Okumkom Cracks Down On Sanitation Offenders

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Wisdom Osei Boamah, popularly known as Okumkom, has spearheaded a massive clean-up exercise at Abuakwa and its surrounding communities as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s nationwide sanitation campaign following the recent floods that wreaked havoc in several parts of the country.

The exercise, which targeted flood-prone areas and choked drains, brought together officials of the Municipal Assembly, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), market women and residents to improve environmental sanitation and reduce the risk of future flooding.

Addressing the media after the exercise, Osei Boamah expressed appreciation to his colleague Municipal Chief Executives who joined him in the exercise, namely Gloria Opoku Gyamfi of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly and Siata Watara of the Jaman South Municipal Assembly.

He also commended NADMO officials, environmental health officers, assembly staff and members of the public for their commitment towards ensuring a cleaner municipality.

The MCE disclosed that he has directed NADMO and the Municipal Environmental Health and Sanitation Department to carry out routine inspections at markets and other public places while intensifying the enforcement of the Assembly’s sanitation by-laws.

According to him, about 30 persons who failed to participate in the clean-up exercise and were found to have accumulated refuse in their surroundings have been summoned by the Assembly and will face the appropriate sanctions.

He stressed that the Assembly would not tolerate acts that undermine efforts to maintain a clean environment, warning that sanitation offenders would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive, Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, appealed to traditional authorities to support the enforcement of sanitation laws by allowing offenders to face the prescribed punishments instead of intervening on their behalf.

She urged residents to make cleanliness a daily responsibility by keeping their homes, markets and other public places clean to help prevent flooding and promote good public health.

’Ego Reach We All’ Secures Locarno Film Festival Nomination

Ghanaian feature film, Ego Reach We All (Our Time Will Come), has earned an official nomination to premiere at the 79th Locarno Film Festival, a major milestone for Ghanaian cinema and African storytelling on the international stage.

Written and directed by Amartei Armar and produced by Yemoh Ike, the 105-minute drama is a feature-length adaptation of Amartei’s award-winning 2018 short film, ‘Vagabonds’.

The original short received international acclaim after winning at the Montreal World Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying festival, paving the way for the development of the feature film.

Shot entirely in Ghana with a local cast and crew, ‘Ego Reach We All’ was completed in France during post-production, reflecting a successful collaboration between Ghanaian filmmakers and international partners while maintaining its Ghanaian identity.

The project has attracted significant international recognition throughout its development. It won the Cannes Focus CoPro Award and received support from the Red Sea Development Fund, the Red Sea Souk Award and the Red Sea Productions Fund, establishing itself as one of Africa’s most promising film projects.

Beyond its festival achievements, the film has also benefited from several renowned international development programmes.

Director Amartei Armar was selected for the Heyazah Screening Lab in Doha, while producer Yemoh Ike participated in the 2023 EAVE Producers Programme under the CNC scholarship, with training sessions held in Luxembourg, Austria and the Netherlands. Most recently, the project was selected for the 2025 Atlas Workshop in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The film stars Idrissu Tontie, Dorothy Adobea Tandoh, Emmanuel Wilberforce, Barbara Yong Jin, Emmanuel Owusu Ofori, O’Bryan Kwame Enyan, Gabriel Narh Addo, Nelly Bilson and Kwame Brenya.

The official selection of ‘Ego Reach We All’ for the prestigious Locarno Film Festival is a landmark achievement for Ghana’s film industry. It highlights the strength of Ghanaian filmmaking, with the production proudly showcasing local talent while bringing authentic African stories to a global audience.

Miracles’ Arrest, GHS50m Bail: The Inside Story

Nearly 48 hours after the arrest of New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Dennis Miracles Aboagye at the Accra International Airport, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Monday evening granted him a GHS50 million bail with three sureties, two of whom must be justified with landed property.

According to NPP officials, the property requirement translates to documents valued at about GHS500 billion in old cedis.

Mr. Aboagye, a former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), is being investigated over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving GHS55 million during his tenure.

He is being investigated alongside the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed persons over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.

According to EOCO, the offences under investigation are conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.

‘GHS50m Bail Excessive’

Lawyers for Dennis Miracles Aboagye indicated that their client has been unable to meet the bail conditions imposed by EOCO following his arrest.

