Ghana Minute.
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 13 June 2026
Politics

Six arrested at Koforidua China Mall over stop-work order breach

The News

Six persons have been arrested following a joint security operation at the China Mall project site in Koforidua, where developers had allegedly resumed construction despite a stop-work order from the Eastern Regional Security Council. The site has been declared a restricted security zone due to concerns about the project's impact on drainage systems and flooding.

Why it matters

Six arrests at Koforidua China Mall for breaching stop-work order shows enforcement of regional development controls.

13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Politics

  1. Six arrested at Koforidua China Mall over stop-work order breach

    Six persons have been arrested following a joint security operation at the China Mall project site in Koforidua, where developers had allegedly resumed construction despite a stop-work order from the Eastern Regional Security Council. The site has been declared a restricted security zone due to concerns about the project's impact on drainage systems and flooding.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana Sports Minister criticizes FIFA over Partey visa denial

    Ghana's Sports Minister Kofi Adams has criticized FIFA's handling of Canada's decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for Ghana's 2026 World Cup opening match, arguing that FIFA failed to adequately protect participating nations and their players and should have ensured clearance for World Cup participants.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Mahama rules out pardon for corruption-convicted officials

    The Akwatia MP has stated that President John Mahama has not considered granting a presidential pardon to any public official convicted of corruption-related offences, with accountability remaining central to his stance on public office. This follows the extradition and conviction of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu from the United States on more than 70 corruption-related charges, including embezzlement of over US$6 million in public funds.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Former MASLOC chief should serve prison sentence, says activist-physician

    Political activist Dr Arthur Kennedy has insisted that former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu should serve her prison sentence following her extradition and conviction on more than 70 corruption-related charges. He argued that actual incarceration is the only meaningful measure of punishment and suggested extradition would only proceed if her health would not be jeopardised.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Minority MPs to verify Sedina's imprisonment next week

    The Manhyia South MP and Vice Chairperson of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee says NPP members on the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee will take steps next week to verify whether former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is in prison custody. He cited government's failure to publicly disclose details about her imprisonment as fuelling public suspicion about transparency.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. State must prioritize fund recovery in Sedina Tamakloe case

    James Kwabena Bomfeh, CEO of CenCES, has argued that efforts in the case involving former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe should focus not only on sentencing but also on recovering state funds allegedly lost through wrongdoing, stating that punishment alone is insufficient if the state cannot recover the money involved.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Akwatia MP urges accountability beyond Wontumi in loan case

    Bernard Bediako Baidoo, Akwatia MP, has called for broader scrutiny in the ongoing legal case, arguing that other persons connected to the transaction must also answer questions about their roles, including bank officials responsible for due diligence on the approved facility.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Akwatia MP urges accountability in Wontumi plea negotiations

    The Member of Parliament for Akwatia has called for clarity and accountability in ongoing plea negotiations involving the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, who is standing trial over an alleged GH¢14.3 million loan fraud linked to the Ghana Export-Import Bank. The MP stressed that while plea bargaining is legitimate, any settlement must not obscure accountability.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. AG must ensure fairness and transparency in Wontumi plea deal

    Dr Justice Yankson, a lawyer and former General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, has called on the Attorney-General's Department to ensure fairness, transparency and public accountability in any plea bargaining arrangement involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako in his ongoing criminal case. Yankson stressed that while plea bargaining is a lawful feature of Ghana's criminal justice system, the process must be conducted in a manner that inspires public confidence and serves the broader interests of justice.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Plea negotiations in Wontumi case not admission of guilt

    Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has clarified that plea negotiations initiated by Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) in an alleged GH¢14.3 million Exim Bank loan fraud case should not be viewed as an admission of guilt, describing it as a legal strategy available to both prosecution and defence teams.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Bomfeh urges AG to weigh plea bargain in Wontumi case

