Home Blog Page 4

TV3 honours Michael Adangba at launch of Ghana’s Most Beautiful 20th anniversary

By
News Desk
-
0

Renowned Ghanaian traditional music composer and cultural icon Michael Adangba has been honoured by TV3 and Media General for his outstanding contribution to Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) during the launch and gala of the reality show’s landmark 20th edition.

The recognition celebrated Adangba’s exceptional dedication to the programme, particularly his composition of “Banga Wɛ Goo,” the first-ever official theme song for Ghana’s Most Beautiful, which has become one of the most memorable musical identities in the history of the cultural pageant.

The citation, presented during the anniversary launch, praised Adangba for his professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the programme over the years. It acknowledged that his creativity and contributions have played a significant role in the growth, credibility and enduring success of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, helping to create a lasting legacy that continues to inspire audiences across Ghana and beyond.

The citation further described his contribution as an unforgettable chapter in the remarkable journey of the programme and expressed appreciation for his enduring impact and distinguished service.

The honour comes just days after TV3 announced Adangba’s return as one of the composers for the official theme song of the 20th anniversary edition of Ghana’s Most Beautiful, this time collaborating with celebrated singer Enam. His return underscores the organisers’ confidence in his ability to produce music that celebrates Ghanaian culture, tradition and national identity.

Over the years, “Banga Wɛ Goo” has become synonymous with Ghana’s Most Beautiful, with many viewers describing it as one of the programme’s most iconic theme songs. Ahead of the anniversary launch, fans on social media had openly called for the return of Adangba’s classic composition, highlighting its enduring popularity.

Michael Adangba has built a distinguished career promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage through indigenous music and traditional performances. His compositions continue to resonate with audiences for their authenticity and rich cultural expression, making him one of the country’s most respected traditional music composers.

The launch of the 20th edition of Ghana’s Most Beautiful marked two decades of celebrating Ghanaian culture, womanhood and heritage, with TV3 using the occasion to honour individuals whose contributions have shaped the success and legacy of the flagship programme.

Kampakuya Naa outdoored as Regent of Dagbon amid grand traditional ceremony

By
News Desk
-
0

Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari has been officially outdoored as the Regent of the Dagbon Kingdom following the death of the late Overlord, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, who passed away on July 11, 2026.

The historic outdooring ceremony was held in Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagbon Kingdom, where thousands of mourners, chiefs, opinion leaders, dignitaries and well-wishers gathered to witness a significant milestone in the kingdom’s succession process.

The colourful event was marked by traditional drumming, the firing of ceremonial muskets and captivating cultural displays by Dagbon warriors, reflecting the rich customs and heritage of the kingdom. The atmosphere in Yendi was filled with solemnity and celebration as residents and visitors paid their respects to the late Ya-Na while welcoming the new Regent.

Prior to the public outdooring, traditional authorities conducted a series of customary rites behind closed doors as part of the installation process, in line with the longstanding traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom.

Islamic prayers were also offered for the repose of the soul of the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II during the regency rites, highlighting the blend of traditional and Islamic customs that characterise royal ceremonies in Dagbon.

As Regent, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu Abukari will oversee the affairs of the Dagbon Kingdom until the final funeral rites of the late Ya-Na are completed and a new Overlord is selected and enskinned in accordance with Dagbon customs and traditions.

Security was significantly reinforced for the occasion, with more than 600 security personnel deployed across Yendi to ensure the peaceful conduct of the ceremony and guarantee the safety of residents, guests and dignitaries.

The ceremony drew several high-profile personalities from across the country, including John Dramani Mahama, Mahamudu Bawumia, who is also the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 presidential candidate, and Haruna Iddrisu, among other government officials, traditional rulers and religious leaders.

Upper East Regional Minister Assures Bawku Naaba’s Delegation of Follow-Up on GH¢1 Billion Revitalization Fund, Region Creation Petition

By
News Desk
-
0

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has assured a delegation from the Palace of the Bawku Naaba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) will engage the Presidency on the implementation of the proposed GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalization Fund and the petition for the creation of a new region.

The assurance was given on Friday when a delegation sent by the Bawku Naaba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, paid a courtesy call on the Regional Minister in Bolgatanga.

The delegation comprised Naba Mahamadu A. Azonko, Gumbo Naba; Naba Alhaji Osman, Chief of Environment; and John Abugri, an elder of the Bawku Naaba’s Palace, who led the discussions.

