Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has disclosed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while in opposition, deliberately planned to frustrate the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during its time as the parliamentary Minority.
‘We Planned as a Minority to Frustrate Akufo-Addo’s Government’ – Haruna Iddrisu 4
Mr Iddrisu made the revelation in a statement featured by Ghana Today on August 14, 2026, in which he reflected on the NDC Minority’s approach to constitutional and governance matters during the Akufo-Addo administration.
According to the statement attributed to the Education Minister, the NDC Minority was particularly opposed to aspects of the Akufo-Addo administration’s agenda involving the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
“We planned as a minority to frustrate President Akufo-Addo’s government, especially when he wanted us to elect MMDCEs,” Mr Iddrisu was quoted as saying.
He further said he personally wanted to be remembered for challenging what he regarded as constitutional issues under the former administration, while acknowledging Akufo-Addo’s legal background.
“Personally I wanted to be popular because history will record me the person to have challenged a brilliant constitutional lawyer like President Akufo-Addo on constitutional matters,” the statement attributed to him said.
Mr Iddrisu, however, added that he would not wish for similar tactics to be deployed against the current NDC administration.
“But I wouldn’t wish same is done to the NDC government,” he was quoted as saying.
Political strategy and constitutional disagreements
The comments highlight the intense political and constitutional disagreements that characterised relations between the NDC Minority and the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
The proposed election of MMDCEs was one of the major constitutional and decentralisation issues debated during the Akufo-Addo administration. The government pursued changes that would have enabled Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to be elected rather than appointed under the existing constitutional framework. The proposed reforms eventually faced strong opposition and were withdrawn from Parliament in 2019.
At the time, Mr Iddrisu, then Minority Leader, was among those who challenged aspects of the government’s approach, including the constitutional process surrounding the proposed changes.
His latest comments therefore offer a retrospective account of the political calculations behind the NDC Minority’s opposition to the Akufo-Addo administration.
Haruna Iddrisu now serves as Education Minister
Mr Iddrisu is now Ghana’s Minister of Education under President John Dramani Mahama. Ghana News Agency reports that he has been leading government initiatives in education, including reforms aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education and improving skills development.
His political career has included several senior parliamentary and ministerial positions. He previously served as both Majority and Minority Leader in Parliament and also held ministerial responsibilities under earlier NDC administrations.
The latest remarks are likely to attract renewed attention to the political strategies employed by both the NDC and NPP when operating on opposite sides of Ghana’s Parliament.
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Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artiste Lexikon has unveiled his new single, “I Burn,” a spiritually charged reggae anthem built around themes of inner renewal, empowerment, resilience and divine guidance.
The song, available on Spotify, presents fire as a spiritual metaphor rather than a physical force, drawing on Christian imagery to portray an inner flame associated with purification, conviction, illumination and strength.
Lexikon Ignites with “I Burn,” a Spiritual Reggae Anthem of Inner Fire 8
From its opening energy, “I Burn” establishes a message of spiritual confidence, with Lexikon presenting the fire within as a source of courage and direction. The song’s central idea connects personal transformation with faith and the belief that divine presence can empower an individual through adversity.
A key cultural element of the track is the use of “Ogya,” the Akan word for fire. Lexikon uses the term to connect the song’s reggae and dancehall sound with Ghanaian identity while reinforcing the spiritual symbolism at the heart of the record.
Across the song, Lexikon explores themes of survival, perseverance and spiritual authority. The narrative moves from overcoming storms and adversity to standing firmly in one’s calling and refusing to be defeated by opposition.
The song also draws heavily on biblical imagery, particularly the symbolism of fire as guidance and divine protection. This gives “I Burn” a devotional quality while retaining the rhythmic character associated with reggae-dancehall.
Lexikon’s approach blends Jamaican patois, Ghanaian cultural references and Christian themes to create a sound that reaches across cultural boundaries. The result is a musical expression that connects African heritage, Caribbean reggae influences and a contemporary Christian message.
Rather than presenting fire solely as destruction, Lexikon frames it as a force capable of refining, strengthening and renewing the individual. The message is one of remaining resilient through difficult seasons while drawing strength from faith and purpose.
