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Electoral Flashpoint in Accra: Violence and Arrests Mar Ablekuma North Rerun

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Electoral Flashpoint in Accra: Violence and Arrests Mar Ablekuma North Rerun

Accra, July 11, 2025 — A parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency descended into chaos on July 11, as violent skirmishes erupted across multiple polling stations, leaving journalists, candidates, and security personnel injured and raising urgent questions about Ghana’s electoral safeguards.

Tensions Explode at Polling Stations

At St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, a group of unidentified “macho men” stormed the precinct, triggering panic. Former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson and NPP candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie were assaulted amid scuffles. Channel One News reporter Jude Duncan described the scene as “absolute bonkers!” as assailants aggressively disrupted voting procedures.

Press Freedom Under Fire

Meanwhile, media personnel covering the rerun were targeted. A viral video captured a uniformed police officer assaulting GHOne TV journalist Kwabena Agyekum Banahene at Church of Pentecost North Odorkor Polling Station 2. One punch was enough to spark outrage. “He just came to approach me … and he slapped me in the face for no reason,” Banahene recounted.

Two other journalists were also attacked: multimedia reporter Salomey Martey was slapped and shoved by a masked man, while Vida Wiafe of Amansan TV was pepper-sprayed, losing consciousness  . The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) condemned the assaults and urged a transparent criminal investigation.

Swift Police Response

The Ghana Police Service moved quickly, interdicted the offending officer, and referred him to the Police Professional Standards Bureau for investigation  . The National Peace Council praised the swift action and called for calm, urging political stakeholders to exercise restraint.

Political Fallout

The Minority Caucus in Parliament blamed NDC operatives for inciting the violence, naming individuals allegedly coordinating disturbances—and accused police of complacency  . Meanwhile, government officials condemned the incidents as “regrettable and unacceptable,” and said they would pursue those disrupting electoral peace.

Undermining Democracy

Observers argue that such violence strikes at the heart of Ghana’s democratic integrity. The rerun, designed to resolve disputes from the December 2024 general election, was meant to reaffirm due process—but its eruption into disorder suggests deeper systemic fragilities.

Voices from the Ground

Journalist Banahene, visibly shaken, stated he feared for his safety and will file an official complaint. Ghanaian media watchdogs have called for enhanced protection of journalists in election periods. The GJA and Media Foundation for West Africa are pushing for clear legal repercussions to deter future abuses  .

What Comes Next

With reruns ongoing in 19 polling stations, authorities must now contend with pressing questions:

Will perpetrators, whether “macho men” or police, face swift justice? Can remaining voting proceed under safe, calm conditions? How will incidents affect overall public trust ahead of upcoming national elections?

The outcome of investigations—especially the GJA’s criminal probe request—and prosecution of offenders will be crucial in demonstrating Ghana’s commitment to free, fair, and peaceful democratic processes.

Tottenham’s £55 Million Gamble: Mohammed Kudus Arrives in London

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Tottenham’s £55 Million Gamble: Mohammed Kudus Arrives in London

London, July 11, 2025 — Tottenham Hotspur have completed the blockbuster signing of Ghanaian international Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for a fee of around £55 million, reportedly spread over three years, with a six‑year contract through to 2031.

A Statement Move

This acquisition ends a 14‑year drought of direct transfers between the two London rivals — the last such move being Scott Parker’s move to Spurs in 2011  . It underscores Tottenham Manager Thomas Frank’s intent to elevate the club’s attacking potency.

Stats & Style: What Spurs Get

Over two Premier League seasons at West Ham (2023–25), Kudus recorded 13 goals and 12 assists  . His versatility—able to play as an attacking midfielder or right winger—combined with his electric pace and agility, makes him a perfect fit for Frank’s dynamic playstyle.

Clearing the Air

Fans may recall Kudus received a five-match ban following a red card in an ill-tempered clash with now-teammates Micky van de Ven and Pape Sarr in October 2024  . Tottenham have quickly defused any lingering tension: midfielder James Maddison posted a playful Instagram video, and the club released a lighthearted TikTok of Kudus and Van de Ven shaking hands over lunch.

London, July 11, 2025 — Tottenham Hotspur have completed the blockbuster signing of Ghanaian international Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for a fee of around £55 million, reportedly spread over three years, with a six‑year contract through to 2031.

