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70-Year-Old Married Man Breaks Down on TV After Allegedly Losing GH¢4,000 to ‘Side Chick’

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

A 70-year-old married Ghanaian man identified as Agya Mensah has broken down on television after alleging that he was duped out of more than GH¢4,000 by a woman he wanted to date as a “side chick.”

The emotional incident reportedly occurred during an appearance on Oyerepa Afutuo, a relationship and dispute-resolution programme on Oyerepa TV.

According to reports, Mensah said the woman initially approached him with a story that her parents were dead and that she needed financial assistance. He subsequently sent her money and the two reportedly agreed to meet.

How the Alleged Scheme Started

Mensah reportedly said the woman eventually sent him a nude photograph after they had established communication, despite warnings from his children.

He then sent her money for transportation so she could visit him.

However, according to his account, the woman later claimed she had been involved in an accident and required additional money to settle hospital expenses.

The situation allegedly escalated when people described as the woman’s grandmother and uncle also began contacting him and requesting more money.

From Romance to Repeated Requests

What initially appeared to Mensah to be the beginning of a romantic relationship allegedly became a series of financial requests.

He reportedly continued sending money because he believed the woman genuinely needed assistance.

The accumulated amount eventually exceeded GH¢4,000, according to the account.

He Goes on TV to Demand His Money

After realising that the situation may have been a scam, Mensah reportedly appeared on Oyerepa Afutuo to publicly demand the return of his money.

The emotional appearance has since generated significant attention online, with viewers debating the risks involved when financial transactions become intertwined with romantic expectations.

Oyerepa’s platform regularly features relationship disputes and personal conflicts involving members of the public.

A Wider Warning About Romance Scams

Mensah’s experience comes amid growing concerns about romance-related financial scams in Ghana.

In a separate case, authorities prosecuted an alleged romance-fraud scheme involving women who were reportedly approached through social media with promises of relationships and marriage before being induced to part with money.

Another report documented an alleged romance scam operation involving Ghanaian nationals accused in the United States of targeting elderly victims through dating websites and social media.

What Mensah’s Story Shows

The incident has become a cautionary tale about emotional vulnerability, money and relationships.

For people entering new relationships, particularly relationships that begin online or through limited personal contact, requests for money based on emergencies, medical bills, transportation or family problems should be treated carefully.

Financial assistance given voluntarily does not automatically prove fraud, and Mensah’s allegations against the woman would ultimately require evidence to establish wrongdoing.

But his decision to go on television to demand his money has turned the personal dispute into one of the latest relationship stories attracting attention among Ghanaian viewers.

For Mensah, what began as an attempt to pursue a new relationship ended with an alleged financial loss, public embarrassment and a television appeal for his money to be returned.

Related GhanaMedia coverage:

External sources:

Editorial note: GhanaMedia.net treats the account concerning the woman as an allegation reported from the man’s television appearance. The report does not independently establish criminal liability on the part of the woman or any other person mentioned.

Rashid Pelpuo’s Record: The Quiet Work Behind His 18 Months at the Labour Ministry

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

Accra, Ghana — The reassignment of Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo from the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment to the position of Minister of State for Special Initiatives has triggered renewed debate over his performance and the political implications of the change.

President John Dramani Mahama announced the reassignment on August 26, 2026, with Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum taking over the Labour, Jobs and Employment portfolio.

While some reactions have questioned Pelpuo’s performance, an assessment authored by Senator Suleman Nabie-Ikyei argues that his approximately 18 months at the ministry should be judged against the initiatives, partnerships and institutional reforms pursued during his tenure.

A Ministry Operating With Limited Direct Employment Agencies

According to Nabie-Ikyei, Pelpuo inherited a ministry whose direct institutional leverage over employment creation had already been reduced following the restructuring of several agencies.

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust, National Pensions Regulatory Authority, Youth Employment Authority, National Youth Authority and National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme had been aligned with other ministries.

The argument presented by the author is therefore that Pelpuo’s record should be assessed not simply by the number of jobs directly created by the ministry, but also by the partnerships, funding opportunities, institutional reforms and labour-market systems pursued during his tenure.

