A widely circulated social-media claim alleging that a Kumasi-based woman deliberately infected more than 300 men with HIV has not been independently substantiated by credible health authorities or established news organisations.
The claim has attracted significant attention online, with posts circulating an allegation that the woman had allegedly been diagnosed with HIV and had deliberately transmitted the virus to hundreds of men.
Viral Claim About Kumasi Woman Allegedly Infecting 300 Men With HIV Lacks Independent Verification 2
However, GhanaMedia.net has found no credible independent evidence establishing the allegation as fact.
HIV Claims Require Responsible Verification
Health-related allegations involving an individual’s HIV status require particular caution because HIV information is highly sensitive and public disclosure can expose people to stigma and discrimination.
The Ghana AIDS Commission has previously stressed that HIV testing and diagnosis must follow approved testing procedures. An initial reactive screening result does not, by itself, constitute a confirmed HIV diagnosis.
Health authorities have also warned that irresponsible public communication about HIV can fuel stigma and discourage people from testing and accessing treatment.
No Independent Confirmation of the “300 Men” Claim
Despite the widespread circulation of the allegation, GhanaMedia.net has not identified an official statement from the Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Health Service, police or another competent authority confirming that a particular woman infected more than 300 people.
There is therefore insufficient evidence to present the allegation as an established fact.
Why Verification Matters
HIV is a serious public-health issue, but responsible reporting must distinguish between confirmed medical information and unverified claims circulating online.
Ghana’s latest HIV estimates show that hundreds of thousands of people are living with HIV nationwide, making accurate public education, testing, treatment and stigma reduction especially important.
GhanaMedia.net will continue to monitor the claim and update this report if a competent authority provides independently verifiable evidence.
President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns about the rapid transfer of promising Ghanaian footballers abroad, warning that the trend is weakening the quality and competitiveness of Ghana’s domestic league.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit by Medeama Sporting Club, Nations Football Club and Ampem Darkoa Ladies at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said Ghana must find ways to keep talented young players in the domestic league for longer.
Mahama: Ghana Is Too Fast to Sell Its Best Young Players 4
“We are too fast to sell our players. As soon as a player starts to show some promise, the scouts pick him and take him away. It depletes the local league. We must see how we can keep them a bit longer,” the President said.
President Mahama argued that promising players should first receive opportunities to develop through the domestic league and national teams before making the move to foreign clubs.
He said Ghana should allow young talents to gain international experience and mature before transferring them abroad.
“We must find a way to keep our talented players a little longer, give them opportunities in the national team, allow them to gain international experience, and then let them move abroad after they have matured,” he said.
Mahama Calls for Revival of Colts Football
The President also called for the revival of Ghana’s Colts League, which he described as an important pathway for identifying and nurturing young football talent.
Mahama said the decline of the traditional Colts system had created a gap in grassroots talent development and urged the Ghana Football Association to restore the competition to prominence.
“We used to have a very good Colts League. I do not know what happened to it,” he said.
Although the system has been renamed grassroots football, the President argued that the traditional Colts identity should be retained.
“I hear it has been renamed grassroots football, but we all knew it as Colts. So, call it the Colts League, and let us all help to sponsor it,” he added.
Concerns Over Domestic League Quality
Mahama’s comments come amid broader concerns about the competitiveness and attractiveness of Ghana’s domestic football competitions.
The President also criticised the standard of refereeing, saying perceptions of predetermined results were discouraging spectators from attending league matches and affecting clubs’ gate revenues.
He urged the Ghana Referees Association and the Ghana Football Association to work together to improve officiating and restore confidence in the league.
“Every match must be fairly officiated so that whoever wins does so on merit,” Mahama said.
The President’s remarks underline the need for Ghana to develop a stronger domestic football ecosystem capable of producing players, retaining them for meaningful periods and preparing them for international careers.
Financial Support for Ghanaian Clubs
The meeting also resulted in financial support for Ghanaian clubs preparing for continental competition.
