Kwame Blay Profiled On Forbes Africa-Ghana 2025

Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of Terraform Development, Kwame Blay, has been featured in Forbes Africa’s spotlight on Ghana 2025 for redefining homecoming through real estate development.

The feature recognises Kwame Blay for championing revolutionary development by rewriting the narrative of homecoming and investment in Africa through Sanbra City-meaning ‘Return City’.

Sanbra City is not just a real estate project; it’s a cultural and economic statement, signaling a new era for diasporan engagement.

Launched in 2024 and unveiled at InvestFest, America’s premier Black entrepreneurship festival, Sanbra City captured attention with a powerful pitch: to build a sanctuary for returnees and offer a financial opportunity in a market often ignored by investors.

At its core, Sanbra City is about impact: addressing Ghana’s housing deficit while making property ownership accessible to diasporans. The flagship phase, The Cascades, includes 40 units: 2-bedroom apartments from $180,000, 4-bedroom townhouses at $275,000, and 5-bedroom villas at $450,000.

Demand has already surpassed expectations, with over 1,200 registrants vying for these homes.

Kwame Blay also doubles as CEO of Daily Guide Network, a subsidiary of Western Publications Limited, which publishes the Daily Guide newspaper. He has been instrumental in the growth of the media house, winning numerous awards, including the Most Promising CEO Award at the Ghana Business Awards.

CAF Sanctions Algerian Players, FA Over AFCON Disciplinary Breaches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a series of sanctions on Algerian players and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) following disciplinary breaches during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been handed a two-match suspension for unsporting behaviour, with the ban set to be served during the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Defender Rafik Belghali has also been punished with a four-match suspension, although two of those matches have been suspended, meaning he will effectively miss two qualifiers unless further offences trigger the remaining ban.

In addition to the individual sanctions, CAF fined the FAF $5,000 after Algerian players picked up five yellow cards in a single match, an infringement of Article 130(a) of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

CAF further imposed a $25,000 fine on the federation for misconduct by players and officials after the final whistle, actions the governing body said undermined the integrity of the game under Articles 82 and 83 of the Code.

Supporter-related offences also attracted heavy penalties. The FAF was fined $5,000 each for the use of smoke bombs and for the throwing of objects, while a $10,000 fine was added for security breaches after supporters attempted to force their way through stadium barriers. An additional $50,000 fine was issued for offensive gestures by fans towards match officials, including the display of banknotes.

In response to the rulings, the Algerian FA confirmed it would immediately file an appeal in accordance with CAF regulations and vowed to closely follow the process, stressing its determination to defend the interests of Algerian football while fully respecting official procedures.

The sanctions highlight CAF’s firm stance on discipline and crowd control as it seeks to protect the integrity and image of African football.

Exim Bank Recovers GHS107m Loan Repayment

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has revealed that government has recovered GHS107 million in loan repayments, while some Ghana EXIM Bank loan disbursements have been referred to security agencies over concerns about how the funds were granted.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, the Minister said the referrals form part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight, improve credit quality, and recover defaulted loans.

She disclosed that Ghana EXIM Bank disbursed a total of GHS304 million in 2025 under a stringent credit creation policy aimed at ensuring that loans support economic growth and are fully repaid.

‘In 2025, the Ghana EXIM Bank disbursed a total of GHS304 million in line with a stringent credit creation policy designed to strengthen credit quality,’ she said.

The Minister stressed that the funds are not meant for personal or partisan use.

‘This is not money for the boys or money for the girls,’ she emphasised.

She further noted that the Bank has intensified recovery efforts, retrieving GHS107 million from loans that had previously not been serviced.

‘They went to work on loan recoveries and received GHS107 million from facilities that had been disbursed but not repaid,’ she added.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare also revealed that certain loan disbursements remain unexplained, prompting their referral to security agencies for further investigation.

‘There are loans that we do not know how they were disbursed, and these have been referred to the appropriate quarters to be dealt with expeditiously,’ she said.

