PGA Tour Cancels 2026 Season Opener in Hawaii Due To Venue Challenges

The PGA Tour has cancelled its 2026 season-opening tournament, The Sentry, after efforts to find an alternative venue in Hawaii or elsewhere proved unsuccessful.

Originally scheduled for January 8-11, 2026, the event was set to take place at the Plantation Course at Kapalua on the Island of Maui. However, ongoing drought conditions forced organizers to move the competition.

In a statement, the PGA Tour explained that ‘having assessed alternate venues in Hawaii and beyond,’ the tournament could not proceed due to ‘logistical challenges – including shipping deadlines, tournament infrastructure, and vendor support.’

With The Sentry’s cancellation, the Sony Open, set for January 15-18 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, will now serve as the first event of the 2026 PGA Tour season.

The Sentry, which first relocated from California to Maui in 1999, has long been a traditional season opener, featuring the top 50 players from the FedExCup standings and winners from the previous season.

It held the opening slot from 1986 to 2013 before reclaiming that position in 2024 when the Tour returned to a calendar-year format.

GFA, FIFA Complete Referee Capacity Building Course Phase 2

THE GHANA Football Association (GFA), in collaboration with FIFA, has successfully concluded the second phase of the Referee Capacity Building Course under FIFA Women’s Development Programme: League Development.

The four-day training, held at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE) in Prampram from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17, 2025, focused on enhancing the skills and professionalism of young female referees selected through the Catch Them Young (CTY) initiative.

The CTY Female Referee project is one of the GFA’s flagship programmes aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing young refereeing talent across Ghana.

Participants were taken through intensive theoretical and practical sessions to strengthen their understanding of the laws of the game, improve decision-making, and prepare them for higher levels of officiating.

A key highlight of the course was the inspiring story of Referee Emmanuella Aglago, one of the outstanding products of the Catch Them Young programme.

She shared her personal journey and experiences, encouraging participants to remain focused, disciplined, and passionate about their dreams. Her success served as a powerful motivation for the young officials.

The training also underscored the growing impact of the Catch Them Young initiative, which has significantly boosted the involvement of girls and women in football – not only as players but also as referees, coaches, and administrators.

This capacity-building course forms part of ongoing efforts by FIFA and the GFA to promote the sustainable growth of women’s football in Ghana.

It aligns with FIFA’s broader vision of achieving 60 million female participants worldwide by 2027, through improved technical development, infrastructure support, and expanded opportunities for women and girls in the game.

CDEPP Commends Mahama’s Free Tertiary Education Initiative for Persons with Disabilities

The Centre for Disability Entrepreneurship and Public Policy (CDEPP) has commended the Government of Ghana for the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Initiative for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

In a statement issued in Accra on 24th October 2025, the Centre congratulated President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, for this groundbreaking policy intervention, describing it as a major step forward in promoting inclusive education and social equity.

According to CDEPP, the initiative represents a significant policy milestone that will help remove longstanding barriers to higher education for persons with disabilities. The Centre noted that by providing free access to tertiary education, the government is empowering a marginalized community to develop its full potential and contribute more effectively to national development.

‘The introduction of this policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities,’ the statement said.

CDEPP reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of the initiative.

The statement, signed by Andrew Nii Okaikoi, Founder and President of CDEPP, further emphasized that the policy aligns with the Centre’s mission to promote disability-inclusive development and advocate for the rights, empowerment, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of national life. It also reflects the Centre’s vision of a society in which persons with disabilities are empowered to live independent, productive, and dignified lives.

CDEPP expressed confidence that this policy will not only transform lives in Ghana but also serve as a model for other African countries seeking to advance inclusive education and social justice.

The Centre for Disability Entrepreneurship and Public Policy (CDEPP) is a leading Ghanaian non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting disability-inclusive development through research, advocacy, and entrepreneurship support. CDEPP works to influence public policy and create opportunities that empower persons with disabilities to participate fully in economic, educational, and social life.

