Ghana Minute.
Sunday, 16 August 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 16 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 16 August 2026
Politics

Ghana leads global push for slavery reparations at UN

The News

Ghana tabled a UN resolution recognising slavery as "the greatest crime against humanity" and hosted a June summit in Accra with delegates from around 80 countries to advance the case for reparations. Ghana has been designated by the African Union as "champion for reparatory justice" in the intensifying global conversation on formal apologies, debt relief, and financial compensation from nations that benefited from slavery.

16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Politics

  1. Ghana leads global push for slavery reparations at UN

    Ghana tabled a UN resolution recognising slavery as "the greatest crime against humanity" and hosted a June summit in Accra with delegates from around 80 countries to advance the case for reparations. Ghana has been designated by the African Union as "champion for reparatory justice" in the intensifying global conversation on formal apologies, debt relief, and financial compensation from nations that benefited from slavery.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. High Court dismisses Nana Kwame Bediako's bid to halt $14.9m judgment

    Ghana's High Court (Commercial Division 3) has dismissed an application by Nana Kwame Bediako seeking to restrain Cola Holdings Ltd from enforcing a $14.9 million judgment against him, originating from an English High Court ruling dated January 23, 2025. The court awarded GH¢20,000 in costs against Bediako in favour of Cola Holdings.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Labour backs IPEC proposal, demands role in pay reforms

    Organised labour has expressed support for the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC) while calling for continuous involvement in establishing the new public sector compensation body. The FWSC held a stakeholder engagement to gather labour's views on the draft IPEC Bill, which will replace the existing Act 737 governing the FWSC and establish a new framework for determining public sector compensation.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NPP retains Mohammed Baantima Samba as Northern Regional Chair

    Mohammed Baantima Samba won re-election as the NPP's Northern Regional Chairman with 215 votes, defeating Amadu Inusah (122 votes) and two other candidates out of 387 valid votes cast. New regional executives were also elected, with Samba pledging to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2028 general election.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ghana's new road traffic law creates separate commercial driver licenses

    Ghana's new road traffic regulations introduce separate licensing regimes for private and commercial drivers, moving away from a single license system. The National Road Safety Authority says the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority will issue distinct licenses for private drivers, commercial drivers, and commercial motorcycle riders, with training requirements emphasizing skills like customer service and passenger/goods transport obligations.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Cameroon's 93-year-old president absent for two months in Europe

    Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is one of the world's longest-serving leaders, left on June 7 for what his office described as a "brief private stay in Europe" and has not returned in two months. His absence has revived questions about his health and governance of the country, though a government spokesman confirmed he was in Geneva, Switzerland and not hospitalized.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Vice President urges civil servants to prioritise citizens in decision-making

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on civil servants to strengthen professionalism, collaboration, and innovation to improve public service delivery, stating that government policies' effectiveness depends on the Civil Service's ability to translate them into results for citizens. She emphasised the Civil Service's role as a critical link between government and people, and noted the government's commitment to reforms including the National Public Sector Reform Strategy 2.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Ghana welcomes five new envoys to strengthen diplomatic ties

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has welcomed five newly designated envoys to Ghana—representing Nigeria, India, Lebanon, Australia, and UNIDO—describing their arrival as an opportunity to strengthen the country's diplomatic relations and international partnerships. The envoys are expected to promote cooperation in areas including trade, investment, development, and people-to-people relations.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Sammi Awuku denies EOCO arrest allegations over NLA tenure

    Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Sammi Awuku has denied reports that the Economic and Organised Crime Office arrested him on Saturday, August 15, appearing in a video on Sunday in Kumasi and stating he was participating in NPP regional elections. The reports had alleged his detention was linked to corruption and financial irregularities during his tenure as former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Western North NPP chairmanship results disputed, ballot box seized

    Disagreement erupted at the Western North NPP regional chairmanship collation centre after provisional results indicated Pious Vincent Abekah as the winner; police took custody of the ballot box for a possible recount and safekeeping.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Bawumia congratulates NPP's newly elected regional executives

    Presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has congratulated the newly elected regional executives of the NPP following the completion of regional-level elections, commending the peaceful conduct of the elections as a reaffirmation of the party's commitment to internal democracy. He expressed confidence that the new leadership would be crucial to consolidating the party's organisation and preparing for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Bawumia urges NPP unity after regional executive elections

    Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's presidential candidate, has congratulated newly elected regional executives and called for party unity as the NPP prepares for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections. He praised the peaceful conduct of the regional elections and said the new leadership would strengthen party structures and improve prospects for the next general election.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Health Minister warns boards against interfering in institution management

    Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh urged Boards of health institutions to respect the boundaries of their oversight responsibilities and avoid interfering in day-to-day administration, emphasizing that clear separation between governance and management was essential for preventing conflicts and ensuring efficient operations. He made the remarks during a Ministry of Health High-Level Mid-Year Review Retreat in Ho where participants are undergoing training on corporate governance and the role of Boards in public health institutions.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Business

  1. ECG schedules maintenance outages in Ashanti Region communities

    The Electricity Company of Ghana has announced planned maintenance works that will cause temporary power outages in parts of the Ashanti Region on August 18 and August 20, affecting multiple communities as part of efforts to improve electricity supply reliability.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. GRIDCo plans 15-hour power outage for emergency tower repair

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited will cut power to parts of Greater Accra on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to replace a damaged transmission tower on the 161kV Tema–Achimota line after a fuel tanker exploded during welding work at Ashaiman Middle East.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. GRIDCo plans 15-hour power outage in Accra for tower repairs

    GRIDCo will cut electricity to parts of Greater Accra from 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday to carry out emergency repairs on a transmission tower at Ashaiman damaged when a fuel tanker exploded during welding work within the transmission line corridor.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Archbishop says illegal gold purchases exceed Ghana's official records

    Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams claims that some gold buyers have documentation of illegal purchases that far exceed the volume of gold officially recorded by Ghana, raising questions about the effectiveness of Ghana's regulatory systems. He alleges that foreign buyers have records of transactions that Ghana's government does not.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Archbishop Duncan-Williams warns of pressure on Ghana Gold Board

    Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has raised alarm over attempts by powerful interests to access Ghana's formal gold trade, claiming individuals who can no longer obtain gold illegally are seeking channels through the Ghana Gold Board. He warned that political interference and illegal mining destruction could jeopardise the country's future.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra celebrates 15 years

    The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra has commenced celebrations to mark its 15th anniversary. The General Manager said the milestone was an opportunity to celebrate the hotel's achievements, appreciate contributors to its growth, and look ahead to the future.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Government exceeds treasury bill auction target by 88 percent

    The government exceeded its treasury bill target by 88 percent, receiving GH¢11.2 billion in bids from investors, though it accepted GH¢4.88 billion. Interest rates fell across all maturities, with the 91-day bill yield dropping 16 basis points to 5.46% and the 364-day yield falling 48 basis points to 12.50%.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Mining & Energy

  1. Tano North chiefs petition Mahama over galamsey destruction

    Traditional authorities in the Tano North Municipality have appealed to President Mahama to intervene against illegal mining that has devastated forests and polluted the River Tano, saying state institutions including NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards have failed to halt the destruction.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana Gold Board facing pressure from illegal trade networks

    Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has called on Ghanaians to pray for the Ghana Gold Board, warning that the institution faces a "very powerful movement" of individuals in the illegal gold trade seeking alternative channels to access gold as controls tighten. He said some foreign gold buyers previously purchasing through black markets are now trying to obtain connections to senior officials to access gold through the Gold Board instead.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Society

  1. UHAS suspends semester exams for administrative, logistical issues

    The University of Health and Allied Sciences has suspended its End-of-Second-Semester Examinations for the 2025/2026 academic year to address outstanding administrative and logistical matters. A revised examination schedule is expected by August 17, 2026.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. VIP bus from Abuakwa to Accra destroyed by fire

