Ghana Minute.
Friday, 29 May 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 29 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 29 May 2026
Politics

Newsfile to examine NITA Bill, South Africa tensions, Games audit

The News

JoyNews' Newsfile programme will host a discussion on three major issues: the controversial proposed National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Bill, Ghana's evacuation of citizens amid xenophobic tensions in South Africa, and allegations surrounding the audit of the 13th African Games. The NITA Bill discussion is expected to focus on concerns that expanded regulatory powers could stifle innovation, while supporters argue stronger regulation is necessary for cybersecurity oversight and consumer protection.

21 hours ago · Joy Online →

Politics

  1. Newsfile to examine NITA Bill, South Africa tensions, Games audit

    JoyNews' Newsfile programme will host a discussion on three major issues: the controversial proposed National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Bill, Ghana's evacuation of citizens amid xenophobic tensions in South Africa, and allegations surrounding the audit of the 13th African Games. The NITA Bill discussion is expected to focus on concerns that expanded regulatory powers could stifle innovation, while supporters argue stronger regulation is necessary for cybersecurity oversight and consumer protection.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Mahama Ayariga defends Anti-LGBTQ Bill core aims post-passage

    Ghana's Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has defended the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill after Parliament approved it, insisting that amendments made during deliberations have not weakened its core objective of criminalising LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and promotion in Ghana. Ayariga argued that amendments were designed to ensure constitutional viability, particularly regarding media reporting and legal representation provisions.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Minority MPs oppose exemptions in anti-LGBTQ bill

    Co-sponsors of Ghana's controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, including MPs John Ntim Fordjour and Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, are resisting proposed exemptions for journalists, medical professionals, and lawyers, arguing the provisions would weaken the bill's intent and create loopholes for promotion of LGBTQ activities.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Parliament passes controversial anti-LGBTQ bill after national debate

    Ghana's Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and the promotion of non-conventional sexual relations and family values, including penalties for same-sex relations and sanctions against those promoting LGBTQ+ activities. The bill has drawn strong support from conservative and religious groups but criticism from human rights organisations and sections of the international community, with detractors warning it could undermine constitutional rights including freedom of expression and association.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Parliament passes bill criminalising LGBTQ activities in Ghana

    Ghana's Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ-related activities, though amendments exempt legal practitioners, media professionals, and health workers providing services to LGBTQ persons. The bill awaits constitutional processes and presidential assent before taking effect.

    22 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  6. NPP execs call Afoko symbol of unity in leadership bid

    Awentami Paul Afoko, a hopeful for NPP national chairman, met with Savannah Regional executives and party patrons in Damongo, where they praised him as a symbol of unity for the party and referenced his previous service as National Chairman from 2014 to 2015. Afoko presented his "3R" agenda—Reunite, Rebuild, Recapture—focused on returning the NPP to power in 2028.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  7. MP demands contractor prioritise local employment in market project

    The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency has directed Brison Construction Company Limited to employ local residents during construction of a 24-hour market project, stressing compliance with the local content component for artisans and labourers. The MCE noted the project demonstrates the government's commitment to its 24-hour economy policy, with completion expected within 36 months.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  8. Ghana's revenue base insufficient to cover spending in 2026

    Ghana's government is spending faster than it is collecting revenue, with cumulative total revenue and grants reaching only 3.6% of GDP and tax revenue at 3.0% of GDP by end of March 2026, against total government expenditure of 3.9% of GDP, making new taxes in the mid-year budget likely.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  9. Parliament passes anti-LGBTQI bill amid amendment row

    Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC-led Majority of double standards, claiming they now support amendments to the bill that they had rejected when in opposition.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  10. Minister defends education reforms, announces furniture allocation

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu appeared before Parliament to defend government's education reforms and outline plans to address infrastructure shortages, including GH¢230 million in GETFund allocation for furniture procurement, with 226,635 desks already distributed to 547 schools in 2025.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  11. Anti-galamsey groups urge Mahama to reverse Col. Buah transfer

    Environmental campaigners and youth groups have appealed to President Mahama to reconsider the reported reassignment of Col. Dominic Buah, Director of Operations at the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, arguing the move would undermine anti-galamsey efforts and reflect waning government commitment to combating illegal mining.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  12. Newsfile to debate NITA Bill, xenophobia, African Games audit

