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President John Dramani Mahama has announced a befitting burial for the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, after paying a visit to the bereaved family.

According to him, the late Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings will be accorded a state burial in honour of her immense contributions to national development, women’s empowerment, and public service.

President Mahama, in an engagement with the bereaved family, recounted some fond memories with the late former First Lady, describing her passing as sudden and deeply painful.

‘The last time I saw her, she was her lively self, full of energy and passion for the causes she cared about. To hear of her passing within such a short period is truly heartbreaking,’ he said.

President Mahama also reflected on her legacy, pioneering the 31st December’s Women’s Movement, which he said continues to impact lives across the country.

‘When you travel around the country, you see evidence of her work – oil palm extraction and production projects that continue to empower women and support families. Her efforts transformed livelihoods and gave dignity to women through economic independence,’ he noted.

He extended the government’s condolences to the Rawlings family, assuring them of full state support in funeral preparations, saying, ‘On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend our deepest sympathy to the family.’

The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and other government officials, signed the book of condolence.

Nana Konadu, who passed on October 23, 2025, was known for her pioneering leadership in women’s advocacy and her role in founding the 31st December Women’s Movement.

The event continues to draw prominent figures from Ghana’s political, social, and civic spheres, as the nation observes a period of mourning for a prominent public figure.

FIFA has opened the entry period for the Early Ticket Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026S, giving fans another opportunity to secure tickets after huge demand during the Visa Presale Draw.

Over one million tickets are available in this phase, which runs until October 31, 2025.

Fans must enter through FIFA.com/tickets, even if they previously joined the Visa Presale Draw. Those without a FIFA ID will need to create one before entering. The timing of entries during the period will not affect chances of selection.

This phase includes a domestic exclusivity time slot for residents of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the three host nations. Successful applicants will be randomly selected to buy Single Match Tickets for games within their country starting 12 November. About 75% of tickets in this phase are reserved for these domestic slots.

After the domestic window, fans worldwide will be eligible for additional draws beginning 17 November, allowing access to matches across all three host countries. Further ticket phases will follow after the Final Draw on 5 December, and later on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has explained that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, ceased to exist legally with the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament.

He explained that the bill, like all unfinished parliamentary business, lapsed at the end of that term and therefore had to be reintroduced in the current Ninth Parliament.

Addressing Members of Parliament yesterday, Mr. Bagbin stated that the expiration of the bill’s status was a constitutional consequence, not a procedural oversight.

‘All the businesses that were pending in the Eighth Parliament ended with the Eighth Parliament. And so, in the Ninth Parliament, what was pending had to be reintroduced,’ he intimated.

He revealed that after the Eighth Parliament passed the bill, it was transmitted to the then President for assent. However, the Presidency declined to sign it into law and failed to return it to Parliament as required by the Constitution.

‘They wrote to tell us they would not assent to it. But they did not give us the reasons nor transmit the bill back to us. They imprisoned it there, and so we didn’t get the bill back,’ Mr. Bagbin explained.

Following the start of the new Parliament, the bill, which was introduced as a private member’s bill, was taken up again by Members of the Ninth Parliament and processed through all the necessary stages in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

The Speaker disclosed that although the new government had expressed interest in taking over the bill as a public bill, he opposed that move.

He emphasised that the initiative must remain a private member’s bill since it was originally championed by Ghanaians, including traditional authorities, religious leaders, and civil society organisations, and not by the Executive.

‘I made it known to His Excellency the President that this is an initiative of our people – the traditional leaders, the religious leaders, and civil society leaders. Ghanaians wanted this bill passed as a private members’ bill, and so be it,’ the Speaker said.

He assured the House and the public that the legislative processes have now been completed and that the bill will soon return to Parliament for the Speaker’s formal action before being laid again.

He also disclosed that both sides of the House support the bill, and the President has indicated his readiness to assent to it once passed.

Mr. Bagbin appealed to civil society groups and the public to exercise patience, emphasising that Parliament is committed to ensuring the bill’s proper passage under the constitution.