Medeama Sporting Club received GH¢342,000, Nations Football Club received GH¢228,000, while Ampem Darkoa Ladies received GH¢114,000 from the Sports Development Fund.
The combined GH¢684,000 support is intended to assist the clubs with their respective continental and regional campaigns.
President Mahama urged the clubs to perform strongly and help restore Ghana’s reputation in African club football.
His comments on player transfers, grassroots development, refereeing and club financing point to a broader push to strengthen Ghana’s football structure from the grassroots through to the senior national teams.
GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow developments involving the domestic league, the Ghana Football Association and the government’s sports-development initiatives.
ACCRA, Ghana — A fresh dispute over the alleged procurement of a cybersecurity system has emerged in the trial of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene, after a letter attributed to ISC Holding Group became a major point of contention before the Accra High Court.
The development came as the prosecution closed its case on Tuesday, September 8, after calling four witnesses in the trial involving allegations surrounding GH¢49.1 million in state funds.
ADU-BOAHENE TRIAL: DISPUTED ISC LETTER ADMITTED IN COURT
At the centre of the latest courtroom exchange was a document presented by the defence as evidence connected to the purchase and payment for the cyber defence system.
The defence has relied on the document to challenge the prosecution’s assertion that the cybersecurity system was never purchased or delivered.
Court Admits Disputed Letter
The disputed document was admitted into evidence, but the circumstances surrounding its authenticity immediately became a major issue.
The prosecution has maintained that the document presented as confirmation of the cybersecurity purchase is not genuine.
According to EOCO investigator Frank Marshall Cromwell, forensic examination of the document raised several concerns, including differences in the company name and logo, the absence of contact details and the lack of an identifiable signatory.
Cromwell told the court that investigations concluded that the letter was “not genuine and not authentic.”
The development is particularly significant because the alleged cyber defence system sits at the heart of Adu-Boahene’s defence.
What the Defence Says
Adu-Boahene has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has maintained that the money at the centre of the case was not diverted for personal benefit but was used in connection with the procurement of a cyber defence system for the state.
The defence, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, has repeatedly challenged aspects of the prosecution’s evidence, including the characterisation of the accounts through which the funds moved and the investigation into whether the cybersecurity system was actually procured.
The defence has also questioned why investigators did not independently engage ISC to establish whether the system was purchased and delivered.
EOCO Admits It Did Not Contact ISC
During proceedings, the prosecution’s fourth witness acknowledged that EOCO did not engage ISC or the National Security Council to independently confirm whether the system had actually been purchased and delivered.
That admission has given the defence another basis for challenging the prosecution’s conclusion about the alleged non-delivery of the system.
The prosecution, however, maintains that its investigations found no evidence in the National Signals Bureau’s records that the cyber defence system was received.
Earlier evidence from the prosecution claimed that only approximately GH¢9.54 million, equivalent to about US$1.75 million, was transferred to ISC Holdings, while the remainder of the GH¢49.1 million was allegedly withdrawn or transferred through other accounts.
The GH¢49.1 Million Allegation
The wider case centres on allegations that GH¢49.1 million was moved from an account associated with National Security operations into an account belonging to BNC Communications Bureau Limited.
The prosecution alleges that the account was privately connected to Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, and that the funds were subsequently used for personal purposes.
The accused persons have denied the allegations.
Ghana News Agency previously reported that the accused persons are facing 11 criminal charges, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit and money laundering.
Prosecution Closes Its Case
The latest development came as the Republic formally closed its case after calling four witnesses.
The final prosecution witness, EOCO investigator Frank Marshall Cromwell, completed his evidence after extensive cross-examination by the defence.
The prosecution says its evidence demonstrates how the GH¢49.1 million allegedly moved from the state-related account and was subsequently spent.
The State also presented bank records, incorporation documents, purchase receipts and property-related documents as part of its case.
The defence, meanwhile, has indicated that it will file a submission of no case to answer.