    JoyNews' Newsfile will examine the controversial proposed NITA Bill, which seeks to expand the National Information Technology Agency's powers into regulating Ghana's digital ecosystem; Ghana's evacuation of citizens amid xenophobic tensions in South Africa; and allegations surrounding the 13th African Games audit. Supporters argue stronger regulation promotes professionalism and cybersecurity, while critics contend licensing requirements could create barriers for startups and young innovators.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

Business

  1. Bank of Ghana MPC holds policy rate at 14% amid inflation concerns

    All six members of the Bank of Ghana's Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep the policy rate unchanged at 14% in May, citing concerns about Middle Eastern developments and their potential impact on Ghana's inflation outlook. Some members worried inflation could rise above 10% by year-end if current developments persist.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. GCB Bank advances ESG agenda through sustainable financing initiatives

    GCB Bank has outlined sustainable financing initiatives supporting climate resilience, financial inclusion and responsible business growth as part of its ESG agenda. Over the past 18 months, the bank has intensified its sustainability agenda through policy, operational and financing interventions, including establishing a Board-level Sustainability Committee and developing a Sustainability Framework.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. ECG to complete major Kumasi power network upgrade by June 2026

    The Electricity Company of Ghana expects to finish upgrading key sub-transmission lines in Greater Kumasi by June 5, 2026, involving conductor replacements and cable improvements to strengthen electricity supply reliability, voltage quality, and network resilience in the Ashanti Region.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. TOR MD wins award for transformative public sector leadership

    Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director Edmond Kombat was honoured for exceptional leadership and strategic vision at the 10th Ghana CEOs Summit. The recognition follows TOR's recent receipt of one million barrels of Bonga crude oil and efforts to revitalise refinery operations.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Betano awards GH₵1 million prize to promotion winner

    Sports betting platform Betano presented a GH₵1 million cash prize to Maximus Alexander Mill after he won the company's "Ghana's Next Millionaire" promotion. The prize ceremony took place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Atlantic Tower in Accra.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  6. Paa Kwesi Nduom assures GN Savings customers funds recovery ongoing

    Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, President of Groupe Nduom, has assured customers of GN Savings that efforts are ongoing to recover locked funds and settle outstanding payments, noting that companies under Groupe Nduom had deposits with the bank that remained unpaid after the licence revocation and that the company is engaging the Bank of Ghana and receiver to reconcile accounts.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  7. GFA partners with JAC Motors to support Ghana football leagues

    The Ghana Football Association has signed a partnership with automobile brand JAC Motors and its local distributor Tryton Motors Ltd to provide logistical support and performance-based incentives across the Black Stars, Ghana Premier League, and Women's Premier League. As part of the deal, JAC Motors will award luxury vehicles to outstanding performers and league champions in the 2026/27 season.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  8. Ghanaian fragrance house opens first New Jersey store

    Maison Yusif Fragrance, a Ghanaian niche fragrance house, concluded its New Jersey stop of "The Beast" world tour and announced the opening of its first New Jersey retail location in Newark as part of its international expansion.

    22 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

  9. OmniBSIC Bank embeds nature finance into corporate banking

    OmniBSIC Bank Ghana and fintech company Indelible have partnered to embed Pay2Nature's blockchain-verified nature finance infrastructure into OmniBSIC's corporate banking operations, routing micro-contributions from payment transactions to verified biodiversity projects across Africa. The initiative enables corporate clients to conduct sustainability assessments and produce disclosure-ready reporting while connecting Ghanaian businesses, consumers, and local communities to conservation projects.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  10. Toyota launches RAV4 hybrid SUV in Ghana

    Toyota Ghana has officially launched the new RAV4 hybrid, a compact SUV equipped with a self-charging hybrid electric system designed for Ghanaian road conditions. The vehicle comes with a five-year warranty, real-time vehicle connectivity, and one-year free service package.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  11. Climate finance can help Ghanaian SMEs scale, expert says

