Ghana FA to honour iconic Asamoah Gyan with testimonial match celebrating legendary career

The Ghana Football Association has announced plans to organise a testimonial match in honour of legendary Ghanaian striker and former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, in recognition of his outstanding career and immense contributions to Ghanaian football.

The GFA, in collaboration with the former Sunderland star, will reveal full details of the event in due course. The testimonial is expected to serve as a fitting tribute to a player whose name has become inseparable from the history of Ghana’s national team.

Affectionately known as ‘Baby Jet,’ Asamoah Gyan stands as Ghana’s all-time top scorer, with 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars. His impact extends beyond national borders, Gyan is also Africa’s highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history, having netted six goals across three tournaments: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, and Brazil 2014.

Gyan’s club career was equally illustrious, spanning multiple continents and showcasing his exceptional talent to the world. He began his professional journey with Liberty Professionals in Ghana before moving to Udinese in Italy, and later enjoyed successful spells with Modena (on loan), Rennes in France, and Sunderland in the English Premier League.

His remarkable scoring prowess earned him stardom in Asia and the Middle East, where he became a household name with Al Ain and Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates, before later representing Shanghai SIPG in China and Kayserispor in Turkey. Gyan concluded his professional career at Legon Cities FC in Ghana.

Through his dazzling performances, leadership and charisma, Asamoah Gyan has left an indelible mark on Ghanaian and African football.

The upcoming testimonial promises to be a momentous celebration, honouring a career that inspired millions and cemented Gyan’s legacy as one of Africa’s greatest football icons.

I Paid Akufo-Addo Due Compliments – Sam George Tackles Snub Rumours

Tensions flared on social media after a video went viral which appeared to show Communication Minister Sam Nartey George bypassing former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo without exchanging pleasantries.

Over the weekend, notable political figures, both from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of the son of former Interior Minister, Henry Quartey.

The all-white event saw Sam George exchanging pleasantries with members of the New Patriotic Party, which has since become a topic for discussion on the internet.

Nonetheless, Popony_j, an NDC social media commentator, posted a 0.13 seconds video on X of the Minister bypassing the former President under the caption, ‘Sam George and Nana Addo beef be everlasting oo.’ The post has since generated over 440.9k views.

This has generated varied opinions on X. Felix Ayumu, under the post wrote, ‘Post the whole video, I don’t think @samgeorgegh or any of the ministers understand this government will do this to Nana Addo. They may disagree with him but will not do this to him in public.’

Processor_911 wrote, ‘Massa why? You can’t tell me Sam saw the former president and never greeted him. This must be a coincidence. Or a deliberate cut video. You people should stop this nonsense.’

Sam George reacted to the video, calling it ‘unfortunate’ and urging people to ignore the said post made by Popony_j.

He wrote, ‘This is most unfortunate. I spent over a full minute exchanging pleasantries with the former President. I may have disagreed vehemently with him as President, but even when he was President, I ALWAYS paid him due compliments and respects. My exchange with him yesterday was cordial. Whatever you seek to achieve, I leave you to your conscience and GOD.’

Charlie Dior Hails Obaapa Christy’s Music Artistry

Multiple award-winning fashion critic, Charlie Dior, born Charles Tamakloe, has praised gospel singer Obaapa Christy’s musical presence following her jaw-dropping performance at the just ended ‘Flora Made by Grace’ concert hosted by Piesie Esther.

The concert, which featured an array of selected gospel acts, witnessed Obaapa Christy owing the night as she displayed her stage mastery while singing her popular songs to the amazement of the crowd.

In a video posted by Akwasi_Amoako1 blog page under the caption, ‘E for Energy whaaaaaat, Obaapa for a reason. Solid performance. TGMA gospel artiste of the year 2026 claaaawwk that.’

The video saw Obaapa and Piesie Esther jamming to ‘W´Asue Me’, moving energetically and rhythmically to the tune of the song, as well as receiving applause from the audience.

The post has seen garnered over 50k views, over 4,000 likes and 63 comments. Under the comment section, fashion critic Charlie Dior was among many who hailed Obaapa for her performance on the night.

Charlie wrote, ‘Don’t Play with Obaapa.’ Also, Celebrity Madam commented, ‘Obaapa Christy dieer gospel music Shatta Wale ooo, leave live performance for her.’

Popcaan Denies Claims Of December Performance In Ghana

Jamaican Dancehall star, Popcaan, has refuted reports suggesting that he will be performing in Ghana on December 26.

