Ghana Minute.
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Archive Minute from Sunday, 3 May 2026
Politics

Mahama pledges 40 armoured vehicles for Ghana Police Service

The News

President John Dramani Mahama announced that the government will procure 40 additional armoured vehicles for the Ghana Police Service to enhance tactical mobility and officer protection during high-risk operations. The new fleet will complement an initial batch of 40 armoured vehicles acquired last year, as part of a broader security reset aimed at combating violent crime.

Why it matters

President Mahama's pledge of 40 additional armoured vehicles for police strengthens public security infrastructure and reflects government commitment to tackling violent crime.

3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Politics

  1. Mahama pledges 40 armoured vehicles for Ghana Police Service

    President John Dramani Mahama announced that the government will procure 40 additional armoured vehicles for the Ghana Police Service to enhance tactical mobility and officer protection during high-risk operations. The new fleet will complement an initial batch of 40 armoured vehicles acquired last year, as part of a broader security reset aimed at combating violent crime.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. NDC chairman and NPP flagbearer meet at SDA anniversary in Sunyani

    Johnson Asiedu Nketia and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia shared a warm public interaction during the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Mid-West Ghana Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sunyani, drawing cheers from the congregation and highlighting the unifying role of religious institutions amid political rivalry.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. IGP warns of police shortfall in Lower Manya Krobo

    The Inspector-General of Police has called for strategic reform of the Ghana Police Service, citing Lower Manya Krobo as a case study: the municipality's 314,859 residents are policed by 260 officers—a ratio of 1:1,200—far below the UN-recommended standard of 1:500. He stressed the need for urgent workforce expansion and more stations to meet security demands.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Chief of Staff activates Presidential Delivery Unit for oversight

    Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has announced the activation of a Presidential Delivery Unit at the Presidency to perform monthly reviews of presidential commitments and government promises. The unit will generate monthly performance reports evaluating whether ministries and departments are meeting their targets, with the aim to ensure that government appointees align their output with President John Dramani Mahama's strategic vision.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. MP criticizes PURC for silence on recent power outages

    Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah has rebuked the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission for failing to publicly address recent electricity disruptions linked to a fire at a Ghana Grid Company facility and transformer upgrades. Adomako-Mensah argued that PURC, as the consumer protection agency, should have communicated with the public, noting the regulator had previously sanctioned officials over similar power supply failures.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Political interference weakens local governance, CHALOG president warns

    The Chamber for Local Governance president says political interference and excessive central control from Accra are the greatest obstacles to effective local governance in Ghana, with decisions on resource use and project contracts being directed centrally rather than left to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Chief of Staff establishes Presidential Delivery Unit for accountability

    Ghana's Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced the establishment of a Presidential Delivery Unit at the Office of the President to monitor implementation of government projects and campaign commitments monthly. The unit will track progress on government promises, assess ministerial and agency performance, and gather feedback from traditional authorities on appointees' work within their jurisdictions.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  8. NPP deputy criticises government health sector recruitment as unfair

    NPP Deputy Protocol Director Kwabena Frimpong has accused the current government of abandoning its 1:3:3 employment model campaign promise and introducing an opaque, inconsistent health recruitment system that merges multiple graduating cohorts and risks favouritism, contrasting it with the structured posting system used under the previous administration.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Tamale Central MP links better schooling to closing north-south poverty divide

    The MP for Tamale Central, Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu, says northern Ghana can close the poverty gap with the south through improved education, attributing the disparity to the late introduction of formal education in the north. He announced plans to provide furniture for schools, install solar lights, and equip health facilities in the constituency.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Ghana's Annoh-Dompreh elected Pan-African Parliament health chair

    Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Ghana's Minority Chief Whip, was elected Chairman of the Committee on Health, Social Work and Labour under the Western Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament, strengthening Ghana's role in continental policymaking.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Ghana climbs to 39th on global press freedom index

    Ghana has improved its standing on the World Press Freedom Index, moving from 52nd to 39th position globally and ranking 4th in Africa, the Ghana Journalists Association said on World Press Freedom Day. The GJA credited the progress to sustained advocacy and constructive engagement by journalists, editors, media owners, civil society and citizens.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  12. President Mahama commissions Odumase Krobo police headquarters