The release also introduces the meaning behind Lexikon’s Baan-FIRE concept — Fire for Inner Renewal and Empowerment — positioning the song as part of a broader message of personal transformation and spiritual empowerment.
With “I Burn,” Lexikon moves beyond a conventional entertainment release to deliver a faith-driven statement about conviction, resilience and the pursuit of divine purpose.
The single is now available for streaming on Spotify as Lexikon invites listeners to connect with its message of inner fire, renewal and empowerment.
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The Norvisi Association North America, Inc. (NANA), an organisation of citizens of Shia in Ghana’s Volta Region living in North America, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of the community following its 2026 Biennial Congress in Cheshire, Connecticut.
NANA Reaffirms Commitment to Shia Development at 2026 Biennial Congress 12
Held from August 7 to 8 under the theme “Development in Unity” and the motto “Together We Grow • Together We Succeed,” the congress brought members together to review community priorities and strengthen their collective commitment to the development of Shia.
A major decision from the congress was NANA’s move to evaluate and adopt the library at Shia’s newly built Senior High School. The facility is currently empty and requires furnishings, books and other learning resources to become a functional learning centre for students.
NANA has established a project team to work with the school, assess the library’s requirements and develop a plan to transform the facility into a modern learning environment that will support students and enhance educational opportunities in the community.
The association also reaffirmed its support for the community centre currently under construction in Shia. The project brings together citizens of Shia in Ghana, North America and Europe in a shared effort to provide an important facility for the community.
NANA further highlighted its contribution to the renovation of Shia’s maternity block, reflecting its commitment to strengthening essential healthcare services for mothers, newborns and families.
Members also raised funds towards the rehabilitation and maintenance of Shia’s public cemetery. The initiative includes clearing overgrown vegetation and improving accessibility to the facility.
NANA Chairman Blaise Anthony Hometorwu emphasised the importance of unity, collective responsibility and giving back to the community that shaped the lives of members now living abroad.
The congress also received support from the Ewe Association of Southern Connecticut, led by its Vice President, Chris Diaba. The delegation attended the congress and made a donation towards NANA’s development initiatives.
Guest of Honour Togbe Tornu Yao V, Dufia of Aveme Dra, praised NANA members for maintaining strong ties with Shia despite living abroad.
He encouraged members to build a lasting legacy for future generations and challenged citizens to work collectively to move Shia from its affectionate nickname, “Small London,” to what he described as “BIG London.”
The congress concluded with a banquet featuring cultural entertainment, awards, recognition and fundraising activities.
NANA announced that its next Biennial Congress will be held during the third weekend of July 2028 in Crown Point, Indiana. Members are expected to use the gathering to review progress, strengthen fellowship and continue mobilising their collective skills and resources for the development of Shia.
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Police in Accra have reportedly foiled an alleged armed robbery operation in Labone, leaving two suspected robbers dead and another suspect in custody.
Labone Robbery Ends With Two Suspects Dead
The incident, which occurred in the Labone area of Accra, has attracted public attention after images circulating online showed a man identified as Okechuku Maazi alongside photographs linked to the alleged incident.
According to an eyewitness account circulating online, the suspects were allegedly monitoring customers around a bank before attempting to follow a potential target. Police reportedly moved in after receiving information about the suspects’ activities, leading to a confrontation.
The account said the suspects attempted to flee when officers intervened and that gunfire was exchanged during the pursuit. Two of the suspected robbers were reportedly shot dead, while a third suspect was arrested.
Images circulating in connection with the incident also show a firearm and a vehicle, although the circumstances surrounding those items will have to be established by investigators.
The arrest of the surviving suspect is expected to provide investigators with important information about the alleged operation, including the identities of the other suspects, how the group may have operated and whether other people were involved.
Questions over nationality
There has also been discussion on social media about the nationality of the suspects, with some claims linking the incident to Nigerian nationals. GhanaMedia.net cannot independently verify those claims at this stage, and nationality should not be attributed to any suspect without confirmation from the Ghana Police Service or another competent authority.
The broader issue of foreign nationals being accused of criminal activity in Ghana should likewise be treated carefully. Individual criminal allegations should be investigated on their own facts rather than used to label an entire nationality or community.
