visa processing for these countries may resume.<h2>Full List of Countries</h2>Afghanistan Albania Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Armenia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Bhutan Bosnia Brazil Burma (Myanmar) Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Colombia Côte d’Ivoire Cuba Democratic Republic of the Congo Dominica Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji Gambia Georgia Ghana Grenada Guatemala Guinea Haiti Iran Iraq Jamaica Jordan Kazakhstan Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Liberia Libya Macedonia (North Macedonia) Moldova Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Nepal Nicaragua Nigeria Pakistan Republic of the Congo Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Tanzania Thailand Togo Tunisia Uganda Uruguay Uzbekistan Yemen

U.S halts immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria – See full list

Antoine Semenyo says he is thriving at Manchester City after scoring in a decisive 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of the 2026 EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.Pep Guardiola’s side leave St James’ Park with a commanding advantage, thanks to influential second-half performances and a late killer blow that puts the holders on the brink of another Wembley appearance.After a cagey opening 45 minutes that produced minimal opportunities, City came alive after the restart and asserted full control. Their breakthrough came eight minutes into the second half when Jeremy Doku’s bursting run down the left carved open Newcastle’s defence. His cut-back was nudged on by Bernardo Silva before Semenyo reacted sharply to convert from close range.The Ghana international thought he had doubled City’s lead minutes later, flicking Tijjani Reijnders’ corner beyond Nick Pope, but VAR intervened and ruled the effort out following a marginal offside against Erling Haaland in the buildup.Newcastle struggled to carve clear openings despite a spirited response. Eddie Howe’s men registered 0.64 expected goals on the night, with Bruno Guimaraes striking the post and efforts from Yoane Wissa, Sven Botman and Maximilian Woltemade coming close to restoring parity.City continued to threaten in transition, with Reijnders, Silva and Rayan Cherki all forcing Pope into key saves. Their pressure finally told deep into stoppage time. A sharp exchange between Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri sliced through a stretched back line, and the young attacker calmly slotted home to secure City’s two-goal cushion.The champions now take a significant advantage into next month’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Newcastle with a mountain to climb if they hope to defend their trophy and return to Wembley.Speaking after the match, Semenyo praised the atmosphere and standards at his new club.“The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting to achieve the best,” he told Sky Sports. “I have come into that, and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome.”“It’s been a lot, but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.”Semenyo added that his transition from Bournemouth has been seamless.“I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment.”With momentum building and confidence high, Manchester City appear firmly on course for another Wembley final — and Semenyo is determined to play his part.

Semenyo hails ‘perfect’ Man City environment after EFL game

Morocco are on course for their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years after edging past Nigeria in a tense semi-final, winning 4-2 on penalties in Rabat.The match was cagey from the outset, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Brahim Díaz flashed an early effort wide for Morocco, while Ademola Lookman’s strike for Nigeria was comfortably saved. Around the 30-minute mark, Adam Masina had a golden chance in the six-yard box but could not convert, and Díaz sent another attempt off target. Achraf Hakimi came close with a 22-yard free kick, only for the ball to strike the roof of the net. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was tested by a fierce Ismael Saibiari effort, keeping the Atlas Lions at bay.After a goalless first half, the second period saw both sides probing for an advantage. Raphael Onyedika’s effort for Nigeria went wide, while Abde Ezzalzouli was denied at the other end. As the minutes ticked by, chances became rare, with neither side willing to leave themselves exposed. Ezzalzouli had the only other notable attempt before full time, but Nwabali was equal to the strike.Extra time followed, with Morocco nearly taking the lead through Nayef Aguerd, whose header from a corner struck the outside of the post. Hamza Igamane’s efforts for Nigeria were also off target, while Neil El Aynaoui’s late long-range strike nearly sealed the match for the hosts. With neither side able to break the deadlock, a penalty shootout became necessary.Morocco gained an early advantage after Igamane’s strike was saved, and Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze missed his spot-kick, keeping the scores level. Both teams traded penalties before Achraf Hakimi converted for Morocco. Nigeria’s Bruno Onyemaechi was denied by Yassine Bounou, paving the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to seal victory with a decisive and emphatic finish.Morocco now awaits Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat, keeping alive hopes of ending a half-century wait for continental glory.

Morocco shoot flying Super Eagles of Nigeria to set AFCON final with Senegal

Referee Garcia’s final whistle confirmed one of the most remarkable results in recent Spanish football as Albacete secured a historic 3-2 victory over giants Real Madrid at Estadio Carlos Belmonte. The LaLiga 2 side produced a fearless performance, overcoming pressure and proving their mettle against one of Europe’s elite.Albacete drew first blood in the 42nd minute when Villar rose to head in Lazo’s precise corner. However, the lead was short-lived, as Real Madrid responded dramatically in stoppage time of the first half. Mastantuono capitalised on a lapse in concentration to fire home an equaliser, levelling the score 1-1 at the break.Undeterred, Albacete continued to absorb Madrid’s attacks in the second half before taking the lead once more in the 82nd minute. Betancor seized on defensive errors and unleashed a superb left-footed volley past Lunin, sending the home crowd into raptures.Madrid responded immediately, equalising again from a corner when Guler found Garcia, who finished with composure in the first minute of stoppage time. The match seemed destined for extra time, but Albacete had one more twist in store. In a breathtaking finale, Betancor raced clear and curled a sublime finish into the far corner, sealing a 3-2 victory and sparking scenes of jubilation.Despite registering just 0.65 expected goals (xG) to Madrid’s 1.32, the home side’s resilience and clinical finishing earned them a memorable triumph. Albacete now advance to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, where they will host Cadiz on Sunday. Real Madrid, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Levante.

