Ghana Minute.
Saturday, 8 August 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 8 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 8 August 2026

Politics

  1. Kingsley Atta wins Bantama NPP chairmanship by four votes in re-run

    Kingsley Atta was elected Bantama Constituency Chairman of the NPP on 8 August 2026 with 570 votes (50.2%) against incumbent Fiifi Mensah's 566 votes (49.8%), a margin of four votes. This re-run election followed the annulment of a 12 July 2026 election in which Atta had won by a landslide (714 votes, 72.8%).

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana's Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sanni Jajah dies

    Ghana's Deputy Head of Mission and Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sanni Jajah, has died. He served at Ghana's diplomatic mission in Riyadh supporting Ghana-Saudi relations and Ghanaian pilgrims in the Kingdom.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Asantehene urges GRA to expand informal sector taxation

    The Asantehene has called on the Ghana Revenue Authority to intensify efforts to bring informal sector workers and businesses into the tax system to increase domestic revenue. He suggested that informal sector groups such as hairdressers, mechanics and drivers could be encouraged to form cooperatives to make integration into the tax system easier.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NDC unveils six-volume publication on party and national history

    The National Democratic Congress has launched a six-volume publication documenting the party's history and the 4th Republic of Ghana's political history, with the main launch scheduled for 28 September 2026 at UPSA. The collection traces the NDC's journey from formation to present, capturing key milestones including leadership elections, manifesto development, and constitutional reforms.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Former TOR chief convicted of bribing officials for Turkish power project

    A US federal court has convicted Asante Kwaku Berko, former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director, on corruption charges for allegedly using over US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials, including a former Minister of Power and MPs, to help secure a power plant contract for his Turkish client, Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S. Berko faces up to 30 years in prison at sentencing.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Vice President declines 2028 presidential speculation, prioritises government mandate

    Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has declined to engage in speculation about contesting the NDC presidential nomination in 2028, saying the government's immediate priority must be delivering on its electoral mandate and addressing challenges the country faces rather than positioning for the next election.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana, US pursuing others in power plant bribery scheme

    Ghana's Deputy Attorney General says his office is collaborating with US authorities to prosecute individuals implicated in a bribery scheme related to a 2014–2017 power plant development contract between a Turkish energy company and the Ghanaian government, following the conviction of former TOR MD Asante Kwaku Berko by a US federal jury.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Bribery rooted in culture, not salaries, says legal expert

    Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, argues that Ghana's bribery problem is a deeply embedded cultural issue rather than a salary problem, and calls for strict enforcement combined with depersonalisation of government services—particularly through digital systems to reduce unnecessary face-to-face interactions between citizens and officials.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Prof Bokpin calls for national debate on democratic threats

    Economist Professor Godfred Bokpin has called for a broader national conversation on Ghana's democracy beyond partisan politics, arguing that the country must confront issues threatening free speech, institutional independence, and citizens' confidence in democratic governance. He said Ghana should objectively examine evidence and patterns from successive NDC and NPP governments to determine whether emerging trends could undermine democratic institutions.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  10. NPP aspiring officer alleges arrests for insults widespread

    Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aspiring National Communications Officer of the NPP, has alleged that the government has conducted numerous arrests linked to alleged insults across social media, community radio, and information-centre discussions, and that district police commanders have turned the practice into what he called an "enterprise."

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Prof Bokpin warns parties against weakening democratic institutions

    Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin cautioned Ghana's NPP and NDC against allowing partisan strategies to undermine critical democratic institutions, saying recurring claims by both parties about institutional threats may point to deeper problems that deserve serious consideration.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Government must protect democratic freedoms of protest and criticism

    NPP aspiring National Communications Officer Dennis Miracles Aboagye has cautioned the government against undermining citizens' rights to freely express views, protest, and demand accountability, describing demonstrations as a reality check that can help governments break out of the isolation created by political power.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  13. NPP holds re-run election for Bantema Constituency executives

    The NPP re-ran its Bantema Constituency executive election under tight security at Kumasi Cultural Centre after the National Steering Committee annulled the initial poll held on July 11, 2026, citing breaches of party directives, election regulations, and court orders. The Ashanti Regional Chairman had sworn in those elected in the annulled election despite the party's decision to hold a re-run, which is now being supervised by Electoral Commission officials.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  14. NPP communications candidate warns against law weaponisation

    Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aspiring National Communications Officer of the NPP, has cautioned the government against weaponising the law against citizens in cases involving freedom of speech and social media activity, arguing that civic education through institutions like the NCCE should replace arrests and prosecutions. He also argued that allowing demonstrations alone does not demonstrate that all democratic principles are being respected.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  15. Kofi Bentil: NDC 'more zealous' in prosecuting opposition figures

    Senior lawyer Kofi Bentil has said there are grounds for concern that the NDC government may be applying justice selectively, appearing more aggressive in prosecuting opposition figures while being more lenient towards its own party members. He stated that both sides of the debate could marshal supporting arguments, but that the government's record over its four-year mandate would ultimately judge the allegation.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  16. Democracy weakens gradually through misuse of laws, Bentil warns

    Lawyer Kofi Bentil cautioned that attacks on democracy develop gradually through misapplication of laws and institutions rather than occurring suddenly, citing historical examples and urging Ghana to remain vigilant against practices that could weaken constitutional freedoms.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  17. Kofi Bentil warns of selective justice in current government

    Lawyer and IMANI Africa Vice President Kofi Bentil has raised concerns about selective justice under the current NDC administration, arguing the government has been more aggressive in prosecuting opposition figures while protecting its own members. He said the government's record over its full four-year mandate would ultimately provide the strongest evidence of such bias.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  18. Senior lawyer urges Ghanaians to protect democratic freedoms vigilantly

    Kofi Bentil, Vice-President of IMANI Africa, has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting democratic freedoms and to challenge developments that could undermine constitutional freedoms, rather than waiting until rights have been eroded. His comments came after the NPP's "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration in Accra, where the party protested what it described as threats to Ghana's democracy under the NDC government.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  19. Respect protesters regardless of political agreement, Kofi Bentil urges

    Senior lawyer and IMANI Africa Vice-President Kofi Bentil has urged Ghanaians to respect citizens who demonstrate, even when they disagree with the protesters' views, arguing that activists play a crucial role in defending democratic freedoms by challenging authority and pushing the boundaries of civic liberties.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  20. Democracy threatened by gradual erosion of freedoms—lawyer warns

    Senior lawyer Kofi Bentil has warned that Ghana's democracy faces a "creeping" threat through the gradual erosion of constitutional freedoms and institutions, arguing that democratic systems can be weakened from within when laws and state institutions are used in ways that undermine constitutionalism. His comments followed an NPP "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration in Accra protesting what the party describes as threats to democratic institutions under the NDC administration.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  21. NPP Bantema Chairman allegedly snubs MP at executive election

    At a Bantema NPP constituency executive election re-run, the incumbent Chairman Fiifi Mensah allegedly bypassed the area's MP Francis Asenso-Boakye during greetings with delegates, drawing murmurs from attendees. Sources suggest tension over an internal contest where the MP reportedly backs the Vice Chairman's bid to unseat the incumbent.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  22. TUC deputy calls for wage rises and enforcement to curb corruption

    Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo of the Trades Union Congress has called for improved pay for public sector workers and stronger enforcement of professional standards to help curb corruption. He noted that while low wages do not justify corrupt conduct, they cannot be removed from corruption discussions, citing figures showing unofficial payment demands rose from 50.9% in the first half of 2025 to 69.4% in the second half.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  23. Ghana's press freedom ranking contradicts democracy-under-siege claims

    Associate Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid has challenged claims that Ghana's democracy is under siege, pointing to Ghana's ranking as 39th out of 180 countries globally and fourth in Africa on press freedom as evidence that available international indicators do not support such assertions.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  24. NPP annulled constituency election was unnecessary, MP says

    Bantama MP Francis Asenso-Boakye expressed disappointment over the NPP's decision to annul initial constituency executive elections held July 11, 2026, saying the first election was transparent and there was no need for re-running it, though he supports the party's directive to re-conduct the election.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  25. Specialised tribunals can ease court pressure without harming democracy

    Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid argues that specialised tribunals, such as tax and employment tribunals, could reduce pressure on Ghana's regular courts and improve justice administration, and should not be automatically associated with threats to democracy based on historical comparisons with authoritarian rule.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  26. Second Deputy Majority Whip backs new Majority Leader Agalga

    The Second Deputy Majority Whip Richard Acheampong has defended newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga, asserting he is not easily intimidated and has the parliamentary and government experience needed for the role. Acheampong expressed confidence that the NDC parliamentary caucus will fully endorse Agalga's appointment.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  27. Suame Interchange Phase Two to open by October 2026

