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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin Questions AI-Based Security Recruitment System

By
Daniel Jeddman
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Ghana’s Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed serious concerns regarding the recruitment process for the country’s security services. In a recent statement, he criticized the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) system for administering aptitude tests, suggesting that it may disadvantage some applicants.

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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin highlights concerns over AI-based aptitude tests in Ghana’s security recruitment process.

Afenyo-Markin called for a revision of the process, advocating for a system that allows candidates to take the aptitude tests manually if they choose. According to him, reliance solely on AI could lead to errors, misinterpretation, and unfair exclusion of qualified candidates.

Concerns Over AI Testing in Security Recruitment

The Minority Leader noted that AI systems, while efficient, may not fully account for the diverse educational backgrounds and testing abilities of applicants. “We need a system that is fair, transparent, and inclusive,” he emphasized, urging the government to consider hybrid options that combine AI efficiency with human oversight.

Security recruitment in Ghana, which includes agencies such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, and Ghana Armed Forces, has increasingly incorporated technology for aptitude and psychometric testing. However, the shift to AI-only assessments has raised concerns among stakeholders about accessibility, reliability, and transparency.

Call for a Manual Option

Afenyo-Markin suggested that candidates be given the choice to take tests manually, especially those who may struggle with digital interfaces or automated scoring systems. He stressed that such a provision would ensure that qualified individuals are not unfairly disqualified due to technological limitations.

Political analysts note that the recommendation aligns with broader discussions on digital equity in recruitment processes across various sectors in Ghana, emphasizing the need for systems that balance efficiency with fairness.

Government Response Expected

While no official response has yet been provided by the Ministry of Interior or other security agencies, the Minority Leader’s intervention is likely to trigger parliamentary discussions and possibly reviews of the current recruitment framework. Stakeholders, including candidates, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations, have expressed interest in ensuring a fair and transparent process.

Why This Story Matters

The debate over AI-based aptitude testing in security recruitment touches on fundamental issues of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in Ghana’s public sector. With thousands of applicants seeking positions in national security services, ensuring an equitable recruitment process is critical to maintaining public trust and attracting the most qualified personnel.

MP A Plus Sparks Debate Over Using GoldBod to Sponsor Ghana’s Presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

By
Bismarck Obeng
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Ghanaian Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has ignited a nationwide conversation after proposing that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) should sponsor Ghana’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His proposal goes beyond traditional sports sponsorship, suggesting that Ghana should use the world’s biggest sporting stage to promote finished gold jewelry and value-added products instead of merely exporting raw gold.

The idea has quickly gained traction on social media and among advocates of Ghana’s long-running push for industrialization and value addition. Supporters argue that Ghana, one of the world’s largest gold producers, has historically earned far less from the precious metal because most exports leave the country in raw form.

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MP Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) proposes using GoldBod and the 2026 World Cup to promote Ghanaian gold jewelry globally.

A Bold Proposal: Marketing Ghanaian Gold to the World

A Plus argued that the global exposure provided by the World Cup—one of the most watched events on the planet—offers Ghana a unique opportunity to reposition its gold industry. According to him, instead of simply selling unprocessed gold on international markets, Ghana could showcase locally designed and manufactured gold jewelry to billions of viewers worldwide.

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MP A Plus Sparks Debate Over Using GoldBod to Sponsor Ghana’s Presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 5

“Imagine Ghana using the World Cup platform to advertise world-class gold jewelry produced by Ghanaian artisans,” supporters of the proposal have echoed online. The strategy would align with efforts to shift Ghana’s economy from raw material exports to high-value manufacturing.

Industry observers note that Ghana is currently Africa’s largest gold producer and among the top producers globally, according to data from the World Gold Council. Yet the majority of the country’s gold is exported as raw bullion, with limited local refining and manufacturing.

The Role of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) was established as part of government efforts to better regulate and maximize returns from the country’s gold sector. The institution is expected to play a key role in formalizing small-scale mining, improving traceability, and ensuring Ghana benefits more from its mineral wealth.

