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Mahama: the Jobs are coming!

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John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s economic recovery into tangible benefits for workers, promising expanded job opportunities, improved livelihoods, and stronger accountability in governance as the nation charts a path beyond macroeconomic stability.

Speaking before thousands of jubilant workers, labor leaders, and government officials at Jackson Park in Koforidua during the 2026 May Day celebrations on Friday, May 1, President Mahama declared that the next chapter of Ghana’s economic reform agenda would focus squarely on inclusive growth, employment generation, and sustainable livelihoods for all citizens.

The colorful national event, held under the theme, Pivoting to Growth, Jobs, and Sustainable Livelihoods: Resetting Ghana Beyond Macroeconomic Stability,” brought together workers from diverse sectors across the country, members of Organised Labour, and key state officials in a united reflection on Ghana’s economic progress and the future of work in an evolving national economy.

Delivering the keynote address, President Mahama stressed that the government’s mission goes beyond restoring fiscal discipline and economic balance, noting that real success would be measured by how economic growth translates into opportunities and prosperity for ordinary Ghanaians.

Our mission is clear -we want to turn stability into opportunity. We will not just manage the economy; we will expand it to create jobs and prosperity,” the president declared to loud applause from the gathering.

In a direct assurance to Ghanaian workers, the president pledged that the gains of economic recovery would not remain confined to economic indicators and policy reports, but would be felt in homes, workplaces, and communities nationwide.

He emphasized that teachers, technicians, industrial workers, health professionals, and employees across key sectors would be among the first beneficiaries of the country’s renewed growth agenda.

“I wish to promise the Ghanaian worker that as the economy grows; you will be the first to benefit. Growth must filter down to the pocket of the Ghanaian worker,” he stated.

President Mahama also used the occasion to underscore his administration’s determination to strengthen transparency and accountability in public service, reiterating that leadership must remain answerable to the people.

He noted that corruption continues to undermine national development and pledged intensified efforts to combat the menace through stronger institutional enforcement and judicial efficiency.

In that regard, he commended the judiciary for establishing additional High Courts to accelerate the prosecution of audit-related offences, describing the move as a significant step toward ensuring public officials are held accountable.

On the nation’s energy front, President Mahama offered reassurance following recent disruptions linked to the Akosombo Dam fire incident, announcing that technical teams had successfully restored full power generation capacity.

He said the government remains focused on strengthening Ghana’s energy infrastructure to guarantee stability for industries, businesses, and households.

The president’s address resonated strongly with workers gathered at the national celebration, many of whom view employment security, fair wages, and improved living conditions as central to Ghana’s broader economic recovery.

This year’s May Day observance not only celebrated the resilience and contribution of the Ghanaian worker, but also set the tone for a renewed national conversation on productivity, decent work, and inclusive economic transformation, one in which workers are expected to be at the heart of Ghana’s reset agenda.

 

 

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Stanbic Bank gives laptops to five journalists in Ashanti region

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Recipients of laptops from Stanbic Bank

Stanbic Bank Ghana has presented brand new Lenovo laptops to five journalists in the Ashanti region.

The recipients include Kingsley E. Hope (Ghanaian Times), Sebastian R. Freiku (The Chronicle), Nicholas Osei-Wusu (GBC News), Isaac Justice Bediako (EIB Network) and Mr. Vanderpuye (GBC TV).

The gesture is in appreciation of their active collaboration with the bank over the years and an affirmation of the bank’s commitment to deepening partnership with the media in the Ashanti Region, promoting capacity building and long-term impact, and helping the beneficiaries enhance work output at their various workplaces.

The presentation ceremony climaxed a day’s financial wellness training programme in Kumasi for 20 selected journalists in the Ashanti region.

The financial fitness programme was designed by the Stanbic Bank Ghana, following a request by the leadership of the media in the region to equip journalists with financial literacy and personal wealth management at the Workshop.

The initiative forms part of the bank’s broader effort to support media professionals with practical tools to improve financial stability and long-term independence.

