In recent years, Ghana’s football, particularly its senior national team, the Black Stars, has seen a significant downturn in performance. This decline is not limited to the senior team but spans various levels, including youth and women’s football. The current Ghana Football Association (GFA) president, Kurt Okraku, has come under fire for his role in this ongoing deterioration. Despite boasting talented players in top European leagues, Ghana’s national teams have failed to make any significant impact under Okraku’s leadership, including a historic failure to reach knockout stages in major tournaments during his tenure. The blame, Okraku argues, lies with player performance, but many critics point to his administration as the consistent factor across Ghana’s struggling football scene.
About the author
62-Year-Old Businesswoman Remanded Over $13K Fraud
Nana Ama Nwurueze, a 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman, Dorothy Asare, of $13,000. Nwurueze reportedly posed as a wealthy businesswoman with substantial properties, including Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a house at Airport, to deceive the complainant.The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, has charged Nwurueze with defrauding by false pretenses. She was arrested after a bench warrant was issued against her in December last year. Despite pleading not guilty, her bail application was denied, as the court determined she was a flight risk. The case was initially reported to the Airport Police Station in 2021, but attempts to arrest her were unsuccessful until her eventual arrest in March 2024. Following her arrest, she was granted police inquiry bail but went […]
President Mahama Nominates 71 New DCEs Pending Approval
President John Mahama has nominated 71 new District Chief Executives (DCEs) across various districts in Ghana, pending approval by local Assembly members. This move is aimed at strengthening local governance as these executives are expected to play a crucial role in the management of their respective districts.An official statement detailing the nominations was signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.While most districts have their nominees, the nomination for the Kpando district is still pending. The new DCEs will need to be confirmed by the Assembly members in their respective districts before they officially take up their roles.
FIC Freezes Accounts of Bills Micro-Credit Founder, Richard Nii Armah Quaye
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all accounts associated with Richard Nii Armah Quaye, the founder of Bills Micro-Credit. This includes accounts linked to Bills Micro-Credit, Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit, as well as an account of Romeo-Richlove Kweku Seshie, the Chief Executive Officer of Bills Micro-Credit.The action follows a letter from the FIC, in line with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), and applies to all accounts connected to the named individuals, pending further instructions. The FIC’s role involves analyzing suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.The move comes after a statement from the Ghana Revenue Authority revealing that Nii Armah Quaye is undergoing a personal income tax assessment for over GHS 30 million in unpaid taxes. This freeze is part of regular regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with […]
Over 1,350 ECG Containers Missing from Tema Harbour Amid Procurement Breaches – Energy
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has raised significant concerns over the disappearance of more than 1,350 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the Tema Harbour. A committee tasked with investigating the matter has uncovered serious procurement breaches that have been ongoing for several years.Jinapor shared a 103-page report on the matter, describing the findings as alarming, with a clear indication of irregularities that have affected the country’s energy sector. The Minister emphasized that law enforcement agencies would be involved to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers and procurement violations are held accountable.The disappearance of the containers and the associated procurement irregularities have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within Ghana's energy sector, urging the government to take swift action.
Ex-FIFA Chief Blatter and Platini Cleared in Corruption Case
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French soccer legend Michel Platini have been cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court. The pair were accused of authorizing a 2 million Swiss franc payment to Platini in 2011. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the payment was fraudulent, acknowledging their consistent account of an oral agreement for the payment.The decision marks the end of a long-running legal battle, which began in 2015 and resulted in their suspension from football by FIFA. Both Blatter and Platini expressed relief following the verdict. Platini declared that his honor had been restored, while Blatter described the case as a burden that had hung over him for years.Swiss federal prosecutors are reviewing the decision and may appeal to the Swiss Federal Court.
