Floods Cut Off Winneba-Cape Coast Highway

Several commuters were left stranded following floods on the Winneba-Cape Coast road this morning.

Movement along the busy corridor came to a complete standstill.

The situation has left scores of people on the road as they have not been able to cross due to the rising water levels on both sides of the road.

Commuters had to wait till this afternoon for the condition to improve before they continued with their journey.

Minority Blasts Govt Over New Electricity Tariff Hike

The Minority in Parliament has launched a scathing attack on the government over the latest electricity tariff increase announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), accusing President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of reneging on campaign promises to reduce the cost of living.

Addressing a press conference in Parliament yesterday, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, described the 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs and 0.85 percent rise in water tariffs, effective July 1, 2026, as evidence of what he termed a ‘broken promise’ by the government.

According to him, Ghanaians are now paying significantly more for electricity than when the NDC assumed office in January 2025 despite repeated assurances that utility costs would be reduced.

‘Eighteen months into their tenure, Ghanaians are paying 26.82 percent more for electricity than they were when President Mahama took the oath of office. That is a broken promise,’ Mr. Adomako Mensah stated.

The Minority cited data showing a series of tariff increases since the beginning of 2025, including adjustments of 14.75 percent in the second quarter of 2025, 2.45 percent in the third quarter, 1.14 percent in the fourth quarter, and 9.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

Although tariffs were reduced by 4.81 percent in the second quarter of this year, the opposition argued that the latest increase had effectively wiped out that relief.

Mr. Adomako Mensah said government officials had celebrated the April tariff reduction as proof of an economic turnaround, but insisted the adjustment was merely a technical consequence of temporary gains in the value of the cedi and lower inflation.

‘With this latest increase, that so-called relief has been erased within a single quarter. The reduction lasted exactly 91 days,’ he said.

The lawmaker further argued that the continued rise in electricity costs was imposing an unbearable burden on households and businesses, particularly at a time when workers had received only a 10 percent wage increase.

He maintained that rising utility costs were undermining the government’s flagship 24-hour economy agenda and threatening the competitiveness of local industries.

‘The 24-hour economy cannot run on 26.82 percent more expensive electricity. Jobs cannot be created when the cost of powering a factory keeps climbing every quarter,’ he said.

Questioning the rationale behind the latest tariff adjustment, the Minority noted that the PURC had cited a cedi-dollar exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to one US dollar, representing only a 0.2 percent depreciation from the previous quarter.

The Minority also pointed out that natural gas costs had declined by 1.58 percent while the generation mix remained unchanged.

‘If the cedi depreciated by only 0.2 percent between quarters, how does this justify a 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs?’ Mr. Adomako Mensah asked, calling for greater transparency in the tariff-setting process.

The Minority also rejected suggestions that the increases were linked to conditions under Ghana’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

According to Mr. Adomako Mensah, Ghana had exited the IMF Extended Credit Facility programme and was no longer bound by conditions requiring cost-reflective utility tariffs.

‘The IMF excuse is gone. What Ghanaians are witnessing is a deliberate policy choice,’ he said.

The caucus called on the government and the PURC to publish the detailed mathematical basis for all tariff adjustments since January 2025, ensure future tariff increases are tied to measurable improvements in service delivery, and review the 2026-2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order in light of what it described as improving macroeconomic conditions.

Mr. Adomako Mensah further questioned why utility tariffs continued to rise despite the government claims that the cedi had appreciated significantly, inflation was declining and interest rates were easing.

‘This contradiction demands answers. If the strength of the cedi is real and inflation is falling, why are utility tariffs continuing to rise?’ he asked.

The Minority warned that Ghanaians would hold the government accountable for rising utility costs and urged civil society organisations, trade unions and industry groups to demand greater transparency and fairness in utility regulation.

Dud Cheque Offenders To Face 3-Year Ban – BoG

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced that customers who issue dud cheques will face a three-year ban and one year restriction in accessing new credit facilities.

A notice issued on June 24, 2026, replaced earlier directives introduced in 2021 and 2025 and takes immediate effect said the BoG.

The Central Bank noted that the measures follows continued concerns over the high incidence of dud cheque which are issued despite previous regulatory interventions.

It said under the revised framework, customers who issue a dud cheque for the first time will be required to pay a penalty equivalent to 10 percent of the cheque’s face value while customers will also pay a penalty of 20% of the cheque value, and will be prohibited from issuing cheques in Ghana for a minimum period of three years.

