FIFA has confirmed that Somali match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States — a development that has raised fresh concerns about the impact of Washington's travel restrictions on the tournament.The United States Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Monday that Artan was refused entry after arriving in South Florida on Saturday. The decision effectively ends his participation in the tournament before it properly begins.In a statement on Monday, a FIFA spokesperson said, as quoted by The Athletic:"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States."FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present."In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."FIFA's statement makes clear that the governing body has no authority over the immigration decisions of host nations — effectively distancing itself from a situation that has drawn significant attention ahead of the tournament.Who Is Omar Artan?Omar Abdulkadir Artan is a seasoned football official who became a FIFA-accredited referee in 2018. He has served as an official in the Somali National Football League and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations – one of the continent's most prestigious international tournaments. His selection for the 2026 World Cup had represented a landmark moment for Somali football.Trump Travel Ban in the SpotlightSomalia is among the countries on President Donald Trump's travel ban list – a policy that critics argue is having tangible consequences beyond politics and into the world of sports. Trump has repeatedly made disparaging remarks about Somalia and its people. Artan's case now puts the intersection of US immigration policy and international football firmly in the spotlight, with questions growing about how Washington's restrictions could affect other officials, players and visitors connected to the tournament.The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — making the US the primary entry point for the vast majority of participants and fans. Artan's case is unlikely to be the last time the host nation's immigration policies make headlines before the final whistle is blown.

Confirmed: Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

More than 150 Malawian nationals are set to arrive home by road on Monday after being repatriated from South Africa, as a growing xenophobia crisis forces several African governments to evacuate their citizens from the country.The Malawian government confirmed the repatriation in a statement from Lilongwe, saying the group were among a number of foreign nationals who had sought refuge in temporary camps in Mossel Bay, a coastal town in South Africa's Western Cape Province. The move follows a wave of violence in the region, including door-to-door intimidation of foreign nationals and the deaths of two Mozambicans in Mossel Bay just over a week ago.Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have all launched evacuation efforts of their own, with governments citing serious concerns about the safety of their citizens on South African soil.Ramaphosa Moves to Cool TensionsSouth African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday, announcing a package of new measures to crack down on illegal migration — including speeding up the deportation of undocumented migrants. However, he also issued a firm warning to South Africans against vigilante action, saying there was "no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance" in the country.Anti-migrant groups have been pressuring undocumented foreigners to leave, setting 30 June as a self-imposed deadline — a development that has alarmed governments across the continent and triggered the wave of organised evacuations now underway.Zimbabwe and Ghana Move FastA group of 74 Zimbabweans arrived home on Sunday after being transported from Mossel Bay in buses organised by the Zimbabwean government. Among them were families with young children who said they had fled the Western Cape fearing for their lives.Ghana moved even earlier. At the end of last month, Accra organised a repatriation flight from Johannesburg for nearly 300 Ghanaian nationals. A further group of approximately 680 Ghanaians arrived in Accra at the weekend, bringing the total number of returnees into the hundreds.Diplomatic Fallout Between Ghana and South AfricaThe crisis has sparked a sharp diplomatic exchange between Accra and Pretoria. On Saturday, South Africa's foreign minister Ronald Lamola publicly accused his Ghanaian counterpart of spreading misinformation about the situation, describing comments made by Ghana's foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in an interview with Joy News as "deeply disappointing".Ablakwa had told the Accra-based station that he was proud of the solidarity Ghanaians had shown toward their fellow nationals, raised concerns about reports of foreigners being killed in attacks, and called on the African Union to investigate the situation. He also said Ghana had formally requested that South Africa compensate repatriated Ghanaians for property left behind.Lamola pushed back on several of Ablakwa's claims. He disputed reports that two Nigerians and five Mozambicans had died in separate acts of violence and said his government had "no information of that nature whatsoever" regarding Ghanaians receiving hospital treatment following attacks.Nigeria Postpones Evacuation FlightNigeria, which has over 500 citizens already screened and cleared for return, postponed its first planned evacuation flight — initially scheduled for Monday — to Wednesday. Foreign affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa cited "unforeseen logistical considerations" for the delay.President Bola Tinubu has approved a total of five evacuation flights, with screening and registration of affected Nigerians extended to Wednesday as authorities continue processing applicants. The first flight was due to carry 270 citizens home.South Africa Looks to Receiving Countries to Cover Deportation CostsAs part of the wider government response, South Africa's Deputy Home Affairs Minister Njabulo Nzuza revealed on Radio 702 that Pretoria is now exploring asking receiving countries to contribute to the cost of deporting undocumented migrants — a move that is likely to add further strain to already tense diplomatic relations across the region.The crisis shows no sign of easing. With a self-imposed migrant deadline looming, evacuation flights still in progress, and a diplomatic spat between two of West Africa's biggest economies now in the open, the pressure on South Africa to demonstrate that it can protect foreign nationals on its soil is intensifying by the day.

Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe repatriate citizens as South Africa xenophobia crisis deepens

Florentino Perez has been re-elected as Real Madrid president after defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme in the club's first contested presidential election in two decades.The vote marked a significant departure from recent tradition—Perez had been returned unopposed in each of Madrid's previous five electoral cycles, held in 2009, 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025. Around 100,000 club members were eligible to cast their ballots, with Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur, emerging as the sole challenger.Why Was the Election Called?The election was called by Perez himself despite holding an active mandate until 2029. In a rare press conference on May 12, the 79-year-old took aim at what he described as forces working against him "in the shadows," claiming there was an organized campaign to remove him from office. The move was widely seen as a bid to shore up his authority following back-to-back seasons without a major trophy—the club's worst such run in recent memory.Perez's Presidential HistoryPerez is the longest-serving president in Real Madrid's history. He first assumed the role in 2000 before stepping down in 2006, when Ramón Calderón took over. He returned to the presidency in 2009 following Calderón's resignation and has held the position continuously since, making Sunday's poll the first time members had actually voted in 20 years.Mourinho Return and Galáctico Signings PromisedAhead of the vote, Perez made a series of bold pledges contingent on his re-election. He announced the return of José Mourinho as head coach, confirmed the signings of Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, and promised to table a bid exceeding €150 million this Tuesday for an unnamed marquee attacking signing—billed as the next Galáctico arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Florentino Perez re-elected Real Madrid president in first vote in 20 years

Nine people have been injured in a shooting near England's World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri, raising security concerns ahead of the tournament.Police were called to reports of gunfire on Troost Avenue—less than five miles from England's training camp and a short distance from the team hotel they will use during the competition—at around 4:00am local time on Saturday.Kansas City Police Department captain Jake Becchina confirmed to The Athletic that officers were dispatched after shots were heard and arrived to find a large crowd dispersing. Three adult women sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. It later emerged that a total of nine adults had made their way to various local hospitals, all with non-life-threatening injuries. No suspects are currently in custody, though officers continue to patrol the area.The incident comes just days after the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners accepted a $17 million federal security grant ahead of the World Cup, as reported by KCTV5. "We knew we needed the funding, so we kept moving forward with the planning," KCPD Deputy Chief Derek McCollum was quoted as saying. "We figured eventually that funding source would come through."England's squad and coaching staff are currently based in Palm Beach, Florida, where they are completing their pre-tournament preparations. On Saturday, they beat New Zealand 1-0 in their opening warm-up match in Tampa. They face Costa Rica at the Inter&amp;Co Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday before flying to Kansas City on Saturday, June 13, where they will remain for the duration of the tournament.The Three Lions will train at Swope Soccer Village, home of Sporting KC's reserve team and academy on the southeastern outskirts of the city.Kansas City is also serving as a base for Argentina and the Netherlands. The reigning World Cup holders will use Sporting KC's main training facility, while the Dutch will be based at the training ground of NWSL side Kansas City Current.The host city is expecting approximately 650,000 visitors during the tournament — an unusually large influx that presents considerable safety and logistical challenges for local authorities.

9 injured in shooting near England's World Cup base in Kansas City

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a series of planned power outages affecting communities in the Eastern, Volta, Ashanti, Accra West, Accra East, and Tema regions, running from Monday, June 8, to Sunday, June 14, 2025.In separate notices issued by the power distributor, ECG attributed the outages to emergency maintenance works, scheduled maintenance exercises, and ongoing technical challenges in a number of the affected communities.The company stated that the exercises form part of broader efforts to improve service delivery and strengthen the reliability of electricity supply across the affected areas.Depending on the location, outages are expected to run within various time windows—including 9:00am to 3:00pm, 10:00am to 4:00pm, and 9:00am to 5:00pm, among other designated time frames.ECG assured customers that engineers are already deployed and working to resolve the faults and restore supply as promptly as possible. The company added that electricity will be reinstated immediately after the maintenance works and technical issues are addressed.The latest round of outages comes as several parts of the country have continued to experience intermittent power interruptions in recent weeks, drawing concern from both residents and businesses.ECG apologized for the inconvenience caused to affected customers.<h2>ECG Announces Power Outages Across Ghana — June 8–14</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/1780868568838-esy5m36wykh.webp" alt="ECG power outages schedules" data-credit="ECG power outages schedules" title="ECG power outages schedules" width="auto" height="auto"></div><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/1780868661218-j8isvfzb6f.webp" alt="ECG power outages schedules" data-credit="ECG power outages schedules" title="ECG power outages schedules" width="auto" height="auto"></div><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/1780868840020-kxyp4d1389r.webp" alt="ECG power outages schedules" data-credit="ECG power outages schedules" title="ECG power outages schedules" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

Power outages to hit parts of Accra and 4 other regions from June 8-14 - Check full ECG schedule

South Africa has issued a sharp diplomatic warning to Ghana over the manner in which the ongoing repatriation of Ghanaian nationals is being publicly handled, saying it will not tolerate what it described as undignified conduct surrounding the evacuation exercise.The warning comes as hundreds of Ghanaians are being flown home from South Africa following a surge in anti-immigrant protests and violence that have raised serious safety concerns among foreign communities living in the country.Background: Why Ghanaians Are LeavingGhana's government began organizing repatriation flights last month after growing fears over the safety of its citizens in South Africa. The latest evacuation flight drew attention after Ghana's embassy in Pretoria shared a video showing evacuees waving Ghanaian flags aboard the aircraft ahead of departure—a moment that appeared to irritate South African authorities.Lamola's WarningSouth Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, responded directly to comments made by Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressing clear dissatisfaction with the public framing of the evacuation.In a post on X, Lamola wrote:"Our initial hope was simply to assist the government of Ghana in repatriating its citizens in a humane and cordial manner.""However, we will not continue to tolerate... public spectacles characterized by incomplete information and outright misinformation devoid of any diplomatic decorum."A Country With a Xenophobia ProblemSouth Africa remains one of the continent's most sought-after destinations for migrant workers, drawing both documented and undocumented migrants from across Africa due to its relatively advanced economy. However, an unemployment rate exceeding 30 percent has repeatedly fuelled xenophobic sentiment and violence over the years.The latest wave of anti-immigrant unrest has been particularly alarming. A video allegedly showing the brutal assault of a Ghanaian man circulated widely on social media, intensifying public outrage and adding urgency to Ghana's evacuation efforts.Evacuations OngoingSeveral repatriation flights have already been completed, with additional evacuations expected as Ghana continues to respond to the deteriorating situation on the ground in South Africa.

