UNICEF Partners Kuami Eugene On ‘Let Them Shine’

Afrobeat artist, Kuami Eugene, is lending his voice and star power to champion child rights across the nation with the release of a powerful new child-rights anthem titled, ‘Let them Shine.’.

‘Let them Shine’ celebrates children everywhere and highlights their fundamental rights, including the right to education, nutrition, healthcare, protection, safety, and freedom from abuse.

The song’s release is particularly timely, coming at a critical period when children’s rights are increasingly under threat globally, making its message both urgent and essential.

The launch of ‘Let them Shine’ marks the 36th anniversary of Ghana’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Ghana is the first country in the world to ratify the CRC, reaffirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to protecting every child.

Beyond the World Children’s Day celebration, ‘Let them Shine’ is designed to be a long-term advocacy tool. With Kuami Eugene’s strong influence and large youth following, the song aims to empower young people to understand and demand their rights, inspiring children and adolescents to become advocates for themselves, their peers, and their communities.

‘We are excited about this collaboration because it goes far beyond the release of a song,’ said Osama Makawi, UNICEF Representative in Ghana. ‘It represents a strategic avenue to elevate child rights conversations across different platforms. Through music, a universal language, we can reach more people and mobilize communities to stand up for children.’

Kuami Eugene also shared his commitment to supporting children through his art: ‘Lending my voice to World Children’s Day through music means a lot to me because every child in Ghana deserves the right to be felt, seen, heard, and valued. I’m honoured to use my voice to encourage and to stand for a future where every child has the right to shine.’

‘Let them Shine’ is available on major digital platforms and forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s ongoing efforts to promote awareness, foster engagement, and strengthen national commitment to safeguarding every child.

EC Petitioner ‘Stole’ Printer On Interdiction

It has emerged that the man who petitioned President John Mahama for the removal of the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Mensa, is an interdicted staff of the EC who is involved in an alleged theft case relating to stolen EC equipment.

The petitioner was one of three employees of the EC, and a student who were remanded into police custody by a Circuit Court in Dansoman last year over allegations of theft of electronic equipment belonging to the Commission.

The four were accused of allegedly ‘stealing’ five Dell laptop computers from the Biometric Voter Registration Kits (BVR) of the EC.

Following a complaint made by the EC about the loss of five laptops from their stores on Saturday March 9, 2024, the National Signals Bureau wrote to the Greater Accra Regional Commander on April 4, 2024 titled, ‘Re: Theft Of Five Laptops At The Electoral Commission.’

According to the correspondence from the Signals Bureau ‘a team of officers from the National Security was dispatched to the Commission to ascertain the facts of the matter.’

During the facts ascertaining mission, five persons were picked for interrogation. Philip Tettey, 26 years old and a casual worker at the EC admitted during interrogation that in the year 2023, he took three laptop computers from the office and sent them home.

The said Mr. Tettey led the team to a friend by name Clifford Yeboah who was also a casual worker at the Commission, leading to the retrieval of the said three laptops.

Another person of interest was a certain Benjamin Fienyi, aged 34, a permanent security staff of the Commission who claimed that one Joseph Blankson Adumadzie (the petitioner) and one of the suspects in the alleged theft of the equipment gave him one printer, a possession of the Commission, for use.

Benjamin Fienyi led the team to his house where the said printer was retrieved and returned to the custody of the EC.

During interrogation and information gathered manually from Benjamin Fienyi’s phone, it came to light that he had foreknowledge of the laptops taken by Philip Tettey. He further revealed that a stationery stealing syndicate existed at the Commission whose quarry was the EC’s warehouse.

Joseph Blankson Adumadzie, 37, and a permanent staff of the Commission’s IT department was mentioned by Benjamin Fienyi as the one who gave him the printer from the EC. He, however, denied giving Benjamin Fienyi a printer during interrogation.