In a post on X, the ‘Unruly Boss’ clarified that he does not know of any scheduled performance in Ghana this December. He assured his Ghanaian fans that they would be the first to know once any official show is confirmed.

‘To the loyal Unruly fans in Ghana, I have no knowledge of me performing in Ghana on Dec 26,’ Popcaan wrote. ‘Whenever I’m performing, you will all know and it will be a celebration and a lifestyle moment that is long overdue,’ he wrote.

Popcaan, who enjoys some following in Ghana and across Africa, is known for his strong ties to the country, having visited a couple of times. His clarification comes amid growing anticipation for his next visit to Ghana.

CWG Ghana Relaunches Academy To Bridge Tech Skills Gap

CWG Ghana has relaunched its technology training arm, CWG Academy, with a renewed focus on equipping students, professionals, and technical practitioners with practical Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The relaunch, held at its Head Office in Accra, forms part of the company’s broader effort to bridge what it describes as the persistent gap between academic instruction and industry practice in Ghana’s technology sector.

The Academy, first opened in 2015, will now offer structured courses in infrastructure, cloud technologies, and software development, targeting learners across multiple proficiency levels.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the first cohort, Harriet Yartey, Vice President for Regions and Managing Director of CWG Ghana, said the new Academy demonstrates the company’s commitment to nurturing young talent and equipping them with market-relevant skills.

‘Today, when looking for a job, it is not enough to say that you are a graduate of Computer Science or a related discipline. Our academic journey is often very theoretical, so when graduates enter the job market, they struggle to relate what they learned to what employers require. CWG Academy seeks to bridge that gap by providing hands-on experience that makes trainees job-ready,’ she explained.

According to the World Bank’s 2024 Africa Pulse Report, nearly 60 percent of tertiary graduates in Sub-Saharan Africa are unemployed or underemployed within a year of completing their studies, largely due to the mismatch between classroom learning and practical skills.

Locally, the Ghana Statistical Service estimates that youth unemployment stood at 22.5 percent for ages 15 to 35 and 32 percent for ages 15 to 24 in 2024, with ICT among the sectors most affected by talent shortages.

CWG Ghana, a subsidiary of the pan-African ICT firm CWG Plc, said the Academy will provide short professional courses for individuals seeking to upgrade their technical competencies, as well as intensive training modules for students and entry-level professionals.

It also intends to use the platform as part of its corporate social responsibility by hosting national service personnel for a year-long, skills-based internship aimed at improving employability outcomes.

Mrs. Yartey recounted how many Computer Science graduates leave university without ever having interacted with live systems or hardware. ‘Some students see a server for the first time only when they start work,’ she said. ‘Our goal is to ensure that when they enter the workforce, they bring added value, not just credentials,’ she added.

CWG Ghana’s Head of Projects and Technology Services, Oluwaseun Layade, said the relaunch is evidence of the company’s belief that exposure and opportunity are critical to professional growth. ‘Everything you have learned only becomes meaningful when the opportunity to apply it presents itself,’ he said, following the handing out of certificates to the first cohort of participants.

One trainee, Raphael Amegashitsi, a Computer Science student from Central University, described the programme as a turning point in his understanding of technology. ‘The Academy has made theoretical concepts more real by showing us how systems operate in practice. I have been able to conceptualise different topics faster and more effectively,’ he said.

CWG Academy’s return coincides with increased interest in digital skills training across Africa. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital competencies, creating an annual demand for nearly nine million new tech-skilled workers.

The company said it plans to expand the Academy’s partnerships with universities and industry players to keep the curriculum aligned with global standards.

Germany Supports Ghana With pound 65m

Germany will commit over pound 65 million (approximately GHS820 million) in new development assistance to Ghana pending approval by the German Bundestag.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who announced this during a three-day state visit to Ghana, said the financial commitment underscores its longstanding partnership with Ghana for over fifty years since independence.

According to the German leader, the details of the package which will be finalised by the end of this month will focus on education, renewable energy, youth employment and technical skills training.

‘We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of development cooperation between Ghana and Germany. Together, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic development that will benefit both countries,’ he stated.

‘Our trade volume has grown by more than a quarter to pound 626 million last year,’ he said. ‘But there is much more potential that remains untapped,’ he added.

He also mentioned Germany’s growing interest in supporting Ghana’s energy transition, especially in enhancing energy efficiency and expanding renewable power sources to drive sustainable growth.