US$82 Million Youth Employment Proposal

One of the initiatives highlighted in the assessment was an engagement with a German investor involving approximately US$82 million in grant financing for a youth employment programme.

The proposed programme was designed around skills training and start-up support, with the objective of helping young people establish businesses.

If implemented successfully, such a programme could provide an alternative pathway for young people beyond dependence on formal government employment.

US$50 Million Skills-Training University

Another initiative attributed to Pelpuo was the mobilisation of an additional US$50 million grant toward establishing a skills-training university.

The proposed institution would focus on practical vocational and technical training, with the broader objective of equipping young people with skills that can translate into employment and entrepreneurship.

Strengthening MDPI

The Management Development and Productivity Institute was also identified as an institution that received attention during Pelpuo’s tenure.

According to the assessment, the ministry supported efforts that included the acquisition of a new office complex, attempts to reclaim more than 20 hectares of land reportedly affected by encroachment, increased institutional visibility and work toward amending the legislation governing the institute.

The Information Services Department has also reported that the Labour Ministry pursued institutional reforms involving MDPI.

Factories Inspectorate and Workplace Safety

The Department of Factories Inspectorate was another area highlighted in the assessment.

The department is responsible for promoting safe and healthy working environments and ensuring compliance with occupational safety requirements.

The assessment says the institution acquired a new office complex and established regional task forces aimed at strengthening workplace safety compliance.

Labour Export and International Employment

The assessment says collaboration with the Youth Employment Authority facilitated employment opportunities for more than 1,000 Ghanaian workers abroad.

The Ministry has continued to promote labour migration initiatives designed to expand access to verified overseas employment opportunities.

Ghana Labour Market Information System

Another important development was the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS), designed to connect jobseekers and employers while improving access to labour-market information.

The platform provides job listings, labour-market indicators and employment information.

Industrial Relations and Strikes

The assessment cites a decline in recorded industrial actions, from more than 22 in 2024 to eight in 2025 and three in 2026.

The author argues that reducing industrial disruption has significant economic value because strikes can affect productivity, public services and government finances.

Youth Employment Through Agriculture

The assessment also highlights a Memorandum of Understanding with a Swiss investor aimed at establishing agricultural farms that could create employment opportunities for young people.

Wage Negotiations and Workers’ Welfare

Pelpuo’s ministry also participated in the National Tripartite Committee’s negotiations that produced a 9 percent adjustment in Ghana’s national daily minimum wage.

The Bigger Question: What Did Pelpuo Leave Behind?

The reassignment itself does not establish that Pelpuo underperformed. At the same time, it does not automatically prove that every initiative pursued during his tenure will succeed.

The more meaningful test is implementation.

Some of the initiatives highlighted in the assessment involve proposed grants, partnerships, institutional reforms and systems whose ultimate impact will depend on whether they are fully implemented and sustained.

Pelpuo’s tenure therefore presents a policy record spanning employment partnerships, skills development, labour migration, workplace safety, digital labour-market services, institutional strengthening, industrial relations and wage negotiations.

The Upper West Concern

His reassignment has generated concern in the Upper West Region, where some residents and stakeholders have expressed disappointment that the region no longer has a Cabinet Minister.

The debate raises a broader question about regional representation within Ghana’s highest executive decision-making structures.

Beyond the Political Noise

Pelpuo has publicly welcomed his new assignment and expressed appreciation to President Mahama for keeping him in government.

The ultimate judgment should come from what happens to the programmes and reforms initiated during his tenure.

The proposed investments must materialise. The skills programmes must train people. The employment pathways must produce decent jobs. The labour-market information system must remain useful. Institutional reforms must survive changes in leadership.

In the end, the most important question may not be why Rashid Pelpuo was reshuffled, but what he leaves behind.

Related GhanaMedia coverage: 405,000 Applicants Compete For 5,000 Security Service Jobs, Ghana’s Outsourcing Sector Targets 100,000 Jobs, Ghana Needs 98,000 Teachers Nationwide.

Author’s Note: This article examines an assessment authored by Senator Suleman Nabie-Ikyei. Claims concerning proposed grants, partnerships and projected outcomes are presented as part of that assessment and should be evaluated against subsequent implementation and official records.