Idris Elba Honored as a Son of Ga Land, Announces Film Studio Project in Accra
On March 25, 2025, renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba was honored as a son of Ga Land in a grand ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra. The event, under the reign of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, celebrated Elba’s contributions to the African diaspora and his dedication to developing Ghana’s creative industry.Elba’s visit included an exciting announcement: he plans to build a world-class film studio and school on 22 acres of land near Osu Castle. This project aims to provide training, employment, and a creative hub for young Ghanaian talent, with a focus on African cinema.King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to guide the youth and advance the creative arts. The announcement was met with applause and marked a significant moment for Ghana’s growing role in the global […]
Related
More criticism trails Makinde over Wetie comment
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is facing growing criticism over his recent reference to Operation Wetie, a violent episode in the political history of the old Western Region.The governor reportedly used the expression during a political gathering in Ibadan at the weekend, a remark that many now see as irresponsible and dangerous. Opposition figures, civil society groups and concerned citizens have condemned the statement, warning that such language could encourage political thuggery and undermine peace in the state.They argue that referencing a period associated with arson, killings and severe unrest sends the wrong signal ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Some critics insist that leaders must promote calm and constructive engagement instead of inflammatory rhetoric.They stress that Oyo State has enjoyed relative stability in recent years and should not return to a climate of fear or politically motivated attacks. Political […]
Iranian sailors leave Sri Lanka after attack
More than 200 Iranian sailors who had been stranded in Sri Lanka following a naval incident have now returned home after spending over a month in the country. According to Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara, a total of 238 sailors were repatriated. This included 32 crew members rescued from the Iris Dena and 206 from the Irins Bushehr. The group departed on Tuesday night after being flown out of Sri Lanka. The incident began on 4 March, when the Iris Dena sank approximately 40 kilometres off Sri Lanka’s southern coast after being struck by a torpedo reportedly launched from a US submarine. The attack resulted in the deaths of 104 sailors. The following day, Sri Lankan authorities took control of the Irins Bushehr after it requested permission to dock due to engine failure. The vessel was allowed into port on […]
China says it ‘welcomes’ Middle East ceasefire agreement
China has said it “welcomes” the ceasefire agreement reached in the Middle East between the parties to the Iran conflict. “China welcomes relevant parties announcing the reaching of a ceasefire agreement,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a regular briefing in Beijing. She expressed hope that all sides would “earnestly implement” the truce, which includes a two‑week halt to strikes and a controlled reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. China reiterated its long‑standing position that hostilities in the region must stop immediately to prevent further escalation and spillover. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the country supports diplomatic efforts and dialogue to resolve disputes, and backs a greater role for the United Nations and Gulf states in promoting regional security. Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously outlined a framework calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians and […]
Lilian Afegbai apologises to AMVCA for outburst over snub
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has apologised to the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her earlier outburst over being left out of this year’s nominations. She had previously gone viral for angrily telling them to eat their award after her name was missing from the list. In a new post on her X page, Afegbai admitted that her apology was overdue and that her earlier reaction was disrespectful. She said her words were driven by hurt and disappointment and did not reflect the respect she has for the AMVCA platform and those who work behind the scenes. The actress, who played the character Idia in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix series To Kill a Monkey, had initially expressed shock at not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She argued that her role was one of the most talked about […]
Court orders final forfeiture of $13m linked to Oceangate Engineering
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 13 million dollars linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, a company associated with businesswoman Aisha Achimugu. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the money to be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that neither Oceangate Engineering nor Achimugu was able to prove that the 13 million dollars was legitimately earned. He said there was no credible evidence before the court to support their claim that the funds came from gifts and earnings from oil and gas contracts. The judge rejected arguments by Oceangate’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, who had insisted that the money was lawfully acquired. Ozurumba had argued that the funds were derived from personal gifts to Achimugu and proceeds of genuine […]
Bandits raid Kwara church, abduct worshippers during service
Armed bandits have attacked a church in Kwara State, abducting several worshippers during a service. The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state. The attackers reportedly arrived at the church in the evening and opened fire from outside before storming the building. Worshippers fled in different directions as gunshots rang out, while some were seized and taken into the bush by the gunmen. Police authorities in Kwara confirmed the attack and said two people were killed, while a vigilante member sustained gunshot injuries. The victims who died were identified as worshippers who were shot during the raid, and their bodies were later recovered in and around the church premises. The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command said operatives, working with local vigilantes, responded quickly after receiving distress calls about […]