    The Department of Urban Roads Director-General says the local roads component of the Suame Interchange Phase Two project, covering approximately 15 kilometres and including three overpasses, will be fully completed and opened to traffic by October 2026 to provide alternative routes and reduce congestion.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  28. NDC delivering on promises while NPP "dancing"—Osman Ayariga

    Osman Ayariga, CEO of the National Youth Authority and NDC Deputy National Youth Organiser, accused the NPP of failing to engage seriously either as the ruling party or in opposition, stating that while the NDC campaigned on policies ahead of 2024, the NPP was "dancing," and that President Mahama is now implementing the NDC's election promises while the opposition continues to avoid serious governance engagement.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  29. Bawumia attends thanksgiving service for late Apostle Kantanka

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, NPP Flagbearer, joined members of the Kristo Asafo Church at a grand national thanksgiving service for the late Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi, alongside other prominent NPP figures.

    8 August 2026 · Daily Guide

Business

  1. Nestlé Ghana launches Nescafé campus activation at University of Ghana

    Nestlé Ghana launched its 'My Coffee, My Vibe' campaign at the University of Ghana, Legon, featuring performances and activities designed to connect the coffee brand with young consumers through music and self-expression. The activation included surprise appearances by dancer Dancegod Lloyd and singer Adina Thembi, and is part of efforts to make coffee part of students' lifestyle.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. South African factories struggle to fill migrant worker vacancies

    Xenophobic protests drove thousands of migrant workers from South Africa, leaving clothing factories in KwaZulu-Natal with unfilled vacancies; factory owners reported losing 12–19% of their workforce, and said few locals were willing to take the low-paying jobs.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Coursera invests $100M in Andrew Ng's AI-native learning startup

    Coursera has announced a $100 million strategic equity investment in LearnVector, an AI-native learning company founded by Andrew Ng, securing roughly a one-third ownership stake. LearnVector aims to provide one-on-one personalized learning experiences that adapt to individual learners and continue until mastery is demonstrated.

    8 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  4. Clea launches vendor payments for international supplier transactions

    Clea, a stablecoin-powered cross-border payments platform, has launched Vendor Payments to allow African businesses to pay international suppliers, auction platforms and shipping companies directly through its platform. The feature has already been adopted by more than 50 businesses since its pilot launch, and Clea surpassed $20 million in transaction volume within six months of emerging from stealth in December 2025.

    8 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  5. Telna and Bayobab partner on travel eSIM expansion

    Telna has partnered with Bayobab (MTN Digital Infrastructure) to enable mobile operating companies to launch branded travel eSIM services across African markets. The partnership combines Telna's CONNECT platform with Bayobab's IPX capabilities to streamline deployment and provide consistent customer experience.

    8 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  6. Old Schools Alumni Networking Gala planned for September 2026

    Senior High School alumni from across Ghana will converge in Accra on September 26, 2026, for the Old Schools Alumni Networking Gala Dinner, aimed at transforming school connections into business partnerships and professional opportunities.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. IMF reforms must address Ghana's persistent energy crisis

    Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin warns that weaknesses in Ghana's energy sector pose a threat to fiscal stability and calls for greater transparency, broader consultation, and clearly defined private-sector participation in electricity distribution. He notes that problems at the Electricity Company of Ghana—including high distribution losses, weak revenue collection, and financial burdens on the state—predate the current IMF programme, though the programme has improved transparency and revenue distribution mechanisms.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. ECG and SOEs cost Ghana 2.5–3.2% GDP annually, Bokpin warns

    Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin says state-owned enterprises, including the Electricity Company of Ghana and COCOBOD, have cost Ghana between 2.5% and 3.2% of its GDP over the past 15 to 20 years through inefficiencies. He calls for stronger policy reforms targeting these enterprises and greater transparency on any private-sector participation in ECG.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Prof Bokpin calls for ECG reform transparency, flags fiscal risks

    Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin has urged greater transparency and national consultation on Ghana's electricity sector reforms, warning that ECG's financial challenges pose a major risk to fiscal stability. He notes that long-standing structural problems including inefficiencies, weak revenue collection, and power generation obligations predate the current IMF programme.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  10. ECG inefficiencies risk pushing Ghana back to IMF

