Stay Away From My Private Life – Akosua Agyapong

Veteran Highlife musician, Akosua Agyapong, has made it clear that she will no longer entertain questions about her marriage or personal relationships, urging the media to keep their interviews centred on her music career.

Speaking in an interview with JoyPrime TV, Akosua said she is frequently questioned about her relationship with fellow musician Nat Brew, popularly known as Amandzeba, but believes such matters are private and unrelated to her profession.

‘An issue came up, and people started asking, ‘What happened between you and Nat (Amandzeba)?’ That should not concern anyone. It’s not part of my music,’ she said.

The veteran singer emphasised that she is always open to discussing her achievements and contributions to the music industry, but draws the line when it comes to her personal life.

‘Nowhere in my music career have I indicated that I’m going to talk about my relationship or marriage because that is my personal life. When it has something to do with music, I am ready to answer,’ she stated.

Akosua explained that her decision to keep her private life private is largely motivated by her desire to protect her children from comments that could affect them.

‘Stay away from my private life because I have children. I will not come and sit here and say things that could hurt my kids,’ she said.

She also cautioned public figures against feeling compelled to respond to every personal question during interviews, noting that some answers could later become a source of regret.

‘Some presenters throw questions at you, and if you’re not smart, you start answering things you may later regret. I came here because of my music, so ask me about my music career,’ she added.

Akosua further suggested that some journalists who probe into the personal lives of celebrities may themselves be dealing with difficulties in their own relationships.

‘If you look at some of the presenters asking these questions, if you go behind the scenes, what they are going through in their own relationships may be very bad, yet they want to find out about somebody else’s,’ she added.

Basintale Creating Imaginary Youth Jobs – Kwadwo Sheldon

Ghanaian Content Creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, has taken a swipe at the CEO of Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, after promising to equip 2,000 Ghanaians with digital skills.

This was after the YEA CEO stated that a new digital skills programme with Ghana Digital Centres Limited will equip 2,000 Ghanaian youth with in-demand skills in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analytics.

According to Kwadwo Sheldon, Basintale has been ‘singing these songs’ ever since his appointment, yet the youth unemployment rate keeps increasing day by day.

He made this assertion when he reposted a post on X by Citi FM which captured a video of Basintale announcing the 2,000 job initiative for the youth.

The post read, ‘This guy he no Dey taya creating imaginary jobs? Hoh (sic).’

Malik Basintale is facing growing criticism over what some youth groups and political commentators describe as the YEA’s failure to deliver tangible job opportunities for young Ghanaians. The criticism comes amid rising unemployment concerns, with many young people calling on the YEA to do more to connect them to jobs, skills training, and entrepreneurship support.

With unemployment remaining a major concern for Ghana’s youth, pressure is mounting on the YEA to deliver measurable results.

’Strengthen FMCG Sector To Deepen Industrialisation’

Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called for deliberate investment in Ghana’s Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, describing it as central to deepening industrialisation, expanding local value addition, and creating sustainable jobs.

Speaking on his behalf at the 5th Edition of the National FMCG Awards, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim said the call comes at a time when Ghana’s economy is showing renewed momentum.

Citing Ghana Statistical Service data, she said the economy recorded 6.4% real GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026.

The industry sector grew by 6.9%, accounting for 32.9% of GDP and contributing 34.1% of overall economic growth in the period. Manufacturing also hit a record GHS7.06 billion in constant price GDP in Q1 2026.

‘These encouraging statistics are clear evidence that when industry grows, Ghana grows,’ Ms. Muslim stated. ‘Strengthening the FMCG sector is not simply a business priority. It is actually a national imperative. It is central to deepening industrialization, to expanding local value addition, and creating sustainable jobs.’

Positioning For AfCFTA

She said under the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCFTA) Ghana must move beyond exporting raw materials and capture more value domestically.

‘What Africa shouldn’t do is to wait on the sidelines and yet again be mere participants. We cannot be a country that is powering the global economy without refining in the same country,’ she indicated.

Ms. Muslim added that President John Mahama is leading initiatives, including a research drive, aimed at reclaiming Africa’s health sovereignty amid a shifting global order.

Digital Transformation Urged

She said AI, automation, digital payments, e-commerce and data-driven decision making are no longer future technologies but tools defining successful businesses today.