Sources: The Presidency of Ghana, Information Services Department, Ghana Labour Market Information System.

British-Nigerian Businessman Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo Dies at 43 After Penis Enlargement Procedure in Thailand

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

London — British-Nigerian businessman and social media influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo has died at the age of 43 after undergoing a cosmetic penis enlargement procedure during a holiday in Thailand.

Ubiribo, who was also known online as “Denisi” and “Ego,” underwent the procedure in Bangkok while travelling with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen.

According to evidence presented at an inquest at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court, the procedure involved the injection of approximately 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine at an unnamed clinic in Thailand.

Ubiribo Became Critically Ill After Procedure

Following the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife reportedly returned to their hotel and went for a massage.

During the massage, he complained of chest pain and subsequently lost consciousness twice.

He was rushed by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital in Bangkok, where medical personnel treated him for a serious medical emergency.

Doctors suspected a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage affecting blood flow to the lungs. Despite extensive attempts to save his life, Ubiribo died in the early hours of March 6, 2026.

Coroner Links Death to Cosmetic Procedure

A post-mortem examination conducted in the United Kingdom later identified material in Ubiribo’s lungs consistent with the substance used during the cosmetic treatment.

Coroner Jean Harkin subsequently concluded that the cosmetic procedure caused the pulmonary embolism that resulted in his death.

The findings have brought renewed attention to the risks associated with elective cosmetic procedures involving injectable fillers.

Luxury Lifestyle and Public Profile

Ubiribo was known for documenting an affluent lifestyle on social media, where he had built a substantial following. Reports placed his Instagram following at approximately 185,000 people.

He owned properties in London and Los Angeles and was known among his followers for luxury travel, fashion and high-end living.

Ubiribo was married to Danielle Simba Allen, with whom he travelled to Thailand when the procedure took place. The couple had married in 2022.

Death Gains Renewed Attention Months Later

Although Ubiribo died in March, details surrounding the circumstances of his death became widely reported months later following the proceedings at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court.

The latest reports have therefore focused not on a new death, but on the coroner’s findings concerning what caused the 43-year-old businessman’s death.

The case has attracted international attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the cosmetic procedure and the subsequent fatal medical complication.

A Tragic End

Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo’s death has left family, friends and followers mourning a businessman whose public profile was closely associated with entrepreneurship, social media influence and an extravagant lifestyle.

His case also highlights the potentially serious consequences that can follow elective medical and cosmetic procedures, even when undertaken for non-emergency purposes.

Source note: This report is based on findings reported from the Inner West London Coroners’ Court and current reports from international and Nigerian media outlets.

Verification: GhanaMedia.net has verified the reported death, the Thailand procedure and the coroner’s finding linking the procedure to the fatal pulmonary embolism.

Kurt Okraku Says Ghanaians Will Appreciate His Ghana Football Legacy Like Kwame Nkrumah

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

Accra, Ghana — Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku says he believes his contribution to Ghana football will be better appreciated after he leaves office.

Okraku made the remarks while reflecting on the criticism surrounding his administration and the long-term impact he hopes to leave on the country’s football landscape.

KURT OKRAKU: “WHEN I’M GONE, PEOPLE WILL APPRECIATE ME LIKE KWAME NKRUMAH”

Speaking to 3Sports, the GFA president drew a comparison between his expected legacy and that of Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

“When I am gone, just like Kwame Nkrumah, people will appreciate. And people will not only appreciate but people will remember the good things that we did for Ghana football.”

His comments come at a time when the GFA leadership continues to face public scrutiny over the performance and direction of Ghana football.

Okraku Says Criticism Is Part of Football Leadership

Okraku acknowledged that criticism is an unavoidable part of leading Ghana’s football administration. He said he has no objection to criticism when it is constructive and contributes to improving the game.

He pointed to previous GFA leaders, including Kofi Amoah and Kwesi Nyantakyi, as examples of football administrators who also faced significant criticism during their periods in office.

“It’s okay for people to speak their minds,” Okraku said, adding that he values people who are “not only critical but constructive.”

The GFA president argued that football leadership should ultimately be assessed by the contribution administrators make to the development of the sport rather than only by immediate public sentiment.