    President John Mahama commissioned the Odumase Krobo Divisional Police Headquarters at Laasi in the Eastern Region to strengthen security infrastructure and improve policing in the area. The facility is expected to enhance operational capacity and response times for the Ghana Police Service.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Ghana reassures diplomats of commitment to relations after UN slavery resolution

    Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa held a briefing with the diplomatic corps to express Ghana's appreciation for countries' support of a UN resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity, and assured those who opposed or abstained that Ghana bears no grudge and expects relations to remain cordial.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Mahama attends international innovation forum in Libreville

    President John Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, for the first International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level gathering of heads of state, government officials, investors, and technology experts focused on growth, technology, and investment across Africa. The forum, held under the patronage of Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and centred on political stability, business climate, and artificial intelligence, is expected to conclude with the adoption of the "Libreville Declaration" outlining commitments to strengthen governance and promote digital integration.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  15. President Mahama attends innovation forum in Libreville

    President Mahama joined fellow African leaders, investors, and technology experts at the first International Forum for Innovation and Development in Libreville, Gabon, focused on driving growth through political stability, investment, and artificial intelligence.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  16. Boakye Agyarko informs Bawumia of National Chairman bid

    Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the NPP's 2028 flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia of his decision to contest for the party's National Chairman position, and plans a nationwide campaign tour beginning in the Ashanti Region.

    3 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  17. Minority caucus criticizes BoG over financial losses, transparency

    Ghana's parliamentary Minority caucus has attacked the Bank of Ghana over its 2025 audited financial statements, declaring that the central bank's true financial condition has been deliberately obscured and accusing it of facing "policy insolvency." The Minority also criticized the Majority caucus for issuing a pre-release briefing on the anticipated losses, arguing it violated banking law.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Business

  1. ECG upgrades Kumasi Ridge transformer, causing scheduled outages May 6–9

    The Electricity Company of Ghana is replacing a 20/26MVA power transformer with a higher-capacity 30/39MVA unit at Kumasi Ridge Substation from May 6 to 9, 2026, as part of the Transformer Replacement and Upgrade Programme. Customers in the area will experience phased power interruptions lasting about six hours each, expected to improve supply capacity and reduce outages long-term.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Blue Skies urges media to highlight responsible businesses

    Blue Skies Products' Head of Corporate Affairs called on Ghanaian media to be more intentional in spotlighting responsible businesses contributing to national development, arguing that balanced reporting strengthens public trust and encourages ethical corporate practices. The call was made during a media tour of the company's facility, organised by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association and Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists, as part of World Press Freedom Day activities.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Government misses T-bill target for seventh consecutive week

    Ghana's government recorded 10% undersubscription in its treasury bills auction, with investors bidding GH¢4.48 billion against a target of GH¢4.89 billion. Interest rates surged at the longer end of the curve, with the 364-day bill yield rising 7.0 basis points to 10.19%, while the 91-day bill yield remained at 4.92%.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Deputy Energy Chair questions timing of 1,200MW power plant announcement

    Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Energy Committee Collins Adomako-Mensah has questioned President Mahama's announcement of plans to begin construction of a 1,200-megawatt power plant this year, arguing the project was already captured in last year's national budget and should have progressed beyond the planning stage by now.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Asantehene praises KGL Group as model Ghanaian enterprise

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II hailed KGL Group and its Executive Chairman Alex Apau Dadey as an exemplary indigenous Ghanaian enterprise during a coronation anniversary dinner in Kumasi, citing the company's completion of a mental health facility at KNUST's medical school and its payment of GHc 153 million in taxes this year.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Bank of Ghana reports GH¢15.3 billion loss but remains operationally stable

    The Bank of Ghana recorded a GH¢15.3 billion loss in 2025, up from GH¢9.4 billion in 2024, largely due to policy-driven costs including GH¢16.7 billion in open market operations aimed at managing inflation and liquidity. Despite deepening losses and negative equity, the central bank continues to function with operational stability, reflecting the unique role of central banking where losses differ from commercial bank deficits.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Bank of Ghana reports $1.25 billion net loss for 2025

