’Crowned and Nurtured’ Set For December

This December, Accra will host one of the most anticipated lifestyle and cultural experiences of the year, ‘Crowned and Nurtured 2025′, happening on December 13-14 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

More than an event, Crowned and Nurtured is a movement, an immersive celebration of African beauty, culture, creativity, and empowerment. This year’s edition honours the evolution of hair, fashion, and identity across generations; from the ancestral roots of African hair artistry to modern-day expressions of style and confidence.

Guests can expect two unforgettable days filled with activities that blend education, entertainment, and empowerment, the organisers said.

The highlights include a catwalk through the centuries; a live showcase of hairstyles and fashion inspired by every era of African beauty.

Other attractions are workshops and masterclasses led by experts across industries, from beauty and wellness to finance, business, and personal growth.

Available will be Kids’ Zone and Family Space, a safe and fun environment featuring games, bouncy castles, face painting, and learning activities, making this a family-friendly experience.

There will also be beauty and wellness booths with live hair, nail, and makeup sessions where guests can enjoy on-the-spot pampering and connect with top beauty brands.

The Beach Experience will have a vibrant after-party by the ocean, offering music, networking, and relaxation in true ‘Detty December’ style.

With an expected attendance of 5,000+ guests from Ghana and the diaspora, the event promises to unite stylists, entrepreneurs, families, and cultural enthusiasts under one empowering theme, celebrating who we are and how far we’ve come.

Diaspora guests will enjoy exclusive room packages through the event’s partnership with La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, providing a luxurious coastal retreat and easy access to the festivities.

Cabinet Warns Ministers Over Unapproved Policy Announcements

Government has directed all Ministers of State to strictly adhere to established Cabinet procedures before announcing or implementing new government policies.

This directive follows concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament about several major national programmes, which official documents have not been submitted to Parliament for scrutiny.

In a circular dated yesterday, and signed by the Secretary to Cabinet, Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, ministers were cautioned against the ‘growing practice’ of publicly announcing major policy initiatives purportedly on behalf of government without prior Cabinet approval.

According to the circular, no public policy, programme, or major initiative shall be deemed a government policy unless it has been formally submitted to, deliberated upon, and approved by Cabinet.

It reminded ministers of the principle of collective responsibility enshrined in the constitution, which requires that all official government decisions emanate from Cabinet consensus.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, Ministers are respectfully requested to ensure that all proposed policies, programmes, or legislative initiatives intended for public announcement or implementation are first submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat, through the Chief Director of their respective Ministries, for inclusion on the Cabinet agenda and subsequent consideration by Cabinet,’ the statement said.

The directive, the circular noted, aims to ‘safeguard policy coherence, uphold collective Cabinet responsibility, and ensure that all Government communications and actions reflect the unified and approved position of the Administration.’

Ministers were therefore warned to refrain from announcing or implementing any policy that has not been vetted and approved by Cabinet, stressing that any such actions or pronouncements would not represent official government policy.

‘Ministers are advised to be guided accordingly,’ Professor Danso-Boafo’s directive cautioned.

This comes in the wake of criticism from the Minority in Parliament, which accused some government officials of implementing or announcing as many as 11 government programmes that had not received parliamentary scrutiny.

The Ranking Member of Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said these initiatives include the One Million Coders Programme, 24-Hour Economy Initiative, Jobs Export Programme, Adwumawura Project, National Apprenticeship Programme, Tree for Life, Accra Reset Programme, One Child-One Tree, Ghana Infrastructure Plan, Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities, and the No Fee Stress Programme.

The Minority argued that such actions undermine transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah explained that although these programmes have been featured prominently in government communications and on national platforms, they have not been accompanied by programme documents outlining their objectives, selection criteria, funding frameworks, or performance indicators.

‘These are initiatives that have been launched, and ministers have received hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis to execute them,’ the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP said.

‘But not one of them has had a programme document presented to Parliament. So how do we know the targets, the beneficiaries, or the performance benchmarks? Without these documents, Parliament cannot perform its oversight role effectively,’ he intimated.

MzGee Supports Haruna’s ‘No Long Hair’ Order

Entertainment Broadcaster, MzGee, known in real life as Gloria Akpene Nyarku, has applauded the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu over his comment on enforcing that all Senior High School (SHS) students keep low haircuts.