Albacete stun Real Madrid to reach Copa del Rey quarter-finals

Sadio Mane once again proved to be Egypt’s tormentor as Senegal sealed their place in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final with a fully deserved 1-0 victory over the Pharaohs in Tangier.Mané, who famously delivered the decisive penalty against Egypt in both the 2022 AFCON final and the 2022 World Cup qualification play-off, produced another decisive moment. The forward beat Mohamed El Shenawy with a crisp, clinical strike to settle a tense, tightly contested semi-final.Egypt offered almost nothing in attack, failing to register a single shot until the 84th minute when Mostafa Mohamed sent a speculative effort well off target. Hossam Hassan’s conservative game plan—defending deep and hoping to counter—left his side blunt and ineffective.Senegal suffered a setback midway through the first half when captain Kalidou Koulibaly limped off injured. The defender had already been booked for a heavy challenge on Omar Marmoush, meaning he was suspended for the final regardless of fitness.Mohamed Salah spent most of the evening isolated, with Egypt unable to provide their captain any meaningful service. Senegal were not at their sharpest in the final third either, but their persistence eventually paid off.The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute. Lamine Camara’s long-range effort took a deflection and fell kindly to Mane, who struck a superb half-volley from outside the box, skimming the turf before nestling in the corner beyond El Shenawy.Senegal could have doubled their lead shortly after when Pape Gueye blazed over from a good position, but the single goal proved enough. Egypt never mounted a serious response, with their only moment of promise coming from a long-range strike by Marmoush that Edouard Mendy handled comfortably.Senegal now advance to the AFCON 2025 final, where they will face either Morocco or Nigeria, as they continue their quest for another continental crown.

Sadio Mane scores as Senegal eliminate record champions Egypt to reach the AFCON final

The case involving Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, took a major turn when prosecutors told the Gbese District Court that they could not continue with charges against two men previously linked to him. Here is a clear explanation of why the state dropped those charges and what it means for the ongoing extradition process.The State withdrew charges against Lord Eshun and Bernard Aidoo because investigations found no evidence linking either of them to the alleged romance fraud scheme. According to the prosecution, police enquiries did not uncover any communication, financial records, or actions suggesting that the men were involved. Once the investigators concluded that nothing tied them to the crime, the Attorney-General’s office had no lawful basis to keep them as accused persons.Initially, both men were added to the case because the law allows the state to include people who are suspected of working alongside a main suspect. Under the Extradition Act, prosecutors do not need full proof at the beginning of a case. They can provisionally charge individuals while investigations continue. In this situation, however, the completed investigations did not support moving forward with the charges, forcing the State to reconsider its stance.Even though prosecutors admitted they had no evidence, they asked the court for more time before formally removing the names from the charge sheet. They explained that the state needed to adjust its legal documents to reflect the new reality and follow the correct procedure. For that reason, the court was asked not to rule immediately, and the judge agreed to reserve a decision.The defence strongly challenged the state’s position. Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor argued that since the state no longer considers the two men involved, there is no legal basis to accuse Abu Trica of conspiracy. He explained that a conspiracy requires more than one participant. If the supposed partners have been cleared, it becomes legally impossible to continue accusing the remaining person of acting with others.The prosecution disagreed with the defence’s interpretation. They told the court that this stage of the case is about preparing for extradition, not proving guilt in a criminal trial. Under Ghana’s laws and its extradition treaty, the state can apply to keep the main suspect before the court while it completes diplomatic processes, even if others are discharged.In simple terms, the charges were withdrawn because there was no proof the two men played a role in the alleged scam. While this development raises new legal questions about the strength of the case, it does not automatically end the process against Abu Trica.The judge will now decide whether the extradition committal can continue with only one accused person remaining.

Why the state dropped charges against 2 of Abu Trica’s accomplices

Manchester City secured a valuable 2-0 away victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, striking twice after the break to put one foot in Wembley’s showpiece final. The holders were pushed to their limits at St James’ Park, but a combination of clinical finishing and resilient defending ensured Pep Guardiola’s side left Tyneside with a commanding advantage.The opening 45 minutes offered intensity but little cutting edge. Newcastle began on the front foot, pressing aggressively and carving out the best chance of the half when Jacob Murphy’s threaded pass released Yoane Wissa. The striker had only James Trafford to beat but skewed over wastefully with the goal at his mercy. Joelinton also went close with a glancing header, while City mustered just a pair of late corners before the break as the game drifted into a tactical, attritional battle.The semi-final exploded into life early in the second half. Moments after a lengthy stoppage for Jacob Ramsey’s head injury, Jeremy Doku produced the spark City needed. Surging from the left flank, the Belgian drove a low cross that Bernardo Silva deftly flicked across goal, leaving Antoine Semenyo with a simple tap-in from close range. The January signing has made an immediate impression and has now scored in both of his City appearances.Newcastle responded strongly. Gordon, Guimaraes and Wissa all forced saves from Trafford, the young goalkeeper producing a superb double stop to claw out a looping header before tipping Guimaraes’ rebound onto the post. The Magpies continued to probe, with substitutes Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga and Nick Woltemade adding fresh urgency.City thought they had put the tie beyond reach midway through the half when Semenyo cleverly back-heeled a second goal from a corner. However, a protracted four-minute VAR check ruled Erling Haaland to be interfering with Nick Pope’s line of sight, and the visitors’ celebrations were abruptly curtailed.The hosts went all out for an equaliser, committing bodies forward and stretching play wide. Yet as the pressure mounted, Guardiola’s side found room to counter, and their composure finally told deep into stoppage time.New signing Rayan Ait-Nouri made an instant impact after coming on in the 88th minute. Linking smartly with Rayan Cherki, the Algerian full-back exchanged a slick one-two in the box following Antoine Semenyo’s long throw. Cherki, revelling in his new No. 10 role, swept home a first-time finish into the bottom corner to seal the victory in the 98th minute.The goal—his second in two EFL Cup outings—gives City a commanding second-leg cushion and caps a growing contribution from the French attacker, who has now registered three goal involvements in the competition.Newcastle continued to fight until the final whistle, but Guardiola’s changes, game management and the clinical power of City’s frontline proved decisive.The tie now heads to the Etihad Stadium with the holders firmly in control. For Eddie Howe’s men, belief remains, but they will require a turnaround of significant proportions to prevent City from advancing to another domestic final.

