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Nigerian Applicants Who Omit Social Media History Risk Visa Denial -US

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Applicants Social Media History

The United States Department of State has mandated that every Nigerian visa applicant provide a five-year social media history as part of the requirements to be considered eligible to be on the United States’ soil.

In an X update on Monday, the US Mission in Nigeria said applicants who fail to disclose their five-year social media history risk visa denial.

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form.

“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit.

“Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the statement read.

The latest visa requirement for Nigerian applicants followed a raft of stiff migration and deportation policies by the Donald Trump presidency since January, when he assumed office for a second term.

Last month, the US Mission in Nigeria commenced the screening of social media accounts of Nigerian applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas to enhance America’s national security. In its update on Monday, the Mission expanded the policy to all categories of visa applicants of Nigerian origin.

Also in July, the US Mission in Nigeria limited non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria to a single-entry with a three-month validity period.

The Mission said the move aligned with the Trump administration’s reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.

It said US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, would retain their status and validity.

Credit: channelstv.com

Government vows to sustain oil production above OPEC quota

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The Nigerian government has vowed to sustain its crude oil production above a 1.5 million barrel per day monthly average quota.

Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, disclosed this at the recent Project One Million Barrels Initiative.

In July, Nigeria’s average daily crude production rose to 1,507,000 barrels per day, according to a report by

Gbenga Komolafe, CE of Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission

; this is a 7,000-barrel-per-day increase above the organization’s quota for the country.

Commenting, Komolafe said Nigeria is actively ramping up crude oil production by reactivating dormant fields, fast-tracking regulatory approvals, and enhancing operational efficiencies across the upstream value chain. Komolafe maintained that the current administration had succeeded in raising oil (crude and condensate) from 1.4 mbpd to 1.7 mbpd.

He said the recent increase in oil production by about 300,000 bpd confirmed the government’s efforts to achieve the ambitious 2 mbpd oil output.

“With a clear target of increasing production from 1.46 million barrels per day to 2.5 million bpd by 2026, the initiative has already demonstrated strong momentum with current unreconciled daily production averaging 1.7–1.83 mbpd,” he stated.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Hundreds attend inaugural Accra Job, Career Fair to boost employability

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The locals in a group photograph with officials after the sensitization

Hundreds of people have attended the inaugural Accra Job and Career Fair to boost their employability and enhance their preparedness for migration as part of a talent transfer programme.

The fair was spearheaded by Giving Africa a New Face (GAANF), a diaspora organisation, and 360 Labour Mobility and Alliance, a non-governmental organisation.

It offered participants the chance to learn essential employability skills, including how to prepare for job interviews, review of curriculum vitae, and information on top career opportunities.

​The event, held in Accra, also allowed attendees to meet prospective employers from both Ghana and Germany to facilitate their job acquisition.

Dr Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment in a speech read on his behalf, said the job fair aligned with Ghana’s national development agenda as government planned to create two million jobs.

He said the fair was more than just a meeting point for job seekers and employers but a platform for dialogue and space for innovation.

​Mr Andreas Berding, the Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration and Development, praised the initiative, stating that the job fair was crucial for connecting job seekers with potential employers by highlighting the demands and expectations of both parties.

Mr Berding noted that his organisation took a keen interest in the fair, as job creation and migration preparedness were key priorities.

​Mr Akinola Famson, a member of the 360 Alliance, highlighted the significant challenge that language posed for many young talents exploring the German labour market.

“I would say that is the number one and most prominent challenge young talents from Africa are facing, especially those from English-speaking countries,” he said.

Mr Famson urged prospective migrants to prioritise learning an European language, particularly German.

GNA

Ghana Gold Board enforces use of GoldBod receipts by licensed buyers

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Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of Goldbod

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has commenced nationwide enforcement of the mandatory use of GoldBod receipts by all licensed buyers in the purchase and sale of gold in Ghana.

The issuance of the receipts by licensed aggregators, self-financed aggregators, Tier 1, and Tier 2 buyers is a compulsory requirement for gold trading and a critical condition for the validity of all transactions.

A statement issued in Accra on Monday, signed by Mr Prince Kwame Minkah, the Media Relations Officer of GoldBod, said the Taskforce and Field Inspectors had been deployed across the country to ensure full compliance.

All licensed buyers were required to make their receipt booklets available for inspection and cooperate fully with the inspection teams, it said.

GoldBod advised all licensed small-scale miners and gold traders to insist on the issuance of its receipts for every purchase transaction undertaken with licensed buyers.

“Licensed buyers are reminded that the non-issuance of GoldBod receipts constitutes a serious offence and may attract severe sanctions, including the suspension and/or revocation of their license,” it added.