The delegation conveyed the Bawku Naaba’s concerns over the status of the proposed GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalization Fund and the petition for the creation of a new region, noting that the Palace had not received any official update since the petition was submitted to the Presidency through the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council.

Responding, Hon. Akamugri Atanga commended the Bawku Naaba for the leadership he has demonstrated in supporting government efforts to restore peace and stability in Bawku.

He reaffirmed the RCC’s commitment to maintaining neutrality in the Bawku conflict while playing its constitutional role as the coordinating body to facilitate lasting peace.

The Minister described Bawku as the economic hub of the Upper East Region, saying the prolonged conflict had come at a huge cost to the region through the loss of lives and disruption of economic activities.

“No one in the region will take the relative peace in Bawku for granted because it is something we cannot place a price on,” he said.

Touching on the proposed GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalization Fund, Hon. Atanga said the restoration of relative peace in Bawku had made it necessary for government to move forward with President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to accelerate development in the area.

He explained that the fund is a government initiative and would therefore be administered under clearly defined procedural guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability.

According to the Minister, the President is expected to inaugurate a committee that will oversee the management and utilization of the fund.

He disclosed that the proposed committee comprises the Upper East Regional Minister, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, and the Minister for Finance, who will serve as Chairman.

Hon. Atanga said significant progress had been made towards the inauguration of the committee, adding that members were awaiting communication from the Presidency on the date for the swearing-in.

“I know they are putting in place the governing structure for the utilization of the fund, and so it will not be proper for them to inaugurate a committee if the guidelines are not ready,” the Minister stated.

On the petition for the creation of a new region, Hon. Atanga recalled that the RCC had transmitted the petition to the Presidency but explained that the worsening security situation in Bawku at the time had affected efforts to follow up on the process.

“We have forwarded that letter to the Presidency. It got there at the time we had these unfortunate issues of destabilization. Because of these issues, we have not followed up to see how far the process has gone,” he said.

The Minister assured the delegation that the RCC would engage the Presidency to ascertain the status of both the revitalization fund and the region creation petition and communicate the outcome to the Bawku Naaba and his Palace.

He concluded by assuring the delegation that the concerns presented during the courtesy call would receive the necessary attention and that feedback would be provided after consultations with the Presidency.

GIS busts alleged cyber fraud ring, rescues 85 human trafficking victims in Dawhenya raid

By
News Desk
-
0

GIS busts alleged cyber fraud ring, rescues 85 human trafficking victims iThe Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested 17 foreign nationals suspected of operating a cyber fraud syndicate and rescued 85 victims of suspected human trafficking during a major intelligence-led operation at Dawhenya in the Greater Accra Region.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 26, targeted a facility located opposite the China West Mall, which authorities believe was being used as a base for the suspected criminal network. The property is reportedly owned by Oga Toyas, Chief Executive Officer of TOYAS Group Limited.

According to the GIS, officers from its National Enforcement Team intercepted a total of 102 West African nationals after acting on intelligence provided by residents who had raised concerns about the group’s alleged criminal activities.

Preliminary investigations revealed that 79 males and six females were victims of suspected human trafficking and forced labour. The remaining 17 individuals are believed to be members of the alleged cyber fraud syndicate who were also residing illegally in Ghana.

The Service disclosed that officers encountered evidence of severe physical abuse, particularly among the male victims, who were allegedly subjected to inhumane treatment and forced to live under poor conditions.

The six female victims, together with the 17 suspects, are currently being held at the GIS Headquarters in Accra for interrogation, profiling and further investigations.

Meanwhile, the 79 rescued male victims have been transferred to a secure holding facility as immigration authorities collaborate with relevant state agencies to facilitate their safe return to their respective home countries.

The GIS noted that the suspected masterminds behind the operation were not present when officers stormed the premises.

“It is reported that the team met the absence of the main kingpins at the time of the operations. Investigations are ongoing to pick up the brains behind these nefarious activities,” the Service said in a statement.

The operation was conducted under the Human Trafficking Act, 2005 (Act 694), which criminalises human trafficking and related offences, prescribing a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years upon conviction.

In a separate intelligence-led compliance exercise, the Ashaiman Sector Command of the GIS detained 93 Nigerian women aged between 15 and 44 in the Tsina-Agbe area following concerns raised by the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Security Council over the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in prostitution.