    A climate finance expert at the University of Ghana Business School says SMEs can access cheaper capital through climate finance if they become "climate smart," but many lack awareness and bankable projects despite Ghana having a dedicated climate fund worth US$100 million.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  12. KNUST, NIC, GIUC establish insurance simulation office

    The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology has secured GH₵1 million from the National Insurance Commission and Ghana Insurance University College to establish a "Campus Care Project," an insurance simulation office where students will gain practical experience and develop insurance packages. The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between academia and the insurance industry, with KNUST providing research expertise and training while NIC and GIUC provide funding support.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  13. Ghana's hospitals lack specialized liability insurance coverage

    Ghana has approximately 10,598 health facilities, but the local insurance market offers only Professional Indemnity insurance and Medical Malpractice coverage for practitioners, leaving Hospital Liability Insurance — which would protect institutions from financial losses due to patient injury or death — completely unavailable and representing an untapped market opportunity.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  14. AI becomes workplace co-worker, requiring human talent adaptation

    Artificial Intelligence has moved beyond being a futuristic concept to become a defining force in the modern workplace across industries, with the critical question being not whether AI will replace traditional talents but whether workers are prepared to evolve and remain competitive alongside machine intelligence. According to a 2025 McKinsey report, over 75 percent of organizations globally have adopted some form of AI.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  15. Bank of Ghana to raise $1bn bond for 2026/27 cocoa purchases

    The Governor of the Bank of Ghana has announced that cocoa purchases for the 2026/27 crop season will be financed through $1 billion to be raised from the domestic bond market, part of efforts to strengthen Ghana's cocoa financing system and reduce dependence on foreign borrowing.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

Mining & Energy

  1. Heath Goldfields commits $20m to Prestea-Bogoso development

    Indigenous mining firm Heath Goldfields has launched a five-year community development plan committing US$20 million towards legacy projects in education, healthcare, infrastructure, skills training and job creation in its mining catchment communities of Prestea and Bogoso.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Ghana farmers' burning practices worsen air pollution and environmental damage

    Experts warn that widespread crop-waste and slash-and-burn farming practices across Ghana are fueling public health and environmental crises. A study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research found that burning one kilogramme of crop residue produces smoke levels over 100 times higher than WHO safety thresholds, causing illness, deaths, and climate damage.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. TreeAid Ghana, Nviron Hive launch forest restoration in Northern Region

    TreeAid Ghana and Nviron Hive have launched a three-year Integrated Forest Governance, Restoration, and Livelihoods project in Yendi, Northern Region, targeting the planting of 100,000 trees, regeneration of another 100,000 trees, and restoration of 1,000 hectares of degraded lands to address climate change and rural poverty.

    22 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Ghana struggles to meet rising rice demand despite local capacity

    Rice consumption is growing rapidly in Ghana and is set to surpass maize as the country's most consumed cereal, yet Ghana remains unable to capitalize on this internal demand and continues to rely on imports from Thailand, Vietnam, and India despite abundant fertile land, favorable weather, water resources, and hardworking farmers.

    22 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Deputy Agric Minister sponsors 20 farmers for dry season tomato farming

    Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture John Dumelo plans to personally sponsor 20 young farmers for dry season tomato farming as a pilot project to support youth in agriculture and boost tomato production. Beneficiaries must have between two and 20 acres of cleared land ready by September 2026 and will receive input support including tractor services, fertilizer, seeds, irrigation systems, and market access.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  5. World Bank funds $500m project for rural road infrastructure in Ghana

    The World Bank approved a $500 million financing package for the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project, which aims to rehabilitate more than 1,000 kilometres of feeder roads across nine regions and strengthen agricultural value chains. The project is expected to directly benefit more than 550,000 people, including about 350,000 farmers, by improving market access and reducing transportation costs for rural communities.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  6. Fisheries minister highlights women's critical role in Ghana's sector

    Minister Emelia Arthur has stressed the need for greater inclusion and support for women in Ghana's fisheries sector, noting that 60 percent of the country's animal protein comes from fish and about three million Ghanaians depend on the fisheries value chain. She stated that the majority of people engaged in the fisheries value chain are women, making it imperative to design policies and interventions that support them.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