Semenyo and Cherki score as Man City beat Newcastle in the EFL Cup

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has firmly dismissed reports suggesting he intends to leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisting instead that those undermining the party’s core values should consider departing.Speaking in a Tuesday interview on Asmepa FM’s Ekosisen programme with host O.B., Prof. Frimpong-Boateng clarified his stance following comments that sparked internal debate within the ruling party.“I’m not leaving the party. The fake ones should rather go,” he told the broadcaster, adding that he would not attend any invitation from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).<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: 56.0714%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F2093498338083147%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" 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>His remarks reaffirm his earlier criticism of NPP leadership and the party’s internal processes.Prof. Frimpong-Boateng specifically questioned the conduct of the party’s 2023 presidential primaries, suggesting that the process was marred by inducement, coercion, and undue influence on delegates.According to the former minister, these issues contributed to the party’s significant loss in the 2024 general elections and indicate deeper structural and ethical problems that need urgent attention.The NPP has responded decisively. On January 13, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong confirmed that the party had initiated constitutional procedures to expel Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, citing comments that allegedly undermined party unity, credibility, and values. The party rejected claims of malpractice in the 2023 primaries, asserting that the process was conducted fairly and transparently.In its official statement, the NPP stressed that due process would guide the disciplinary proceedings, in line with the party constitution. Leadership described Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s public remarks as “highly reprehensible and inimical to the values, unity, and integrity of the Party.”Prof. Frimpong-Boateng has been a vocal critic of the NPP’s direction for months, calling for internal reforms and greater accountability after electoral setbacks.His latest comments and the party’s threat of expulsion highlight growing tensions within the NPP as Ghana approaches its critical presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.

‘I’m not leaving the party’ - Prof. Frimpong-Boateng speaks out amid NPP tensions

A new global analysis has revealed that Islam will be the most visible religion on the Internet in 2025, with more than 31 million online searches every month, while Christians will remain the most active group on social media, generating over 11 million Instagram posts about their faith.The research, conducted by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.mycross.com/">MyCross</a>, examined the world’s leading belief systems to determine which religions command the largest online presence.The study assessed five indicators of visibility: global population size, monthly Google searches related to each religion, Instagram hashtag volume, queries linked to holy texts, and a YouTube Visibility Index based on the number of creators and religious content available on the platform.The findings show that online engagement around faith continues to expand rapidly, with YouTube now hosting more than 10 million videos related to religion as digital communities turn to streaming platforms to connect with younger audiences.Islam ranked first overall. More than 36 million people search for Islamic teachings each month, and 9.4 million Instagram posts showcase prayers, Ramadan observance and cultural traditions.Islamic content also dominates YouTube, where creators share Quran interpretations, history, and modern reflections on identity and belief.Christianity followed closely in second place. Over 21 million users search the internet for answers on Christian doctrine each month, and the Bible remains the most researched religious text globally, with 47 million monthly queries. On Instagram, more than 11 million posts capture church services, worship and spiritual experiences.Hinduism ranks third, driven by its one billion adherents and sustained digital engagement. About 3.4 million people search for Hindu teachings monthly, with Hindu creators active across YouTube and Instagram, where more than 200,000 posts highlight festivals and rituals.Buddhism placed fourth, with 530 million followers worldwide and 7.7 million monthly online searches, surpassing Hinduism in curiosity volume. More than 436,000 Instagram posts document meditation practices and its philosophy of mindfulness.Sikhism rounds out the top five, buoyed by exceptional search interest relative to its size—5.7 million monthly queries for a faith with 29 million adherents. Instagram hosts more than 1.9 million photos featuring Sikh identity, from turbans to gurdwara ceremonies.Judaism ranked sixth, drawing 4.9 million monthly searches and 1 million Instagram posts, while Jainism placed seventh with nearly one million monthly queries and 1.3 million social posts.Spiritism and Spiritualism follow closely, posting strong digital engagement driven by interest in life after death, mediumship and spiritual healing.Shintō placed ninth, and Zoroastrianism completed the top 10 despite having the fewest followers; more than 1.1 million people seek information about it each month.<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/1768319533150-16nej5rqocw.JPG" alt="Data" data-credit="Data" title="Data" width="auto" height="auto"></div>A spokesperson for MyCross said the findings reflect a major transformation: “Faith has always been about connection, and today that connection is increasingly digital. Religious communities are using social platforms to share their traditions, answer questions and stay visible to younger generations. Digital life has become an extension of spiritual life, shaping how billions engage with belief in the 21st century.”

The most influential religions in the world

Nigeria will lock horns with host nation Morocco on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, marking one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the tournament.The match features two of Africa’s best-performing sides and several elite players, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Achraf Hakimi, all of whom have played key roles in pushing their countries into the final four.Nigeria entered the competition with modest expectations after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, under head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have transformed into serious contenders, winning all five matches so far while playing dynamic, attacking football.Chelle’s men opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory against Tanzania before edging Tunisia 3-2 in a thriller that sealed early qualification. A rotated side defeated Uganda 3-1 in the final group fixture, followed by a 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, the Super Eagles produced their most complete performance yet, dispatching tournament favourites Algeria 2-0.Nigeria are the tournament’s highest scorers with 14 goals and have conceded only four, led by the firepower of Osimhen, Lookman and Alex Iwobi. Midfield control from Wilfred Ndidi and strong defensive reading by Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali have provided balance and stability.Morocco, the host nation, have been equally impressive, building their campaign on defensive structure and efficient finishing. The Atlas Lions topped Group A after beating Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0) and holding Mali to 1-1. A disciplined 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarter-finals showcased their ability to control games and punish mistakes.Walid Regragui’s side remain unbeaten in open play and have conceded just one goal all tournament. Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz has been their standout performer, scoring in five consecutive matches.History favours Morocco, who have won six of 11 meetings against Nigeria and dominated recent encounters.<h2>Prediction</h2>Nigeria’s attack will ask questions, but Morocco’s defensive organisation and home support may prove decisive.Verdict: Morocco 2-2 Nigeria.