Participants in a pose after the workshop

The two main facilitators, Messrs Nabil Abubakar Hussayn, Head of Employee Value Banking and James Otchere, an investment advisor, took the participants through practical strategies for moving from financial stress through financial stability to financial freedom.

The training covered areas including savings and investment planning, debt and asset management, the effective use of financial tools and investment opportunities.

The participants were also taken through Good and Bad assets, Creating and Building Wealth and effective mapping of financial life journey to ensure debt free by practitioners.

The Head of Communication and Reputation Management at Stanbic Bank, Mr. Derick Romeo Adogla, said the training was designed to help journalists to better manage their finances as well as strengthening their professional output.

Mr. Adogla noted that the workshop is part of a wider initiative by the bank to promote financial literacy across different sectors.

He described the training as timely and impactful, stressing that financially stable journalists are better positioned to uphold ethical standards and deliver high-quality public-interest journalism.

Mr. Adolga emphasised that the bank will maintain its partnership with the media stressing the importance of the well-being of journalists.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, on behalf of his colleagues, applauded Stanbic Bank for the support over the years.

He described the workshop as a game changer and called for more of such engagements in the future to build the capacity of journalists for the benefit of society at large.

E-Money gifts Carter Efe N50m after victory over Portable

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Carter Efe and Portable in a boxing match

Lagos-based socialite and entrepreneur, Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E-Money, has honoured his pledge to reward comedian Carter Efe with N50 million following his victory over singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly called Portable.

The prize was announced after Carter Efe defeated Portable via unanimous decision at the Chaos in the Ring 4 event, which took place at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

E-Money confirmed the cash reward at the end of the event after being prompted by the Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group Promotions, Ezekiel Adamu.

“You know we put our money where our mouth is, and so congratulations Carter on your win. N50 million for you,” he said.

Adamu also commended the event, describing it as a successful and entertaining show that lived up to expectations.

“We promised Chaos in the Ring and we have delivered very entertaining fights tonight. There is more coming, thanks to everyone that made this a success and to the fighters for the great display,” he said.

The celebrity bout between Carter Efe and Portable served as the headline attraction of the night, following weeks of heated exchanges and public challenges between both entertainers.

Portable had earlier expressed confidence ahead of the fight, boasting that he was on course to secure a third boxing belt after previous exhibition wins over Charles Okocha and Speed Darlington.

However, in the ring, Carter Efe took control of proceedings, leveraging his height and reach advantage to outclass the singer over three rounds.

At the end of the contest, all three judges scored the bout 27–30 in favour of the comedian, crowning him the latest celebrity boxing winner.

Credit: channelstv.com

 

 

 

Rapper Kanye West to perform in Albania in July

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Rapper Kanye West

US rapper Kanye West will perform in the Albanian capital Tirana in July, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhe told AFP on Saturday, exulting that the country was on its way to becoming a destination for top cultural events.

The US rapper, also known as Ye, is known for glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and for antisemitic and hate-filled rants which he blames on having bipolar disorder.

Due to his controversial comments and songs, West’s appearances in London and in Poland have been cancelled.

Britain said it has blocked West from entering the country, leading to the cancellation of a London music festival where he had been scheduled to perform over three nights in July.

The Polish stadium where West was due to perform on June 19 has also cancelled the event.

“The widely discussed actions of Kanye West, linked to his promotion of Nazism, are in manifest contradiction with Poland’s values,” Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska had said earlier.

The 48-year-old musician has lost fans and several sponsorships in recent years following inflammatory comments and actions.

Gonxhe said the July 11 concert “marks a new step in making Albania a destination for major cultural events.”

A special structure is being built for the concert to accomodate 60,000 people.

Credit: channelstv.com

I’m in a place where I need quietness –Joe Mettle

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Joe Mettle

Ghanaian gospel artiste, Joe Mettle, has opened up about his absence from this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), explaining that his decision to step back is intentional and personal.