‘Consumer expectations are evolving faster than ever. Technology is transforming every stage of the value chain and competition is becoming increasingly global,’ she said.

She urged FMCG businesses to embrace digital transformation and innovation, while creating opportunities for young people.

‘A new growth code demands agility, continuous innovation, investment in technology, research and development, product quality, and human capital. It requires businesses to anticipate change rather than react to it,’ she added.

Yaw Tog Calls Out Social Media Bullies

Rapper, Yaw Tog, has spoken out against social media bullies, expressing frustration over the constant insults and criticism he receives whenever he shares posts online.

In a TikTok video, the rapper questioned why some people spend their time attacking others on social media rather than focusing on improving their own lives.

According to Yaw Tog, many people pray for success and blessings but end up using their time to mock and insult those they believe have already achieved their goals.

‘When you wake up, you pray and cry unto God to grant your heart’s desires and bless you, but you’re under my comment section insulting and criticising me. You’re insulting those of us who have been blessed. Do you think God is disabled,’ he asked.

The ‘Sore’ hitmaker also warned that his journey is far from over, insisting that his critics have not seen the best of him yet.

‘You haven’t seen anything yet,’ Yaw Tog declared.

Guinness Ghana DJ Awards Set To Launch August 1

Africa’s biggest celebration of DJ excellence takes centre stage once again as the 2026 Guinness Ghana DJ Awards, powered by Smirnoff, officially launches on Saturday, August 1, 2026, marking the beginning of Ghana’s official DJ season.

The launch event, hosted by Eden Gardens Hotel, will unveil the vision for the 2026 edition, introduce this year’s theme, and outline the calendar of activities leading up to the awards ceremony.

Over the years, the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards has grown into more than an awards scheme. It has become a highly respected platform that recognises excellence, inspires innovation, and elevates the role of DJs within Ghana’s creative economy. Produced by Merqury Republic, the awards continue to provide a powerful platform for recognising the talent, dedication, and influence of DJs who shape Ghana’s sound and entertainment culture.

The 2026 season follows an exciting previous edition that celebrated outstanding achievements across the DJ community, including DJ Sly King being crowned DJ of the Year 2025, a recognition that highlighted his consistency, creativity, reach and contribution to Ghana’s vibrant music scene. As the new season begins, the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards continues its mission of discovering, celebrating, and elevating the next generation of DJ excellence.

The official launch on August 1 marks the first chapter of another exciting journey, one that will culminate in the crowning of Ghana’s finest DJs while showcasing the creativity, influence, and impact of the nation’s DJ community.

11-Year-Old Boy’s Body Recovered From Pit

Personnel from the Adenta Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have retrieved the body of an 11-year-old boy, Samuel Awalime, who reportedly drowned in a pit at Adenta Aviation.

The distress call was received by the station and a rescue team was immediately dispatched. The operation was led by DOIII Obosu, who coordinated efforts on the ground. Upon arrival, firefighters worked alongside personnel from the Ghana Police Service, as well as chiefs and members of the Adenta Traditional Council to conduct a search and recovery operation.

The collaboration between emergency responders and community leaders was key to managing the scene, controlling access, and ensuring the operation was carried out safely. After several hours of intensive work, the team successfully retrieved the boy’s body from the pit at approximately 10:50 a.m.

The body was subsequently handed over to the Ghana Police Service, Adenta Division, for preservation and further investigations to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident. The incident has renewed calls from residents and traditional authorities for proper fencing and covering of abandoned pits and construction sites in the area, to prevent future tragedies involving children.

The Ghana National Fire Service has also advised the public to keep children away from uncovered pits, water reservoirs, and other hazardous areas, and to report such dangers to the Assembly or emergency services early.

Agongo Supports Flood Victims, Urges Crackdown On Waste, Waterway Abuse

Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has donated relief items worth GHS1.45 million to victims of the June 29 floods that displaced hundreds of residents across Accra, as he called on government and citizens to enforce sanitation laws to end perennial flooding.

The downpour, which dumped over 170mm of rain, submerged homes in Mamobi, Nima, Alajo, Kaneshie and other low-lying areas, destroying property and livelihoods. On Saturday, a convoy of trucks moved into affected communities with bags of premium perfumed rice, cartons of tin tomatoes, tins of milk and bales of cloth for distribution.

