American rapper and philanthropist Ja Rule has returned to Ghana, reaffirming his dedication to improving education. This time, he’s focusing on the upcoming launch of a six-unit classroom block at Nuaso Anglican Primary School, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This initiative, born from a partnership between Ja Rule’s team and the nonprofit Pencils of Promise (PoP), aims to uplift educational facilities and provide a better learning environment for students.
Before the grand opening, Ja Rule took time to visit the National Museum of Ghana, reflecting on the deep cultural and historical significance of his work. The museum tour, where he was particularly moved by the history of slavery, strengthened his emotional connection to Ghana and its cultural identity. “Education is something I’m truly passionate about,” Ja Rule shared, adding that he plans to build additional facilities, such as a gymnasium, to enhance the overall learning experience.
Ja Rule, a frequent visitor to Ghana, noted the country’s pivotal role in shaping African identity on the global stage. He also teased a potential collaboration in the fast-growing Afrobeats genre, acknowledging its rising popularity worldwide.
The rapper also used his platform to urge fellow artists to make a positive impact, stressing the importance of using their influence to effect meaningful change. “We have a platform, and it’s important to use it for real impact,” he said.
Leslie Engle, CEO of Pencils of Promise, praised the project’s transformative potential, emphasizing its long-term effects on the local community. With the commissioning of the new school block set for tomorrow, the Nuaso Anglican Primary School is poised to enter a new era of educational opportunities, thanks to Ja Rule’s commitment and PoP’s global educational efforts.
About the author
Sports Minister to Break Silence on Black Stars Budget Amid Growing Transparency Concerns
The Chairman of Parliament’s Youth & Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has announced that the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, will soon address the nation regarding the budget for Ghana’s recent World Cup qualifier matches against Chad and Madagascar.This comes after mounting pressure from both the public and lawmakers who have questioned the ministry's delay in revealing how much was spent on the team’s travel, logistics, player bonuses, and other expenses.While fans have been focused on the Black Stars’ performance on the pitch, the lack of financial transparency has sparked criticism, with many calling for greater accountability from the Sports Ministry.Norgbey’s statement aims to assure Ghanaians that the matter is being taken seriously and that the Minister will provide answers soon.
Wendy Shay Changes Young Fan’s Life with Full Scholarship Surprise
Ghanaian music star Wendy Shay has melted hearts once again with an incredible act of kindness after a video of a young fan, Tracy Shay, singing and dancing to her hit song “Too Late” went viral. The video, which showed the young girl’s raw passion and excitement during Wendy’s school visit, quickly spread online, drawing admiration from fans and celebrities alike.Inspired by Tracy’s spirit and energy, Wendy returned to the school to thank the little superstar in person. In front of her classmates, Wendy made a surprise announcement — she will fully sponsor Tracy’s education from Class 5 through to university.“You’re a shining star, Tracy,” Wendy said to roaring applause from the students. “To show my appreciation, I’ve decided to take care of your education all the way to university.”But that wasn’t all. Alongside the scholarship, Wendy gifted Tracy some […]
Davido Declares: “I’m Not Cheating Again, I Don’t Want ‘Wahala'”
Afrobeats superstar, Davido, has made a bold statement regarding his personal life, declaring that he has no intention of engaging in any more infidelity, stating that he no longer desires the drama ("wahala") that comes with it.The Nigerian musician, known for his chart-topping hits and high-profile relationships, seems to be reflecting on the challenges that come with fame and relationships. His declaration comes at a time when fans and the media alike have often speculated about his personal affairs. By making such a public remark, Davido is likely putting an end to rumors and clarifying his stance on loyalty moving forward.Davido’s openness about his personal journey adds a layer of relatability to his public persona, showing that even celebrities navigate the complexities of love and relationships, all while juggling their busy careers.