The High Court has given the defence until September 25, 2026, to file its submission. The prosecution will then have 14 days to respond, after which the defence will have seven days to reply.
The court has scheduled November 5, 2026, to rule on whether the prosecution has established sufficient evidence requiring the accused persons to open their defence.
Why the ISC Letter Matters
The disputed letter could become important to the next stage of the case because it goes directly to one of the central questions before the court: Was the cyber defence system actually purchased and delivered?
If the document is ultimately found to be authentic and capable of proving the defence’s claim, it could strengthen the argument that the funds were used for their stated purpose.
However, the admission of a document into evidence does not by itself establish that every assertion contained in it is true.
The prosecution’s position remains that the document is not authentic, while the defence has relied on it as part of its challenge to the State’s case.
That factual and evidentiary dispute will therefore be for the court to assess as the proceedings move into the no-case stage.
A Major Turning Point in the Trial
With the prosecution’s case now closed, the trial has entered a critical phase.
The court will first determine whether the evidence presented by the Republic is sufficient to require Adu-Boahene and the other accused persons to mount a defence.
The prosecution says the GH¢49.1 million was unlawfully diverted and that the alleged cyber defence system was never properly procured or delivered. The defence disputes that narrative and has pointed to evidence it says supports the purchase and delivery of the system.
The court’s November ruling will determine whether the case proceeds to the defence stage.
ACCRA, Ghana — Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno has issued a strong warning to criminals across Ghana, declaring that the Ghana Police Service will pursue suspected offenders regardless of where they attempt to hide.
IGP YOHUNO WARNS CRIMINALS: WE WILL COME FOR YOU
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the IGP said the Police Administration would sustain its intelligence-led operations against criminal networks and continue pursuing suspects who remain at large.
“No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, we will come for you.”
The warning follows a series of operations across the Greater Accra, Western, Northern and Savannah Regions, which the Police say have resulted in arrests, the recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of suspected robbery syndicates.
Police Intensify Intelligence-Led Operations
According to the IGP, specialised intelligence teams have been deployed to target suspected criminal gangs operating across different parts of the country.
Among the reported breakthroughs is the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged killing of a missing couple. Police said investigations led them to a suspect who allegedly fled Ghana for the United Arab Emirates before being deported back to Ghana on August 30.
The Police have also reported operations targeting suspected robbery syndicates accused of attacking gold dealers, mining sites, communities and motorists.
In one operation, five suspects were arrested, while Police reported recovering three AK-47 assault rifles, five magazines, 357 rounds of AK-47 ammunition and two vehicles.
Weapons Seized in Separate Operations
The Police also disclosed that five suspects were arrested between June and July in connection with alleged illegal firearms trading.
Authorities said the operations resulted in the recovery of eight AK-47 assault rifles, one SMG rifle and two foreign pistols.
The suspects have been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court, with the case scheduled for September 8, 2026. Other suspects believed to be connected to the alleged weapons trade remain at large and are being pursued.
The Ghana Police Service’s Anti-Armed Robbery Squad is mandated to investigate robbery cases, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and related violent-crime offences.
Police Foil Alleged Bank Robbery Operation
The latest crackdown also includes an alleged robbery syndicate targeting banks and their customers in parts of Greater Accra.
Police said a Toyota Highlander searched during an operation yielded 13 different vehicle registration numbers and a Blow F90 pistol.
According to the Police account, suspects allegedly used vehicles with changed or swapped registration plates as part of their operations.
One suspect, Augustine Okechuku Maazi, 49, has reportedly been remanded in connection with the case.
GhanaMedia.net previously reported on the Labone robbery operation, in which two suspected robbers were shot dead and another suspect was arrested during a Police intervention.
Highway Robbery Network Also Targeted
The Police have separately arrested members of a suspected robbery gang linked to an attack along the Enyiresi–Sekyere stretch of the Accra–Kumasi highway.
Items reportedly recovered during that operation included a pump-action firearm, a double-barrel gun, three single-barrel guns, ammunition, cutlasses, handcuffs, jack knives, pepper spray and a tactical vest.