The four suspects were subsequently processed for court on a case docket titled, ‘The Republic Vrs 1. Philip Tettey 2. Benjamin Fienyi 3. Joseph Blankson Adumadzie and 4. Clifford Yeboah’.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Wisdom Tsede of the Accra Regional CID, ‘on 4/4/24, D/C/Inspr. Frederick Sarpong in charge, Darlington Kupualor and Yaqub Aidoo arrested and brought to the Regional CID 1st, 2nd and 3rd accused persons with one HP printer and handed them over for investigation for stealing the mentioned gadgets, the property of the Electoral Commission.

Although the petitioner denied involvement in the commission of the crime, one of the accused, Benjamin Fienyi said he was the one who gave him the printer.

They were charged with one count of conspiracy to steal, and two counts of stealing, while Clifford Yeboah was charged with one count of dishonestly receiving. They all pleaded not guilty to all four charges.

Tongues are wagging over how the petitioner could easily access the Presidency with such a petition when he is on interdiction over theft allegation.

The petitioner is seeking the removal from office, the EC Chairperson and her two deputies, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey over alleged misconduct.

He said in a statement that his petition was in pursuant to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, the same provision which was used to remove Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice.

The EC under the current leadership has conducted two major elections with a record all-time low cost to the taxpayer.

I Don’t Get Discouraged By The Struggle For Hit Songs – Kcee

Nigerian singer, Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee, has opened up about the secret behind his long-running success and consistency in the music industry.

Speaking on the Selah Meditate podcast, the Limpopo hitmaker revealed that, unlike some artists who become discouraged when their songs fail to make an impact, he takes the opposite approach-working even harder and releasing more music.

Kcee explained that persistence has always been his greatest tool.

‘Some of my colleagues can drop a song and if it goes bad, they go back to their shell and they are sad. But that can’t be me,’ he said. ‘I can drop 22 songs; maybe it is the 25th one that will become a hit. I don’t care because consistency is key.’

He noted that over the years, he has experienced many difficult moments in the industry, but most people never notice because he maintains a flamboyant public image regardless of personal struggles.

The singer also spoke about the role of positive manifestation in shaping his life and career.

‘When I and E-Money were living in Ajegunle, if you asked us where we were living, we would say Ikeja. And we were not lying or pretending; we were dreaming, prophesying into the future,’ he said. ‘And that was where we eventually moved to. And we dominated it.’

Court Orders Kpandai Parliamentary Polls Re-run

A High Court in Tamale has ordered the Electoral Commission (EC) to re-run the parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency within 30 days, ruling that irregularities compromised the integrity of the December 7, 2024 vote.

Presided over by Justice Emmanuel Brew Plange, the court issued the directive following a petition filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, Daniel Nsala Wakpal, who challenged the victory of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Matthew Nyindam.

Mr. Nyindam was declared winner of the 2024 contest with 27,947 votes, ahead of Mr. Wakpal’s 24,213 votes.

Irregularities in 41 Polling Stations

In his petition, Mr. Wakpal alleged major irregularities on Form 8A, popularly known as the pink sheets, across 41 of the 152 polling stations in the constituency.

He further argued that the EC violated provisions of Regulations 39 and 43 of C.I. 127, insisting that these breaches materially affected the outcome.

He therefore asked the court to annul the results from the affected polling stations and order a fresh election.

After reviewing the evidence, the court held that the irregularities raised substantial concerns about fairness and transparency, and subsequently ordered the EC to conduct a new parliamentary election in the entire constituency.

‘Attempt to Rig Election’ – NDC Lawyer

Counsel for the NDC candidate, Nii Kpakpo S. Addo, accused the EC of attempting to skew the results by relocating the collation centre without informing his client.

‘The failure of the EC to notify the petitioner of the relocation meant he could not participate in the collation process. This denied him his right and created serious irregularities. The court’s order for a re-run within 30 days is the only fair outcome,’ he said.

He added, ‘Power lies in the hands of the people. You cannot become a beneficiary of such irregularities and call yourself an MP.’