‘The Bank of Ghana shall ban such a customer from issuing cheques within the country for a minimum period of three years. The customer may, however, be permitted to receive cheques and funds into the affected account and perform other electronic transactions on the account.’

‘The Bank of Ghana has observed with grave concern the high issuance of dud cheques by some customers of banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions. The Bank of Ghana shall ban such a customer from accessing new credit facilities from the banking system for one year. The Bank of Ghana shall notify all banks and SDIs of the ban,’ it stated.

According to the Central Bank, upon receiving notification, financial institutions will be required to inform affected customers within five working days, recall all unused cheque books and refrain from issuing new cheque books until the sanctions are lifted.

The Bank of Ghana has also hinted of plans to tighten oversight of persistent offenders through the creation of a Directory of High-Risk Cheque Issuers.

It further mentioned that customers who fail to return unused cheque books within ten working days after notification could face additional sanctions, including a possible ban from operating any current account.

Bank of Ghana further stated that such individuals may also be listed in the new high-risk directory which will serve as a reference database for the Central Bank and financial institutions when assessing customer risk profiles.

‘Financial institutions are required to continue submitting information on customers who issue dud cheques to Credit Reference Bureaus in accordance with the Credit Reporting Act, 2007 (Act 726).

They must also submit monthly returns on dud cheque incidents to the Bank of Ghana by the 10th day of the following month, including ‘nil returns’ where no cases are recorded,’ it added

Black Stars Move To Philadelphia With Knockout Qualification In Sight

Ghana will left Rhode Island for Philadelphia on Thursday as preparations intensify for a decisive FIFA World Cup Group L encounter against Croatia on Saturday.

The Black Stars returned to training on Wednesday at Bryant University, holding a recovery session less than 24 hours after their hard-fought 0-0 draw with England at Gillette Stadium.

Carlos Queiroz’s side currently share the top spot in Group L with England, with both teams collecting four points from their opening two matches. A win against Croatia would secure Ghana’s place in the Round of 32 and strengthen their chances of finishing as group winners.

The team was scheduled to travel to Philadelphia on Thursday before holding their final training session on Friday ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Lincoln Financial Field.

Ghana earned widespread praise for their disciplined defensive display against England, frustrating one of the tournament favourites despite facing sustained pressure.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, defender Jerome Opoku and midfielder Kwasi Sibo were among the standout performers in the stalemate.

Speaking after the match, Queiroz hailed his players’ commitment and determination, noting that every point at the World Cup comes at a premium. He also dedicated the team’s performance to Ghanaian supporters.

Midfielder Sibo echoed his coach’s sentiments and stressed that the Black Stars are targeting all three points against Croatia as they seek to finish top of the group.

With qualification within reach, Ghana now turn their focus to what could be their most important match of the tournament so far.

Kojo Bonsu Urges Ghanaian Businesses to Exhibit at Canton Fair

Ghana’s Ambassador to China, H.E. Kojo Bonsu, has called on Ghanaian businesses to secure exhibition space at the China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, to showcase industrial and value-added ‘Made in Ghana’ products to the global market.

Ambassador Bonsu made the call during a working visit to the China Foreign Trade Centre at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He was received by Ms. Zhu Yong, Director General of the Centre, and was accompanied by Mr. Sidney Kwesi Ellis, Consul General of the Republic of Ghana in Guangzhou.

Ambassador Bonsu said the next phase of engagement must shift from raw commodity trade to finished goods. He urged the Centre to support Ghanaian manufacturers to exhibit at future editions, noting that many Ghanaian products could benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy for least developed countries.

‘Beyond raw materials, which are already traded between Ghana and China, we must exhibit processed minerals, processed foods, ceramics, textiles, auto components, and other manufactured Ghanaian products,’ Ambassador Bonsu said.

69th Miss Ghana Auditions’ Judges Unveiled

Exclusive Events Ghana, organisers of Miss Ghana pageant, have officially unveiled a star-studded panel of judges for the upcoming auditions of the 69th edition of the competition.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Oak Plaza Hotel, off the Spintex Road in Accra. The auditions will mark the official commencement of Ghana’s longest-running beauty pageant, initiating a nationwide search for young women who possess the intelligence, confidence, leadership qualities, and purpose-driven vision required to wear the coveted Miss Ghana crown.

This year’s competition runs under the theme, ‘Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy’, celebrating nearly seven decades of promoting purpose-driven leadership, cultural pride, and female empowerment.