The statement noted that for any assistance in obtaining GoldBod receipt booklets, licensed buyers should contact GoldBod License/Regulatory Unit on numbers: 0542325994, 0256072017, 0256072012.

It expressed the Board’s appreciation for the cooperation of all licensed buyers in upholding transparency and integrity in Ghana’s gold trade so far.

“Together, we can strengthen the sector for the benefit of all stakeholders,” it added.

GNA

Government Raises GH¢2.728bn From Treasury Bills Auction 

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Dr Johnson Asiamah, BoG Governor

The Government mobilised a total of GHS2.728 billion in the last treasury bills auction, falling short of its GHS4.24 billion target, a report by the Bank of Ghana has shown.

The auction, held on Friday, August 15, 2025 under Tender Number 1968, is due for issue on Monday, August 18, 2025. Investors tendered a total of GHS3.009 billion across the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day maturities.

The Government accepted only GHS2.728 billion, amounting to 90.65 per cent of the total amount tendered, despite its GHS4.242 billion target.

Breakdown by Maturity

For the 91-day bill government accepted GHS2.023 billion out of the total bid amount of GHS2.059 billion tendered.

For the 182-day bill, it accepted GHS537.69 million out of GHS678.18 million in bids tendered.

The Government accepted GHS167.66 million from the GHS272.58 million in bids tendered for the 364-day bill.

Interest rates range and allotment

Interest rates tendered for the 91-day bill ranged from 9.2796% to 12.8000%.

The Government fully allotted bids with interest rates from 9.5000% to 10.7831% per annum and discount rates from 9.2796% to 10.5000% per annum.

The 182-day bill bids had interest rates that ranged from 0.8747% to 14.5000%.

The full allotment for this bill was at interest rates between 11.5000% and 12.8000% per annum, with discount rates from 10.8747% to 12.0301% per annum.

For the 364-day bill, tendered rates ranged from 10.7142% to 13.5000% per annum.

The government allotted bids with interest rates from 11.9999% to 13.3144% per annum and discount rates from 10.7142% to 11.7500% per annum.

At the end, weighted average of rates for the week, starting August 18, are:  91-day bill; 10.1374% interest rate and 9.8868% discount rate per annum, and 182-day bill; 12.2302% interest rate and 11.5255% discount rate per annum, and 364-day bill; 13.0865% interest rate and 11.5721% discount rate per annum.

The Government targeted to raise GHS6.426 billion in the next auction, Tender 1969, the report said.

By George Kwame Agboklu 

GNA 

Smoking is a bad habit -Fameye

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Fameye

Ghanaian musician, Fameye has spoken ill of smoking via a recent Facebook post sighted by Gh Page.

The “Praise” hitmaker believes that smoking is an evil bedeviling act, hence, smokers should quit the habit as soon as possible.

The musician took to his official Facebook page to write “Smoking is a bad habit”, and the post has generated a lot of comments.

Some fans, and Ghanaians at large supported Fameye for his recent post, while many others believe the musician’s post is a mere post aimed at deceiving the public.

Essoun Herbs took to the comment sections to state emphatically that he emulates the lifestyle of Fameye, hence, the excessive smoking. According to him “I smoke because of you. You when you said Wontumi hye saaa Na 3y3 wo nwanwa so I wanted to see the nwanwa some soo…”.

Nsemfoo Hene as known on Facebook wrote “No wonder you said Daddy Lumba was better than Michael Jackson. It was the remnants”.

Strength Palms believes that “I’m sure he smoked and forgot to perform. We will surely hear it in the news. Atassa.”

Meanwhile, Fameye has not taken time to respond to the comments on his posts so far, however, Gh Page promises to update its avid readers should there be any new development on the story in focus.

Credit: ghpage.com

Altar of Fire Prayer Network hosts Prophetic Destiny Conference 2.0 in Accra

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Prophetic Destiny Conference

The Altar of Fire Prayer Network is set to gather believers, worshippers, and seekers of divine direction for the Prophetic Destiny Conference 2.0 on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Perez Chapel (Timothy Church), Dzorwulu, Accra.

With the theme ‘Peace, Let It Be Still,’ the conference promises to be a spiritual encounter aimed at addressing the turbulence of life’s storms and ushering participants into divine calm and clarity.

The event will feature Pastor Harry Obeng as the keynote speaker, bringing a prophetic word of hope and restoration. Supporting the atmosphere of worship will be dynamic gospel ministers, including Minister Nicole and Paa Sammy, who will lead participants in soul-lifting praise and worship.

Scheduled to begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. GMT, the Prophetic Destiny Conference 2.0 is expected to draw hundreds of believers from across Accra and beyond, seeking not just a conference but a life-changing experience.