She outlined strict requirements applicants must meet, stressing that borrowers must demonstrate how the credit will benefit the economy and their capacity to repay.

‘You must satisfy the requirements. You must show that the credit you are taking will inure to the benefit of the economy, and you must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan, because this is not free money,’ she stated.

The Minister added that recovery efforts on legacy loans are ongoing, with legal action initiated in several cases, while others have been referred to relevant security agencies for further action.

I Believe Ofori-Atta Will Return – Gabby

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Country Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CEIC) Ghana, says he is confident former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, will return to Ghana, insisting that the embattled statesman wants to come home despite ongoing public speculation about his stay in the United States.

Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV with host Serwaa Amihere, Mr. Otchere-Darko, who is a cousin to the former Minister, dismissed suggestions that Mr. Ofori-Atta may be avoiding a return to Ghana, stating firmly, ‘I believe Ken will come to Ghana, and I know he wants to come to Ghana.’

His comments come amid widespread discussion following reports and circulating images linked to Mr. Ofori-Atta’s situation in the United States, including references to immigration detention.

The matter has also drawn public commentary after Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, indicated that concerns had been raised about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return.

However, Mr. Otchere-Darko declined to engage in details of any conversations he may have had with either Mr. Ofori-Atta or the ambassador, repeatedly stressing his principle of not discussing private conversations in public.

‘I do not discuss private conversations publicly,’ he said, maintaining that stance despite persistent questioning from the host.

When asked about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s current condition, Mr. Otchere-Darko described him as mentally resilient and grounded in faith, expressing confidence in his ability to withstand pressure.

‘He’s a very strong man mentally, so I’m sure he’s doing well,’ he said, adding that although he had not spoken to Mr. Ofori-Atta since his reported detention, he believed he remained in good spirits.

‘He has strong faith, so I’m sure that will protect him,’ Gabby intimated.

Pressed on why Mr. Ofori-Atta had not returned earlier or opted to self-deport if he intended to come back to Ghana, Mr. Otchere-Darko questioned the premise of the concern.

‘Why would he not return to Ghana?’ he asked, reiterating his belief that the former minister’s return is only a matter of time.

Throughout the interview, Mr. Otchere-Darko avoided offering personal opinions on the broader assertions and political interpretations surrounding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s situation, choosing instead to focus narrowly on his confidence in his eventual return and well-being.

Shatta Wale Defends SM Fans After ‘Junkies’ Remark

Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, has fired back at New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator Awal Mohammed following comments describing some members of the Shatta Movement (SM) as ‘junkies.’

Awal Mohammed remarked during a television discussion on strict bail conditions, referencing Shatta Wale’s past arrest and the protests staged by his fans. The comment triggered backlash on social media, forcing the political communicator to issue an unqualified apology.

‘The term was unnecessary, and I’m truly sorry for any offence caused. I respect the passion of fans, and my choice of words was wrong,’ Awal Mohammed stated.

Shatta Wale, however, responded with a firm message, warning against what he called repeated attempts to undermine his brand and disrespect his supporters. He said the comment reflects a wider problem of selective criticism and coded insults directed at certain groups in society.

‘For years, I have been a voice for the youth. My impact goes beyond music to job creation, inspiration and representing Ghana globally. That deserves respect,’ he said.

The dancehall star stressed that the issue goes beyond entertainment, describing it as a matter of fairness and national maturity. He also reminded critics that the Shatta Movement is organised and conscious of its influence.

‘The people are not ignorant, and their patience is not unlimited. This is not a threat. It’s a reminder,’ Shatta Wale concluded.

Car Runs Over Loading Boy’s Head

A 27-YEAR-old loading boy at Aputoagya near Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, has unfortunately died under mysterious circumstances after a Kia Pregio vehicle, which was in motion, accidentally ran over his head.

