President Mahama Tours Bob Marley Museum

President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Bob Marley Museum as part of his official trip to Jamaica.

The President toured the museum alongside Andrew Holness and Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange.

Located on Old Hope Road in St. Andrew, the museum is the former home of reggae legend, Bob Marley. It is one of Jamaica’s leading cultural attractions, preserving the life and legacy of the iconic musician whose messages of freedom, unity and social justice continue to inspire people around the world.

The visit came after bilateral talks between President Mahama and Prime Minister Holness, where the two leaders discussed strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica.

Providing an update on social media, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the close historical and cultural links between the two countries.

‘As two nations with shared history and strong cultural connections, we continue to build on our partnership through South-South cooperation, expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and economic development,’ he said.

Holness noted that the discussions focused on increasing collaboration across key sectors and identifying new opportunities that would benefit both nations.

‘I look forward to the continued growth of this important partnership and the lasting benefits it will bring to Jamaica and Ghana,’ he added.

During his visit, President Mahama also spent time with members of the Rastafarian community and received cheers from onlookers after joining them in playing a traditional drum.

Hearts Of Oak Unveil 2026/27 Home Jersey

Hearts of Oak have unveiled their official home jersey for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season as the club gears up for the new campaign.

The newly launched strip combines the Phobians’ traditional colours with a contemporary design, featuring a dominant purple colour complemented by striking red and yellow patterns across the front of the shirt.

The jersey maintains key elements of the club’s identity, with the Hearts of Oak crest placed on the left chest alongside the branding of their kit partner, The Hope Brand.

The design reflects the club’s rich history while introducing a modern touch as the Rainbow Club seeks to make a strong statement ahead of the upcoming season.

The unveiling comes at a time when Hearts of Oak are intensifying preparations for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign, with management working to strengthen the squad and improve on recent performances.

The 112-year-old club will be hoping the new season marks a return to the top of Ghanaian football as they chase domestic success and a renewed challenge for major honours.

Supporters of the Phobians are expected to rally behind the new kit as the club begins another chapter in its long and celebrated history.

Hearts of Oak will begin their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Berekum Chelsea as they look to start the season on a positive note.

45% Africans Consider Travelling Abroad – Afrobarometer Report

Afrobarometer report has revealed that nearly half of Africans have considered leaving their countries in search of better opportunities abroad as a result of unemployment, poverty and limited economic prospects.

According to the report, 25% said they had considered it ‘a lot’ representing a 40% increase compared to figures recorded nearly a decade ago.

Afrobarometer’s third annual flagship report, based on Round 10 survey data collected across 38 countries in 2024/2025, examines how ordinary Africans view and experience global issues, including migration, international trade, climate change and Africa’s relations with major global powers.

According to the report, young and highly educated people are the most likely to consider leaving their countries as a result of economic hardship with 50% of migrants seeking employment opportunities while 29% will like to migrate due to poverty.

The report further revealed that migration preferences are shifting, with more Africans looking beyond the continent for opportunities stating that proportion of citizens who prefer migrating within Africa has declined from 36% in 2016/2018 to 26% currently.

While Africans remain generally welcoming towards foreigners, the report found that concerns about economic competition have influenced attitudes towards immigration indicating that 77% of Africans would welcome or would not mind having immigrants as neighbours.

The report also showed that many are cautious about the economic impact of migration, as 64% preferred fewer or no job seekers admitted into their countries, while 70 per cent expressed similar concerns about refugees.

The report also identified a different migration pattern compared with other regions, noting that the most educated, skilled and wealthier citizens in Africa’s relatively stronger economies are among those showing greater resistance to immigration.

AfCFTA

Beyond migration, the Afrobarometer report highlighted Africans’ support for international trade despite limited awareness of major continental economic initiatives.

It found that only 13% of Africans have heard about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), although the agreement is intended to boost economic integration and expand trade across the continent.

Despite the low awareness, support for open trade remains strong, with 62% Africans believe it is better for their economies to make trade easier with other countries, compared with 51% five years earlier.

The report also showed that 66% of Africans want their governments to expand trading relationships globally, suggesting that citizens are looking beyond regional markets for economic opportunities.

Speaking in an interview with a section of journalists on the report, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ghana, Niloy Banerjee, said Africa must focus on creating conditions that encourage citizens, particularly young people, to thrive on the continent.