A Plus believes GoldBod could also play a strategic role in promoting Ghana’s gold brand internationally. Sponsorship tied to the World Cup could include advertising campaigns, exhibitions, and collaborations with Ghanaian jewelry designers to highlight the country’s craftsmanship.

Such a move, supporters say, would mirror strategies used by other nations that leverage global sporting events to promote national industries and exports.

Industrialization and the “Made in Ghana” Agenda

The proposal taps directly into Ghana’s broader “Made in Ghana” industrialization agenda, which seeks to encourage local production and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports. Economists have long argued that countries rich in natural resources often lose significant economic value when they export unprocessed materials.

By converting gold into finished luxury goods—such as jewelry, watches, and decorative items—Ghana could potentially capture a far greater share of the global value chain.

Advocates say the World Cup platform could help position Ghanaian gold products as premium African luxury goods, similar to how countries like Italy and Switzerland market high-end fashion and watches.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

The proposal has sparked intense debate online. Many Ghanaians have praised the idea as creative and forward-thinking, arguing that Ghana must begin marketing its natural resources more strategically.

Others, however, question whether sponsorship of a global sporting event would be the best use of public resources. Critics argue that funds might be better invested directly into local manufacturing infrastructure, training programs for jewelers, or expanding refining capacity.

Despite the mixed reactions, the discussion itself highlights growing public interest in how Ghana can maximize value from its natural resources.

Why This Story Matters

The conversation triggered by A Plus reflects a deeper national question: Should Ghana continue exporting raw resources, or should it aggressively pursue value-added industries? As the global economy becomes increasingly competitive, countries that control more stages of production tend to generate more jobs, higher export revenues, and stronger economic resilience.

Whether or not GoldBod ultimately sponsors World Cup initiatives, the debate has already pushed a key issue into the spotlight—how Ghana can transform its status as a gold powerhouse into a global leader in gold craftsmanship and luxury production.

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MP A Plus Sparks Debate Over Using GoldBod to Sponsor Ghana’s Presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup 6

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to attract billions of viewers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the idea of showcasing Ghanaian innovation and industry on such a platform is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the months ahead.

Ghana to Introduce New Gold Royalty Regime Despite Opposition from US, China and Western Governments

By
Ghana Media
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Ghana is set to introduce a new gold royalty regime on Tuesday as part of a sweeping policy shift aimed at capturing more value from the country’s booming mineral resources. The decision comes despite reported opposition from major global powers including the United States and China, as well as several Western governments and mining executives.

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Ghana moves ahead with new gold royalty regime despite opposition from major global governments and mining executives.

According to reports, diplomats from the United States, China and other Western governments mounted a rare joint lobbying effort last week urging Ghana to halt or reconsider the policy. The initiative reflects growing international concern about the impact the new royalty structure could have on global mining investments and supply chains.

New Sliding-Scale Royalty System

The new policy replaces Ghana’s longstanding flat 5% royalty rate for gold production with a sliding-scale system linked to international gold prices. Under the framework, mining companies will pay significantly higher royalties when gold prices surge.

For instance, the royalty rate will reach 12% when gold prices hit $4,500 per ounce. With gold currently trading above $5,000 per ounce on international markets, the new structure could immediately increase the government’s share of mining revenues.

Ghana, Africa’s leading gold producer, has been seeking ways to maximize revenue from its natural resources as commodity prices remain historically high.

Government’s Push to Capture More Value

The royalty reform forms part of a broader strategy by the Government of Ghana to secure a larger share of profits from its mineral wealth. Officials argue that rising commodity prices present an opportunity for the country to increase revenue, strengthen public finances and reinvest in national development.

Authorities believe the sliding-scale model ensures that when global prices surge, the state benefits proportionally rather than remaining locked into a fixed percentage.

