Ghanaian Media Personality and Entertainment Pundit, MC Yaa Yeboah, has voiced her disappointment over the use of derogatory slurs in public feuds between celebrities. In a recent discussion on Accra-based Neat FM, she specifically criticized musicians Sista Afia and Efia Odo for resorting to name-calling in their ongoing conflict. MC Yaa Yeboah argued that being involved in multiple personal relationships does not justify labeling someone as a “prostitute.” She emphasized that such derogatory terms are harmful and misrepresent a person's character. “If I am romantically involved with someone, we break up, I get involved with another person and it also ends, is that a reason to be labelled a prostitute?” she questioned. “Such labels do not define a person’s character and celebrities, especially females, should avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and focus on facts rather than insults” MC Yaa Yeboah expressed her dismay over the public exchange between Sista Afia and Efia Odo, stating that their actions tarnish each other's reputations. “It disappoints me that Sista Afia and Efia Odo can resort to such slurs. You can say it’s good for the media attention, but in the process, you are tarnishing each other’s reputation,” she remarked. “It hurts me that when women are having a feud, they go about labelling each other as ‘ashawo’ and all that. That doesn’t define anybody, just stick to facts.” The renewed feud between Sista Afia and Efia Odo has garnered significant media attention and public reaction. The latest clash began when a bikini photo of Sista Afia was mistakenly identified as Efia Odo, leading to a series of insults. Sista Afia called Efia Odo an “industry machine,” implying her alleged associations with multiple male artists. In response, Efia Odo made derogatory comments about Sista Afia’s appearance and business ventures. The animosity between the two dates back to 2019, involving accusations and body-shaming. Despite a public reconciliation attempt in 2020, their relationship remains strained. MC Yaa Yeboah’s comments highlight the need for more respectful and constructive dialogue among celebrities, emphasizing that personal attacks only serve to harm reputations and perpetuate negative stereotypes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In an unexpected turn of events, Achia Yeboah Sally, the General Secretary aspirant for the Africa Hall at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has faced a historic defeat. Despite running unopposed, Sally lost the election with a striking margin, receiving 348 "NO" votes compared to just 189 "YES" votes. This result marks a significant moment in KNUST's history, making Sally the first student to lose an unopposed hall election. The outcome has sparked widespread discussion among the student body and beyond, highlighting the challenges and dynamics of student elections. Sally's campaign had initially seemed secure due to the lack of opposition. However, the election results indicate a different sentiment among the students of Africa Hall. The decisive "NO" votes signal a call for change or a rejection of Sally's candidacy based on her perceived qualifications or campaign approach. The defeat underscores the importance of student engagement and the potential for unexpected outcomes, even in seemingly straightforward elections. As the first KNUST student to experience such a loss under these circumstances, Sally's defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of electoral processes. This historic event has already begun to generate considerable attention and debate within the university community, with students and observers speculating on the implications for future hall elections and the broader student political landscape at KNUST. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Alberta Afia Akoto, Deputy Communication Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has filed a lawsuit against Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as A Plus, an independent parliamentary candidate for Gomoa Central, for allegedly making defamatory statements against her. In the writs of summons, Afia Akoto, a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), claims that A Plus defamed her in a live Facebook post on July 12, 2024. She is seeking GH¢5 million in damages, among other reliefs. The reliefs she is seeking, as stated in the court document, include: a) A declaration that the statements made by the defendant in his Facebook post on July 12, 2024, are defamatory to the plaintiff, as detailed in paragraphs 9 and 12 of the statement of claim. b) GH¢5,000,000 (Five Million Ghana Cedis) in damages for defamation, including exemplary and punitive damages. c) A perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further publishing or causing to be published the said or similar defamatory statements about the plaintiff. d) An order directing the defendant to retract the defamatory statements made on Facebook on July 12, 2024, and to issue an apology to the plaintiff with the same prominence. e) Costs, including solicitor’s fees. The High Court in Accra asked A Plus to respond to the suit within 8 days of receiving it. “AN ACTION having been commenced against you by the issue of this writ by the above-named Plaintiff. “YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED that within EIGHT DAYS after service of this writ on you inclusive of the day of service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you. “AND TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, judgment may be given in your absence without further notice to you.” What A Plus alleged: A Plus claimed that Afia Akoto attempted to have a sexual affair with Maxwell Mensah, the husband of actress Nana Ama McBrown. He alleged that Afia sent nude pictures to Maxwell in an attempt to seduce him, but her efforts were unsuccessful. He also stated that he intervened to prevent Maxwell from releasing the pictures to the public. “Maame Afia Akoto, do you remember the photos of that old yellowish ‘ɛtw kutu’ you sent to Maxwell to beg him to come and eat, but he ran away because it was too scary? If you don’t know Maxwell, I’m talking about McBrown’s husband. But for me, McBrown would have finished you! I had to beg for you so that those pictures wouldn’t come out to cause fear and panic in the country.“ "I spent days solving this problem only for you to turn around and be fooling. If I resend the photos to you, you’ll shout ‘blood of Jesus!’ Ungrateful fool! Love yourself more than your party. Choose your battles wisely, if not it will go over you! You haven’t seen a foolish man before?” he claimed in his Facebook post. Credit: The Herald Ghana