What is clear from the available account is that the Labone incident has raised renewed concerns about armed robbery and the safety of residents, workers and people conducting financial transactions in parts of Accra.
The Ghana Police Service will be expected to establish exactly what happened, identify the deceased suspects, confirm the identity of the person arrested and determine whether the firearm and other items shown in circulating images are connected to the alleged robbery.
As investigations continue, members of the public are urged to rely on verified information from law-enforcement authorities rather than unconfirmed claims circulating on social media.
GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow developments as authorities provide further information on the case.
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Ghanaian actor Oteele has broken his silence following the circulation of an alleged private video online, acknowledging that the controversy has affected his family and saying he wants to make amends.
Oteele addressed the controversy during a TikTok Live session on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after the alleged video triggered widespread discussion across Ghanaian social media.
Oteele Breaks Silence After Alleged Video Leak
According to reports, the actor admitted that he had failed his family and expressed his intention to seek forgiveness from his wife, Nana Afriyie Gifty. He reportedly said he plans to visit her together with respected elders to formally ask for forgiveness.
Oteele also spoke about the personal impact of the controversy, reportedly revealing that he had gone nearly a full day without eating as the story continued to spread online.
His comments came after his wife, Gifty Nana Afriyie, publicly addressed the controversy in an emotional video. She denied being the woman seen in the circulating footage and apologised on behalf of her family.
The latest development has also revived previous comments made by Gifty in April 2025, when she accused Oteele of repeatedly cheating during their relationship. In that interview, she claimed that she had caught him cheating on numerous occasions and said that after 13 years of knowing him, she had become accustomed to the alleged behaviour. She nevertheless said there were boundaries he was not permitted to cross, including bringing alleged partners into their matrimonial home.
The resurfacing of those remarks has added context to the current controversy, although the allegations made in the 2025 interview remain allegations attributed to Gifty and should not be treated as independently established facts.
Meanwhile, reports surrounding the alleged private footage remain subject to verification. GhanaMedia.net will not reproduce or distribute explicit material and urges the public to avoid sharing intimate footage of private individuals without consent.
Oteele’s latest comments represent his first major public response to the controversy and shift attention from the viral footage itself to the consequences the incident has had on his family.
His reported intention to approach his wife with elders and seek forgiveness now places the future of their relationship at the centre of public interest.
Source: GhanaMedia.net research; statements and reports circulating from the actor, his wife and Ghanaian media reports. YEN reported on August 13, 2026 that Oteele acknowledged failing his family and intended to seek forgiveness from his wife.
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There is a question that has been on my mind for some time as a Ghanaian living in Germany:
Why does Africa continue to struggle with problems that other societies have spent generations learning to solve?
I ask this not from a position of hatred, inferiority or racial discrimination. I ask it because I have travelled, observed and experienced another system, and I believe Africans must be honest enough to examine ourselves.
Africa Has Everything to Build — So Why Are We Still Struggling?
When many Africans travel to Europe, we see functioning roads, organised public spaces, advanced technology, reliable infrastructure, efficient transportation and institutions that have been developed over generations.
We admire the innovation.
We admire the engineering.
We admire the discipline.
We admire the long-term planning.
But perhaps we sometimes admire the finished product without studying the mindset and systems that produced it.
Development Does Not Begin With Concrete — It Begins With an Idea
Almost everything around us began as an idea.
Someone imagined something that did not yet exist.
They discussed it with another person.
Someone believed in it.
Someone challenged it.
Someone invested in it.
Someone tested it.
Someone failed.
Someone tried again.
Eventually, the idea became a prototype, a business, a technology, an institution or an infrastructure project.
And then another generation improved it.
That is how civilisation advances.
No serious inventor builds everything alone.
No major company becomes successful because one person knows everything.
No country becomes technologically advanced because one government official suddenly wakes up with all the answers.
Progress requires ecosystems.
It requires people who can disagree without destroying one another.
It requires investors who are prepared to take risks.
It requires governments that create room for innovation.
It requires universities and laboratories.
It requires engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists, artisans, teachers and ordinary citizens.
Most importantly, it requires a culture where success is not treated as a threat.
Africa Must Stop Pulling Down Its Own Builders
This is where I believe we have a serious problem.