Focus on Long-Term Ghana Football Development

Okraku has consistently presented his administration as one focused on building structures that can support Ghana football beyond individual competitions and short-term results.

Recent GFA initiatives have included work around youth and grassroots football, competitions, infrastructure and pathways for players and other football stakeholders.

GhanaMedia.net previously reported on the GFA’s reform agenda and efforts to reshape Ghana football.

The association has also continued preparations for Ghana’s next international commitments following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the return of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars head coach. GFA’s reappointment of Carlos Queiroz is expected to usher in another phase for the national team.

A Legacy That Will Be Judged Over Time

Okraku’s comments suggest that he expects the ultimate assessment of his tenure to come after his time as GFA president rather than during his administration.

He believes the structures and initiatives being pursued today will provide a basis for judging the contribution of his administration to Ghana football in the years ahead.

His reference to Kwame Nkrumah places his argument within a broader discussion about how public figures can experience criticism during their time in leadership while their contributions are reassessed by later generations.

Ghana football remains under intense public attention, making the success or failure of the GFA’s long-term programmes an important part of how Okraku’s legacy will eventually be evaluated.

GhanaMedia.net has also documented Ghana’s historic football achievements, including the Black Stars’ historic 1978 AFCON triumph, which remains an important part of the country’s football legacy.

Source: Okraku’s comments were made in an interview with 3Sports and were reported by multiple Ghanaian media outlets. MyJoyOnline published the remarks on September 5, 2026.

Authoritative references: MyJoyOnline; GBC Ghana; Ghana Football Association.

Verification: GhanaMedia.net has verified the quoted remarks and their attribution to GFA President Kurt Okraku.

Ayoub El Kaabi Suffers Tibia Fracture, Set for Surgery After Horror Olympiacos Injury

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

Greece — Moroccan international and Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi has suffered a tibia fracture after a serious collision during his side’s Greek Super League clash with Volos on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

El Kaabi was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher after the collision with Volos goalkeeper Marios Siampanis late in the first half. He was subsequently taken to hospital for medical examinations.

Medical examinations confirmed a fracture of the tibia in his left leg, according to reports from Greek and Moroccan media. El Kaabi is scheduled to undergo surgery on Sunday, September 6. Olympiacos has also publicly expressed its support for the Moroccan striker following the injury.

Serious Collision Forces El Kaabi Off

The injury occurred during an attacking move when El Kaabi challenged for the ball inside the Volos penalty area. The striker collided heavily with goalkeeper Siampanis and immediately showed signs of severe pain.

Medical staff rushed onto the pitch before El Kaabi was carried away on a stretcher as players and spectators watched in concern.

The incident resulted in a penalty for Olympiacos, which Jota Silva converted. The match eventually ended 1-1 after Volos equalised in the second half.

Surgery Scheduled for Sunday

Following examinations at hospital, the injury was diagnosed as a tibia fracture. Reports from Greece indicate that Olympiacos medical chief Christos Theos is scheduled to perform the operation on Sunday morning.

At the time of publication, a definitive recovery timeline had not been officially established. Reports suggesting a lengthy absence should therefore be treated cautiously until the club provides further medical information.

Major Blow for Olympiacos and Morocco

The injury represents a major setback for both Olympiacos and Morocco. El Kaabi remains an important attacking figure for the Greek club and the Moroccan national team.

FIFA has previously highlighted El Kaabi’s importance to Morocco, including his goals during the country’s successful 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. CAF has likewise featured the striker prominently in its coverage of Morocco’s recent international success.

His injury now leaves Olympiacos awaiting further medical updates as the club prepares for the striker’s recovery and rehabilitation.

Messages of Support Pour In

Olympiacos issued a message of support for El Kaabi following the injury, praising his strength, passion and fighting spirit and assuring him that the club would stand with him throughout his recovery.

Moroccan football supporters have also rallied behind the striker, with messages wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

GhanaMedia.net joins football fans across Africa in wishing Ayoub El Kaabi strength and a successful recovery.

Related GhanaMedia.net coverage: GhanaMedia.net has previously reported on former Black Stars defender John Boye’s transition after football, Iñaki Williams’ injury during Athletic Club’s Champions League campaign, and the dangers surrounding fraudulent football trial opportunities.