    Economist Prof Bokpin warned that persistent inefficiencies in the Electricity Company of Ghana and other state-owned enterprises could force Ghana to seek another IMF intervention. He said Ghana has lost between 2.5% and 3.2% of its GDP over the past 15 to 20 years due to such inefficiencies, and the energy sector's extra-budgetary allocations sometimes exceed combined budgets for Health, Food and Agriculture, and Education.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Ghana's digital trust debate needs better performance evidence

    As more payments and financial decisions move onto digital platforms, consumers need clearer ways to verify legitimacy and assess reliable performance. Verification through registers and trust seals should be complemented by improved consumer access to service quality data, amid renewed focus following the Bank of Ghana's 2024 fraud report.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  12. ECG schedules four-day maintenance outages in Accra East

    The Electricity Company of Ghana has announced a four-day planned maintenance exercise from August 10–13, during which several communities in Accra East will experience power outages between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm daily. The exercise aims to improve electricity service delivery in the affected areas.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

Society

  1. Ghanaian paediatric oncologist wins 2026 Roux Prize

    Dr. Emmanuella Amoako has become the first Ghanaian to win the Roux Prize, a global award for outstanding contributions to population health, in recognition of her work advancing childhood cancer care, including efforts to improve early diagnosis, treatment access, and survival outcomes for children with cancer.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana needs practical green city projects, better waste management

    Experts at a high-level dialogue on green urban development called for Ghana to move beyond climate and energy policies to bankable projects, citing inadequate planning, fragmented coordination, and limited financing as barriers to implementation. They emphasized that waste segregation at source and circular economy approaches are essential to sustainable urban development.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. NaCCA directs schools to stop using unapproved assessment materials

    The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has directed all pre-tertiary schools to cease using assessment items and mock examination papers that have not been vetted and approved by the Council, warning that schools procuring or administering unapproved materials face regulatory sanctions.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. CUTS challenges DVLA's escalating delinquency charges on expired licences

    CUTS International is calling on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority to suspend its escalating delinquency charges on expired driver's licences and publicly establish the legal authority and formula used to determine the fees, arguing the charges lack clear backing in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 and could unfairly penalise motorists.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Delayed Ghana road projects expose residents to air pollution

    Construction delays on government-funded infrastructure projects, including the Adentan–Dodowa dual carriageway, are leaving communities exposed to dust and harmful pollutants linked to diseases such as asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Experts attribute delays to missed government payments to contractors, poor oversight and corruption.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Vice President urges universities to integrate AI into academic programmes

    Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged universities to embrace Artificial Intelligence by integrating digital literacy and emerging technologies into their academic programmes, promote interdisciplinary research, support technology-based entrepreneurship, and equip graduates to use AI responsibly. She made the call at KAAF University's 15th Graduation Ceremony where 2,053 students graduated.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. STU hosts lecture on academic paper writing strategies

    Sunyani Technical University's Directorate of Grants, Research and Development organised a public lecture where Professor Samuel Adomako of the University of Birmingham shared practical strategies for producing quality academic papers, emphasising precision, relevance, originality, and engagement with contemporary literature.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. University administrators strike from August 10 over pay disparities

    The Ghana Association of University Administrators has called a nationwide strike effective August 10, 2026, over disparities in market premium and allowances between teaching and non-teaching senior members in public universities. The decision was announced at GAUA's 2026 National Congress in Sunyani, where the newly sworn-in National President cited undervaluation of administrators' contributions to remuneration decisions.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Weija Children's Hospital formally handed over to Ghana Health Service

    The 120-bed Children's Specialist Hospital at Weija has been handed over to the Ghana Health Service on Friday, August 7, 2026, following months of pressure from residents and parents demanding its operationalisation. Questions remain over when the hospital will begin receiving patients, with outstanding financial obligations to the contractor still unsettled.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  10. ICT centres need teacher training to drive digital learning

    The UNIWIZ Foundation CEO says providing ICT centres for schools without equipping teachers with skills to use them effectively limits their impact, which is why the foundation has introduced an Advanced Digital Skills Training programme for GES ICT coordinators beginning in the Greater Accra Region.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  11. UNIWIZ Foundation trains Greater Accra ICT coordinators in digital skills

    ICT coordinators and teachers from Greater Accra Region attended a two-day Advanced Digital Skills Training organised by UNIWIZ Foundation in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and others, aimed at strengthening capacity to support digital education in schools.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  12. UNIWIZ Foundation trains Greater Accra ICT coordinators in digital skills