Guided by the principles of inclusion, equity, and empowerment, CDEPP continues to collaborate with government agencies, development partners, and civil society to advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities across Ghana.

Black Princesses Open Camp In Accra Ahead Of WAFU B U20 Title Defense

HEAD COACH Charles Sampson has named a 26-member squad to begin camping in Accra on today, October 24, 2025, as Ghana’s Black Princesses step up preparations for the upcoming WAFU B U20 Girls’ Cup in Benin.

The one-week regional championship, scheduled for November 3-10, will bring together some of West Africa’s brightest young female football talents.

The Black Princesses, who lifted the maiden title in Kumasi two years ago, will be seeking to defend their crown after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the 2023 final.

Coach Sampson’s squad will use the Accra camp to sharpen tactics, build match fitness, and strengthen team cohesion before departing for Cotonou.

All invited players are expected to report to camp by 4:00 p.m. on today, as preparations officially get underway.

Producer Price Inflation Up To 3.2%

The year-on-year producer price inflation (PPI) for all goods and services stood has recorded a 0.2% increase reaching 3.2% in September 2025.

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in its latest PPI data said on a month-on-month basis, producer prices rose by 0.9% between August and September 2025.

This means that on average, producers received 0.9% more for their goods and services than they did the previous month.

The Mining and Quarrying sector – which carries the largest weight in the PPI basket (43.7%) – saw a marginal increase in its inflation rate from 4.9% in August to 5.0% in September.

Similarly, Manufacturing, which accounts for 35% of the PPI weights, recorded a modest uptick from 1.6% to 1.7% over the same period.

In contrast, Transport and Storage prices continued to decline, with inflation in the sector dropping by 8.2% in September, compared to a fall of 8.0% in August 2025.

The GSS urged businesses to cut waste, improve efficiency, and reinvest savings in technology and skills development to stay competitive amid fluctuating prices.

It further encouraged firms to transform inflationary pressures into productivity gains.

The agency also advised government to prioritise tax reliefs, address energy and transport bottlenecks, and strengthen local supply chains to make production cheaper and more efficient.

For households, the GSS recommended smart spending habits, urging consumers to compare prices, buy wisely, and support businesses that pass on cost savings.

‘Spend with intention to stretch income and reward fair pricing,’ the Service advised.

Africa Must Refine Its Digital Identity – Ibrahim Misto

Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Ibrahim Misto, has stressed the need for Africa to reclaim its digital destiny by redefining its digital identity and breaking free from decades of dependence on external technological systems and frameworks.

Speaking at the Mobex Africa Tech Innovation Conference and Awards 2025, he urged African nations to take decisive control of their digital infrastructure, data, and innovation, insisting that the continent’s future prosperity hinges on building a self-reliant, secure, and authentically African digital ecosystem.

‘Africa’s digital identity must be authentic, secure, and sovereign. The time has come for us to reshape our digital future-one that is entirely African in character, secure in its foundation, and sovereign in its ownership,’ he stated.

Ibrahim Misto revealed that MTN Ghana has already invested over $1 billion into the country’s digital infrastructure over the past five years, with an additional $214 million slated for 2025 to expand its 4G and 5G networks.

He emphasised that these investments are not just about improving connectivity but about laying the groundwork for a secure, inclusive, and prosperous digital economy for the entire continent.

Mr. Misto stressed that Africa’s digital solutions must be homegrown, reflecting the continent’s unique cultures, languages, and aspirations.

He also shared the success of MTN’s AI and UI electronics hackathons, which have provided young developers and students with a platform to co-create the digital future of Africa.

He indicated that security must not be an afterthought but a critical, foundational aspect of Africa’s digital future, requiring local expertise and robust national awareness campaigns to safeguard the continent’s digital infrastructure.

In support of the call for digital self-determination, Chief Executive Officer of MOBEX Africa, George Spencer Quaye, emphasised that real transformation lies not just in technological advancement but in solving African problems in African ways.

He stressed the importance of ensuring no one is left behind and measuring success by the lives changed.