South Africa warns Ghana over 'public spectacles' surrounding the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals

Accra's rainy season brings more than just relief from the heat—for thousands of residents, it signals weeks of anxiety, waterlogged roads, submerged homes, and genuine danger. With the Ghana Meteorological Service forecasting more heavy rainfall in the coming days following floods that have already claimed four lives and displaced families across the capital, knowing which areas carry the highest risk could save your life.Rapid urbanization, poor drainage infrastructure, and unregulated construction have made Accra increasingly vulnerable to flooding year after year. The rainy season typically runs from April to July, with a second peak in October—and parts of the city are already feeling the strain.Here are eight Accra communities particularly susceptible to flooding where residents and motorists should exercise extreme caution.1. OfankorSituated along the N1 Highway, Ofankor is among Accra's most flood-prone stretches. The Ofankor Barrier area becomes heavily inundated during sustained downpours, bringing traffic to a standstill and stranding pedestrians. In June 2023, flash floods submerged vehicles and caused widespread disruption along the corridor.2. WeijaWeija's location near the Weija Dam and the Densu River makes it uniquely vulnerable, particularly when dam spillages occur. The 2022 spillage submerged numerous homes and properties, displacing many residents. While dredging exercises have been carried out to ease the situation, the threat remains during peak rainfall periods.3. KasoaStraddling the boundary of Greater Accra and the Central Region, Kasoa floods quickly — even after relatively short spells of rain. Rapid urbanization and chronically poor drainage leave roads inundated and traffic gridlocked whenever heavy rain strikes, disrupting commerce and daily movement across the area.4. Kwame Nkrumah Circle (Circle)One of Accra's busiest transport hubs, Circle has a long and well-documented history of severe flooding. Its low-lying terrain and inadequate drainage cause water to accumulate rapidly, paralysing traffic and trade. The area gained tragic notoriety in June 2015, when floodwaters contributed to a fuel station explosion that claimed dozens of lives.5. East Legon HillsEast Legon Hills, one of Accra's fastest-growing residential areas, has seen a sharp rise in flooding incidents in recent years. Just two weeks ago, residents reported flooded homes and leaking roofs following heavy downpours. Unregulated development and insufficient drainage infrastructure continue to leave properties and roads exposed whenever rainfall is sustained.6. PantangLocated along the Accra-Aburi road, Pantang's low-lying terrain and rapid urban growth without matching infrastructure investment make it a recurring flooding hotspot. Heavy rains regularly leave roads waterlogged and transportation through the area severely disrupted.7. AkweteymanAkweteyman has emerged as one of Accra's increasingly vulnerable flood communities. Residents frequently contend with overflowing drains, waterlogged roads, and disrupted movement during periods of heavy or sustained rainfall.8. KaneshieKaneshie, one of Accra's major commercial and transport centers, is highly susceptible to flooding during the rainy season. The area's dense activity, aging drainage infrastructure, and low-lying sections along key roads mean that heavy rainfall quickly overwhelms the drainage network, leaving roads impassable and disrupting the busy market and transport operations that thousands of Accra residents depend on daily.

8 Accra flood-prone areas to avoid during heavy rains

Ghana Weather Report — Sunday, June 7, 2026Ghanaians across the south should brace for a misty, rain-touched morning as the Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasts a mixed but active weather day nationwide.What to Expect TodayThe day begins with misty and foggy conditions over coastal, mountainous and forest belt areas, with mostly cloudy skies dominating southern Ghana through the morning hours. Scattered rainfall is expected across coastal and inland areas from early morning into the early afternoon.As the day progresses, the south will see mostly cloudy conditions with occasional sunshine breaking through. The north will enjoy intervals of sun and cloud through the afternoon. However, from late afternoon into the evening, thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to sweep through the middle, transition and northern sectors.Coastal waters are currently ROUGH, and seafarers and fisherfolk are advised to exercise caution.<hr>City-by-City ForecastSouthern Ghana — Coastal Belt<table style="min-width: 100px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">City</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Morning</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Afternoon</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Evening</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Accra</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (60%) 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny breaks 33°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kasoa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (60%) 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny breaks 33°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Cape Coast</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (60%) 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny breaks 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Aflao</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (60%) 24°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny breaks 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Takoradi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (40%) 31°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 26°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Axim</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 24°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (40%) 30°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 26°C</td></tr></tbody></table>Eastern &amp; Forest Belt<table style="min-width: 100px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">City</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Morning</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Afternoon</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Evening</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Ho</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 21°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 28°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Koforidua</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (40%) 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 28°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Akim Oda</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rain (40%) 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 31°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 28°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kumasi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 24°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 33°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Obuasi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 24°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny intervals 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Tarkwa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sefwi Bekwai</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 24°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 33°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 28°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Goaso</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (30%) 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 28°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunyani</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 32°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 28°C</td></tr></tbody></table>Middle &amp; Transition Belt<table style="min-width: 100px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">City</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Morning</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Afternoon</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Evening</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kete Krachi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (30%) 34°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 27°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kintampo</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny intervals 33°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 28°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Techiman</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mist (40%) 24°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny intervals 34°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (60%) 27°C</td></tr></tbody></table>Northern Ghana<table style="min-width: 100px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">City</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Morning</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Afternoon</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Evening</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Tamale</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny periods 34°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 30°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Yendi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 23°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (30%) 35°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 30°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Bole</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 25°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny periods 34°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 29°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Damongo</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 25°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny periods 34°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 29°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Bolgatanga</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny periods 35°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 32°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Nalerigu</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny periods 35°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Partly cloudy 32°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Wa</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Mostly cloudy 21°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Sunny periods 35°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thunderstorms (40%) 30°C</td></tr></tbody></table><hr>Temperature Range by Zone<table style="min-width: 75px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Zone</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Min</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Max</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Coast</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">33°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Forest</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">21°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">33°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Transition</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">22°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">34°C</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Northern</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">21°C</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">35°C</td></tr></tbody></table><hr><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/1780820023294-opkk7k6qgqi.jpeg" alt="Weather forecast" data-credit="Weather forecast" title="Weather forecast" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

Ghana Weather Forecast: Rain and thunderstorms expected - June 7

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced scheduled power outages for Sunday, June 7, 2026, affecting several communities across the Tema and Accra East regions as part of planned maintenance works aimed at improving network reliability and service delivery.Tema Region — 10:00am to 3:00pmResidents and businesses in the Tema Region will experience a power outage from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The following areas will be affected: Wildlife Gate, Army Recruits Training School, PV Quarries, Eastern Quarries, Twin Quarries, Recycling, Inzag, Mawu Be Ji Be, Able Academy, Mavis Industries, Polyster, Community 25 Mall, and surrounding areas.Accra East Region — 9:00am to 5:00pmCommunities in the Accra East Region face a longer outage window, running from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Areas affected include Doblo, Nsuma, Satellite, Sapeiman, Medie, Kotoku, Pobiman, Blue Skies, Hebron, Ahodwo, Fotobi, Pakrom, Obudan, Kwasikrom, and surrounding areas.ECG's Message to Affected CustomersECG has apologized for the inconvenience and urged affected customers to make alternative arrangements for power-dependent activities during the specified hours. The company has assured that electricity supply will be restored to all affected areas upon completion of the maintenance work.Customers are encouraged to follow ECG's official communication channels for further updates and announcements.

ECG announces planned power outages for Tema and Accra East on Sunday, June 7 - See areas

Ghana's Group L rivals England were far from impressive as they edged past New Zealand 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Florida, offering the Black Stars plenty of encouragement ahead of their June 23 showdown at Gillette Stadium.Harry Kane's 79th international goal, a first-half stoppage-time header from Djed Spence's delivery, was the only difference between the two sides, with Thomas Tuchel's men struggling to assert their quality against a determined New Zealand outfit ranked 85th in the world.Can the Difference in the Flat First HalfEngland dominated possession in the opening exchanges but lacked a clinical edge. Ollie Watkins dragged a low effort wide before Kane saw a long-range strike parried by goalkeeper Max Crocombe. New Zealand were not without their moments either, with Matthew Garbett forcing a smart save from Jordan Pickford as the All Whites refused to sit deep.The breakthrough eventually came in first-half stoppage time when Kane glanced a header into the bottom corner, his 79th goal for the Three Lions, to give England a slender lead they would not extend.Tuchel's Changes Fail to Spark EnglandTuchel made wholesale changes at the break, handing 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha his international debut and recalling Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney for his first England cap in 12 months. The fresh legs made little difference. Dan Burn headed agonizingly against the post from eight yards, while Jude Bellingham fired over from a promising position late on as New Zealand's backline held firm.What It Means for GhanaEngland now prepares for a final warm-up against Costa Rica before their World Cup begins. For Carlos Queiroz and the Black Stars, this was a watching brief full of positives a ponderous England side that created little and conceded chances to a team ranked far below Ghana's Group L rivals. The June 23 clash just got a little more interesting.

Black Stars' opponents England beat New Zealand ahead of the World Cup

Patients seeking healthcare services at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) were left stranded on Saturday, June 6, following the commencement of an indefinite strike action by doctors at the facility.The industrial action, declared by the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA), disrupted healthcare delivery at one of Ghana’s largest referral hospitals, leaving many patients uncertain about where to seek treatment.The strike follows an emergency meeting held by KADA on June 5, during which members reviewed recent developments at the hospital, including persistent congestion at the Emergency Department and the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.A visit to the facility by Citi News disclosed scenes of frustration and disappointment as patients who had arrived expecting to receive medical attention were informed that doctors had withdrawn their services.Several patients were seen leaving the hospital premises after being unable to access consultations and treatment.The impact of the strike was particularly evident among patients requiring specialist care and follow-up reviews.Many expressed concern about the implications of the industrial action on their health, especially those suffering from chronic medical conditions.Among those affected was asthmatic patient Baba Aliba Camara, who said he had already spent a day at the hospital undergoing medical assessments and had returned hoping to continue treatment.“I was here yesterday at 6am and the doctor asked me to go and run some tests and so I came today to see a doctor but there is no doctor to attend to me and so I am going home. I don’t know what will happen to me between today and tomorrow when I go home.”His situation reflects the difficulties being faced by many patients who depend on KATH for essential medical services.For some, the strike has interrupted ongoing treatment plans, while others requiring urgent consultations have been forced to seek alternatives elsewhere.

Patients stranded as KATH doctors strike

A tragic journey through the Sahara Desert has claimed the lives of at least 49 people after the truck transporting them broke down in a remote area of northern Niger, leaving passengers stranded without water for several days.According to local authorities, the victims were returning from neighbouring Mali, where they had participated in celebrations marking the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Their vehicle reportedly became immobilised more than 80 kilometres west of Assamaka, a key border crossing between Niger and Algeria.The governor of Agadez described the incident as a devastating reminder of the dangers associated with desert travel."The travellers found themselves trapped in the heart of a hostile environment where extreme temperatures and lack of supply points make survival extremely difficult," the governor said.Only two people survived the ordeal. After an arduous trek across the desert, they managed to reach Assamaka and alert authorities, prompting a rescue operation.Officials said the truck had departed from the Malian town of Telhandek but veered off its intended route before suffering a mechanical failure. Passengers and the driver reportedly spent several days attempting to repair the vehicle, but their efforts were unsuccessful.With water supplies exhausted and temperatures soaring, dozens succumbed to dehydration."Deprived of water and unable to repair the vehicle, most of the passengers could not survive," the governor's statement noted.Rescue teams later discovered dozens of bodies beneath and around the stranded truck. All the victims were Nigerien nationals and were buried in mass graves by emergency responders dispatched to the area.<h3>Another Stranded Truck Discovered</h3>While returning from the rescue mission, authorities encountered another broken-down truck carrying more than 60 passengers. The vehicle had reportedly been stranded for three days after suffering a battery failure.The second truck had departed from Harouba in Mali, located more than 300 kilometres from the Niger border. Rescue personnel, supported by Nigerien troops, provided water and assistance to the exhausted travellers before repairing the vehicle and helping them continue their journey safely.<h3>Sahara Route Remains Deadly for Migrants</h3>The Sahara Desert continues to serve as a major migration corridor for thousands of West Africans seeking opportunities in North Africa and Europe. Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of the route, many continue to undertake the perilous journey in search of better economic prospects.Humanitarian organisations say deaths from dehydration, vehicle breakdowns, and exposure to extreme weather remain common across the vast desert landscape.Chehuo Azizou, head of a local NGO working with migrants, said such tragedies are unfortunately frequent."We have been sensitising drivers, travellers, and those involved in migration activities about the dangers of crossing the desert. Sadly, incidents like this are not unusual," he said.The governor of Agadez added that the tragedy highlights the vulnerability of many young people engaged in migration and cross-border trade, often forced to travel through dangerous and unstable regions in pursuit of a better life.

About 50 returning from Eid celebrations die of thirst after truck breaks down in Sahara Desert

Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Kahl has been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a thigh injury in Germany's final training session ahead of their warm-up fixture against World Cup co-hosts the United States.The 18-year-old, one of the most exciting young prospects in European football, had impressed in Germany's 4-0 friendly victory over Finland on Sunday, registering an assist before the injury struck at the worst possible time.RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo has been named as Kahl's replacement in the Germany squad.Nagelsmann Sends Message to KahlGermany head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his sympathy for the youngster while backing his replacement to step up."It's a huge shock for him and all of us that he's missing the World Cup," Nagelsmann said. "It's only a small consolation that he's young and has many tournaments ahead of him. We would have loved to have him on the team."On Ouedraogo, Nagelsmann added, "He's highly talented, and we expect him to play with courage and freedom."Germany's Group E Fixtures — 2026 FIFA World CupWith Kahl's absence confirmed, Germany now turn their full attention to their World Cup opener. Nagelsmann's side begins their Group E campaign against Curacao on 14 June, before facing Ivory Coast on 20 June and Ecuador on 25 June.