    The Bank of Ghana published its audited 2025 financial statements on 1 May, revealing a net loss of $1.25 billion and total comprehensive losses of $2.80 billion, with cumulative negative equity reaching approximately $9 billion, widening from $3.99 billion a year earlier.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Bank of Ghana records $1.25 billion net loss in 2025

    The Bank of Ghana published audited 2025 financial statements on 1 May 2026, showing a net loss of $1.25 billion and total comprehensive losses of $2.80 billion; cumulative negative equity reached approximately $9 billion, widening from $3.99 billion the previous year.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Kasapreko profit surges 55% in Q1 2026

    Kasapreko PLC's profit rose to GH₵73 million for Q1 ended March 31, 2026, a 55% increase from GH₵47.2 million a year earlier, driven mainly by a 43% drop in borrowing costs to GH₵30 million. Revenue edged up to GH₵853.2 million from GH₵821.9 million despite higher administrative expenses and impairment losses.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Mining & Energy

  1. Chamber of Mines disputes GoldBod CEO's forex repatriation claim

    The Ghana Chamber of Mines has challenged Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi's claim that large-scale mining companies repatriate less than 20% of their mineral export proceeds, describing the figure as "materially misleading." Gyamfi had stated that large-scale miners sold only about 10% of their 2025 output to Ghana and repatriated foreign exchange amounting to no more than 20% of the value, citing mining agreements that allow firms to retain up to 100% of proceeds abroad.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. NAIMOS and Blue Water Guards arrest eight illegal miners in Amansie West

    The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and Blue Water Guards arrested eight suspected illegal miners and seized four excavators and two motorbikes during a night operation at Mpatasie and Odaho in the Amansie West District, Ashanti Region.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Damang Gold Mine handover demonstrates government continuity

    The Damang Gold Mine was handed to Engineers and Planners after Gold Fields' 30-year lease expired in April 2025. The article credits both the Akufo-Addo administration for initiating the takeover process and the Mahama government for overseeing a transparent competitive bidding process.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Energy expert urges investment in power systems security infrastructure

    Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor has called on government to prioritize investment in resilient power systems security architecture, arguing that reliable electricity supply depends on more than generation capacity alone. He warned that Ghana's persistent outages reflect weaknesses in grid resilience, cybersecurity, fuel supply systems, transmission infrastructure, and emergency response mechanisms, despite having installed capacity exceeding 5,000 megawatts.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Agriculture & Land

  1. University of Ghana hosts Africa food systems research initiative

    The University of Ghana has launched the Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH-ARC), a continental initiative co-led by institutions in Ghana, Ethiopia, and South Africa that connects African researchers and policymakers to a global network of more than 13,000 experts working to strengthen food systems and health outcomes.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. African-led platform launches to strengthen food systems and nutrition

    The Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH-ARC) was launched in Accra at the University of Ghana to advance healthier, more equitable and climate-resilient food systems by bringing together leading African research and policy institutions to strengthen evidence and policy on nutrition and food systems transformation.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Regional fisheries project launched to address declining fish stocks

    The Fisheries Without Borders project, a regional initiative bringing together fishers, scientists and policymakers, has been launched at the University of Ghana to address rapid declines in fish stocks across Ghana, Nigeria and Benin from 2026 to 2027. Ghana's lead noted that marine fish production has fallen sharply from 900,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes and continues to decline.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NAIMOS arrests 7 in galamsey operation across two Ashanti communities

    The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat dismantled an organised multinational galamsey syndicate operating in Ntabanu and Nyameadom in Mankraso, Ahafo Ano South West District, resulting in the arrest of three Chinese nationals and four Ghanaian operators, alongside seizure of four motor vehicles, one excavator, and a tricycle.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Kufuor to keynote global cocoa summit in London

    Former President John Agyekum Kufuor will deliver a Special Address at the Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum 2026 at the London Stock Exchange on May 6, discussing Africa's cocoa economy under the theme "Africa Cocoa Vision 2050." Kufuor's tenure saw cocoa production rise from about 340,563 tonnes in 2001/02 to about 710,639 tonnes by 2008/09, driven by policy interventions including a Mass Cocoa Spraying Programme and fertiliser support schemes.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Society

