Obuasi SHTS Sexual Assault: Police Forward Docket For Legal Advice

THE ASHANTI South Regional Police Command has forwarded a rape case involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, to the Attorney General’s Office for study and advice.

The case follows allegations by a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official bungalow on the school’s campus on July 25, 2026.

The police, in a press release dated October 16, 2026, said the student, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Obuasi on August 4, 2026.

According to the police statement, the complainant alleged that she had gone to a spot near the headmaster’s official residence, where students dried their clothes, to remove her dresses when the suspect allegedly asked her to enter his residence to undertake an errand for him.

The statement said the headmaster allegedly began caressing and fondling the student against her will after she entered the residence.

When she resisted his advances, he allegedly dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

The police further disclosed that the suspect allegedly gave the student GHS100 after the incident to keep her silent.

Investigations

The police said investigations had been completed, including medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photographs and the collection of witness statements.

The case docket has since been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for legal advice and the necessary action.

The referral marks the next stage in the handling of the allegations, although the police have not announced any court proceedings in the case.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command assured the public that it was committed to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security within its jurisdiction.

The allegations against the headmaster have yet to be tested in court.

FHU Swears In Board Of Trustees

Family Health University (FHU) has sworn in a new seven-member Board of Trustees for its Endowment Fund, to help provide strategic leadership, mobilise resources and strengthen financial support for brilliant but needy students pursuing healthcare education.

The new Board is chaired by Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, with Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, Dr. James Duah, Mrs. Lawrencia Adams Simpson, Mr. Kwabena Osei-Boateng and Mrs. Reeta Auguste as members, and Mrs. Lily Konadu Ocran serving as Secretary.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, urged the new Trustees to demonstrate prudent stewardship, transparency and accountability in managing the Fund.

He emphasised the importance of expanding resource mobilisation efforts to ensure that more deserving students who face financial challenges can access and complete their healthcare education, while acknowledging the contributions of the previous Trustees. Prof. Kwawukume expressed confidence that the new Board would build on the foundation established to strengthen the Fund’s sustainability and impact.

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, expressed appreciation to the university for the confidence reposed in the Trustees, and pledged the Board’s commitment to achieving the Fund’s objectives.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and constructive engagement among members, noting that their work would directly influence opportunities for financially disadvantaged students.

Council Chairman of FHU, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd.), also urged the Trustees to begin mobilising resources to support students from less privileged backgrounds, while commending the Board members for accepting the responsibility.

Launched on March 23, 2023, the FHU Endowment Fund seeks to provide sustainable financial assistance to students with academic potential who face financial difficulties.

The swearing-in marks a new chapter for the Fund as the university strengthens its commitment to expanding access to healthcare education and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals in Ghana.

NPP’s Free SHS Really Helped My Family – Jeneral Ntatia

Comedian, Prince Kwame Amoabeng, popularly known as Jeneral Ntatia, says the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy remains the main reason for his loyalty to the party.

Speaking to Nikki Samonas, he said the policy enabled his youngest sibling to attend Labone Senior High School without paying tuition fees, easing the financial burden on him after the death of both parents.

Ntatia, who campaigned for the NPP during the 2020 general elections, said the experience shaped his political allegiance despite the criticism he received for publicly supporting the party.

‘Our last born went to Labone Senior High School for free. Had it not been for it, probably our last born may not have been able to go to school because it wasn’t easy,’ he said.

‘So I decided that for all children to go to school, then let me go for NPP and I’m stuck there,’ he said.

He explained that he had to provide for his younger siblings while still at university, adding that critics did not fully understand the circumstances behind his support for the policy.

‘People don’t understand; by then my parents were gone and Free SHS really helped,’ he said.

Ntatia also urged Ghanaians to vote for the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the 2028 general election.

MTN MoMo, UNCDF Partner To Boost Digital Finance For MSMEs

MobileMoney Fintech Limited (MMFL) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand access to digital financial services for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana, with a focus on women- and youth-led businesses.