Lennart Kahl ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Assan Ouedraogo called up

Ghana is on track to produce its first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to strengthen healthcare security, reduce reliance on imports, and build a sustainable pharmaceutical industry.The Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, revealed that the institute has signed a technology transfer agreement with Indonesian pharmaceutical giant PT Bio Farma to facilitate the local production of tetanus-diphtheria vaccines in Ghana.According to reports, the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine will become the first vaccine to be manufactured in Ghana under the country's ambitious vaccine production agenda, positioning the nation as a future player in Africa's growing pharmaceutical sector.<h2>Ghana's Drive Towards Vaccine Self-Sufficiency</h2>The initiative forms part of Ghana's broader strategy to establish a robust vaccine manufacturing industry ahead of the expiration of support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in 2030.Dr. Sodzi-Tettey disclosed that the NVI is collaborating with local pharmaceutical firms, including Atlantic Life Sciences and DEK Vaccines Limited, to develop the country's vaccine production capabilities.He noted that establishing a fully functional vaccine manufacturing ecosystem requires substantial financial investment, with production infrastructure and facility development projected to exceed $100 million.<h2>Funding and Strategic Partnerships</h2>To support the ambitious project, the National Vaccine Institute is pursuing strategic partnerships with major financial institutions, including Ghana EXIM Bank, African Export-Import Bank, and International Finance Corporation.The vaccine manufacturing agenda recently received a major boost after John Dramani Mahama approved an additional $50 million in seed funding. The funding is expected to support vaccine production, research and development, infrastructure expansion, and compliance with international regulatory standards.<h2>Why Local Vaccine Production Matters</h2>Currently, Ghana relies heavily on imported vaccines and participates in co-financing arrangements with Gavi to meet its immunisation needs. However, the country is expected to fully finance its vaccine procurement by 2030.Local vaccine production is expected to:<ul><li>Improve Ghana's health security and emergency preparedness.</li><li>Reduce dependence on foreign vaccine supplies.</li><li>Create jobs and boost the pharmaceutical industry.</li><li>Strengthen research and innovation in healthcare.</li><li>Position Ghana as a regional hub for vaccine manufacturing in West Africa.</li></ul>If successful, the 2027 target will represent a historic achievement for Ghana's healthcare sector and a major step toward achieving long-term vaccine independence.

Ghana set to produce first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027

Ivory Coast's 2-1 victory over France in a World Cup warm-up match pulled in an average television audience of 5.2 million viewers in France on Thursday evening, making it the most-watched programme of the night.Broadcast live on TF1, the friendly attracted a 31.1 per cent audience share — figures consistent with typical viewership for Les Bleus fixtures and well ahead of all competing programmes on other French channels.The result itself was a notable one, with Ivory Coast handing Didier Deschamps' side a defeat as both nations stepped up their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.TF1 holds broadcast rights to France's pre-tournament friendlies through its partnership with the French Football Federation, while M6 will carry the World Cup itself free-to-air across France.France have one more warm-up fixture remaining — a friendly against Northern Ireland on Monday — before opening their World Cup campaign against Senegal on June 16.The strong ratings reflect the sustained appetite for international football in France ahead of a tournament that gets underway on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ivory Coast's win over France draws 5.2 Million viewers on TF1

A nurse at the Tema Community 22 Polyclinic is alleged to have been physically attacked by a patient's relative on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after asking the individual to leave the ward at the end of visiting hours.According to available information, the nurse approached the visitor during routine enforcement of the facility's visiting regulations and requested that they vacate the ward. The situation reportedly escalated, culminating in an alleged physical assault on the healthcare worker.It remains unclear what triggered the confrontation, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident.The alleged attack has reignited concerns about the safety of frontline healthcare workers in Ghana, who routinely navigate difficult working environments while delivering patient care.Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the matter. GhNewsMedia will provide updates as more information becomes available.<h2>Video</h2><div class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm border border-gray-200 my-4"><div class="relative w-full" style="padding-bottom: 146.462%;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Freel%2F2091313911788175%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=325&amp;t=0" width="325" height="476" title="Embedded content" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" class="absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full rounded-lg border border-gray-200 shadow-sm"></iframe></div><div class="mt-2 text-xs text-gray-500 text-center">Embedded content from: www.facebook.com</div></div>

Nurse allegedly assaulted at Tema Polyclinic after enforcing visiting hours [Video]

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, fans heading to matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will need to leave a few things at home—starting with vuvuzelas.FIFA has officially banned the iconic plastic horns from all 16 tournament venues as part of its stadium code of conduct. The vuvuzela, a long plastic instrument synonymous with South African football culture, first captured global attention at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but has since attracted widespread criticism for its relentless droning sound, frequently compared to a swarm of bees.What Else Is Banned?Vuvuzelas aren't the only items on FIFA's prohibited list. Whistles, air horns, and any other excessively loud noise-making devices are forbidden across all venues. Laser-emitting instruments and laser pointers are also banned.On the dress code front, FIFA has made clear that body paint and body tattoos do not count as clothing. Streaking, flashing, or exposing intimate body parts is strictly prohibited.In a widely discussed move, FIFA has also banned reusable water bottles from all venues, citing safety concerns.Fans who breach any of these rules risk being denied entry or ejected from the stadium.About the TournamentThe expanded 48-team World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Mexico kicking off the tournament against South Africa on opening day.

FIFA bans vuvuzelas and other items at 2026 World Cup venues

Ivory Coast recorded a famous 2-1 comeback win over France in an international friendly on Thursday, claiming their first-ever victory against the two-time FIFA World Cup champions and sending a strong message ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The match, played in Nantes, served as one of France's final preparations before travelling to North America for the expanded 48-team tournament. Despite dominating much of the first half, Didier Deschamps' side failed to capitalise on several opportunities and were ultimately punished by a resilient Ivorian team.France captain Kylian Mbappé nearly opened the scoring early in the contest as he chased Olivier Giroud's all-time goalscoring record for Les Bleus. However, Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana produced an excellent save to deny the Real Madrid superstar.The hosts continued to control possession and create chances through Adrien Rabiot and Michael Olise, while Ivory Coast looked dangerous on the counterattack, with Simon Adingra forcing Mike Maignan into action.France eventually took the lead moments before halftime when Rayan Cherki produced a brilliant solo effort, weaving through defenders before calmly slotting the ball past Fofana.The Elephants responded superbly after the restart. Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé made an instant impact from the bench, providing the assist for Guéla Doué to equalise in the 53rd minute.With momentum firmly on their side, Ivory Coast completed a stunning turnaround in the 84th minute. Doué turned provider again, setting up Manchester United star Amad Diallo, who fired home a clinical first-time finish to seal a memorable victory.The result is a major boost for coach Emerse Faé and his squad as they continue their preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, while France will seek an immediate response in their final warm-up match against Northern Ireland.

Ivory Coast defeat France to secure historic first-ever victory ahead of World Cup 2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Nike has launched an ambitious new advertising campaign led by French superstar Kylian Mbappé and featuring a host of global sporting icons, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr., Erling Haaland, and NBA legend LeBron James.The six-minute short film, titled "Rip The Script," was released on Thursday and serves as Nike's flagship World Cup campaign. The advertisement comes just weeks after rival sportswear giant Adidas unveiled its own star-studded commercial featuring actors and footballers such as Timothée Chalamet, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, and Ousmane Dembélé.In Nike's latest production, Mbappé takes center stage from the opening scene. Dressed in France's national team colors, the Real Madrid forward is shown disrupting a film set by refusing to follow a scripted sequence, setting the tone for a campaign that celebrates individuality and creativity.The advert then transitions through a series of interconnected scenes featuring some of football's biggest names. Erling Haaland appears on set alongside celebrities Kim Kardashian and Travis Scott, while Brazil star Vinicius Jr. showcases his trademark dribbling skills before being joined by Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez.<h3>Cristiano Ronaldo Takes on a Superhero Role</h3>One of the campaign's standout moments arrives with Cristiano Ronaldo's appearance alongside LeBron James during a production meeting. The Portuguese legend soon breaks away from the script, launching into an action-packed sequence that sees him challenged by Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk.In a dramatic twist, Ronaldo is sent crashing into a burning house but emerges unharmed, reinforcing his larger-than-life image. The scene is accompanied by the iconic track "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, adding to the cinematic feel of the advert.The campaign also features football legends and current stars, including Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Eric Cantona, Federico Valverde, Nico Williams, Cole Palmer, and Bruno Fernandes, all contributing to Nike's celebration of football's biggest personalities ahead of the tournament.<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%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Freel%2F2053587705266269%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><h3>Nike's World Cup Statement</h3>The advert concludes with all of Nike's football ambassadors coming together for one final sequence, delivering a powerful message about self-expression, confidence, and rewriting expectations on the world's biggest sporting stage.As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Nike's "Rip The Script" campaign is already generating significant buzz and reinforcing the brand's association with some of the game's most influential stars.

Nike's 'Rip The Script' Ad stars Mbappe, LeBron James, Ronaldo ahead of World Cup 2026

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an online database identifying foreign nationals it describes as “the worst of the worst” criminal offenders facing deportation.The database, maintained by DHS and managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), contains the names, photographs, and records of non-citizens convicted of various offences and currently undergoing immigration enforcement proceedings.Among those listed are 32 Ghanaians accused or convicted of crimes ranging from shoplifting and fraud to domestic violence, weapons-related offences, child cruelty, and credit card-related fraud.They are part of a wider group of at least 355 West African nationals, including individuals from Liberia and Cameroon, who have been flagged for removal from the United States.The publication comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. DHS data indicates that 478 Ghanaians were arrested by ICE in 2025 alone.As of October 2025, approximately 2,470 Ghanaian nationals were being held in U.S. detention facilities pending deportation—one of the highest figures recorded for any African country.Official figures further show that 312 Ghanaians were deported to Accra between January and August 2025, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2024.Authorities link the rise in arrests and removals to stricter immigration policies, including the Global Enforcement Initiative launched in April 2025, as well as an executive order issued in February 2025 prioritising the removal of individuals with criminal convictions or those deemed national security risks.However, U.S. immigration officials emphasise that an ICE arrest does not automatically lead to deportation, as each case is subject to legal and administrative review.<h2>List Below</h2><div class="my-4"><img class="max-w-full h-auto rounded-lg shadow-sm" 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src="https://srmshbfmongacwhafkly.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/1780582537350-12j86n86tyq.webp" alt="Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation" data-credit="Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation" title="Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation" width="auto" height="auto"></div><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/1780582568094-io2has63rx.webp" alt="Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation" data-credit="Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation" title="Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

List of 32 Ghanaians on US 'worst of the worst' crime list facing deportation

<ul><li>A record 1,248 players representing 48 nations have been confirmed following the submission of final squad lists to FIFA</li><li>From global icons to debutants, the squads reflect unprecedented diversity and worldwide representation</li><li>Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa set for historic sixth FIFA World Cup™ campaigns</li></ul>The final squad lists for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ have been <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://extranets.fifa.com/Public/MailClickTrackingHandler.ashx?id=2332536_en&amp;name=TSFjWwNDkL%2bNa1atnLLXJGsDaiifPZOP&amp;target=f%2baONvpNyUfxc3hYJSDWiBFVttKrSOCMWsM%2bxKte%2fg5bLx%2bshC1Q7jvp3ur2Vfb%2bqSqdGH5zRipct%2bLFD8wc6hG75sKKPzvc">published by FIFA</a>, representing one of the tournament’s most exciting milestones with just nine days to go until kick-off. With 48 teams and 1,248 players made available to take to the pitch across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this edition represents a watershed moment for the global game, opening the door to more nations, players and their fans than ever before.The confirmed squad lists underline the scale and enduring appeal of the tournament with 357 players returning after at least one previous FIFA World Cup™ squad inclusion. Some 891 players are set to experience the competition for the first time, highlighting both continuity and renewal across the global game.The generational breadth is equally striking, with over 25 years separating the oldest player (Scotland’s Craig Gordon at 43 years and 162 days old) from the youngest (Mexico’s Gilberto Mora at 17 years and 240 days old). A total of 22 players under 20 years old and seven players aged 40 or above at the start of the tournament could feature, whilst 22 FIFA World Cup winners are returning to the global stage.Combined with the return of established stars to football’s premier competition, this tournament also brings a new wave of players and nations into the spotlight. Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan are set to experience the FIFA World Cup for the first time, highlighting how the expanded format is making the competition more representative of the global game.One of the standout stories is Uzbekistan’s historic first appearance on the world stage, with rising stars such as Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov making dreams come true back home. Other highlights of the next generation of players include France’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, New Zealand’s Finn Surman and Morocco’s Bilal El Khannouss, among many others. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico’s goalkeeping icon Guillermo Ochoa are set for record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup campaigns.The confirmed lists reflect the global nature of modern football, with 449 different clubs from 71 countries represented (14 from the AFC region, six from CAF, seven from Concacaf, eight from CONMEBOL, one from the OFC, and 35 from UEFA). The squad lists also highlight contrasting national profiles, ranging from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, whose teams are built almost entirely from domestically based players (25 out of 26 in both cases) to others, such as Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Senegal and Uruguay, that draw their entire squads from overseas leagues.When it comes to those masterminding the squad lists, Ghana’s Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz is coaching at his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, having previously led Portugal in 2010 and IR Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022. He is only the second coach to appear at five straight tournaments, after Bora Milutinović (1986–2002).The confirmed squad lists embody what makes the tournament truly unique — a celebration of excellence, diversity and global unity through football.The full squad lists submitted by the 48 Participating Member Associations on Monday, 1&nbsp;June, are available on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="http://FIFA.com">FIFA.com</a>. In line with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://extranets.fifa.com/Public/MailClickTrackingHandler.ashx?id=2332536_en&amp;name=yjIMFhjG6%2bJVUyq6jIrJNpRl6pwXC3OvTjpKOZAA%2fMLyRSaev5o04w%3d%3d&amp;target=f%2baONvpNyUe87uYRU66maQqUZSxw9saEKDDgG%2btXppi84MdchtgQNBMZpingdJzvabE%2b3vCxdCc1uZ1E%2fYFktxQat%2fXGRWVXdbuogPIKt%2fYRu%2bbCij873A%3d%3d">Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 26</a>, replacements are permitted only due to serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before the kick‑off of a team’s first match, unless otherwise approved by FIFA.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Squads Confirmed: 1,248 players across 48 nations revealed