NPP Files Appeal

But the NPP has rejected the ruling. Sylvester Nsang, lawyer for Mr. Nyindam, maintained that the petition lacked merit.

‘We believe the petition was frivolous, but the court has decided otherwise. We respect the ruling but strongly disagree with it, and we have filed an appeal. We will follow due process,’ he stated.

Responding to the issue of the relocation of the collation centre, Mr. Nsang said the EC acted within its mandate.

‘There was violence during the elections, which compelled the EC to relocate the collation centre. The absence of a candidate or his agent does not invalidate the results,’ he argued.

Nyindam Rallies Supporters

Shortly after the ruling, Matthew Nyindam took to Facebook to reassure supporters, calling for calm.

‘Dear good people of Kpandai, don’t shiver, don’t be perturbed, don’t waver. We are a formidable team and nothing can break us. We will surely exhaust all legal means,’ he wrote, accompanied by hashtags promoting The Kpandai Project and The Youth Agenda.

Mr. Nyindam has since filed notices of appeal and a stay of execution against the High Court’s order.

NPP Raises Concerns Over Court Process

Haruna Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, who confirmed the filings, alleged irregularities in the court’s handling of the case.

‘Before proceedings began, I was there with other lawyers. Immediately the computer was opened, the judgment was already there. I was surprised because we had not even argued the case. Outside, NDC bigwigs were already jubilating before the ruling came out,’ he claimed.

He also questioned the decision to order a fresh poll for the entire constituency.

‘The dispute concerned only 41 out of 152 polling stations, yet the judge ordered a re-run for the whole constituency. All the pink sheets were signed by party agents, and there were no issues with the remaining stations. If anything, the re-run should cover only those 41,’ he argued.

Mr. Mohammed said the notice of appeal and stay of execution were filed at 10:04 a.m., immediately after the ruling was delivered.

Actor William Addo Dead

Veteran actor William Addo, popularly known as Akpatse, has passed.

He died ‘peacefully’ on Saturday, November 22, after a long battle with illness.

William Addo was a familiar face in Ghana’s film and theatre scene, celebrated for his memorable roles in numerous movies and stage productions. His unique acting style, humour, and commanding presence made him one of the most recognisable actors of his generation.

In recent years, the actor openly struggled with serious health issues, including eye complications, which led to some public appeals for support. His passing has therefore come as a sad, though not unexpected, moment for fans and industry colleagues who had followed his health challenges closely.

Tributes have already begun pouring in across social media, for the actor.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family later.

Salute To Police, Public Cooperation

The security dividends of collaboration between police services of Ghana and Nigeria as well as others in the global village cannot be overlooked.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director General, Lydia Yaako Donkor, recently engaged their New York and Nigerian counterparts respectively, collaborations which are intended to enhance the fight against international crime.

With international and cross-border crimes now assuming an all-time high in terms of complexity and dexterity thanks to the advancement in technology, collaborations between the police forces of countries to complement the existing Interpol protocols are steps in the right direction.

In July this year, the Nigerian Police Force rescued 76 Ghanaians trafficked to that country by scammers, as local law enforcement officers did same for 57 Nigerians trafficked to Ghana.

The list of collaborations between Ghana and Nigeria is long and shows how criminals are exploiting cross-border criminalities.

A couple of days ago, Ghanaians and indeed their Nigerian counterparts woke up to the exhilarating news of the arrest of a Nigerian murder suspect in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

This feat could not have happened without a public supported intelligence.

It is for this reason that we ask that the police develop a deliberate and enhanced linkage with the public in their areas of jurisdictions. This way, important information about international crime suspects who take cover in such areas can easily be smoked out.

But for the intelligence provided by the public, Victor Benjamin Fajemirokun would have lived in his hideout for a long time and perhaps permanently relocating here. Who knows whether given his suspected bloody record he could not have engaged in further crimes in the country?

A person suspected of being behind the abduction and murder of a female officer of the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps and her daughter is not one who should be allowed safe haven in this country.