AFCON 2025: Morocco vs Nigeria - Preview and prediction

The Gbese District Court has scheduled February 7, 2026, to determine whether social media personality Frederick Kumi, widely known online as Abu Trica, will be discharged from extradition proceedings initiated at the request of the United States government.Kumi, noted for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media, is wanted by U.S. authorities over alleged fraud offences involving false pretence. He is currently before the court under Ghana’s Extradition Act, 1960 (Act 22), which requires a determination on whether he should be surrendered to face trial abroad.The court fixed the ruling date after state prosecutors formally withdrew charges against two additional accused persons, Lord Eshun and Bernard Aidoo, who had been cited as accessories in a charge sheet filed on December 12, 2025.Prosecutors indicated that both men were arraigned under Section 6 of the Extradition Act as accessories but said the state needed time “to put its house in order.”Counsel for the two welcomed the withdrawal, insisting their clients should never have been brought before the court without provisional charges.Following the development, Abu Trica’s defence team, led by lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor, argued that their client must also be released. Barker-Vormawor contended that Kumi had been charged on two counts of conspiracy to defraud; however, the alleged co-conspirators had now been discharged, making it legally untenable to continue proceedings based on conspiracy.He maintained that no individual can be prosecuted alone for conspiracy where the supposed collaborators are neither before the court nor cited as fugitives.The Attorney-General’s office pushed back, noting that Kumi is not being tried in Ghana for the alleged offences but is instead subject to committal proceedings to determine whether extradition should proceed.Prosecutors further informed the court that they had filed a motion for stay of proceedings pending judicial review, insisting all outstanding processes must be resolved in accordance with Act 22 and Ghana’s extradition treaty obligations.After hearing submissions from both sides, the court declined requests to immediately discharge Kumi and adjourned the matter. The judge announced that a ruling would be delivered on February 7, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

Court sets February 7 ruling date in Abu Trica extradition case

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season. The former midfielder was spotted arriving at the club’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday, with an official announcement expected later in the day.Carrick, 44, has previous experience as caretaker manager at Old Trafford, overseeing an unbeaten three-game stint in 2021. The former United captain enjoyed a distinguished 12-year playing career at the club, winning 12 major trophies, and later moved into management with Middlesbrough in October 2022.During his first season in charge at Middlesbrough, Carrick guided the club to the Championship playoffs but was dismissed in June after finishing 10th in the league.United had also explored the possibility of reappointing former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before deciding on Carrick. The move comes following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week after a disappointing 14-month tenure.In the interim, caretaker boss Darren Fletcher managed a 2-2 draw against Burnley in the Premier League and a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup. United’s early exits from both domestic cup competitions, coupled with their absence from European football this season, mean the team will play just 40 matches—the fewest since the 1914/15 campaign.The Red Devils currently sit seventh in the Premier League, three points shy of the top four and one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. A top-four finish would secure a return to the Champions League, while finishing fifth may suffice due to strong performances by English clubs in European competitions this season.Carrick is expected to oversee his first match in charge on Saturday when United host local rivals Manchester City in a high-profile Premier League clash.

Manchester United set to appoint Michael Carrick as interim manager

Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has warned that re-electing former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would spell disaster for the party, describing such a move as a “trainwreck”.Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Monday, January 12, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng said the current state of the NPP no longer reflects the party he once knew and served.Prof. Frimpong-Boateng was particularly critical of the party’s internal electoral processes, alleging widespread malpractice during the selection of its last presidential candidate.“Look at how they elected their last flagbearer — twisting weak people’s hands, bribing delegates, intimidating others. This is the beginning of corruption, and this should not be allowed in any serious institution or any serious party,” he said.He argued that the party’s heavy electoral defeat has not been properly interrogated, warning that failing to address the root causes while presenting the same candidate again would be a grave mistake.“We lost the elections badly, and we did not deal with the issues that led to the losses, and we still want to go in there. I think that it will be a train wreck if we elect the old flagbearer,” he stressed.Despite his strong criticism, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng clarified that he harbours no personal animosity toward the former vice president. He described Dr Bawumia as a “nice person” but cautioned that personal traits alone are insufficient for leadership at the highest level. He further called on Dr Bawumia to clearly distance himself from individuals he said were responsible for the economic difficulties experienced under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo if he hopes to regain the confidence of the Ghanaian electorate.According to him, such a move would demonstrate independence and a break from past decisions that contributed to the country’s economic challenges.

Re-electing Bawumia as flagbearer would be a ‘trainwreck’ – Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has disclosed that five lecturers sponsored to pursue doctoral programmes abroad have failed to honour their bond obligations, resulting in a total debt of GH¢1.7 million owed to the institution.The revelation was made during a sitting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Monday, January 12, where the Registrar of GIMPA, Victoria Kumbuor, outlined the extent of the default and the measures being taken to recover the funds.According to GIMPA, Ann-Shirley Appiatse owes GH¢777,000, Julius Quarshie owes GH¢524,000, Dr Hanson Addy owes GH¢224,000, Afua Ataa Boakyewaa owes GH¢230,000, while Christiana Osei Bonsu has an outstanding amount of GH¢38,700.Ms Kumbuor told the committee that the institution has taken steps to enforce recovery, including freezing the entitlements of guarantors who backed the defaulting lecturers under the bonding arrangements.She explained that the measures form part of GIMPA’s broader efforts to safeguard public funds and ensure compliance with sponsorship agreements tied to staff development programmes.“The indebtedness has to do with sponsorships that the institute offered to some of our faculty to pursue PhD programmes, with the expectation that they would return to support the institute’s operations.“Even though they signed the bonds, some of them refused to return. As a result, a decision was made to freeze their entitlements, including their provident fund and credit scheme benefits, as well as those of their guarantors. We have been able to recover some of the money,” she said.

Five GIMPA lecturers cited for GH¢1.7m bond default

The Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Generators Ghana (IPGG), Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, has commended the government for making significant progress in settling long-standing energy sector debts, describing the move as a positive signal for stability in the power industry. His comments follow the Ministry of Finance’s announcement that as of December 31, 2025, the John Dramani Mahama administration had paid a total of US$1.47 billion toward rescuing and resetting the energy sector.This includes about US$393 million in legacy debts paid to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in 2025 alone, after the successful renegotiation of all IPP agreements to secure better value for money. Speaking on Citi Prime News, Dr. Apetorgbor praised the government for honoring its commitments, describing the engagement with IPPs as cooperative and constructive.He specifically lauded the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Energy for what he termed a display of good leadership in addressing the sector’s challenges. Providing further insight into the debt situation, Dr. Apetorgbor explained the impact of the renegotiation process and recent payments on outstanding liabilities.“At the beginning of 2025, our accounts show about US$1.82 billion. Out of that we have given up about US$300 million in the renegotiation, so that brought the actual debt to about US$1.5 billion.“Last year from June, up to the end of the year, government has disbursed close to US$400 million so I can say we have about US$1.1 billion to go. It is a process and I believe that government is committed to it to ensure full settlement. As part of the renegotiation, we have the understanding that this debt will be settled within three to four years. We are okay with that. We believe that this year a similar thing will be done.”He further noted that given the government’s current posture and policy direction, the likelihood of Independent Power Producers shutting down their plants has significantly reduced.He stressed that sustained commitment to monthly invoice payments and improved revenue collection by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) would be critical to preventing future debt build-up and ensuring long-term stability in the power sector.“They are very strict in ensuring that ECG collects more revenue and the Cash Waterfall is sure accurate and fair disbursement of the revenue collectors. The target is to ensure 100% settlement of the invoices that are presented every month so if this is committed to, we don’t expect debt accumulation again,” he stated.