Society

  1. Queen Mother distributes sanitary pads, tackles menstrual stigma

    Queen Mother Nana Adjoa Amowah II held a World Menstrual Hygiene Day outreach in Srafa-Aboano, Central Region, distributing free sanitary pads and exercise books to hundreds of schoolgirls from selected Junior High Schools. The event, organised by the queen mother's palace with the Ekumfi Queen Mothers Association and District Health Directorate, combined product distribution with education to break taboos around menstruation.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Journalists must prioritize ethics over politics, Ashanti GJA chair urges

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association has urged journalists to place ethics, truth, and public interest above political influence to preserve media credibility, warning that partisan influence poses a serious threat to journalistic integrity and public confidence in the profession.

    22 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. DBG challenges menstruation stigma through sanitary pad donations

    The Development Bank Ghana donated more than 10,000 sanitary pads and conducted menstrual health education at three secondary schools in the Ahafo Ano North and Tano South municipalities as part of a Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign aimed at dispelling cultural taboos that label menstruation as "unclean."

    22 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Health Minister mandates hand-washing stations at all mass gatherings

    Ghana's Health Minister has directed that all mass gatherings must have hand-washing facilities as part of strengthening the country's preparedness against Ebola, following inspection tours of key national response facilities. Although Ghana has recorded no confirmed Ebola cases, the Minister emphasised the need for vigilance and ordered enhancements to screening procedures at entry points, including deployment of advanced temperature scanners.

    22 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. Yazz launches nationwide campaign against period poverty in schools

    Yazz Personal Care Products has intensified its fight against period poverty through a nationwide outreach campaign, simultaneously activating programmes across 19 locations on May 28 to distribute free sanitary pads and provide menstrual hygiene education to thousands of students. The initiative, part of Yazz's Dignity Project, also includes a high school engagement campaign addressing menstrual hygiene, breast cancer awareness, oral health, personal hygiene and mental wellness.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. VOWAC Ghana to establish dignity kit bank in segregated schools

    Voices of Women and Children with Disabilities in Ghana (VOWAC Ghana) plans to set up a dignity kit bank in segregated schools nationwide to improve access to menstrual hygiene materials for students, reduce period poverty and absenteeism, and restore dignity for girls with disabilities.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. UMA marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Ahafo Region

    The Underground Mining Alliance, a Newmont Ahafo subsidiary, held a World Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign in Kenyasi on May 28, delivering health education and free sanitary products to basic school girls, and donated $2,000 to St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital in Hwediem to support medical equipment replacement and emergency ward expansion from 7 to 30 beds.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  8. Weija Dam spillage floods Tetegu after four years of community dredging

    Residents in Weija-Gbawe say community-led dredging efforts kept the area flood-free for four years until the Weija Dam's spill gates opened after water levels exceeded the maximum operating threshold, submerging homes and displacing hundreds. Local leaders accuse authorities of neglecting maintenance concerns, and residents are now relying on canoes for transport and emergency community support.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  9. Weija-Gbawe residents blame authorities for flood warning failure

    Residents of flood-hit communities in Weija-Gbawe say the Ghana Water Company failed to notify them before opening the dam, despite assembly members alerting officials about rising water levels days earlier. Local leaders say an established emergency communication system was not activated, and residents were assured spillage would be managed carefully only for the dam to be opened in the afternoon.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  10. Flooding at Sekondi Central Prison poses escape and health risks

    Persistent flooding at Sekondi Central Prison, caused by road construction works that redirected a larger drainage system into a smaller gutter, risks compromising the facility's structural integrity and creating security threats, according to the Director of Prisons. The situation poses both escape risks and health concerns to the aging facility.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  11. Ghana should include health screening in returnee reintegration

    An opinion piece argues that Ghana's reintegration framework for citizens evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks should incorporate comprehensive medical screening and psychosocial support, extending assistance beyond transportation and settlement to include health and mental wellness interventions.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  12. NCCE calls for responsible digital conduct to protect peace

    The Volta Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education urged citizens to uphold constitutional values and exercise responsible behaviour in the digital space during 2026 Constitution Week celebrations, warning that misinformation, cybercrime, and online abuse pose threats to national security and social cohesion.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  13. GJA urges investment in journalism to combat human trafficking

    The Ghana Journalists Association has called for increased investment in journalism, including training, access to information, and safety support for journalists, to strengthen the fight against human trafficking. The call was made at the media launch ahead of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (Blue Day), observed annually on July 30, with this year's theme focusing on sports trafficking.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  14. Shift system in public schools being phased out

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said the shift system in public schools is not a national policy and has largely been phased out. He attributed it to a temporary measure to address overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure, and said the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service are continuing efforts to eliminate it completely through construction of additional classroom blocks.

