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“Some laws are too old…” – Tourism Minister targets reform of 1991 National Theatre Act

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism

Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has disclosed plans to review and reform Ghana’s outdated cultural and creative sector laws, including the 1991 National Theatre Act.

Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, the minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, explained that some legislation governing the sector no longer aligns with current realities.

Her comments indicate a focused effort to strengthen the legal framework of Ghana’s cultural and creative industries, ensuring laws are relevant, practical, and able to support sector growth in line with contemporary needs.

“So far, so good. Some of our laws… if you take the National Theatre, the law that set it up is somewhere in 1991. That’s too old. We’re in 2025,” she said, highlighting the need for modernisation.

The minster revealed that the ministry has already assigned a lawyer to work on updating the laws, with the ultimate aim of submitting them back to Parliament for approval.

“The ministry has been assigned a lawyer, and we are sitting with her to look at how to send those things back to Parliament and have them corrected for us,” she explained.

She further stated that the reforms will also cover the Creative Arts sector, particularly in relation to the newly established creative arts fund.

“The Creative Arts also has an ally that is almost ready for its work, especially to do with the fund. Now that we’ve seen it in the budget, we’re going to work very hard to ensure that the Attorney General helps us to clean it up quickly,” Abla Dzifa Gomashie added.

Credit: starrfm.com.gh

Government commits GH¢20 Million to Creative Arts Fund to power cultural economy

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

Government has quietly put money where talk often goes by creating a Creative Arts Fund and seeding it in the 2026 budget.

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, told Parliament that the fund will receive GH¢20 million as startup capital to support music, fashion, visual art, culinary creative industries and the wider value chains that sustain them.

“We will also establish the Creative Arts Fund for the arts, music, fashion, food and other creative sectors,” he said.

 

The idea is practical and immediate. A dedicated pool of public capital can be used to underwrite small production grants, finance artist training and technical upgrades, support market access initiatives and help creative small businesses professionalise their operations.

 

Dr Ato Forson framed the move as part of a strategy to turn culture into growth and jobs rather than a fringe activity.

For creatives this matters, as years of irregular funding and weak market infrastructure have left many talented musicians, designers, chefs and visual artists without predictable revenue streams.

 

Seed funding can cover the kind of early risk that private investors avoid. If directed toward production, distribution, export promotion and incubation hubs, the fund could open doors to new commercial partnerships and tourism opportunities.

The success of the Fund will depend on clear rules and strong governance.

 

Past commitments to the creative economy have sometimes stalled because of unclear oversight, short-lived programmes or weak measurement frameworks.

Stakeholders are likely to demand transparent disbursement criteria, an independent board with creative sector expertise and a monitoring system that tracks job creation and revenue from supported projects.

 

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Tinubu sends emissary to engage Christian, Fulani leaders in Plateau

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has deployed an emissary, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State with the view to restoring peace and improving inter communal harmony in the state.
This was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday in Abuja.

The statement said Essiet, a Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement in the North Central Zone, has spent two days in the state meeting with Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders with the efforts culminating in a town hall meeting in Jos, the state capital.

According to the statement, delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.

Essiet visited Rev Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council, RCC, in Barkin Ladi, where discussions centred on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.

Along with Dachomo, she addressed some widows and conveyed President Tinubu’s message of fostering ethnic reconciliation in the state.

DAILY POST reports that Dachomo has been the loudest voice of Christian communities in the state.

Credit: dailypost.ng

No Christian Genocide In Nigeria, AGF Insists

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Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has dismissed claims suggesting that Christians are being systematically targeted or killed in Nigeria.

Fagbemi, who stated this on Saturday at an event held in Erin-Ile, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, insisted that no religious group was under persecution in the country.

“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. There is no persecution of any religion, sect or ethnic nationality,” he said.

According to him, violent attacks were not limited to any particular group or faith, stressing that states such as Zamfara and Sokoto, predominantly Muslim areas, have suffered repeated incidents of killings and banditry.

“Killings are happening in Zamfara, Sokoto and other Muslim-dominated areas. That is not to say the situation is okay, but it shows clearly that violence is not targeted at any religion,” he said.

