You’re biased, step aside from my probe –Malami slams EFCC chair

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December 16, 2025

Ngige served as a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari

Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja, will on December 18, rule on the bail application of a former minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige.

Ngige will be on remand at the Kuje Correctional Center till the date when his bail application is decided

Justice Hassan issued the order on Monday shortly after taking arguments for and against the bail request of the former governor of Anambra State.

Counsel for the former minister, Patrick Ikwueto SAN, pleaded with the judge to admit the former minister to bail on various reasons, but mainly on health grounds.

He added that Ngige was not a flight risk and did not have the capacity to leave the country at this time.

He submitted that the former Minister would not jump bail or interfere with witnesses if admitted to bail.

However, the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sylvanus Tahir, opposed the bail request, insisting that Ngige was a flight risk.

He told the judge that the defendant was granted administrative bail by the EFCC and allowed to travel abroad for medical care, but never reported back to the agency.

Besides, he said that the passport released to him to facilitate the trip abroad had not been returned.

The senior lawyer argued that it was when Ngige was re-arrested that he came up with a purported claims that he lost his passport.

Insisting that the claims of passport loss were an afterthought and should not be believed by the Court, Tahir urged the court to dismiss the bail request as frivolous.

After the submissions, Justice Hassan fixed December 18 to deliver a ruling in the bail request.

The former minister was arraigned last Friday on an eight-count charge of alleged corrupt practices.

Credit: channelstv.com

Court upholds President’s power to declare emergency rule, suspend elected officials

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December 16, 2025

The Supreme Court has upheld the power of the President to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or degeneration into a state of chaos or anarchy.

In a split decision of six-to-one, the apex court held that the President, during a state of emergency, can suspend elected officials, but that such suspension of elected officials must be within a limited period.

In the lead majority judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris held that Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the President to deploy extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where emergency rule is declared.

Justice Mohammed Idris noted Section 305 was not specific on the nature of the extraordinary measures, thereby granting the President the discretion on how to go about it.

The judgment was on the suit filed by Adamawa State and 10 other Peoples Democratic Party-led states challenging the propriety of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, during which elected state officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were suspended for six months.

Justice Idris, in the earlier part of the judgment, upheld the preliminary objections raised by the two defendants against the competence of the suit.

In upholding the objections raised by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Assembly (the defendants), Justice Idris held that the plaintiffs (the 11 PDP states) failed to establish any cause of action capable of activating the original jurisdiction of the apex court.

He struck out the suit for want of jurisdiction, proceeded to also determine the case on the merits, and dismissed it.

However, Justice Obande Ogbuinya dissented and held that the case succeeded in part.

Among others, Justice Ogbuinya held that although the President could declare a state of emergency, the President could not use such power as a tool to suspend elected state officials, including governors, deputy governors, and members of parliament.

Credit: channelstv.com

Nzema East Assembly orders forensic audit into GH¢2m Ghana Gas cash

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS

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December 16, 2025

A committee set up by the Nzema East Municipal Assembly in the Western Region to investigate the alleged missing GH₵2 million donated by the Ghana National Gas Company has presented its report to the Assembly.

Following the discovery of a complex trail of expenditures, conflicting accounts and unresolved financial claims, the committee, chaired by the Presiding Member (PM) has recommended that a forensic audit be conducted on the disbursement and utilisation of the GH₵2 million Ghana Gas donation to further verify and confirm that all individuals, contractors and organisations that received payments were indeed eligible and deserving.

Although the committee’s findings revealed no evidence of wrongdoing or misappropriation, the proposed forensic audit, according to the report, would serve as an additional layer of assurance to validate the accuracy of transactions and the authenticity of beneficiaries.

The audit, the report added, should also help establish a clear link between the payments made, the supporting documents provided and the actual works or services executed.

“This process will reinforce confidence that the funds were utilised for their intended developmental purposes and in line with the Assembly’s financial regulations.”

