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Davido confirms Chris Brown joint album and Europe-Africa tour

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Chris Brown and Davido

Davido has teased his joint-album with Chris Brown could finally drop in 2026.

Davido has officially confirmed that a full-scale joint project with American R&B icon Chris Brown is on the way. “OBO,” broke the news during an exclusive interview with Billboard Arabia for their January 2026 cover story. Set for release in 2026, this collaboration builds on their longstanding friendship and musical synergy, sparking widespread excitement from fans on social media.

Davido’s revelations in the Billboard Arabia interview were extensive. The multi-award-winning Afrobeats star delved into his journey from local roots to international stardom, before casually dropping the bombshell about his project with the two-time Grammy winner, stating,”I have a project with Chris Brown, by the grace of God, coming out next year.”

Davido previously hinted that Chris Brown have already recorded over 20 songs for the album.

During an appearance on The Ebro Show on Apple Music, the Nigerian star revealed: “We could put out two albums right now. It’s going to happen. I really wanted him to have his moment this year. Then next year, the Europe & African tour with the Davido & Chris Brown album.”

The album is expected to feature a vibrant blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, a fusion they have perfected over several years.

Davido is currently riding high on the success of his fifth studio album, 5IVE, which features the latest collaboration with Brown titled “Titanium”.

Chris Brown’s team has yet to comment extensively on the upcoming project but anticipation is at an all-time high. This project not only highlights Davido’s ambition to expand Afrobeats’ reach but also underscores Brown’s ongoing embrace of diverse sounds.

Black Sherif gives 2025 a perfect score: “100 out of 100”

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Black Sherif

Black Sherif has given a glowing review of his 2025, rating the year “100 out of 100” in an interview with JoyNews.

The Ghanaian musician’s response comes as no surprise, considering the massive success of his sophomore album “Iron Boy”.

Released in April 2025, “Iron Boy” has shattered multiple records and cemented Black Sherif’s position as one of Ghana’s most successful artistes.

The album has dominated streaming platforms, with nine of its tracks occupying the top 10 spots on Spotify’s Most Streamed Songs list.

When asked if he anticipated the album’s massive reception, Black Sherif revealed that he did, showcasing his confidence in his craft.

“Iron Boy” has not only resonated with Ghanaian audiences but has also gained international recognition, with Black Sherif becoming the first Ghanaian artiste to occupy the top 12 spots on Apple Music Ghana’s Top 100 simultaneously.

The album’s success has also led to Black Sherif’s nomination for the 2025 BET Awards and has solidified his position as a global music sensation.

Black Sherif is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter from Konongo, known for his unique blend of hip-hop and Afrobeats. He rose to fame in 2021 with his hit single “First Class”, and has since become one of the most prominent voices in Ghanaian music.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

 

Decision on Marine Drive expected soon –Dzifa Gomashie

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Dzifa Gomashie

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has disclosed that government is still reviewing the Marine Drive project following challenges encountered after the transition from the previous administration.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, January 13, the Minister who doubles as the MP for Ketu South noted that the project, which began during her tenure as Deputy Minister, underwent significant changes that made it difficult to fully understand its status when she returned to the Ministry.

She explained that she had to engage individuals involved in the project under the previous administration to gain clarity on their respective roles and the current state of the initiative.

According to her, these engagements have helped her better understand the project, adding that government should be in a position in the coming weeks or months to determine the way forward.

“The Marine Drive started when I was Deputy Minister, and I know where it was when we left. Coming back into the Ministry, there were so many issues. It was difficult to understand what had happened to the project. We have taken time to get a grasp of it.

“At a point, I had to invite everybody who I think was involved in the past administration for them to brief me individually on their roles and what is what. Now I have a fair idea what it is and in the next couple of weeks or months, we should be clear on what we are going to do with the Marine Drive,” he said.