Authoritative references: Olympiacos FC; FIFA; CAF.

Verification: GhanaMedia.net has verified the injury report. The confirmed diagnosis is a tibia fracture, with surgery scheduled for September 6. A final recovery period has not yet been officially established.

GRA Warns Travellers: Gifts Bought Abroad for Family May Attract Customs Duty

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

Accra, Ghana — The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division has reminded travellers arriving in Ghana that items purchased abroad as gifts for family members may be subject to Customs duty, depending on the nature, quantity, value and intended use of the goods.

The reminder has attracted renewed attention among Ghanaians living abroad and travellers returning home, particularly those who routinely purchase clothing, electronics, household items and other goods for relatives and friends in Ghana.

Gifts Are Not Automatically Duty-Free

GRA’s passenger guidance states that personal effects eligible for concessions must generally be for the traveller’s own use and not for sale or intended for other persons.

This means goods purchased specifically for other people may fall outside ordinary personal-baggage concessions and could be assessed for Customs duty and other applicable taxes.

However, the GRA has also clarified that the mere fact that a traveller is carrying more than a particular number of items does not automatically mean duty is payable. Customs officers consider the circumstances of each case, including the nature and quantity of the goods, whether they are new or commercially packaged, and whether the items appear intended for sale, distribution or another person.

Travellers Bringing Gifts Should Declare Them

Passengers arriving in Ghana are required to declare goods and baggage imported by them to Customs. The GRA advises travellers who are uncertain about the status of their goods to declare them and seek guidance from a Customs officer at the point of entry.

The authority’s passenger guidance also distinguishes between the Green and Red Channels. Travellers carrying goods that fall outside duty-free passenger concessions or are regarded as commercial goods may be required to use the Red Channel for declaration and assessment.

Ghanaians returning from abroad should therefore avoid assuming that every item bought as a gift automatically qualifies for duty-free treatment.

Recent Customs Clarification

The latest reminder follows public discussion over Customs treatment of goods carried into Ghana by passengers. The GRA recently clarified that carrying more than two mobile phones, for example, does not automatically trigger Customs duty.

Instead, Customs considers whether the goods are genuinely for personal use or are being brought into the country for another person, sale, distribution or commercial purposes.

The clarification is important because many travellers purchase goods abroad on behalf of relatives and friends. Where the quantity or nature of those goods goes beyond what Customs considers reasonable personal effects, the items may be treated as imports and assessed accordingly.

What Travellers Should Know

  • Personal effects may qualify for specific passenger concessions.
  • Goods intended for other people may not automatically qualify as personal effects.
  • Commercial quantities can attract Customs duties and applicable taxes.
  • Travellers should declare goods when required.
  • When uncertain, passengers should seek clarification from Customs officers at the point of entry.

The issue is particularly relevant during periods when large numbers of Ghanaians return from overseas with gifts for relatives and friends.

GhanaMedia.net will continue to monitor Customs guidance and developments affecting travellers entering Ghana.

Related GhanaMedia.net coverage: Travellers can also read our report on GRA’s warning concerning multiple mobile phones, our report on airport passenger concerns and Customs-related procedures, and our wider Ghana news coverage.

Authoritative references: GRA passenger obligations and baggage concessions; MyJoyOnline’s report on GRA’s clarification; Graphic Online’s report on the Customs clarification.

Verification: GhanaMedia.net has verified the underlying Customs guidance and the GRA’s clarification. The application of duty depends on the specific goods and circumstances; gifts are not automatically taxable simply because they are gifts.

Masina Ategou Wins Best Promoter of the Year 2026 at Togo Show Business Awards

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

LOMÉ, Togo — Masina Ategou, Chief Executive Officer of Façonné Music, has been named Best Promoter of the Year 2026 at the Togo Show Business Awards, in recognition of his work supporting artists and contributing to the growth of Togo’s entertainment industry.

The recognition places Ategou among professionals being celebrated for their contribution to the country’s increasingly active music and entertainment ecosystem.

Masina Ategou Recognised for Music Promotion

Ategou attended the awards ceremony alongside members of the Façonné Music team, turning the occasion into an important moment for the company and the artists and creative projects associated with its work.