According to the committee, the recommendation is intended not as a suspicion of malfeasance, but as a proactive transparency measure to strengthen accountability systems, enhance public trust and provide credible confirmation that the Ghana Gas donation was properly managed.

Current MCE Denies Authorising Any Spending

The sitting Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Herbert Kuah Dickson, appearing before the committee, told members that he had no hand in the disbursement of the GH₵2 million donation, explaining that all withdrawals were made before he assumed office.

He noted that upon taking office, he only met “existing financial records, payment vouchers and bank statements” detailing how the money had been spent.

These documents, he said, were prepared under the previous administration and formed the basis of his understanding of the expenditure trail.

A key revelation from his testimony was that part of the funds was used to renovate the official MCE bungalow, works completed while the former MCE was still in office.

He stressed that no further spending had occurred under his tenure, assuring the committee of his commitment to transparency and prudent management, especially as the Assembly expects an additional GH₵1 million from Ghana Gas.

Former MCE Confirms Receiving GH₵110,000 – But Claims GH₵801,656 Still Owed

In sharp contrast, the former MCE, Eric Essien, distanced himself from the original disbursement of the Ghana Gas funds, saying the money hit the Assembly’s account after he had exited office.

However, he admitted receiving GH₵110,000 as reimbursement for renovation works on the MCE’s official residence, an amount he claims he personally pre-financed.

According to him, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) initially released GH₵50,000 explaining that GH₵400,000 had been reserved for a Dialysis Centre project.

The former MCE said this explanation was unacceptable, insisting that he personally funded the Dialysis Centre construction on behalf of the contractor, US Global.

Following persistent follow-ups, he received an additional GH₵60,000 bringing the total to GH₵110,000.

The former MCE also made a startling disclosure: the Assembly, he alleged, still owes him GH₵801,656 for various projects he said he personally funded during his tenure, a figure he claimed excludes several other unfunded initiatives.

He provided what he described as documentary proof, but the committee noted that it could not verify the authenticity of the documents presented.

He also rejected allegations that Ghana Gas funds were used to honour memos he signed, insisting that if that were the case, he should have been the direct beneficiary, since he personally financed most of those activities.

He further denied any link between the GH₵2 million and the Banso-Asonti Road Project, stating that the road was fully funded by the Government of Ghana under the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP).

The Municipal Coordinating Director

During his appearance before the committee, the Municipal Coordinating Director, who serves as the administrative head and chief spending officer of the Assembly, acknowledged that he authorised the majority of the payments made from the Ghana Gas donation.

He explained that the funds were primarily utilised to cover the Assembly’s administrative and operational expenses.

These included the furnishing of the Assembly’s conference room, the procurement of essential office equipment and the settlement of outstanding financial obligations, which he deemed necessary to clear before the assumption of duty by the new administration.

He further indicated that the Assembly was still expecting the remaining GH₵1 million from the Ghana National Gas Company Limited. According to him, the outstanding amount, once received, would be directed towards the implementation of some infrastructure development projects and other related programmes aimed at improving public service delivery within the municipality.

The Coordinating Director emphasised that the disbursement and utilisation of the funds were carried out in accordance with established administrative practices and financial management procedures of the Assembly.

He firmly denied any allegations of misappropriation or diversion of funds for personal benefit, maintaining that all expenditures were made in the interest of the institution.

CONCLUSION

The committee concluded that no portion of the GH₵2 million Ghana Gas donation was misappropriated or used for personal benefit. However, it noted that a portion of the funds was misapplied, having been spent largely on administrative activities rather than the developmental projects originally proposed.

The committee therefore recommended stronger internal controls, clearer separation of donor and Internally Generated Fund (IGF) accounts, and strict adherence to donor guidelines to restore confidence and accountability.

It also clarified that allegations of misappropriation circulating in sections of the media are unfounded, stressing that no evidence of embezzlement or personal misuse was found. While the Assembly acted within its administrative discretion, the committee noted that this was done without full alignment to the approved project proposal.

