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ISODEC Urges Government to Declare State of Emergency on Illegal Mining

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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A river completely destroyed through illegal mining

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has called on the government to take immediate and uncompromising action against illegal mining in Ghana, describing it as an existential threat to present and future generations.

In a statement issued on August 11, 2025 and signed by Executive Director Sam Danse, ISODEC expressed profound sorrow over the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two Cabinet Ministers and six other government officials.

The victims were en route to launch COMSDEP, a community mining programme aimed at combating galamsey.

“This devastating incident highlights the pressing need for decisive apolitical action against illegal mining,” the statement read. ISODEC lamented the widespread environmental destruction, pollution of water bodies, health hazards, loss of biodiversity and livelihoods associated with galamsey, urging that the tragedy should serve as a catalyst for bold reforms.

The organisation called for a state of emergency on mining, the urgent repeal of Act LI 2462, and stronger collaboration with law enforcement to identify, expose and punish the kingpins and their associates.

ISODEC further urged government to confiscate proceeds acquired through illegal mining, enhance monitoring systems, and ensure those involved are named, shamed and held accountable.

Additionally, ISODEC advocated for the rapid rollout of sustainable community mining programmes that prioritise environmental protection, soil and vegetation health and genuine local participation, offering alternative livelihoods that align with responsible mining practices.

“As we reflect on the lives lost in this unfortunate accident, we are reminded of the urgent responsibility that rests on our government to safeguard our precious resources and the well-being of our citizens,” Mr. Danse said.

The organisation stressed that honouring the memory of the departed officials requires restoring balance to Ghana’s ecosystem and ensuring mining operates legally and sustainably.

10 arraigned for possession of firearms and plotting violence in Bawku

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Court

Ten men, including a 17-year-old, have been arraigned before Circuit Court 3, presided over by Justice Evelyn Asamoah, for possession of firearms without lawful authority and preparation to commit a violent crime, following a security operation in Bawku’s Zaabu Zongo area.

The accused, aged between 17 and 37, were arrested on August 5, 2025, during a cordon and search operation by the Joint Peace Enforcement team. They were brought before the court on Thursday, August 7, 2025 where all except one were present.

All accused persons present pleaded not guilty, including Rauf Naziru, a 19-year-old Blacksmith, who admitted the items were found in his room, but claimed they were not firearms.

Naziru stated the 15 M16 empty shells, 7 AK47 empty shells and 9 G3 empty shells found in his possession were tools he used to make rings and scrapers.

The others, who were remanded, include Rauf Naziru (A1), Issaka Tijani, 34, Abdulai Sumaila Gatuso, 17 and a carpenter, Muniru Abubakarm Naro, 21 and Issaka Yakubu, 19, Sulemana Abdul Basit Ayede, 37, Bukari Salifu Monaaba, 34, Yakim Ibrahim, 35 and Adam Hanisu Hanif, 34.

Prosecutor ASP Issah Achibari informed the court that investigations were ongoing and requested that the accused remain in custody.

The court, granting the request, directed the prosecution to serve all disclosures to the accused persons and adjourned proceedings to August 21, 2025.

Details of the charges are:

  1. Possession of firearms without lawful authority, contrary to the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended.
  2. Preparation to commit a crime, specifically offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace, under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Brief Facts of the Case 

According to police reports, a joint military-police operation on August 5 uncovered ammunition in the possession of Naziru and Tijani. Both failed to provide lawful justification for their possession.

The other accused were arrested during curfew hours in the same vicinity, allegedly assembling without any clear purpose during restricted hours. Their arrests were carried out under the command of Captain D.Z. Mahama.

The accused and the recovered exhibits were handed over to the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit on August 6. All accused were subsequently cautioned and detained.

Gomoa Feteh Gyaasehene Nabbed Again over Alleged Car Theft

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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The Gyaasehene of Gomoa Feteh in the Central Region, Nana Kofi Baah I, is once again at the centre of controversy after being arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court in connection with an alleged car stealing syndicate operating across parts of the Greater Accra Region.

This marks the second time in the year that the traditional leader has appeared before the court over similar allegations.

He is facing charges alongside Nana Abeka Anderson, a 37-year-old IT Technician, and a third suspect currently at large, known only as Yakubu.

Presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah at Circuit Court 11, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit crime, stealing and forgery of official documents.

The case has been adjourned to August 21, 2025.

Charges and Allegations

According to court documents, the accused conspired on March 11, 2025, at Haatso to unlawfully obtain a KIA Forte with registration number GW 110-25, valued at GH¢200,000, from a car rental manager, Haizel Yamoah Kyei.

Per the prosecution, led by Inspector Abigail Offeibea, Anderson posed as a customer and provided fake identification in the name of Essel Kofi Elvis to secure the rental. After the car was delivered, he failed to return it at the end of the rental period.

Repeated attempts to reach him proved futile, and tracking efforts were thwarted after the vehicle’s tracker was disabled.