It would be instructive to know details of his host in Akyem Wenchi, a suburb of Akwatia in the Eastern Region where he lived until his arrest. The police of course know what to do under the circumstances and would definitely leave no stone unturned in quizzing the host.

We are compelled to think that it is possible that there are other wanted Nigerians sheltering here among their compatriots.

We have taken notice of efforts by the leadership of the Nigerian community to ensure that citizens of their country living here do not engage in criminal activities. After all, there are many productive Nigerian citizens living here with impeccable records.

We wish to encourage the leadership of the Nigerian community to report their compatriots who they suspect of being criminals to the law enforcement authorities.

We recall the Ghana Immigration Service call on landlords to ensure that prospective tenants are not illegals with criminal records; the call stands.

No information is too trivial when it comes to supporting the law enforcement agencies to fight crime. Suspicious strangers in the neighbourhood should be studied and where they do not pass the good persons criteria, they should be reported to the police or the immigration authorities for the necessary action.

41 SMEs Graduate From Mini MBA

A total of 41 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from various parts of the country have graduated with a Mini MBA certificate through an initiative by MTN Ghana in partnership with Absa Bank Ghana and NOVA Business School Africa.

The 13-week programme is designed to enhance business performance, strengthen leadership, and accelerate digital readiness across Ghana’s SME sector.

MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, emphasised that the Mini MBA aligns with MTN’s mandate to ensure no business is left behind in the country’s financial and digital transformation.

She noted that the 41 graduates studied nine modules ranging from finance, leadership, marketing, and the importance of packaging, among others.

‘All of these things weren’t new to them, but the programme helped them apply the theory and gain practical insights. All the participants are MTN and Absa customers, and they run their own businesses. These are people who want to grow, they want to scale, and they want to digitise their businesses. And as you know, MTN is committed to the MTN Year Long Accelerators,’ she said.

Ms. Mensah-Poku added that the initiative demonstrates MTN Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that no business, customer, or community is digitally disadvantaged.

‘And what happens after this is that we don’t just leave them. They’ll go through coaching with NOVA Business School. We’re here for the long term, and we’re focused on how we can support our small businesses, our entrepreneurs, the hustlers, to ensure they make the best of every opportunity and can scale beyond.’

Propositions Manager at Absa Bank Ghana, Georgette Amoako, highlighted the bank’s commitment to fostering growth, enhancing capabilities, and supporting SMEs to thrive.

‘From the start, our shared goal was to help SMEs build stronger foundations through practical learning and strategic thinking,’ she said.

She noted that in the first half of 2025 alone, Absa supported over 1,300 MSMEs across the country, more than half of which were women-led.

She added that the bank also facilitated access to affordable finance, in-demand skills, and credible networks for youth-led enterprises, agribusinesses, and fintech innovators.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanaenie N. Akwetey, CEO of Royal Company Limited, described her experience in the Mini MBA as transformative, impactful, and truly mind-blowing.

‘I was selected by Absa to join the Mini MBA, and the journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding,’ she said.

Mahama To Remove EC Chair, Deputies

A staff member of the Electoral Commission (EC), Joseph Blankson Adumadzie, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to trigger the constitutional process for the removal of EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, and her two deputies, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey, over alleged misconduct.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr. Adumadzie said the petition was submitted pursuant to Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, the same provision under which President Mahama recently removed the Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.

Although he declined to disclose full details of the petition, citing constitutional restrictions, he confirmed that it is anchored on 12 counts of stated misbehaviour, including allegations of cronyism, abuse of office and gross incompetence.

According to him, the conduct of the three senior officials has weakened public trust in the EC and threatens the integrity and independence of the country’s electoral system.

Mr. Adumadzie said his action is driven by a commitment to safeguard the Constitution and promote accountable governance.

He stressed that protecting the credibility and dignity of the Electoral Commission is essential to maintaining a stable and credible democratic order.

He therefore urged President Mahama to fulfil his constitutional duty by referring the petition to the Chief Justice for the establishment of a prima facie case, as outlined under Article 146.