    22 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  15. Burial and funeral dates announced for Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka

    Sarah Adwoa Safo has announced that her father, the late Apostle Professor Emeritus Engineer Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, will be buried on July 30, 2026, at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, with a funeral service on July 31, 2026, at Independence Square in Accra. A thanksgiving service is scheduled for August 8 in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  16. Yazz and MX24 TV partner for 2026 menstrual health school tour

    Lexta Ghana Limited's Yazz Personal Care Products has partnered with MX24 TV for the 2026 CroxItOut Campaign High School Tour under the theme "Awareness, Mentorship, Action," following a May 28, 2026 nationwide outreach across at least 19 locations where the brand distributed free sanitary pads and provided menstrual hygiene education. The tour and annual campaign will focus on five key areas: breast cancer awareness, menstrual hygiene, oral health, personal hygiene, and mental health, as part of Yazz's broader Dignity Project initiative to keep adolescent girls in school with dignity and comfort.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  17. University of Ghana launches digital alumni network app

    The University of Ghana has launched the UGA Network App to reconnect graduates and strengthen ties with its alumni community. The app allows alumni to register, verify status, search for other graduates by year or location, register for events, participate in mentorship programs, and support university initiatives.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  18. Ahlus Sunnah Eid prayer disrupted by leadership dispute

    A dispute between the Chief Imam and Deputy Chief Imam of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah over who would lead congregational Eid-Ul-Adha prayers at the State House forecourt caused confusion among worshippers. A prominent Sunni cleric condemned the incident as a threat to unity within the Muslim community.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  19. Ghanaian Hajj pilgrim dies on Mount Arafat during ritual

    Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, aged 60, passed away last Tuesday on Mount Arafat while performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana announced his death and confirmed he has been buried in accordance with Islamic traditions.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  20. IJM calls for increased funding to combat human trafficking

    The International Justice Mission has urged the government and stakeholders to make adequate budgetary allocations to the Human Trafficking Fund, citing the need for increased awareness, stronger collaboration, and sustainable funding as trafficking networks become increasingly sophisticated.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  21. 15 arrested for Besease Palace vandalism, including assembly member

    The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 15 persons, including the assembly member for Hiawu Electoral Area and a unit committee chairman, in connection with the vandalism of Besease Palace during funeral rites held on March 12. The vandalism allegedly caused destruction of a police vehicle and an ambulance, with the arrests coming nearly two and a half months after the incident.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  22. Twelve die in head-on collision at Nkenkensu highway

    A commercial mini-bus travelling from Kumasi to Techiman collided head-on with a trailer truck at Nkenkensu in Offinso North District on May 26, killing twelve persons on arrival at the hospital and leaving two others in critical condition. The accident occurred when the driver of the commercial vehicle attempted to overtake another vehicle and veered into the lane of the oncoming trailer.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  23. Education minister meeting UTAG over delayed lecturer allowances

    The Education Minister has assured Parliament that government is actively engaging the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) over delayed payments of book and research allowances to avert disruption to tertiary education. The Minister disclosed he had personally met UTAG leadership to discuss the unpaid allowances, which have sparked concern among lecturers in public tertiary institutions.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  24. Terchire SHS parents allege extortion via unapproved fees

    Parents of final-year students at Terchire Senior High School in Ahafo Region have complained to The Chronicle that school management and the PTA are exploiting students through exorbitant PTA fees (GH¢800) and WASSCE registration charges (GH¢4,000 for General Arts and Business students), and have called for a probe into the activities of school administrators over three years.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  25. Greater Accra Regional Council denies authorising livestock sales on streets

    The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council has denied reports that it sanctioned livestock sales on the Kanda Highway and other principal streets in Accra, stating it has been working to dismantle illegal roadside markets and has convened stakeholder engagement sessions to address environmental and security challenges.