IPPs commend gov’t for Energy sector debt payments

Real Madrid confirmed the exit of manager Xabi Alonso on January 12, 2026, bringing his tenure to an end less than a year after taking charge. His departure followed a high-stakes 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final. The announcement stunned fans, but it reflected mounting concerns around results, tactics, and dressing-room dynamics that ultimately led the club to act.<h3>1. Supercopa Defeat Was the Final Trigger</h3>Despite Real Madrid sitting second in La Liga and recording respectable overall results, the loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa was viewed as a crucial moment. The performance highlighted recurring flaws in big games and intensified doubts within the board about the direction of the team under Alonso.<h3>2. Strong Win Ratio Masked Performance Concerns</h3>Alonso posted a solid winning percentage during his brief spell, but Real Madrid struggled to deliver when it mattered most. The team’s inconsistency—particularly in decisive fixtures at home and in Europe—fell short of the relentless standards expected at the Bernabéu.<h3>3. Tactical Approach Failed to Take Hold</h3>Alonso joined Real Madrid looking to implement a system that brought him success at Bayer Leverkusen. However, adapting that model to a squad loaded with elite talent proved challenging. Observers pointed to tactical inflexibility, structural gaps at the back, and an attacking game plan that lacked cohesion against top teams.<h3>4. Growing Strain With Key Players</h3>Reports from within the camp suggested tension between Alonso and several influential squad members. Disagreements over tactical roles and player usage reportedly eroded unity and confidence, making it harder for the coach to assert control and maintain a harmonious dressing room.<h3>5. Injuries and Squad Instability Added Pressure</h3>A sequence of injuries to first-team regulars disrupted lineup consistency and forced constant reshuffling. The inability to field a stable team affected Real Madrid’s rhythm, further complicating efforts to implement Alonso’s preferred system.<h3>6. Club Framed Decision as Mutual</h3>Real Madrid publicly stated that Alonso’s departure was made “by mutual consent”. The club acknowledged his efforts and commitment but signalled a desire to move in a new direction to sustain its pursuit of trophies and uphold expectations at a club defined by relentless ambition.

Key reasons why Real Madrid sacked Xabi Alonso

The Ghana Card has been thrust back into the spotlight as a central weapon in the fight against financial crime, following a new directive aimed at tightening controls within the foreign exchange market.The Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) have jointly announced stricter compliance requirements mandating all foreign exchange bureaux to request a valid Ghana Card before conducting any business with customers.The directive forms part of the updated Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Financing of Terrorism and Combating Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Guidelines for exchange bureaux, which took immediate effect upon their rollout in September 2025.Authorities have long identified forex bureaux as high-risk channels routinely exploited for money laundering and illicit financial flows. According to regulators, requiring a Ghana Card noted as the primary identification document for financial transactions closes key loopholes while enhancing traceability and regulatory monitoring.The new framework strengthens obligations around Customer Due Diligence (CDD). All operators must display visible notices informing clients that no transaction will be processed without the presentation of a valid Ghana Card.For transactions of US$10,000 and above, bureaux are required to capture Ghana Card details and verify customer identity biometrically before proceeding.The directive also heightens scrutiny around Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). Operators must screen and flag PEP-related activity and file suspicious transaction reports with regulators within 24 hours.The Ghana Card continues to expand its role as the backbone of national identification, already compulsory across banking, telecommunications, and multiple public services, from passport issuance and driver licensing to business registration and vehicle insurance.Regulators say the additional enforcement measures reinforce the identification system’s increasingly critical role in protecting the financial sector and maintaining public trust.

Ghana Card becomes mandatory ID in new crackdown on money laundering

Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announces a comprehensive debt clearance programme, restoring the World Bank guarantee and settling obligations to gas suppliers and Independent Power Producers.Ghana's Ministry of Finance has disclosed that the government paid approximately $1.47 billion during the 2025 fiscal year to resolve outstanding energy sector obligations, marking a significant intervention to restore financial stability to the country's power industry.Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, in announcing the achievement, described the energy sector debt as one of the most serious risks to Ghana's financial stability that the Mahama administration inherited upon assuming office in January 2025.<h2>World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee Reinstated</h2>Central to the government's debt resolution strategy was the full repayment of $597.15 million, inclusive of interest, to restore the World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee facility. The repayment, completed by 31 December 2025, reinstated a guarantee that had been entirely depleted under the previous administration.The Partial Risk Guarantee, established in 2015 under the previous National Democratic Congress government, served as a critical financial instrument that facilitated nearly $8 billion in private sector investment into Ghana's energy sector through the Sankofa Gas Project. The facility was structured to guarantee payments to project partners ENI and Vitol in instances of payment shortfalls.According to the Finance Minister, the depletion of this guarantee represented a significant governance failure that compromised Ghana's standing with international financial partners.<h2>Gas Supply Arrears Cleared</h2>The government settled all outstanding gas invoices owed to ENI and Vitol for electricity generation between January and December 2025, with payments totalling approximately $480 million. These settlements have brought Ghana current on its contractual obligations to the Sankofa partners.The Ministry of Finance indicated that prudent financial management has enabled adequate budgetary provisions to ensure timely payments going forward.Additionally, the government has concluded constructive engagements with Tullow Oil and Jubilee Field partners, establishing a comprehensive payment roadmap for gas off-take. This arrangement is designed to support reliable electricity generation nationwide whilst accelerating industrial growth.The Finance Minister noted that engagements with upstream partners have already yielded increased gas production, guided by a strategic vision to rapidly expand domestic gas supply to meet growing energy demand and reduce dependence on expensive liquid fuels.<h2>Independent Power Producer Obligations Addressed</h2>As part of a broader energy sector restructuring, the administration settled approximately $393 million in legacy debts to Independent Power Producers during 2025. The government also successfully renegotiated all IPP agreements to secure improved value for money.The breakdown of IPP payments is as follows:<ul><li>Karpowership Ghana Co. Ltd – $120,000,000</li><li>Cenpower Generation Co. Ltd – $59,444,180</li><li>Sunon Asogli Ghana Ltd – $54,000,000</li><li>Early Power Ltd – $42,000,000</li><li>Twin City Energy (Amandi) – $37,986,534</li><li>AKSA Energy Limited – $30,000,000</li><li>Cenit Energy Ltd – $30,000,000</li><li>BXC Company Ltd – $10,560,000</li><li>Meinergy Technology – $8,820,000</li></ul>Total: $392,810,714<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: 162.2%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fatoforson2020%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0iet27scuePcWhRX2ag576LW7PFft1cbG6RJJKL9Hxk9H29eMr73t1nhsd7NALYLUl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="811" 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><h2>Sustained Payment Discipline</h2>Beyond clearing inherited arrears, the government has maintained currency on substantially all IPP invoices for 2025 through disciplined implementation of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism by the Ministry of Energy. The administration has committed to further improving payment performance across all IPP obligations.In his statement, Finance Minister Forson assured the public, industry stakeholders, and international partners that "the era of uncontrolled energy sector debt accumulation is over."The $1.47 billion debt clearance programme represents one of the most significant fiscal interventions in Ghana's energy sector in recent years, addressing structural payment challenges that had threatened the viability of the country's power generation capacity and its credibility with international financial institutions.