‘Civil society is getting restless again, but I want to assure them that they know my passion in this matter. I want it properly passed so that implementation becomes easier,’ he said.

The Speaker added that Parliament is addressing a few technical issues identified in the draft to ensure the law reflects national consensus and withstands constitutional scrutiny.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, first introduced in the Eighth Parliament, seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and the promotion or advocacy of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has joined the long list of mourners of the former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings who passed on recently.

In a statement, the Chief Imam described the deceased as ‘an icon of women empowerment, youth development, and societal enhancement.’

Long before the twin concepts of Gender Equality and Child Protection flourished in Africa, the Chief Imam said ‘she had made, on the global stage, an indelible imprint on her advocacy for the wellbeing of the underprivileged.’

He recalls that Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings raised the Office of the First Lady to another pedestal, where it was largely regarded as a tool of national service rather than an opportunity of personal aggrandizement.

Ghana, he went on, ‘has lost a daughter; Africa a mother; and the gender fraternity a voice.’

The world, he said, would forever miss a personality whose voice helped shape global advocacy for social protection and equal justice.

Sheikh Sharubutu expressed the hope that the former First Lady’s legacy of leadership and mentorship would continue to inspire confidence in the national efforts at providing equal opportunities that transcend gender, religion, and ethnicity.

Following the demise of the former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings on October 23, 2025, Ghana was thrown into a state of mourning.

The Chief Imam has extended condolences to the family of the former First Lady and the Government of Ghana, as the nation mourns the distinguished departed soul.

The Chief Imam’s tribute was contained in a statement signed by his personal assistant, Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo.

The Kumasi High Court has dismissed an application seeking to halt the final funeral rites of legendary Ghanaian musician, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba.

The ruling, delivered yesterday by Her Ladyship Justice Dorinda Smith Arthur, gives the family the go-ahead to proceed with the funeral arrangements slated for December 6, 2025.

The late musician’s wife, Akosua Serwaa, had filed an interlocutory injunction praying the court to restrain Daddy Lumba’s extended family from organising the funeral until certain family matters were resolved.

However, the court held that under Ghanaian customary law, the authority over the body of a deceased person lies with the family, not the spouse.

Justice Smith Arthur noted that restraining the family would not be in the interest of justice or public order.

‘The application for interlocutory injunction is hereby refused,’ the judge ruled.

With the court’s decision, preparations by the family for the much-anticipated funeral can now continue without legal hindrance.

Daddy Lumba, whose music career spanned over four decades, is expected to be laid to rest on December 6, 2025, in a ceremony expected to draw thousands of fans, friends, and dignitaries from across the country and beyond.

The Christian Faith Child and Youth Development Centre based at Breman Essiam in the Central Region is equipping the youth in the area with the requisite knowledge to become responsible adults and impact their communities positively.

The centre is a Compassion-Assisted Project under Compassion International Ghana and established through a partnership with the Christian Faith Church International (CFCI).

Since its inception about 15 years ago, the number of children who have been taught, equipped and resourced by the centre is about 316.

The centre was officially inaugurated in March 2010 with the primary aim of supporting the holistic development of children within the Breman Essiam community and its environs.

The project was birthed through the vision and leadership of Rev. Eric De-Graft Tawiah, who is the District Overseer of CFCI in Central District ‘B’.

He desired to see children and families experience transformation through Christ-led life.

He sought endorsement from the head office of the church, which was graciously granted by the Presiding Bishop of Christian Faith Church International, Bishop Emmanuel Botwey.

The project commenced with an initial enrollment of 200 participants and later increased to 316 in 2013.

The centre has since grown remarkably, impacting many lives spiritually, cognitively, physically, and socio-emotionally.

At a durbar to mark the 15th anniversary of the school, Rev. De-Graft Tawiah noted that over the years, the centre has worked closely with parents, caregivers and other stakeholders.

The event was on the theme: ‘Celebrating the Goodness of God’s Glory through Divine Grace’.

He explained that the centre was among other things to ensure that every child in the area received care, guidance, and opportunities to achieve their God-given potentials.