News coming in indicates that a Radio Presenter with Sompa Fm, Nana Kwabena Poku Piesie has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service following his open confession of having sex with a minor on radio. The Ghana Police Service took to their X account to make the announcement. The tweet read "The suspect is in custody assisting police investigations" The Police has assured the public that the Nana Poku will be taken through the due process of the law. Background: There were growing public calls for the arrest of a radio presenter who openly confessed to engaging in sexual activities with a minor. In a viral social media video, the presenter, speaking on Sompa FM, shared a story about how he engaged in a sexual relationship with a girl from the age of 14. “I started having sex with a girl at the age of 14… Her father was a wealthy man in Dormaa Ahenkro, she had a body, and I slept with her from class six until she completed Kumasi Academy,” he stated. The confession by the presenter received widespread criticism on social media, with some celebrities calling for his arrest. Actress Lydia Forson in a tweet expressed worry over the open confession. Rapper Sarkodie in response to Lydia's tweet called for the man’s arrest, stating, “I sense no hate here; he should not be walking around freely.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Fuel prices in Ghana have surged past GH¢15 per litre as oil marketing companies (OMCs) adjust their rates at the pumps in response to the commencement of July's second pricing window. Shell, a leading OMC, has increased its petrol price from GHȼ14.80 to GHȼ15.10 per litre. Similarly, the price of diesel has risen from GH¢14.92 to GH¢15.25 per litre. More OMCs are expected to follow suit with price increases in the coming days. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) had anticipated this rise, predicting a 4 percent increase in petroleum product prices effective Tuesday, July 16, 2024. This adjustment reflects ongoing market trends and the impact of global oil price fluctuations on local fuel costs. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that first-year Senior High School (SHS) students for the 2024-2025 academic year are to commence lessons on Friday, September 27. This announcement was made in a statement released on Tuesday, July 16. The GES has urged parents and school administrators to ensure that students are fully prepared for the upcoming school year. The statement emphasized the importance of readiness and proper planning to ensure a smooth start to the academic term. According to the GES, the first semester for these new SHS students will run until December 6, at which point they will conclude their first term and begin their vacation. The schedule is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience while also allowing for adequate breaks and rest periods. The statement from the GES also clarified that all other activities and programmes scheduled for the semester will proceed as planned without any changes. This assurance is meant to alleviate any concerns regarding potential disruptions to the academic calendar. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support their children in preparing for the school year by ensuring they have all necessary supplies and materials. School administrators are also advised to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate the new students and facilitate a conducive learning environment. The GES remains committed to providing quality education and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. The announcement of the start date for first-year SHS students marks an important step in the academic journey of these young learners, and the GES is confident that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, the school year will be a successful one. This development is part of the GES's ongoing efforts to streamline the educational process and provide clear and timely information to all parties involved. As the new academic year approaches, the GES will continue to monitor and support the implementation of the school calendar to ensure a productive and enriching experience for all students. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Rock City Hotel has officially withdrawn its bid to acquire a 60 percent stake in four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). The hotels in question include La Palm Beach Hotel, Labadi Beach Hotel, Royal Ridge Hotel, and Elmina Beach Hotel. The decision to withdraw the bid follows threats from Organised Labour to embark on a strike scheduled for Monday, July 15, if SSNIT proceeded with the sale to Rock City Hotel, which is owned by Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong. In a letter addressed to the Director-General of SSNIT, Mr. Kofi Osafo-Maafo, Rock City Hotel expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of stakeholder engagement, which they believe contributed to the negative reception of their bid. "We are disappointed at the lack of stakeholder engagement, which we believe has led to the negativity surrounding our bid," the letter stated. In light of these concerns, Rock City Hotel has decided to discontinue its pursuit of the investment opportunity in the SSNIT-owned hotels. This move comes as a significant development amidst ongoing discussions and tensions regarding the sale. In an effort to promote transparency and accountability, Rock City Hotel has agreed to the release of all or parts of their bid documents for public scrutiny or publication if deemed necessary. This gesture aims to ensure the public is fully informed about the details of the bid and the processes involved. The withdrawal of Rock City Hotel's bid highlights the critical role of stakeholder engagement and public sentiment in high-profile transactions involving national assets. The response from Organised Labour and the subsequent decision by Rock City Hotel underscore the importance of considering the interests and concerns of all parties involved. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how SSNIT will proceed with the future of the hotels and address the concerns raised by various stakeholders. The decision by Rock City Hotel to withdraw their bid is a significant turning point, reflecting the complexities and challenges in managing public assets and investments. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Concerned Youth of the Western Region have dismissed the apology issued by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, following his contentious remarks comparing the achievements of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, to those of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Dr. Opoku Prempeh, recently unveiled as the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Kumasi, sparked controversy when he claimed that no president, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has developed Ghana like President Akufo-Addo has since taking office in 2017. “Since independence from 1957 till today, we have not had any president that has helped Ghana like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. I say from 1957 till today, you can bring your Kwame Nkrumah… no president who has protected Ghana and moved the country forward like Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” NAPO declared to a cheering crowd. The statement drew widespread condemnation, prompting NAPO to issue an official apology on July 12. However, during a press conference in Takoradi on Friday, Professor Boakye Yiadom, a member of the Concerned Youth of Western Region, stated that the apology was insufficient and has been wholly rejected. “The Youth of the Western Region have just seen the apology from Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh. By reading the apology, I realized that he indicated that it is his own opinion and that is what we, the youth of the Western Region, reject completely,” Professor Yiadom said. He further argued that NAPO’s comments were not merely personal opinions but carried significant weight due to his position and the context in which they were made. “It is not his opinion, and we must consider where he stood to make these comments and his position as the running mate for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Where he stood to say those things were not normal. The information he communicated has sunk into people’s ears, and we reject this kind of apology.” Professor Yiadom also emphasized that such remarks reflect deeper issues within NAPO’s mindset and his associates, stating, “This has always been in his [NAPO] DNA and his group. We will not accept that he insults us anyhow. We call on him to tone down and come and apologize unreservedly.” The Concerned Youth of the Western Region’s rejection of NAPO’s apology underscores the sensitivity surrounding the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah and the ongoing political discourse in Ghana. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how NAPO and the NPP will address these concerns to foster unity and understanding. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Car Enthusiast, Felicity Asantewaa has made history by setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most cars washed in eight hours. Felicity's impressive feat was officially recognized by GWR after she successfully washed 60 cars, surpassing the previous record by five cars. The record-breaking event took place in Accra, Ghana, on March 9, 2024, showcasing Felicity's dedication and hard work. A statement on the GWR website confirmed her achievement: "The most cars washed in eight hours by an individual is 60 and was achieved by Felicity Asantewaa (Ghana) in Accra, Ghana, on 9 March 2024. Felicity broke the record by 5." This remarkable accomplishment has not only highlighted Felicity's determination and efficiency but also put Ghana on the global map for extraordinary achievements. Her ability to wash 60 cars in such a short timeframe has earned her a well-deserved spot in the Guinness World Records, bringing pride to her nation. Felicity's success comes at a time when many Ghanaians have been striving to make their mark in the Guinness World Records. Her achievement shines a spotlight on Ghana's potential for extraordinary feats and serves as an inspiration to others. Before Felicity's notable achievement, Ghanaian Chef Smith was involved in a scandal concerning Guinness World Record stunts. Chef Smith had participated in a sponsored cook-a-thon without officially applying for the record, falsely claiming recognition from GWR for the longest cook-a-thon. His deception was uncovered by Ghanaian journalists and social media users, and GWR eventually confirmed that he was not in their records. Chef Smith later apologized to the nation in an emotional interview, asking for forgiveness. Felicity Asantewaa's record-setting accomplishment stands in stark contrast, exemplifying honesty and hard work. Her story is a source of pride and a testament to what can be achieved with determination and dedication. Congratulations to Felicity Asantewaa for her incredible achievement! Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian social media sensation, Shatta Bandle, known for his vibrant personality and charismatic presence, has unveiled his restored smile following a successful dental procedure. The diminutive influencer, whose real name is Firdaus Iddrisu, recently showcased his new dentures, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a past accident. Shatta Bandle lost four of his teeth in an accident several years ago, a loss that he has since turned into part of his unique charm and persona. However, the influencer decided it was time to restore his smile, undergoing a meticulous dental procedure to replace the missing teeth. In a series of jubilant posts on his social media accounts, Shatta Bandle proudly displayed his new set of teeth, beaming with confidence and joy. His followers, who have watched his journey with great interest, responded with overwhelming support and excitement. “Look at my new smile!” Bandle exclaimed in one of his videos, flashing his perfectly restored teeth. “I’m back and better than ever!” The restoration of his teeth not only boosts his appearance but also signifies a new chapter in Shatta Bandle’s life. Known for his humorous and lavish lifestyle posts, the social media star continues to captivate his audience, now with an even brighter smile. Shatta Bandle's influence extends beyond his social media antics; he has become a beloved figure in Ghana’s entertainment scene, inspiring many with his resilience and positive outlook. His journey from the accident to this moment of restoration serves as a testament to his indomitable spirit. As he continues to entertain and inspire, Shatta Bandle’s restored smile is a symbol of his enduring optimism and charisma, endearing him even more to his fans both in Ghana and around the world. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Contractors working on the four bypasses of the Accra-Kumasi Highway are encountering significant challenges due to large, uncovered pits left by illegal miners in the communities where these infrastructure projects are underway. These pits are obstructing progress, particularly in swampy areas where ongoing rains have exacerbated the situation. The government’s initiative to construct bypasses at Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi, and Konongo aims to alleviate congestion and reduce the high incidence of crashes on the Accra-Kumasi Highway. The projects include an 11.6km bypass at Osino, 6.1km at Anyinam, 10.6km at Enyiresi, and a 13.5km bypass at Konongo. Once completed, these bypasses are expected to significantly reduce travel time on this crucial highway. Illegal mining activities near the Osino and Anyinam project sites continue to pose problems, with miners leaving pits uncovered after extracting resources. This issue is mirrored at the Konongo bypass site, where contractors are struggling to fill the swampy areas with boulders to maintain progress. Dolittle Kwaku Sintim-Aboagye, the team leader of STIM Limited, the consulting firm for the Osino bypass, highlighted additional challenges including compensation payments and adverse weather conditions. “We have some mining companies and they have their terrace ponds and our alignments go through these terrace ponds so it is either we shift the ponds or go through them and we decided to go through them and that meant the mining companies must decommission these terrace ponds and that is also taking some time, and it is affecting us,” Sintim-Aboagye explained. He further elaborated on the compensation issues arising from the project’s encroachment on farming areas. “This place is a farming area and so there are compensation issues but the Ghana Highways Authority and the ministry are helping us,” he said. Additionally, the severity of the rains has been a significant impediment, with Sintim-Aboagye noting that the unusually intense rainfall has hampered progress. Despite these obstacles, efforts are being made to address the challenges. The Ghana Highways Authority and the relevant ministry are working alongside contractors to mitigate the impact of compensation issues and severe weather. However, the uncovered pits left by illegal mining remain a persistent problem that needs to be resolved to ensure the timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects. As the work continues, the government and contractors remain committed to overcoming these challenges to deliver the bypasses, which will improve travel efficiency and safety on the Accra-Kumasi Highway. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Actor, John Peasah, known by many as Drogba from the popular YOLO series, has opened up about his ongoing battle with a severe health condition. In March of this year, Drogba was diagnosed with a life-threatening demyelinating disease, a condition he has been grappling with for over two years. In a heartfelt Instagram video, Drogba detailed the immense pain and complications he faces daily, revealing that his condition often renders him unable to speak or breathe easily. He expressed regret for not keeping his fans updated about his health, explaining that the hospital staff had become uncomfortable with him taking pictures, which limited his ability to share updates. “I am sorry I have not actually updated you concerning what is wrong with me, but the whole problem. As for the hospital I go to, it got to a point where the doctors were not comfortable with me taking pictures, so that’s the reason I don’t update,” Drogba shared. Visibly struggling, Drogba explained the complexity of his condition and how it affects his daily life. “To be honest with you, the thing is very complicated, and I can’t explain how I feel. At times, my speech becomes a problem; it’s off. Today, I can say it better; that’s the reason I am trying to record fast.” He continued, “As for the pain in my back, it’s still there; I take drugs to reduce the pain. I also do slight exercises to ease the pain because when I do intensive exercise, it triggers something. It affects my neck to be shaking or my hand.” In the video, Drogba also demonstrated the difficulty he faces with walking since his diagnosis. Despite his immense pain and struggles, Drogba’s bravery and determination to keep his fans informed are evident. The actor has appealed for support to help him navigate the rigorous treatment process required for his illness. His candid revelation has touched the hearts of many fans and supporters, who are rallying behind him during this challenging time. Drogba’s plight sheds light on the often-hidden battles faced by public figures, reminding us all of the importance of empathy and support for those enduring health struggles. His courage in sharing his story is an inspiration, and the entertainment community stands united in wishing him strength and recovery. Story by: Sarah-Joyce Komenan