Gov't settles $1.47bn Energy Sector debt within first year in office

A blistering first half in Riyadh sees Barcelona and Real Madrid head into the break level at 2-2 after a frantic stoppage-time spell produced three goals and swung momentum wildly between the rivals.Barcelona dominated much of the opening period and took a deserved lead in the 36th minute. Fermín López won possession in midfield and threaded a perfect through ball to Raphinha, who atoned for an earlier miss by curling a precise left-footed finish into the far corner beyond Thibaut Courtois.Xavi’s men continued to control possession, stretching Madrid across midfield and forcing Courtois into several sharp saves, with Yamal and López both going close. Real struggled to build sustained attacks, registering just two shots on target before the interval.But everything changed in added time.First, Real Madrid stunned Barcelona in the 45+2 minute as Vinicius Jr produced a breathtaking solo equaliser. Receiving a square pass from Gonzalo Garcia near halfway, the Brazilian glided past Jules Kounde, split Pedri and Cubarsí on the edge of the area, and calmly slipped the ball past Joan Garcia to make it 1-1.Barcelona hit back almost immediately. Pedri picked the lock in midfield with a defence-splitting pass into Robert Lewandowski, who stretched to control before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Courtois to restore Barcelona’s lead at 2-1 in the 45+4 minute.Yet the drama was still not over. From a Madrid corner deep into stoppage time, Dean Huijsen powered a header that Raphinha could only deflect onto the bar. Gonzalo Garcia reacted quickest amid the chaos, poking a bouncing effort off the crossbar, onto the post, and over the line to level the match once again at 2-2.The whistle brought an end to an extraordinary few minutes that transformed the scoreline and the tone of the final.With Barcelona enjoying the possession edge and Real Madrid growing more dangerous in transition, the second half promises another thrilling chapter to an El Clásico worthy of a trophy.

HALF-TIME REPORT: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid – Four goals in chaos-filled Super Cup final

The legal walls appear to be closing in on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, as the government signals that his repatriation from the United States may be imminent.The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, provided a significant update on the detention of the former key minister of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo government, suggesting that the administrative machinery for his return to the jurisdiction is moving at an accelerated pace.Addressing the status of the former minister—who was picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this week— Dr Srem-Sai indicated that the stay of the former minister on American soil is effectively at an end.“Ofori-Atta could be back in Ghana sooner than expected,” Dr Srem-Sai declared on TV3 on Saturday, January 10, emphasising that the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney-General’s Department are not merely spectators but active participants in the unfolding case.One of the key details shared by the Deputy A-G was the clarification regarding Mr Ofori-Atta’s immigration status.While early reports suggested that the former minister’s visa had expired, Dr Srem-Sai revealed that the U.S. government had taken the proactive step of revoking his visa as far back as June 2025.Minister of Justice and Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine had confirmed this on Joy FM's Newsfile on the same day.This distinction is legally critical. An expiration is a passive end to a travel document; a revocation is an active cancellation, often triggered by a request from a foreign government or the discovery of disqualifying factors.“In June 2025, his visa was revoked; it’s not an expiration of the visa. The information we have is that his visa was revoked. So he has been living in America without a visa,” the Deputy A-G explained.He further noted that ICE’s intervention was the logical conclusion of this status: “ICE will not come for you unless you have visa issues; that is what has happened.”“We are keenly involved in this matter. We collaborate with law enforcement agencies in this matter,” Dr Srem-Sai affirmed.Mr Ofori-Atta’s anticipated return comes at a time when the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Attorney-General are preparing to prosecute high-profile cases involving the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal and the controversial National Cathedral project.The former minister had been in the U.S. seeking medical treatment, but his legal team—Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners—now faces the daunting task of preventing his immediate removal.While they argue that a "pending petition for adjustment of status" should protect him, Dr Srem-Sai’s revelations about a pre-existing revocation suggest that the U.S. government may have already decided on his status.