IGP Yohuno commended the officers involved in the operations, praising their dedication and professionalism.
He also acknowledged logistical support provided to the Ghana Police Service, including armoured vehicles and pickup trucks, which he said had contributed to recent operational successes.
The IGP further appealed to members of the public to provide credible information about suspects who remain at large.
He said information could be reported to the nearest Police station or through the Police Emergency Line 191, with assurances that such information would be treated confidentially.
A Clear Message to Criminal Networks
The latest warning reflects a tougher posture from the Police Administration as authorities seek to dismantle organised robbery and weapons networks operating across the country.
The Ghana Police Service’s stated mandate includes the protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, and preservation of peace and good order.
For criminals attempting to evade arrest, the IGP’s message was direct:
“No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, we will come for you.”
ACCRA, Ghana — MTN Ghana has joined forces with the Forestry Commission and the Rainforest Alliance to support the restoration of degraded sections of the Chipa Forest Reserve, reinforcing a growing private-sector commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests and strengthening environmental sustainability.
MTN Ghana, Forestry Commission and Rainforest Alliance Join Forces to Restore Chipa Forest Reserve 8
The initiative forms part of MTN Ghana’s Doing for the Planet sustainability pillar, which focuses on environmental stewardship and climate action. It also forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month, held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” as well as activities marking MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary.
Under the partnership, approximately two hectares of degraded forest are being restored through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Because of the prevailing dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 scheduled to be planted when the rains resume.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials of the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, highlighting the importance of partnerships in protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Trees at the Centre of Climate and Environmental Protection
Speaking at the exercise, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, stressed the importance of trees to both human life and healthy ecosystems.
She noted that trees absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for wildlife.
She also pointed to their role in water conservation, erosion control and helping communities adapt to the effects of climate change.
Fiagbenu said the widely repeated warning that “when the last tree dies, the last person dies” should be understood as a serious reminder of the consequences of failing to protect Ghana’s forests.
The initiative comes at a time when forest protection and restoration remain major environmental priorities in Ghana.
Chipa Forest Reserve Faces Long-Term Pressure
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s intervention, describing it as a valuable contribution to ongoing restoration efforts.
According to Ansah, the Chipa Forest Reserve was gazetted in the 1960s but has experienced degradation over the years as a result of activities including illegal logging and unsustainable firewood harvesting.
The Forestry Commission has previously undertaken tree-planting activities at Chipa, including a 2025 exercise involving more than 1,000 seedlings to restore a degraded section of the reserve.
Rainforest Alliance Calls for Long-Term Care
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and stressed that tree planting must go beyond putting seedlings into the ground.
He emphasised that restored forests support biodiversity and provide habitats for birds, insects, mammals and other wildlife.
More importantly, he said the success of the initiative would ultimately depend on whether the newly planted trees survive and mature.
“Planting trees today is only the beginning,” Jengri said, stressing the need to nurture and protect the trees so they can deliver lasting benefits to communities and ecosystems.
The Rainforest Alliance has extensive experience supporting landscape restoration and climate-resilience initiatives in Ghana, including programmes that bring communities, government and private-sector partners together around sustainable landscape management.
Monitoring Plan to Protect the Investment
Recognising that planting is only the first step, MTN Ghana and the Rainforest Alliance have established a monitoring and maintenance plan for the trees.
The plan includes regular assessments and watering where necessary, particularly during the current dry period, until rainfall resumes.
The approach reflects the broader principle that successful ecosystem restoration requires sustained care and protection rather than one-off planting exercises.
MTN Ghana to Make Tree Planting Part of Y’ello Care
MTN Ghana has also committed to making tree planting a regular feature of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care employee volunteering programme.
Through the initiative, employees will periodically return to planting locations to monitor the progress of trees, replace seedlings where necessary and undertake additional planting activities.