Speaking on  Starr FM, the award-winning musician recounted his last experience at the previous edition of the awards night, describing a ticketing challenge that once prevented him from fully participating in the ceremony.

According to him, a technical issue during the event resulted in confusion over his entry tickets, with all allocated passes reportedly marked as used while he was still outside the venue.

“I had like four or five tickets, and they were telling me all my tickets were used. And I’m like, by who? My team was with me, so I don’t know who used the ticket,” he said.

Joe Mettle explained that while efforts were being made to resolve the issue, he was unexpectedly informed that he had already won an award, even though he was still outside the venue.

“Somebody passed and said congratulations. I said, for what?” he recounted, adding that his manager eventually had to receive the award on his behalf while he remained outside.

He further narrated that after eventually gaining access to the venue, another moment of confusion occurred when he briefly stepped away, only to later learn that another award announcement had been made during his absence.

Despite the incidents, Joe Mettle said he does not believe the situation was intentional, describing it as a “genuine coincidence.”

Addressing questions about his absence from the TGMA 2026 nominations and broader participation in awards events, the gospel artiste said he is currently prioritising a quieter phase in his life and ministry.

Source: Starrfm.com.gh

I was homeless in London, sleeping in cars when I released ‘Baba’ –Sonnie Badu

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Sonnie Badu

Ghanaian gospel artiste Sonnie Badu has revealed that he was homeless and sleeping in cars in London when he wrote his breakthrough song Baba (also known as Open the Floodgates).

Speaking on Starr FM, Sonnie Badu recounted the difficult period in his life that inspired the popular worship anthem.

According to him, he was facing severe hardship at the time and turned to God for divine intervention.

“When I came up with Open the Floodgates, I was in a place where it’s either left or right… God, You’ve got to do something,” he said.

Badu disclosed that while living in London, he had no stable accommodation and was forced to sleep in cars. “I was homeless in London. I was sleeping in cars,” he revealed.

The award-winning gospel minister said he had specifically prayed to God for one life-changing song, drawing inspiration from his mentor, Lionel Peterson.

He recalled advice from his mentor, Lionel Peterson, who told him that one powerful song could be enough to transform his life and ministry.

“He told me, ‘Son, all you need in your life is one song. You just need one song to break through,’” Badu stated.

Sonnie Badu explained that Peterson’s own success story significantly influenced his musical journey, as he sought to emulate his mentor’s breakthrough.

He further noted similarities between Baba and Peterson’s well-known song Peace, suggesting that his mentor’s guidance played a role in shaping the song.

According to Badu, Baba became a defining moment in his career and helped open doors not only for him but also for many young African gospel musicians over the years.

The gospel artiste credited the song with becoming a major force in Ghana’s gospel music scene, describing it as a turning point in his rise to prominence.

Source: Starrfm.com.gh

Two US military service members taking part in drills missing in Morocco

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US military forces take part in a large-scale drill as part of the African Lion military exercise

The United States military says two service members participating in a multinational military exercise in Morocco are missing.

In a statement on Sunday, its African Command (AFRICOM) said the pair went missing on Saturday close to the Cap Draa Training Area near the city of Tan Tan in the country’s southwest.

“The incident remains under investigation and the search is on-going,” it added in a statement.

AFRICOM said the US, Morocco and other countries taking part in the annual African Lion exercise have launched search and rescue operations involving ground, air and maritime assets.

African Lion is the largest annual joint military exercise that the US takes part in on the continent.

It is hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, and its stated aim is to strengthen “interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and around the world”.

Credit: aljazeera.com

 

Taiwan president visits Eswatini days after blaming China for cancelled trip

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Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (M) is greeted by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini (R) on arrival

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has arrived in Eswatini, days after his government said a trip had been cancelled due to China pressuring African countries to stop him flying over their territories.

His visit to Eswatini – Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa – followed “days of careful arrangements by the diplomatic and national security teams”, he said, without giving further details on how he reached the country.