Organizers describe the event as a sacred convocation designed to realign destinies, restore peace to troubled hearts, and rekindle spiritual fire in individuals and families.

For further details, attendees can contact +233 54 380 3884 or follow the Altar of Fire Prayer Network on their official social media platforms.

Gospel Singer Selina Boateng announces divorce after 6 years of marriage

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Selina Boateng and ex-husband

Award-winning gospel musician Selina Boateng has publicly confirmed the end of her six-year marriage to Isaac Berchie.

She announced her divorce during a candid interview on Okay FM’s drive-time show hosted by Nana Romeo on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Selina Boateng got married to Isaac Berchie more than five years ago. The couple tied the knot in Kumasi in 2019 in a marriage ceremony, which was highlighted by a big church wedding on December 7 at the Church of Pentecost, Maakro Central.

Their traditional wedding, which was held a day earlier, gained significant attention and was described as “all joyous and colourful.”

The ceremonies were attended by family, friends, and numerous colleagues from Ghana’s gospel music fraternity, marking what many considered a union blessed within the Christian community.

At the time of their wedding, Selina Boateng was already a recognised name in Ghana’s gospel music scene. The musician had won the 2012 VGMA Gospel Song of the Year award and secured four awards at the Ghana Gospel Industry Awards (GGIA). Her popular songs, including Medofo Pa, Menku Meho, Alpha and Omega, and ‘Wobeye Nhyira’, had already touched the hearts of many Ghanaians.

Following their wedding, the 2012 VGMA Gospel Song of the Year winner and her husband welcomed their first child almost three years later. She announced the birth of their child, a baby boy, in March 2022, with beautiful baby bump photos.

Since the announcement of their child’s birth, Selina Boateng has been silent about her marriage until her interview with Nana Romeo.

“I am very single and ready try again but I don’t know whether I will go for a pastor or not. I will leave that up to God,” she said.

“Marriage has opened my eyes in so many ways. If I had the chance to go back and make changes or amend certain decisions, I honestly would—because until you’re inside the walls of marriage, you’ll never truly understand what it is,” she said.

Stonebwoy links up with Rick Ross, fans buzz over possible collaboration

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Rick Ross and Stonebwoy

Dancehall star Livingstone Etse Satekla, widely known as Stonebwoy, has once again caught the spotlight after sharing videos of himself with American rapper Rick Ross during his visit to the United States.

The clips, which surfaced on Stonebwoy’s X page on 17 August 2025, captured the pair enjoying each other’s company after linking up following a concert in Miami. In one video, Rick Ross can be heard hyping himself and Stonebwoy, referring to both of them as ‘number one.’ Another showed the two artistes sharing champagne and vibing to Mario Winans’ classic track ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’ playing in the background.

This meeting comes months after Stonebwoy and Rick Ross had an Instagram Live session, where the American rapper praised Stonebwoy’s artistry and hinted at a possible collaboration. During that conversation, Rick Ross promised not only to work with him on a project but also to introduce him to other US superstars, including Rihanna.

With the videos now circulating online, excitement among fans has reached new heights, with many eagerly anticipating the long-promised collaboration between the Ghanaian and American heavyweights.

As expected, Stonebwoy’s post attracted varied reactions from fans on social media. While some expressed pride in the Ghanaian star’s growing international connections, others urged him to maintain a more polished image around global acts.

Pigeon feeding ban sparks debate in India

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Pigeon feeding ban in India

A recent court ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces in the western Indian city of Mumbai has become a major flashpoint between civic bodies, public health activists and bird lovers.

This month, hundreds of people clashed with police twice while protesting the closure of a decades-old pigeon feeding spot, or a kabutarkhana. (Kabutar is the Hindi word for pigeon.)

Some tore down the tarpaulin sheets covering the spot and threatened an indefinite hunger strike. Police briefly detained about 15 people at another protest, media reports said.

Authorities had imposed the ban due to concerns about health hazards due to pigeon droppings.

The problem is not unique to Mumbai. In Venice, feeding pigeons in historic squares is banned. Singapore imposes hefty fines, and New York and London have regulated feeding zones.

In India too, Pune and Thane cities in Maharashtra state – of which Mumbai is the capital – have imposed penalties on feeding pigeons. Delhi is mulling an advisory against feeding the birds in public spaces.

The crackdown has angered animal lovers and religious feeders, as pigeons are long woven into India’s cultural fabric.

Films often use shots of grain-feeding pigeons to evoke cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where the birds are a familiar presence on balconies and air-conditioners.

Credit: bbc.com

The Ghanaian Chronicle