MTN Ghana’s sustainability framework places environmental responsibility under its “Doing for Planet” pillar, with commitments around eco-responsibility, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, water and waste management.
A Growing Corporate Role in Ghana’s Forest Restoration
The Chipa initiative is another example of private-sector organisations partnering with Ghana’s forestry authorities to address environmental degradation.
Across the country, the Forestry Commission is working with businesses, development partners and communities on forest restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate-related programmes.
Recent interventions include partnerships aimed at reclaiming degraded forest reserves, strengthening forest protection and expanding restoration activities.
For MTN Ghana, the Chipa project therefore represents more than an anniversary activity. It is an investment in forest restoration, biodiversity and the environmental legacy that future generations will inherit.
DÜSSELDORF, Germany — The countdown is officially on to one of the most anticipated celebrations of Ghanaian music and culture in Europe, as the Ghana Music Awards Europe (GMAEU) 2026 prepares to take over Düsseldorf this Saturday, September 12.
The fifth edition of the awards is scheduled for Tor 3, Langenberger Str. 9, 40233 Düsseldorf, with the event beginning at 8:00 p.m.
GHANA MUSIC AWARDS EUROPE 2026: DÜSSELDORF READY
The ceremony is expected to bring together Ghanaian artistes, industry executives, entertainment personalities, fans and members of the Ghanaian diaspora for a night built around music, culture and excellence.
The official GMAEU platform describes the awards as a celebration designed to connect Ghanaian artistes with audiences across Europe and beyond while providing a platform for both established and emerging talents.
A Major Night for Ghanaian Music in Europe
The 2026 edition arrives with an impressive field of nominees spanning local and diaspora categories.
Some of Ghana’s biggest names, including Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, King Paluta, Diana Hamilton, Kofi Kinaata, Medikal, Sarkodie, Joe Mettle, Wendy Shay and Kuami Eugene, feature prominently in the nominations.
The diaspora categories are equally significant, highlighting Ghanaian musicians building careers and audiences outside the country.
Among those recognised is Daniel Jeddman, who has earned four nominations: Best Diaspora Artist of the Year, Best Diaspora Gospel Artist of the Year, Best Diaspora Gospel Song of the Year for “Nyame,” and Best Male Vocalist of the Year.
Jeddman’s presence adds a particularly strong gospel dimension to an awards night that showcases the breadth of Ghanaian music abroad.
The event is expected to combine awards with live performances and entertainment.
Event materials promoting the Düsseldorf ceremony feature artistes including Rap Fada, Kelvyn Boy, Joyce Blessing and Akosua Adjei Pong, alongside the Luck Star Band.
That combination of contemporary Ghanaian sounds, gospel music and live-band performance is expected to give the evening a distinctly Ghanaian atmosphere while connecting audiences across generations.
Düsseldorf Becomes a Ghanaian Cultural Meeting Point
For Ghanaian communities living across Germany and the wider European diaspora, events of this nature provide an opportunity to celebrate Ghanaian identity while creating visibility for artistes operating in international markets.
The official GMAEU platform says the awards were established to showcase Ghana’s vibrant music scene internationally, promote collaboration and create a springboard for Ghanaian artistes into the global arena.
GhanaMedia.net has also followed the wider international growth of Ghanaian music, including Sarkodie’s sold-out Royal Albert Hall performance and the continuing expansion of Ghanaian creative talent across international markets.
The platform has further reported on Opoku Sanaa’s appointment at Roland Europe Group, another example of Ghanaian music professionals taking influential roles within Europe’s creative and commercial ecosystem.
A Night of Music, Culture and Excellence
As the final preparations continue, attention is now turning to the red carpet, performances, award announcements and the artistes who will leave Düsseldorf with trophies.
The event is officially scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Tor 3 in Düsseldorf, giving Ghanaian music lovers in Germany and across Europe another major opportunity to gather around the music and culture that connect the diaspora to home.