Many travellers heading to the United States may be breaking the law without even knowing it.That souvenir, snack, or gift carefully packed in your suitcase could land you in trouble at the border, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The agency enforces some of the world’s strictest import regulations, acting on behalf of more than 40 federal agencies to safeguard public health, agriculture, wildlife, and national security.While most passengers are aware that drugs, weapons, and other obvious contraband are banned, fewer realise that everyday items such as fresh fruits, seeds, bush meat, animal products, medication, plants, and even cultural souvenirs can be confiscated on arrival. In some cases, travellers may face fines or criminal penalties for failing to comply with these rules.However, bush meat is just one item among many that are either prohibited or tightly regulated.Below is a comprehensive list of 25 categories of goods identified by CBP as restricted, controlled, or outright prohibited when entering the United States.If you want, I can also tighten the entire list into a more SEO-friendly feature article with headlines, meta descriptions, and subhead formatting for publication.<h2>1. Absinthe</h2>Not all absinthe is banned, but it must meet strict requirements. It must be thujone-free, containing less than 10 parts per million of thujone.The word "absinthe" cannot stand alone on the label, and the packaging must not suggest hallucinogenic or mind-altering effects. Products that fail to meet these standards may be seized.<h2>2. Alcoholic Beverages</h2>Alcohol imports are governed by both federal and state laws. The state where a traveler first enters the United States determines how much alcohol may be imported and whether a license is required.<h2>3. Automobiles</h2>Imported vehicles must comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards and Department of Transportation safety regulations. Most foreign-purchased vehicles require modifications before they can legally remain in the country.<h2>4. Biological Materials</h2>Biological specimens such as bacterial cultures, fungi, viruses, animal tissues, and research samples generally require permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<h2>5. Ceramic Tableware</h2>Although not prohibited, ceramic tableware manufactured in some countries may contain dangerous levels of lead in the glaze. Although not prohibited, ceramic tableware manufactured in some countries may contain dangerous levels of lead in the glaze. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends testing imported tableware or using it for decorative purposes only.<h2>6. Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property</h2>Buying an artifact abroad does not automatically grant the right to import it into the United States. Importers may need export permits, ownership documentation, and receipts. Various archaeological and cultural objects are protected under international agreements.<h2>7. Defense Articles or Items with Military Applications</h2>Military-related software, blueprints, technical information, and equipment often require licenses before importation or exportation. Certain dual-use items may also be regulated.<h2>8. Dog and Cat Fur</h2>The importation, manufacture, sale, transport, or distribution of products containing dog or cat fur is illegal. Violators can face civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each knowing and intentional violation, $5,000 for each gross negligent violation, or $3,000 for each negligent violation.<h2>9. Drug Paraphernalia</h2>Drug paraphernalia is prohibited unless specifically intended for legitimate medical purposes. Illegal items may be seized, and violations can result in fines or imprisonment.<h2>10. Firearms</h2>Travelers carrying firearms must comply with strict documentation and registration requirements. Travellers must complete CBP Form 4457 and present the firearm to a CBP officer before departure. The form and any unused ammunition must also be presented to CBP upon return.<h2>11. Fish and Wildlife</h2>Wildlife products, including ivory, skins, feathers, tusks, shells, reptiles, birds, and marine mammals, are heavily regulated. Many endangered species products are prohibited altogether.<h2>12. Food Products (Raw and Prepared)</h2>Bush meat is not permitted. Most products containing meat, including soup mixes and stock cubes, are also restricted. Some packaged foods such as spices, honey, tea, and coffee are generally allowed. Certain imported food products also require advance notification to the FDA before arriving in the United States.<h2>13. Fruits and Vegetables</h2>Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most commonly confiscated items at U.S. borders because they may introduce harmful pests and diseases. CBP warns that travelers who fail to declare agricultural products can face fines of $300 for first-time offenders and $500 for a second violation.<h2>14. Game and Hunting Trophies</h2>Importing hunting trophies requires entry through designated ports and often involves permits and wildlife declarations.<h2>15. Gold</h2>Gold coins, medals, and bullion are generally admissible. However, gold originating from certain sanctioned countries is prohibited, and copies of gold coins must be properly marked by the country of issuance.<h2>16. Haitian Animal Hide Drums</h2>Animal hide drums from Haiti have been linked to cases of cutaneous anthrax and are subject to health restrictions unless properly treated and certified.<h2>17. Meats, Livestock, and Poultry</h2>Fresh, dried, canned, or processed meat products from most foreign countries are prohibited. Foods prepared with meat are also generally banned because of animal disease concerns. Bush meat falls within this prohibited category and may be confiscated by CBP officers.<h2>18. Medication</h2>Travelers should carry only medications prescribed to them and keep them in their original containers. Non-U.S. citizens should also carry a valid prescription or doctor's note in English. Counterfeit and unauthorized medicines are prohibited.<h2>19. Merchandise from Embargoed Countries</h2>Goods originating from countries subject to U.S. sanctions, including Cuba and Iran, are generally prohibited without specific government authorization.<h2>20. Pets</h2>The importation of pets is tightly regulated. Certain animals, including African rodents, civets, and nonhuman primates, are prohibited. Dogs must have valid rabies vaccination certificates, most species of snails are not admissible, and some birds are subject to quarantine requirements.<h2>21. Photographic Film</h2>Film is generally permitted, but it may be inspected if authorities suspect it contains illegal material. Duty rules vary depending on where the film was purchased and developed.<h2>22. Plants and Seeds</h2>Many plants, seeds, cuttings, and plant products require permits and inspection. Some species are prohibited entirely because they pose risks to agriculture and native ecosystems.<h2>23. Soil</h2>Soil is prohibited unless accompanied by an approved import permit. All soil must be declared upon arrival.<h2>24. Textiles and Clothing</h2>Personal clothing and textiles are generally allowed, although duties may apply. Commercial shipments from certain countries may be subject to quotas or additional documentation requirements.<h2>25. Trademark and Copyrighted Articles</h2>Counterfeit goods and piratical copies of protected copyrights are subject to detention and seizure. Travelers may be permitted to import one article of each type bearing a counterfeit trademark for personal use, but this exemption may be granted no more than once every 30 days.A similar personal use exemption applies to copyrighted articles, provided they are for personal, non-commercial use and are not intended for sale or distribution. If any such item is sold within one year of importation, it or its value is subject to forfeiture.

25 banned items you must not carry into the US

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that one person has died while four others were rescued following the collapse of a two-story building at Adenta New Site in Accra on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.According to the GNFS, the incident trapped five members of the same family beneath the rubble, prompting an intensive rescue operation by emergency response teams.Speaking to the GNFS media team, Regional Fire Officer ACFO Rashid Kwame revealed that four victims were successfully pulled from the debris and rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for medical treatment.He explained that rescue efforts were particularly challenging due to the position of the final victim, a woman who had become trapped between two structural pillars. Emergency personnel used specialized rescue equipment and chiseling tools in an attempt to reach her.Sadly, the woman was later recovered from the wreckage but was pronounced dead. Her body was subsequently handed over to the police for transfer to the morgue."There were five people trapped in the building. We managed to rescue four, but the last victim, a female, was retrieved lifeless from beneath the rubble and handed over to the police," ACFO Rashid stated.<h3>Family of Five Trapped</h3>Officials disclosed that all five victims belonged to the same household, comprising three males and two females. The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Margaret, who was also the mother of two of the rescued victims.<h3>Preliminary Investigations Point to Structural Concerns</h3>Initial assessments by the Ghana National Fire Service suggest that structural weaknesses may have contributed to the collapse.Investigators gathered accounts from residents who claimed the building had shown visible signs of instability prior to the incident, with some describing the structure as noticeably tilted.ACFO Rashid further disclosed that a manhole had reportedly been constructed close to some of the building's supporting pillars, raising concerns about the integrity of the foundation.Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse.<h3>NADMO Officials Visit Survivors</h3>Meanwhile, officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), led by Deputy Director-General for Operations Teddy Safori Addi, visited the survivors at the 37 Military Hospital.The delegation assessed the condition of the victims and assured them of support as they continue receiving medical treatment.The tragic incident has renewed concerns over building safety standards and structural integrity in rapidly developing communities across Ghana.

4 rescued, 1 confirmed dead after 2-storey building collapses in Adenta

Today marks 11 years since one of the darkest days in Ghana's history—the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster at the GOIL filling station near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra.What began as a heavy downpour quickly turned into a national catastrophe when floodwaters engulfed large parts of the capital. Hundreds of people sought refuge at a nearby fuel station, unaware that tragedy was moments away. A devastating explosion and fire ripped through the area, claiming more than 150 lives according to official records, while some reports placed the death toll above 200, making it one of the deadliest disasters in Ghana's history.The disaster exposed longstanding challenges facing Accra, including poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, uncontrolled development, and construction on waterways. Investigations later found that fuel leaking into floodwaters ignited, triggering the inferno that turned a night of heavy rain into a national tragedy.Eleven years later, the pain remains fresh for survivors, families who lost loved ones, and a nation that watched helplessly as the tragedy unfolded. The June 3 disaster was not merely an accident; it became a painful reminder of the consequences of inadequate urban planning and environmental neglect.While governments over the years have implemented measures to improve drainage infrastructure and strengthen disaster preparedness, recent flooding incidents across Accra serve as a reminder that the challenge has not yet been fully addressed. The scenes witnessed during heavy rains in recent weeks show that Ghana must continue investing in resilient infrastructure, enforce building regulations, protect waterways from encroachment, and improve waste management systems.The responsibility, however, does not rest solely with authorities. Citizens also have a crucial role to play by disposing of waste responsibly, keeping drains clear, and supporting efforts to create cleaner and safer communities.As we commemorate the victims of June 3, 2015, we honor their memory by renewing our commitment to ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.Today, Ghana remembers. We mourn those we lost, stand with the survivors and bereaved families, and reflect on the lessons that must continue to guide our actions.May the souls of all those who perished rest in perfect peace, and may their memory inspire a safer and more resilient Ghana.

June 3 Disaster: 11 years on, Ghana remembers a tragedy that must never be forgotten

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/tech/whatsapp-launches-total-private-conversations-with-its-ai-chatbot">WhatsApp</a> is reportedly preparing a significant design overhaul for its iPad and Mac apps, as Meta expands its new “Liquid Glass” interface beyond iOS devices.The messaging platform, which recently introduced broader access to the Liquid Glass design on iPhones, is now shifting attention to desktop and tablet versions. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the development team is actively working on integrating the same visual style into the macOS version of WhatsApp.Because WhatsApp uses a shared codebase across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, the redesign is expected to focus mainly on properly adapting and implementing the new interface elements across all platforms.The upcoming update is also said to include wider design improvements aimed at modernizing the Mac app and making it more consistent with the iPhone experience.<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/1780489043366-sldw2o3zefc.jpeg" alt="Liquid Glass " data-credit="Liquid Glass " title="Liquid Glass " width="auto" height="auto"></div><h3>New Sidebar, Cleaner Navigation and Privacy Upgrade</h3>One of the most notable changes expected is a redesigned sidebar featuring expanded options and text labels alongside icons, replacing the current icon-only layout. While the chat list is expected to remain unchanged, the Liquid Glass design language will extend to key areas such as the chat bar and attachment menu.The update may also introduce a dedicated section for locked chats within the sidebar. This improvement is designed to close what WABetaInfo describes as a “privacy gap” between the Mac and iPhone versions, as iOS currently keeps locked chats protected behind Face ID in a separate section.<h3>Rollout Still Unconfirmed</h3>Although the feature has reportedly been spotted in development, it is not yet available for beta testers, and Meta has not officially confirmed the rollout timeline. The redesign is therefore still in progress, with no clear release date announced.If rolled out, the update would mark one of the biggest visual changes to WhatsApp’s desktop experience in recent years, bringing it closer in design and functionality to the mobile app.