They raised concerns over the GHS50 million bail bond, which requires three sureties, two of whom must be justified, describing the conditions as difficult to satisfy.

Speaking to the media at EOCO’s headquarters, lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea questioned how his client could realistically secure the required sureties and qualifying properties within the available timeframe.

‘How is he going to be released? How is he going to post the bail bonds? GHS50 million, three sureties, two to be justified. How can it be met? Where are you going to find properties worth GHS50 million and finding it tonight?’ he questioned.

Visit To Larteh Akuapem Residence

Meanwhile, Mr. Aboagye was yesterday reportedly escorted by officials of the EOCO to his residence at Larteh Akuapem as part of ongoing investigations.

The development forms part of the ongoing probe as investigators continue engagements with Mr. Aboagye and other relevant parties.

EOCO has not publicly disclosed details of the purpose of the visit to his residence.

Audit And Prior EOCO Engagement

After Mr. Aboagye ended his tenure as Executive Secretary of IMCCoD on February 2, 2025, Dr. Dominic Gameli Hoedoafia took over on February 17, 2025.

Dr. Hoedoafia later commissioned a forensic audit of the Secretariat’s accounts for the period Mr. Aboagye served.

In November 2025, he wrote to Mr. Aboagye with administrative audit queries. According to Mr. Aboagye, he responded to every question in detail within a week.

On February 28, 2026, he also voluntarily honoured an EOCO invitation.

He spent less than an hour with investigators, who said they would recall him if further clarification was needed.

Mr. Aboagye says at no point was he told he had committed an offense with accountant Gerald Mensah.

He has since lived openly in Ghana, making only one brief trip abroad weeks ago.

Arrest, Stop-Travel Order

EOCO said a ‘stop-travel order’ had been placed on him a week before his return.

The office says such orders are meant to prevent a suspect from leaving the country, not to bar re-entry.

Critics, including the NPP, say arresting him at the airport was unnecessary given his prior cooperation.

‘Had EOCO extended an invitation for Monday morning, he would have honoured it without incident,’ the party argued.

Allegations And Bail Backlash

EOCO now alleges that Mr. Aboagye and the accountant, Gerald Mensah, embezzled state funds.

The office claims Mr. Mensah has begun ‘refunding the loot.’ It has however, not stated how much of the alleged GHS55 million was involved or how much has been paid back.

‘This is a calculated attempt to use bail as a tool for punishment rather than a mechanism to ensure a suspect shows up for trial,’ the party stated.

NPP Position

General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye said the party does not oppose legitimate investigations.

However, they are demanding that if the state has a case, Mr. Aboagye should be formally charged and arraigned before a competent court immediately.

EOCO says investigations are ongoing, meanwhile Mr. Aboagye has not been formally charged.

Release

After holding Mr. Aboagye for 48 hours, he has been released from the custody of EOCO after satisfying his GHS50 million bail conditions.

Videos circulating on social media yesterday evening showed the NPP communicator, in handcuffs, being escorted by EOCO officers out of the agency’s headquarters in Accra before being ushered into a waiting vehicle by members of his legal team and associates.

His release comes a day after EOCO granted him bail in the sum of GHS50 million with three sureties, two of whom were required to be justified.

The bail conditions had attracted widespread public debate, with the NPP describing them as excessive while others argued they reflected the magnitude of the financial allegations under investigation.

GoldBod Injects GHS8.4m To Fix Galamsey-Hit Water Plants

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has signed a GHS8.4 million deal with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to rehabilitate three major water treatment plants severely affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The agreement will target the Bonsa, Daboase and Sekyere Heman Water Supply Systems in the Western and Central Regions. The goal is to restore treatment capacity, improve potable water delivery, and strengthen environmental sustainability in mining-affected communities.

The three facilities have struggled for years with high turbidity, siltation and equipment damage caused by pollution of their raw water sources.

In some cases, operations have been forced to shut down entirely. At the Bonsa Water Treatment Plant in the Western Region, illegal mining along the Bonsa River has led to severe contamination. The plant, which supplies the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, was previously shut down after excessive silt blocked its intake.

The Daboase Water Treatment Plant, which serves parts of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and surrounding areas, has also recorded rising sediment levels. Officials say this has increased chemical usage, strained equipment and pushed up operational costs.