Ken Ofori-Atta could be in Ghana sooner than expected – Deputy AG reveals

Berekum Chelsea held Asante Kotoko to a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a tightly contested Ghana Premier League encounter.Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Kotoko were unable to break down a resolute Chelsea side in the Matchday 18 fixture. The Porcupine Warriors dominated proceedings at home but lacked the cutting edge in the final third, registering just three shots on target from 13 attempts.The stalemate leaves Kotoko six points adrift of the top of the table and extends a frustrating run of results following last weekend’s defeat to Swedru All Blacks.Chelsea, meanwhile, executed their game plan with discipline and composure. Compact in midfield and well organised defensively, the visitors limited Kotoko’s attacking threat for long periods, even after head coach Samuel Boadu was sent off during the match. Their structure held firm as they absorbed pressure and looked to threaten on the counterattack.Although they saw less of the ball, Chelsea matched Kotoko with three shots on target and created moments of danger on the break. Kotoko finished the game with 56 per cent possession, seven corners and territorial dominance, but Chelsea’s defensive shape proved difficult to penetrate. The visitors ended the match with 44 per cent possession, six total shots and two corners.For Berekum Chelsea, who remain in the bottom three, the draw provides a measure of encouragement after a challenging first round and represents a positive start to the second half of the season.

GPL: Berekum Chelsea hold Asante Kotoko to stalemate at Baba Yara Stadium

<h2>The financial decisions you make in the next 90 days could determine your wealth for the next decade.</h2>January feels different this year, doesn't it? The holiday spending hangover is real, but so is that familiar spark of possibility that comes with a fresh start. You're scrolling through your bank account, maybe wincing a little, wondering if this is finally the year you get your money right.Here's the truth: most people will make the same financial mistakes in 2026 that they made in 2025. They'll save "when they have more money." They'll start investing "once things settle down. "They'll pay off debt "after this one big purchase."But you're reading this, which means you're different. You're ready to actually do something.The five moves below aren't complicated, and they don't require you to become a finance expert overnight. What they do require is action. Not perfect action, just consistent action. Because the gap between people who build wealth and people who stay broke isn't intelligence or luck; it's simply making better decisions and sticking with them.Let's get started. <h2>1. Build a 6-Month Emergency Fund</h2>Forget the old advice about saving three months of expenses. The reality of today's job market demands more protection. The average job search now takes 5-6 months, which means your safety net needs to be bigger.Here's the math: if your monthly expenses total $3,000, you need $18,000 set aside. Sounds like a lot? Start small. Even $100 per pay cheque adds up to $2,600 in a year.The smart approach: Open a high-yield savings account offering 4-5% APY. Your emergency fund should actually earn you money while it sits there. Set up automatic transfers so you're saving before you have a chance to spend.When Maria lost her job last spring, her six-month fund meant she didn't panic. She took her time, found a better opportunity, and negotiated 25% higher pay. Without that cushion, she would have grabbed the first offer out of desperation.<h2>2. Max Out Retirement Contributions</h2>The 401(k) contribution limit jumped to $23,500 for 2026, and if you're 50 or older, you can add another $7,500. This isn't just about saving; it's about capturing free money if your employer matches.Let's say your company matches 50% up to 6% of your salary. On a $60,000 salary, that's $1,800 in free money annually. Not contributing enough to get the full match is literally refusing a pay raise.The compound effect: A 30-year-old putting away an extra $200 monthly will see roughly $250,000 more at retirement, assuming average market returns. That's the power of starting now.Simple strategy: Got a raise recently? Redirect the entire increase to your 401(k) before your lifestyle adjusts to it. You won't miss money you never saw, and your future self will be grateful.<h2>3. Crush High-Interest Debt</h2>Credit card interest rates hovering around 20-25% are quietly destroying your wealth. A $5,000 balance at 22% interest costs you $1,100 per year just to tread water.The balance transfer strategy: Cards offering 0% APR for 12-21 months let you pause interest completely. Transfer that $5,000 balance, pay $420 monthly during the promo period, and you're debt-free without throwing away $1,100 in interest.The consolidation approach: Multiple high-interest debts become unmanageable fast. A personal loan at 8-10% beats credit cards at 20%+. Consolidating $15,000 in credit card debt to a personal loan could save you $1,500-2,000 annually in interest.One critical rule: Don't refinance debt just to run up your cards again. Fix the spending habits first, or you'll end up in a deeper hole.Calculate what you're actually paying in interest each month. That number should motivate you to act now.<h2>4. Invest in Income-Boosting Skills</h2>Your earning power is your greatest asset. In 2026's AI-driven economy, the right skills can add $10,000-30,000 to your annual income.High-return investments:Data analysis and AI literacy courses cost $200-500 but position you for roles paying significantly more. Companies are desperate for people who understand how to work with these tools.Digital marketing skills let you freelance at $50-150 per hour. Small businesses need help with SEO, social media, and content strategy.Cloud computing and cybersecurity certifications typically result in 20-40% salary increases for IT professionals.Beyond technical skills: Negotiation training could earn you thousands in your next salary discussion. One negotiation workshop at $300 could net you a $5,000-10,000 higher starting salary.Consider this: Jake spent $1,200 on a data analytics bootcamp. Three months later, he leveraged his new certification to negotiate a $15,000 raise. His investment paid for itself in less than a month.<h2>5. Diversify Your Investments</h2>Your 401(k) is essential, but it shouldn't be your only wealth-building tool. Diversification protects you when one market struggles and creates multiple income streams.Treasury bonds and I-bonds: Government-backed, zero-risk investments that currently offer solid returns. I-Bonds specifically protect against inflation while earning interest.REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Own a piece of the real estate market without buying property. Start with as little as $100, earn dividends, and diversify beyond stocks.Taxable broking accounts: Once you've maxed retirement contributions, keep investing in low-cost index funds. Unlike 401(k)s, you can access this money anytime without penalties.HSA accounts: If you have a high-deductible health plan, your HSA is triple tax-advantaged. Money goes in tax-free, grows tax-free, and comes out tax-free for medical expenses. After 65, it works like a traditional IRA.Skip the temptation to chase crypto trends or "hot stocks". Real diversification means spreading money across proven asset classes that balance risk and reward.<h2>Your Action Plan</h2>This week: Open a high-yield savings account and schedule your first automatic transfer.This month: Increase your 401(k) contribution by 2% and list all debts by interest rate.This quarter: Complete one skill-building course and reach your first $2,000 in emergency savings.This year: build your full emergency fund, maximise retirement contributions, eliminate your highest-interest debt, and open an additional investment account.Financial freedom comes from consistent decisions, not perfect ones. Start with one move from this list. The momentum you build will carry you to the next step, then the next.The gap between where you are financially and where you want to be closes one decision at a time. Make 2026 the year you stopped planning and started doing.