Leading the formidable judging panel is Inna Mariam Patty, Esq., a legal practitioner, social entrepreneur, and Miss Ghana 2004. Having served as the franchise holder and National Director for Miss World Ghana for over a decade, Patty brings a unique dual perspective as both a former queen and a veteran administrator, ensuring the highest standards for the pageant’s future.

Joining her is celebrated media personality, actress, and producer, Stacy Amoateng. With nearly three decades of experience in broadcasting and media management through landmark programs like Music Music and Restoration with Stacy, she is also a dedicated philanthropist whose foundation focuses on women’s empowerment and supporting vulnerable groups.

The panel also features the award-winning musician and social advocate Okyeame Kwame. Born Kwame Nsiah-Apau, his influence spans over 25 years across music and entrepreneurship. A former Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year, he has consistently used his platform to champion global causes with UNICEF and the World Bank, including climate action, literacy, and youth empowerment.

Completing the quartet is Kafui Dey, one of Ghana’s most respected broadcasters and corporate communications professionals. Known for his eloquence and commitment to mentorship, Dey’s expertise will be crucial in identifying contestants with the superior public speaking skills and leadership potential necessary to excel on both national and international stages.

At the audition stage, the four judges will evaluate contestants on a holistic range of qualities that extend far beyond physical appearance. Aspiring queens will be assessed on their confidence, communication skills, patriotism, poise, and understanding of contemporary social issues. Crucially, candidates will also be judged on their genuine passion for and commitment to community-driven social intervention projects.

To be eligible for the competition, prospective contestants must be between the ages of 18 and 26. Candidates are expected to be confident, morally upright, and community-minded. During the session, aspiring queens will have the opportunity to showcase their unique creative talents: ranging from singing and dancing to spoken word and rap, while engaging with the judges on matters relating to national development.

Established at the dawn of independence in 1957, Miss Ghana has evolved from a traditional beauty contest into a premier platform that empowers young women to become impactful advocates for social change, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

ZUYUS Releases ‘We Made It’

After weeks of anticipation, ZUYUS has finally released, ‘We Made It’,a motivational anthem that captures the realities of hustle, ambition and the relentless pursuit of success.

Produced by Ridimix, the song takes listeners on a journey from humble beginnings to the heights of achievement, reflecting the dreams shared by countless young people striving to create better lives for themselves. Through confident storytelling and uplifting melodies, ZUYUS reminds listeners that every success story starts with determination, sacrifice, and faith in the process.

On ‘We Made It’, ZUYUS reflects on the grind that comes before the glory. The record highlights the desire to rise above limitations, build generational wealth and enjoy the rewards of hard work. Along the way, he references notable success figures such as Dangote, using their achievements as symbols of what is possible when vision meets consistency.

The song’s message extends beyond financial success. It serves as an anthem for dreamers who refuse to give up despite obstacles, setbacks or difficult beginnings. Whether it’s the pursuit of a career, a business or a personal goal, ‘We Made It’ speaks directly to those who are still putting in the work while keeping their eyes fixed on the future.

Ridimix’s production provides the perfect backdrop, blending infectious rhythms with a triumphant energy that reinforces the song’s message of perseverance and victory. The result is a record that feels equally suited for personal reflection and celebration.

At a time when many young Africans are rewriting their stories through determination and resilience, ‘We Made It’ arrives as both motivation and affirmation. It is a reminder that success is not reserved for a select few, it belongs to those willing to keep going when the journey gets tough.

With this latest release, ZUYUS continues to establish himself as an artiste who understands the aspirations of his generation, delivering music that is not only entertaining but deeply relatable.

Queiroz Urges Focus Ahead Of Croatia Clash

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged calm after the Black Stars’ impressive 0-0 draw with England, insisting the team remains focused on securing qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.

The result at Gillette Stadium moved Ghana onto four points in Group L, level with England at the top of the standings. However, Queiroz stressed that the job is not yet complete.

‘We have not won anything yet,’ the Portuguese coach said after the match. ‘We’re just on our way to reaching the main goal, which is to qualify for the second round of the World Cup.’

Ghana will face Croatia on June 28 in their final group-stage fixture, knowing that victory will guarantee a place in the Round of 32.

Queiroz dedicated the team’s performance to supporters back home, praising both the fans and his players for their commitment.

‘We have to dedicate this effort to the fans of Ghana,’ he said. ‘They deserve it. The players gave everything.’

The Black Stars produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate England, with goalkeeper Benjamin Asare keeping a clean sheet behind a resolute backline featuring Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Marvin Senaya and Gideon Mensah.

Queiroz highlighted the importance of every point earned at the tournament, describing the competition as fiercely demanding.