The agreement forms part of the Joint SDG Fund programme on Leveraging Digital Ecosystems for Increased MSME Productivity, implemented by UNCDF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), under the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Shaibu Haruna, said the partnership sought to improve access to digital financial solutions, including savings and microloans, while equipping entrepreneurs with financial literacy and business management skills to support sustainable growth.

‘This is in line with deepening our role in enhancing micro-enterprises in Ghana, and this is something we are very passionate about at MobileMoney Fintech Limited. At the core of what we do is providing financial inclusion and deepening the financial health of individuals as well as communities,’ he said.

According to him, the intervention comes at a critical time for Ghana, following significant improvements in access to financial services.

‘The focus for us could not have come at a better time. Access to financial services has improved significantly in this country, and it is time for enterprises, especially micro-enterprises, to take it to the next level so that we can create big businesses for tomorrow that will create employment in our communities and in some of the underserved communities,’ he added.

The Chief Product and Services Officer of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Sylvia Otuo-Acheampong, said the company had focused on making it easier for small businesses to access financial services beyond basic payments.

She acknowledged that many micro-traders were accustomed to cash and face-to-face transactions, making the transition to digital savings and loans challenging. She said the company had been working to simplify the process of adopting digital financial services.

Speaking on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Niloy Banerjee, the Head of Innovative Finance and Inclusive Growth, Dr. Allen Anie, said many MSMEs, particularly women- and youth-led businesses, continued to face barriers to affordable finance, savings and business management support.

He explained that the partnership brought together three interconnected areas of support: a policy framework through Ghana’s first National E-Commerce Strategy; a digital platform through the government-owned MSME Digital Gateway; and improved access to digital financial services for women- and youth-led businesses.

‘By connecting policy, digital access and finance, we are working towards an ecosystem where MSMEs can find information, reach markets, build their capabilities, and also access financial services through more connected and accessible systems,’ he said.

The Alamein Declaration: A Step Toward Enhancing Regional Coordination And Protecting State Sovereignty

The Alamein Quadrilateral Consultative Summit

The Joint Alamein Declaration was issued following the quadrilateral summit held among Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia in the New Alamein City on October 4, 2026.

The summit was attended by Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Eritrean President, Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudan’s Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The declaration addressed issues relating to national sovereignty, the war in Sudan, Somalia’s unity, Red Sea security, the dispute over Nile waters, and the enhancement of economic cooperation and regional coordination.

Executive Summary of the Main Provisions of the Alamein Declaration:

The Alamein Declaration establishes a common political framework among the four countries around three interconnected issues: protecting national states from fragmentation and external interference, affirming the role of littoral states in managing Red Sea security, and coordinating positions on Nile waters.

National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Emphasizing respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of regional states; rejecting interference in their internal affairs; supporting national institutions; and encouraging political and peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Sudan: Supporting Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions; rejecting the establishment of parallel entities; encouraging the resumption of a political process under Sudanese ownership and leadership; and categorically rejecting any support for mercenaries.

Somalia: Affirming the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia; rejecting any interference that undermines its territorial integrity; rejecting recognition of, or support for, the entity known as ‘Somaliland’; and supporting efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen Somali state institutions.

4. The Red Sea and Maritime Corridors: Emphasising freedom of navigation and affirming that governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the states bordering it, while highlighting the importance of maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

5. Nile Waters and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): Emphasising respect for international law governing transboundary rivers, the principle of no significant harm, prior notification, consultation, and consensus, while rejecting unilateral measures that harm the existing water uses of the downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan.

6. Cooperation and Follow-up Mechanisms: Strengthening political, commercial, economic, and cultural relations; developing regional connectivity in infrastructure, energy, and trade; and establishing a mechanism to follow up on the summit’s outcomes through regular meetings and additional meetings as needed.