A young Ghanaian can have an excellent idea today.
He tells a friend.
Instead of hearing, “How can we develop this?”, he may hear:
“It won’t work.”
“Someone has already done it.”
“Who do you think you are?”
“You will fail.”
And sometimes, when the person begins succeeding, the problem becomes even worse.
Jealousy enters.
Politics enters.
Personal interests enter.
People begin looking for ways to discredit the person rather than strengthen the idea.
That mentality must change.
If your neighbour is building something useful, help him build it.
If the idea fails, learn from the failure.
If it succeeds, celebrate the success.
If you have money, invest.
If you have knowledge, teach.
If you have influence, open doors.
If you have criticism, make it constructive.
That is how nations build.
Europe Did Not Become Developed Overnight
It is also important to be intellectually honest.
European development cannot simply be explained by saying that Europeans are inherently more intelligent or innovative than Africans.
That would be a dangerous and historically inaccurate conclusion.
European societies developed through centuries of scientific advancement, industrialisation, education, institutional development, capital accumulation, political transformation and technological experimentation.
Colonialism and the extraction of resources from Africa and other parts of the world also played an important and deeply contested role in European economic history.
But the lesson Africans should take today is not racial superiority.
The lesson is institutional continuity and long-term thinking.
A society becomes stronger when one generation builds something that the next generation does not destroy.
What Are We Building for 20 Years From Now?
This is the question I want every Ghanaian to ask.
Not just the President.
Not just Parliament.
Not just ministers.
Not just CEOs.
Every one of us.
When we construct a road, will it still serve our children decades from now?
When we build a railway, is it designed for the next generation or merely the next election?
When we establish a technology company, are we building something that can become an African institution?
When we educate a child, are we preparing that child to solve tomorrow’s problems?
When we receive public money, are we thinking about the people who will inherit the country?
That is the difference between political thinking and nation-building.
Ghana Has No Shortage of Resources
The argument that Ghana has nothing to work with is difficult to accept.
Ghana possesses gold, oil, cocoa, arable land, human capital and a large pool of young people capable of learning technology and creating businesses.
Gold alone demonstrates the scale of the opportunity.
Ghana’s gold export earnings reached about US$20 billion in 2025, according to figures reported by the Ghana Gold Board from Bank of Ghana data.
The artisanal and small-scale mining sector alone recorded more than 100 tonnes of gold exports in 2025, generating approximately US$10.8 billion in foreign exchange, according to GoldBod.
So the question is not simply:
“Does Ghana have resources?”
The question is:
“How effectively are we converting our resources into lasting infrastructure, industries, jobs, knowledge and opportunities?”
That is the conversation we need.
And Yes, Ghana Still Has Serious Problems
We cannot celebrate economic figures while pretending that everything is working.
Accra continues to face serious flooding problems.
Alajo and other parts of the capital have repeatedly been identified among flood-prone areas, while experts have pointed to poor drainage, construction on waterways, waste management problems, weak enforcement and inadequate urban planning as contributing factors.
In May 2026, authorities even ordered evacuations downstream of the Weija Dam after water levels rose above the maximum operating level and controlled spillage began.
These are not merely political talking points.
They affect real families.
They destroy businesses.
They damage property.
They disrupt education.
They sometimes take lives.
And when a problem survives for decades, we must stop treating it as a temporary inconvenience.
We must ask whether the system itself is failing to produce a permanent solution.
We Must Also Be Accurate About Ghana’s Economy
There is another point I want to correct from the wider conversation.
Ghana has made significant progress under its current IMF-supported economic programme, but it would be inaccurate to simply say that Ghana has already completely “left the IMF.”
In May 2026, IMF staff reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the sixth and final review of the Extended Credit Facility programme, while discussions also moved toward a non-financing 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument. The IMF said the final review still required Executive Board consideration.
That distinction matters.
We should demand progress without sacrificing factual accuracy.
A country cannot build a better future by replacing one form of misinformation with another.
The Political Problem Is Bigger Than One Party
This is not an NDC problem.
It is not an NPP problem.
It is not simply a government problem.
It is a Ghanaian problem.
Governments must be held accountable for public expenditure, infrastructure, corruption, planning and service delivery.