Digital Partnerships Drive Ghana’s Tech Future

Let’s Talk Digital, powered by Global Media Alliance, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Institute of Digital Marketing and Communication Ghana (IDMC), Presto Solutions, and YFM to spotlight the nation’s growing tech and digital marketing landscape on December 12 at Nyansa Square, East Legon.

The partnership comes at a time when technology and innovation increasingly shape how organisations reach and engage their audiences.

It was unveiled during the launch of the One Nyt 2 Convos event, a signature experience designed to introduce a digital community focused on solution-driven initiatives. The event will blend thought leadership with entertainment, featuring interactive panel discussions, startup pitches, and creative showcases.

Speaking on the initiative, the Director of Training and Innovation at IDMC, Dr. Martin Thompson Ntem, said digital transformation has always been the backbone of IDMC, which serves as a virtual corporate investment platform for people from diverse backgrounds.

He noted that the vision of the One Nyt 2 Convos event aligns strongly with IDMC’s mission, making the partnership with Let’s Talk Digital a natural fit.

As part of the partnership, IDMC has offered to train 10 persons in AI, Digital Marketing, and Strategic Communications, reinforcing its commitment to developing digital talent and transforming the digital landscape locally and beyond.

Presto Solutions, which is providing the event space to host over 200 digital-first professionals, entrepreneurs, and corporate decision-makers expected at One Nyt 2 Convos, expressed excitement about partnering with Let’s Talk Digital to create a safe space for digital creators and innovators.

Presto’s founder, Adumatta Nana Kweku, said the partnership is ideal, rooted in the company’s mission to create a relaxed, authentic, and safe environment for engineers and digital creators. Drawing from his own experiences, he noted that traditional, formal tech events often feel disconnected from the realities of the engineering community.

According to him, the vision behind One Nyt 2 Convos reflects a shift away from stiff, suit-and-tie gatherings toward more relatable, youth-centred conversations. He added that many talented engineers and innovators remain unseen, despite building remarkable products, due to a lack of platforms that spotlight their work.

YFM, Ghana’s leading youth-focused radio brand, joins the partnership to amplify the One Nyt 2 Convos experience across its vibrant audience base. With its strong influence in youth culture, music, and digital trends, YFM brings the energy, reach, and creativity needed to engage young digital enthusiasts and spark meaningful conversations in the tech and marketing ecosystem.

About Let’s Talk Digital

Introduced in 2024, Let’s Talk Digital has quickly become a premier platform for convening industry leaders, creators, startups, and policymakers to shape the future of Africa’s digital economy. This year’s edition, themed, ‘Youth, Creativity and Code,’ will explore how young people can combine creativity, technology, and digital tools to build practical solutions for real societal challenges.

Joe Cole Urges Chelsea To Target Antoine Semenyo

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has encouraged his former club to consider a move for AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, whose explosive start to the Premier League season has put several top-flight clubs on alert.

The Ghana international has been one of Bournemouth’s standout performers this campaign, registering six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League matches.

His form has elevated his profile across Europe, particularly after signing a new long-term contract that reportedly includes a £65 million release clause.

Despite Chelsea’s significant depth on the wings-bolstered by summer arrivals Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, as well as the early-season emergence of 18-year-old Estevão-Cole believes Semenyo would be an instant upgrade for Enzo Maresca’s side.

‘Knowing Chelsea, he might be too old!’ Cole joked in an interview with Paddy Power. ‘I’d have to check his age, but from a football perspective, if he’s available and he wants to come, it’s a no-brainer in terms of bringing him into the football club. With Chelsea’s model, there’ll be a financial element and evaluation element to it. He’d be a welcome addition to the squad, and he probably starts, because he’s been superb for Bournemouth.’

However, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has dismissed any concerns over Semenyo’s future, insisting the forward remains firmly part of his plans.

Semenyo’s growing influence and goal return have made him one of the Premier League’s breakout players this season, prompting increasing interest as the mid-season transfer window approaches.