    A VIP bus scheduled to depart Abuakwa for Accra on Saturday, August 15, was destroyed by fire while stationary at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality. The bus conductor detected smoke at 6:45 pm and switched off the power supply; the Fire Service responded but the vehicle sustained extensive damage.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Brock Royal Family hosts annual Osu Duku Walk celebration

    The Brock Royal Family hosted this year's Osu Duku Walk, an annual celebration that drew crowds from across the region and promotes healthy lifestyle, networking among participants and families, and business connections. The family's founder announced that one of its subsidiary companies will sponsor the Osu Homowo Festival Celebration.

    16 August 2026 · Daily Guide

  4. Health Ministry reviews NDC 2024 Manifesto healthcare commitments

    The Ministry of Health began a three-day mid-year review in Ho on initiatives including the Free Primary Healthcare programme, Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCare), NHIS expansion, health facility retooling, specialised nursing programmes, regional hospital construction in six newly created regions, and cataract centres. The review aims to assess progress on government healthcare commitments and identify implementation gaps.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Men pursue penis fillers for girth despite medical risks

    Some men are undergoing penis filler procedures to increase girth and self-confidence, though cases of serious complications including blackening and tissue damage have occurred. Medical bodies such as the British Association of Urological Surgeons have issued warnings, and there is little regulation around the procedures.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. GMet warns northern Ghana of severe rainstorm tonight

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency has issued a weather warning for parts of northern Ghana, forecasting a severe rainstorm to move westward from Benin and affect the Upper East, North East, Northern, Upper West and Savannah regions tonight and into the morning hours. The weather system is expected to bring strong to gusty winds, frequent lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall, with GMet urging residents to take precautionary measures, avoid open spaces and isolated trees, and motorists to exercise care on the roads.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Kalpohin SHS, NOBISCO advance to national public speaking competition

    Kalpohin Senior High School and the Northern School of Business Senior High School won the Northern Region public speaking competition organised by Dee Dee Global and will represent the region at the national finals in Accra.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. VIP bus from Kumasi to Sunyani destroyed by fire at Abuakwa

    A VIP bus travelling from Kumasi to Sunyani caught fire and was completely destroyed at Abuakwa in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, though all passengers escaped before the blaze spread and no casualties were recorded. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, though eyewitnesses suspect engine overheating.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Motorists have right to record police traffic stops for evidence

    The National Road Safety Authority's Director of Regulations, Inspections and Compliance says motorists stopped by police during traffic interactions can record the encounter on mobile phones, and such recordings may be admissible as evidence in court to resolve disputes.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Ghana must declare road deaths a public health emergency

    Appiah Kusi Adomako, director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, has called for Ghana to move beyond enforcement alone to tackle road fatalities, arguing the country should declare road crashes a public health emergency given that over 2,500 people died on Ghanaian roads last year—roughly eight daily—warranting national urgency comparable to the COVID-19 response.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Kusi Adomako urges Ghana to declare road crashes public health emergency

    The Director of CUTS International's West Africa Regional Centre has called on the government to treat road crashes as a public health emergency, citing more than 2,500 deaths last year and an average of eight daily fatalities that warrant the same urgent response applied to COVID-19.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  12. JoyNews examines Ghana's new road traffic rules

    JoyNews' The Law programme discussed Ghana's new road traffic rules and their implications for motorists, pedestrians, transport operators, and law enforcement agencies, with guests from the National Road Safety Authority and CUTS International addressing enforcement measures and road safety improvements.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Men pursue penis fillers for self-confidence despite medical risks

    Some men are getting penis filler procedures for perceived aesthetic and confidence benefits, but cases of serious complications including tissue damage have led medical associations to issue warnings. The procedures remain largely unregulated with no official records of uptake.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Driver rescued from truck wreckage on Kintampo–Tamale Highway