    The CEO of CenCES has urged the Attorney-General to consider accepting a plea bargain in the case involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako if it would serve justice and enable recovery of state resources, arguing that plea bargaining is an established component of Ghana's criminal justice system and can secure restitution while avoiding lengthy proceedings.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  12. NPP unrepentant and doesn't deserve return to power

    Political analyst Dr. Arthur Kennedy declared that the NPP does not deserve to govern Ghana again, describing the party as unrepentant and warning that its return to power could undermine public confidence in the country's justice system. He expressed concern that changes in political power can influence the trajectory of high-profile criminal prosecutions.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Plea deal for Wontumi must include punishment, Arthur Kennedy says

    Political analyst Dr. Arthur Kennedy argues that any plea bargain involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) must include custodial sentences or criminal fines rather than allow an accused person to walk away without consequences. Kennedy defends the Attorney-General's engagement in plea negotiations but insists accountability and punishment must remain central to the criminal justice process, regardless of a person's social or political standing.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Newsfile panel discusses Wontumi plea deal and governance issues

    JoyNews's Newsfile programme examined several current issues including Bernard Antwi-Boasiako's plea bargain, former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe's legal troubles, an impasse at Afari Military Hospital, and assessments of President Mahama's administration, with discussion of their legal, political and governance implications.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  15. Mahama approval ratings decline reflects public frustration over economy

    CenCES CEO James Kwabena Bomfeh says declining approval ratings for President Mahama reflect growing public frustration over economic conditions and unmet expectations. He attributes the dip to a disconnect between macroeconomic improvements and household realities, including rising utility costs and stagnant wages.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  16. Dr Kennedy criticises NPP for incomplete Afari Military Hospital

    Political activist and physician Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy has criticised the previous NPP administration for failing to complete the Afari Military Hospital during its eight years in office, saying the party had no justification for the delays and should apologise. He added that the current Mahama administration should now take responsibility for completing the project.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  17. Bomfeh urges cabinet reshuffles, completion of health projects

    James Kwabena Bomfeh, CEO of CenCES, has called on the President to use cabinet reshuffles more frequently as a tool for improving governance efficiency and to complete stalled health infrastructure projects. Bomfeh argued that periodic reshuffles help refresh leadership, improve performance, and prevent complacency among public officials.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  18. Akyem Kotoku King seeks Parliament-traditional authority collaboration

    The King of Akyem Kotoku paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament to deepen cooperation between traditional authorities and the Legislature on governance, development, and community advancement. Speaker Bagbin commended traditional rulers as indispensable partners in Ghana's democratic development and assured Parliament's readiness to work closely with traditional institutions.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  19. CIHRM urges HR professionals to uphold ethics as Act 1020 takes effect

    The Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management Ghana has called on HR professionals to maintain accountability and ethical leadership as the Human Resource Management Professionals Act, 2020 (Act 1020) takes full effect, making it unlawful for individuals to perform HR functions in Ghana without being certified CIHRM members.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  20. Bail or pardon for Sedina would reinforce unequal justice perceptions

    Dr Arthur Kobina Kennedy has warned that granting bail pending appeal or a presidential pardon to former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu would deepen public perceptions that influential individuals receive preferential treatment under Ghana's justice system. He argues that while the President has constitutional authority to grant clemency, such a move would reinforce the public's belief that special rules apply to powerful people.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  21. Ghana's Sports Ministry seeks FIFA help over Partey's visa denial

    Ghana's Ministry of Sports and Recreation has called on FIFA to intervene after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada, making him unavailable for Ghana's World Cup Group L opener against Panama on 17 June. The Ministry argues that all qualified nations should have access to their eligible players throughout the competition.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Business

  1. Bank of Ghana orders halt to unregulated crypto forex platforms

    The Bank of Ghana has directed all regulated financial institutions to immediately cease ties with cryptocurrency platforms operating illicit foreign currency wallets in the country. The central bank says these digital wallet operations, which allow users to bypass standard banking channels and are funded via bank transfers, mobile money, and credit cards, violate the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 and the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. EBID President Dr Donkor wins African Development Finance Leadership Award