For Ghanaian artistes, the GMAEU represents more than an awards ceremony. It is part of a growing international ecosystem in which Ghanaian creativity is being celebrated, promoted and consumed far beyond the country’s borders.
And on Saturday night, Düsseldorf will once again become a meeting point for that global Ghanaian musical community.
Ghanaians are having fun with one question after Yaw Dabo launched his new Cool Baroe Natural Water brand.
The Ghanaian actor and entrepreneur has recently expanded his business interests beyond entertainment with the launch of Cool Baroe Natural Water, but the move has also revived one of the funniest football-related moments of his 2026 FIFA World Cup adventure.
WHY DIDN’T YAW DABO NAME IT JOHN TERRY?
The question making the rounds online is simple:
Why didn’t Yaw Dabo call the water company “John Terry”?
It is, of course, a joke — but one that has a very memorable backstory.
From John Terry to “John Telly”
During Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Dabo became one of the tournament’s unexpected social-media personalities after an encounter involving former England and Chelsea captain John Terry.
As Dabo attempted to get Terry’s attention, he repeatedly referred to the football legend as “John Telly” rather than John Terry.
The moment quickly became a viral social-media sensation, with the unusual pronunciation turning into a catchphrase among Ghanaian and international football fans.
The timing was particularly memorable because Ghana and England had faced each other at the World Cup in Boston, with the Group L encounter ending 0–0.
And John Terry Himself Joined the Joke
What made the episode even more entertaining was Terry’s response.
Rather than ignoring the viral moment, the former Chelsea captain embraced it.
In a video message to Dabo, Terry jokingly introduced himself as “John Telly” before correcting himself and saying he was John Terry. He then wished Dabo’s football academy well and expressed hope of visiting Ghana to meet the young players.
That response transformed what could have been an ordinary mispronunciation into a memorable exchange between the Ghanaian entertainer and one of England’s most recognisable football figures.
Terry’s status in football also makes the story particularly significant. Chelsea describes him as one of the club’s greatest captains, noting that he made 717 appearances for Chelsea, won five Premier League titles and later entered the Premier League Hall of Fame.
So Why “Cool Baroe” Instead?
That is where the new water business comes in.
Dabo’s new brand is called Cool Baroe Natural Water, and the launch has generated attention beyond the business itself.
With the “John Telly” moment still fresh in the memories of many fans, some online reactions have jokingly suggested that a water brand named “John Terry” — or even “John Telly” — could have been an even bigger marketing opportunity.
After all, the name already has recognition.
And the story practically writes its own advertising campaign:
“John Telly Natural Water.”
But Dabo went with Cool Baroe, giving the brand an identity separate from the football joke.
Turning Viral Fame Into Business
The bigger story, however, is not really about what Dabo could have named his water.
It is about how the actor is attempting to convert entertainment popularity into commercial opportunities.
Dabo’s World Cup appearances significantly expanded his visibility, with his interactions involving Terry and other football personalities becoming widely shared online. Reports after the tournament indicated that businesses had begun approaching him about potential partnerships following his increased exposure.
His move into sachet water therefore represents another step in a broader entrepreneurial journey.
And that makes the Cool Baroe launch more than just another celebrity-branded product.
It is an example of a Ghanaian entertainer attempting to turn personal visibility, audience attention and cultural relevance into a business venture.
The “John Telly” Moment May Still Have a Life of Its Own
Interestingly, the story may not be over.
Terry later expressed interest in visiting Dabo and his football academy in Ghana, and Dabo subsequently said the visit would take place.
That means the viral “John Telly” moment has already evolved from a funny World Cup encounter into a continuing relationship between the two personalities.
And now, every time Dabo’s new water brand is mentioned, Ghanaians have another opportunity to revive the joke.
Maybe Cool Baroe was the right name after all.
Or perhaps, as social media users are suggesting, “John Telly Natural Water” would have been the ultimate missed marketing opportunity.
Either way, Dabo’s latest venture shows how a viral moment can continue creating attention long after the original video has disappeared from people’s timelines.
The proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway could become one of the defining infrastructure projects of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has said.
Agbodza described the project as a major generational intervention that could transform transportation between Ghana’s two major economic centres while strengthening trade, mobility and regional connectivity.
Accra–Kumasi Expressway Will Be Mahama’s Major Road Legacy – Agbodza 12
His comments come as preparations for the project move forward, with the Ghana Armed Forces completing the clearing of the right-of-way along the expressway corridor.
Major Milestone Reached
The Ghana Armed Forces has completed the clearing of approximately 175.6 kilometres of right-of-way for the proposed expressway, reportedly finishing the operation in 19 weeks, ahead of the original 20-week target.
The completion of the clearing exercise removes one of the major preparatory hurdles ahead of detailed design and procurement for the main construction phase.
The proposed expressway is expected to provide a faster alternative to the existing Accra–Kumasi highway.
Earlier plans outlined a route of less than 200 kilometres, compared with the longer existing road corridor, with the project designed to significantly reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi.
A Potential Mahama Legacy Project
Agbodza’s description of the expressway as President Mahama’s potential major road legacy places the project at the centre of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda.
The government has positioned the expressway within its Big Push infrastructure programme, with the project expected to support economic activity by improving movement between the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions.
The corridor is also strategically important for the movement of passengers and goods between Ghana’s two largest metropolitan centres.
Expressway Will Complement Existing Highway
The new expressway is not intended to replace the existing Accra–Kumasi highway.
Agbodza has previously stressed that the two projects are expected to operate alongside each other, giving motorists different options depending on their preferred travel time and cost.
The proposed expressway is expected to operate under a concession arrangement, with tolling planned as part of its financing and operational structure. The government has also established a special-purpose vehicle to manage and fund the project.
What the Project Could Mean for Ghana
If successfully completed, the expressway could have implications far beyond reducing journey times.
Improved road connectivity between Accra and Kumasi could strengthen domestic commerce, reduce transportation bottlenecks, improve access to markets and support economic activity along the corridor.
The project is also expected to complement ongoing road investments and broader efforts to improve Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
For President Mahama’s administration, however, the significance is equally political and historical.
With the project now moving through key preparatory stages, its eventual completion could become one of the most visible infrastructure markers associated with the government’s second term.
The next major test will be turning the completed preparatory work into actual construction and, ultimately, a functioning expressway capable of delivering the promised economic and transport benefits.
Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has sparked a serious debate over religious education abroad after questioning why nearly 1,000 Burkinabè students in Saudi Arabia are reportedly studying Sharia and Islamic law rather than technical and vocational fields.
TRAORÉ ORDERS SHARIA STUDENTS HOME
According to reports from Senegalese outlet Dakaractu, Traoré said his government had identified a large number of Burkinabè students pursuing Islamic law in Saudi Arabia and questioned how their education would contribute to the country’s development.
He reportedly argued that Burkina Faso urgently needs engineers, technicians, agricultural specialists and other professionals capable of supporting national development.
Government Wants Students Brought Home
Traoré said the government intends to bring the students back to Burkina Faso.
The most controversial part of his remarks was a warning that students who refuse to return could potentially lose their Burkinabè citizenship.
The reported comments have raised significant questions about the limits of state authority, educational freedom and religious liberty, particularly because the students are pursuing recognised fields of study abroad.
The figures circulating in reports should also be treated carefully. Accounts generally refer to roughly 800 to 1,000 students, with some reports suggesting that Burkinabè diplomatic missions did not have complete records of all those studying in Saudi Arabia.
A Wider Religious Policy Shift
The remarks come against the backdrop of broader changes in Burkina Faso’s approach to religious affairs.
In June 2026, Burkina Faso adopted a new law on religious freedoms. The government says the legislation is designed to protect freedom of religion while strengthening public order, social cohesion and oversight of religious activities.
The government has also introduced tighter controls over students seeking to study abroad. Under a measure announced in June, Burkinabè students intending to pursue studies or training outside the country are required to obtain prior authorisation from the Ministry of Higher Education.