Foreign Governments and Mining Industry Push Back

The proposed reform has reportedly drawn strong opposition from several foreign governments and mining industry leaders. Critics argue that higher royalty rates could discourage investment in Ghana’s mining sector and increase operational costs for multinational mining firms.

Diplomatic pressure reportedly came from the United States, China and multiple Western governments who fear that the policy could affect international mining companies operating in Ghana and disrupt broader commodity markets.

However, Ghanaian authorities appear determined to move forward with the reform, emphasizing national economic interests and the need to derive greater benefits from the country’s natural resources.

Lithium and Other Minerals Also Affected

Beyond gold, the government is also restructuring royalties for lithium, a critical mineral increasingly used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.

Under the new framework, lithium royalties will move to a sliding scale between 5% and 12%, depending on international prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,200 per metric ton. Meanwhile, other minerals will continue to be taxed under the existing flat 5% royalty system.

The move signals Ghana’s intent to position itself strategically in the rapidly growing global battery minerals market.

Why This Story Matters

The introduction of a sliding-scale royalty regime marks a significant turning point in Ghana’s natural resource policy. As global demand for gold and critical minerals rises, the country is seeking a larger share of profits from its resources while balancing pressure from powerful international partners and major mining investors.

The outcome of this policy could influence how other resource-rich African countries approach mining royalties and commodity taxation in the future.

Grandparents Lose Custody Battle After Biological Father Claims Child Five Years After Mother’s Death

By
Ghana Media
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A heartbreaking custody case has sparked widespread debate after a man identified as Nyaswa and his wife reportedly lost legal custody of their granddaughter to the child’s biological father, five years after raising the girl as their own.

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Grandparents devastated after court awards custody of child to biological father five years after raising her.

According to reports circulating online, the couple had been caring for the child since birth following the tragic death of their daughter, who was the girl’s mother. For years, the grandparents assumed full parental responsibility, providing care, support, and stability while the biological father was absent from the child’s life.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the child’s biological father reportedly resurfaced years later and initiated legal proceedings to claim custody.

Five Years of Care Before Court Battle

Sources familiar with the case say Nyaswa and his wife had effectively become the child’s primary caregivers from the moment she was born. Friends and members of their community reportedly saw them as the girl’s parents, as they handled everything from feeding and schooling to emotional support.

The grandparents believed they would continue raising their granddaughter indefinitely, especially since the child’s father had not been involved in her early upbringing.

But after five years, the biological father allegedly appeared and filed a legal claim seeking custody of his daughter.

Court Rules in Favor of Biological Father

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the child’s biological father, granting him legal custody.

Legal analysts say courts often prioritize biological parent rights unless there is clear evidence that the parent is unfit or that remaining with another guardian would be significantly better for the child’s welfare.

Although the grandparents had raised the child since birth, the law in many jurisdictions still places significant weight on the rights of biological parents.

Emotional Reaction From Grandparents

The ruling reportedly left Nyaswa and his wife devastated. Having spent five years nurturing and raising their granddaughter, the sudden loss of custody has been described as emotionally overwhelming.

A video circulating online shows the couple expressing deep pain over the court decision, explaining how they had cared for the child since infancy and had formed an inseparable bond with her.

The story has resonated widely online, with many viewers sympathizing with the grandparents while others emphasize the legal rights of the biological father.

Public Debate Over Custody and Family Rights

The case has triggered broader discussions about family law, guardianship, and the emotional complexities of custody disputes involving extended family members.

Some commentators argue that courts should place greater emphasis on the child’s existing emotional bonds and stability when determining custody arrangements.

Others maintain that biological parents should retain the right to reclaim custody if they are capable of providing a safe and supportive environment.

Why This Story Matters

The situation highlights the difficult balance courts must strike between legal parental rights and the emotional realities of caregiving. Cases like this often reveal how complex family structures can become after the loss of a parent.

For many observers, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of clear legal guardianship arrangements, especially when grandparents or other relatives take on parental roles after family tragedies.