Ofori-Atta, Fair Trial Rights, and the Duty to Face Ghana’s Courts

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Seth Kwame Awuku

On Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini on 10 January 2026, Agyapa Mercer, a lawyer and former Member of Parliament for Sekondi, argued that while the State may prosecute if it has evidence, a public officer owes no duty to account. He suggested that an accused person is under no obligation to submit to court processes, stating:

“If Mr. Ofori‑Atta elects… I do not want to subject myself to this process, if they think they have evidence against me, let them go ahead and obtain their conviction.”

He further emphasised the right to remain silent, saying:

“No, you can go. You can attend and not speak, true or false?… So if he comes and goes to EOCO or whatever… they ask him questions, I won’t answer. Can anybody compel him to answer?”

Coming from a lawyer and former legislator, this position is not merely controversial, it is dangerous.

Public Office Is a Constitutional Trust

Article 35(8) of the 1992 Constitution obliges the State to eradicate corruption and the abuse of power. That obligation presupposes accountability by those who exercise public authority. Public office in Ghana is not a private privilege, it is a public trust.

This is why the Constitution establishes oversight institutions such as Parliament (Articles 93 and 103), the Auditor-General (Article 187), and CHRAJ (Article 218). These bodies exist precisely to ensure accountability in public service. The presumption of innocence under Article 19(2)(c) protects against wrongful conviction, it does not shield public officials from scrutiny or inquiry.

To argue that a public officer owes no duty to account unless first convicted is to invert constitutional logic and erode the foundations of accountability.

The Right to Silence Does Not Abolish Jurisdiction

Mercer’s reliance on Article 19 fundamentally misinterprets its purpose. The right against self-incrimination operates within judicial proceedings, it does not authorise complete avoidance of those proceedings.

Article 125 vests judicial power in the courts of Ghana, and Article 126 requires obedience to lawful court authority. One may appear before a court and choose to remain silent. What one may not do is refuse to appear entirely while claiming full constitutional protection. Rights detached from process become instruments of impunity.

Ghanaian Precedent Rejects Flight from Justice

Ghana’s legal history is instructive.

When Tsatsu Tsikata, a distinguished lawyer and former CEO of GNPC, was charged in connection with alleged financial loss to the State, he did not flee the jurisdiction. He faced the courts and contested the charges lawfully.

Similarly, Hon. Ato Forson, now Minister for Finance, faced criminal charges relating to alleged financial loss to the State. He also did not evade jurisdiction, appearing before the courts and allowing the judicial process to run its course.

These examples demonstrate a fundamental truth: submission to jurisdiction is not inconsistent with innocence. It is how innocence is tested and, where appropriate, vindicated.

Flight from Justice Is Not Constitutionally Neutral

No credible justice system recognises deliberate absence from jurisdiction as a protected right. Extradition laws and mutual legal assistance frameworks exist to prevent accountability from being defeated by borders or convenience.

Ghanaian courts, drawing from English common law tradition, have repeatedly affirmed that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. A system that tolerates evasion of jurisdiction, especially by powerful former officials, fails that test. Justice that applies only to those without means or mobility is not justice at all.

 

Conclusion

The Constitution guarantees fair trial rights, not fair evasion strategies. One may come to court and exercise the right to remain silent. What one may not do, without corroding the rule of law, is refuse to come at all and insist that the justice system must wait.

Tsatsu Tsikata came. Ato Forson came. That is how constitutional democracy works.

Mercer’s argument, if accepted, would entrench a two-tier justice system, one for ordinary citizens and another for the powerful. Ghana must reject it.

By Seth Kwame Awuku

 

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

 What Rice Water Really Does For Your Hair

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Rice water has been used for centuries in Asian cultures as a beauty treatment. Lately, it’s been in the spotlight on social media as beauty influencers tout it as a miracle cure for growing long, healthy hair. However, does it really help your hair grow longer, or is that just hype?

We’ll dive into everything you need to know about rice water for hair.

What Is Rice Water?

Rice water is water that rice has been cooked or soaked in. It contains a lot of starch, as well as other nutrients. Rice water is a rich source of:

  • Inositol
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin B
  • Magnesium
  • Fiber
  • Zinc
  • Manganese

Some of the vitamins and nutrients in rice water play an important role in the promotion of healthy hair, including:

Vitamin E. Vitamin E is high in a type of antioxidant called tocotrienol. It’s been shown to promote hair growth in people who have alopecia, which is a disease that causes hair loss.