Celebrating a decade of achievements, he noted that MOBEX Africa has connected thousands of young Africans to opportunities, bridged innovators with investors, and supported policy reforms such as mobile money interoperability.

However, he cautioned that the next decade demands acceleration, not celebration.

A-G’s Ahmed Suale Murder Case Withdrawal: Where’s The Justice President Mahama Promised?

Like many Ghanaians, including colleagues in the media fraternity, and the family and friends of the late Ahmed Suale, I can’t help but ask: was it all for politics?

This is not what we were promised. The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, must offer further clarification on the recent discontinuance of the murder case involving the late journalist.

It appears that nolle prosequi is increasingly being used as a tool-or even a license-for injustice. The Attorney General must, therefore, exercise moderation and utmost caution when withdrawing cases of public interest, particularly those involving journalists, as the media is widely regarded as the fourth estate of government.

As a concerned citizen of Ghana, I find it deeply troubling that the government appears to be on a spree of truncating cases of national importance, allowing suspected criminals to walk free. Such actions risk tarnishing the image of our justice system and eroding public trust and confidence in national security and accountability.

While the motives behind the Attorney General’s decision to discontinue investigations and prosecutions in the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale remain unclear, this development seems to embolden crime and endanger the lives of journalists who risk everything to uncover the truth.

This is not a call for the Attorney General to prosecute innocent individuals. However, the recent discontinuance of the case, which allows a prime suspect to go, sets a dangerous precedent. The Attorney General must rise above political considerations and ensure that justice is done, not merely seen to be done.

Regrettably, could it be that karma and reality have now caught up with the new government-one that, while in opposition during the 2024 electioneering campaign, promised to pursue justice for Ahmed Suale and others?

Then-candidate, and now President John Dramani Mahama pledged to the nation his commitment to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of heinous crimes, including Suale’s murder and other corruption-related offences.

So, what has changed? The filing of nolle prosequi in court to end criminal cases without trial undermines the principles of fair hearing and judicial independence. It weakens the very foundations of Ghana’s criminal justice system and raises serious concerns about political interference in the administration of justice.

The Attorney General’s decision to enter nolle prosequi in the Ahmed Suale case is not only an indictment of President Mahama’s much-touted ‘judiciary resetting’ agenda, but it also signals the dangerous normalisation of a ‘commit crime, wait a while, and walk free’ culture.

Perhaps the Attorney General should be reminded of this statement by then-presidential candidate John Dramani Mahama during his campaign in Ahmed Suale’s hometown:

‘I want to draw your attention to something. This is the hometown of Ahmed Suale, the journalist who was murdered in cold blood and whose killers have still not faced justice. I want to assure the people of this constituency and the family that when I’m elected, I will use all the powers available to the state to find and prosecute those who killed him.’

What has happened to that solemn promise, Mr. President? Was it merely political rhetoric to win votes? The Attorney General’s decision to withdraw this murder case feels nothing short of a betrayal, of public trust, of justice, and of the principles of press freedom.

The immediate family, friends, the good people of Wulensi, and colleagues of the late Ahmed Suale continue to grapple with the traumatic pain caused by his untimely death.

They had placed their hopes in President Mahama following his solemn promise to seek justice. However, as the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied. We continue to pursue justice for our colleague, and the Attorney General must act decisively to ensure justice for our brother.

Journalism is not a crime. As journalists, we set national agenda that promote development, expose corruption, and hold duty bearers accountable. We give voice to the voiceless and shed light on the struggles of the marginalised. Why then should the pursuit of truth make us targets of hatred or victims of violence?

Ghana must not allow nolle prosequi to become a convenient escape route for justice. The lives of journalists, and indeed, the integrity of our justice system, depend on it.

It is surprising that the learned Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, a man who has for years been known as an advocate for human rights and press freedom, would take an action that undermines the very foundation of journalism in this country. Such a move is deeply troubling and must not be tolerated in any form.

This development should serve as a wake-up call to all duty bearers, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), and other media allies. It is imperative that they urgently unite and demand that the Attorney General reopen the murder case of the late Ahmed Suale.