    The Ghana National Fire Service rescued a driver trapped in a Shacman trailer after a vehicular accident at Water Falls Junction on the Kintampo–Tamale Highway on Friday, August 14, 2026. The driver was extricated from the wreckage and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  15. GNFS battles first-floor fire at Accra New Town apartment

    Firefighters are battling a blaze in a residential apartment at Accra New Town, believed to have been caused by an overheated power bank left on charge. Firefighting operations are still ongoing, with no injuries recorded as of reporting time.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  16. Education Ministry strengthens sexual harassment prevention in tertiary institutions

    Deputy Director of the Tertiary Directorate at the Ministry of Education says sexual harassment has no place in Ghana's educational institutions and that tertiary institutions must strengthen prevention, reporting and support systems to protect students and staff and ensure safe learning environments. This was stated at a multi-tertiary stakeholder conference in Accra on strengthening survivor-centred sexual harassment prevention and response in tertiary institutions.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  17. Growing trend of vacation classes challenges rest time for Ghanaian students

    Ghanaian school vacations, traditionally a time for rest and family, are increasingly filled with vacation classes and summer school programmes in private and public schools, raising questions about whether students need academic breaks or continued learning.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  18. Evangelical Presbyterian Church secures frequency for Bremen Radio

    The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana has secured and registered a radio frequency for a new station called Bremen Radio, which will be used to reach communities beyond its congregations with Christian messages and public education. The outgoing Moderator announced the development during the Church's 12th General Assembly as part of its broader expansion of digital platforms and media operations.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  19. EPCG settles GH¢11.7m debt, outgoing moderator urges stronger controls

    The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana has paid over GH¢11.7 million in debt as of June 23, 2026, exceeding the GH¢7.2 million inherited by the outgoing administration. Outgoing Moderator Rev. Dr. Agbeko called for tighter controls on borrowing while noting the Church continues to service outstanding debt to the National Investment Bank under a renegotiated arrangement.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  20. Rev. Prof. Amevenku elected 15th Moderator of E.P. Church Ghana

    The General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana elected Rev. Prof. Frederick Mawusi Amevenku as the Church's 15th Moderator with 111 votes (72.55%) at its 12th General Assembly in Ho on August 15, 2026. He will officially assume office on January 1, 2027, succeeding Right Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd.) as the highest spiritual and administrative leader of the denomination.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  21. Adom TV hosts Nkwa Hia Fit health walk on August 15

    Adom TV's Nkwa Hia Fit & Free Health Walk 2026 brought participants together on Saturday, August 15, for an outdoor exercise event themed "Come Fit, Leave Happier" that began at Ayi Mensah and trekked towards Lodge Tarven at Peduase to promote physical fitness, healthy living, and community engagement.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Culture

  1. Mfantsipim School marks 150 years with student folklore traditions

    An alumnus reflects on entering Mfantsipim School in 1987 and discovering the student body's parallel registry of nicknames for staff members—coded language that revealed an internal anthropology of power rather than casual mockery.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Omotola donates film producer earnings to Slum2School Africa

    Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde donated all producer earnings from her film Mother's Love to Slum2School Africa. After box office revenue of over N103 million was reduced by various industry costs and taxes, N22,276,558 was transferred to the charitable organisation on July 7, 2026.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Nigerian singer Omah Lay says he stopped trying to quit smoking

    Afrobeats artist Omah Lay told a podcast interviewer that he has accepted his smoking habit after multiple failed attempts to quit, saying smoking gives him "artificial happiness" and a sense of rebellion because cannabis is illegal in Nigeria.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Teni jokes with Burna Boy over ocean jump stunt

    Nigerian singer Teni jokingly called out Burna Boy for jumping into the ocean, questioning why he would take such a risk when they have not yet recorded a song together. Teni playfully warned that a shark attack could prevent them from collaborating and referred to him as a national treasure.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ariana Grande's UK tour debut since 2019 draws enthusiastic fans