Magnesium. Magnesium is a major mineral crucial to many of your body’s functions. Studies of women with thinning hair found that supplementing with oral magnesium increased their hair growth after 90 to 180 days.

Vitamin B. Biotin is one of the B vitamins most closely associated with hair growth. A deficiency in biotin is associated with hair loss, as biotin is an important component of keratin production, which is important when growing healthy hair and nails.

Zinc. Hair loss can be a side effect of zinc deficiency. It’s essential for hair tissue growth and repair. Zinc supplementation has been effective in reducing hair loss in people with a zinc deficiency.

How to Prepare Rice Water for Hair

When it comes to beauty treatments, there aren’t many as cheap and easy as rice water. There are several popular methods for making rice water, including:

Short soak. Rinse one cup of rice. Add two to three cups of water and let the rice soak for 30 minutes to two hours.

Boiling method. Cook rice as you normally would, but add more water than usual. When the rice finishes cooking, strain it and save the water to use on your hair.

Fermented method. Some rice water devotees believe that allowing soaked rice water to ferment for two to three days increases the antioxidants and vitamins and minerals.

If you want to try using rice water, the short soak option is the best because boiling the water may kill some of the vitamins, whereas fermenting it could introduce bacteria.

To use rice water, shampoo and rinse your hair as usual. Then, pour the rice water over your hair. Leave it in for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Is Rice Water Good for Hair?

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that rice water can help your hair grow. The people of Huangluo, China use it as part of their hair care regimen, and they’ve also won the Guinness Book of World Records title of “World’s Longest-Haired Village.” However, no scientific evidence supports using rice water for hair growth.

Although it contains many vitamins and minerals associated with healthy hair, most studies concerning those vitamins and minerals were done on people who were deficient in them, not those with normal levels. Additionally, most studies looked at the results of taking vitamins and minerals by mouth, not applying them to hair.

Side Effects of Rice Water on Hair

Rice water doesn’t have any significant risks associated with using it, so it should be safe to try. However, some people should talk to their doctor before trying it, including people with:

Eczema. People with eczema or atopic dermatitis have inflammation and itching because their skin can’t maintain an adequate moisture barrier. Although you may not have any problems using rice water if you have eczema, it’s best to test a small area first or talk with your dermatologist.

Hair loss. If you’re experiencing hair loss, you shouldn’t try rice water as your first treatment. Talk to your doctor first because many causes of hair loss have approved treatments that are effective.

Proven Ways to Grow Your Hair Faster

If you’re interested in scientifically proven methods to grow your hair faster, try these instead of (or in addition to) rice water:

  • Get checked for nutrient deficiencies.
  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Specifically, make sure you’re getting enough B and D vitamins, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.
  • Try biotin and collagen supplements.
  • Avoid heat treatments as much as possible.
  • Minimize chemical treatments.
  • Avoid brushing wet hair.
  • Get regular trims.

Credit: Webmd

The Cost of Discipleship

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”-Matthew 28:19 -20

 

INTRODUCTION

Every Christian is a disciple. This is not an optional or advanced level of Christianity. It is the very heart of what it means to follow Christ. The Lord’s Great Commission was not only to win converts but to make disciples and to teach them to obey all that He commanded. This means the mission of the Church and the goal of evangelism is discipleship.

Throughout the book of Acts, the word disciple is used consistently as a synonym for believer. Acts 6:1, Acts 6:2, Acts 6:7, Acts 11:26, Acts 14:20, Acts 14:22 and Acts 15:10 all refer to believers as disciples. Any sharp distinction between being a believer and being a disciple is artificial. Though such ideas may have been introduced by sincere and well meaning people, they have produced a shallow understanding of faith that removes the serious demands of Jesus from Christian living.

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He clearly taught them about the cost of discipleship. Those who were unwilling to commit fully did not respond, and some even turned away. A clear example is the rich young ruler who could not give up what he valued most. Jesus warned everyone who considered following Him to carefully count the cost.