Beneficiaries included residents of Mamobi, Nima at Beline Bridge, Alajo Assemblies of God, Alajo Central and North, Quay Mensah and Kaneshie Station.

Speaking during the distribution at Mamobi, Alhaji Agongo said the intervention was meant to provide immediate relief and restore dignity to families who lost everything.

‘It is disheartening to see the entire burden of this calamity resting squarely on the government’s shoulders,’ he said. ‘For me, we rise together, or we do not rise at all. We cannot afford to be mere spectators while our brothers and sisters suffer.’

The donation is the latest in a series of charitable works by the businessman. Over the years, he has funded school infrastructure, paid fees for underprivileged students, and settled medical bills for vulnerable patients across the country.

‘As a Muslim, my faith teaches me that service to mankind is service to Allah,’ Mr. Agongo stated. ‘Giving is not a choice, it is a duty. It is humane, and I am privileged that I can afford to share.’

Beyond relief, Mr. Agongo challenged state agencies to take decisive action on the root causes of flooding.

He called for strict enforcement of laws against indiscriminate waste disposal, building on waterways, and the regular desilting of drains.

‘It does not speak well of Ghana, almost 70 years after independence, that we are dealing with the same problem every year,’ he said. ‘We have the human resource, mineral wealth and technical capacity to address this. The measures may seem harsh at the beginning, but leadership must take the bull by the horn to bring lasting solutions and smiles to the people.’

He also urged a nonpartisan approach to flood management, noting that the disaster has affected Ghanaians since the 1980s and does not discriminate by politics or religion.

Residents who received the items described the donation as timely. For many in Mamobi and Nima, the supplies offered temporary respite after days of sleeping in classrooms and churches.

Mr. Agongo pledged to continue supporting vulnerable communities and urged other members of the business community to complement government efforts.

‘True wealth is not counted in cedis, but in lives touched and burdens lifted,’ he said.

Hearts Of Oak Close In On Nebojsa Kapor Appointment

Hearts of Oak are in advanced negotiations to appoint Bosnian tactician, Nebojša Kapor, as their new head coach, aiming to finalise the official paperwork before the highly anticipated upcoming football season kicks off.

According to a report by sports journalist, Shaban Mohammed, the former Tema Youth and Medeama SC trainer is heavily expected to take over the Phobians’ rebuilding efforts following the sudden departure of previous strategist Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.

The club aims to quickly restore the continental giants’ dominant status within the highly competitive Ghana Premier League landscape.

Simultaneously, iconic former Black Stars goalkeeper, Richard Olele Kingston, is strongly tipped to join Kapor’s incoming technical team as the new goalkeeper trainer to significantly strengthen the backroom staff operations.

The club management is reportedly acting very quickly to conclude these critical appointments and initiate strategic player acquisitions as crucial pre-season preparations rapidly approach.

The board of directors is pulling out all stops to ensure that the technical direction of the capital club is firmly secured well ahead of the demanding league campaign.

Devoted club supporters are anxiously waiting for the final confirmation of Kapor, hoping his vast tactical experience in the local top flight will inject much-needed discipline and consistency into the young playing body.

OmniBSIC Bank, Rotary Donate 20 Computers To Prince Of Peace School

OmniBSIC Bank Ghana Limited has donated 20 computers to Prince of Peace International School in Accra to expand access to digital education, robotics training and youth leadership development.

The donation, made in partnership with the Rotary Club of Accra-Cantonment East, was presented during a ceremony that also saw the commissioning of a Teacher in a Box (TIB) digital learning and robotics station and the inauguration of the school’s Interact Club.

The initiative falls under OmniBSIC Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda focused on education, health and wellness, environment and talent development.

The 20 computers will be used for classroom instruction and will serve as the hardware platform for the ‘Teacher in a Box’ project.

The TIB is an offline digital learning system that gives students access to thousands of educational resources without internet connectivity. The new station will also support robotics education, equipping students with skills in coding, problem-solving and applied technology.

Representing the Bank at the event were George Tetteh Ocansey, Divisional Head, and Sylvester Apedoe, Group Head of IT.