‘Points in this World Cup are terribly expensive,’ he said. ‘When you get one, you have to fight for it. Now we recover and focus on Croatia.’

With qualification within touching distance, Ghana’s attention now turns to a decisive showdown that could secure their passage to the knockout rounds.

Kotobabi Basic School Gets Library

Students of Kotobabi Basic School at Spintex were filled with excitement on Wednesday after the official inauguration of a refurbished library facility, made possible through a partnership between the Rotary Club of Accra Premier International and the Anjani Group.

The project, which sought to improve learning conditions in the school, involved the renovation of an existing library space, installation of shelves, provision of reading materials, and repainting of the facility to create a conducive environment for learning.

President of the Rotary Club of Accra Premier International, Kailash Chaurasia, said the intervention was in response to a request made by the school’s headmistress after the club had undertaken a book donation exercise at the school last year.

According to him, although the club was initially unable to support the request due to financial constraints, it remained committed to helping the school and later secured support from the Anjani Group. Mr. Chaurasia disclosed that the project cost almost GHS40,000, covering the refurbishment works, books, shelves and other learning materials.

Mr. Chaurasia said a member of the Rotary Club also donated pens, to support the initiative, adding that the library space was previously in a deplorable condition and was abandoned and used as a store.

He also called on corporate organisations and philanthropists to collaborate with civic organisations in supporting educational projects, stressing that partnerships were essential in addressing challenges facing schools, especially public basic schools, while thanking all other companies that offered them support.

Coordinator of the Anjani Group, Bhakti Joy, said the organisation, founded in 2013 by a group of Indian women, use funds raised through its prayer activities to support educational and social projects within communities.

She explained that the group had undertaken several interventions in schools, including the construction of computer laboratories, libraries and sanitation facilities, as well as providing educational support to students.

Madam Joy urged other groups and individuals to support public schools, noting that such interventions would benefit a large number of children and contribute to the country’s development.

Headmistress of Kotobabi Basic School A, Madam Millicent Addiah, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club and the Anjani Group for the support, describing the project as an important tool to boost teaching and learning in the school.

She said the facility, which had originally been intended to serve as both a library and computer laboratory, remained incomplete for years due to the absence of basic infrastructure such as shelves, furniture, and ceiling.

Madam Addiah also appealed to philanthropists and organisations to support the school, which does not have enough furniture among others. The Assembly Member for Baatsona Electoral Area and Presiding Member of Tema West Municipal Assembly, Ibrahim Dauda, commended the Rotary Club of Accra Premier International and the Anjani Group for their contribution to education, while recounting how access to a library played an important role in his education.

’Bounce’ Listed On FIFA Heroes Soundtrack

Ghanaian DJ, producer and cultural curator, DJ Shagy, has achieved a major international milestone as his song ‘Bounce’ has been selected for the official soundtrack of FIFA Heroes, making it the only African song featured on the game’s soundtrack.

The selection places Ghana at the centre of one of the year’s most notable intersections between music and gaming, with FIFA Heroes introducing players worldwide to an entirely Ghanaian creative collaboration.

‘Bounce’ was created by an all-Ghanaian team, with DJ Shagy joined by Afro EDM artist Kvpel, with production by C-tea, and vocal engineering and finishing by Redemption Beatz. Together, the team delivered a record whose energy, rhythm and atmosphere resonated with the FIFA Heroes selection panel. The song now sits alongside international selections, carrying the distinction of being the sole African representative on the project.

For Ghana’s music industry, the achievement represents more than a soundtrack placement. It is a moment of recognition for the country’s growing influence in electronic and dance music, and proof that African sounds continue to find new audiences across global entertainment platforms.

The achievement caps a remarkable period for DJ Shagy, who was recently crowned House Music DJ of the Year at the Ghana DJ Awards. He was also named Top 10 of the Pete Tong DJ Academy Future Talent Awards and has continued to build a reputation for championing African electronic music through performances, cultural programming and his dance music platform, Baptism.

As gaming increasingly becomes a driver of global music discovery, soundtrack placements have emerged as powerful launchpads for artists seeking international audiences. For Ghana, the inclusion of ‘Bounce’ on FIFA Heroes signals another important step in the global rise of homegrown creative talent.

While the spotlight is on DJ Shagy, the milestone belongs equally to Kvpel and C-tea whose collective work now forms part of a FIFA-backed gaming experience reaching audiences around the world.

With ‘Bounce’ now officially part of FIFA Heroes, Ghana has secured its place on one of gaming’s newest global stages.