He said migration decisions were often influenced by the availability of opportunities, adding that people would be less likely to leave if they could access jobs, quality education, healthcare and improved living standards while calling for greater efforts to make AfCFTA to work effectively.

‘We have to show results. We have to show that AfCFTA is working for the African producer, manufacturer and trader, that Africa must demonstrate the benefits of continental trade integration for producers, manufacturers and businesses,’ he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Afrobarometer, Dr. Joseph Asunka, said the findings showed that Africans support greater economic cooperation but remain disconnected from some major policy initiatives, particularly the AfCFTA.

He said governments needed to improve communication about the agreement and ensure citizens understood how it could improve livelihoods.

Dr. Asunka also emphasised the need for collective continental action to create opportunities for young Africans, arguing that stronger infrastructure and regional cooperation would help businesses access larger markets.

‘If young people want to create their own businesses, those businesses can only thrive if they have a larger market,’ he said.

The Director of Communications at Afrobarometer, Josephine Sanny, explained that the report was designed to bring the voices of ordinary Africans into global conversations on migration, trade, climate change and international relations.

She said the research showed that while Africans were increasingly interested in global engagement, governments must address domestic economic challenges to reduce migration pressures.

The report further mentioned that Africans are not interested in choosing sides in global power competition but are seeking partnerships that deliver tangible development benefits for their countries.

South East SDA C’ssions Dormitories For College

The President of South East Ghana Union Mission (SEGUM) of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Col. (Rtd) Peter Nyarko Duodu, has commissioned two dormitory blocks for the SDA College of Education at Asokore in the Eastern Region to improve accommodation for students.

The facilities, named Rose Owusu-Kakra and Charles Kuma-Korante Halls are expected to address the school’s infrastructure deficits, ease congestion, and improve sanitary conditions in the school.

The commissioning ceremony brought together key personalities from academia, SEGUM Executives, governing council of the school, church leaders, students, teaching, and non teaching staff.

Addressing the gathering, Pastor Col. (Rtd) Peter Nyarko Duodu commended the principal’s proactive management of internally generated funds to maintain the school’s infrastructure, and urged students to take personal responsibility for preserving the assets to prevent damage.

According to the SEGUM President, a portion of South East Ghana Union Mission’s budget will be allocated for education and to support the college, and called for collective resource mobilisation to assist the school.

‘Ultimately, the goal is to upgrade the school’s status to a national pride and foster an environment where citizens can drive Ghana’s progress through learning,’ he added.

The Principal of the College, Prof. Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah, said the strategic vision of the college is the expansion of residential halls to improve student living conditions.

According to him, key historical figures, including Charles Kuma-Korante and Rose Owusu-Kakra, were honoured with the naming of the new halls because of their leadership and contributions to the school.

The SDA College of Education, he recalled, was established on October 26, 1962, with 120 students and named Koforidua Day-Teacher Training College, with emphasis on academic excellence and moral discipline.

He said the school also has plans of constructing a new male hall and auditorium which, according to him, are expected to be completed by 2027.

Colo Colo Secure Special Permission For Cape Verde Star Vozinha

The Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) has granted a special exemption allowing Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to wear his famous nickname on the back of his Colo Colo shirt despite league regulations requiring players to use their legal names.

The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, signed a six-month contract with the Chilean giants on Monday following his outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ANFP rules generally prohibit the use of nicknames on playing shirts, but Colo Colo successfully appealed for an exception.

Speaking at his unveiling, Vozinha explained the personal significance of the name, which means ‘little granny’ in Portuguese.

‘It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well,’ he said. ‘If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.’

Vozinha has become one of football’s most inspiring stories after helping Cape Verde enjoy a remarkable World Cup debut. The veteran goalkeeper played a key role as his country earned their first-ever World Cup point against Spain and reached the knockout stages, where they pushed eventual finalists Argentina to extra time.

His heroic displays earned him a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament and sparked a surge in popularity, with his Instagram following growing from around 50,000 to nearly 30 million.

After spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal, the experienced shot-stopper described his move to Chile’s most successful club as the pinnacle of his club career.

‘The decision was very clear,’ he said. ‘The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Representing Colo Colo, a massive club with a rich history, is the highlight of my club career.’

GFA Prioritises Player Welfare At U-17 Girls Championship

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) placed player safety and welfare at the centre of the Elite U-17 Girls Championship by successfully implementing comprehensive safeguarding measures throughout the tournament at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram.