WhatsApp to bring liquid glass design to Mac and iPad apps

From stolen trophies and midnight bites to the most famous headbutt in human history, the World Cup has never failed to deliver the utterly unbelievable.The World Cup does something to people. It strips away reason, scrambles logic, and turns even the most composed footballers on the planet into headline-generating chaos machines. Maybe it's the pressure. Maybe it's the spotlight. Maybe it's the sheer weight of carrying an entire nation's hopes on your shoulders for 90 minutes. Whatever it is, the beautiful game's biggest stage has consistently produced moments so wild, so unthinkable, so delightfully unhinged that no scriptwriter would dare put them in a film.In 96 years of World Cup football, we have witnessed a goalkeeper put a man in a coma and walk away without so much as a free kick. We have watched a living legend headbutt a defender in the final game of his career, on the grandest stage in sports. We have seen a country's best player bite an opponent not for the first time and somehow still look surprised when he got banned. We have watched Brazil, at home, concede seven goals to Germany in a semi-final while a billion people looked on in stunned silence.And somehow, it keeps getting madder.These are the 10 craziest moments in World Cup history—ranked, revisited, and every bit as unbelievable as the day they happened.1. Zidane's Headbutt—2006 Final<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/1780480771331-rwniahmkvn.webp" alt="Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final — the most iconic moment of madness in football history." data-credit="Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final — the most iconic moment of madness in football history. [Getty Images]" title="Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final — the most iconic moment of madness in football history." width="auto" height="auto"></div>The greatest of them all. Final game of his career, a World Cup final, and Zinedine Zidane, one of the best to ever play, floors Marco Materazzi with a headbutt because Materazzi made a remark about his sister. Jaws dropped worldwide. Nothing will ever top it.2. Maradona's Hand of God — 1986He punched the ball into the net with his hand; the referee gave it, and England was out. Then just four minutes later the same man scored arguably the greatest goal ever. The nerve. The audacity. The genius.3. Brazil 1-7 Germany—2014At home. In a World Cup semi-final. Four goals in six first-half minutes. An estimated billion people watching. David Luiz crying during the anthem before a ball was even kicked. Absolutely stunning to witness in real time.4. Schumacher Puts Battiston in a Coma—1982German goalkeeper Toni Schumacher launched himself into French defender Patrick Battiston with such force that Battiston was knocked unconscious, lost teeth, damaged his vertebrae, and slipped into a coma. The referee didn't even give a foul.5. Suarez Bites Chiellini—2014Not the first time Suarez used an opponent as a snack. He sank his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder in a group stage game and earned himself a four-month ban. The man had a biting habit so well known that Google autocompletes "Suarez bites…" with multiple incidents.6. Roy Keane Walks Out — 2002Ireland's captain flew home from the World Cup before it even started over a training camp dispute with manager Mick McCarthy. Photos of him walking his dog became front-page international news. It was so mad; they recently made a film about it.7. Rijkaard Spits on Voller—In 1990Frank Rijkaard spat into Rudi Völler's curly mullet mid-match. Both were sent off. Then Rijkaard spat on him again as they walked off the pitch together. Absolutely rank. They later appeared together in a butter commercial, which somehow makes it madder.8. France Players Go on Strike—2010Nicolas Anelka reportedly told the manager where to go at half-time and got expelled from the squad, and his teammates responded by boycotting training in protest. They crashed out of the group stage anyway, getting beaten by South Africa. A complete and utter meltdown.9. The Actual World Cup Trophy Was Stolen—1966Three months before the tournament, someone nicked the Jules Rimet trophy from a public display in London. It was eventually found wrapped in newspaper under a hedge by a dog named Pickles. The dog was later invited to the England team's celebration dinner. Pickles, unquestionably, was the real hero of 1966.10. Three Yellow Cards, One Player — 2006Croatian defender Josip Simunic was shown two yellow cards during a group game against Australia and was somehow not sent off—because the referee forgot to write down the first booking. He was shown a third yellow immediately after the final whistle, followed by a very belated red. Referee Graham Poll later philosophically remarked that "you have to deal with the cards you've been dealt." Mate.

10 craziest moments in World Cup history - Ranked

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the academic calendar for Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs) for the 2026/2027 academic year.In a statement issued on June 1, 2026, GES announced that the calendar applies to both single-track and transitional schools, providing a comprehensive guide for school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and guardians as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.According to the approved schedule, Form One and Form Two students in Single Track schools are expected to report to school on September 18, 2026. The first semester will run until January 29, 2027, after which students will proceed on vacation.The second semester is scheduled to begin on March 30, 2027, and conclude on July 30, 2027.For Form Three students, the first semester will run from September 18 to December 18, 2026. The second semester will commence on February 1, 2027, and end on June 18, 2027, ahead of their completion of the academic year.GES also outlined separate arrangements for transitional schools, including schedules for face-to-face learning, online instruction, breaks, and vacation periods for all year groups.As part of the academic calendar, the Christmas break has been scheduled from December 19, 2026, to January 4, 2027, while the Easter break will be observed from March 25 to March 30, 2027.Additionally, Form Two students in transitional schools will enjoy a mid-semester break from June 17 to June 20, 2027.The service further confirmed that the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is expected to take place between April 6 and June 18, 2027.GES has urged all stakeholders, particularly school heads, teachers, parents, and students, to take note of the approved calendar and make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and successful academic year.The full 2026/2027 academic calendar is available for reference and implementation by all schools nationwide.<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/1780472442879-1lmo0r0ay2u.webp" alt="GES Academic Calender" data-credit="GES Academic Calender" title="GES Academic Calender" width="auto" height="auto"></div><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/1780472486548-cu5u9c0th9t.webp" alt="GES Academic Calender" data-credit="GES Academic Calender" title="GES Academic Calender" width="auto" height="auto"></div><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/1780472504988-j0kxbc84gff.webp" alt="GES Academic Calender" data-credit="GES Academic Calender" title="GES Academic Calender" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

GES releases 2026/2027 academic calendar - Full details

The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/sports/wales-deny-ghana-victory-with-late-equaliser-in-cardiff-friendly">Black Stars of Ghana</a> were denied a late victory as Wales struck in the 93rd minute to secure a 1-1 draw in a pre-World Cup international friendly in Cardiff.Midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi gave Ghana the lead in the second half, finishing off a rebound created by a strong run from Ernest Nuamah. However, substitute Charlie Koumas equalised deep into stoppage time to rescue a draw for the hosts.Wales started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi producing key saves while another effort struck the crossbar. Ghana also posed a threat through Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in a competitive opening spell.After the break, Ghana grew into the game and eventually took the lead through Yirenkyi, capitalising on sustained pressure. The Black Stars appeared set to claim victory, but late Welsh pressure changed the outcome in stoppage time.Brandon Thomas-Asante missed a late counterattack opportunity before Wales found the equaliser in the 93rd minute to end the match 1-1.<h3>Black Stars Player Ratings (vs Wales)</h3><table style="min-width: 50px;"><colgroup><col style="min-width: 25px;"><col style="min-width: 25px;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Player</th><th colspan="1" rowspan="1">Rating</th></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Lawrence Ati-Zigi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">7/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Caleb Yirenkyi</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">7.5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Gideon Mensah</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">7/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Jonas Adjetey</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">7/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Marvin Senaya</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">7/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Jerome Opoku</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Fatawu Issahaku</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Jordan Ayew</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Benjamin Asare</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kwasi Sibo</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Elisha Owusu</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">5/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Kamaldeen Sulemana</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Thomas Partey</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Brandon Thomas-Asante</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Prince Kwabena Adu</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Christopher Bonsu Baah</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Abdul Mumin</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Alidu Seidu</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Inaki Williams</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">4/10</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Baba Rahman</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">3/10</td></tr></tbody></table>

Black Stars player ratings vs Wales: Baba Rahman 3/10, Jonas Adjetey 7, Yirenkyi 7.5

The Black Stars of Ghana were denied a famous victory as Wales struck deep into stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw in a pre-World Cup international friendly in Cardiff on Tuesday night, as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana had looked on course for an impressive win after teenage midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi put the visitors ahead in the second half, but substitute Charlie Koumas struck in the 93rd minute to salvage a draw for the hosts.<h3>Wales dominate early; Ghana withstand pressure.</h3>Wales started on the brighter side, controlling possession and dictating the tempo in the opening stages. Ghana needed time to settle, though Abdul Fatawu Issahaku provided the first shot of the game in the fifth minute, which was comfortably blocked.The hosts came close on several occasions, forcing Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a sharp save, while another Welsh effort rattled the crossbar as Ghana survived sustained pressure.Despite Wales’ dominance, the Black Stars created their own chances. A long pass from Elisha Owusu released Issahaku, who set up Jordan Ayew, but the captain failed to keep his effort on target. Ayew was again presented with a clear opportunity in the 27th minute after a defensive lapse but could not convert.Kamaldeen Sulemana tested Karl Darlow with a powerful effort from distance, while Marvin Senaya nearly broke the deadlock with a deflected strike that forced another save from the Welsh goalkeeper.<h3>Ghana takes control after the break.</h3>The Black Stars returned from halftime with greater intensity, controlling possession and pushing Wales deeper into their own half. However, they were nearly punished in the 55th minute when a dangerous Welsh attack narrowly missed the target.Ghana continued to threaten, with Jonas Adjetey heading over from a Jordan Ayew delivery just after the hour mark.The breakthrough eventually arrived through Ernest Nuamah, who drove through midfield before unleashing a shot that rebounded into the path of Caleb Yirenkyi. The youngster reacted quickly to fire home and give Ghana a deserved lead.<h3>Late heartbreak in Cardiff</h3>Wales pushed for an equaliser as the clock ran down, with Ghana’s defence holding firm under pressure. Nico Williams came close with a header, while Brandon Thomas-Asante failed to convert a promising counterattack that could have sealed the game.However, just as victory seemed secured, Wales struck in the 93rd minute. Koumas found space inside the box and calmly finished to level the score at 1-1.<h3>Positive signs despite late setback</h3>While Ghana will be frustrated to concede so late, the performance offered encouraging signs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars showed resilience, attacking intent, and growing cohesion under pressure as they continue their build-up to the tournament in North America.

Wales deny Ghana victory with late equaliser in Cardiff friendly

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The announcement comes with a notable absence — veteran forward Andre Ayew has been dropped from the final squad, marking a potential end to his World Cup journey with the Black Stars.The squad is as follows:Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare, Joseph AnangDefenders: Gideon Mensah, Derrick Luckassen, Alidu Seidu, Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Abdul Mumin, Baba Rahman, Jerome Opoku, Kojo Peprah OppongMidfielders: Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Elisha Owusu, Augustine Boakye, Fatawu IssahakuForwards: Brandon Thomas Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Inaki Williams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah

Ayew out as Carlos Queiroz names 26-man Ghana squad for World Cup

Fuel prices across Ghana have increased as major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) including GOIL, Shell, Star Oil, and TotalEnergies implement new price adjustments for the first pricing window of June.The upward review has been driven by rising global crude oil prices and the continued depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, which has increased the cost of importing petroleum products into the country.<h3>Star Oil Leads Price Adjustments</h3>Star Oil has revised its fuel prices, increasing petrol from GH¢14.60 per litre in late May to GH¢15.20 per litre, representing a 60-pesewa (4.1%) increase.Its Ron 95 petrol also rose from GH¢15.49 to GH¢15.77 per litre. However, diesel remains unchanged at GH¢15.81 per litre.<h3>GOIL Adjusts Petrol, Cuts Diesel Slightly</h3>At GOIL stations, petrol now sells at GH¢15.20 per litre, up from GH¢14.60, reflecting a similar 60-pesewa increase.Interestingly, GOIL reduced its Diesel XP price slightly from GH¢16.66 to GH¢16.50 per litre, marking a marginal decline.<h3>Shell and TotalEnergies Also Increase Prices</h3>Shell has raised petrol prices from GH¢14.99 to GH¢15.60 per litre, while diesel remains unchanged at GH¢16.99 per litre.TotalEnergies has also increased petrol prices to GH¢15.60 per litre from GH¢14.99, with diesel rising slightly from GH¢16.95 to GH¢16.99 per litre.<h3>Market Pressure and NPA Pricing Window</h3>The price adjustments reflect ongoing volatility in the global petroleum market, where refined product prices have climbed in recent weeks.The weakening cedi has further intensified import costs, forcing OMCs to adjust pump prices upward.For the first pricing window of June, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has set indicative benchmarks at GH¢15.20 per litre for petrol, GH¢15.49 for diesel, and GH¢13.48 per kilogram for LPG.More fuel price changes are expected in the coming days as additional OMCs review their pricing structures.