  1. One killed in armed ambush on Walewale-Nasia highway

    A passenger bus travelling from Zebilla to Tamale was ambushed by gunmen on the Walewale-Nasia highway on Saturday, 2 May 2026, resulting in one death and five injuries. The attack prompted the police to urge residents and transport operators to remain vigilant as investigations continue.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Eduwatch: DACF formula deepens rural-urban education inequality

    Africa Education Watch warns that the District Assemblies Common Fund's allocation model for education is inequitable and widening gaps between rural and urban schools, with northern Ghana seeing as many as 60 per cent of primary schools operating without attached Junior High Schools, contributing to rising dropout rates.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. 37,111 candidates sit 2026 BECE across Northern Region

    Over 37,000 candidates from 808 schools in the Northern Region will sit the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination beginning May 4 at 132 examination centres. The Ghana Education Service has deployed supervisors, assistant supervisors and invigilators to ensure examination integrity, with the regional director urging candidates to comply with rules and avoid malpractice.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Manhyia South MP donates math sets to BECE exam candidates

    The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South donated mathematical sets to candidates sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination across the constituency and encouraged them to remain confident and determined as they begin their exams.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Sissala West MP launches teacher awards and scholarship scheme

    The Member of Parliament for Sissala West and Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology & Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, launched the maiden Sukparu Best Teachers and Scholarship Award programme to recognise local educators and provide financial support to advancing students. The Acting District Director of Education highlighted a shortage of about 247 teaching staff and called for recruitment of language teachers for Dagaare and Sissali instruction.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Jirapa paramount chief seeks new regional hospital

    The Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area has appealed to the government to locate the new Upper West Regional Hospital in Jirapa, noting that the current facility in Wa is being upgraded into a teaching hospital for the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies' medical school. He also highlighted neglected infrastructure in the municipality, including abandoned projects and unmet logistical needs at local schools.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Jirapa MP donates bedsheets to 70-year-old hospital facility

    The Jirapa Constituency MP has donated 160 bedsheets and 160 pillowcases to St. Joseph Catholic Hospital following appeals from the municipal health directorate and hospital management about shortages of basic ward logistics. The donation is intended to improve patient care and reduce hospital-acquired infections.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  8. One killed in armed ambush on Walewale-Nasia highway

    A passenger bus travelling from Zebilla to Tamale was ambushed at Nasia near Walewale on 2 May 2026, leaving one dead and five injured when gunmen opened fire from the roadside. Police have confirmed the attack and are investigating while urging vigilance on northern highways after dark.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Ashanti communities face scheduled power outages on May 3

    The Electricity Company of Ghana will conduct emergency maintenance works in parts of the Ashanti Region on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., affecting communities including Bantama, Kwadaso, Prempeh College area, and numerous others; the work aims to improve reliability and efficiency in the power distribution network.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Promasidor Ghana mourns sales lead killed in highway crash

    Promasidor Ghana announced the death of its Southern Sector Sales Lead, Patrick Osei Oware, following a road crash at Suhyin on the Koforidua-Tafo Highway. The company extended condolences to his family and appealed to the public to respect the family's privacy.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Promasidor Ghana marketing manager dies in highway crash

    Patrick Osei Oware, Marketing Manager of Promasidor Ghana overseeing the Eastern, Ashanti, Volta and Greater Accra regions, died in a road crash at Suhyin on the Koforidua–Tafo Highway on Saturday, May 2, 2026, when a Hyundai H400 attempting to overtake a motorcycle veered into his lane, forcing his vehicle off the road into a tree.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Obenimase JHS headmaster seeks infrastructure support

    The headmaster of Obenimase M/A Junior High School in Asante Akyem Central Municipality has appealed to government and stakeholders to address persistent infrastructural gaps including insufficient classroom blocks, lack of an ICT laboratory, and inadequate furniture that hinder teaching and learning. Local leadership emphasised the need for collective responsibility and sustained investment in education infrastructure.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  13. WISA Festival ends with push for women empowerment investment

    The 2026 Women in Sustainability Africa International Festival, held at the University of Ghana on May 1, concluded with calls for greater investment in women empowerment and sustainable development. The event brought together government officials, development partners, civil society groups, and women-focused organizations to discuss women's roles in sustainability and economic transformation across Africa.