63 NPP MPs Endorse Bawumia For Flagbearer

Sixty-three Members of Parliament (MPs) of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have officially declared their unwavering support for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to become the party’s next flagbearer, describing him as the embodiment of the NPP’s enduring values of vision, unity, and service.

Addressing the media in Parliament yesterday, the lawmakers said their declaration was rooted in conviction rather than sentiment, emphasising Dr. Bawumia’s record of discipline, humility, and delivery.

‘From his days as a brilliant economist at the Bank of Ghana to his service as Vice President, Dr. Bawumia has proven that leadership is not about words but work, not about entitlement but excellence and delivery,’ the MP for Mampong, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, who serves as the Coordinator of the DMB MPs in Parliament, read the statement.

The MPs lauded Dr. Bawumia’s leadership qualities, citing his role in driving Ghana’s digital transformation, promoting financial inclusion, and modernising public service delivery.

According to them, his work reflects the legacy of the NPP’s founding fathers – Danquah, Busia, and Dombo – whose principles of freedom, democracy, and development through enterprise continue to guide the party.

‘He represents the enduring spirit of our Party: visionary, resilient, diligent, and pragmatic. Dr. Bawumia has brought clarity to governance, inspired innovation, and built systems that work,’ the group stated.

For the MPs, the Vice President is best positioned to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election and secure the trust of Ghanaians.

‘We believe that Dr. Bawumia embodies the next chapter of the NPP’s vision, a future built on competence, innovation, unity, and hope,’ the MPs added.

The MPs also appealed to NPP delegates across the country to rally behind Dr. Bawumia, arguing that he represents both continuity and renewal within the party.

‘Let us reward loyalty, humility, and hard work with trust. Let us renew the NPP tradition with a leader who has walked the path, carried the burden, and delivered results,’ they urged.

They described the former Vice President as the candidate capable of uniting the NPP, winning the confidence of the electorate, and leading Ghana into a new era of progress and opportunity.

‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is our choice, the people’s choice, the Party’s strength, and Ghana’s future. He carries Danquah’s courage, Busia’s intellect, and Dombo’s humility and unifying heart,’ they said.

The MPs called for unity and faith in the Vice President’s leadership, noting, ‘The torch has been lit and the vision is clear. For God and Country, for Party and Progress, we stand with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.’

Among the MPs who endorsed Dr. Bawumia are Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong (Mampong), Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Effiduase-Asokore), Kofi Amankwa-Manu (Atwima Kwanwoma), Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi (Asante Akyem Central), Francis Asenso-Boakye (Bantama), Vincent Ekow Assafuah (Old Tafo), Yaw Frimpong Addo (Manso Adubia), Mavis Nkansah-Boadu (Afigya Sekyere East), Collins Adomako Mensah (Afigya Kwabre North), Dr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom (Obuasi East), Akwasi Konadu (Manhyia North), Prof. Kingsley Nyarko (Kwadaso), Ernest Yaw Anim (Kumawu), Damata Appianimaa Salam (Afigya Kwabre South), and Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah (Offinso North).

Others are Francis Owusu-Akyaw (Juaben), John Darko (Suame), Kofi Obiri Yeboah (Subin), Michael Aidoo (Oforikrom), Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (Manhyia South), Nana Eric Agyeman-Prempeh (Ahafo Ano North), Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh (Bosome Freho), Anthony Mmieh (Odotobri), Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo (Manso Nkwanta), Frank Yeboah (Atwima Nwabiagya North), Elvis Osei Mensah Dapaah (Ahafo Ano South-West), Ralph Poku-Adusei (Bekwai), Seth Osei-Akoto (Atwima Mponua), Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong (Afigya Kwabre East), Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), and Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo (Achiase).