“Which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’”-Luke 14:28 – 30

 

DISCIPLESHIP IS MORE THAN A SIMPLE DECISION

A Christian is not someone who merely accepts Christ in order to escape hell. True faith always expresses itself through submission and obedience. Christians follow Christ. They are committed to Him as both Lord and Savior. They desire to please God. They are humble learners. When they fail, they seek forgiveness and continue moving forward. That is the direction of their lives.

The call to discipleship demands total dedication. It is full commitment, with nothing deliberately held back. No one comes to Christ on casual terms. Those who believe they can agree with gospel facts and still live any way they please are warned by Scripture to examine themselves to see whether they are truly in the faith, as stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5.

In Matthew 10:32 – 39, Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples:“Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”

These words leave no room for divided loyalty. Christ must come before all else. Discipleship means placing Jesus above relationships, comfort, ambition and even personal safety. It means surrendering our lives fully to His will.

Every Christian is a disciple. There is no separate category for believers who follow halfway. Our Lord could not have been clearer about what it means to belong to Him.

 

THESE WORDS APPLY TO ALL BELIEVERS

Some people suggest that these strong demands were meant only for the Twelve and not for all believers. However, Matthew 10:24 says, “A disciple is not above his teacher.”

This shows that the instructions in this chapter apply to all disciples, not only to the original apostles.

It is true that many of the Twelve were already believers when these words were spoken, but that does not reduce their importance. In fact, they were already called disciples in Matthew 10:1. Jesus was not inviting them into a higher spiritual level. He was reminding them of what faith truly meant and of the commitment they had already made when they chose to follow Him.

In the same way, Jesus continually reminds us that faith is not only about believing, but about following, obeying and surrendering.

Luke 14:25 to 35 records similar teaching given not only to the Twelve but to large crowds who followed Him. This shows that the call to costly discipleship is not reserved for church leaders or missionaries but is meant for every follower of Christ.

 

SENT ONES AND FOLLOWERS

Matthew 10:2 refers to the Twelve as apostles, meaning sent ones. After their training, Jesus sent them out to preach. Yet in His final instructions to them in this passage, He refers to them not as apostles but as disciples. This is important because it shows that even those who are sent out in ministry must never stop being learners and followers of Christ.

His words serve as a signpost for every believer and every potential follower of Jesus. Discipleship is not a stage we graduate from. It is the lifelong calling of every Christian.

 

CONCLUSION

The call to discipleship is a call to a surrendered life. It is not a call to comfort, convenience or casual belief, but to daily obedience, faithful service and wholehearted devotion to Christ. Jesus never hid the cost of following Him, yet He also never hid the reward. Those who lose their lives for His sake will find true life, both now and for eternity.

In a world that often promotes easy choices and quick rewards, Christ calls us to a deeper and more enduring path. He calls us to take up our cross, to follow Him even when it is difficult, and to trust that His ways lead to life. Discipleship may demand sacrifice, but it also brings purpose, peace and the joy of walking closely with our Lord.

As believers, we must continually examine our hearts and renew our commitment to follow Christ fully, not in words only, but in daily living. May we not settle for shallow faith, but embrace the true call of discipleship, knowing that to follow Jesus is the greatest privilege and the highest calling of all.

 

Stay Blessed!

 

Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.

Astronauts splash down to Earth after medical evacuation from space station

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Astronauts splash down to Earth

Four astronauts evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) have landed back on Earth after their stay in space was cut short by a month due to a “serious” medical issue.

The crew’s captain, Nasa astronaut Mike Fincke, exited the spacecraft first, smiling and wobbling slightly on his feet before lying down on a gurney, following normal procedures.

Nasa’s Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimiya Yui and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov followed, waving and beaming at cameras. “It’s so good to be home!”, said Cardman.

It is the first time astronauts have been evacuated due to a health issue since the station was put into Earth’s orbit in 1998.

The team, known as Crew-11, will now receive medical checks before being flown back to land after the splash down off the coast of California.