    18 hours ago · Joy Online →

  26. Farmer missing after canoe capsizes on swollen river

    A 49-year-old farmer, Isaac Buckman, has been missing for nearly 48 hours after a wooden canoe carrying five passengers capsized on the rain-swollen River Bobie Fum in Assin North District, Central Region. A joint search-and-rescue operation involving police, traditional leaders, and local divers is underway to retrieve him.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online →

Culture

  1. Multiple artists withdraw from US Freedom 250 concert

    Multiple performers, including Young MC, Morris Day, the Commodores, Bret Michaels and Martina McBride, have withdrawn from Freedom 250, a 16-day festival scheduled for June–July on Washington DC's National Mall celebrating America's 250th birthday. The artists say they were misled about the event's political affiliation; Freedom 250's organizers deny the fair is politically affiliated and describe it as non-partisan.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Visionary Rhythms Band shares story on E Vibes this weekend

    The Visionary Rhythms Band, a group of graduate visually impaired musicians, will appear on the E Vibes Musical Band Series to discuss their work using music to educate and entertain while challenging perceptions of disability. They perform across platforms including JoyNews and JoyPrime at scheduled times.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Mfantsipim School launches 150th anniversary awards ceremony

    Mfantsipim, founded in 1876 as Ghana's first secondary school, is launching a 150th Anniversary Awards and Fundraising Dinner scheduled for October 31, 2026, to celebrate distinguished alumni and institutions while raising funds for legacy projects.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Nigerian singer Dahvi releases seven-track Ready or Not EP

    Dahvi has released his EP Ready or Not, a seven-track project blending Afropop, R&B, Soul and Highlife that explores themes of resilience, vulnerability, self-belief, love and relationships.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Black Sherif releases new single 'Swagga' after awards sweep

    Black Sherif has released his new single "Swagga," produced by Joker Nharnah, following his win of five major awards including Artiste of the Year at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards. The track follows his earlier 2024 single 'Popstar' and builds on the success of his sophomore album 'Iron Boy'.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  6. Jeffrey Nortey announces live storytelling show at National Theatre

    Storyteller Jeffrey Nortey has announced a live storytelling experience titled "3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey" scheduled for June 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the National Theatre, bringing his digital stories to a stage audience.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  7. Efya Otiwaa launches debut Afro-Spiritual album Rebirth June 4

    Ghanaian Afro-Spiritual singer Efya Otiwaa will release her debut album, Rebirth, on June 4, 2026, which blends traditional African heritage with spiritual messages aimed at reconnecting listeners to their cultural roots and ancestral lineage.

    19 hours ago · Daily Guide →

  8. African journalists must reclaim continent's narrative responsibly

    At a communicating Africa summit in Accra, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, urged African communicators to tell more balanced and nuanced stories about Africa rather than allowing Western media portrayals to dominate. She argued that negative media coverage of Africa has imposed psychological and economic costs, including an estimated $4.2 billion in avoidable annual interest payments due to its perceived risk profile.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

Sport

  1. Anthony Gordon joins Barcelona from Newcastle for 80m euros

    England forward Anthony Gordon has signed with La Liga champions Barcelona until 2031 after a transfer from Newcastle United worth more than 80m euros. Gordon, 25, said he had dreamed of playing for Barcelona since he was three years old.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Arsenal's Timber fit to start Champions League final

    Manager Mikel Arteta says Dutch right-back Jurrien Timber is fit to start Saturday's Champions League final against Paris St-Germain, having recovered from a groin injury sustained in March. Noni Madueke is also available for selection after a hamstring issue.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Real Madrid valued at $9.5bn, tops Forbes football ranking

    Forbes' annual list values Real Madrid as football's most valuable club at $9.5bn, with Barcelona second at $7.5bn and Manchester United third at $7.2bn. The Premier League has the most clubs in the top 30 with 11 sides.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. SuperSport to broadcast international football friendlies this weekend