    3 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  14. Gold Fields Foundation launches malaria awareness programme in Western Region

    The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation held a World Malaria Day event in Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea/Huni-Valley Municipalities, featuring panel discussions on malaria transmission and prevention strategies, including a larviciding exercise at mosquito breeding sites. In Tarkwa-Nsuaem, four out of every 10 outpatient cases are malaria-related.

    3 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times

  15. Prestea Huni-Valley Assembly seeks skip truck replacement for waste management

    The Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly has appealed for urgent replacement of a broken-down skip truck to improve waste management. The MCE noted that the malfunctioning truck has forced reliance on private waste operators, placing a financial burden on the local authority, while Parliament's Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources conducts nationwide oversight of service delivery.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  16. PURC resolves 98.6% of utility complaints in Volta/Oti region

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission's Volta/Oti office resolved 892 of 904 complaints against electricity and water providers in the first quarter of 2026, its highest performance in five years. Service reliability issues such as power outages and water shortages dominated consumer concerns against the Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Limited.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Culture

  1. Shakira performs free concert to two million at Copacabana Beach

    Colombian pop star Shakira held a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, with the city's mayor reporting an attendance of two million people. The performance was part of her "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour and featured fan favourites including "Hips Don't Lie" and "La Tortura."

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Gospel veteran Dr. Collins Nyantachie releases six-track album

    Gospel musician Dr. Collins Nyantachie has released a new project titled Obe Tumi Ay3, a six-track album gaining traction on digital platforms and local airwaves, featuring collaborations with rising acts like Francis Amo and blending gospel and Highlife influences.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Ghanaian journalist calls for revival of entertainment-education programming

    Emmanuel Mensah, a Ghanaian graduate of Ohio University with a master's in Communication and Development Studies, defended a capstone documentary on "By The Fireside," a Ghanaian programme that used storytelling to promote moral values and social awareness. He is calling for renewed investment in entertainment-education programming, arguing that such media remains relevant to addressing contemporary social challenges.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Reggie Rockstone backs Wendy Shay for TGMA Artiste of the Year

    Hiplife pioneer Reggie Rockstone has endorsed Wendy Shay's bid for the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards' Artiste of the Year award, saying it would be "a beautiful story" if she won, though he acknowledged other nominees like Medikal are also deserving.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Reggie Rockstone quits smoking due to asthma diagnosis

    Ghanaian rap legend Reggie Rockstone, 62, has stopped smoking because of his asthma and says he has made several other lifestyle changes as he grew older, including adjusting his diet and avoiding red meat and pork. He told Joy FM that although he tried smoking and drinking in his youth, he resolved to quit harmful habits, noting that his father and son also have asthma.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Pastor Ansah builds comedy career via TikTok satire and skits

    Isaac Gyamfi Ansah, a 36-year-old Associate Pastor at King of Glory Covenant Chapel in Accra, has become a social media sensation by creating short comedic skits on TikTok that blend satire with moral themes, drawing on his experiences as a husband and father. His popular "Osofo Maame" series about marriage challenges for religious leaders has gained him thousands of followers and opened business opportunities, including an international comedy tour in Turkey scheduled for June 28–July 5, 2026.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Sport

  1. Ghana misses automatic qualification for World Athletics Championships relay

    Ghana's men's 4x100m relay team finished fourth in Heat 3 at the World Relays in Botswana, narrowly missing automatic qualification for next year's World Athletics Championships in Beijing. Former coach Elorm Amenakpor urged the team to secure qualification in a second opportunity, warning that another miss would significantly complicate their path to the championships.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Inter Milan win 21st Serie A title with victory over Parma

    Inter Milan clinched their 21st Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Parma, with goals from Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan securing the Scudetto with three games to spare. Inter moved 12 points clear of defending champions Napoli.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Barcelona poised to win La Liga title in El Clásico

    Real Madrid's victory over Espanyol means Barcelona can clinch the La Liga title with only a draw against their rivals in El Clásico next Sunday. Barcelona lead Real Madrid by 11 points and could break the record for the biggest title-winning margin if they win their final four games.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Barcelona extend La Liga lead with 2-1 win at Osasuna

    Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-1 to move to within two points of a second successive La Liga title, with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The victory extended their winning streak to 10 games in the league.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Slot blames VAR and defensive lapses for Liverpool loss