The rest are Michael Okyere Baafi (New Juaben South), Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Ofoase-Ayirebi), Sammy Awuku (Akwapim South), Charles Owiredu (Abirem), Dr. Kingsley Agyeman (Abuakwa South), Duke Ofori-Atta (Fanteakwa South), Ida Adjoa Asiedu (Ayensuano), Alexander Akwasi Acquah (Akyem Oda), Laurette Korkor Asante (Atiwa West), Kwame Appiah Kodua (Fanteakwa North), Frank Asiedu Bekoe (Suhum), Alex Agyare (Kade), Nana Ampaw Addo Frempong (Abuakwa North), Gideon Boako (Tano North), Kwabena Okyere Mensah-Darko (Takoradi), Isaac Yaw Boamah Nyarko (Effia), Rev. John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Rudolf Amoako-Gyampah (Upper Denkyira West).

Also part of the list are Col. (Rtd) Kwadwo Damoah (Jaman South), Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah (Techiman South), Dr. Adam Mohammed Amin (Karaga), Dominic Nitiwul (Bimbila), Iddrisu Habib (Tolon), Sulemana Alhassan Tampuli (Gushegu), Matthew Nyindam (Kpandai), Hajia Abdul Aziz Fatahiya (Savelugu), Mustapha Ussif (Yagba-Kubori), Mahama Tia Abdul Kabiru (Walewale), Mumuni Muhammed Nurideen (Nalerigu-Gambaga), Samuel Abu Jinapor (Damongo), Gloria Owusu (Trobu), and Emmanuel Tobbin (Anyaa-Sowutuom).

21 Burkinabes Arrested For Illegal Mining In Amansie West

Twenty-one (21) foreign nationals, all believed to be from Burkina Faso, have been arrested by the Amansie West District Security Council (DISEC) for engaging in illegal mining on river bodies at Esaase Bontefufuo in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during a special intelligence-led operation conducted by the District Police Command and the Formed Police Unit (FPU) under the command of ASP Solomon Adusei Berko.

Confirming the incident, ASP Berko said the operation followed credible intelligence about the activities of foreign nationals involved in galamsey operations that were causing massive environmental degradation in the area.

‘We moved in swiftly and arrested twenty-one Burkinabes who were actively mining on river bodies. Several tools and mining equipment were retrieved from the scene,’ ASP Berko stated.

He described the extent of destruction as alarming, noting that the illegal activities had led to the contamination of major water sources, the destruction of farmlands, and the depletion of vegetation cover in the community.

ASP Berko warned that the police would not relent in their efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations, and assured residents of sustained security patrols in the area.

The District Chief Executive for Amansie West and Chairman of DISEC, Prince Manu Morris, lauded the swift response of the security forces and reiterated the Assembly’s determination to stamp out illegal mining in the district.

‘Illegal mining continues to destroy our environment and threaten the survival of our communities. Whether Ghanaian or foreign, anyone found engaging in such activities will face the full rigours of the law,’ he cautioned.

Mr. Morris also revealed that DISEC will intensify surveillance in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Ghana Immigration Service to prevent further incursions by illegal miners.

He further appealed to residents to assist security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, to help protect the district’s natural resources.

Cherise Wins Gold @ Miss Earth Darling Press

Cherise Asher Ayisi, Ghana’s representative for the Miss Earth 2025 pageant, has received her first gold medal after earning the top position during the Darling of the Press session of the competition.

She was keenly followed by Miss Belize, who occupied the second position, earning a silver medal, while Miss Australia earned bronze at the end of the segment.

Following Cherise’s win, many Ghanaians have taken to social media to commend her for stealing the show with her elegance and eloquence.

Cherise is competing with over 70 contestants for the Miss Earth title. The pageant, which advocates for environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility, will take place on November 5, 2025, at the Okada Manila in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.

This year’s event, themed ‘Silver Linings,’ marks the 25th edition as well as silver anniversary of the Miss Earth pageant.

Discussion of the event will be centred on issues and policies concerning the environment. The delegates will be showcasing unique skills and abilities as well as their fashion sense.

There will be the anticipated National Costume display to celebrate cultural heritage, and interacting with the online community.

The pageant features contestants from various countries, including new debutants like Uzbekistan. Some contestants have already begun their journey, participating in activities like a symbolic tree planting ceremony and a presentation of delegates in Filipiniana-inspired ensembles.