Fuel prices go up - See latest prices for the month of June

Ghana’s Black Stars have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after head coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed that experienced defender Alexander Djiku will miss the tournament due to injury.Djiku was initially named in Ghana’s 28-man provisional squad and was expected to play a key role in strengthening the team’s defence. However, concerns about his fitness emerged after he arrived in camp in Cardiff carrying an injury picked up during Spartak Moscow’s Russian Cup final against FC Krasnodar, where he was substituted before his team won on penalties.Since joining the Black Stars camp, the 28-year-old has been unable to take part in full training sessions, with medical assessments confirming he would not recover in time for the tournament.As a result, Ghana has decided to rule him out to avoid aggravating the injury. Pafos FC defender Derrick Luckassen has been called up as his replacement to reinforce the squad.Ghana is in Group L and will face Panama on June 17, England on June 23, and Croatia on June 27 in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Confirmed: Alexander Djiku ruled out of Ghana World Cup Squad

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has published a list of 70 tertiary institutions across the world whose certificates are not currently recognised in Ghana, citing concerns over accreditation and quality assurance standards.The Commission warned that qualifications obtained from these institutions may not be accepted for employment, professional licensing, or further academic studies in Ghana.In a notice issued on May 28, 2026, GTEC stated that the listed institutions remain unrecognised as of the latest review, urging the public to verify accreditation status before enrolling.The affected institutions are spread across the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, India, Ghana, Nigeria, France, Italy, Mexico, Liberia, Zambia, and other countries.<h2>Full List of the 70 Unrecognised Institutions</h2>Below is the complete list released by GTEC:<ol><li>Universidad Azteca (Mexico)</li><li>Indian School of Management and Studies (India)</li><li>Breyer State Theology University (USA)</li><li>Debest College of Science, Arts and Business (Ghana)</li><li>Osiri University (USA)</li><li>Atlantic International University (USA)</li><li>Faith University Seminary (Ghana)</li><li>Christian University College Monrovia (Liberia)</li><li>Rhema Bible Training College (USA)</li><li>Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (Costa Rica)</li><li>Selinus University of Sciences and Literature (Italy)</li><li>Crown University International Chartered (USA)</li><li>Monarch Business School (Switzerland)</li><li>City University (Cambodia)</li><li>Kesmond International University (USA)</li><li>Washington University of Barbados (Barbados)</li><li>London Academy of Technology and Management (UK)</li><li>IICSE University (USA)</li><li>Doxa Open University (Ghana)</li><li>Brandeis University (USA)</li><li>University of Haana (Germany)</li><li>Christian Leadership University (USA)</li><li>International Institute of Church Management Inc. (USA)</li><li>Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Training School (Ghana)</li><li>Louisiana Baptist University &amp; Seminary (USA)</li><li>Tech Global University (Andorra)</li><li>International Christian University (Nigeria)</li><li>LIGS University (USA)</li><li>Swiss Management Centre University (Switzerland)</li><li>Quest International University (Ghana)</li><li>Isles International University (Ireland)</li><li>Kingsnow University (USA)</li><li>New Life Bible College and Seminary (USA)</li><li>East Bridge University (France)</li><li>Texila American University (Guyana)</li><li>Vision International University (USA)</li><li>Keisie International University (USA)</li><li>Dublin Metropolitan University (UK/Cyprus)</li><li>Logos University (USA)</li><li>University of America (USA)</li><li>Kazian School of Management (India)</li><li>University of Northwest (USA)</li><li>Akamai University (USA)</li><li>Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics and Theology (India)</li><li>American Bible University (USA)</li><li>California Creek University (USA)</li><li>Delta International University (USA)</li><li>National Institute of Business Management (India)</li><li>Southern California International University (USA)</li><li>CASS European Institute of Management Studies (France)</li><li>Quetzalcoatl University of Veracruz (Mexico)</li><li>Swiss International Management Academy (Switzerland)</li><li>IIBM Institute of Management (India)</li><li>Dunster Business School (Switzerland)</li><li>World Academy for Research and Development (UK)</li><li>American Management University (USA)</li><li>All Nations Church International University (USA/Texas)</li><li>Freedom University and Theological Seminary (USA)</li><li>Global Theological University (USA)</li><li>Jorasome International University (Zambia)</li><li>Kingdom Living Bible Institute (Ghana)</li><li>Global Professional College (Ghana)</li><li>London School of Management and Technology (UK)</li><li>European Institute of Management and Technology (Switzerland)</li><li>Volta University College (Ghana/Nigeria)</li><li>United Nigeria University College (Nigeria)</li><li>Open International University (Nigeria)</li><li>Marquis Open University (Italy)</li><li>Alliance International University (Zambia)</li><li>All Saints American University (Liberia)</li></ol><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%2Fgtecofficial%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02vYHtyVAUmFA53XEUwqSAZbspAGjdSvTvi3dh2w6pTFNwTLjHm8H7psAQXbydcXKMl&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>

Full list of 70 unrecognised universities released by GTEC

The Black Stars of Ghana will take on Wales on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in an international friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.The match will mark the first time newly appointed Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz takes charge of the national team since his appointment, providing him with an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of football's biggest tournament.Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, having previously featured in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions. With the Mundial fast approaching, the friendly against Wales offers the Black Stars a valuable test against quality opposition.Ahead of the encounter, Pulse Ghana Sports takes a look at how the Black Stars could line up against Wales.<h2>Goalkeeper</h2>Five goalkeepers are currently in camp, but only three are expected to make Ghana's final FIFA World Cup squad. Benjamin Asare is likely to retain his place between the posts against Wales, with Queiroz expected to give the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper another opportunity to cement his position as Ghana's first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the tournament.<h2>Defense</h2>There are concerns over the fitness of experienced defender Alexander Djiku, who is reportedly not fully fit and could be rested for the game.In a four-man defensive setup, Marvin Senaya and Abdul Mumin are expected to form the central defensive partnership. On the flanks, Baba Rahman could start at left-back, while Alidu Seidu is tipped to occupy the right-back position.<h3>Predicted Defense:</h3>Baba Rahman – Abdul Mumin – Marvin Senaya – Alidu Seidu<h2>Midfield</h2>Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to marshal the midfield for the Black Stars. He could be partnered by Kwesi Sibo in a double-pivot role, providing defensive stability and helping shield the backline.Out wide, exciting winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is likely to start on one flank, with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo operating on the opposite wing to provide pace, creativity, and attacking threat.<h3>Predicted Midfield:</h3>Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Thomas Partey – Kwesi Sibo – Antoine Semenyo<h2>Attack</h2>Captain Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the attack alongside Prince Kwabena Adu in a 4-4-2 formation. The duo will be tasked with spearheading Ghana's offensive play as the Black Stars seek to build momentum heading into the World Cup.The Wales clash is expected to be a key assessment for Queiroz before Ghana's final preparatory fixture on June 10, after which the team will shift its full focus to the FIFA World Cup campaign.<h3>Predicted Attack:</h3>Jordan Ayew – Prince Kwabena Adu<h2>Ghana's Predicted Starting XI vs Wales (4-4-2)</h2>Benjamin Asare; Alidu Seidu, Marvin Senaya, Abdul Mumin, Baba Rahman; Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Thomas Partey, Kwesi Sibo, Antoine Semenyo; Jordan Ayew (C), Prince Kwabena Adu.The friendly against Wales will provide Carlos Queiroz with an early opportunity to implement his philosophy, assess player combinations, and fine-tune his squad before Ghana begins its quest for World Cup success.

How Black Stars could line up against Wales

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) will begin processing Ghana’s own crude oil in June 2026, marking a major step toward local value addition and reduced dependence on imported refined petroleum products.Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, 2026, the President said the initiative is part of efforts to ensure Ghana derives maximum benefit from its natural resources by processing them domestically rather than exporting raw materials.He explained that a shipment of crude oil from Ghana’s offshore fields will be delivered to TOR in June for refining, describing the move as a revival of an earlier policy implemented during his previous administration.President Mahama noted that Ghana continues to export raw resources such as gold, bauxite, and manganese, only to import finished goods at higher cost, a practice he said limits job creation and economic growth within the country.In the energy sector, he revealed that the government inherited an estimated US$1.5 billion debt when it assumed office, alongside challenges linked to depleted financial guarantees for gas supply arrangements.He also mentioned that a US$500 million World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee, which helps pay ENI and its partners for gas from the Sankofa Field, has been fully restored thanks to the teamwork of the Ministries of Energy and Finance.According to him, this restoration has strengthened Ghana’s gas supply arrangements and improved power generation stability across the country.In addition, President Mahama announced new investment commitments in the upstream petroleum sector, including a US$2 billion investment by Jubilee Field partners for additional offshore drilling to boost oil and gas production.He also confirmed that ENI will invest a further US$1.5 billion in the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project to expand output.Touching on the power sector, the president said the government has refinanced approximately US$1.5 billion in debts owed to independent power producers (IPPs) and established structured repayment plans to ensure stability in electricity supply.He added that consistent payments have helped stabilize the energy sector, improve investor confidence, and support reliable power generation nationwide.