The Full Alamein Declaration

The Joint Alamein Declaration, issued following the quadrilateral summit bringing together Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia, represents an important milestone in regional coordination on the political and security challenges facing the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

The declaration reaffirmed a set of fundamental principles, foremost among them respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejection of interference in internal affairs, support for national institutions, and recourse to political and peaceful solutions in addressing conflicts.

The significance of the declaration lies in both its timing and its substance, as the region faces increasing interconnections between internal crises and regional competition over ports, maritime corridors, and strategic resources. In this context, the quadrilateral consensus reflects a shared recognition that regional stability requires respect for state sovereignty, stronger cooperation among neighboring countries, and avoidance of measures that could exacerbate conflicts or undermine mutual trust.

Sudan and the Unity of the State

The declaration is particularly significant for Sudan, as it reaffirms support for the country’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions, rejects the establishment of parallel entities, and categorically rejects any support for mercenaries.

It also emphasises the need to resume a political process under Sudanese ownership and leadership, underscoring that resolving the Sudanese crisis should be based on respect for national will and the preservation of state institutions, while supporting political and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

This common position represents a diplomatic asset for Sudan, strengthening prospects for broader regional understanding on the need to preserve the nation-state.

It also underscores that achieving sustainable peace is linked to ending external interference, cutting off support to armed insurgents, and supporting solutions that take into account the specific circumstances of the Sudanese situation.

Somalia and State Sovereignty

Regarding Somalia, the declaration reaffirmed support for the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and rejected any recognition of or support for the entity known as ‘Somaliland’ that would undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. It also called for support for counterterrorism efforts and the strengthening of Somali national institutions.

This position reflects the four countries’ commitment to the principle of territorial integrity and highlights the need to address issues related to ports and access to the sea through arrangements that respect state sovereignty and international law.

The Red Sea and Nile Waters

On maritime affairs, the declaration emphasised freedom of navigation and affirmed that governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the states bordering it.

This underscores the importance of strengthening consultations among these countries on maritime security and the protection of shared interests, while taking into account the international rules governing navigation and trade.

Regarding Nile waters, the leaders emphasised respect for international law governing Transboundary Rivers, the principle of no harm, prior notification, consultation, and consensus, while rejecting unilateral measures that harm the existing water uses of Egypt and Sudan. This highlights the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding in managing water resources, as fundamental pillars of water security and regional stability.

From Political Consensus to Joint Action

The true value of the Alamein Declaration lies not only in the positions it articulates but also in the ability to translate them into practical mechanisms for coordination and cooperation.

In this regard, the proposed establishment of a mechanism to follow up on the summit’s outcomes is particularly important, alongside efforts to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.

Ultimately, the Alamein Declaration provides a political foundation for enhancing consultations among the four countries on issues of sovereignty, security, and development. It also creates opportunities for a more coordinated regional approach to shared challenges.

The success of this initiative, however, will depend on sustained dialogue, adherence to the declared principles, and the transformation of political consensus into practical initiatives that support regional stability and safeguard the interests of the region’s peoples.

Challenges Facing the Alamein Declaration

Despite the positive aspects highlighted in the declaration, the Alamein Summit faces several challenges. These include the difficulty of translating political consensus into concrete diplomatic action, continued regional competition and disagreements over ports, as well as divergent interests and the involvement of multiple regional and international actors.

Disagreements over the rules governing the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) also represent a challenge to achieving regional consensus. Another key concern is ensuring sustained follow-up and the implementation of the summit’s outcomes.

Accordingly, the summit’s strategic effectiveness will depend on the four countries’ ability to move beyond a declaration of principles toward specific action programmes, establish cooperation priorities, and strengthen regular consultations on regional crises. These efforts are essential to transforming political understandings into practical, implementable measures.

Derrick Kwatei Quartey Appointed For Futsal AFCON Final

Ghanaian referee Derrick Kwatei Quartey has earned a major career milestone after being appointed as a Reserve Assistant Referee for the 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Angola.