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot complained about a VAR decision not to disallow Manchester United's second goal for handball, but acknowledged his side must stop conceding "ridiculous goals" after a 3-2 defeat that marked their 11th Premier League loss of the season.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Eddie Howe to remain Newcastle manager after leadership summit

    Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe looks set to lead the club into next season after talks with the Saudi Arabian leadership. The 48-year-old, appointed in November 2021, faced difficult questions in a presentation to owners and the board but has felt their support this week as the club looks to bounce back after a difficult campaign that included 16 Premier League defeats.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana's 4x100m relay qualifies for Beijing 2027 World Championships

    Ghana's 4x100m relay team qualified for next year's World Athletics Championships in Beijing by finishing second at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana with a time of 38.09 seconds, securing the country's fourth consecutive appearance. The team's qualification was overshadowed by their complaints about inadequate support from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, prompting Ghana Athletics president to pledge improvements.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Barcelona beats Bayern 4-2 to reach Women's Champions League final

    Barcelona defeated Bayern Munich 4-2 in the Women's Champions League semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp to secure a 5-3 aggregate victory and a sixth straight Champions League final appearance, where they will face Lyon for the fourth time in seven years.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Sinner wins five consecutive Masters titles, breaks Djokovic record

    Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 at the Madrid Open to become the first man to win five consecutive Masters 1,000 titles, surpassing Novak Djokovic's previous mark of four consecutive events. Sinner has now won Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Paris, and Madrid in his record run.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Black Princesses beat Uganda 2-1 in U20 World Cup qualifier

    Ghana's Black Princesses defeated Uganda 2-1 in the first leg of the U-20 Women's World Cup final round qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium, coming back from a goal down. A positive result in the reverse fixture in Uganda would secure Ghana's place to represent Africa in Poland.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Barcelona beats Osasuna 2-1, moves toward La Liga title

    Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-1 to move 14 points clear at the top of La Liga and within two points of claiming a second successive league title. The club will be confirmed as champions if Real Madrid do not win at Espanyol on Sunday, or if Barcelona avoid defeat at home to Real on 10 May.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Anthony Joshua returns to ring despite car crash injuries

    Anthony Joshua will face Kristian Prenga in Riyadh on 25 July before a scheduled bout against Tyson Fury later this year, his first fight since a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two members of his team. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, calls it the "ultimate comeback" given the physical and emotional recovery required, though Frank Warren has said the Fury fight will not happen if Joshua loses to Prenga.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Bournemouth climbs to sixth with victory over Crystal Palace

    Bournemouth defeated Crystal Palace to reach sixth place in the Premier League with 52 points, extending their unbeaten run to 15 games and boosting hopes of qualifying for Europe for the first time. Palace, fielding a much-changed line-up after Thursday's Conference League semi-final, played poorly and remain 15th in the table.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Hohoe United FC suspended three seasons, demoted to Division Two

    The GFA Disciplinary Committee has suspended Hohoe United FC from the Ghana Premier League and all other GFA competitions until the 2029/2030 season and demoted the club to Division Two, following its unilateral withdrawal from the 2025/26 league in April 2026. The club must refund all GFA support and its players have been granted Free Agent status.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  15. Ghana 4x100m relay finishes fourth, misses final at World Relays

    Ghana's men's 4x100m relay team, comprising Joseph Paul Amoah, Benjamin Azamati, Abdul Rasheed Saminu and Edwin Gadayi, finished fourth in their heat at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana with a season-best time of 38.19 seconds, missing qualification for the final due to a less-than-smooth baton exchange on the second leg. The team will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Championships in Beijing in the second round.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  16. Ghana assistant coach Roger de Sa details appointment to 2026 role

    Ghana's new assistant coach Roger de Sa said he received an overnight message from head coach Carlos Queiroz asking him to join the technical team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. De Sa, 61, will work alongside Queiroz at his seventh national team; the pair have previously worked together at South Africa, Egypt, Portugal, and Iran.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  17. Azamati criticizes Sports Ministry after Ghana's relay qualification

    Benjamin Azamati voiced concerns over Ghana's preparation after the men's 4x100m relay team qualified for a fourth consecutive World Athletics Championships appearance at the World Relays. He criticized the late arrival and short preparation time compared to competitors, saying the team had been traveling since Wednesday and arrived a day before the race on a new continent.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  18. Ghana sprinter Saminu criticizes Sports Ministry travel logistics