Tema oil refinery to process Ghanaian crude in June 2026 - Mahama

Meta is doubling down on its subscription offerings. On Wednesday, the social networking giant announced it’s now rolling out its consumer subscription plans globally for its flagship apps, Instagram, Facebook, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.ghnewsmedia.com/tech/whatsapp-launches-total-private-conversations-with-its-ai-chatbot">WhatsApp</a>, and it's beginning tests of new subscriptions for businesses, creators, and Meta AI users.For a few dollars per month, consumers subscribing to Instagram Plus ($3.99/mo), Facebook Plus ($3.99/mo), or WhatsApp Plus ($2.99/mo) will gain access to extra features, like profile customization, super reactions, and story insights, among other things.In an announcement, Meta’s head of product, Naomi Gleit, noted that “more fun features” will be added in the future.Meanwhile, Meta will begin testing other offerings, including professional plans for creators and businesses and AI-focused plans for all users. These new tests will be branded as “Meta One,” which will serve as the company’s home for its subscription offerings going forward.<h2>Plus, plans don’t replace Meta Verified.</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/1780269666665-xjiawic9yd9.webp" alt=" Image Credits:Jens Büttner/picture alliance (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images" data-credit=" Image Credits:Jens Büttner/picture alliance (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images" title=" Image Credits:Jens Büttner/picture alliance (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Meta confirmed it was planning a subscription offering earlier this year, with its initial tests rolling out in the spring. The idea behind the plans aimed at consumers is to provide additional features for power users who want more from their social apps. It also allows Meta to diversify its revenue streams beyond advertising by extracting more value from its existing audience of billions, given the limited growth opportunities for these apps, which have already achieved global saturation.The new “Plus” plans are tailored to each individual app, with Facebook Plus and Instagram Plus focused more on social expression, while WhatsApp Plus focuses on personalization and messaging.However, the company tells us the new plans don’t replace its existing offering, Meta Verified, which is focused on verification, impersonation protection, and extra support. (This could change in time, but for now, Meta is not winding down the older plans.)For starters, the new Instagram Plus plan gives subscribers access to extra features, like the ability to see how many people have rewatched your Story in aggregate, as well as the ability to create unlimited audience lists for Stories, beyond the “Close Friends” option. Users will also be able to spotlight a story once a week for additional views, extend a story beyond 24 hours, preview a story without showing up as a viewer, search their story viewer list to see who is watching, and more. Users will also be able to post straight to their profile and highlight without showing up on their followers’ feeds.There are also other features like Super Heart animated reactions for Stories, custom app icons, customizable fonts for profile bios, and access to additional pins for your profile.These features are designed to better serve creators and those looking to grow their following and understand their audience, but they could also appeal to heavy users.Facebook Plus offers a similar set of features to Instagram Plus. WhatsApp Plus, however, offers other features, like app themes, custom ringtones, additional pinned chats, list customization, premium stickers, and more.<h2>AI plans and more, including those for creators and businesses</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/1780269787516-djnb3mn80vg.webp" alt="07 March 2026, Bavaria, Munich: The logo of the Meta AI app can be seen on the display of a smartphone on March 7, 2026, while a finger taps on the application's icon. Meta AI is an AI-supported virtual assistant (artificial intelligence, chatbot, large language model, LLM) developed by Meta Platforms Inc. and integrated into apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook to assist users with various tasks. (company, pointing finger, icon, symbol image, symbol photo, illustration, symbolic photo, illustrative photo, theme image, general image, theme photo) Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images) Image Credits:picture alliance / Contributor (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images" data-credit="07 March 2026, Bavaria, Munich: The logo of the Meta AI app can be seen on the display of a smartphone on March 7, 2026, while a finger taps on the application's icon. Meta AI is an AI-supported virtual assistant (artificial intelligence, chatbot, large language model, LLM) developed by Meta Platforms Inc. and integrated into apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook to assist users with various tasks. (company, pointing finger, icon, symbol image, symbol photo, illustration, symbolic photo, illustrative photo, theme image, general image, theme photo) Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images) Image Credits:picture alliance / Contributor (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images" title="07 March 2026, Bavaria, Munich: The logo of the Meta AI app can be seen on the display of a smartphone on March 7, 2026, while a finger taps on the application's icon. Meta AI is an AI-supported virtual assistant (artificial intelligence, chatbot, large language model, LLM) developed by Meta Platforms Inc. and integrated into apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook to assist users with various tasks. (company, pointing finger, icon, symbol image, symbol photo, illustration, symbolic photo, illustrative photo, theme image, general image, theme photo) Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa (Photo by Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images) Image Credits:picture alliance / Contributor (opens in a new window)/ Getty Images" width="auto" height="auto"></div>Alongside the launch, Meta says it will begin testing even more subscription plans, which is where things start to get confusing.For Meta AI users, it will test two plans—Meta One Plus ($7.99/mo) and Meta One Premium ($19.99/mo)—with the same features, but the Premium plan unlocks more capacity on higher compute queries. That means the Premium plan would offer deeper reasoning for complex tasks (i.e., more of “thinking mode” in the Meta AI app or on the web). It would also offer more video and image-generation capabilities across Meta’s apps.Meta AI will remain free for more casual users, but these plans follow the same path as those put forth by other AI model providers that charge for additional compute and heavier usage. The plans will later expand in the weeks to come with more benefits for those who use AI glasses, Meta says.The AI plans will start testing next month, initially in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia.Two other plans for creators and businesses will begin tests later this week in markets including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Thailand, and Bangladesh.The Meta One Essential plan ($14.99/mo) will offer the Verified badge, impersonation protection, and an enhanced linksheet where users can link out to their online presence across social channels and the web, similar to Meta Verified.The more expensive Meta One Advanced plan ($49.99/mo) will include the Essential plan benefits, as well as the ability to be featured in the Facebook feed, appear higher in Facebook and Instagram search results, gain attention with a bold “Follow” button on Reels, and automatically send “follow” invitations to people who engage with your content.It can also help creators and businesses drive people to their website or shop through links in Instagram posts and Instagram Reels and through enhanced Facebook and Instagram profiles with their expanded linksheets. These plans, not surprisingly, include better analytics, including deeper, competitive insights on Instagram and custom audience insights on Facebook.Advanced plan subscribers will have access to optimized scheduling tools, tools to share access with other account moderators (without sharing a password), and notifications that alert you when others on Facebook or Instagram reuse your content so you can request a label crediting your original reel.Gleit acknowledged that Meta is still experimenting with these AI and professional plans for the time being but aims to bring them all together under Meta One, where they will then continue to be updated and expanded.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/27/meta-officially-launches-instagram-facebook-and-whatsapp-subscriptions-with-more-to-come-including-ai-plans/">Techcrunch</a>

Meta launches paid subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook & WhatsApp

The family of Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo has officially announced arrangements for her final funeral rites, confirming details for her burial ceremony scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Lashibi Funeral Home.The announcement was made during her one-week observation ceremony held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Green Flavour Events Centre in Community 9, Tema. The solemn gathering attracted a large number of family members, friends, and colleagues from the Ghanaian entertainment industry who came to pay their respects.<h2>Emotional One-Week Observation Draws Industry Support</h2>The event was marked by deep emotion as mourners reflected on the life and legacy of the late actress. Many attendees were visibly moved as tributes were shared in her honour, highlighting her impact on Ghana’s film and entertainment space.<h2>Cause of Death and Health Battle</h2>News of Beverly Afaglo’s passing was first confirmed by her husband, Eugene Baah, popularly known as the choirmaster of the music group Praye, who announced her death in a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, May 24, 2026.Her manager, Abu Iddris, later revealed that the actress had been battling cancer for two years prior to her death. Additionally, an earlier video of Beverly Afaglo has resurfaced in which she spoke openly about a hereditary cancer condition within her family.<h2>Final Burial Details Confirmed</h2>The family has now set August 7, 2026, as the date for her final burial rites, which will take place at the Lashibi Funeral Home.Further details regarding the full funeral programme are expected to be communicated by the family in the coming days.

Beverly Afaglo funeral set for August 7, 2026

Nations FC have secured their first-ever MTN FA Cup title after edging Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a tense final played at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Sunday.The victory marks a historic milestone for Nations FC, who not only lift the trophy for the first time but also earn qualification to next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.The final began at a high tempo, with Nations FC breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute. Joseph Effah rose highest inside the penalty area to head home after a well-delivered long throw sparked a chaotic aerial battle in the box.Dreams FC responded quickly and restored parity through Abdul Razak Salifu, who finished clinically with a powerful header after a well-worked attacking move and precise delivery from the flank.Salifu’s goal took his tally to six in the competition, moving him to the top of the FA Cup scoring chart and strengthening his push for the Golden Boot award.After the equalizer, both sides created chances but failed to find a breakthrough in regulation time. Defenses held firm, and the match gradually became a tactical battle with limited clear-cut opportunities.With neither team able to break the deadlock, the final headed into a penalty shootout to determine the 2026 MTN FA Cup champion.In a tense shootout, Nations FC showed composure under pressure, converting five of their penalties to clinch a 5-4 victory.The win triggered jubilant celebrations as Nations FC players and supporters celebrated a landmark achievement in the club’s history.For Dreams FC, the defeat is a bitter disappointment as they miss out on a second FA Cup triumph, having previously won the competition in 2023.Despite a strong performance throughout the tournament, they fell just short at the final hurdle.<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%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Freel%2F986119060562710%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><h2>Historic Boost After Difficult Season for Nations FC</h2>The FA Cup triumph provides a major lift for Nations FC following a difficult Ghana Premier League campaign that ended in relegation.The club will now shift focus to continental football in the CAF Confederation Cup while also targeting an immediate return to the top flight.<h3></h3>

Nations FC beat Dreams FC to win first-ever FA Cup

Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that each member of the Black Stars squad selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive an appearance fee of $100,000.The minister made the announcement during an interview with TV3, putting to rest ongoing discussions about a possible revision of the payment structure ahead of the global tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.According to Adams, the government opted to maintain the existing fee despite debates triggered by the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies."The appearance fee for the Black Stars players has been pegged at $100,000 per player," Adams said."Some said that because the cedi had become stronger, we should increase it, but we said no. Because if the cedi had become weaker, would you have said that we should reduce the dollar equivalent so it gives you the same cedi amount? You would not say so."World Cup appearance fees for Black Stars players have steadily increased over the years. The figure rose from $50,000 at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to about $82,500 at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, before reaching $100,000 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.The amount remained unchanged for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has once again been maintained for the 2026 edition.The announcement comes as the Black Stars intensify preparations in a training camp in Cardiff, Wales, ahead of the tournament.A 28-man squad is currently in camp, but only 26 players will make the final team for the World Cup, meaning two players will be dropped before the official submission deadline on Monday, June 1.Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17, before facing England and Croatia in their remaining group-stage matches.<h3></h3>

Black Stars players to receive $100K appearance fee for the 2026 World Cup

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a schedule of planned power outages that will affect several communities in the Ashanti Region, Accra West, Accra East, and Tema between Monday, June 1, and Sunday, June 7, 2026.According to the power distributor, the temporary interruptions in electricity supply are necessary to facilitate emergency maintenance works, planned network upgrades, and the resolution of ongoing technical challenges in some affected areas.ECG explained that the maintenance exercise forms part of its broader efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen the power distribution network, and ensure a more reliable electricity supply for customers across the country.The company indicated that maintenance activities in the affected communities will take place during scheduled periods, with some areas experiencing outages between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., while others will be affected from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.ECG assured customers that technical teams and engineers have already been deployed to carry out the necessary repairs and maintenance works, adding that every effort will be made to restore power as quickly as possible upon completion of the exercise.The announcement comes amid growing concerns over intermittent power disruptions reported in several parts of the country recently, affecting households, businesses, and commercial activities.However, ECG maintains that the planned maintenance is essential to improving the stability and reliability of electricity supply in the long term.The company further apologized to customers who may be affected by the outages and appealed for patience and cooperation during the maintenance period, assuring the public that electricity services will be restored immediately after the works are completed and technical faults resolved.<h2>Full 7 days schedule</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/1780259934009-xh3bm44n39j.webp" alt="ECG planned maintenance time table" data-credit="ECG planned maintenance time table" title="ECG planned maintenance time table" width="auto" height="auto"></div>

ECG power cuts from June 1: See full 7-day schedule for affected areas

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Puskás Aréna, ending the Gunners' unbeaten run and extending their wait for a first-ever European Cup triumph.The 2026 UEFA Champions League final, the first in history to feature a French club against an English side, lived up to expectations as PSG edged Arsenal in a tense encounter that went all the way to penalties.<h2>Arsenal Take Early Lead Through Kai Havertz</h2>Arsenal made a dream start and silenced the PSG supporters inside the Puskás Aréna after just six minutes.A fortunate deflection off Leandro Trossard sent Kai Havertz racing clear down the left flank. The German international showed great composure to lift the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle, giving Mikel Arteta's side an early 1-0 advantage.The goal marked another big-game contribution from Havertz, who once again delivered on the biggest stage in European football.<h2>Arsenal's Defense Frustrates PSG in First Half</h2>Arsenal's defense, which had been among the strongest in the competition throughout the season, looked determined to protect its lead.The Gunners restricted PSG's attacking stars and limited clear-cut opportunities before the break. Despite dominating possession, Luis Enrique's side struggled to break down Arsenal's well-organized defensive structure.PSG's best openings came through Fabián Ruiz, but the Spanish midfielder failed to test David Raya with his efforts.<h2>Ousmane Dembélé Levels for PSG</h2>The momentum shifted after halftime when PSG found a way back into the contest.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia burst into the Arsenal penalty area before being brought down by Cristhian Mosquera, prompting referee Daniel Siebert to award a penalty.Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé stepped up and calmly fired his effort into the bottom corner, bringing PSG level and reigniting the French champions' hopes.The equalizer transformed the atmosphere, with PSG increasing the pressure as they searched for a winning goal.<h2>PSG Pushes Arsenal to the Limit</h2>PSG nearly completed the turnaround in normal time.Kvaratskhelia came close when his powerful strike took a deflection and crashed against the outside of the post, while Vitinha also threatened with a late effort that skimmed over the crossbar.Despite the relentless pressure, Arsenal remained resilient and forced the match into extra time.Both teams continued to create opportunities during the additional 30 minutes, but neither side could find the breakthrough, setting up a dramatic penalty shootout.<h2>Penalty Shootout Heartbreak for Arsenal</h2>The shootout produced intense drama as both teams traded successful penalties.Arsenal suffered a major setback when Eberechi Eze missed his spot-kick, although David Raya kept the Gunners alive with an outstanding save from Nuno Mendes.With the scores level after four penalties each, Lucas Beraldo confidently converted for PSG before Gabriel Magalhães blasted Arsenal's decisive penalty over the crossbar, sealing victory for the French giants.<h2>PSG Makes Champions League History</h2>The victory makes Paris Saint-Germain the first French club to successfully defend the UEFA Champions League title.After overcoming a difficult league phase, PSG produced a dominant knockout-stage campaign, scoring a record 45 goals on their way to retaining Europe's biggest club trophy.The triumph also saw Luis Enrique join an elite group of managers to win the Champions League on three separate occasions, further enhancing his legacy in European football.<h2>Arsenal's European Dream Ends Again</h2>For Arsenal, the defeat is another painful setback in their pursuit of European glory.Despite enjoying one of their best Champions League campaigns and arriving in the final unbeaten, the North London club remains without a European Cup title.The Gunners have now lost five consecutive major European finals and continue to hold the unwanted record of the club with the most Champions League appearances without ever lifting the trophy.As PSG celebrate another historic night in Europe, Arsenal are left wondering when their long-awaited Champions League breakthrough will finally arrive.