5 money decisions that could change your life in 2026

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has expressed satisfaction with the inauguration of the new Governing Board of the Ghana Scholarship Authority, describing it as a significant step toward ending political interference and cronyism in the scholarship administration system. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Ministry of Education, led by the sector minister, Haruna Iddrisu, and his deputy, Dr Clement Apaak, officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the Ghana Scholarship Authority. The Board is composed of representatives from key sector ministries, the Attorney-General’s Department, the Association of Ghana Industries, the Students Loan Fund, civil society organisations in education, and the Authority’s Secretariat, as well as presidential nominees. Speaking in an interview with the media in the Upper East Region, Dr Apaak noted that the composition of the Board reflects a renewed commitment to transparency and fairness in the award of scholarships. “As Deputy Minister, I was pleased to witness this important step toward restoring public trust and ensuring that scholarships truly serve deserving students and support Ghana’s long-term human capital development,” he stated. Dr Apaak further emphasised that the new board is expected to strengthen governance, accountability, and efficiency within the Ghana Scholarship Authority.By: Ibrahim Abode

Deputy Minister for education hails newly inaugurated Ghana Scholarship Authority Board

Egypt maintained their chase for a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown with a pulsating 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast at Stade Adrar, a contest that delivered drama from start to finish.The Pharaohs wasted no time stamping their authority, opening the scoring inside four minutes. Emam Ashour’s seemingly misplaced pass turned into a moment of brilliance when Omar Marmoush battled through a 50-50 challenge and calmly slotted past Yahia Fofana to hand Egypt an early advantage.Ivory Coast responded with spirit and intensity, contesting every ball and forcing openings. Evann Guessand came agonisingly close to equalising, flashing a header just wide of the upright as the Elephants gained control of possession and territory.Despite the pressure, Egypt doubled their lead at 31 minutes. Mohamed Salah’s corner found defender Ramy Rabia, whose looping header sailed into the top corner to make it 2-0 and put the West Africans under real strain.The Elephants’ dominance finally yielded reward five minutes before the interval, as a whipped set-piece caused chaos and was inadvertently turned into his own net by Ahmed Fatouh, giving Ivory Coast a lifeline heading into the break.The goal injected belief, but their momentum was quickly halted after the restart. Just five minutes into the second period, Ashour squared for Salah, who showed trademark composure to guide the ball beyond Fofana and restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion.Guela Doué set up a tense finale with a scrappy finish from a corner as the Elephants surged forward in search of an equaliser. Yet despite controlling much of the second half and outplaying Egypt in spells, Ivory Coast failed to capitalise on their dominance.Egypt survived the late barrage to secure their passage to the semi-finals, leaving Ivory Coast ruing a performance full of promise but lacking the decisive edge.The Pharaohs will now meet Senegal on Wednesday as they continue their quest for continental glory.

Egypt beat Ivory Coast in a 5-goal thriller to set up clash with Senegal

Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over five-time champions Cameroon in Rabat, courtesy of goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari.Roared on by a passionate crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions made a blistering start, immediately forcing the Indomitable Lions onto the back foot with a series of dangerous deliveries into the penalty area.Cameroon captain Nouhou Tolo endured a busy opening spell, marshalling the defence to keep David Pagou’s side level in the early exchanges.Morocco’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 26th minute. Díaz, one of the stars of the tournament, reacted quickest to Ayoub El Kaabi’s headed knockdown, steering the ball past goalkeeper Devis Epassy for his fifth goal of the campaign. With momentum surging, Morocco came close to doubling their advantage before the break, as Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi both flashed efforts agonisingly wide.Cameroon emerged from halftime with renewed energy, dominating possession as they pushed for a response. Yet despite their control of the ball, Morocco continued to pose the greater attacking threat. Ezzalzouli went close again with a glancing header, while Cameroon’s frontline of Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Kofane struggled to influence proceedings, with substitute Georges-Kévin Nkoudou heading wide from close range.Morocco’s disciplined defensive display set the stage for a decisive second strike. With 16 minutes remaining, Ezzalzouli whipped a precise cross into the area where Saibari controlled it brilliantly before dispatching a composed left-footed finish into the far corner, sealing the result and extinguishing any hopes of a Cameroonian comeback.The Atlas Lions professionally managed the closing stages to secure their spot in the final four, where they will face either Nigeria or Algeria. The win also extends Morocco’s remarkable unbeaten run to 22 matches (W20, D2), reinforcing their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

Morocco cruise past Cameroon to reach AFCON semi-finals

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a 10 per cent increase in pension payments for 2026, following consultation with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA).Under the new arrangement, all pensioners will receive a 6 per cent fixed increase, with the remaining 4 per cent redistributed to benefit retirees at the lower end of the payment scale. This approach is designed to provide larger effective increases for those receiving smaller pensions.Pensioners currently receiving the minimum monthly payment of GH¢300.00 will see their pensions rise to GH¢409.56 in 2026, representing a remarkable 36.52 per cent increase well above the general indexation rate.Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, SSNIT’s Chief Actuary, Evelyn Adjei, noted, “SSNIT has also raised the minimum monthly pension for new retirees from GH¢300.00 to GH¢400.00, reinforcing the pension floor across the scheme.”Ms Adjei explained that the 2026 adjustments considered several factors, including salary growth among active contributors, projected inflation of 8 ± 2 per cent by the end of 2025, and the long-term sustainability of the fund.While higher-income pensioners will see increases closer to the full 10 per cent, lower-income retirees stand to benefit most from the flat redistribution and the strengthened minimum pension, she added.

SSNIT increases 2026 pensions by 10% and raises minimum payments

Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has boldly declared that his best football is still ahead of him after completing a high-profile move from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City in the English Premier League.The Citizens confirmed the signing of the 26-year-old, who has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. Semenyo’s transfer also made him the most expensive Ghanaian player in history, with a record fee of €64 million.Speaking to the club, Semenyo expressed his ambition and excitement about joining the Premier League champions."My best football is yet to cocome; am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season," he said.He added, “I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.”Reflecting on the appeal of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola’s management, Semenyo said: "I have watched City over the last decade under Pep Guardiola, and they have been the dominant team in the Premier League as well as achieving amazing things in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup."

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