    ICT coordinators from across the Greater Accra Region underwent a two-day Advanced Digital Skills Training programme organised by UNIWIZ Foundation in partnership with the Ghana Education Service, ModePlus Innovation Hub and Intellite IT Solutions, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland, to strengthen digital literacy and enhance delivery of ICT education in schools.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Achimota alumni chief urges tax incentives for school donors

    The president of the Old Achimotan Association has called on GETFund, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Education Ministry to introduce tax rebates and other incentives for alumni and donors who invest in public schools, arguing that goodwill alone may not sustain needed educational infrastructure investment.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Ghana High Commission to verify and conduct oath-taking for UK PhD scholars

    Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has confirmed the Ghana High Commission will proceed with a verification and oath-taking exercise for PhD students in the UK sponsored by the Ghana Scholarships Authority, despite opposition from scholarship beneficiaries who say it is discriminatory and unnecessary. The exercise aims to reaffirm students' commitment to return to Ghana after completing their studies, with the High Commissioner citing scholarship bond provisions that require beneficiaries to comply with Authority requirements and return to Ghana within two months of completion.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  15. GNFS contains major fire at Pantang furniture factory

    Firefighters from the Adenta Fire Station contained a fire at the Pantang Trasaco Furniture factory near Oak Lounge on Saturday, August 8, 2026, which engulfed a warehouse and part of the production facility. Finished woodwork and raw materials were destroyed, but the offices, machinery and critical equipment were salvaged, with no casualties reported.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  16. 54,000-litre petrol tanker fire controlled at Kawanpe

    A fuel tanker carrying petrol from Tema to Buipe caught fire at Kawanpe in Kintampo North Municipality after the driver heard a loud noise from the rear axle and noticed smoke and flames. Firefighters from Buipe Fire Station used water and foam concentrate to bring the blaze under control and extinguish it, and the remaining fuel was transferred to another tanker to complete the journey.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  17. 89-year-old man dies in house fire in Ashanti Region

    An 89-year-old man, Kwaku Opoku, died after being trapped and burnt in a fire that destroyed parts of a five-bedroom house at Aputuogya in the Ashanti Region. Firefighters from the Regional Sub-Station and KNUST Fire Station brought the blaze under control but discovered his lifeless body in the wreckage.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  18. GH¢2m medical supplies donated to Keta Municipal Hospital

    Philanthropist Lom Nuku Ahlijah and the Living Presence Evangelistic Network have donated medical supplies and equipment worth more than GH¢2 million to Keta Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region to support healthcare delivery and emergency response capacity.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  19. GNAT sets September 7 deadline to resolve teacher concerns

    The Ghana National Association of Teachers has given the Ghana Education Service and relevant government institutions until September 7 to resolve outstanding concerns over teachers' promotion placements, career progression and conditions of service, warning that failure could trigger industrial action. The association says delays have left teachers performing higher-rank duties without corresponding financial benefits or official recognition.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  20. Power and internet gaps hinder AI use in rural Ghana health

    Inconsistent power supply and unstable internet connectivity are major barriers to deploying AI in rural healthcare facilities, according to Professor Jerry John Kponyo of KNUST's Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab. Additional challenges include algorithmic bias from foreign training data, cultural resistance, and data fragmentation.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

Culture

  1. Beverly Afaglo's daughter pays emotional tribute at funeral

    Beverly Afaglo's daughter delivered a heartfelt tribute at her mother's funeral on August 8, 2026, expressing gratitude to God for choosing Beverly as their mother. The actress died on May 24, 2026, aged 42.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo laid to rest Saturday

    Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo is being buried today at the State House in Accra, with a private family ceremony to follow, concluding funeral rites that began in Maryland a week earlier. Afaglo, who died on May 24 at age 42 after a cancer battle, built a notable career in Ghana's film industry and is survived by her husband and two children.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Thousands honour late Apostle Kwadwo Safo in Kumasi

    Thousands of Kristo Asafo members and residents gathered at Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi for a thanksgiving service honouring the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo. His daughter Adwoa Safo and family members presided over the final funeral rites, which church members praised as a befitting farewell.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Ga Mashie Twin Festival celebrates spiritual significance of twins

    The annual 'Ye Yee Ye' Twin Festival in Ga Mashie, Accra, kicked off the 2026 Ga Mashie Homowo celebrations with traditional rituals where twins undergo spiritual cleansing, are smeared with white clay, and participate in a colourful procession through the principal streets amid drumming and singing.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