China described the visit as a “stowaway-style escape farce”. China views Taiwan as part of its territory with no right to state-to-state relations.

Images showed Lai being welcomed by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini as he walked past a guard of honour.

Taiwan’s delegation also included Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and National Security Council Adviser Alex Huang, according to its presidential office.

Lai’s visit this time was not announced in advance by either government.

The trip had originally been set for 22 to 26 April, to mark the 40th anniversary of Eswatini’s King Mswati III’s accession. It was suspended after Taiwan said Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar had unilaterally revoked flight permits for Lai’s aircraft to cross airspace they manage, citing Chinese pressure.

On social media, Lai said: “Taiwan will never be deterred by external pressures. Our resolve & commitment are underpinned by the understanding that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world – no matter the challenges faced.”

In another post, he praised Eswatini for “standing firm against various diplomatic and economic pressure, speaking out for Taiwan’s international place through concrete actions”.

Credit: bbc.com

Russian strikes kill 10 as Ukraine hits oil tankers and terminal

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Ukraine cities have been subject to regular aerial attacks by Russia

Russian drone and missile strikes in Ukraine have killed 10 people and injured at least 76 over the past day, reports say.

Officials in five regions around the country reported fatalities as Moscow continues to target Ukrainian cities with regular aerial attacks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said an oil terminal in northwest Russia had been significantly damaged, while two Russian oil tankers were struck near the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

There are no details on damage to the ships, but Zelensky said the vessels were part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade Western sanctions.

Ukraine’s military said a ballistic missile and nearly 270 drones were fired by Russia, but most were intercepted.

Three people were killed in separate incidents in Kherson region, the governor said, while two died in each of Odesa, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions and one in Sumy region.

At the same time, Russia said Ukraine had fired at least 334 drones, with the northwestern Leningrad region heavily targeted.

Export terminals there and in other regions have been targeted by Ukraine in recent weeks in a series of successful strikes launched by Ukraine on Russian oil infrastructure, which Kyiv says has knocked out billions of dollars worth of exports.

And on Sunday, Zelensky said infrastructure of the Leningrad region’s Primorsk terminal, near Finland, had been significantly damaged, as well as three ships there.

He also said two tankers were struck by Ukrainian drones at the entrance to the port of Novorossiysk.

“These tankers were actively used for transporting oil. Now they will not be,” he wrote on Telegram.

The post was accompanied by black-and-white video footage apparently showing a naval drone approaching one of the tankers.

Russian authorities have mostly downplayed the impact of such attacks, but the Kremlin is clearly concerned about the deep reach of Ukrainian drones into its territory.

Credit: bbc.com

China blocks US sanctions against five ‘teapot’ refineries

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The Hengli Petrochemical complex on Changxing Island in Dalian, Liaoning province, China

China has announced an injunction to block US sanctions placed on five Chinese refiners accused ‌of buying oil from Iran.

The US sanctions announced by the Department of the Treasury late last month bar the refiners from the US financial system and seek to penalise anyone doing business with the firms.

In a statement on Saturday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the sanctions “improperly” restrict business between Chinese enterprises and third countries “in violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations”.

The Commerce Ministry said it had issued a “prohibition order” stipulating that the sanctions “shall not be recognized, enforced, or complied with,” calling the order a move to “safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests”.

“The Chinese government has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack UN authorisation and basis in international law,” the ministry added.

It said the order blocked US measures against Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery and four other so-called “teapot” refineries: Shandong Jincheng Petrochemical Group, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical and Shandong ⁠Shengxing Chemical.

Announcing the sanctions on April 24, the US Treasury Department called Hengli “one of Tehran’s most valued customers”, saying it had generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the Iranian military through crude oil purchases.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the other four refineries named by the Chinese ministry, among other facilities, last year. China gets more than half of its oil from the Middle East, much of it from Iran.

According to commodities data firm Kpler, China bought more than 80 percent of the oil Iran shipped in 2025.

Credit: aljazeera.com

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