The final took place in Rabat on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 19:00 GMT, with Quartey being part of the officiating team for the continental showpiece.

His appointment marks his first major final as a referee, highlighting his continued progress in African football officiating and providing a boost for Ghanaian refereeing on the continental stage.

Quartey worked alongside an experienced team of officials led by Tunisian referee Abdelakram El Hentati, who has been named as the main referee for the encounter.

South Africa’s Sipho Machbeth Mahlangu served as Referee 2, while Cameroon’s Eric Elingui Mindjih as Referee 3.

Libyan official Mohammed Alsertawi completed the team in the role of timekeeper.

The appointment represents an important step in Quartey’s officiating career as he continues to gain recognition at the continental level.

His inclusion in the final’s officiating team also underscores Ghana’s presence in African futsal refereeing, with the country represented at one of the competition’s biggest fixtures.

2028 Elections: NPP Votes Will Be Protected – John Boadu

NEW PATRIOTIC Party (NPP) National Chairman, John Boadu, has ruled out the possibility of the 2028 general election being rigged to favour a political party at the disadvantage of the NPP.

He stated that the current NPP national executives, led by him, would put the necessary security and other measures in place to prevent anyone that has the dubious intentions of rigging the elections to fail woefully.

John Boadu stated categorically that the NPP executives and members would monitor both the presidential and parliamentary elections with an eagle eye, stressing that only the will of the people will prevail.

According to him, members and sympathisers of the NPP, out of love, join long queues for hours just to vote for the party’s presidential aspirant and parliamentary candidates with the hope that the party will win the polls.

Mr. Boadu therefore insisted that the least that the party’s executives could do, is to work assiduously to protect such precious votes to enable the party to win the general election and form the next government.

‘At the end of the 2028 general election, I’m here to assure you that the mandate of the people will be respected and protected. There will be no room for rigging to favour any political party,’ he openly declared.

Speaking in an interview with Kwame Tanko of Lawson TV in Kumasi, Mr. Boadu stated that members of the NPP should not fear that the Electoral Commission (EC) will rig the polls to favour the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), because ‘it will not work.’

‘The NDC government, led by President John Mahama, can decide to make Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the NDC National Chairman, the EC chair, the NPP will still win the 2028 elections,’ Mr. Boadu stated confidently.

Recounting history, he said during the 2000 elections, the NPP then complained that Dr. Afari Gyan may have soft spot for the NDC so he will rig the election to favour the NDC, but the NPP eventually won the polls.

He said in 2016, there were similar complaints that Charlotte Osei, the EC chairperson, may work to favour the NDC, but the NPP emerged victorious in the election, with Nana Akufo-Addo elected as president.

John Boadu also recounted that in 2024, the NDC tagged Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson, as having a soft spot for the NPP, but in the end, the NDC, despite their persistent complaints, won both the presidential and parliamentary elections.

According to him, the NPP has prepared very well for the 2028 elections, noting that the NDC is also performing abysmally so far, therefore, definitely the NPP will win the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.

‘If the EC decides to intimidate us, it will not work. With me as Chairman of the NPP, there is no way that anybody can intimidate or frustrate the NPP,’ he said, and added, ‘I will not be an armchair chairman, I’m here to work for NPP’s victory.’

CAF Schedules Ampem Darkoa, Edo Queens Final Continuation In Egypt

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the continuation of the WAFU Zone B qualifying final between Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC and Edo Queens FC will be played in Egypt on October 28 or 29, 2026.

In a letter addressed to both clubs, CAF stated that the decision follows rulings by its Organising Committee for Women’s Football on September 26 and the CAF Appeal Board on October 16, regarding the original encounter played on September 5, 2026.

The match will resume from the start of extra time with the score tied at 2-2. The teams will play two 15-minute periods, with a penalty shootout to determine the winner if the deadlock persists.