    The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development announced that its President and Chairman, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, has been named recipient of the Distinguished African Development Finance Leadership Award – Regional Integration & Economic Transformation at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards 2026. EBID has also been positioned as a Strategic Development Finance Partner of the ALM Africa Summit 2026, and Dr Donkor will serve as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker at the awards ceremony on 3 July 2026 in London.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Elon Musk becomes world's first trillionaire, per Bloomberg

    Elon Musk achieved trillionaire status on Friday with an estimated net worth of about $1.11 trillion, according to Bloomberg, driven by a record-breaking SpaceX stock market debut and the rising value of his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX over the past six years.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NAB Consulting completes €250m finance facility for Niger

    NAB Consulting has announced successful completion of a €250 million structured finance facility for Niger, co-arranged with Coris Bank Niger and funded by Afreximbank. The financing, granted through Niger's Ministry of Economy and Finance, supports priority sectors including agriculture, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and SMEs as part of the government's economic recovery programme.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Mobile Money Fintech shareholders approve Q1 dividend at EGM

    Shareholders of Mobile Money Fintech Limited approved a dividend of GH¢0.03 per share for Q1 2026 and endorsed corporate governance resolutions at an Extraordinary General Meeting in Accra. The company also ratified Ernst & Young as external auditors and transitioned its directors following its rebrand from Mobile Money Limited.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Bank of Ghana extends IMTO registration deadline to July 2026

    The Bank of Ghana extended the registration deadline for International Money Transfer Operations to 31st July 2026, warning that IMTOs failing to comply will not be permitted to operate and any existing partnerships with banks and payment service providers will be nullified.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana Stock Exchange indices up sharply in May 2026

    The GSE's Composite Index and Financial Stock Index posted returns of 63.67% and 68.99% respectively in May 2026, with market activity reaching 89,945 transactions. Twelve stocks recorded losses for the month, including Ecobank Transnational Inc., CalBank PLC, and Ghana Commercial Bank PLC.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Anthropic suspends Claude Fable 5 after US security concerns

    Anthropic has suspended its Claude Fable 5 AI model following US government orders citing security concerns, including a potential method for bypassing restrictions; the company said authorities had not identified specific vulnerabilities but acknowledged a demonstrated jailbreaking technique affecting minor, previously known issues.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Mining & Energy

  1. Study identifies reforms needed for Ghana's community mining scheme

    Researchers have presented findings from a study on Ghana's Community Mining Scheme, evaluating its benefits since 2019 and identifying policy and practice changes needed. The research, conducted by teams from the University of Derby and University of Mines and Technology, surveyed 500 CMS miners and interviewed regulators and miners to assess the scheme's impact and challenges.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Asante Gold launches 800-hectare reforestation project in western Ghana

    Asante Gold Chirano Limited has launched a reforestation project to restore approximately 800 hectares of degraded forest land as an environmental offset for areas disturbed by its mining operations, with an expected investment of US$7 million over 10 years and creation of more than 350 jobs for surrounding communities.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Ghana promotes upstream oil and gas investment to Canadian partners

    Ghana is pitching upstream oil and gas opportunities to Canadian investors at a global energy summit, with the Petroleum Commission promoting investment in the country's onshore Voltaian Basin and offshore prospects. The CEO of the Petroleum Commission says Ghana is well-positioned to attract capital due to global energy market volatility and the need for supply diversification and energy security.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Asante Gold invests $7m to restore 800 hectares of forest

    Asante Gold Chirano Limited has launched a US$7 million reforestation programme to restore approximately 800 hectares of degraded land within the Tano-Suraw Forest Reserve over 10 years, expected to create more than 350 jobs for surrounding communities. The initiative is part of the company's reforestation offset agreement with the Forestry Commission and aims to restore ecosystems, protect watersheds, improve biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