PSG beat Arsenal on penalties to retain UEFA Champions League title

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have announced a 20 percent increase in public transport fares across the country, effective Tuesday, June 2, 2026.According to the transport operators, the decision has been driven by the continuous rise in fuel prices and the escalating cost of vehicle spare parts, which they say has significantly increased the cost of running transport businesses.In a statement issued on Saturday, May 30, the operators explained that key components such as tires, engine oil, batteries, and other essential consumables have seen sharp price increases in recent months, placing severe financial pressure on drivers and vehicle owners.The new fares will apply to all forms of public transport, including intra-city trotro services, inter-city transport, and shared taxi operations nationwide.To ensure smooth implementation, the unions said updated fare charts will be displayed at various lorry stations ahead of the effective date, urging passengers to confirm official rates and avoid overcharging.They further cautioned drivers and their assistants against charging beyond the approved 20 percent increment, warning that enforcement teams, in collaboration with the Police MTTD, will monitor compliance and sanction offenders.The unions also called on government to reduce taxes on spare parts and introduce measures to stabilize fuel prices, arguing that such interventions are necessary to ease pressure on operators and ensure affordable, reliable transport services for commuters.

GPRTU announces 20% transport fare hike nationwide effective June 2, 2026

Ghana's Parliament approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill following years of lobbying from religious leaders, traditional authorities, and a significant cross-section of Ghanaian lawmakers. Supporters argue the legislation defends the country's cultural identity, while critics warn it violates fundamental human rights. Here is a breakdown of both sides of the debate.Five Reasons Supporters Backed the Bill1. Protection of Traditional Family ValuesSupporters argue that Ghanaian culture has historically recognized heterosexual marriage as the foundation of society. Many MPs stated the bill was designed to preserve traditional family structures and safeguard Ghana's moral and cultural identity for future generations, resisting what they described as conflicting foreign influences.2. Strong Religious InfluenceGhana is a deeply religious country, with Christianity and Islam as the dominant faiths. Major religious bodies — including the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, and various Muslim groups — have consistently opposed LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that same-sex relationships contradict religious teaching. Their sustained campaigns were central to the bill's momentum.3. Public Opinion and Constituent PressureMultiple opinion surveys have shown that acceptance of same-sex relationships remains comparatively low in Ghana. Lawmakers frequently cited public sentiment as justification, framing their votes as representing the will of their constituents.4. Criminalizing LGBTQ+ Advocacy and PromotionBeyond same-sex acts, the bill targets individuals and organizations that promote or sponsor LGBTQ+ activities. Supporters argue this provision is necessary to prevent the normalization of LGBTQ+ lifestyles within Ghanaian society.5. Years of Political and Social PressureThe bill gained traction after sustained demonstrations and lobbying by religious and traditional groups. Politicians from both major parties faced significant pressure from influential faith-based organizations and community leaders to take a firm legislative stance.Why the Bill Is ControversialHuman rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized the legislation for violating rights to privacy, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and equality before the law. Critics warn the law could:<ul><li>Increase discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana</li><li>Restrict the work of human rights and civil society organizations</li><li>Discourage people from seeking healthcare or legal assistance</li><li>Harm Ghana's international reputation and relationships with development partners</li></ul>Ghana's Ministry of Finance previously warned that enforcing the law could put billions of dollars in international funding and development support at risk, highlighting serious potential economic consequences.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Ghana's Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill actually criminalize? The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill criminalizes same-sex acts and also targets individuals and organizations that promote, sponsor, or advocate LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.Which groups supported the bill? The bill was backed by a majority of Ghanaian MPs, major Christian and Muslim religious bodies, and traditional community leaders who view it as a defense of national cultural and moral values.What are the international consequences? Ghana's Ministry of Finance warned the law could jeopardize billions in international aid and development funding, and human rights organizations have flagged potential damage to Ghana's global standing.ConclusionThe passage of Ghana's Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill was primarily driven by lawmakers, religious groups, and traditional leaders seeking to preserve what they consider Ghanaian cultural, moral, and family values. However, the law remains deeply contested—supporters frame it as a defense of national identity while critics view it as a threat to fundamental human rights. The debate reflects a broader tension between cultural tradition, religious belief, and international human rights standards playing out across Africa.

Why Ghana passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Jannik Sinner has suffered a stunning early exit from the 2026 Roland Garros tournament after losing to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.The ATP world number one appeared to be in complete control of the match before physical problems dramatically changed the contest on Court Philippe-Chatrier.Sinner dominated the opening stages and looked set for a comfortable victory after taking a commanding 5-1 lead in the third set. However, the momentum shifted completely as Cerundolo won 18 consecutive points while the Italian struggled physically.The 24-year-old later required medical attention and took a medical timeout off the court, but he was unable to recover fully for the remainder of the match.After surrendering the third set despite holding a double-break advantage, Sinner managed to win only one game in the fourth set as Cerundolo grew in confidence and intensity.Although the Italian attempted to fight back in the deciding set, he was unable to capitalize on several key break-point opportunities, with Cerundolo saving 11 of 16 break points during the encounter.The defeat ends Sinner’s quest for a maiden Roland Garros title and also brings his hopes of completing a Career Grand Slam to a temporary halt.The shock elimination means the French Open will crown a different Grand Slam champion for the first time in two seasons after Carlos Alcaraz was also ruled out of the tournament due to a wrist injury.Sinner’s exit comes despite what had been a remarkable clay-court season for the Italian star, who entered the tournament as one of the favorites for the title.The result marks one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Roland Garros tournament and leaves the men’s draw wide open heading into the later rounds.

Jannik Sinner knocked out of Roland Garros 2026 after falling to Juan Manuel Cerundolo

President John Dramani Mahama has urged the youth of Ghana to stay away from drug abuse and other negative influences that could jeopardise their future and the development of the country.Delivering his Eid al-Adha message to the nation at the Independence Square on Wednesday, May 27, the President called on young people to embrace discipline, hard work, responsibility, and positive values that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.President Mahama used the occasion to highlight the importance of moral leadership and peaceful coexistence, pointing to the example of Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, whose life he described as a source of inspiration for all Ghanaians.In the President’s words, the National Chief Imam’s longstanding commitment to humility, tolerance, peacebuilding, and compassion has earned him admiration across religious and political divides and should serve as a model for the younger generation.“We are blessed to have the enduring example of our revered National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, whose life continues to inspire all Ghanaians through his humility, his compassion, his simplicity, his tolerance and his peacebuilding. Let us emulate these noble virtues in our daily lives.”The president further appealed to the youth to remain focused and avoid activities that could derail their ambitions and threaten the country’s social stability.“I especially encourage our young people to remain disciplined, law-abiding, respectful and responsible citizens. I urge you to also avoid drug addiction. Our nation needs young people who are focused on education, skills, hard work, entrepreneurship and service to humanity.”

Eid al-Adha: Be responsible, avoid drugs – Mahama tells Ghanaian youth

Crystal Palace etched their name into European football history after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the 2025–26 UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday night.The win marks the club’s first-ever European trophy, completing a remarkable continental campaign that saw the South London side rise above expectations despite an inconsistent domestic season.<h3>Tense First Half at Red Bull Arena</h3>The final, played at the Red Bull Arena, began cautiously as both sides struggled to impose themselves. Neither Crystal Palace nor Rayo Vallecano managed a shot on target in the opening 30 minutes, reflecting the high stakes and tactical discipline on display.Crystal Palace nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime when Tyrick Mitchell rose well to meet a cross, but his header narrowly missed the target.<h3>Mateta Strikes After Half-Time Breakthrough</h3>Crystal Palace came out stronger after the break and found the decisive moment in the 51st minute. Midfielder Adam Wharton drove forward from deep before unleashing a powerful effort from distance. Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Augusto Batalla could only parry the shot into danger.Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta reacted quickest, slotting home from close range to give Palace a crucial 1–0 lead.<h3>Rayo Vallecano Push, Palace Hold Firm</h3>Rayo Vallecano responded with increased intensity, pushing for an equaliser as the game opened up. Their best chance came in the 55th minute when Yéremy Pino struck a brilliant free-kick that rattled both posts before bouncing away agonisingly.Despite late pressure, Crystal Palace remained disciplined defensively under manager Oliver Glasner, managing the game effectively until the final whistle.<h3>Historic European Glory for Crystal Palace</h3>The victory delivers a landmark achievement for Crystal Palace, adding a major European trophy to their cabinet for the first time in club history. The triumph also secures qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League, ensuring the Eagles will compete across multiple European fronts in the 2026–27 campaign.With this win, Crystal Palace join an elite group of English clubs competing in Europe next season, capping off a memorable continental run with silverware.

Crystal Palace win first European trophy in 121 years

Pope Leo has presented the first major teaching document of his papacy, warning that artificial intelligence needs to be "disarmed.""The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention," the Pope said.Encyclicals are technically letters to Catholic bishops, but over recent decades the missives have become messages to the world from a pope.While this letter was largely focused on AI, Pope Leo also included one of the strongest, most comprehensive apologies from the Vatican for the Catholic Church's role in slavery.It was "impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many," the Pope wrote, adding that he "sincerely asked for pardon" in the name of the Church.Leo mentioned the slave trade in relation to AI, suggesting that the world was in danger of normalizing the exploitation of people again—both in its production and in its applications.Some of the Pope's strongest imagery in the document related to slavery, warning parallels between the historical tragedy of traditional slavery and the emerging threats of "new digital slaveries."He suggested a risk of similar normalization of exploitation and that humanity was at a similar moral crossroads.Unusually, Pope Leo chose to present the encyclical—titled "Magnifica Humanitas" ("Magnificent Humanity")—himself, at the Vatican, alongside AI experts including Christopher Olah, co-founder of US AI giant Anthropic.In remarks following the presentation of the encyclical, Olah said that every AI lab, including his, operated "inside a set of incentives and constraints that can sometimes conflict with doing the right thing."It would be a mistake to believe that matters of AI were best handled by computer scientists like himself, Olah added. "The questions raised by AI are bigger than the AI research community, not just in their implications, but also in their nature."The Pope's encyclical—which also acknowledged the many potential pitfalls in AI—is also a stark and direct message to those in positions of power about their responsibilities in curbing the "threats" it poses.For example, the Pope condemned the use of AI in warfare, saying that reducing human control of weaponry makes it even harder to consider a war "just" and warned against launching an AI arms race."No algorithm can make war morally acceptable," the Pope wrote.Not only does AI not remove the "intrinsic inhumanity" of war, he said, but it also risks sparking conflict more quickly and rendering it more impersonal by "lowering the threshold for resorting to violence, transforming defense into threat prediction, and thus reducing victims to data."Leo also decried the way AI impacts politics, such as the way it was used to manipulate images and videos, which he said exposed people to biased or misleading perspectives.In the past, the Pope has likened today's need for safeguards to protect people in the face of AI developments to those that were needed to ensure human dignity during the industrial revolution.He suggested comparisons of failing to act against the risks of AI today with the "delay with which both society and the Church came to denounce the scourge of slavery." He even referred to the risks of "digital colonialism," linking the abuses of the colonial era to modern tech practices.At one point in this document, the Pope directly issued a "special appeal" to those who develop AI."Developers bear a particular ethical and spiritual responsibility, for every design choice reflects a vision of humanity," he said.But what impact will all of this have?Pope Leo has convened a commission to take his work forward, but there are huge questions as to how effective all this will be in the face of rapid technological advances.In 2015, the late Pope Francis wrote his encyclical Laudato Si, which focused on the urgent need to address the climate crisis—but then followed it up in 2023, talking about his disappointment in the inaction there had been.As passionate as he has been about the needs to rein in AI, Pope Leo may find himself issuing a similar warning in the years ahead.Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedppn6002jo">BBC</a>

Pope Leo calls for AI to be ‘disarmed’ in first major teaching

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ghana repatriates citizens from South Africa amid rising protests

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

Photos: 16 Black Stars train ahead of Wales game

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

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

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

Mikel Arteta wins PL manager of the season 

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

Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo dies at 42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ghana vs Mexico: Black Stars probable line-up

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

Facts about 2026 FIFA World Cup ball every player must know

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

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

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

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

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

Woman arrested for threatening President Mahama on TikTok

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace Council urges calm amid rising political tensions

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

Remain firm in scrutinising government – Bawumia to NPP MPs

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

Aston Villa win Europa League for the first time 44 years

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

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

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

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

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

NDC gov’t undermining Ghana ‘s democracy – NPP

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

Title-winning Arteta joins elite Arsenal managerial class

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

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

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

How to Watch FIFA World Cup on TikTok

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

Meet Ghana's Richest Investor: William Tewiah

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

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

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

10 countries that will actually pay you to move there

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

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

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

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

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

Neymar Included in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad 

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

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

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

10 countries that spend the most on weddings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long delays temporary, 120 buses coming - STC

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

Ghana Navy rescues seven suspected stowaways from oil tanker near Tema

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

Choose competence over ethnicity – Paul Afoko tells NPP

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

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

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

Confirmed: Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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