Through Façonné Music, Ategou has been involved in artist promotion, music distribution and efforts aimed at increasing the visibility of Togolese talent within the country’s entertainment market and beyond.

The award therefore represents not only an individual achievement but also recognition for the wider team working behind Façonné Music’s projects.

Building Opportunities for Togolese Artists

The modern music business increasingly depends on more than an artist’s ability to record and perform. Promotion, digital distribution, professional management, audience development and access to wider markets have become important components of a sustainable music career.

GhanaMedia.net recently examined the digital transformation of Togo’s music industry, including the growing importance of digital distribution, artist development and professional support.

That broader transformation creates opportunities for music promoters and industry executives who can connect artists with audiences, platforms and commercial opportunities.

Façonné Music’s Growing Role

Façonné Music has been associated with music production and distribution projects involving Togolese artists, including releases dating back several years.

Music-industry records show Façonné Music as the label behind releases by Togolese artists, reflecting the company’s longstanding presence within the country’s music ecosystem.

The development also comes as other Togolese business figures increasingly invest in music production and artist development, signalling a wider expansion of the country’s creative economy.

A Recognition for the Entire Team

For Ategou, the Best Promoter of the Year award is being presented as a collective achievement rather than a personal accomplishment alone.

“This award belongs to the entire Façonné Music team, the artists who trust us and everyone who continues to support our vision. We will keep working to create more opportunities for Togolese and African artists,” Ategou said.

The statement reflects the company’s stated ambition to support artists while helping Togolese music reach audiences beyond the country’s borders.

Togo’s Music Industry Continues to Evolve

Togo has a long musical tradition, while its contemporary industry continues to adapt to digital distribution, streaming and new forms of international audience engagement.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has documented projects in Togo aimed at safeguarding and promoting traditional musical instruments and associated cultural knowledge. This illustrates the wider importance of music to the country’s cultural identity. UNESCO’s Togo cultural-heritage profile provides further background on the country’s music and cultural-development initiatives.

At the same time, digital platforms are making Togolese music increasingly accessible to audiences around the world, with streaming services carrying music from established and emerging Togolese artists.

Looking Beyond Togo

Ategou’s recognition comes at a time when African music is becoming increasingly connected across national borders.

For promoters and music companies, the challenge is now to transform local recognition into sustainable careers, international partnerships and wider commercial opportunities for artists.

The Best Promoter of the Year 2026 award gives Ategou and Façonné Music another platform from which to pursue that objective.

With the company continuing to work around artist promotion and distribution, the recognition could further strengthen its profile within Togo’s entertainment sector and its ambitions to connect Togolese talent with broader African and international audiences.

Source note: The award announcement and statements concerning Masina Ategou are based on information supplied to GhanaMedia.net for publication. Public music-industry records independently confirm Façonné Music’s involvement in Togolese music releases, while GhanaMedia.net has previously reported on the wider digital transformation of Togo’s music sector.

External references: UNESCO; Spotify; World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

A-Plus Opens Up After New Winneba Violence: “I Have Gone Through a Lot These Past Two Days”

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

Gomoa Central Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, has opened up about the intense pressure he has faced following the deadly violence in New Winneba, saying he has “gone through a lot” over the past two days.

A-Plus made the remarks during a joint Facebook address with Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin as political and community leaders step up efforts to calm tensions following the violent confrontation between communities in Ghana’s Central Region.

“I have gone through a lot these past two days. It is all part of it,” A-Plus said, explaining that the pressure intensified because of expectations that political leaders should intervene when residents believe their concerns are not receiving the attention they deserve.

A-Plus Says Pressure Has Been Intense

According to A-Plus, political leadership carries a responsibility to remain available to people during difficult moments, particularly when communities are facing fear, anger and uncertainty.

He said the pressure was partly driven by the expectation that leaders should take the initiative to address pressing challenges instead of waiting for problems to resolve themselves.

“There came a time when the pressure was intense because the things people are supposed to be doing, they aren’t doing,” he said.

His comments come days after he narrowly escaped confrontation with angry residents while visiting a police command following the New Winneba violence.

Deadly New Winneba Clash

The violence erupted on September 1, 2026, amid a longstanding dispute involving communities in the Gomoa and Effutu areas.