Further police investigations revealed that Anderson had been arrested earlier in a separate case involving similar tactics. Under interrogation, he confessed to passing the stolen vehicle to Nana Kofi Baah I at Feteh Kakraba.

The vehicle was then allegedly sold to a third suspect, Yakubu, for GH¢16,000, with the proceeds shared between Anderson and Baah.

The accused have not assisted authorities in recovering the stolen vehicle, and investigations have linked them to a broader vehicle theft operation. They remain in custody under the Police Intelligence Directorate, where they are also being questioned over the disappearance of four other vehicles.

In the other case, Anderson allegedly rented a Hyundai Elantra using forged ECOWAS and Ghana ID cards and sold it to Baah for just GH¢4,000. Similar incidents involving a Honda Civic and a Kia Ultima have been linked to the duo.

Police believe Anderson and Baah are responsible for a string of fraudulent rentals across Accra, with at least four cars already recovered. A photograph taken by a witness during one of the transactions proved instrumental in identifying Anderson.

Okada rider remanded over alleged robbery At Ashiaman Under Bridge 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Remanded

A commercial motor rider, Francis Dabrah, has been remanded into lawful custody by the Circuit Court 9 in Accra for allegedly robbing a trader at knifepoint near the Ashaiman/Klagon Under-Bridge. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 4, 2025.

Dabrah, together with his accomplice identified only as Isahaku—who is currently at large—and two other unidentified suspects, are said to have attacked and robbed one Ruben Ayiku, a trader residing in Teshie. The accused allegedly made away with Ayiku’s Infinix mobile phone valued at GH¢3,000 and a cash amount of GH¢200.

The accused, who appeared before His Honour Samuel Bright Acquah on Friday, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery. The court, after taking his plea, remanded him into custody to reappear on August 20, 2025.

Details of the Incident

According to police prosecutor Inspector Dzigbodi Nego , at approximately 4:00 am on August 4, the complainant was waiting at a bus stop near the Ashaiman/Klagon Under-Bridge when Dabrah, Isahaku, and two others approached him on two Royal motorbikes. Armed with cutlasses, they attacked and robbed Ayiku before fleeing in the direction of Lashibi.

Unbeknownst to the suspects, the Klagon Police Patrol Team was in the area and witnessed the robbery. The officers immediately gave chase.

The pursuit ended at Shalom Spot, a suburb of Lashibi, where police managed to push one of the fleeing motorbikes—ridden by Isahaku—into a gutter. The suspects abandoned the bike and fled with the stolen items.

Dabrah, in a separate attempt to escape, made a U-turn, but crashed his motorbike. Police ordered him to surrender, but he refused.

One of the suspects discarded a cutlass and fled. Dabrah was shot in the left arm when he attempted to lift his bike and escape. He was subsequently arrested at the scene.

The police retrieved two Royal motorbikes and a cutlass from the scene. The complainant, Ayiku, who later arrived at the police station, identified Dabrah as one of the assailants.

Dabrah faces two counts: Conspiracy to commit robbery, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Robbery, contrary to Section 149 of the same Act.

The prosecutor told the court that Dabrah confessed to the crime during police investigations. However, in court, he pleaded not guilty. The police have launched a manhunt to arrest Isahaku and the two other accomplices still at large.

Francis Dabrah is scheduled to reappear in court on August 20, 2025, as investigations continue.

The case remains under active investigation.

Ibom Air Bans Passenger After Assault On Crew Members

By
admin
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Ibom Air

A Nigerian domestic carrier Ibom Air has placed a travel restriction on Comfort Emmanson, for assaulting members of the airline’s Uyo–Lagos flight crew at the Lagos airport on Sunday.

The airline, in a statement on Monday said the unruly passenger won’t be permitted to fly on any of its aircraft from now on.

“The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation,” Ibom Air said.

Viral videos showed Emmanson lashing slaps on one of the airline’s flight attendant, even as security officials tried to restrain her.

The airline said shortly before take-off from Uyo, Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone.

Ibom Air said, “She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off.

“This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

“Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Ekiti Gov Dissolves Cabinet, Retains AG, Others

By
admin
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Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji

Ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

In a statement late Sunday, the Secretary to the State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, said all the governor’s appointees were affected by the dissolution.

The affected commissioners and special advisers are to hand over to the permanent secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments and agencies, Adubiaro said.

Adubiaro said, “Governor Oyebanji thanks the affected members of the State Executive Council and wishes them success in their future endeavours.

“However, the dissolution does not affect the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Also not affected by the dissolution are the Commissioner for Health and Human Services; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; Commissioner for Education; Commissioner for Works; Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives; Special Adviser, Special Education and Social Inclusion; and Special Adviser Lands, Survey and e-GIS.

“Also, all Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council are to retain their positions. These are the Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).”

Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was sworn in on October 16, 2022, is seeking to return to office in next year’s election.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Michael Jackson’s dirty sock sells for over $8,000 at auction

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Michael Jackson’s sock

A single glittery sock that late pop superstar Michael Jackson wore during a concert in France in the 1990s sold for more than $8,000 on Wednesday, a French auctioneer said. The “King of Pop” wore white athletic socks adorned with sparkling rhinestones during his “HIStory World Tour” in 1997.

A crystal-embroidered sock worn by Michael Jackson during a 1997 concert in Nice was sold at auction in France on Wednesday for €6,200 ($8000). The sock, described by organisers as a “cult object”, was part of a sale featuring music memorabilia.

A technician found the used sock discarded near Jackson’s dressing room after the concert in the southern city of Nimes in July 1997, auctioneer Aurore Illy told AFP.

The self-styled “King of Pop” wore white athletic socks adorned with rhinestones during his “HIStory World Tour” in 1997, according to specialist website interencheres.com.

Jackson can be seen wearing them in clips of him performing his hit “Billie Jean”.

Decades later, the off-white item of clothing is covered in stains, and the rhinestones adorning it have yellowed with age, in a picture posted on the website.

“It really is an exceptional object – even a cult one for Michael Jackson fans,” Illy said.

The sock, initially valued at €3,000 to €4,000 ($3,400-4,500), sold for €7,688 ($8,822) at the Nimes auction house.

A Macau gaming resort in 2009 paid $350,000 for a glittery glove Jackson wore when he performed his first “moonwalk” dance in 1983.

A hat he wore just before that performance sold for more than $80,000 in Paris in 2023.

Jackson died of a fatal overdose in 2009 aged 50.

Davido spends $3.7m on Miami wedding to Chioma

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Davido and Chioma

Multiple award-winning musician, Davido has set social media abuzz after revealing the jaw-dropping cost of his white wedding to wife Chioma.

He revealed that, the ceremony costed a staggering $3.7 million.

The star had earlier announced that the ceremony would take place this August in Miami, USA, and the celebrations have lived up to the hype.

Pre-wedding events, including the glamorous “Havana Night” party, have dominated online trends since yesterday.

It was during this themed party on Friday that Davido, surrounded by friends and family, disclosed the scale of the occasion.

With a mix of pride and excitement, he declared, “We spent 3.7 million dollars in cash. You should know what we are doing. It’s crazy!”

The Miami festivities have drawn a glittering guest list from around the world, cementing the wedding as one of the year’s most extravagant celebrity celebrations.

Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola hold private marriage ceremony in Iceland

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Mr Eazi and Temi Otedola

In a private destination marriage ceremony, Nigerian singer and businessman Mr Eazi tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend, model and actress Temi Otedola.

The ceremony is so private that the exact date was not disclosed, only videos circulating online, showing the couple exchanging heartfelt vows at the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik.

The historic venue was elegantly adorned with flowers and closed to the public for the occasion, creating an exclusive atmosphere for the celebration.

Among the select guests were close family and friends, including Temi’s mother, Nana Otedola, and her sister, DJ Cuppy, both seen leaving the church in dazzling attire.

Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi also hinted at the celebration by sharing Instagram clips with Mr Eazi and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, enjoying the Icelandic backdrop.

Mr Eazi whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, is pioneer in blending Afrobeats with global sounds.

He rose to fame with hits like Skin Tight and has since built a career that spans music, tech investments, and creative ventures across Africa.

Temi Otedola, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, is a rising force in the entertainment world, known for her role in the critically acclaimed film Citation and her influence as a style icon.

Kwame Yeboah denies ever sacking Sarkodie from his studio

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0
Kwame Yeboah

Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist and producer Kwame Yeboah has refuted claims that he once expelled rapper Sarkodie from his Mixstation studio.

Yeboah said rumours about him being overly strict in the studio have been exaggerated, insisting he has always maintained a good relationship with Sarkodie.

“Sarkodie is like a good friend. We still message, we still chat. I have heard stuff about people talking about Sarkodie and all that; I never sacked him,” Yeboah told Kwame Dadzie on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM.

“Actually, it’s difficult people that have experienced the sacking, but because Sarkodie was around at the same time… and the thing is I don’t like talking too much.”

He admitted that he has on several occasions asked artistes to leave the studio if they arrived unprepared.

“A lot of people come to the studio and let’s say we have a rehearsal tomorrow and I give you a piece of music to learn. You come tomorrow and say ‘okay, I am coming to learn the music in this studio’. I’m like, you didn’t learn the music, then go back home and learn it,” he explained.

Yeboah said his insistence on professionalism has earned him a reputation for being strict, but he sees nothing wrong with it.

“I got a bad name for that. I love it and I don’t even care about that. Bro, if I was to start saying because they are going to feel bad let’s just not practise, where would we be right now?” he asked.

Kwame Yeboah is a Ghanaian musician who started playing musical instruments at age five. He has worked with musicians such as Kojo Antwi, Tagoe Sisters, Pat Thomas, Craig David, Hugh Masekela, Cat Stevens, Shaggy, Stevie Wonder, among others.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

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