The women are currently being held at a secure facility pending arrangements for their repatriation to Nigeria in accordance with Ghana’s immigration laws.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Ghana Immigration Service stated that it remains focused on safeguarding Ghana’s borders, combating irregular migration, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and protecting victims of human trafficking from exploitation.

Navrongo–Chuchuliga road not part of Big Push – Upper East Minister clarifies

By
News Desk
-
0

The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has clarified that the recently constructed Navrongo–Chuchuliga road was funded directly by the Government of Ghana (GoG) and does not form part of the government’s flagship Big Push road programme.

The clarification was made during an inspection tour of the road, where the Minister said it was necessary to correct public misconceptions about the sections of roads in the region covered under the Big Push initiative.

According to Mr. Akamugri, the Navrongo–Chuchuliga stretch was undertaken after President John Dramani Mahama assumed office, with the objective of restoring reliable road access between the Kassena-Nankana and Builsa areas.

He explained that before the intervention, residents of Sandema were unable to use the road and bridge to travel to Navrongo, while people from Navrongo also faced difficulties accessing Sandema.

“This particular section, Navrongo to Chuchuliga, has been worked on under the Government of Ghana,” the Minister stated.

Mr. Akamugri explained that the roads covered under the Big Push programme begin from Chuchuliga to Chiana, continue from Chiana to Tumu, and also include a 10-kilometre stretch from the Chuchuliga Junction towards Sandema.

He stressed that these are the sections officially financed under the flagship infrastructure initiative and not the Navrongo–Chuchuliga portion.

“When they say the Big Push covers the road from Navrongo, Chuchuliga to Tumu, it doesn’t necessarily mean all the sections,” he noted.

Despite the different funding arrangements, the Regional Minister said the government’s priority remains delivering quality road infrastructure to improve connectivity and economic activity across the region.

“And whether it is Big Push or GoG, it is government funding. We want the road to be built,” he said.

Mr. Akamugri further assured residents of Navrongo and Sandema that the remaining protective works on the road would be completed to safeguard the infrastructure.

According to him, the outstanding works include stone pitching at vulnerable sections to prevent erosion from damaging the road.

“We want to assure the citizens of Navrongo and Sandema that the remaining work involves constructing stone pitching to ensure erosion does not eat into the road. We want to assure them that a quality job will be done,” he added.

The inspection formed part of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council’s routine monitoring of ongoing development projects to ensure quality execution and value for public funds.

Meanwhile, the Site Engineer for My Turn Ltd., Bismark Kpob, who is supervising sections of the Big Push road project, said construction is progressing steadily.

He expressed confidence that the current phase of the Big Push road works would be completed by December 2026.

“With the current pace of work on site, we are optimistic that the Big Push stretch will be completed by December 2026,” he said.

Ing. Kpob also disclosed that the company is looking forward to participating in the next phase of the programme.

“We are also hoping that, in the next phase of the Big Push contracts, the Ministry will award us the extension to continue the road from Sandema and beyond,” he stated.

Fuel prices to rise again as petrol nears GH¢15.30 per litre

By
News Desk
-
0

Motorists and households across Ghana should prepare for higher fuel costs from Friday, August 1, as the latest pricing outlook indicates significant increases in the prices of petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

According to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), the August 1 to August 15, 2026 pricing window is expected to see all major petroleum products record notable increases, driven by rising global crude oil prices and the depreciation of the Ghana cedi.

Petrol is projected to increase by 7.58%, pushing the expected retail price to about GH¢15.23 per litre.

Diesel is forecast to record the steepest increase, rising by 12.50% to approximately GH¢17.45 per litre, while LPG is expected to increase by 4.13%, with a kilogram selling for around GH¢16.40.

Despite the projected hikes, some industry analysts believe the impact on consumers may be less pronounced, as several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have already adjusted their pump prices upward in recent weeks.

NPA Revises Fuel Price Floors

Ahead of the new pricing window, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has revised the minimum price floors for petroleum products to reflect prevailing market conditions.

Under the new directive, the price floor for diesel has increased from GH¢14.35 to GH¢16.97 per litre, while petrol’s minimum price has risen from GH¢13.28 to GH¢14.53 per litre. The approved price floor for LPG has also been set at GH¢11.06 per kilogram.