While acknowledging the insecurity challenges, Fagbemi insisted that the Federal Government was “winning the war against terrorism” and intensifying efforts to curb killings, banditry, and other forms of criminality nationwide.

“We should reject any insinuation that there is a Christian genocide in the country. The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that killings and banditry are nipped in the bud,” he added.

The AGF also urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying current reforms were geared toward building a stronger foundation for national development.

“We all know the present situation is not rosy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” he stated.

He statement came in the wake of claims by a United States lawmaker, Senator Ted Cruz, accusing Nigerian authorities of orchestrating genocide against Christians and allowing the destruction of thousands of churches.

Credit: channelstv.com

Taraba Governor Kefas To Join APC From PDP On Wednesday

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Governor of Taraba State Agbu Kefas

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has announced that he will officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing renovation of the Jolly Nyame Stadium—the proposed venue for the defection ceremony—Governor Kefas said his decision to switch parties is motivated by the interests and future of Taraba residents rather than personal gain.

“On the 19th of November, I will officially transition from PDP to APC. This movement is about the destiny of the people of Taraba, and we are expecting many visitors for the ceremony,” he said.

When asked whether there are any conditions set by the APC for his defection, the governor said his speech at the event would clarify the circumstances and allow residents to judge for themselves.

Members of the state executive council, represented by the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwa, expressed full support for the governor.

“The Governor is our leader. Wherever he goes, we move with him be it APC, SDP, or ADC. This alignment with the Federal Government is for the good of all citizens, not for personal gain. It is about bringing development to the state,” Aruwa said.

“This movement is not just for the governor, but for the entire people of Taraba State, and we are with him 100 percent.”

Credit: channelstv.com

DSS Arrests Suspected Arms Dealer Linked To Plateau Attacks

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DSS

The Department of State Services says its operatives have disrupted an alleged arms supply network linked to attacks in Plateau State and neighbouring areas, arresting a suspected arms dealer.

Disclosing this in a statement on Sunday, the secret police said the suspect allegedly manufactured and distributed weapons and ammunition to armed groups operating in Plateau and other northern states.

The suspect was nabbed on November 12, 2025, following intelligence that led operatives to his workshop in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

DSS operatives were said to have recovered components of improvised explosive devices, chemicals and equipment from the location.

“Operatives of the Department of State Services have successfully disrupted a high target arms supply network linked to terrorist activities in Plateau and neighbouring states. The operation led to the arrest of Musa Abubakar, a key arms dealer, following precise intelligence on November 12, 2025,” the statement read.

“The suspect confessed to having manufactured and distributed high-calibre weapons and ammunition to armed groups involved in violent attacks in Plateau State and other northern regions.

“His arrest followed credible intelligence on activities of the suspect, which led to a targeted raid on his arms manufacturing workshop located in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.”

Recently, the secret service recaptured Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee accused of involvement in the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks.

Credit: channelstv.com

Feud erupts between Trump and ally Marjorie Taylor Greene ahead of Epstein files vote

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Marjorie Taylor Greene

Disagreements between Donald Trump and Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have ballooned into a public feud, signalling a breakdown in relations between the US president and one of his fiercest defenders.

On Friday, Trump called Greene “wacky” in social media posts and said she should be unseated in next year’s elections. On Saturday, he called her a “traitor”.

Greene has in recent days questioned whether Trump was still putting “America First” and criticised his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The feud comes as the House is set to consider whether to release the files to the public, with speaker Mike Johnson saying he would put the bill to a vote this coming week.

Known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the aim of the bill is to make the justice department release all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

US outlet Politico reported a vote could come as soon as Tuesday.

“All I see “Wacky” Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN!” Trump posted on Friday night, claiming that she turned on him after he suggested that she shouldn’t run for governor or senator in her home state of Georgia.

He pledged to back any Republican opponent that takes her on in next year’s midterm elections, when she is up for reelection, before intensifying his attacks in social media posts on Saturday from his home in Florida.

“Marjorie ‘Traitor’ Green [sic] is a disgrace to our GREAT REPUBLICAN PARTY!” he wrote.