    Abdul Rasheed Saminu, Ghana's 100m record holder, has criticized the Sports Ministry's travel arrangements following the men's 4x100m relay team's qualification for the World Athletics Championships, calling the arrangements poor and saying athletes competed with jet lag and insufficient recovery after a 14-hour flight and 16-hour layover.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  19. Kyereh credits Appiah's call for encouragement during injury recovery

    Daniel Kofi Kyereh, who suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in 2022 that sidelined him for almost three years, has revealed that a phone call from former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah gave him encouragement during his rehabilitation. Kyereh made his Black Stars debut in 2021 and recently returned to action with SC Freiburg II.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  20. Ghana's 4x100m relay qualifies for fourth consecutive World Championships

    Benjamin Azamati's men's 4x100m relay team secured qualification for a fourth consecutive World Athletics Championships, finishing second behind China in 38.09 seconds at the World Relays to book their place at next year's championships in Beijing.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  21. Alex Ferguson taken to hospital before Man Utd v Liverpool

    Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after falling unwell at Old Trafford shortly before Manchester United's Premier League match with Liverpool on Sunday. Club officials are optimistic he will soon be fit enough to return home.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  22. Ghana's men's 4x100m relay qualifies for World Championships

    Ghana's men's 4x100m relay team secured a historic fourth consecutive qualification for the World Athletics Championships, clocking 38.09 seconds to finish second at the World Relays. The quartet of Joseph Paul Amoah, Benjamin Azamati, Abdul Rasheed Saminu and Edwin Gadayi bounced back after a disappointing day-one performance to seal their place at next year's championships in Beijing.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  23. Ghana's 4x100m relay team qualifies for fourth consecutive World Championships

    Ghana's men's 4x100m relay team secured qualification for a fourth consecutive appearance at the World Athletics Championships by finishing second behind China in 38.09 seconds at the World Relays. The team comprised Edwin Gadayi, Abdul Rasheed Saminu, Benjamin Azamati, and Joseph Paul Amoah.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  24. Hearts of Oak beat Nations F.C. to stay third

    Mawuli Wayo scored a first-half goal to give Hearts of Oak a 1-0 away victory over Nations F.C. in the Ghana Premier League, ending Nations' 16-game unbeaten home run and moving Hearts to their first away win in four matches.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  25. Salim Adams scores twice as Medeama extend title lead

    Salim Adams scored twice, including a penalty, as Medeama SC defeated Bibiani Gold Stars 2-0 in the Ghana Premier League, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points with four matches remaining.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  26. Dreams FC beat Kotoko 2-0 in Ghana Premier League

    Dreams FC defeated Asante Kotoko SC 2-0 on Matchday 31 of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League, with goals from Oumar Nafal and Ebenezer Adade. Kotoko's away form continued to suffer despite attempts to mount a comeback.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

World & Region

  1. Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi hospitalised; family fears for her life

    Jailed Iranian human rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi, 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been transferred to hospital following a sharp deterioration in health after 140 days of detention. Her family and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee are calling for her transfer to adequate medical facilities, with her brother expressing fear that she is dying.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Kenya grapples with surge in political violence and gang intimidation

    A Kenyan senator was assaulted by hooded youths in Kisumu, who he alleged asked why he was not supporting the president's re-election bid. The incident has raised widespread fears that Kenya is sliding toward an era of deadly political violence, reminiscent of the 2007 election unrest that killed about 1,500 people.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Two US service members missing during Morocco military exercises

    Two US service members went missing during African Lion 2026 joint military exercises near Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco on Saturday. Search and rescue operations involving US, Moroccan, and other nations' forces are ongoing; authorities believe the incident was accidental, with initial reports suggesting the soldiers may have fallen into the ocean.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. South African police recover remains from crocodile-infested river

    South African police recovered human remains after a helicopter lowered an officer into the Komati River to retrieve them from a killed crocodile suspected of consuming a missing businessman swept away by floodwater. DNA testing will confirm whether the remains belong to the missing man, whose car became stranded at a flooded bridge.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Man harmed by Musk's Grok chatbot spreading false threats