Sport

  1. Arsenal sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle for £75m

    Arsenal have signed 28-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75m on a four-year deal. Guimaraes, who captained Newcastle, said he wanted to experience a new challenge and join the Premier League champions.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana para-powerlifters compete in Russia ahead of LA28

    Ghana's three para-powerlifting athletes are competing at the 2026 International Para Powerlifting Competition in Russia as part of the National Paralympic Committee's 'Target the Podium' Initiative, which aims to prepare Ghanaian para-athletes for medal contention at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Chelsea beats AC Milan 3-0 in pre-season match

    Chelsea defeated AC Milan 3-0 in a pre-season friendly in Jakarta, with Joao Pedro scoring twice and Moises Caicedo adding the third. The win came after successive defeats to Tottenham and Juventus under new manager Xabi Alonso.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and agent, dies at 68

    Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, has died at age 68 in Rosario following treatment for an unspecified illness. Lionel Messi's emotional performance at this year's World Cup was attributed to personal difficulties related to his father's health.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Prosper Ahiabu scores as Inter Turku beats Vaduz

    Ghanaian midfielder Prosper Ahiabu scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute as FC Inter Turku defeated FC Vaduz 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying-round tie, giving the Finnish side an advantage ahead of the return leg next week.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

World & Region

  1. Ghanaian businessman takes Nigeria land dispute to ICC arbitration

    Sir Sam Jonah has commenced international arbitration proceedings against Nigeria's Federal Capital Development Authority over the termination of a 501-hectare development lease in Abuja, which the company claims was unlawful and contrary to the terms of the development agreement.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Oman reports progress in Iran talks on Strait of Hormuz shipping

    Oman says positive talks are underway with Iran over an agreement to secure a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, though Iran warns that any deal would not immediately reopen the waterway. Iran says reopening depends on other conditions, including US compensation for alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. US pledges $1bn security aid to Colombia's new president

    The US has offered $1bn to Colombia hours after right-wing populist Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president. De la Espriella, an admirer of Donald Trump, vowed an "all-out war" on drug cartels in his inaugural speech, and the US said the security package would help achieve shared goals including fighting organised crime and illegal immigration.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Child among three killed in Russian missile strikes near Kyiv

    At least three people, including a child, were killed in overnight Russian missile attacks east of Kyiv on Saturday, with falling debris damaging buildings and cars and fires breaking out at multiple locations. Three others were wounded, and President Zelensky arrived in Belgrade for his first visit to build wider support for Ukraine amid concerns about depleting interceptor stockpiles.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Infantino denies affair allegations; UEFA confirms severance payment

    According to a Daily Telegraph investigation, UEFA made a severance payment to a woman with whom FIFA president Gianni Infantino allegedly had a relationship while he was UEFA's general secretary. Infantino's spokesman said he "strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations," while UEFA confirmed the payment covered fees for an MBA course and was in line with regulations at the time.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Spain imposes month-long border controls against Italy over Ceuta migrants

    Spain has imposed border controls on air and sea travel from Italy, escalating a dispute between the two EU nations following an influx of about 78,000 migrants from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Italy introduced similar restrictions and says it will maintain them at least until 15 August, citing concerns about onward migration.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Typhoon Dolphin strikes Japan's Okinawa, China prepares for landfall

    Typhoon Dolphin lashed Okinawa on Saturday, injuring six people and cutting power to over 50,000 buildings, while China shut ports and raised its emergency response level ahead of the storm's expected landfall between late Sunday and early Monday on its east coast.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. British Columbia wildfire prompts evacuations, emergency declaration

    The Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia swept through Summerland early Saturday, growing to about 5,000 hectares and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The district declared a state of emergency, lost power, and issued a boil water notice after untreated water entered the system.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. U.S. Democrats plan Trump investigations if they gain House control

    U.S. House Democrats are developing an investigative strategy targeting companies and financial firms surrounding President Trump, using hearings, subpoenas, and document requests rather than pursuing immediate impeachment. Democrats say this approach, informed by lessons from Trump's first term, aims to build evidence of whether Trump used his power to benefit himself, allies, or donors.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

Opinion

  1. Opinion: Government delays payment to FSHS food suppliers

    An opinion piece argues that ordinary Ghanaians who supplied food items under the Free Senior High School Policy in Q4 2024 are waiting for payment, citing a norm that government pays for fourth-quarter services in the first quarter of the following year. The writer calls for President Mahama to ensure justice for these suppliers.

    8 August 2026 · Joy Online

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