The NPA has reminded all Oil Marketing Companies and LPG Marketing Companies that they are prohibited from selling petroleum products below the approved price floors, regardless of market competition.

The revised benchmark is intended to ensure fair pricing within the downstream petroleum sector while maintaining industry stability.

Global Market Pressures

COMAC attributed the anticipated price increases primarily to a sharp rise in international crude oil prices and higher costs of refined petroleum products.

According to the Chamber, average crude oil prices rose by 23.25% during the review period, climbing from US$71.90 to US$88.62 per barrel.

Refined petroleum products also recorded significant increases, with diesel leading at 24.84%, followed by petrol at 12.58% and LPG at 12.24%.

The Chamber said escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly developments involving the United States and Iran, as well as uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted global oil markets.

Although hopes of a peace agreement briefly eased market concerns, Iran’s rejection of Oman’s shared-control proposal, renewed attacks on oil tankers and continued shipping restrictions have kept global crude prices elevated.

Weakening Cedi Adds to Pressure

COMAC also cited the depreciation of the Ghana cedi as a major contributor to the expected increase in fuel prices.

During the review period, the exchange rate weakened from GH¢11.4970 to GH¢11.6593 per US dollar, representing a 1.41% depreciation.

The weaker local currency has increased the cost of importing refined petroleum products, further contributing to the expected rise in ex-pump prices.

With the new pricing window taking effect on August 1, motorists, transport operators and businesses are expected to face increased operating costs, raising concerns about possible knock-on effects on transport fares and the prices of goods and services nationwide.

TESCON holds future presidents of Ghana – NPP chairman hopeful Afoko

By
News Desk
-
0

National Chairman hopeful of the New Patriotic Party, Awentami Paul Afoko, has urged members of the Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON) to see themselves as the future leaders of the party and Ghana, rather than limiting their role to political discussions on social media.

Speaking at the Blue Dialogue, organised by TESCON of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology under the theme “Energizing the Base for Victory 2028,” Mr. Afoko described TESCON as the New Patriotic Party’s foremost leadership development platform.

He encouraged members to embrace their responsibility as intellectuals, innovators and future decision-makers who will shape the direction of both the NPP and the nation.

“You are not merely a student wing of the party; you are the intellectual engine of our party. You are the leadership pipeline of tomorrow, and I hope you understand what you’ve got yourselves into. It is not just social media interactions and all that,” he stated.

Mr. Afoko stressed that TESCON members should aspire to become policymakers, entrepreneurs, professionals, parliamentarians, ministers and national leaders capable of driving Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.

“You are policy thinkers; you’re innovators, professionals, entrepreneurs, parliamentarians, ministers and national leaders of the future. I am not just saying this because I’m talking to you. I am saying this because it is a reality and a fact of life,” he added.

He challenged the students to begin preparing themselves for greater responsibilities if they had not already done so, insisting that the organisation is home to many of Ghana’s future leaders.

“If you haven’t factored this into what you’re doing, then please begin now to think seriously about this. I dare say that we have within TESCON future presidents of Ghana,” he said.

The NPP National Chairman hopeful further called on TESCON to evolve into a centre for policy development and innovation, arguing that Ghana’s current challenges require bold ideas and practical solutions from the country’s next generation of leaders.

According to him, the student body should position itself as a platform where policies are critically debated, innovative solutions are developed and leadership skills are nurtured to prepare members for national service and governance.

Mr. Afoko’s remarks come as the NPP continues efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures and youth base ahead of the 2028 general elections, with party leaders increasingly highlighting the strategic role of TESCON in grooming the next generation of political leadership.

Don’t let AI define students’ future – Haruna Iddrisu warns

By
News Desk
-
0

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has urged the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ghana’s education system, cautioning that technology should serve as a learning aid rather than determine the future of students.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, the Minister described AI as an indispensable part of the future of education and innovation but stressed that learners must be equipped with the right values and guidance to use digital tools responsibly.

“AI is the future, but we should not allow AI to define the tomorrow of our learners. They need to be guided ethically and responsibly, especially in the online use of gadgets and educationally assisted technologies,” he stated.

Mr. Iddrisu noted that while AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning, overdependence on technology without proper ethical guidance could undermine critical thinking and independent learning among students.