But citizens also have responsibilities.
We throw rubbish into drains and complain when the drains flood.
We build on waterways and then blame rainfall.
We destroy public property and complain about poor public services.
We discourage ambitious people and later complain that Africa has no innovators.
We celebrate successful people after they become famous but sometimes ignore them when they are struggling to begin.
We cannot demand a developed country while maintaining an undeveloped mindset.
What Happened to the Long-Term Vision?
This is where the legacy of Ghana’s founding generation remains important.
Kwame Nkrumah’s era should be studied critically — including both its achievements and its failures.
Nkrumah was overthrown in a military coup on February 24, 1966, while he was abroad. Declassified U.S. records show that military and police officers had been plotting against his government before the coup, and American officials were aware of the plotting.
However, the popular claim that Emmanuel Kotoka personally overthrew Nkrumah by planting a bomb in a flower is not something I would present as established historical fact.
The historical record clearly establishes the 1966 military overthrow, but that particular flower-bomb claim should not be repeated as fact without credible evidence.
That is exactly the standard we should demand from ourselves.
We can be passionate without abandoning accuracy.
Africa Needs Builders, Not Destroyers
I want to see a Ghana where an ambitious young person can say:
“I have an idea.”
And the response is:
“Let’s see how we can make it work.”
I want entrepreneurs to have access to capital.
I want universities to become engines of innovation.
I want engineers to have opportunities to solve African problems.
I want technology companies to be able to scale from Accra to Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, London, Berlin and New York.
I want governments to compete with one another based on what they have built — not merely what they have promised.
I want politicians to understand that a road is not an election souvenir.
A hospital is not a campaign poster.
A railway is not a political trophy.
A school is not a monument to one administration.
They belong to generations.
The Change Has to Start With Us
As Africans, we cannot continue waiting for somebody else to save us.
We must change how we think about one another.
We must learn to collaborate.
We must learn to invest.
We must learn to criticise without destroying.
We must learn to disagree without becoming enemies.
We must learn to think beyond four-year political cycles.
And we must learn to ask one uncomfortable question:
What are we leaving behind when our time is over?
Because one day, every politician will leave office.
Every businessman will retire.
Every journalist will stop writing.
Every entrepreneur will eventually hand over the company.
Every generation will disappear.
What remains is what we built.
That is the real measure of a life.
And that is the real challenge facing Ghana.
We have enough talent.
We have enough resources.
We have enough young people.
We have enough ideas.
What we need now is the courage to build — and the wisdom not to destroy what the next generation will need.
Ghanaian Kumawood actor Oteele is facing renewed attention online, but amid the latest controversy, comments previously made by his wife, Gifty Nana Afriyie, about their marriage have also resurfaced.
Oteele’s Wife Previously Accused Him of Repeated Cheating as Fresh Video Controversy Emerges 22
In an April 2025 interview with ZionFelix, Afriyie alleged that Oteele had cheated on her repeatedly during their relationship. The comments were made months before the latest online controversy involving alleged private material.
What Oteele’s wife said in 2025
According to the April 10, 2025 report, Afriyie said she had experienced repeated infidelity in her marriage and had become accustomed to what she described as her husband’s alleged behaviour after years together.
She reportedly told ZionFelix that if she discovered another instance of alleged cheating, she could respond by doing the same, explaining that she wanted her husband to understand the emotional pain associated with betrayal.
Oteele’s Wife Previously Accused Him of Repeated Cheating as Fresh Video Controversy Emerges 23
Her comments were presented as her account of events within the marriage. They should therefore be understood as allegations made by Afriyie and not as independently established findings of fact.
She said she had considered leaving the marriage
Afriyie also spoke openly about the strain the alleged infidelity had placed on her marriage. The 2025 report said she had contemplated divorce on several occasions.
However, she explained that concerns about their children and the emotional impact a separation could have on them had influenced her decision to remain in the relationship.
Her comments provided a glimpse into the personal difficulties she said she had experienced behind the public image of the couple.
Her comments on polygamy
During the same interview, Afriyie also discussed the possibility of Oteele taking another wife. According to the report, she said she would not necessarily oppose such a decision if certain conditions concerning her welfare and the wellbeing of their children were met.