Salah & Van Dijk Set to Stay: Liverpool Icons Near New Contracts Through 2027
Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are on the brink of extending their stay at Anfield with new two-year contracts that will keep them at the club until June 2027.After months of negotiations, the club has made significant progress with both players, who were approaching the end of their current deals. The developments come at a crucial time as Liverpool chases another Premier League title.Salah, 32, and Van Dijk, 33, are among three key players whose contracts were set to expire this summer. The third, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is reportedly on his way to Real Madrid on a free transfer.Despite early hiccups in the negotiation process—where both Salah and Van Dijk were unsatisfied with initial offers—the tides have turned. Van Dijk recently hinted at a breakthrough following Liverpool’s defeat to Fulham, while Salah previously expressed doubt about his future […]
No More Queues: Ghana’s SIM Re-Registration Goes Fully Digital in June
Starting in June 2025, Ghanaians will be able to re-register their SIM cards completely online, eliminating the need to visit registration centres or stand in long queues. This move was announced by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, during a visit to Margins ID Group in Accra on April 8.Mr George confirmed that the new registration system will be entirely digital, allowing users to complete the process using their mobile devices. The system will automatically verify identities using national databases—specifically data linked to the Ghana Card.In a follow-up Facebook post, the minister emphasised the convenience of the new process. “No more long queues or delays. The system will handle identity verification automatically, making the process fast and seamless,” he stated.This update comes in response to public frustrations during earlier phases of the SIM re-registration campaign, […]
Cathedral Controversy: Government Pulls Plug on $400M Project, Launches Probe
The government of Ghana has officially shut down the National Cathedral Secretariat and halted all public funding for the long-debated National Cathedral project. This decision was confirmed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during an interview on Channel One TV on April 8, 2025.Kwakye Ofosu stated that the Secretariat—set up by the previous administration to oversee the cathedral's construction—no longer exists, and all contracts and procurement activities tied to the project are now under the scrutiny of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The move comes amid growing concerns over transparency and financial accountability.“This administration will not allocate a single additional cedi of public funds to this project,” he emphasized. He clarified that while the government acknowledges the religious significance of the cathedral, its completion must now be handled by private or religious entities willing to […]
Related
Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]
GRA Postpones Implementation of Energy Sector Levy Scheduled for June 16
Ghana’s Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a GH¢1 per litre fuel surcharge slated for June 16, 2025—after stakeholder consultations and a directive from the Finance Ministry. 1. Levy Background Introduced under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), the levy was fast-tracked through Parliament—with an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in annual revenue intended to cover energy-sector debts and stabilize power supply. 2. Reason for Postponement The GRA cited a directive from the Minister of Finance, following input from industry stakeholders such as AOMCs, NPA, and Ghana Link Network Services, requiring further operational and technical readiness before implementation. 3. Official Spokesperson’s Statement In a June 13 public notice, Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong confirmed the levy deferral. All relevant agencies—from ports to oil-marketing companies—have been alerted and told to await […]
Tyler Perry’s Straw: A Piercing Cry Against Racism and Injustice in Black America
Tyler Perry's Netflix drama Straw centers on Janiyah Wiltkinson (played by Taraji P. Henson), a Black single mother whose day spirals out of control amid poverty, systemic neglect, and racial bias—all culminating in a gripping bank standoff. The film’s shocking twist and emotional storytelling have resonated widely. 1. Authentic Depiction of Systemic Racism & Mental Health Straw explores how racial and economic injustice intersect to break a Black mother’s spirit. Critics note it “captures the adage of bad things happening to good people” under systemic oppression. Janiyah’s psychological collapse is depicted with stark realism, highlighting mental health struggles amplified in Black women facing societal neglect. 2. Taraji P. Henson’s Heart-Wrenching Performance Henson carries the film with emotional depth, embodying exhaustion, rage, and grief from Janiyah’s relentless challenges. Her performance anchors the narrative—even those who critique the storytelling style praise her […]
Parliament to Vet Seven Supreme Court Nominees Beginning Monday, June 16
Starting Monday, June 16, 2025, Ghana’s Appointments Committee of Parliament will begin a three‑day vetting exercise for seven Supreme Court nominees, all currently serving as Justices on the Court of Appeal. 1. Who’s Being Vetted? All seven nominees are Appeal Court judges elevated by President John Dramani Mahama under Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Their names are: Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh Justice Senyo Dzamefe Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah‑Boafo Justice Philip Bright Mensah Justice Janapare Bartels‑Kodwo Justice Hafisata Amaleboba 2. Purpose & Structure of the Hearings Over three days (June 16–18), the committee will scrutinize each nominee’s: Judicial competence and experience Knowledge of constitutional and human rights law Integrity and impartiality Judicial philosophy and past rulings Public engagement is expected, with citizens and legal stakeholders urged to submit observations and poses questions to the nominees. 3. […]
Minnesota Lawmaker Killed, Another Injured in Targeted Political Shootings
A politically motivated attack in Minnesota has left Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette critically injured, in a shocking breach of domestic political security. 1. The Incidents Around 2 a.m. local time on June 14, a gunman impersonating a police officer opened fire at separate residences in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, targeting Democratic lawmakers. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife survived and underwent surgery in critical condition. At the second site, Rep. Melissa Hortman, former Minnesota House Speaker, and her husband were found dead. 2. The Suspect & Motive The suspect has been identified as 57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter, who impersonated a police officer using a fake squad car and uniform. His vehicle contained a manifesto and hit list featuring about 70 names—including lawmakers, abortion activists, and public […]
Seven Lawra SHS Students Feared Dead After Canoe Capsizes on Black Volta
A routine morning exercise turned into a tragedy for Lawra Senior High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when ten cadet students attempted to cross the Black Volta River near Dikpe in a small canoe. The boat capsized mid-river, and although three students swam to safety, seven are feared drowned. 1. What Happened During their regular jogging routine, the students spotted a canoe in use and spontaneously decided to cross. Midway, the small, overloaded canoe capsized, plunging all ten into the strong Volta current. Three survived, but seven were swept away. 2. Emergency Response Local authorities—including Ghana Police and NADMO—have mobilised divers and volunteers for a full-scale search operation. The Black Volta’s strong currents and lack of safety gear have complicated rescue efforts. 3. Recovery So Far Bodies Retrieved: At least four bodies (two boys, two girls) were recovered. Still Missing: […]