Beyond AI, the Education Minister highlighted several government initiatives aimed at making tertiary education more accessible, particularly for students facing financial difficulties.

He revealed that the government’s “No Fees Stress” initiative has already provided financial assistance to approximately 15,000 students who might otherwise have been unable to pursue higher education.

“With the introduction of the No Fees Stress initiative, we have spent about GH¢980 million to support about 15,000 Ghanaians who could not have been able to access tertiary education,” he said.

Mr. Iddrisu also announced that government has extended free tertiary education support to persons living with disabilities as part of efforts to promote inclusive and equitable access to higher education.

Additionally, he disclosed plans to strengthen technical education by allocating GH¢10 million from the Ghana Education Trust Fund to each technical university across the country beginning next year.

According to the Minister, the interventions reflect government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities while ensuring that students are adequately prepared to embrace emerging technologies such as AI in a responsible and ethical manner.

Don’t politicise Upper East’s exclusion from World Bank roads project – Rev. Akaribo

By
News Desk
-
0

The Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Rev. John Akaribo Denis, has called for calm, dialogue and strategic advocacy following concerns over the exclusion of the Upper East Region from the World Bank-funded Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP).

The concern follows the World Bank’s approval of a $500 million financing package aimed at improving rural road networks and strengthening agricultural value chains in selected regions across Ghana. The absence of the Upper East Region from the list of beneficiaries has sparked debate among residents and stakeholders, particularly given the region’s significant contribution to the country’s agricultural sector.

Speaking on Bolgatanga-based Dreamz FM, Rev. Akaribo described the Upper East Region as one of Ghana’s key food-producing areas and questioned why it was left out of a project designed to improve market access for farmers.

“We are an agricultural region. You cannot overlook the Tono valleys, the Pwalugu area and the farming activities across the region,” he said, pointing to major farming hubs such as Bongo, Bawku, Pusiga and the Tono Irrigation Scheme.

He, however, cautioned against turning the matter into a political contest, stressing that development issues should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than partisan rhetoric.

According to him, the region’s political and administrative leadership, including Members of Parliament, the Upper East Regional Minister, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as technical agencies should unite and engage the government with a well-documented case for the inclusion of the region in the project.

Rev. Akaribo noted that several feeder roads linking farming communities to markets remain in deplorable condition, increasing transportation costs and post-harvest losses for farmers. He argued that improving these roads would significantly enhance agricultural productivity and market access.

He urged regional stakeholders to identify priority feeder roads that support agricultural production and submit comprehensive proposals to the government while the implementation of the project is still ongoing.

The PFAG municipal chairman expressed optimism that sustained advocacy and evidence-based engagement could persuade authorities to reconsider the region’s exclusion.

His remarks add to growing calls from stakeholders in the Upper East Region for equitable distribution of national development projects, particularly those aimed at boosting agriculture and improving rural infrastructure. Many believe the region’s strategic role in food production makes it deserving of greater investment in road connectivity and market access.

Don’t let unemployment steal your confidence — Opare Addo inspires Ghanaian youth

By
News Desk
-
0

Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has urged Ghanaian youth not to allow unemployment or temporary setbacks to rob them of their confidence, stressing that difficult moments do not determine a person’s future.

Speaking in a video circulated online and seen by MyNewsGh, the minister acknowledged the frustrations many young people experience in their search for jobs but encouraged them to remain optimistic, resilient, and focused on achieving their dreams.

Addressing the youth directly, Opare Addo assured them that their current circumstances should not define their destiny.

“My brothers and sisters, your story is not finished. Your background does not undermine your destination,” he said.

The minister cautioned against allowing unemployment to create feelings of hopelessness, emphasizing that temporary setbacks should never be interpreted as permanent failure.

“Do not allow unemployment to steal your confidence. Do not allow temporary failures to convince you that you were born to fail,” he urged.

Opare Addo also advised young people to avoid comparing themselves with others based on what they see on social media, noting that many online portrayals of success are often misleading.

“A lot of us research social media and look at people’s fake stories on social media and we feel that our future is lost. Please, do not allow settings to destroy you,” he stated.

He further reminded the youth that every individual has a unique journey in life, making comparisons unnecessary and potentially discouraging.

“Do not compare your journey with someone else’s journey. Our journeys are different and we may run them differently,” he added.

1...345Page 4 of 5

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© 2026 - Upper Pulse Media

Powered by