As the story continues to circulate online, it has prompted renewed conversations about how family law systems handle custody disputes involving grandparents and long-term caregivers.

Ayawaso East MP Baba Jamal Caught Sleeping Moments After Swearing-In in Parliament

By
Bismarck Obeng
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Newly sworn-in Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Baba Jamal, has sparked widespread conversation after appearing to fall asleep in Parliament shortly after taking the oath of office.

The moment, which was captured on camera and quickly circulated across social media platforms, shows the MP seated in the chamber with his eyes closed just moments after the official swearing-in ceremony. The clip has since triggered mixed reactions online, with many Ghanaians debating whether the incident reflects fatigue, the long parliamentary proceedings, or simply an unfortunate moment caught on camera.

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Moment Goes Viral on Social Media

Videos and photos of Baba Jamal resting in his seat began trending online shortly after the parliamentary session concluded. The footage spread rapidly across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok, with users sharing humorous captions and reactions.

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Ayawaso East MP Baba Jamal captured appearing to sleep shortly after taking the oath in Parliament.

Some social media users joked that the newly sworn-in MP had already “started work” in Parliament, while others defended him, suggesting the long hours of political activities leading up to the swearing-in ceremony could easily leave anyone exhausted.

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The viral moment has once again highlighted how closely parliamentary activities are now monitored in the digital age, where even brief moments inside the chamber can quickly become public discussion points.

Long Parliamentary Sessions Can Be Exhausting

Observers note that parliamentary swearing-in ceremonies and inaugural sessions often involve extended proceedings that can last several hours. Newly elected MPs typically arrive early for preparations, ceremonial protocols, and administrative processes before taking their seats.

Political analysts say fatigue during such lengthy sessions is not uncommon, especially during intense political periods where politicians attend multiple meetings, celebrations, and constituency engagements.

Public Reactions Mixed

The incident has drawn both criticism and sympathy from the public. Some critics argue that newly sworn-in lawmakers should demonstrate heightened attentiveness, especially during their first official appearance in Parliament.

However, supporters of Baba Jamal have urged the public not to overreact to what they describe as a harmless moment, emphasizing that the MP had just completed a demanding political period and may simply have been tired.

Others used the opportunity to inject humor into the situation, turning the clip into memes that quickly gained traction online.

Why This Story Matters

While the moment may appear minor, it highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by public officials in the era of smartphones and social media. Parliamentary proceedings, once largely confined to official broadcasts, are now frequently shared instantly across digital platforms.

For politicians, even brief or unintended moments can quickly shape public perception. Analysts say this underscores the importance of media awareness and professionalism in highly visible institutions such as Parliament.

Despite the viral moment, attention is expected to shift back to legislative work as Ghana’s newly sworn-in MPs begin their responsibilities representing their constituencies. We also understand that he is currently observing the Ramadan fast.

Incase you missed: Baba Jamal Sworn In as Ayawaso East MP Following By-Election Victory.

Couple Arrested for Allegedly Beheading 3‑Day‑Old Baby for Money Ritual in Central Region

By
Ghana Media
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Police in the Central Region have arrested a young couple for allegedly beheading their three‑day‑old baby for money rituals in the Awutu Bontrase area, a case that has horrified the community and drawn nationwide condemnation.

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Community members react as police investigate the ritual killing of a newborn in Awutu Bontrase, Central Region.

What Happened

The Awutu Bereku District Police Command arrested a man and his partner after residents raised alarm over the disappearance of the newborn shortly after home birth. Officers discovered the baby’s body in a refuse dump in the community with the head severed, prompting a full criminal investigation.

Preliminary police reports indicate that the suspect parents allegedly killed the infant in a suspected ritual intended to bring them wealth or good fortune, though motive details are still under investigation. Authorities have taken both suspects into custody as inquiries continue.