    13 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times

Agriculture & Land

  1. Ghana must increase local cashew processing for jobs and exports

    The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana has called for greater support for domestic cashew processing, arguing that increased value addition is critical to job creation and export earnings. Despite producing approximately 200,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts annually, only a small proportion is processed locally, limiting the country's capture of full economic value from the commodity.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Society

  1. Keta government hospital marks hundred years of service

    Keta Government Hospital will celebrate its centenary in October, marking a hundred years of healthcare and service to the Keta Municipality and wider Volta Region. The hospital is regarded as an important public institution and heritage asset that has served generations of families in the area.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Okyenhene commends university leadership, emphasises human capital investment

    The Okyenhene praised Garden City University's leadership for promoting innovation through education and contributing to national development, urging Ghana to focus on developing human capital rather than relying primarily on natural resources. He stressed that education and integrity among leaders in academia and public service are essential to the country's future success.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Morning Glory Montessori launches 30th anniversary year-long celebration

    Morning Glory Montessori Child Development Centre in Accra has officially launched its 30th anniversary celebrations with a year-long programme of activities. Founded in 1996, the institution brought together education stakeholders, alumni, parents, staff, and learners for the launch on June 11, 2026, under the theme "30 Years of Nurturing Excellence."

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. GES calls emergency talks with teacher unions over staff data collection

    The Ghana Education Service has summoned the leadership of three major teacher unions to an emergency meeting on June 15, 2026, to resolve opposition to its directive requiring teachers and staff to submit personal files for a nationwide job evaluation exercise. The unions had jointly rejected the GES's request for submission of staff personal information and employment records through their district and municipal education offices.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ghana battles persistent fraud and scam epidemics

    Ghana faces widespread fraud and scams, officially ranked as high-risk for money laundering, that have evolved from simple non-delivery schemes to sophisticated frauds offering worthless products or false promises such as health books and forex courses.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Mother of former NPA CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid dies

    Hajia Adama Musah, mother of former National Petroleum Authority CEO and former Minister of State Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has passed away after a short illness. Funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Police Mosque in Cantonments, Accra.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ensign Global University marks albinism awareness with stakeholder event

    Ensign Global University and Engage Now Africa held a stakeholder engagement programme on June 12 to promote inclusion and advance the rights of persons with albinism in Ghana, bringing together persons with albinism, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, researchers, students, civil society groups, and media representatives to address challenges including discrimination, healthcare barriers, and skin cancer risk.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Prof Ofori-Dankwa urges youth to make deliberate daily choices

    A Ghanaian academic at Saginaw Valley State University has advised young people to make intentional decisions today that will shape the legacies they leave behind, emphasizing that success is built through consistent daily actions rather than isolated achievements.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Government announces transition plan for decentralized legal education

    The government has issued interim measures to implement Ghana's new legal education framework under the Legal Education Act 2026, allowing accredited universities to conduct professional legal training alongside the Ghana School of Law. The reforms aim to address a backlog of between 5,000 and 8,000 LLB graduates awaiting admission to professional training.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Morning Glory Montessori marks 30th anniversary with year-long programme

    Morning Glory Montessori Child Development Centre has launched its 30th anniversary celebrations with a year-long programme of activities to celebrate its educational impact and engage the community. Founded in 1996, the Accra-based institution held its launch on June 11, 2026, bringing together education stakeholders, alumni, parents, staff, and learners.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Health Minister launches Free Primary Healthcare in Volta Region

    Ghana's Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh launched the Free Primary Healthcare initiative in the Volta Region during a working visit that included engagements with traditional leaders and health officials. The initiative is designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme and shift the healthcare system toward prevention and early detection rather than curative care.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Bawku West collision kills seven, injures several others

    Seven people are feared dead and several others injured after a VVIP bus collided with a Toyota Sienna at Saka near Zebilla in the Bawku West District on Saturday morning. The accident disrupted traffic on the Bolgatanga–Bawku highway; victims were taken to Zebilla Government Hospital and the cause remains unknown.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  13. WAEC maintains bar on 154 Sekondi College students