He praised the first Project Director, Mr. Seth Acquah Hackman, whose leadership laid a strong foundation for the project.

‘I also want to thank his successors and other dedicated staff and traditional leaders who have also contributed immensely to the growth of the project,’ he added.

The General Secretary of CFCI, Apostle John Ashun, indicated that in the last 15 years, the ingenuity and hard work of Rev. De-Graft Tawiah, resulted in the establishment and efficient management of the centre.

GoldBod Jewellery, a subsidiary of the Ghana Gold Board, has announced the appointment of media personality, Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray and actress, Joselyn Dumas as its brand ambassadors.

This strategic move aims to promote the country’s rich gold heritage and highlight it’s expertise in crafting authentic and exquisite gold jewellery through world-class artistry and ethical sourcing.

With Bola Ray’s charisma and Joselyn Dumas’ elegance, GoldBod Jewellery is poised to reach new heights, showcasing the beauty of Ghana’s gold ornaments to the world.

Speaking at the unveiling event held at the GoldBod Head Office in Accra, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, expressed his excitement about the partnership, describing it as a strategic move to project Ghanaian craftsmanship in jewellery fabrication for both the domestic and international markets.

‘Bola Ray and Joselyn Dumas represent excellence and authenticity- the very values that define the Goldbod Jewellery brand. Their appointment as brand ambassadors of GoldBod Jewellery marks a major milestone in GoldBod’s mission to promote local value addition to the country’s gold resources.’

Mr. Gyamfi further noted, that the collaboration marks the first step towards the actualisation of President Mahama’s vision of making Ghana a leading hub of authentic gold jewellery and ornaments in Africa.

As part of their ambassadorial roles, the two will spearhead brand campaigns, media engagements, and public outreach initiatives that showcase GoldBod’s latest collections of fine gold and diamond jewellery, bespoke ornaments and refined luxury accessories.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central Municipality is yet to convincingly explain his unilateral imposition of fines on so-called illegal miners who are operating without permits.

Solomon Kusi Brako is being asked to refund GHS15,000 he directed to be collected from licensed miners within his jurisdiction who, according to him, do not possess permits to do their business.

The distraught miners, finding the imposition anomalous, have opened up the matter for public scrutiny. The MCE is said to have quickly organised receipts to back his anomalous financial adventure.

He has described the story as a propaganda to tarnish his name, in a reaction to the matter which has hit the public space.

‘The allegation that I took GHS15,000 from illegal miners is untrue. It was an official fine imposed on licensed miners without permits backed by receipts. This is pure propaganda to tarnish my name,’ the Birim MCE said.

His reaction prompts further questions about the imposition of the fine. It would be instructive to know how the fine was arrived at and whether or not the MCE has the authority to slap fines on persons who are licensed to undertake mining given that mining is such a controversial national issue. It would also be worthwhile to know whether indeed the said licensed miners are what they are being presented to be.

We are tempted to recall the allegation of so-called government agents who, in the name of fighting illegal mining activities, have resorted to demanding monies from both legal and illegal miners in the gold-bearing areas.

Under such a shadowy arrangement in which it is difficult or even impossible to differentiate between those authorised to mine and those not, the coast is clear for bad agents and they outnumber the good ones to do their own thing.

The National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, opened the lid on the illegal activities of state agents when he demanded the dissolution of an enforcement team made up of police officers; they were imposing unauthorised fees on both licensed and illegal miners and pocketing same.

If an MCE can organise receipts following the demand for refunds by persons fleeced of their monies because they did not display permits, it shows just how corruption has become endemic in our national life, especially in the hands of appointees.

There is no doubt that periodic auditing of the manuals of state agencies is undertaken, but following the seeming shadowy fines for mining without permits and given the controversial issue of mining in the country, a more critical look at the subject is strongly suggested.

Some appointees have become so arrogant and powerful that they act outside their remits; the responses of some of them smacking of insults.

One such appointee, when confronted with the issue of bad roads in Adenta in Accra, asked that the rich in the suburb should address the challenge, adding that ‘Ghanaians complain too much.’