Police Response and Investigation

The Ghana Police Service, through the Awutu Bereku District Command, confirmed the arrests and said that forensic teams and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are examining evidence, interviewing neighbours, and piecing together the timeline of events. Ghana’s criminal code treats such offences with severe penalties if the suspects are charged and convicted.

Community Shock and Public Reaction

The case has shocked residents of Awutu Bontrase and surrounding communities. Local leaders and civil society advocates have condemned the act, calling for justice and stressing the need for public education to discourage harmful beliefs and superstitions associated with “money rituals.” Religious and community figures have urged calm while law enforcement completes its work.

Background: Ritual Violence and Legal Context in Ghana

Ritual‑related killings — often described locally as “money rituals” — periodically emerge in Ghana despite strong legal and community opposition. Such acts are criminal under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which stipulates life imprisonment for murder and related crimes, and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which provides additional protections for minors. Experts and child‑rights advocates argue that superstition, economic stress, and misinformation contribute to isolated incidents, underscoring the need for education and stronger enforcement.

What Happens Next

Police have pledged to pursue the investigation diligently, working with social welfare officials and forensic experts. The Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service is expected to release updates as the case progresses, and community leaders have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. If charged, the couple could face severe penalties under Ghana’s criminal laws.

Ghana to Strengthen Security Ties With European Union Under New Global Defence Partnerships

By
Bismarck Obeng
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Ghana is set to deepen its security cooperation with the European Union after the bloc announced plans to sign new defence partnerships with several international partners, including Ghana, Australia, and Iceland.

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European Union and Ghana flags symbolizing strengthening defence and security cooperation.

The announcement was made in Brussels by Firstpost, citing comments from the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. According to officials, the agreements form part of the EU’s broader strategy to strengthen global defence cooperation and expand its security partnerships beyond Europe.

EU Expands Global Security Partnerships

The European Union has been working to build stronger defence ties with trusted international partners amid growing geopolitical tensions and security challenges around the world.

Speaking in Brussels, Kaja Kallas explained that the planned agreements with Ghana, Australia, and Iceland are designed to enhance cooperation on global security priorities, including crisis management, defence coordination, and international peacekeeping.

The EU has increasingly focused on building strategic alliances with stable democratic partners across different regions as global security dynamics continue to evolve.

Ghana’s Growing Role in Regional Security

For Ghana, the new partnership reflects its rising importance as a diplomatic and security partner in West Africa. The country has long been recognized for its contributions to international peacekeeping missions and its commitment to regional stability.

Ghanaian troops have served in numerous United Nations peacekeeping operations, and the country has played a significant role in supporting stability efforts across West Africa.

The partnership with the European Union is expected to further enhance Ghana’s capabilities in areas such as defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to regional security threats.

Strengthening Cooperation With Europe

The EU remains one of Ghana’s most important international partners across trade, development cooperation, and security collaboration.

By expanding defence ties, both sides aim to deepen cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, maritime security, cyber threats, and regional conflict prevention.

The agreements are also expected to facilitate joint training exercises, security dialogue, and coordination in international peace support operations.

Why This Story Matters

The proposed defence partnership signals Ghana’s growing role in global security diplomacy. As instability rises in several parts of the world, international alliances are increasingly important in managing cross-border threats and maintaining regional peace.

For Ghana, stronger cooperation with the European Union could provide access to advanced security expertise, capacity building, and coordinated responses to emerging threats within West Africa.

For the EU, partnering with stable democracies such as Ghana strengthens its ability to engage with Africa on issues ranging from security and migration to economic development and crisis response.

As negotiations progress, the partnership is expected to reinforce Ghana’s position as one of the European Union’s key strategic partners in Africa.

Read more Ghana News Information here.

Ghana Media Secures Global Content Partnership With China’s CCTV Video News Agency

By
Daniel Jeddman
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GhanaMedia.net and its fast-growing digital platform Ghana Media have secured a major international content partnership with CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+), one of the world’s leading video news providers and the primary international video distribution arm of China’s state broadcaster.