Ahead of the competition, the GFA carried out a detailed safeguarding risk assessment covering child protection, player welfare, medical support, emergency response procedures, venue safety, and security to ensure a safe environment for all participants.

As part of its safeguarding programme, players were educated on recognising and preventing abuse in football, understanding the different forms of abuse, and using the appropriate reporting channels to raise concerns. Designated female safeguarding officers were also available throughout the championship to provide support and assistance to the young players.

The Association further maintained high player welfare standards during the competition by ensuring qualified medical personnel were on-site. Teams were encouraged to seek immediate medical attention whenever players required care, reinforcing the GFA’s commitment to protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of every participant.

NPP, NDC Lock Horns Over Democracy Demo/Copter Crash

The Deputy Director in charge of IT and Elections of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko Computer, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of hypocrisy over its planned August 6 demonstration, which coincides with the first anniversary of the helicopter crash that claimed eight lives in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region.

The NPP will embark on a demonstration today to protest over what it says are growing concerns about threats to Ghana’s democratic governance, particularly in the administration of justice by the judiciary.

In an interview with JoyNews yesterday, Mr. Tanko Computer recognised the party’s constitutional right to stage a demonstration, provided it adheres to the relevant legal procedures and remains peaceful.

He, however, said the timing of the protest reveals what he considers contradictions in the party’s position on the remembrance of the eight people who lost their lives in the helicopter crash, and therefore urged political actors to be sensitive to such a national tragedy.

‘The good question is that it has exposed the hypocrisy embedded in their cry when we lost the eight people. Tomorrow (today) is the one-year anniversary. When people died, we celebrate it solemnly and pray for them. We are going to demonstrate with people who don’t see anything wrong with that,’ he stated.

Mr. Tanko added that Ghanaians are closely monitoring how political parties choose between protest and an anniversary of national significance.

But the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, in an interview on JoyNews, rejected claims that the party deliberately chose Thursday, August 6, for its planned demonstration.

He said ‘the NPP never disregarded the first anniversary of the helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, but settled on the date earlier before we heard of the one-year anniversary for the helicopter crash victims.’

‘We chose our date way earlier. In fact, before we even heard that. It was only yesterday or so when I received calls that the one-year anniversary of our beloved brothers, friends and fathers who died is tomorrow (today). Let me say that we have not been invited, though they have sent invitations out to some people,’ he added.

The National Organiser of the NPP also accused the NDC of applying a ‘double standard’ in talking about the timing of the protest, given how the government had continued to do its business under similar circumstance.

‘We had some serious bloodshed in this country where we lost over 40 people. The following day, the President had a thanksgiving service. He was dancing. So are you saying that those 40 lives were less important? Fighting for the dying democracy under President Mahama is equally important,’ Nana Boakye stated.

He also mentioned other incidents, including a fatal accident on the Accra-Kumasi highway which claimed dozens of lives, and alleged that the President failed to show concern to the affected victims.

Nana B stated that the demonstration dubbed ‘Democracy Under Attack’ slated for today, August 6, is focused on among other things, to protest on issues including the acquittal of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, and what it describes as arbitrary arrests and treatment of its members, as well as defend the country’s democracy.

The NPP National Organiser said the party, together with other political parties, will converge at the community centre near the Supreme Court at 5:00 a.m. and first present a petition to the Judicial Service, proceed to the Jubilee House to present a petition to President John Mahama, and make a final presentation to Parliament House.

UHAS To Establish AI Centre Of Excellence

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has announced plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence aimed at advancing research, innovation and capacity building in healthcare delivery.

The initiative, according to the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, forms part of efforts by the university to position Ghana as a leader in digital health transformation and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies in the health sector.

Prof. Aziato disclosed this at the opening of the three-day International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Pharma (ICAIH) held at UHAS in Ho.

The conference was organised on the theme: ‘Transforming Healthcare from Expenders to Healthpreneurs: Leveraging AI as the Bedrock for Regional Cooperation.’

She stated that the proposed AI Centre of Excellence would focus on cutting-edge research areas including clinical trials, drug development, sustainable health financing and health leadership.

The centre, she added, would also provide training opportunities for practising health professionals and students from other tertiary institutions to build a skilled workforce capable of driving healthcare innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor further announced that UHAS would integrate Artificial Intelligence, telemedicine and other digital technologies into its proposed UHAS Medical Centre to enhance disease diagnosis, personalised treatment and improve healthcare delivery.