A Statement Move

This acquisition ends a 14‑year drought of direct transfers between the two London rivals — the last such move being Scott Parker’s move to Spurs in 2011  . It underscores Tottenham Manager Thomas Frank’s intent to elevate the club’s attacking potency.

Stats & Style: What Spurs Get

Over two Premier League seasons at West Ham (2023–25), Kudus recorded 13 goals and 12 assists. His versatility—able to play as an attacking midfielder or right winger—combined with his electric pace and agility, makes him a perfect fit for Frank’s dynamic playstyle.

Clearing the Air

Fans may recall Kudus received a five-match ban following a red card in an ill-tempered clash with now-teammates Micky van de Ven and Pape Sarr in October 2024  . Tottenham have quickly defused any lingering tension: midfielder James Maddison posted a playful Instagram video, and the club released a lighthearted TikTok of Kudus and Van de Ven shaking hands over lunch.

Player Perspective

Kudus, who turns 25 in August, emphasized Tottenham’s project and Frank’s reputation:

“I only wanted Spurs… With the history [Frank has with player development]… it’s why I wanted to work under him.” 

He acknowledges a dip in output last season—5 goals in 32 Prem games—yet is confident he’ll regain form in London.

Bigger Picture

The summer window has been fierce: Tottenham also secured Mathys Tel and defender Kota Takai. Meanwhile, Spurs are still pursuing Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs‑White, although Forest has lodged a complaint with the Premier League over Spurs’ approach.

Reaction & Expectations

Tottenham supporters are energized—believing Kudus can add flair, unpredictability, and Champions League quality to a squad already reshaped by six-year veterans. If the move pays off, Spurs may finally challenge on multiple fronts.

What’s Next?

Kudus will join pre-season training later this week and could debut in Spurs’ July 26 friendly vs. Paris Saint-Germain in Singapore. His impact this season may well define whether Tottenham’s £55 million splurge was a justified investment—or a costly gamble.

Vibrant Rath Yatra Celebrations in Accra Highlight Cultural Harmony

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Vibrant Rath Yatra Celebrations in Accra Highlight Cultural Harmony

Over 1,000 devotees gathered along the Accra–Kumasi Highway to participate in the 14th annual Rath Yatra, a Hindu chariot festival organised by the Utkal Ghana Association and Shree Jagannath Temple.

The colourful procession commenced at 8:45 am with traditional Pahandi and Chhera Pahanra rituals. Odissi dancers performed gracefully, offering praise through bhajans on the journey. Devotees received free Mahaprasad meals—aromatically rich and spiritually meaningful—for free.

Tapan Kumar Panda, UGA’s joint secretary, expressed gratitude and emphasised how the festival fosters unity and cultural understanding in Ghana’s multi-ethnic landscape  . The event was also a reminder of Ghana’s vibrant multicultural tapestry.

Ghana Strikes Gas Deal with Eni to Boost Energy Supply

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Ghana Strikes Gas Deal with Eni to Boost Energy Supply

In a move to shore up energy security, Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and Italian company Eni have agreed to increase the country’s natural gas supply by 30 million standard cubic feet per day, effective from July 13, 2025.

The additional gas will feed thermal plants and industrial facilities, easing recent power stress in industrial zones and addressing frequent load-shedding episodes. It’s the latest in Ghana’s broader energy diversification strategy that includes LNG, renewables, and infrastructure expansion.

Industry experts note that alongside the IMF-supported reforms—which aim to stabilise and attract investment—the gas deal marks a positive step for Ghana’s economic development. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to international partnerships in securing its energy future.

IMF Greenlights $367 M Disbursement to Ghana

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IMF Greenlights $367 M Disbursement to Ghana

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $367 million disbursement to Ghana, marking the completion of the fourth review under the country’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement from May 2023.

This tranche brings total disbursements to approximately $2.3 billion, supporting Ghana’s macroeconomic stabilisation efforts—an improved economic outlook, higher reserves, and a strengthened cedi.

Recent figures show Ghana’s GDP grew 5.3% year-on-year in Q1 2025, driven by agriculture and mining, outperforming the 4.9% from Q1 2024  . The IMF forecasts a current account surplus of 1.8% of GDP by year-end.

While public debt remains high, the IMF emphasises ongoing fiscal consolidation, primary balance surplus targets, and debt restructuring as key to sustainable finances  . The latest funds will also bolster infrastructure, social services, and give the BoG flexibility for monetary policy.

The IMF praised Ghana’s government for firm reform commitments following the December 2024 elections, contrasting past setbacks.