Over the week, Haruna Iddrisu weighed in on the debate about hairstyles in Senior High Schools.

According to him, students won’t be allowed to wear long hair in school, as it might distract them from learning and affect character development. Mr. Iddrisu emphasised that schools are meant for molding character, not hosting beauty contests.

He warned that if students are allowed to wear long hair, it could lead to other demands, such as changes in dress code or footwear.

Mr. Iddrisu’s comments come after a viral video showed a student crying while getting her hair cut before starting SHS, sparking a heated debate about school grooming rules and personal expression.

Excerpt of the video of the minister addressing the matter was shared by MzGee on Instagram under the caption, ‘Case closed!!! Simply put, if you can’t adhere to the rules of the system, find a system that adhere to yours! Thank you, Mr. Minister! We have bigger challenges with our Senior High School Education and I trust you will find ways to IMPROVE majority of them if not all, Sir!’

Social media users have been divided over Haruna Iddrisu’s comments on the SHS hairstyles. Many have expressed disagreement with his stance, arguing that, the minister’s comments are restrictive and outdated, stifling personal expression and individuality.

Some users pointed out that there are more pressing issues in Ghana’s education system that need attention, rather than focusing on hairstyles, while others questioned the minister’s priorities, highlighting the need for better infrastructure, qualified teachers, and improved learning conditions in schools.

Black Queens Face Egypt In WAFCON Qualifier Today

GHANA’S SENIOR women’s national team, the Black Queens, are brimming with confidence as they prepare to take on Egypt in the second leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium today, October 28.

There is however, uncertainty around the team as the players are said to be agitating over unpaid bonuses – with each player said to be owed $9,500 from their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco, where they finished third.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku visited the team which is camping at the Erata Hotel, yesterday morning where he held discussions with the players amid the unpaid bonuses dispute.

The Queens head into the encounter with a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Cairo, where they outclassed the Egyptians with a spirited display that combined speed, skill, and teamwork.

Goals from key attackers Evelyn Badu, Doris Boaduwaa, and Grace Asantewaa sealed the convincing win and gave the team a solid platform to build on at home.

Under the guidance of new Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren, the Black Queens have shown renewed tactical discipline, attacking flair, and confidence. Björkegren, who took charge earlier this year, has introduced a structured, possession-based style that has brought the best out of his players, particularly the midfield and forward line.

‘We respect Egypt, but we are focused on our game. The players are confident, and we want to make our home fans proud,’ Coach Björkegren said ahead of the match.

The team’s resurgence comes at a time when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is enjoying strong corporate backing, notably from telecom giant MTN, whose $2 million sponsorship package supports all four national teams – the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets.

The partnership has provided critical motivation and logistical support that have improved preparations and morale within the national teams.

The Queens will once again rely on the creativity of Asantewaa in midfield, the pace and finishing of Boaduwaa, and the leadership and vision of Badu as they aim to wrap up the tie in front of a home crowd expected to fill the Accra Sports Stadium.

With a three-goal cushion and renewed belief, the Black Queens are tipped to complete the job and advance to the next round of qualifiers for Morocco 2026. Kick-off is at 4:00 p.m. at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Check Out Winners of 5th National Business Honours Gala

The 5th edition of the National Business Honours Gala honoured outstanding nuber of personalities and companies who under the year review have dedicated their resources in supporting the development of the country.

At the awards night Gideon Raji, CEO of Global Ovations, organizers of the event stated that the business excellence award is a strategic platform for dialogue, recognition, and renewal.

‘We are gathered here because the future of Ghana’s economy will not be written by government alone, nor by business in isolation but through partnerships that innovate, inspire, and deliver sustainable growth,’ he said.

Organized under the theme, ‘ Driving Ghana’s Economic Renewal; Innovating Business and Governance for a Sustainable Future’ Mr. Raji said Ghana’s resilience has been tested, and renewal is no longer an option; it is a necessity.

‘The path forward demands bold thinking in governance, innovation in enterprise, and a shared commitment to building institutions that outlast us,’ he said.

He reiterated that the award stands as a bridge between policy and practice. ‘ It is where we recognise those who are not only excelling commercially but are also shaping the blueprint for Ghana’s transformation – leaders who understand that profit must align with purpose, and that sustainable progress comes from accountability as much as from ambition.’