The discussion demonstrated that the couple’s relationship had previously been the subject of public conversations about trust, fidelity, separation and the possibility of another marriage.
Why the 2025 interview matters now
The resurfacing of Afriyie’s earlier comments does not establish the authenticity or circumstances surrounding any material currently circulating online. Instead, it provides important background to the public discussion surrounding Oteele and his marriage.
GhanaMedia.net has not independently verified any alleged private material currently being circulated online and will not publish or link to intimate content.
The distinction is important: Afriyie’s 2025 statements are documented comments attributed to her, while claims surrounding newly circulating material require separate verification.
What has been confirmed
What can be established from the available reporting is that Oteele’s wife publicly discussed alleged repeated infidelity in April 2025. YEN.com.gh also reported on the interview, stating that Afriyie alleged Oteele had cheated on her many times over the years.
Neither the existence of a previous allegation nor the current online speculation should be presented as proof of any separate allegation unless independently verified.
Responsible reporting remains important
The latest controversy highlights the risks of treating viral social-media material as established fact. Private material can be manipulated, taken out of context or circulated without the consent of the people involved.
GhanaMedia.net will therefore continue to distinguish between verified information, documented statements and unconfirmed claims as the story develops.
This report has been updated with context from Oteele’s wife’s documented April 2025 interview.
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Ghanaian Kumawood actor and comedian Stephen Yaw Mawunyo, popularly known as Oteele, is trending online following reports that an alleged private video involving him has surfaced on social media.
Oteele Trends After Alleged Private Video Surfaces
Reports circulating online on August 13, 2026, claim that the footage has been widely shared across social-media platforms, prompting renewed public attention around the actor. However, GhanaMedia.net has not independently verified the authenticity of the video, its origin or the circumstances under which it was allegedly obtained.
The controversy centres on an alleged private video said to involve Oteele. The material has reportedly been circulated across social-media platforms, resulting in the actor’s name becoming a trending topic.
At this stage, however, the existence of a circulating video does not establish its authenticity, when it was recorded, who appears in it or whether it was distributed with the consent of the people depicted.
GhanaMedia.net has deliberately chosen not to publish, embed or link to the alleged private material.
What has been verified?
Reports about the alleged footage are circulating online, and entertainment media have reported on the controversy. However, GhanaMedia.net has not found a verified statement from Oteele confirming the authenticity of the material or explaining how it was obtained and circulated.
We have also not established from credible publicly available information whether a formal complaint has been filed with law-enforcement authorities in connection with the alleged video.
For that reason, claims made through social-media posts, screenshots and unverified accounts should be treated cautiously until they are independently confirmed.
Privacy and responsible digital reporting
The controversy highlights broader concerns about privacy and the circulation of alleged intimate material involving public figures.
Viral distribution does not automatically establish authenticity, and repeatedly sharing alleged private material can cause significant personal and reputational harm to the people involved.
GhanaMedia.net will therefore report only verified developments and will not provide links to or reproduce alleged intimate content.
Oteele’s previous public profile
Oteele is a familiar figure in Ghana’s Kumawood movie industry and entertainment scene. He has built a public profile through acting and comedy and has previously attracted media attention over aspects of his personal and professional life.
His previous public appearances and interviews have also generated interest among Ghanaian entertainment audiences, making the latest online controversy particularly significant among social-media users.
What happens next?
The situation remains developing. Any official statement from Oteele, his representatives, his family or law-enforcement authorities could provide further clarity about the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the reported circulation of the material.
Until such information becomes available, GhanaMedia.net urges readers to distinguish between confirmed information and claims circulating online.
GhanaMedia.net will update this report if credible new information becomes available.
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Through these partnerships, GhanaMedia.net continues to connect audiences not only with credible news and information, but also with useful services that support travel, family connections and life across borders.
A bizarre attempted robbery in Spain has gone viral after a machete-wielding man entered a bar, demanded money in English and was met with laughter instead of fear.
The incident occurred at La Barraca de la Abuela in the Las Lagunas area of Mijas, Málaga, where the suspect reportedly entered wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a large machete.