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GhanaMedia.net partners with CCTV Video News Agency to expand global video news coverage.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone for GhanaMedia.net as it expands its global newsroom network and strengthens its position as an emerging international digital news platform covering Ghana, Africa, and global affairs.

Under the partnership arrangement, Ghana Media will gain access to a vast stream of professionally produced international video content covering major global developments, breaking news, business, technology, diplomacy, and cultural stories.

One of Asia’s Largest News Video Networks

CCTV Video News Agency is widely regarded as one of the most influential video news distributors in Asia. The agency produces and distributes more than 150 video news stories every day, covering China and major global developments across politics, economics, science, environment, and culture.

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Ghana Media Secures Global Content Partnership With China’s CCTV Video News Agency 14

Its content is delivered in seven international languages, allowing media partners across multiple continents to broadcast and publish professionally produced news footage quickly and efficiently.

The agency serves hundreds of broadcasters, digital publishers, and newsrooms worldwide through a network that spans television networks, digital media companies, and international news agencies.

Global Partnerships With Major News Agencies

CCTV+ operates within a broad international distribution ecosystem that includes collaborations with some of the world’s most powerful news syndication platforms. These include partnerships linked to Associated Press’ Global Video Wire (GVW) and Media Port systems, as well as Reuters’ global distribution platforms such as World News Express (WNE) and Media Express.

Through this international network, video journalism produced within the CCTV+ system reaches newsrooms across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

The partnership therefore places GhanaMedia.net within a growing ecosystem of global media organizations sharing and distributing international video news content.

Strengthening GhanaMedia.net’s Global Coverage

For Ghana Media, the partnership represents a strategic step toward expanding its editorial capabilities and international reporting reach.

The platform has rapidly grown into a prominent digital outlet covering Ghanaian politics, business, sports, culture, and breaking news while increasingly engaging readers across Africa, Europe, and North America.

Access to daily international video feeds from CCTV+ will allow GhanaMedia.net to integrate professionally produced multimedia coverage of major global events directly into its reporting.

This expansion aligns with Ghana Media’s broader editorial strategy of delivering credible, globally relevant journalism with strong multimedia storytelling.

Why This Partnership Matters

The agreement signals growing international recognition of GhanaMedia.net as a rising digital news platform within Africa’s media landscape.

As global media organizations increasingly collaborate across borders, partnerships like this enable regional publishers to deliver richer and more diverse content to audiences while maintaining local editorial independence.

For readers, it means faster access to professionally produced international video reports covering major world developments—from geopolitics and economic shifts to scientific innovation and global cultural stories.

It also reflects the increasing interconnectedness of modern journalism, where digital newsrooms can collaborate globally to ensure audiences receive timely, accurate, and visually compelling reporting.

Expanding International Audience Reach

With global interest in African news continuing to grow, GhanaMedia.net’s collaboration with CCTV+ may further strengthen the platform’s ability to reach international audiences.

The partnership also underscores the growing importance of multimedia journalism, where video content plays a central role in how modern audiences consume news across mobile devices and digital platforms.

As the collaboration begins, Ghana News’ Ghana Media is expected to incorporate CCTV+ video coverage into its reporting while continuing to expand its own editorial footprint across Ghana and the wider African region.

Readers can explore more about the international video news agency via CCTVPlus.com and its distribution network through AMSP.link.

The partnership marks another step in GhanaMedia.net’s journey toward becoming a globally connected digital news platform delivering trusted journalism to audiences across continents.

Learn more about Ghana News here.

FECOFOOT President Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Over FIFA Funds Scandal

By
Daniel Jeddman
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The president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT), Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of several serious financial crimes related to the misuse of football development funds.

According to court proceedings, Mayolas was convicted on multiple charges including money laundering, forgery, illegal conflict of interest, and the embezzlement of funds provided by FIFA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas faces life imprisonment after conviction over misuse of FIFA development funds in Congo.