CAF has also confirmed that a new set of match officials will oversee the continuation, replacing those appointed for the original fixture.

The exact date, venue and kick-off time are expected to be communicated to both clubs in due course.

The decision follows the annulment of Edo Queens’ 4-1 penalty shootout victory after Ampem Darkoa successfully protested the outcome of the original match.

The Ghanaian champions had challenged the result, prompting the subsequent review by CAF’s judicial bodies.

The resumption will determine which team represents the WAFU Zone B sub-region at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt.

With a place in the continental competition at stake, both sides will return to the contest knowing that the remaining 30 minutes of extra time, and potentially a penalty shootout, will decide their fate.

I Will Never Disrespect You – Shatta Wale To Slim Buster

Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, has urged veteran musician Slim Buster to end their online exchanges, insisting he has no intention of disrespecting or fighting him.

In a Facebook post, Shatta Wale said he had never disrespected Slim Buster and urged him not to blame him for the situation.

‘I will never come at you with disrespect or hostility. Instead, I would sincerely plead with you to stop treating me as though I started this whole situation,’ he wrote.

The ‘After 40’ hitmaker advised Slim Buster not to allow social media comments to create unnecessary misunderstandings.

‘With all due respect, please put an end to this… The internet is not an easy place, and not every comment deserves a reaction,’ he stated.

Shatta Wale described his message as advice from a younger brother to an elder, rather than an attempt to attract attention.

Slim Buster recently recounted the mockery he faced after joining social media, saying he studied trolls’ profiles and activities before responding to their comments.

Advans Group, BoG Discuss Financial Inclusion

Advans Group and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) have discussed ways to expand financial inclusion and strengthen the financial services sector during a courtesy call on the Governor, Dr. Johnson P. Asiama.

The meeting brought together senior executives and board members of Advans Group and its Ghana subsidiary, Advans Ghana Savings and Loans Limited, to discuss regulatory priorities, developments in the financial industry and the role of savings and loans institutions in improving access to finance.

Discussions also covered the Bank of Ghana’s liquidity framework and its implications for regulated financial institutions, with both sides highlighting the importance of collaboration between regulators and industry players in maintaining financial stability and widening access to financial services.

Dr. Asiama said effective engagement between the regulator and financial institutions was important to ensuring stability in the financial sector while broadening access to financial services.

The Advans delegation commended the central bank for its leadership and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector.

The Governor and his team also acknowledged Advans Ghana’s contribution to the industry, recognising it as one of the leading and best-performing savings and loans companies in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of Advans International, Steven Duchatelle, said the engagement demonstrated the group’s commitment to responsible finance, sound governance and sustainable growth in the markets where it operates.

He said the group valued opportunities to exchange views with regulators on developments in the financial sector and to support efforts to expand access to appropriate financial services.

Advans Group provides financial services to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs and individuals who face barriers to accessing conventional banking services.

The Managing Director of Advans Ghana Savings and Loans Limited, Guillaume Valence, said the institution would continue to comply with the country’s regulatory framework while providing financial services tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses.

He said strong relationships with regulators were essential to sustainable growth, adding that the company remained committed to responsible lending, sound risk management and expanding access to finance.

The courtesy call formed part of Advans Group Board Week 2026, which brought together group leadership, board members and management from its subsidiaries and group office for strategic discussions and a review of operations.

The event attracted representatives from Advans subsidiaries in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Tunisia.

The delegation included Cyrille Arnould, Chairman of the Advans Group Board; Claude Falgon, Founder and Board Member of Advans SA; Steven Duchatelle, Chief Executive Officer of Advans International; Brieuc Cardon, Business Development Director of Advans International; Eli Hini, Chairman of the Board of Advans Ghana; Guillaume Valence, Chief Executive Officer of Advans Ghana; Kwame Owusu-Boateng, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Advans Ghana; and Rufina Acquah, Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary of Advans Ghana.