I Want My Brides To Look Back And Be Glad They Booked Me – Faruza Yakubu

Ghanaian makeup artist, Faruza Yakubu, who was crowned Best Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year at the 2025 Ghana Beauty Awards, held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, has said she wants her brides to look back years later without regret.

‘A Faruza Yakubu bride is elegance redefined – clean, soft, and timeless beauty,’ she said. ‘I want my brides to look at their wedding photos 25 years from now and still be glad they booked me,’ she said in this exclusive interview.

Faruza, the creative force behind FYGLAM, described the award as both humbling and deeply rewarding after seven years of dedication in the beauty industry.

‘After seven years in the beauty industry, I’m happy I’m finally getting the recognition I deserve,’ she noted. ‘It’s more than just an award – it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come. Every challenge, every doubt I ever had was worth it.’

A graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon, where she studied Geography and Sociology, Faruza’s passion for art began at childhood. She said her love for colours and drawing eventually evolved into a career in makeup artistry during her university years.

‘Art has always been a part of me,’ she recalled. ‘Makeup allowed me to be the true artist I’ve always been. It gave me peace and purpose.’

Over the years, Faruza has built a loyal clientele and a strong reputation for excellence in bridal beauty. She recalled one of her most memorable experiences – a bride who changed her wedding date just so she could be her makeup artist.

‘She told me it was me or no one else,’ Faruza said with a smile. ‘That moment reminded me why I do what I do.’

While the journey to success has not been easy, she acknowledged that perseverance and patience have been crucial to her growth.

‘At the beginning, it was intimidating,’ she admitted. ‘I doubted myself and wondered if people would ever notice my work. But I learned that growth doesn’t happen overnight. There’s always room for everyone.’

Beyond the glitz and glam, Faruza believes true beauty is about confidence and inner peace.

‘Makeup isn’t about covering imperfections,’ she explained. ‘It’s about enhancing what’s already there. My goal has never been to change someone’s face, but to help them see the beauty that’s always been there.’

Looking ahead, the award-winning artist hopes to open a beauty school in Ghana to train and empower young creatives.

‘I want FYGLAM to inspire the next generation,’ she said. ‘I want young artists to know that their passion has value and that art is real work. My dream is to create a space where beauty is seen as both art and purpose.’

At just 25, Faruza Yakubu’s journey from a young girl sketching in her notebook to one of Ghana’s most sought-after bridal makeup artists is a story of faith, resilience, and pure artistry – a reminder that passion, when nurtured, can indeed paint a lifetime of success.

Police Arrest 5 More In Bloody Chieftaincy Clash

The Western Regional Police Command has arrested five more suspects in connection with the bloody chieftaincy clash that happened in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region recently.

The bloody clash led to the death of one John Abban at Asemkor in the municipality.

It will be recalled that the police have already arrested and remanded five suspects in connection with the same case into police custody.

In the latest arrest, the five suspects were nabbed at their hideouts at various locations within the region.

A statement issued by the police said on Thursday, October 23, 2025, suspect Kwabena Asirifi, 50, was arrested at his hideout at Ampataano community near Asemkor.

It said on Friday, October 24, 2025, the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate arrested three more suspects namely; James Eshun alias Abeiku, 25; Joseph Aidoo alias Moree, 45 and Stephen Nyame, alias Joe, 18, at Abuesi within the Shama District.

Kwabena Musah, 55, was also arrested at Ahuntumano near Butre in the municipality.

It will be recalled that deceased, John Abban, a brother of the chief of Butre and Asemkor, was attacked and murdered on October 6, 2025 at Asemkor following a chieftaincy dispute.

The suspects fled the town and went into hiding after the murder.

AHMTEC Pledges To Advance Healthcare Manufacturing

ýýThe 2025 African Healthcare Manufacturing Trade Exhibition and Conference (AHMTEC) held recently in Accra, ended with a call on participants and stakeholders to help strengthen Africa’s healthcare manufacturing ecosystem.

ýýThe event, which convened 264 participants representing 60 manufacturers and 110 organisations, with coverage by 24 media outlets, reconfirmed its determination to drive industry-led solutions toward continental self-reliance.

ýýA lot of Ghanaian manufacturers participated in the event and contributed to the event’s facility site visits.

ýýLed by the Gates Foundation and Africa CDC (with Health 4 Development support), the ýAfrican Manufacturing Market Intelligence and Network Analysis (AMMINA) provided centralised data from 18 countries, 700 manufacturers, and 2,570 products to inform decisions and investment.