Religion, Education and National Development
Traoré has insisted that his position is not an attack on Islam itself. Rather, his argument is that education funded or supported through international opportunities should contribute to Burkina Faso’s development priorities.
However, the citizenship warning adds a much more serious dimension to the dispute.
For students currently studying Islamic law, the issue could potentially affect their education, family plans and legal status as Burkinabè citizens.
The controversy also raises a broader question for African countries: how far should governments go in directing what their citizens study abroad, particularly when education intersects with religion and national security?
Why This Situation Matters
Burkina Faso is already navigating a difficult security environment and a major restructuring of its political and social institutions.
The government has framed its new religious regulations as part of an effort to combat extremism, preserve national cohesion and ensure that religious activities operate within the country’s legal framework.
But the reported threat against students studying Islamic law could intensify tensions between the state and sections of the country’s Muslim community.
The situation therefore goes beyond education.
It touches on citizenship, religious freedom, national identity, state authority and the future direction of Burkina Faso.
As authorities move to implement their policy, attention will now turn to whether the threatened citizenship consequences become an actual government measure and how affected students and religious institutions respond.
Senegal has begun local production of DREPAF, a generic hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell disease, in what is being hailed as a major milestone for pharmaceutical production and healthcare access in Africa.
The medicine is being produced by Senegalese pharmaceutical company Teranga Pharma in partnership with Drep.Afrique, with the initiative designed to make an established sickle cell treatment more accessible and affordable to patients.
SENEGAL MAKES AFRICA-MADE SICKLE CELL TREATMENT
The development is particularly significant for Africa, which carries a disproportionately large share of the global sickle cell disease burden while many patients have historically depended on medicines imported from outside the continent.
Senegal’s locally produced DREPAF
DREPAF is a generic formulation of hydroxyurea, a medicine widely used in the management of sickle cell disease.
Hydroxyurea can help reduce painful crises, hospitalisations and the need for blood transfusions among people living with sickle cell disease. It is not a cure for the condition but is an established treatment that can help manage its complications.
Teranga Pharma produces DREPAF locally in Senegal, providing an African-made alternative to imported hydroxyurea products.
The initiative has been described by its partners as an important step towards strengthening pharmaceutical sovereignty on the continent.
Focus on children and affordability
The DREPAF initiative also includes a paediatric formulation designed for younger patients, addressing one of the challenges associated with providing appropriate sickle cell treatment to children.
The locally produced medicine is intended to reduce some of the cost and supply barriers that have made access to hydroxyurea difficult for many African families.
Drep.Afrique says the treatment is produced under a humanitarian partnership aimed at making the medicine available at an accessible cost.
A major development for Africa
Sickle cell disease remains one of the major inherited blood disorders affecting populations across Africa. The World Health Organization estimates that millions of people worldwide live with the condition, with sub-Saharan Africa carrying the majority of the global burden.
For years, dependence on imported medicines has created challenges around availability, affordability and supply continuity.
Senegal’s local production of DREPAF therefore represents more than the launch of another pharmaceutical product. It demonstrates the potential for African countries to manufacture essential medicines for diseases that disproportionately affect their own populations.
Beyond Senegal
Teranga Pharma has indicated plans to expand production and supply other African markets as demand grows.
The company has already attracted interest from several countries, while discussions and partnerships are being pursued to expand access across the continent.
The broader ambition is to strengthen local pharmaceutical capacity and reduce Africa’s dependence on imported medicines.
Hope for people living with sickle cell disease
For families affected by sickle cell disease, increased access to affordable treatment could make a significant difference in managing the condition and reducing the frequency of serious complications.
Senegal’s DREPAF initiative places locally manufactured medicine at the centre of that effort and offers a powerful example of how African pharmaceutical production can respond to an African health challenge.
The development is being welcomed as a significant step towards a future in which more medicines needed by Africans are produced on the continent.