Machete-Wielding Robber Laughed Out of Spanish Bar Before Arrest
According to reports from Spanish media, the incident happened in the afternoon when the man approached the bar and demanded money, reportedly saying, “The money, now.”
Rather than immediately recognising the situation as a genuine robbery, the bartender and customers reportedly believed the man was playing a prank. Their reaction left the would-be robber visibly confused.
At one point, the bartender reportedly handled the machete and remarked that the blade was damaged, further turning the tense situation into an extraordinary scene.
The suspect eventually abandoned the attempt and left the premises without taking any money. The staff only realised the seriousness of what had happened after learning of another similar robbery in the area.
Local outlet Mijas Comunicación reported that police were already investigating a series of violent robberies in Mijas and nearby Fuengirola. The suspect was subsequently arrested in the Los Limones area, with another man also arrested for allegedly assisting his escape by motorcycle. Mijas Comunicación reported that the main suspect was remanded in provisional custody.
Police linked the suspect to several alleged robberies, including incidents at two hotels in Fuengirola and another at a fast-food restaurant in Mijas. Authorities said a machete was used in three of the alleged robberies and a firearm in another.
Later reporting by SUR in English said National Police arrested a man linked to four robberies in Mijas and Fuengirola and that the suspect had allegedly carried both a machete and a pistol. SUR in English reported that the suspect was subsequently placed in custody.
The unusual footage has attracted widespread attention online, largely because the intended victims appeared to treat the dangerous situation as a joke. However, the incident could easily have ended differently, given that the attacker was carrying a large bladed weapon.
The episode serves as a reminder that apparent jokes involving weapons can rapidly become dangerous situations. Authorities continue to treat armed robbery as a serious criminal offence regardless of whether the intended victim complies with the attacker.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art brought African football, culture and diaspora perspectives into the spotlight during its “Stars, Stripes, and Stadiums: America’s 250th & FIFA 2026” celebration in Washington, DC.
Held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, the programme formed part of the Smithsonian’s activities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
The event featured a moderated panel discussion, soccer photography, cultural activities and a Sounds of Africa concert featuring Sugarlane and other performers.
Smithsonian Puts African Football, Culture and Identity in Global Spotlight
The Smithsonian’s official programme described the event as a celebration of the World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary, with activities including a panel discussion featuring FIFA photojournalist Kwabena Ofori, fan artmaking and a concert. The programme was held in collaboration with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Beyond the sport itself, the gathering highlighted the powerful relationship between football, African identity, cultural memory and communities across the diaspora.
Football has long occupied a unique place in African societies, serving not only as entertainment but also as a platform through which stories of identity, migration, resilience, national pride and belonging are expressed.
Kwabena Ofori, an acclaimed FIFA photojournalist, brought the perspective of decades of documenting African football and major moments in the sport. His photography has helped capture the emotion, personalities and cultural significance surrounding football.
The panel was moderated by Vincent Makori, a media executive and journalist associated with Voice of America’s African programming. His experience in international journalism provided a platform for discussions around football, media and Africa’s global influence.
Richmond Danso, PhD, also contributed an academic and cultural perspective to the discussion. Danso is a political scientist whose research has focused on African development and governance and who has also written extensively about African football.
His work on African football has included analysis of national teams and the broader cultural significance of the sport, providing another perspective on how football connects Africa with its global diaspora.
Douglas Boateng, a soccer coach and technology professional, was also featured among the voices associated with the programme. His work in player development and community coaching reflects another dimension of football’s impact beyond professional competition.
The event also brought together cultural and community figures, including John Lapiana, director of the National Museum of African Art, underscoring the museum’s role in creating conversations around African creativity, culture and global connections.
Through photography, storytelling, music and dialogue, the celebration demonstrated that football exists beyond stadiums and match results. For millions of Africans and members of the diaspora, the game is intertwined with memories, identity, community and aspirations.
The significance of the gathering was amplified by the record African representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ten African nations participated in the tournament, the continent’s largest-ever representation at a World Cup.
The event therefore provided an opportunity to examine African football not simply through competition, but through the stories and cultural experiences that accompany the sport.
As the global football calendar moves toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the Smithsonian celebration offered a reminder of the increasingly important place of African stories and perspectives in global sporting conversations.