In a news conference after splash-down, Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman said the sick astronaut is “fine right now” and in “good spirits”.

Judging by past Nasa communications about astronauts’ health, it is unlikely that the identity of the crew member or details of the health issue will be released to the public.

Control of the ISS has been handed over to Russian cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and two other crew members.

The astronauts arrived on the ISS on 1 August expecting to complete a standard six and a half month stay. They were due to come home in mid-February.

Credit: bbc.com

Japan, Philippines sign new defence pacts amid surging China tensions

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Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, left, and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro

The Philippines and Japan signed two defence pacts Thursday, including a deal allowing their forces to exchange supplies and services, the latest in a series of agreements aimed at countering China’s regional assertiveness.

Tokyo and Manila have significantly deepened military ties in recent years, joining a security partnership with Washington, and Japan supplying patrol boats and radio gear to the Philippines.

The Philippines and China have engaged in frequent clashes in the contested South China Sea, which Beijing claims in nearly its entirety despite an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro in Manila. The deal allows the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training.

Motegi and Lazaro also announced ‍a $6m Official ⁠Security Assistance package from Tokyo to fund the building of facilities to house rigid-hulled inflatable boats donated by Japan to boost Manila’s naval capabilities.

Speaking of the resupply deal at a joint briefing in Manila, Lazaro said it would “enhance our mutual military interoperability and readiness” while building off a previously signed visiting forces agreement.

“We both recognised the value of promoting the rule of law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, especially in the South China Sea,” Lazaro added.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Singapore’s opposition leader stripped of title after conviction for lying

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Singapore's Leader of the Opposition in parliament, Pritam Singh

Singapore’s Leader of the Opposition in parliament, Pritam Singh, has been stripped of his title by the prime minister following a vote by lawmakers.

The vote took place on Wednesday in parliament, which is overwhelmingly dominated by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP).

The move follows Singh’s conviction for lying under oath to a parliamentary committee. Singh has consistently maintained his innocence. He remains a member of parliament and secretary-general of the largest opposition party, Workers’ Party (WP), but will lose privileges such as additional allowances and the right of first reply during parliamentary debates.

Singh’s case stands out as one of the only criminal convictions against a sitting opposition lawmaker. He was also the first person to hold the title of Leader of the Opposition.

Critics have previously accused Singapore’s government of using the judiciary to go after its political opponents – charges authorities have always denied.

On Wednesday, Indranee Rajah, the Leader of the House who had initiated the debate, said that Singh’s lies “strike at the trust” Singaporeans place in parliament and accused him of “failing to take responsibility”.

Singh defended himself during the debate, saying that his “conscience remains clear” and disagreed with the debate’s resolution that his behaviour was “dishonourable and unbecoming”. He also vowed to continue his work as an MP.

After three hours of debate, the parliament backed a motion that agreed Singh should not be the Leader of the Opposition. All 11 present WP members voted against it.

The parliament also agreed to review the implications for two other WP lawmakers at another time.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in light of Singh’s conviction and the vote that it was “no longer tenable” for him to continue as the Leader of the Opposition.

He also invited the WP to nominate another of their MPs to take the title.

Credit: bbc.com

Emir Sanusi II admitted to study Law at Kano varsity after obtaining PhD from London

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Emir of Kano, Khalifa Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II

The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has received special admission to study Law at Northwest University, Kano.

According to an official letter from the university dated January 12, 2026, the Emir was admitted into the LL.B programme in Common Law and Sharia at 200 Level, starting from the 2024/2025 academic session.
The letter was addressed to him at his Palace in Gidan Rumfa, Kano.

The university said the admission was granted after the Emir met the requirements for special consideration.

News of the decision became public on January 15, 2026, and quickly spread across social media and news platforms, where many people described the step as inspiring and a strong message about lifelong learning.

Despite his long list of academic achievements, the Emir has chosen to return to the classroom.

He already holds a BSc and MSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as a BA in Islamic Studies and Sharia from the International University of Africa in Khartoum.

In 2025, he also earned a PhD in Islamic Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Credit: dailypost.ng

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