She, however, cautioned that the adoption of AI in healthcare must be guided by strong ethical principles, with emphasis on patient privacy, data security and professional standards.

She said the university was ready to collaborate with local and international institutions, development partners and industry players to create a robust health innovation ecosystem capable of transforming healthcare delivery in Ghana and across Africa.

The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, said Ghana was positioning itself as a continental trailblazer through its Artificial Intelligence for Health Programme.

The programme, launched in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other United Nations agencies, seeks to strengthen disease surveillance, improve health system resilience and promote responsible AI adoption across the healthcare value chain.

Dr. Donkor said the initiative aligns with Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2035 and demonstrates the country’s commitment to leveraging technology to address healthcare challenges.

He, however, stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, noting that no country could maximise the benefits of AI without access to quality data, interoperable digital infrastructure, trusted governance frameworks and harmonised regulations.

Dr. Donkor called for the establishment of interoperable electronic health record systems supported by strong cybersecurity measures and regional centres of excellence linking universities, teaching hospitals, research institutions and private sector innovators.

He also emphasised the need to invest in training the next generation of clinicians, biomedical engineers, data scientists and entrepreneurs to lead Africa’s health technology revolution.

The Director of the Institute of Health Research (IHR) at UHAS and Epidemiologist, Professor Alexander Ansah Manu, said the conference was designed to translate Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy into practical interventions for the health sector.

He said the event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, WHO, National Vaccine Institute, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ghana Health Service, Centre for Plant Medicine Research and other AI experts.

Prof. Manu said discussions would focus on the application of AI in maternal, newborn, child and adolescent healthcare, clinical trials, vaccine and pharmaceutical production, sustainable health financing and health leadership.

He expressed optimism that the conference would produce a national roadmap for AI adoption in healthcare while strengthening partnerships among researchers, policymakers, innovators and industry players.

Bawumia Hosts Aduwa For Mugisu

Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will be the Chief Mourner for the 40th Aduwa for the late Alhaji Mugisu Sibawey.

The deceased was a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Accra and Dagbon.

The Islamic prayers for his soul will hold on August 23, 2026 at Nungua Kantamanto at 9:30 a.m.

Other mourners include Alhaji Aminu Amadu, former Council of State member, Alhaji Malik Alhassan, former Minister of the Interior, Chief of the Dagomba community in Accra, Alhaji Abdul Kadir Tahir and Dr. Nashiru Issahaku, former Governor, Bank of Ghana.

Jude Okoye’s Former Lawyer Says Peter’s Online Claims Contradict Court Testimony

Former legal counsel to Jude Okoye, Inibehe Effiong, has accused Peter Okoye of P-Square of trying to influence public opinion over the family’s ongoing legal dispute.

In a statement shared on his official X account, Effiong reacted to Peter Okoye’s recent allegations against his elder brother, Jude Okoye, regarding the management of P-Square’s business affairs and finances.

Effiong revealed that his law firm initially represented Jude Okoye in the case before another lawyer took over.

‘Our firm started the legal defence of Jude Okoye. We filed applications for his bail in both the Federal High Court and the High Court of Lagos State. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria later took over the case and continued from where I stopped,’ he said.

The lawyer stressed that Jude Okoye has not been found guilty of any offence and should be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

‘Jude hasn’t been convicted of any crime by any court of law. We should afford him his constitutional right to the presumption of innocence,’ Effiong stated.

He also defended the bail conditions granted to Jude, saying they should not be viewed as proof of guilt.

Effiong criticised Peter Okoye for continuing to discuss the case on social media while it remains before the courts.

‘It is baffling that Peter, who is the nominal complainant in the two cases, has resorted to social media trial while the cases are pending before courts of competent jurisdiction,’ he said.

The lawyer further alleged that Peter’s online statements differ from what he has said under cross-examination in court.

‘What Peter is saying online differs from the verifiable admissions he has been making under cross-examination in court. He knows exactly what he is doing,’ Effiong added.

He urged the singer to focus on presenting evidence in court instead of discussing the matter online.

‘He should focus his energy on testifying in court to support the charges against Jude, instead of resorting to a media trial. The cases are in court; we should let the court decide the guilt or innocence of the defendant,’ he said.

The legal dispute between the Okoye brothers remains before the courts as both sides continue to defend their positions publicly.