    The West African Examinations Council has upheld its decision to prevent 154 Sekondi College students from sitting Thursday's Chemistry examinations, citing its strict regulations against late entry and the need to maintain credibility across simultaneous regional exams. WAEC's Head of Public Affairs stated that students were already on campus and did not need to travel far, countering the PTA's claim that heavy rainfall caused the delay.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Education should drive national development, not social status

    Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, MP for Manhyia South, argues that Ghana's development challenges stem partly from viewing education as a path to social privilege rather than as a tool for national progress. He calls for Ghana's educated citizens to recognise their responsibility to use knowledge and skills to advance the nation rather than seek personal prestige.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  15. Government considers reducing health training admissions amid employment backlog

    Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced that the government is contemplating reducing admissions to health training institutions to address employment backlogs, noting that nursing training colleges admit 34,000–35,000 students annually but absorption rates do not match. He suggested redirecting savings to purchasing healthcare equipment instead.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  16. GMet warns of moderate to heavy rains across Ghana regions

    Ghana's Meteorological Agency has issued a weather alert for moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible localised flooding across Western, Central, Greater Accra, Volta and northern regions on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with risks categorised as "Be Prepared" and "Be Aware."

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  17. KNUST flooding linked to wetland encroachment, blocked stream

    NADMO assessments found that encroachment on wetlands and blockage of a natural stream channel behind KNUST, including areas opposite Ahinsan Police Post, contributed to recent overflow of the Wewe River that flooded the campus. Officials attribute the flooding to a combination of heavy rainfall and human activities that restricted the river's discharge capacity.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  18. First batch of 423 Ghanaian pilgrims returns from 2026 Hajj

    The first group of 423 Ghanaian pilgrims who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj have returned to Tamale, predominantly from Bawku and surrounding communities. The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana has coordinated transportation and security arrangements to ensure safe passage of the returning pilgrims to their destinations.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  19. Ahafo stakeholders launch campaign against child labour

    Stakeholders in Asunafo North Municipality gathered on June 12, 2026, to commemorate World Day Against Child Labour with public activities including a route march, football matches, and educational role-plays, calling for strengthened efforts to eradicate child labour. The Department of Social Welfare and Community Development identified 305 cases of child labour in the municipality in 2025.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  20. World Vision launches Children's Parliament in Wa East district

    International development organisation World Vision Ghana and the Wa East District Assembly have launched the district's first-ever Children's Parliament to address child labour, which the organisation attributes largely to rural poverty and illegal small-scale mining. The initiative includes construction of mechanised boreholes, training of Community Child Protection Committees, and rollout of an "Enough Campaign" to combat child hunger.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  21. Fire at Government Secretarial School dormitory injures one nursing trainee

    A fire broke out in the female dormitory at the Government Secretarial School in Sekondi on Saturday morning, affecting 20 female trainees. One nursing trainee sustained burn injuries and was hospitalised, though no fatalities were recorded.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  22. Mason dies after falling into well during construction work

    Kwesi Salifu, believed to be in his 30s, died following a rescue and recovery operation by the Ghana National Fire Service after he fell into a well at Asokwa near Abura Dunkwa in the Central Region on June 10. Eyewitnesses and the construction site owner indicated that Salifu experienced breathing difficulties while working inside the well, believed to have been caused by inadequate oxygen levels in the confined space, and lost consciousness as he attempted to climb out.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  23. Missing traditional healer found injured in bush after three-day search

    A 61-year-old traditional healer in Assin Kushia, Central Region, was found unconscious in a nearby bush on Friday after going missing on June 10. He was discovered with serious injuries including a fractured arm and deep neck wounds, leading to suspicions of a violent attack; he was referred to St Francis Xavier Hospital for treatment.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  24. Assin Kyekyewere court acquits three men of attempted robbery