Desmond Frimpong, the deceased, allegedly, attempted to pull down the driver’s mate while the vehicle was in motion, but he (Frimpong) rather fell on the road and the car ran over his head without the knowledge of the driver.

Frimpong was said to have sustained life-threatening injuries on his head, so he was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment by some Good Samaritans. He, however, gave up the ghost after he was referred to another medical facility.

Kuntenase District Police report, confirming the incident, said ‘On 14/01/26 at about 1500 hours, Samuel Arthur, aged 42, a driver in charge of a Kia Pregio vehicle, registration number AS 3991-21, was conveying passengers from Atonsu towards Jachie.

‘On reaching a section of the road at Aputoagya Station, the driver stopped to solicit for some more passengers. After the vehicle was fully loaded, the driver drove off, a loading boy, one Desmond Frimpong, aged 27, jumped and held onto the vehicle mate in an attempt to pull him down for an unknown reason while the vehicle was in motion.

‘In the process, he fell and was ran over by the rear tyre of the vehicle. He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to A1 Hospital, Aputoagya, for treatment. He was later referred to Kumasi South Hospital for further management, but was pronounced dead shortly upon arrival.’

The body has since been deposited at St. Michael Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the suspect driver, Samuel Arthur, has been detained in police custody to assist with investigations.

‘The suspect driver, Samuel Arthur, has been detained in police custody to assist with investigations. The accident vehicle, registration number AS 3991-21, has been impounded at the station,’ the report added.

Nigerian Content Creators Join Kar Lite ‘Tuba Shay’ Challenge

GHANAIAN TIKTOK sensation, Kar Lite, known for his viral videos, particularly his rendition of the ‘Rain Rain Go Away’ poem over an Afrobeats beat, has invaded the Nigerian content creation sector, amassing huge numbers.

Kar Lite has engaged a number of high-profile Nigerian content creators in his ‘Tuba Shay’ challenge, with the likes of Peller, CarterEfe, Sydney, Marios, Avatar, Machala and Koluwahala1.

In his content with CarterEfe, he amasses a total likes of over one million, with 13k comments and over 9.7 million views. With Peller, he accrued a total likes of 831.4k, with over 4.4 million views and 37.3k comments.

His content with Sydney also amassed over 667.4k likes, 22.9 comments, 39.8k saves and 3.6 million views.

Kar Lite has gained a massive following and has been endorsed by Nigerian content creator CarterEfe, who even invited him to Nigeria.

Kar Lite’s popularity skyrocketed after his ‘Amina’ song went viral, earning him a brand influencer deal with Kivo Products. He’s also collaborated with other brands like Peeva Beverages and De Perfume Studio.

He’s been praised for his creativity and energy, and has performed alongside Ghanaian actress Nana Ama McBrown at events like the Kivo Products activation at Madina Market.

Majority Of Ghanaians Happy With Govt – IEA Report

A new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), has revealed that 78% of Ghanaians believe the country is headed in the right direction despite some socio-economic challenges.

A statement issued by the economic think tank yesterday said the survey was conducted in the 16 regions of the country between December 20 and 28, 2025 with 1,022 respondents.

It stated that the survey was aimed at gauging public opinion on the direction of the country given significant changes including improved macroeconomic conditions recorded in 2025.

The report stated that most respondents representing 58% said they were ‘happy with the way things were going’, while 34% indicated that they were ‘not happy with how things were going,’ and 8% said they were ‘not sure’.

It said public confidence is gradually returning as many Ghanaians are increasingly hopeful for a better future under the new government.

According to the policy think tank, the findings reflect public reaction to the new government’s economic and development policies, as well as its leadership style, which have generated considerable debate about the country’s future.

The IEA noted that the generally positive outlook is not surprising considering the macroeconomic gains recorded over the period; appreciation of the cedi by about 32% against the US dollar in 2025.

‘The strengthening of the cedi, broader macroeconomic improvements, have helped ease inflationary pressures, which is reflected in the decrease in the price of fuel at the pump and in the cost of some imported consumer goods,’ it stated.