The funds were originally allocated by the global football governing body to support the development of women’s football in the Republic of Congo and to finance the construction of a national football training center.

Misuse of FIFA COVID-19 Relief Funds

During the height of the pandemic, FIFA distributed financial assistance to football associations worldwide as part of emergency support programs designed to stabilize the sport and maintain development initiatives.

Investigators determined that a portion of the funds sent to FECOFOOT was diverted for personal use and unauthorized activities rather than being invested in the projects they were intended to support.

The court concluded that the misuse of the funds deprived local football programs—particularly women’s football initiatives—of critical financial support.

Serious Charges and Conviction

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Mayolas allegedly engaged in falsified documentation and financial manipulation to conceal the diversion of funds.

Among the charges brought against him were money laundering and forgery, as well as an illegal conflict of interest related to financial transactions involving federation resources.

After reviewing the evidence, the court handed down a life sentence, one of the most severe penalties ever imposed in a football governance corruption case in the region.

Impact on Football Governance in Congo

The conviction has sent shockwaves through the football community in the Republic of Congo and across African football governance structures.

FECOFOOT, which oversees the organization and development of football in the country, now faces the challenge of restoring credibility and rebuilding trust among stakeholders, clubs, players, and international partners.

Observers say the case highlights growing scrutiny over how development funds are managed within football federations worldwide.

Why This Story Matters

The sentencing of a national football federation president over financial misconduct underscores the increasing global focus on transparency and accountability in sports governance.

As FIFA and other international sports organizations continue to channel millions of dollars into development programs, ensuring that these funds reach their intended beneficiaries—such as youth academies and women’s football initiatives—has become a critical issue for the future integrity of the sport.

Zongo Village Women Thank President Ibrahim Traoré for Market Garden Support

By
Ghana Media
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A delegation from the Relwende Teel Taba Women’s Cooperative of Zongo village met with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, on March 6, 2026, at the Koulouba Palace to express their gratitude for government support that has transformed their agricultural activities.

The women thanked the Burkinabè leader for providing them with a dedicated market garden area during celebrations marking International Women’s Day last year. The initiative has since helped improve livelihoods and boost food production within the Zongo community.

Market Garden Initiative Transforming Local Livelihoods

According to the cooperative’s president, Mrs. Elise Ouédraogo, the market garden project has significantly improved the economic conditions of many women in the village. With government support, the agricultural space has been upgraded with protective fencing and a modern irrigation system, enabling the cooperative to cultivate crops more efficiently.

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Members of the Relwende Teel Taba Women’s Cooperative present produce to President Ibrahim Traoré at Koulouba Palace.

These improvements have increased agricultural output while also allowing the women to expand the variety of vegetables and produce grown in the garden.

The cooperative’s success highlights the growing role of women-led agricultural initiatives in strengthening rural economies across Burkina Faso.

A Symbolic Gesture of Appreciation

During the meeting at the presidential palace in Ouagadougou, the women presented samples of vegetables and other produce harvested from the garden to President Traoré as a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

The presentation underscored the tangible impact of the initiative, demonstrating how access to land, water infrastructure, and collective organization can empower rural women and improve household incomes.

Encouraging Economic Autonomy for Women

Mrs. Ouédraogo also used the opportunity to encourage other beneficiaries of newly created market garden areas across the country to work diligently and maximize the opportunities provided to them.

She emphasized that such projects not only improve food security but also help women achieve greater economic autonomy, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Why This Story Matters

Women remain central to agricultural production in many parts of West Africa, yet they often face barriers in accessing land, financing, and irrigation infrastructure. Initiatives like the Zongo village market garden demonstrate how targeted support can empower women, improve food production, and strengthen local economies.

As Burkina Faso continues to pursue development strategies focused on self-reliance and rural empowerment, women-led cooperatives such as the Relwende Teel Taba group are increasingly becoming important drivers of community progress.

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