    Ariana Grande performed her Eternal Sunshine tour in London's O2 arena on Saturday night, marking her first UK performance since 2019. The two-hour show highlighted her vocal range and featured both elaborate production and intimate moments with her band.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Stonebwoy headlines sold-out OVO Arena Wembley concert

    Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy became the first Ghanaian to headline a sold-out concert at OVO Arena Wembley in London on August 15, marking the first international expansion of his annual BHIM Festival. The 12,500-capacity venue was transformed into a celebration of Ghanaian heritage, culture, and music, with stage design drawing from Accra's Black Star Square and tributes to foundational Ghanaian Highlife legends.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine tour arrives in UK

    Ariana Grande played the O2 arena in London on Saturday night for the first time in the UK since 2019, delivering a two-hour show that emphasises her vocal range across a mix of club anthems and stripped-back performances with her band.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Europe's tallest Virgin Mary statue inaugurated in Poland

    A 55.6-metre concrete Virgin Mary statue has been formally unveiled in rural Konotopie, Poland, and consecrated by a local bishop in a ceremony coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption. The statue was commissioned by a local millionaire couple.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Sport

  1. Fery wins Cincinnati return; Djokovic reveals health condition

    Britain's Arthur Fery defeated Australia's James Duckworth 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-4) at the Cincinnati Open, his first match since reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals. Novak Djokovic lost to Argentina's Thiago Tirante 2-6 6-4 6-4 and revealed he has an ongoing health condition, struggling with hot and humid conditions.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ronaldo hints current season likely his last as player

    Cristiano Ronaldo told Vogue that this season is probably his last as a footballer after a 25-year career, saying he wants to leave a spectacular legacy and has mapped out post-football plans including family, travel, and padel. The 41-year-old Portugal captain has one year remaining on his Al-Nassr contract and is 24 goals short of 1,000 senior career goals.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Arsenal win 2026 Community Shield against Manchester City

    Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3–0 in the Community Shield final at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Goals from Calafiori, Havertz, and Odegaard gave the Premier League champions their 18th Community Shield title and second trophy in four months.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Barcelona sign Rodri from Manchester City for £65m

    Barcelona have agreed to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City for approximately £65m on a four-year deal. The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, leaves City after seven seasons and 12 major honours.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Semenyo surpasses Yeboah's English Premier League goal record

    Antoine Semenyo scored 17 goals in the English Premier League last season, breaking Tony Yeboah's previous record of 12 goals set in the 1994/95 and 1995/96 seasons. The 26-year-old Ghanaian forward says the achievement motivates him to inspire the next generation of footballers.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Cameroon wins first WAFCON title, defeats Malawi 3-0

    Cameroon won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, beating Malawi 3-0 in the final with Marie Ngah scoring twice and Naomi Ndjoah Eto adding a goal. The victory ended three previous final defeats for Cameroon.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Arsenal faces challenge defending Premier League title

    Arsenal won the Premier League last season and begin this campaign as defending champions for the first time since 2004-05, with the article examining whether Mikel Arteta's side can achieve back-to-back titles by exploring historical patterns and the psychological challenges of title defence.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Laryea disqualified for low blows in WBA title eliminator

    Ghanaian boxer John Laryea was disqualified in the ninth round for low blows during his WBA Featherweight title eliminator against Maximilliano Robledo in Buenos Aires, after being knocked down three times in the bout. The loss was Laryea's first defeat in 18 fights.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Ghana competes internationally for first time in karting

    Three Ghanaian drivers—Jihad (senior) and juniors Kloe and Ezra—will represent Ghana at the Karting Africa Championship Series launch in Benguela, Angola on October 10 and 11, marking the country's first official international karting competition outside Ghana.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

World & Region

  1. Air India pilot cannabis test reported; cause still under investigation

    An Air India Airbus A320 lost about 91m of altitude on 4 August while flying from Phuket to Delhi, injuring 13 passengers and four crew members; media reports citing sources say the captain tested positive for cannabis in a confirmatory test after routine post-flight screening, though the result has not been officially confirmed by Air India and no finding links it to the incident, which remains under broader investigation.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. France's constitutional court strikes down under-15s social media ban