Another appointee, an MCE, when questioned about what he does with the Common Fund allocated to him said, ‘I eat tuo zaafi with it.’

The embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, narrowly escaped spending a few days in custody after a High Court in Accra rescinded a bench warrant it issued for his arrest for missing his trial without permission.

Wontumi is on trial before the court for allegedly facilitating others to mine on his Akonta Mining Limited concession without legal authority.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was granted a bail of GHS15 million by the court.

He was scheduled to reappear in court yesterday but both he and his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi were absent when the case was called.

Although the judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, conceded that no exact time was fixed for yesterday’s hearing, she said ‘.the accused and his legal representation should be in court by 9am for the business of the day to start.’

‘Having not given any notice to the court as to their absence, a bench warrant is issued for the arrest of the accused person,’ the court ordered.

Appearance

Just about five minutes after the court issued the bench warrant, Wontumi and is legal representatives showed up in court.

The judge had risen at the time, so they had to wait for close to two hours before the court resumed sitting.

Andy Appiah-Kubi then explained to the court that they were under the impression that the case was scheduled for 10 a.m., which was why they came some few minutes to 10 a.m.

He took the blame for misinforming the accused and apologised to the court for the inconvenience.

Justice Kocuvie-Tay issued a stern warning to Wontumi, urging him to be punctual, stating that ‘If I give you 9, you should lay your bed here at 8:30.’

She added that ‘this is the last time. This matter is between the state and him [Wontumi] and at any given time he must be in court with or without you [lawyer],’ before she rescinded the bench warrant.

Overdrive

Meanwhile, the court has rebuked the Office of the Attorney General for failing to file its disclosures and witnesses’ statement as ordered by the court.

The court had given the prosecution up to yesterday to file all the documents they will be relying on for the trial and serve same on the accused person.

However, Stella Ohene Appiah, a Chief State Attorney told the court that they had not been able to file the documents because one of their witnesses was out of town and could not sign the witness statement.

She requested for the case to be adjourned to November 11, 2025, but the judge did not grant her request, stating that it was too far out.

When asked why she suggested such a long adjournment, Madam Ohene Appiah suggested it was due to the workload, but the court said ‘you said you want work and now you are in overdrive and you are complaining.’

She further pointed to media statements which suggests that the Office is prosecuting cases. ‘You are in the media saying ‘we are prosecuting, we are prosecuting’,’ she stressed.

She also reminded the prosecutor that judges tend to take the blame for adjournment of cases, and subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 2025.

Trial

Wontumi has been charged with one count of assignment of mineral rights without approval, and another count of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by Section 3 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

His company, Akonta Mining and another person identified as Kwame Antwi, who is on the run, have been charged with the same offences.

To bridge the inclusivity gap in the fashion sector, TADS Fashion Institute is rolling out its apprenticeship programme to accommodate marginalised persons in fashion mentorship.

The programme targets persons with hearing and speech impairments, head porters (kayayei), as well as sex workers seeking alternative livelihoods.

Also, Zongo youth and community members, artisans, seamstresses, and tailors in villages and towns across Ghana and all youth who are interested in getting vocational training for less, are eligible to enroll for the programme.

Students pay as low as GHS15 per day, gaining access to equipped training spaces and industrial machines.

According to the Director of the Institute, Eric Grundberry Aidoo-Gabrah, the programme was launched to decentralise access to certified international-standard fashion education across Ghana and make industry-relevant training more affordable and inclusive.

The programme aims to deliver internationally certified fashion training that meets both market standards and industry requirements, as well as empower vulnerable and underprivileged groups through sustainable skill development.

‘As part of its expansion strategy, the TADS Fashion Institute is moving beyond its main campuses to establish 500 apprenticeship centres nationwide,’ he disclosed.

He mentioned that the programme, since its inception, has created 16 centres which are fully operational nationwide.

Additionally, each centre follows the TADS-approved curriculum, aligned with international fashion education standards.

‘Thousands of Ghanaians will gain practical, internationally recognised fashion skills, while existing tailors and seamstresses are upgraded to meet global fashion standards,’ he added.