    The Assin Kyekyewere Circuit Court has acquitted and discharged three men — Godwin Kwabena Mensah, 28, Kwadwo Frimpong, 20, and Kwabena Antwi, 30 — standing trial for attempted robbery, after the judge upheld a submission of no case to answer, ruling that the prosecution failed to adduce sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  25. HR professionals urged to take strategic workplace roles

    At the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana, HR professionals were called upon to take on more strategic and transformational roles in organisations as workplaces evolve due to technological advancements, AI, demographic shifts and changing employee expectations.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  26. Three killed, three injured in Upper East highway crash

    A Yutong VVIP bus and a Toyota Sienna collided on the Bolgatanga–Zebilla–Bawku highway at Yikurigu in the Upper East Region, killing all three occupants of the Sienna (a man, woman, and child) and injuring three male occupants of the bus, who were taken to Zebilla Hospital. The exact cause remains under investigation.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  27. Ada East District reports 43 child labour cases in five months

    The Ada East District Directorate of Social Welfare recorded 43 cases of child labour between January and May 2026, involving children in hazardous activities such as fishing, salt winning, and street hawking. Most cases involved children aged eight to 14 in fishing communities and salt-producing areas.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  28. Let Love Lead NGO mobilizes 3,000 volunteers for Nima sanitation drive

    Let Love Lead NGO organized the 4th edition of its Annual Sanitation Drive, bringing together close to 3,000 participants to clean a major drainage channel from Nima-Mamobi Gutter to the Paloma Hotel area and raise awareness about waste management and flood prevention. The initiative, held as part of June 3rd disaster commemoration activities, involved volunteers, residents, business owners, and public officials in clearing waste from streets, drains, and public spaces.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  29. High Court quashes GTEC's derecognition of UNEM doctoral degrees

    The High Court in Adentan has set aside a Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) directive that derecognised qualifications from Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica (UNEM), ruling that GTEC acted unlawfully and breached natural justice principles. The decision was a victory for 23 academics and professionals who challenged GTEC's November 2025 directive, which had barred UNEM degrees from use in Ghana's tertiary education sector.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  30. Family demands probe into newborn disappearance at Salaga Hospital

    The family of a woman who gave birth at Salaga Government Hospital in the Savannah Region is demanding an independent investigation into the alleged disappearance of their newborn baby girl. The baby was reportedly born on Wednesday morning but could not be found after the mother was transferred to the postnatal ward, prompting accusations against hospital staff and appeals to Ghana's Health Minister.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  31. Waste-laden tricycles cause congestion on McCarthy Hills dumpsite access road

    Refuse-laden tricycles transporting waste from Western Accra have formed long queues along muddy roads to the McCarthy Hills dumpsite in Weija-Gbawe Municipality, causing congestion particularly since rains intensified in June. A Local Government Ministry and Zoomlion team visited the site on Saturday, June 13, to assess the situation and find solutions.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  32. Somanya Methodist JHS overlord pledges major school renovation

    Nene Tetteh Nanor Odjidji II, overlord and alumnus of New Somanya Methodist JHS, has pledged to spearhead a major renovation of the school as part of his company's corporate social responsibility. The planned facelift includes repairs to infrastructure, furniture, library books, computers for the ICT lab, fans, waste bins, and equipment for staff common rooms.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Culture

  1. University of Ghana VC urges African language inclusion in AI

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana has called for intentional inclusion of African languages in AI systems, warning that the continent risks marginalisation in the global AI revolution if its voices and knowledge systems remain underrepresented. She argued that Africa's linguistic diversity, encompassing more than 2,000 living languages spoken by over 1.4 billion people, should be viewed as a valuable resource, and that AI systems without African languages will serve only part of the world.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Shatta Wale launches GH¢100 SM Gold Card membership programme

    Dancehall artist Shatta Wale has launched the SM Gold Card, a digital membership programme requiring fans to register through an online portal and pay GH¢100 to receive verified status, a global tracking number, and access to an exclusive fan community. The initiative aims to establish a structured global database of Shatta Movement members to support corporate partnerships and humanitarian projects.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Veteran Nigerian actor and scholar Kola Oyewo dies at 80

    Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, a veteran Nollywood actor and scholar, has died at age 80. His son announced the passing on Friday, June 12, 2026, describing him as a leading figure in Nigerian theatre and performing arts who contributed significantly to the development of Yoruba theatre.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. US professor credits Ghana's education system for career success

    Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, an Endowed Professor of Management at Saginaw Valley State University in the United States, has credited Ghana's education system with providing the foundation for his distinguished academic career. Ofori-Dankwa, who attended Achimota School and the University of Ghana, said the quality of education he received in Ghana equipped him to excel globally.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ghana's highlife music masters used pedagogical storytelling

    An analysis examines how highlife musicians like Akwasi Ampofo Adjei and Smart Nkansah of Sunsum Band embedded moral lessons and social commentary into their songs through lyrical techniques—riddles, dialogue, and narrative tension—that encouraged listeners to think critically rather than passively consume.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Popular US movie critic Gene Shalit dies at 100

    Gene Shalit, a veteran US movie critic known for his playful humor, animated reviews, and distinctive style on NBC's Today show from the 1970s until his 2010 retirement, has died aged 100.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Sport

  1. Qatar draw Switzerland for first-ever World Cup point

    Qatar scored a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1–1 against Switzerland, claiming their first point at a World Cup finals. Boualem Khoukhi headed home in the 94th minute, denying Switzerland what had appeared a likely victory after Breel Embolo's first-half penalty.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Sports minister says Black Stars will overcome Partey visa setback

    Kofi Adams, Ghana's Sports Minister, has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will overcome Thomas Partey's visa denial and channel the disappointment into stronger performance in their FIFA World Cup opener against Panama on June 17. Adams said the camp mood remains positive despite uncertainty surrounding Partey's availability, with the development serving as additional motivation for players.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Thomas Partey granted US visa, currently in Boston with Ghana squad

    Sports Minister Kofi Adams says midfielder Thomas Partey successfully secured a United States visa after applying in London and is currently with Ghana's national team at its World Cup training camp in Boston. Adams questioned Canada's refusal to grant Partey entry for Ghana's opening World Cup match against Panama, noting the player continues to travel freely across Europe and other jurisdictions despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. FIFA defends 44,985 attendance figure for Korea-Czech match

    FIFA defended its announced attendance of 44,985 for a World Cup Group A match between South Korea and Czech Republic in Guadalajara, saying the figure was based on verified operational data and ticket scans of all spectators within the stadium footprint, despite pictures showing many empty seats. The governing body noted that some ticketed fans stood in concourses rather than remaining in assigned seats.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. USA beats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Group D opener

    The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup campaign opener in Los Angeles, with former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun scoring twice. The victory matches the US' joint-biggest World Cup win and is just the second time a US player has scored more than once in a World Cup match.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Ghana protests Canada's denial of Partey World Cup visa

    Ghana's government has formally protested Canada's refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Teye Partey entry for the nation's opening World Cup match against Panama, citing pending criminal proceedings in the UK. Ghana has characterized the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair" and is pursuing diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to overturn it.

    13 June 2026 · The Chronicle

  7. Yaya Touré appointed head coach of Slovan Bratislava

    Manchester City legend Yaya Touré has taken his first managerial role as head coach of Slovakian club Slovan Bratislava, succeeding Vladimir Weiss after holding assistant and academy positions since retiring as a player in 2019.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Tourism & Environment

  1. Nature-based solutions restore ecosystems and improve livelihoods

    Pilot projects by the African Forest Forum in Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda between 2023 and 2025 demonstrate that ecosystem restoration can be combined with improved livelihoods and climate resilience when communities receive appropriate knowledge, resources, and institutional support. Activities included agroforestry, forest landscape restoration, climate-smart agriculture, beekeeping, and tree nursery development.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