    France's Constitutional Council has overturned legislation banning social media for under-15s, finding it violated freedom of expression and lacked necessary legal safeguards. President Emmanuel Macron has asked his Prime Minister to prepare a revised draft with the court's concerns in mind.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Pope calls for end to West Bank violence against Palestinians

    Pope Leo called Sunday for an end to violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, where militant settlers have attacked civilians and besieged the village of Qusra by cutting off water and electricity. He urged the international community to advance a two-state solution for lasting peace.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Shipping through Strait of Hormuz declines sharply after tanker attacks

    Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed over the weekend following attacks on tankers, with only five commodity vessels transiting on Saturday and none on Sunday, compared to 31 in the prior weekend, according to shiptracking data. The slowdown occurred as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the Middle East conflict stalled and Iran's Foreign Minister said Washington must meet Iran's conditions regarding the strait for shipping to resume.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Polish bus veers off Hungarian motorway, twelve killed

    A Polish tourist bus veered off Hungary's M3 motorway and overturned into a ditch early Sunday, killing twelve people and injuring dozens more. Police believe the driver fell asleep at the wheel and has been taken into custody.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Iran claims Qatar holds three captured fighter pilots

    Iran's Brig Gen Mohammad Bagherzadeh has written to the International Committee of the Red Cross claiming three Iranian fighter pilots have been held captive by Qatar for six months after their jets were downed during a military operation on 2 March 2026. Qatar categorically denied the allegations, stating it had contacted the pilots after they violated Qatari airspace and that it took necessary measures to defend its territory.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Multiple shooters remain at large after five shot at US university

    Five people were injured, one critically, in a shooting at Virginia State University early Saturday involving multiple suspects. Local police say more than one shooter was involved and no arrests have been made.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Three killed as Russia launches fresh aerial attacks across Ukraine

    At least three people were killed and more than 10 injured in Ukraine's latest wave of Russian strikes, with Russia intensifying aerial attacks while Kyiv has stepped up targeting of Russian logistics hubs. Ukraine said it shot down three Russian missiles and nearly 100 drones, while Moscow's mayor reported about 600 Ukrainian drones were launched towards the city overnight.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Hurricane Lala batters Hawaii with dangerous winds and rain

    Category one Hurricane Lala, with winds of 80mph, is lashing Hawaii's Big Island with torrential rain and could dump up to 25 inches on the island while producing a 3-foot storm surge; hurricane warnings are in effect for Big Island and tropical storm warnings for nearby islands.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Twin wildfires kill two, evacuate hundreds from Greek island

    Two people died and more than 360 were evacuated by sea after two fires broke out almost simultaneously on the island of Salamina near Athens on Sunday, driven by high winds. About 200 firefighters, 50 fire engines, and several aircraft were deployed to prevent the blazes from converging.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Ukraine launches largest 2026 drone attack; Russia confirms casualties

    Russia reported at least seven people killed in what officials called the "largest-scale" Ukrainian attack this year, involving 822 drones with 600 targeting Moscow, including a strike on a Wildberries warehouse near the capital. Russian attacks on Ukraine also killed at least seven people and injured more than 39.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Ghana and Netherlands sign drug-fighting agreement

    Ghana and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen joint efforts against illicit drugs and dismantle criminal networks behind drug markets, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stating the agreement builds on the Accra Call to Action and seeks to disrupt trafficking of cocaine, synthetic drugs and illicit proceeds between the two countries.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

Opinion

  1. Architects must shape Ghana's infrastructure and urban development

    Architecture extends beyond designing attractive buildings to creating safe, functional, sustainable spaces responsive to society's needs. As Ghana urbanizes and invests in infrastructure, architects' role is critical to ensuring developments improve productivity, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth rather than causing congestion, flooding, and inefficiency.

    16 August 2026 · Joy Online

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