ýýStrong participation by the African Medicines Agency (AMA), Africa CDC and AUDANEPAD also reinforced institutional support for the effective, quality assured industrialisation of Africa’s healthcare manufacturing industry.

ýýAgain, the Women in Healthcare Manufacturing Africa (WiHMA) network, launched at AHMTEC 2024, gained momentum under the patronage of Dr. Stella Okoli, Founder of Emzor, and Nigeria. The network saw increased membership and commitment to women’s leadership in manufacturing and allied industries.

ýýIt also saw the first industry engagement on UNITAID’s US$ 50 million Regional Manufacturing for Equitable Access in Africa (RMEA) initiative for increase product capacity and market access for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and maternal healthcare products (treatment and diagnostics).

ýýAccording to Dr Mariatou Tala Jallow, the commitments, collectively referred to as the Accra Declaration, solidified a path forward to increase investment in the production of quality-assured products and build capacity.

ýýShe asked procuring stakeholders to prioritise market access and increase demand for locally produced healthcare products while advocating unified policies across national and regional frameworks, leveraging the various ongoing initiatives and increasing African manufacturers’ participation for continent-wide market entry.

ýýThe conference further called for the establishment of an urgent Healthcare Manufacturing Funders Forum to drive collaboration, deploy innovative financing, and align investment with African priorities.

ýýIt announced that AHMTEC 2026, comes off between 6 and 8 October in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ýýWhile the Accra Declaration establishes a framework for accountability, it stated that the Addis Ababa event will serve as the forum to evaluate measurable progress, deepen industry collaboration, and accelerate Africa’s path to manufacturing self-reliance.

Holy Child Cries For Infrastructure

Severe infrastructure deficit bedeviling Holy Child College of Education in Takoradi remains a critical issue affecting the quality of teaching and learning at the institution.

Internal roads of the college are in terrible conditions and the lighting system on campus is very poor, which raises safety concerns.

The growth of the student’s population has also created a shortage of students’ chairs.

The Principal of the College, Dr. Francis Hull Adams has, therefore, called on the government to intervene in tackling the issues.

‘We are appealing to government and education stakeholders to provide immediate assistance to resolve these pressing issues and secure the college’s future,’ he stated.

The principal was speaking at the launch of the college’s 80th-anniversary celebrations.

Established in 1946 as a Catholic faith-based institution, Holy Child College of Education will celebrate 80 years of shaping minds, nurturing leaders, and serving Ghana.

The celebration will start from November 2025 to April 25, 2026.

The all-female institution and the only teacher training college in the Western Region with a student population of 1,472, offers degree and diploma in Early Childhood Education.

The principal indicated that the college desperately need vehicles to facilitate student teaching programmes that involve frequent travel to various districts.

He said, ‘Two major projects that had stalled are now back on track. The government-initiated 300-capacity hostel project. Work on it halted for sometime but it has resumed with a new contractor on site. We are hopeful this work will continue without interruptions.’

He disclosed that construction of a lecture hall complex, which also stalled, has restarted. ‘We are optimistic about the progress of these projects and eagerly anticipate their completion,’ Dr. Adams added.

An alumna and Central Regional Quality Assurance Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Mrs. Becky Boakye-Yiadom, praised the college’s enduring values.

‘This college stands for excellence because it never settles for mediocrity. Here, teaching is more than a profession-it is a sacred calling to shape minds and hearts,’ she noted.

I Was Never A Replacement For Ebony – Wendy Shay

Singer Wendy Asiamah Addo, popularly known as Wendy Shay, has dismissed long-standing claims that she was brought in to replace the late dancehall star Ebony Reigns.

Speaking on United Showbiz on Saturday, the ‘Survivor’ hitmaker clarified that neither she nor her manager, Bullet, ever made such a claim.

‘I never said anywhere that I was coming to replace Ebony. Bullet too never said that,’ Wendy Shay stated. ‘When you lose a loved one and they bring someone to replace her, are you supposed to love the replacement or not,’ she questioned.

After Ebony’s tragic death in February 2018, Wendy Shay was signed to RuffTown Records, the same label that managed Ebony. The move immediately sparked public comparisons between the two female artists.

However, Wendy Shay emphasised that her focus has always been on building her own identity and musical legacy rather than living in Ebony’s shadow.