    SuperSport will air FIFA World Cup warm-up friendlies and other sporting events this weekend, including matches between Switzerland and Jordan, Germany and Finland, Norway and Sweden, Austria and Tunisia, and Croatia and Belgium.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. betPawa commits GHS 3.5m to support Black Stars, Queens

    Betting and gaming company betPawa has committed GHS 3.5 million to the Ghana Football Association to support the Black Stars and Black Queens ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The funds are intended to aid the national teams' preparations for their respective competitions.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. UMB signs three-year official banking partnership with GFA

    Universal Merchant Bank has become the official banking partner of the Ghana Football Association under a three-year agreement, with the bank aiming to promote Ghana football and support the Black Stars' 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The partnership covers all GFA activities and includes UMB assistance with training footballers, coaches, referees, and wealth management.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. Black Queens coach names 22-player squad for Tanzania tournament

    Ghana's women's football head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren has selected a 22-member squad for an upcoming three-nation tournament in Tanzania featuring Ghana, Tanzania, and Malawi, as preparation for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  8. Medeama wins Ghana Premier League with 2-1 coronation victory

    Medeama SC defeated Basake Holy Stars 2-1 in a coronation ceremony at TnA Stadium in Tarkwa on Wednesday, securing their second Ghana Premier League title. The match featured goals from Prince Owusu and substitute Derrick Fordjour after the champions had already clinched the league with a game to spare.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  9. Barcelona secures Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69m

    Barcelona has agreed a deal worth more than £69 million (over €80 million) with Newcastle United for England international Anthony Gordon, beating interest from Bayern Munich. Gordon's contract with Newcastle runs until 2030, and Everton will receive 15 percent of the transfer fee via a sell-on clause from Gordon's 2023 move to the Magpies.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  10. World number one Sinner loses to Cerundolo at French Open

    Top-seeded Jannik Sinner suffered an unexpected second-round exit at the French Open after a five-set loss to Juan Manuel Cerundolo, with the Italian struggling with injury-related issues including dizziness during the match in Paris.

    29 May 2026 · Daily Guide →

  11. betPawa extends GFA partnership with US$300,000 sponsorship

    Sports betting firm betPawa has announced a US$300,000 support package for Ghana's national football teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The extension strengthens the company's partnership with the Ghana Football Association, which also includes the Locker Room Bonus initiative that has distributed more than US$500,000 in direct payments to players from domestic league competitions.

    22 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

World & Region

  1. US judge blocks Trump's name on Kennedy Center without Congress

    A US judge ordered the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ruling the venue cannot be renamed without congressional approval. Trump's name must be removed from the institution's title, façade, signage, and official materials within 14 days, though the centre said it would appeal the order.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Trump meets to decide on Iran ceasefire extension deal

    US President Donald Trump held a meeting in the White House Situation Room to make a "final determination" on extending a ceasefire agreement with Iran, setting conditions including Iran's agreement never to pursue nuclear weapons, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted shipping, and allowing destruction of mines and enriched uranium. The deal framework, pending approval from Trump and Iran's leadership, would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and launch talks on Iran's nuclear programme.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Bus crashes into six cars in Virginia, killing five

    A bus failed to slow for traffic and struck six vehicles on Interstate 95 in Virginia early Friday, killing five people and injuring nearly three dozen, who were taken to hospital with at least three in critical condition.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Former Shaolin Temple abbot sentenced to 24 years for embezzlement

    Shi Yongxin, the former head monk of China's Shaolin Temple, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for embezzlement and bribery, having misappropriated temple assets worth more than 282 million yuan from 2003 to 2025. The court also found he illegally obtained millions from temple construction projects and offered bribes to Chinese officials.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Ghanaian scholar leads Canadian university's migration research

    Professor Joseph Mensah, educated in Ghana and now a Full Professor and Global Geography Program Coordinator at York University in Toronto, has built a distinguished academic career studying migration, identity, race, and African development.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  6. Canadian man pleads guilty to aiding 14 suicides via online sales

    Kenneth Law, 60, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding suicides after selling toxic chemicals online to people he met in suicide forums; he distributed about 1,200 packages to recipients in 41 countries, including over 100 in the UK, but will not face charges there due to legal complexities.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  7. Ghanaian tax expert assists 56 Canadians in tax cases