The German President commended Ghanaians for their skills, workforce and political stability as key advantages that make the country an ideal partner for trade and investment.

President John Dramani Mahama also reiterated his call for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the current situation as a ‘historical injustice’ that must be corrected.

‘This injustice must be corrected, Africa demands at least two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent seats, as stated in the Ezulwini Consensus,’ he stressed.

While commending Germany for supporting UN Security Council reform and for advocating Africa’s rightful place in global governance, President Mahama also cautioned against the rise of economic nationalism which, in his view, threatens global progress under the rules-based multilateral order.

‘The dismantling of established multilateral frameworks and the rise of protectionism could plunge the world into instability and inequality. We must resist these tendencies and reform, we need not to abandon the institutions that unite us. The challenges of our era require collective action, dialogue, and compromise,’ President Mahama said.

The German President also supported President Mahama’s demand for two permanent seat at the UN and non-permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council,

‘This position was reaffirmed by the foreign ministers of Germany, Brazil, India, and Japan at the UN General Assembly this year,’ Steinmeier said.

‘We both agree that cross-border challenges such as terrorism, organised crime, and climate change require cross-border solutions, Germany, together with the European Union, continues to support Ghana’s efforts to create long-term stability and development, particularly in its northern border regions,’ he added.

President Mahama also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to multilateralism, peace, and sustainable global partnerships to tackle terrorism, migration, and poverty among others, while thanking Germany for its continuous support to Ghana over the years.

President Mahama further lauded ongoing cooperation between Ghana’s Ministry of Labour and leading German firms to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He said an upcoming labour mobility agreement would allow young Ghanaians to take up structured employment in Germany to help create opportunities for the youth, while helping Germany meet its skilled labour.

‘We are making tangible progress on our agenda,’ he said. ‘Ghana remains committed to creating an enabling environment to attract German private sector investment, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).’

Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a statement, said the three-day visit by the German President, which started on Sunday, November 2 will end today, Tuesday, November 4.

He said discussions between the two have focused on Ghana-Germany relations, particularly areas of trade, investment, technology and development cooperation.

According to him, as part of the visit, the German President will be conducted on a guided tour of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he will lay a wreath at the tomb of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The German President will also engage young Ghanaian IT specialists before attending a reception at the German Ambassador’s residence. Mr. Steinmeier will later travel to Kumasi on the third day of his visit, where he will perform a sod-cutting ceremony at the Kumasi Technical Institute, visit and interact with the Vice-Chancellor, staff and alumni of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

My Admiration For Shatta Wale Dropped After Media Insults – Ken Addy

Broadcaster, Ken Addy, has disclosed that his admiration for Dancehall star Shatta Wale declined when the musician began verbally attacking members of the media.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Addy explained that there was a point in Shatta Wale’s career when his harsh remarks about journalists made it difficult for him to continue supporting the artiste.

‘I was so into Nii Armah until he started insulting the media. Then I resigned. He insulted the media at a point in his lifetime – and the words he used, I won’t repeat on this show,’ Addy recounted.

The veteran broadcaster said he later discussed the issue with Michy, Shatta Wale’s former partner, and made it known that he had forgiven the musician.

‘If you remember when his ex-wife, Michy, came here as a guest on our show, I told her this story. I told Michy to tell him that once he got enskinned in the North as a chief, I had forgiven him his sins and was welcoming back the prodigal son,’ he said.

Addy explained that Shatta Wale’s enskinnment as Dancehall Naa in the Northern Region in 2019 marked a symbolic point of reconciliation for him.

Although he was disappointed by Shatta Wale’s past conduct, Addy maintained that his respect for the artiste remains, even if he disapproves of certain behaviours.

‘I have always loved Shatta, but I do not, and will not, condone certain acts that I find demeaning to his position as an artiste,’ he stated.

Also, appearing on the show, Sammy Flex, Public Relations Officer for the Shatta Movement, disagreed with Addy’s remarks, arguing that the artist was only reacting to how the media treated him.

‘Whatever they were saying to him, he was giving them the same energy. So sometimes I wish we wouldn’t say ‘he insulted the media.’ Maybe Shatta was just reacting to their energy,’ Sammy Flex noted.

’I’m Proud To Be Nigerian But Wish The Country Was Better’

Nigerian Afrobeats star, Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has shared her deep affection for her country while expressing disappointment over its current state.