World & Region

  1. Retired Nigerian general dies in captivity after kidnapping

    Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, a former military spokesman, was abducted with his wife in Katsina state last month and has died in captivity. The abduction underscores ongoing security challenges in north-west Nigeria, where criminal gangs known as "bandits" frequently conduct kidnappings for ransom and attacks on rural communities.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Trump announces US-Iran deal signing Sunday; Tehran expresses caution

    President Trump said a deal to end fighting between the US and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, with the Strait of Hormuz to be "open to all" once agreed, though Iranian foreign ministry spokesman expressed caution about the timeline.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Iran-linked group claims FBI drone breach, threatens World Cup

    An Iran-linked hacker group called Handala claims to have had access for months to FBI first-person view drones used for counterterrorism monitoring, and threatened to target the World Cup. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activity, said Handala published photos and footage claimed to be from the breach, though SITE disputed the authenticity of at least one video.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Ghana protests Canada's denial of visa to footballer Partey

    Ghana's Foreign Ministry formally protested Canada's refusal of a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent with the presumption of innocence, as it was based on ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom with no conviction. The government has initiated diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to seek a review of the decision.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. UK to ban Russian diesel and jet fuel imports by 2027

    The UK government has committed to banning imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil by 1 January 2027 as part of its sanctions package following the war with Ukraine. The temporary licence will be reviewed every two weeks and could be revoked sooner than the end date.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. US kills Venezuelan gang leader Niño Guerrero in airstrike

    President Donald Trump announced that the US military killed Niño Guerrero, leader of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, in an airstrike coordinated with Venezuelan authorities. The gang has been designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the Trump administration.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Iran says US deal would reopen Strait of Hormuz, lift blockade

    Iran's Foreign Minister said a deal with the US to end fighting includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a US blockade, with nuclear programme talks to follow later. US officials confirmed some details, saying economic benefits for Iran would depend on Tehran meeting its obligations.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Royal Family attends Trooping the Colour ceremony in London

    King Charles III and the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, watched the Red Arrows flypast from Buckingham Palace balcony during the Trooping the Colour ceremony, which featured over 1,400 armed forces members, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. University of Ghana Vice Chancellor advocates African language inclusion in AI

    Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has warned that African languages risk being excluded from the global artificial intelligence revolution unless intentionally included in AI system design. She argues that without embedding African languages in AI training databases, systems will serve only part of the world despite Africa's over 2,000 living languages spoken by more than 1.4 billion people.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Israel strikes Lebanon; Iran reports US peace deal near

    Israel has carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon after ordering evacuations from about 20 locations, with at least one person killed in Marrakeh, Lebanese state media reports. Pakistan's Prime Minister, mediating US-Iran talks, says a peace deal is closer than ever and likely within 24 hours, with Iran's foreign minister saying the agreement would include an end to conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center following court order

    Workers have begun removing US President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center in Washington after a federal judge ruled the addition was unlawful and ordered its removal. The judge found that the venue cannot be renamed without congressional approval.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Al Qaeda-affiliated militants adopt softer tactics in Mali

    Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group controlling territory in Mali, has shifted toward less violent methods, focusing on collecting taxes on crops and livestock and distributing aid to the poor, rather than issuing threats as they did five years ago. The group has grown stronger since Mali's 2020 military coup led to the expulsion of French and U.N. forces and has demonstrated its power through coordinated attacks across the country.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Opinion

  1. Ghana's World Cup finances need transparency and accountability

    The article argues that while the Black Stars unite Ghanaians across political and social divides, the team's finances have become an opaque "black box" where successive governments fund participation in major tournaments without scrutiny, despite the country's economic challenges.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana's resource nationalism risks harming local business competitiveness

    An opinion piece argues that calls to deny Gold Fields Ghana's mining lease renewal and prioritize local ownership contradict policies that already disadvantage Ghanaian enterprises. The article contends that aggressive resource nationalism untethered from reality would systematically dismantle the local business ecosystem it claims to protect.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

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