The policy think tank stated that other developments that may have influenced people’s perception of the direction of the country include, the significant decline in the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio from 61.8% at the end of December 2024 to 45% by the end of October 2025.

Others also include reduction in the average lending rate (cost of borrowing) from 30.2% to 22.2% over the same period as well as the gradual recovery from the effects of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) on citizens.

‘The survey suggests that most Ghanaians are satisfied with the country’s direction, largely due to recent economic improvements and policy measures introduced by the new government. this renewed optimism presents a valuable opportunity for the government to pursue bold structural reforms to consolidate and sustain the gains achieved so far,’ parts of the statement read.

FA Veep Hails Daniel Nii Laryea After Impressive AFCON 2025 Display

Vice-President of the Football Association, Mark Addo, has heaped praise on Ghana’s leading referee, Daniel Nii Laryea, following his outstanding showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Laryea emerged as one of the most impressive officials at the continental tournament, crowning a memorable campaign by taking charge of the high-profile semi-final clash between hosts Morocco and Nigeria at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The experienced referee was among 23 match officials awarded FIFA-approved badges for the 2026 season during a brief but symbolic ceremony at the Ghana Football Association headquarters on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

His name was met with a standing ovation, reflecting the admiration and pride his achievements have earned within the local football community.

Addressing the gathering, Mark Addo singled out Laryea for special recognition, calling on other referees to draw inspiration from his professionalism and consistency.

‘I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Daniel,’ Addo said. ‘You did a great job in Morocco and we are very proud of you. This is the high-level standard we expect from all of you. Let Daniel’s performance serve as a guide and motivation for everyone here.’

Beyond the semi-final, Laryea also officiated the group-stage fixture between Algeria and Burkina Faso and later served as Video Assistant Referee for the quarter-final encounter between Morocco and Cameroon, highlighting the confidence placed in him by the Confederation of African Football.

Now back in Ghana, Laryea is expected to return to Premier League duties, where his international exposure is anticipated to further raise the standard of officiating in the domestic game.

Blakk Rasta Reacts To Shatta Wale’s Lawsuit

Musician and media personality, Blakk Rasta, has responded to Shatta Wale’s GHS100 million defamation lawsuit, questioning why the Dancehall artiste has taken the matter to court.

Speaking in a video on the Facebook page, Blakk Empire Media, on January 19, 2026, Blakk Rasta said Shatta Wale had publicly described himself as the ‘King of Fraud’ and not a musician, insisting he merely amplified the artiste’s own words.

He wondered why those comments had now become the basis for a defamation suit.

‘A man has confessed that he is the ‘King of Fraud’. and we have helped you to trumpet it and you run to the police, run to the courts. Weytin dey happen,’ he asked.

Blakk Rasta said he had seen copies of the suit circulating online but had not officially been served with any court summons. He added that he was ready to receive it and had nothing to hide.

‘We have been waiting for the summons. Blakk Rasta is not a man who can hide. 3FM, I go there, 12 noon to 3:00pm. Please, you are welcome, bring it,’ he said.

He also praised Shatta Wale for choosing the legal route instead of what he described as ‘street threats,’ saying he respected anyone who pursued grievances through the courts.

Blakk Rasta further dismissed the possibility of paying the claimed amount, stating that Shatta Wale knew there was no money to be gained from him.

Shatta Wale has sued Blakk Rasta, born Abubakar Ahmed, for alleged defamation following a video published on December 15, 2025, titled ‘Shatta Wale, Self-Confessed King of Fraud.’ The suit was filed on January 15, 2026.

In his statement of claim, Shatta Wale argues that the comments in the video were false, malicious and damaging to his reputation as a public figure and award-winning musician. He contends that the statements portrayed him as dishonest, morally questionable and involved in fraudulent activities, including suggestions that proceeds of crime had passed through his bank accounts.