The comments follow days of criticism from Greene, who has said that Trump is not doing enough to bring down costs for voters. She also denounced his recent decisions in foreign conflicts and on tariff policies.

But she has been most critical of his approach to handling the Epstein files.

Credit: bbc.com

Thousands protest against government in Mexico as clashes leave 120 injured

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Some protesters paid tribute to Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo

At least 120 people – 100 of them police officers – have been injured in clashes during anti-government protests in Mexico City, police said.

Thousands of demonstrators marched in the Mexican capital on Saturday to protest against violent crime and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government.

Sheinbaum said the marches, which also took place in other cities, had been funded by right-wing politicians who oppose her government.

The rally was organised by Gen Z youth groups, drawing support from citizens protesting against high-profile killings, including the assassination just weeks ago of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo – who had called for tough action against cartels.

Demonstrators dismantled parts of a barrier protecting the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives. Police protecting the compound used tear gas on the crowds.

Authorities have arrested 20 people for crimes including robbery and assault, Mexico City security chief Pablo Vazquez told reporters.

Protesters waved banners displaying messages including “We are all Carlos Manzo”, while others wore cowboy hats in tribute to him.

Manzo was shot on 1 November while he attended a Day of the Dead festival.

He was known for speaking openly about drug-trafficking gangs in his town and cartel violence.

He had been demanding tough action against armed cartel members who terrorise the country.

Sheinbaum has been acting against cartels but resisting calls for another all-out war on drugs. Previous attempts by her predecessors have ended with bloody results.

Days before the march took place, the president said the demonstration was being promoted by bots online.

Credit: bbc.com

US calls for international action to cut weapons supply to Sudan paramilitaries

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The UAE is accused of supplying the RSF with weapons, which both parties deny

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for international action to cut off the supply of weapons to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are accused of mass killings in el-Fasher.

At the end of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada, Rubio said the RSF had committed systematic atrocities, including murder, rape and sexual violence against civilians.

Sudan’s army accuses the United Arab Emirates of propping up the RSF with weapons and mercenaries sent via African nations. The UAE and the RSF have repeatedly denied these allegations.

The RSF has been fighting the Sudanese army since April 2023, when a power struggle between their leaders erupted into all-out civil war.

Rubio’s comments are some of the most outspoken so far by the Trump administration about the war in Sudan and the actions of the RSF, but it is not clear how much impact they will have.

A previous US-backed proposal for a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan has already been violated by the RSF, even though they agreed to it last week.

El-Fasher was captured last month by the RSF after an 18-month siege, meaning they now control all of the cities in the vast western Darfur region.

Only a small fraction of the population has managed to flee the city, where massacres are said to have take taken place. Piles of bodies on the ground and blood-stained earth are visible from space in satellite imagery.

Non-Arab groups in the wider Darfur region are being systematically targeted by the RSF in what amounts to genocide, according to the US and humanitarian groups.

At the talks near Niagara Falls on Wednesday, America’s top diplomat said women and children had been targeted in acts of the most horrific kind by the RSF in el-Fasher.

Credit: bbc.com

 

UK to end ‘golden ticket’ for asylum seekers in huge policy overhaul

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Migrants and refugees on an inflatable dinghy attempt to cross the English Channel

The United Kingdom has announced a drastic reduction in the protections for asylum seekers and refugees under a new plan aimed at slashing irregular immigration and countering the far right.

The measures, modelled on Denmark’s strict asylum system, were announced late on Saturday as Prime Minister Keir Starmer comes under pressure from surging popularity for the anti-immigrant Reform UK party.

“I’ll end UK’s golden ticket for asylum seekers,” Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood declared in a statement, with the Home Office, as her ministry is known, calling the new proposals the “largest overhaul of asylum policy in modern times”.

Mahmood is due to lay out the policy in parliament on Monday.

Meanwhile, the head of the UK’s Refugee Council warned the government that the measures would not deter people from trying to reach the country and urged a rethink.

“They should ensure that refugees who work hard and contribute to Britain can build secure, settled lives and give back to their communities,” Enver Solomon said.

Currently, people get refugee status for five years, after which they can apply for indefinite leave to remain and eventually, citizenship.

Credit: aljazeera

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