Cocoa Output in Ghana Faces Worrying Decline

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Cocoa Output in Ghana Faces Worrying Decline

A concerning forecast has emerged: West Africa, including Ghana, is anticipated to see a 10% drop in cocoa production during the 2025/26 season, due to climate variability, disease, ageing trees, and spillover impacts from gold smuggling and mining.

Ghana’s cocoa yield has nearly halved from over 1 million tonnes to potentially just 500,000 tonnes. Although regulators foresee a modest recovery to 600,000 tonnes, experts doubt this is feasible without aggressive interventions  . Cocoa farmers are grappling with flower mortality and pest infestations, especially in early summer.

The situation takes on national significance: Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer. A slump in output risks higher costs for local farmers, lower foreign exchange earnings, and threatens domestic processing plants. Global cocoa prices surged, prompting profit marginally despite lower harvests, but inflation in consumer markets could follow.

Stakeholders call for robust responses—government-backed programmes to renew old trees, disease-resilient seedlings, aggressive pest control funding, and vulnerable farmers’ economic support. Delay could undermine Ghana’s longstanding lead in the global cocoa industry.

Ghana Launches Ambitious Task Force to Tackle Gold Smuggling

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Ghana Launches Ambitious Task Force to Tackle Gold Smuggling

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a high-powered national task force—backed by the military, police, and customs agents—to combat rampant gold smuggling in Ghana. The move follows the creation of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) in January 2025, designed to centralise gold trading while stamping out the illicit underworld of “galamsey”.

The initiative has recorded early wins: official gold exports reached 55.7 tonnes (US $5 billion) in the first five months of 2025—up significantly from previous years  . Now, as the task force begins operations, public tip-offs are incentivised with rewards amounting to 10% of the value of seized gold .

Among its key strategies, the task force will deploy body-worn cameras on officers to ensure transparency and discipline in enforcement actions—a lesson learned from past scandals  . Plans extend to a national traceability system for gold and transitioning toward refined exports by 2026. A certified ISO assay lab and a downstream processing hub are also in the roadmap to help Ghana capture more value from its gold assets .

Experts welcome the initiative, although caution that success hinges not only on regulation but sustained enforcement. Analysts note Ghana’s strategy differs from other West African nations—favoring measured policy reforms over aggressive nationalisation.

With global gold prices hovering 25% above last year’s levels and peaking near US $3,500/oz, this move sends a strong signal: Ghana is determined to reclaim lost revenue and protect its environment from illegal mining.

Hamburg Gears Up for August Praise 2025 with Prophet Daniel Jeddman

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Hamburg Gears Up for August Praise 2025 with Prophet Daniel Jeddman

A Night of Power, Praise & Prophetic Encounter Set for August 2nd in Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany – Anticipation is building as Prophet Daniel Jeddman prepares to host August Praise 2025, one of the most anticipated Christian events in the city. Slated for Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, from 16:00 to 20:00 at Christhouse Charismatic Chapel e.V., this powerful gathering promises an evening of deep worship, prophetic release, and divine encounters.

Now a landmark event on Hamburg’s gospel calendar, August Praise has consistently drawn believers from across Germany and beyond, uniting them in one Spirit-filled atmosphere. This year’s edition is expected to raise the bar once again with a theme focused on igniting pure worship and deeper intimacy with God.

The evening will showcase an extraordinary lineup of gospel ministers, including Seth Boakye, Michael Owusu (Team Eternity Ghana), Queen Judith, Mama Ellen, Vicky Tawiah, Jojo Botchway, MacMoses Obianuju, Nana Pee, and special guests Heidi & Björn from the Netherlands. Worship will be led by the ever-anointed Serenity Worship Group, known for ushering congregations into God’s presence.

August Praise 2025 is powered by Jamm Studioz and hosted under the spiritual leadership of Bishop Collins Adu-Boahene (General Overseer) and Rev. Mrs. Gifty Adu-Boahene (Assistant Head), whose vision and covering continue to shape this gathering into a divine moment for the city and beyond.

Prophet Daniel Jeddman, also a gospel artist, author, and mentor, describes August Praise as “a divine mandate, not just an event. It’s a night for healing, direction, and fresh encounters with God.”

Admission is free, but early arrival is strongly encouraged due to expected high attendance. For all seeking a deeper touch from heaven, August Praise 2025 is a night not to miss.

Enjoy the current song of Daniel Jeddman;

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