    Professor Nii Odoi Yemoh, a Ghanaian tax expert, has handled approximately 56 tax-related cases in Canadian courts involving millions of dollars, with none of his clients going to prison. He has become a trusted advisor for struggling Canadian taxpayers, immigrant entrepreneurs, and small businesses as the Canada Revenue Agency increases enforcement efforts.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  8. Canadian seniors warned dual passport rules risk benefits

    Canadian authorities have reminded dual citizens they must use a valid Canadian passport to board flights to Canada, a requirement that experts warn could affect access to government benefits including the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors living part-time abroad.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  9. Kenya court suspends US Ebola quarantine facility opening

    A Kenyan court has halted US plans to open a 50-bed Ebola isolation centre for American citizens in Kenya, which a rights group warned posed grave and imminent public health risks. The facility was set to open on Friday and be staffed by US medics, but a High Court judge barred its operation until the case is heard.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  10. Royal Mail delivers 75.7% first-class mail on time

    Just over three-quarters of first class letters were delivered on time by Royal Mail in the year to the end of March, falling far short of its 93% target. The regulator Ofcom said it was "very concerned" by the figures and is expected to open a probe into the postal firm's performance.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  11. Russian drone hits Romanian residential block, injures two

    A Russian drone struck a residential building in Galați, Romania on Friday, causing a fire and injuring two people — the first time Romanian citizens have been hurt in such an incident. Nato and EU allies condemned the attack; Romania scrambled fighter jets but had only four minutes from detection to impact.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  12. African support for civic freedoms strong despite eroding experience

    An Afrobarometer survey of 50,961 people across 38 African countries in 2024/2025 finds majorities support rights to association, media freedom, and free speech, but experience of these freedoms is uneven and declining. Only 13 countries have majorities feeling "completely" free to say what they think, and perceived freedom of speech has declined over the past decade.

    29 May 2026 · Joy Online →

  13. Ghana's Foreign Ministry dismisses Cambodia deportation notice

    Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed as fake a circulating notice claiming Ghanaian nationals and other Africans were ordered to leave Cambodia by May 31, 2026, or face arrest and fines. The Ministry confirmed with Cambodian authorities that no such directive had been issued.

    29 May 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  14. Ghana's Foreign Ministry dismisses Cambodia deportation notice as fabricated

    Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed through diplomatic channels with Cambodian authorities that a widely circulated notice ordering African nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave Cambodia by May 31, 2026 or face arrest and sanctions is fraudulent and was not issued by any official Cambodian institution.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  15. Burkina Faso suspends student union for three months over terrorism allegations

    Burkina Faso's military-led government has suspended the Union Générale des Etudiants du Burkina (UGEB), a major student association, for three months (renewable) over allegations of "apology of terrorism." The suspension was issued by the Minister of State in charge of Territorial Administration and Mobility under the transitional authorities.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  16. Cambodia denies ordering Africans to leave by May 31

    Cambodia's General Department of Immigration dismissed reports claiming that African nationals with expired immigration waivers were ordered to leave by May 31, 2026, calling the publications "completely untrue" and urging reliance on official communication channels.

    29 May 2026 · The Chronicle →

  17. President Mahama to attend Russia-Africa summit in Moscow

    Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama will attend the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28–29, 2026, to strengthen bilateral relations and explore economic partnerships in agribusiness, energy security, and digital technology, according to Ghana's Ambassador to Russia.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

  18. US judge orders release of detained pregnant Ghanaian mother

    A federal judge ordered the release of a pregnant Ghanaian woman and her 4-year-old son who had been detained at Washington Dulles Airport for more than a week by Customs and Border Protection. The woman, Anabella Gyasi, arrived with a valid tourist visa on May 19 to seek medical treatment for her son, and the ACLU challenged her detention as unlawful and endangering her pregnancy.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

Opinion

  1. Leadership deficit constrains Africa's sustainable development

    Professor Kwasi Dartey-Baah argues that leadership remains the defining constraint on sustainable development across Africa, with prevalent transactional approaches focused on control and short-term delivery undermining institutional trust and long-term progress instead of designing systems that endure.

    29 May 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

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