Speaking on a recent episode of the 90s Baby Show, the Joromi hitmaker said that although she takes great pride in being Nigerian, she wishes the nation was in a better condition. According to her, if Nigeria was functioning as it should, many citizens would not feel compelled to migrate in search of better opportunities.

‘My favourite thing about Nigeria is just the spirit of Nigerians. You can’t replicate it,’ Simi said. ‘Nobody else can be a Nigerian other than a Nigerian. Even when people fake African accents in Hollywood movies, they never try to fake a Nigerian accent. They usually go for East or South African ones. Being Nigerian is just unique-it feels like home.’

She added, ‘That’s why I wish the country was better, because I feel like no one would want to leave if things worked.’

148 Papaye Staff Awarded

A total of 140 outstanding workers of Papaye Fast Food and eight (8) of Papaye Recreational Village were awarded last Friday for their years of service to the company during the 2023/2024 Long Service Awards of Papaye Group.

The awardees were selected based on their years of service, spanning between five (5) to 30 years, and receiving prizes which include an undisclosed amount of money, certificate as well as electronic appliances such as refrigerators, and smart television among others.

Out of the 148 awardees, 80 have been serving for 5 years, 41 for 10 years, one for 15 years, 12 for 20 years, 4 for 25 years and two for 30 years. Additionally, four individuals were honoured for 10 years, one for 20 years, and three for 25 years of dedicated service at the Papaye Recreational Village.

Addressing the occasion, under the chairmanship of Aburihene, Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Papaye Group, Divine Kwadwo Asiedu said the award ceremony has become a tradition of the establishment due to staff contribution over the years.

‘The award we present today, are not merely token of recognition; they symbolise our appreciation for your hard work, loyalty and the countless hours you have devoted to ensuring that our customers receive the best possible service,’ he said.

Mr. Asiedu also appealed to the government to render support to the fast food and hospitality industry, saying, ‘we urge the government to create a conducive environment for business to thrive with policies that support local sourcing, workforce development and investment in infrastructure.

‘Together, we can elevate the industry and ensure its sustainability for generations to come. We face many challenges that are hindering our growth, especially the invasion by internet scammers in the industry.’

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Aggrey Santana, urged the workers to uphold the company’s integrity to attract more customers to patronise their services.

He also pledged the authority’s support to Papaye Group and other fast food companies in the country through flagship programmes.

EMY Africa @10 Nominees Announced, Public Voting Open

EMY Africa has officially unveiled the nominees for the 10th anniversary edition of the EMY Africa Awards, ahead of the grand ceremony on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

This milestone marks a decade of celebrating African excellence, leadership, and impact across the continent and the diaspora.

For ten years, the EMY Africa Awards has honoured outstanding individuals whose achievements inspire progress in business, culture, sports, public service, social impact, and the creative industries.

This year’s anniversary edition is presented in partnership with UNESCO, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President of Ghana, and EY Ghana, reinforcing EMY Africa’s mission of fostering pan-African collaboration and global influence.

The 10th EMY Africa Awards features six competitive categories spotlighting remarkable talent across the continent; Discovery of the Year: Daniel Dotse, Matthew Asampabilla Agambire (Bondaana), Derrick Abaitey, and Team Eternity Ghana.

Actor of the Year: Bucci Franklin, Uzor Arukwe, Thabang Molaba, Thapelo Mokoena, and Andrew Tandoh-Adote. Designer of the Year: Seyi Adekunle (Seyi Vodi), Deji and Kola, Thebe Magugu, and David Kusi Boye Doe.

Man of the Year – Music: Black Sherif, King Promise, Stonebwoy, and Kweku Smoke. Man of the Year – Sports: Biniam Girmay Hailu, Letsile Tebogo, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, Ademola Lookman, and Theophilus Nii Kpakpo Allotey.

Youth Changemaker Award: Kezia Asiedua Sanie (Ghana), Mfuranzima Fred (Rwanda), Leon Mugisho (DR Congo), Carmen Pedro de Rafael Mateia (Angola), Fabris Mulindi (Uganda), Veronica Mulenga (Zambia), Clement Ngosong (Cameroon), Seun Olagunju-Lana (Nigeria), Chaimae El Koufi (Morocco), and Tara Roos (South Africa).

The CEO of EMY Africa, Kojo Soboh, called on supporters across Africa and the diaspora to vote for their favourite nominees by visiting www.emyafrica.com to click on their vote poll, or liking the nominee’s photo on the EMY Africa Instagram page (@emyafrica), emphasising that voting closes on November 10, 2025.