The Sekyere Heman Water Supply System has faced similar problems, with heavy sludge and silt deposits triggering frequent breakdowns.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, said the Board conducted an independent technical assessment before approving the funding. ‘This intervention demonstrates our commitment to responsible mining, environmental sustainability and improving the lives of Ghanaians,’ Mr. Gyamfi said.

GWL Managing Director, Adam Mutawakilu, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention to restore production and improve service delivery.

‘This collaboration shows the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure while addressing the growing demand for reliable potable water,’ he said.

The rehabilitation comes as Ghana’s water sector continues to battle the impact of galamsey. Pollution of rivers has forced utilities to spend more on treating contaminated raw water, and experts warn that conventional plants were not designed for current levels of sediment and chemicals.

Beyond fixing infrastructure, officials say the project is part of broader efforts to repair environmental damage caused by irresponsible mining.

GoldBod and GWL said they remain committed to implementing sustainable solutions that protect water resources and improve access to safe drinking water for communities in the Western and Central Regions.

Burna Boy Sets New Billboard Record With World Cup Anthem

Nigerian music star, Burna Boy, has become the first African artiste to reach the top of the Billboard Global 200 chart.

The milestone was achieved with ‘Dai Dai,’ his collaboration with Colombian singer, Shakira, for the FIFA World Cup. The song climbed to No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts this week.

The track also continued its rise in the United States, moving up to a new peak of No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian singer, Tems, is also enjoying success on the charts. Her song, ‘What You Need’ climbed to No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 after spending 15 weeks on the chart.

The song recently topped the Billboard Mainstream R and B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and the Mediabase Urban radio airplay chart, making Tems the first solo African artiste to achieve those milestones.

Okyenhene Calls For Graduate Entrepreneurship Support

The Paramount Chief of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, has called for the establishment of stronger support systems to enable university graduates to venture into entrepreneurship instead of relying solely on the limited opportunities in the formal job market.

According to the Okyenhene, although many young people graduate from universities with the requisite academic qualifications, they often lack the financial, institutional and technical support needed to establish their own businesses.

He stressed that creating opportunities for graduates to become entrepreneurs would not only address youth unemployment but also contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth and development.

‘The future of Ghana and Africa depends largely on our ability to produce graduates who are not merely degree holders, but critical thinkers, innovators, ethical leaders and job creators,’ he said.

The Okyenhene made the remarks when Garden City University (GCU) at Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region held an investiture ceremony for its new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Kwesi Ofori. The ceremony coincided with the university’s 18th Congregation.

Addressing graduates, students, academics and invited guests, Osagyefo Ofori Panin urged young people to take advantage of every opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking skills and prepare themselves for responsible leadership.

He emphasised that success in life depended largely on adequate preparation, drawing parallels between academic achievement and other aspects of life.

The Okyenhene described education as the most sustainable investment any nation could make, noting that it remained the surest path to transforming individual lives and national fortunes.

Using the journey of the newly installed Vice-Chancellor as an example, he said Professor Ofori’s rise from Kyebi to the helm of one of the nation’s respected private universities demonstrated the transformative power of education.

According to him, the appointment should inspire young Ghanaians to pursue excellence through discipline, sacrifice, determination and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

The Okyenhene further challenged Professor Ofori to build on the achievements of his predecessors and position Garden City University among Africa’s leading centres of higher learning.

For his part, Professor Eric Kwesi Ofori, unveiled his strategic vision for the university over the next five years under the theme, ‘An Entrepreneurial GCU for Quality and Inclusive Tertiary Education, Infrastructural Advancement, Internationalisation and Staff Motivation.’

He said institutions that would shape the future of higher education in Africa would not necessarily be the biggest, but those capable of adapting to change, embracing innovation and pursuing purposeful development.

Professor Ofori explained that his vision would be anchored on three strategic pillars: producing graduates who create value and solve societal problems rather than merely seeking employment; fostering an entrepreneurial culture among staff characterised by innovation, accountability and continuous improvement; and implementing a Ten-Year Development and Maintenance Plan to ensure sustainable infrastructural growth.

He also appealed to the government to extend greater support to private universities by granting them access to the Book and Research Allowance, arguing that such assistance would strengthen research and improve the quality of tertiary education.

The Vice-Chancellor further called on traditional authorities, alumni and corporate organisations to partner with the university in providing land, housing and other infrastructure to support its long-term development agenda.

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.