Police accounts cited by multiple Ghanaian media outlets put the death toll at three, with between 15 and 17 people injured and receiving treatment at the Winneba Trauma Hospital. Several arrests have also been made as investigations continue.

GhanaMedia.net previously reported that A-Plus led a police operation resulting in the arrest of a suspect linked to the alleged killing of Abeiku during the violence.

The suspect denied killing Abeiku, and the allegation remains subject to police investigation and due process.

A-Plus and Afenyo-Markin Seek Lasting Solution

A-Plus said he and Afenyo-Markin, who represent constituencies directly affected by the tensions, have a responsibility to work together to help find a lasting solution.

The two lawmakers are scheduled to visit communities in Gomoa and Effutu as part of efforts to engage residents, listen to their concerns and work with traditional authorities to restore peace.

The planned engagement follows calls for restraint and dialogue after the deadly confrontation.

A-Plus has recently attracted attention for other public interventions, including his comments on how Ghanaian youths use social media and digital platforms.

Justice and Community Tensions

A major issue surrounding the New Winneba crisis is the longstanding land dispute between communities in the area.

A-Plus has previously argued that residents feel frustrated when they believe land-related grievances and security concerns are not adequately addressed through the justice system.

He has called for the law to take its course while also warning that continued failure to address the concerns of affected communities could deepen tensions.

However, allegations concerning responsibility for individual deaths and the conduct of security personnel remain matters for investigation and should not be treated as established facts unless independently confirmed.

Pressure on Political Leaders

The MP’s latest comments provide an insight into the political pressure created by the crisis.

For A-Plus, the situation goes beyond politics and requires leaders to be physically present, listen to affected residents and work toward practical solutions.

“I have become one person I have to be there for a lot of people, so there is a lot of pressure,” he said.

GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow developments from New Winneba and the wider Central Region as authorities and community leaders work toward a peaceful resolution.

Peace Efforts Continue

The latest peace initiative is expected to bring political leaders, traditional authorities and residents together to address the underlying grievances.

The objective is to prevent further violence while ensuring that investigations into the deaths, injuries and alleged offences proceed through the appropriate legal channels.

The developments come at a particularly sensitive moment for communities in Gomoa and Effutu, where restoring trust and preventing another outbreak of violence remain the immediate priorities.

External sources: MyJoyOnline, Adom Online, Citi Newsroom.

Editorial note: A-Plus’s comments about pressure and his political responsibility are directly attributed to him. Claims concerning police conduct and individual responsibility for deaths remain allegations unless established by competent authorities.

Eastern Police Commander Warns Okuapeman, Mount Sinai Students: “We Will Fire at Will” If You Attack Police

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

Eastern Regional Police Commander DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah has issued a stern warning to students of Okuapeman Senior High School and Mount Sinai Senior High School following violent clashes that left students injured and school property damaged.

Addressing students amid the unrest, the police commander warned that students who attack police officers with stones should expect officers to defend themselves.

His remarks came after violent confrontations between students of the two schools in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

Police Commander Warns Against Attacking Officers

DCOP Owusu-Bempah specifically warned students against pelting police officers with stones, describing such conduct as a criminal offence.

According to reports of his address, the commander warned that if students attacked officers again, police would respond with force to protect themselves.

The warning has attracted significant public attention because it came at a time when authorities were working to restore calm at the two schools following serious violence.

Violence Leaves Students Injured, Schools Damaged

The clashes reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday and resulted in significant damage to facilities at both Okuapeman SHS and Mount Sinai SHS.

Citi Newsroom reported that six Okuapeman students were hospitalised, with four later discharged while two remained under medical care. Several facilities, including classrooms and a Visual Arts studio, were also reportedly burnt at Okuapeman, while facilities at Mount Sinai were damaged. GhanaMedia.net has previously reported on another serious student clash involving rival senior high schools.

The Eastern Regional Security Council subsequently ordered the closure of both schools as authorities assessed the extent of the destruction and investigated the circumstances surrounding the violence.

More Than 10 Students Arrested

Police have confirmed that more than 10 students have been arrested in connection with the clashes.