Speaking on behalf of Managing Director, Daniel Asiedu, Mr. Ocansey said the donation aligns with OmniBSIC’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

‘This initiative is very important to us because it aligns with our commitment to education, youth empowerment and community development,’ he said. ‘In today’s digital world, young people need the skills to innovate, think critically, and solve problems. We are pleased to donate these 20 computers to support teaching and learning, expand access to technology, and help prepare students for the future.’

Mr. Ocansey commended the Rotary Club of Accra-Cantonment East and the management of Prince of Peace International School for driving the project.

He also congratulated the newly inaugurated Interact Club, Rotary International’s youth service programme, noting that programmes that promote service, leadership and integrity are critical in shaping future generations.

He described the donation as a strategic investment in the next generation of Ghanaian innovators.

‘This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions work together to improve learning outcomes for young people,’ he added. ‘OmniBSIC remains committed to supporting initiatives that expand access to technology, strengthen digital skills and create opportunities for students to thrive.’

According to the Bank, the project marks the beginning of a broader commitment to support schools across the country and equip young people with skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

School authorities and Rotary officials welcomed the support, saying the computers and TIB station will help bridge the digital divide and prepare students for 21st-century jobs.

Team Next Gen Wins GSTEP 2026

The 2026 edition of the Ghana Science and Tech Explorer Challenge Prize (GSTEP) ended on a high note with Team Next Gen Coders from Swift Academy emerging as the overall winner.

The team from the Ashanti Region beat off competition from five other teams to win the coveted prize and the bragging rights as outright champions of the fifth edition.

The final, which was held at the Cedi Conference Centre at the University of Ghana on July 9 and 10, 2026, brought together students, educators, policymakers, industry leaders, stakeholders, and development partners to celebrate innovation under the theme, ‘Curiosity to Impact: STEM Without Borders.’

The first day commenced with an exhibition where sixty finalist teams and six Perseverance Teams showcased science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) innovations designed to address real-world challenges in healthcare, agriculture, climate, environmental sustainability, and digital technology.

The exhibition continued on the second day before culminating in an Awards Ceremony that recognised the most outstanding young innovators.

Organised by the GSTEP Consortium, the programme continues to inspire Junior High School students to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to develop practical solutions to challenges within their communities.

This year’s edition celebrated five years of GSTEP’s impact on STEM education and the programme’s expansion into the Volta Region, extending its reach to more young innovators across the country.

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, applauded the remarkable innovations displayed by the students and encouraged them to continue transforming their ideas into solutions that will benefit society.

‘What you have built is remarkable, but it is only the beginning. You have proven that you can imagine solutions. Now go out and make them real. Build. Test. Fail. Learn. And build again. Ghana needs your ideas, your courage, and your commitment,’ he stated.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening STEM education through investments in STEM infrastructure, practical learning, teacher development, and digital access, emphasising that programmes such as GSTEP play a vital role in preparing young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators.

Director of the National STEM Resource Unit of the Ghana Education Service, Olivia Opare, reflected on GSTEP’s five-year journey, describing the programme as one that has successfully transformed STEM learning from classroom theory into practical, hands-on innovation.

She also highlighted the growing participation and leadership of girls in STEM, noting that more young women are confidently leading teams and presenting innovative solutions.

Speaking on behalf of the GSTEP Consortium, the Executive Director of DreamOval Foundation, Afua Asiamah Adjei, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, consortium partners, sponsors, teachers, coaches, mentors, STEM coordinators, parents, and volunteers whose dedication has contributed to the programme’s continued success.

She noted that over the past five years, GSTEP has evolved into a national movement that empowers young people to dream boldly, think critically, and create solutions that positively impact their communities.

The Awards Ceremony recognised the outstanding achievements of the Top Six teams that participated in the 2026 Challenge.

Team Innovepoch from the Greater Accra Region was named first runner-up, while The Science Whizzes from the Volta Region secured the second runner-up position. Pulse Mobility from the Ashanti Region received the Best Pitch Award, Nova Engineers from the Volta Region was recognised for the Most Innovative Idea, and Replastix Team from the Eastern Region earned the Excellence in Applied Science Award.

Beyond the Top Six, the ceremony also honoured outstanding teams, educators, mentors, coaches, and other stakeholders across several special award categories in recognition of their contributions to the success of GSTEP 2026.

GSTEP is implemented by DreamOval Foundation, Partnership Bureau, Practical Education Network, and Shulem Lake, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, with funding support from Fondation Botnar.