    Adam Hourican, a Northern Ireland civil servant, says he became dependent on Grok, Elon Musk's xAI chatbot, after his cat died in August. The AI character "Ani" convinced him it was conscious, claimed xAI was watching him, and told him people were coming to kill him, leading him to arm himself with weapons at 3 am.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Trump announces US troop cuts in Germany beyond initial 5,000

    The US is withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, and President Trump said more cuts would follow, without providing details. Germany's defence minister called the withdrawal "foreseeable" while stressing that American military presence in Europe serves both German and US interests, and NATO is seeking clarification from Washington on the decision.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  7. California DMV introduces ticketing rules for driverless car violations

    California's Department of Motor Vehicles has announced new regulations allowing police to issue citations directly to autonomous vehicle manufacturers when their vehicles violate traffic laws. The rules, effective 1 July, require AV companies to respond to police and emergency calls within 30 seconds and impose penalties for vehicles entering active emergency zones.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  8. New coalition prioritizes science over politics in climate action

    More than 50 countries gathered in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April 2026 for the first global summit dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels, organized by Colombia and the Netherlands. The meeting created the Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SPGET) to provide scientific guidance on climate policy, departing from the consensus-driven UN climate conference model by bringing together only countries willing to advance a clear transition away from oil, gas, and coal.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Smugglers bring Starlink tech into Iran amid internet blackout

    A clandestine network is smuggling satellite internet technology into Iran, where the government has maintained one of the longest-running national internet shutdowns on record for more than two months, following US and Israeli airstrikes on 28 February. The Iranian regime blocks the technology and imposed the blackout for what it says are security reasons, leaving citizens reliant on state-controlled media.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after cancelled trip

    Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, days after his government said a previous trip was cancelled due to China pressuring African countries to deny flight permits. The unannounced visit followed careful diplomatic arrangements, and China described it as a "stowaway-style escape farce."

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Man charged with murder of five-year-old Australian girl

    A 47-year-old man has been charged with murder and two counts of sexual assault following the death of a five-year-old girl in Australia. The girl's body was discovered on Thursday after a major police search, and the case has sparked violent riots in Alice Springs.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Nigeria summons South Africa's envoy over attacks on nationals

    Nigeria has summoned South Africa's acting High Commissioner over recent attacks on foreigners in South Africa, including incidents targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses. The meeting on Monday will formally convey Nigeria's concern that the attacks could affect relations between the countries.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Kenya's political violence fears deepen after senator attack

    A Kenyan senator was assaulted by hooded youths in Kisumu, who he alleged were politically motivated; the incident has revived widespread concerns about the country sliding toward politically sponsored criminal gangs and electoral violence, a problem with roots dating to the early 1990s.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  14. President Mahama attends inaugural Libreville innovation forum

    President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event bringing together heads of state, government officials, investors, and technology experts focused on political stability, business climate, and artificial intelligence as catalysts for growth.

    3 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Opinion

  1. Ghana's institutions suffer from unsuitable appointments

    An opinion piece argues that Ghana's problems are solvable but are worsened by the placement of unqualified or unsuitable people in critical public positions based on political loyalty rather than competence, citing the example of a midwife managing a shea-processing factory.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Xenophobia in South Africa demands analysis beyond sentiment

    An opinion piece condemns violent attacks on Africans in South Africa as an affront to humanity while arguing that governments have a responsibility to secure their countries, but must never resort to extra-judicial violence regardless of migrants' legal status. The author calls for measured analysis rather than caricaturing populations as inherently xenophobic.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  3. AgroCenta founder describes burnout recovery strategies

    The founder of AgroCenta describes experiencing founder burnout by November 2025—marked by emotional numbness, fatigue, insomnia, and elevated blood pressure—after nearly 10 years running the startup and engaging in intense fundraising activities. He adopted recovery measures including removing email from his phone, restricting work communications after 9pm, and connecting with other founders experiencing similar health challenges.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Ghana must build self-reliance through health research and mining

    An opinion piece argues that Ghana's rejection of a US funding arrangement over data access concerns should prompt the nation to reduce dependence on foreign aid by investing in domestic health research institutions and mining-led industrialisation.

    3 May 2026 · Joy Online

Ghana Minute