DCOP Owusu-Bempah said police were compiling information on individuals suspected to have participated in the violence and warned that students who fled the scene would still be traced.

Police are also investigating allegations that some teachers may have encouraged students to attack their counterparts. Authorities have stressed that anyone found to have participated in criminal conduct will face the law.

Police Say Ringleaders Will Be Identified

The commander also rejected the idea that students could hide behind the size of their school populations to escape accountability.

He said police could not arrest an entire school but would identify those who organised or led violent acts.

“We cannot arrest the entire school, but we know the ringleaders,” the commander said, according to MyJoyOnline’s report of his warning.

Students were urged to report planned acts of violence to school authorities instead of joining confrontations.

School Rivalry Under Scrutiny

The latest violence has renewed concerns about student rivalry and the escalation of disagreements between senior high schools into destructive confrontations.

GhanaMedia.net previously reported on Ghana Education Service sanctions against three Eastern Region schools over hooliganism, highlighting growing concerns about discipline and safety during student activities.

Authorities have urged students to channel school rivalry into academic, sporting and other constructive achievements rather than violence.

The Ghana Education Service has also previously identified Okuapeman Senior High School as an institution within the Akuapem North area of the Eastern Region. More education and school-related developments are available in GhanaMedia.net’s Education section.

Investigations Continue

The precise trigger for the latest confrontation remains under investigation. Police and education authorities are expected to continue identifying those responsible for the violence and assessing the damage caused at both institutions.

GhanaMedia.net understands that the police warning was made in the context of restoring order and preventing further attacks on officers, students, teachers and public property.

Sources: MyJoyOnline; Citi Newsroom; Graphic Online.

WAEC Cancels 2026 WASSCE Results of 8,295 Candidates Over Examination Irregularities

By
Daniel Jeddman
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0

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cancelled the subject or entire examination results of 8,295 candidates who participated in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.

The decision follows investigations into various examination irregularities recorded during the conduct of the examination, with WAEC reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity and credibility of the examination system.

8,295 Candidates Affected

According to WAEC, the subject results of 7,434 candidates were cancelled for bringing foreign materials, including prepared notes, textbooks and printed materials, into examination halls.

The Council also cancelled the entire results of 861 candidates for possessing mobile phones in examination halls.

In addition, WAEC said the subject results of 957 candidates had been withheld, while the entire results of another 270 candidates were also withheld over various suspected offences.

Results From 169 Schools Still Under Investigation

WAEC further disclosed that some subject results of candidates from 169 schools had been withheld over alleged collusion.

The cases remain under investigation, meaning the affected results could either be released or cancelled depending on the outcome of the investigations. WAEC expects the investigations to be completed by October 30, 2026.

The decisions on the examination irregularities were considered at the 42nd Meeting of the Ghana Examinations Committee held on August 7, 2026.

2026 WASSCE Results Released

WAEC has also released the provisional 2026 WASSCE results for school candidates. A total of 512,862 candidates from 1,022 schools entered the examination.

The latest development follows Ghana’s return to the traditional May-June WASSCE examination calendar. GhanaMedia.net previously reported on Ghana’s return to the May-June WASSCE schedule.

Candidates Can Check Reasons for Cancellation

Candidates whose results have been cancelled or withheld have been directed to access WAEC’s irregularity and investigations platform to determine the reasons for the decision and obtain information about the next steps.

WAEC has also warned candidates and stakeholders against fraudsters who claim they can upgrade examination results for a fee. The Council says its results are secured and can be authenticated through its official verification system.

For students and parents following examination outcomes, GhanaMedia.net has also covered the recognition of Ghana’s 2025 overall best WASSCE candidate, highlighting the importance of academic excellence alongside examination integrity.

WAEC Maintains Examination Integrity

The latest cancellations underline the Council’s continued enforcement of examination rules and its position that malpractice will attract sanctions.

WAEC’s official information on withheld 2026 WASSCE results is available through its results and investigations channels. Students and parents are encouraged to rely on official information rather than individuals promising to alter or upgrade examination outcomes.

For broader education updates and developments affecting Ghana’s schools, readers can follow GhanaMedia.net’s Education section.

Sources: West African Examinations Council; MyJoyOnline; Graphic Online.

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