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My parents say they want a grandchild – King Promise

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December 16, 2025

Ghanaian artiste King Promise says his parents have been asking him about having children, even though he is not ready to get married.

Speaking in a conversation with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz 103.9 FM, the singer revealed that his parents have begun openly asking for a grandchild.

“It’s gotten to a time when my parents say the want a grand kid. They say ‘all these kids in your video, you know give us a grand kid’,” he said.

The 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year explained that while he has met several women over the years, he believes the time is not yet right to settle down.

“I am still a young man navigating through life. As I get older I will definitely settle,” he added.

King Promise also shared that he no longer prioritises physical attributes when it comes to choosing a life partner. He noted that at different stages of his life, he had been drawn to women for various physical reasons, but his outlook has since changed.

“Now it’s not about physical. If I feel you, I feel you,” he said.

Meanwhile, the award-winning artiste is preparing for his Promised Land concert, scheduled for 30th December 2025 at the Ghud Park.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Kweku Bany & Hyndu: The Weekly Freestyle Voices Shaping Ghana’s Digital Culture

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December 16, 2025

In an era where digital creativity determines relevance, Kweku Bany and Hyndu have steadily carved a unique niche for themselves within Ghana’s online entertainment space. Over the past year, the duo has consistently released weekly freestyle videos, using music as a vehicle to educate, entertain, and connect with a growing audience across the country.

What sets Kweku Bany and Hyndu apart is not just lyrical dexterity, but purpose-driven creativity. Their freestyles boldly address social issues affecting the youth and society at large, while also serving as an innovative platform for brand projection and public engagement. Each episode feels like a cultural bulletin; refreshing, relatable, and relevant.

Beyond social commentary, the duo has mastered the art of blending football updates with rhythmic delivery, making their content especially appealing in a football-loving nation like Ghana. From local league discussions to major international fixtures, their freestyles have become an unconventional yet reliable source of match updates and analysis, delivered with flair and humor.

Their growing popularity has transformed them into a household name among young audiences, with viewers eagerly anticipating every new release. The consistency of their output, coupled with authentic storytelling, has earned them organic engagement and widespread sharing across digital platforms.

In addition to content creation, Kweku Bany and Hyndu have proven to be effective cultural influencers, subtly projecting brands, emerging talents, and community initiatives through their freestyles. Their approach remains organic, never forced, making their endorsements credible and impactful.

As Ghana’s creative industry continues to evolve, Kweku Bany and Hyndu represent a new wave of digital storytellers; Artistes who understand the power of relevance, consistency, and cultural connection. With their weekly freestyles gaining momentum, the duo is not just riding a trend; they are shaping one.

Their journey is a testament to how creativity, when combined with purpose, can transcend entertainment and become a voice for the people.

I’ve done almost 400 movies – Kanayo

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December 16, 2025

Celebrated Nigerian Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has pushed back against attempts to downplay the foundations of Nollywood, insisting that the industry’s early formats should not be dismissed as irrelevant, while cautioning younger creatives against limiting their growth.

In an interview on ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ show, Kanayo addressed questions about platforms, experience, and how Nollywood’s origins should be understood.

“Right now, this may be your first platform,” he said, reacting to the line of questioning. When asked about his body of work, the actor was emphatic. “I’ve done about almost 400 [movies] in between 1992 and to date.”

Kanayo rejected suggestions that earlier productions should be trivialised because they were distributed on cassette.

“You’re counting all those cassettes as movie,” he said, before challenging the framing of Nollywood’s history.

“Where do you situate what happened that was called Nollywood?”

He explained that while the industry did not emerge directly from earlier state theatre traditions, those foundations still mattered.

“We’re not situating it from Hubert Ogunde because it was state play. We’re very proud of what foundation they laid,” he said. According to him, Nollywood should be assessed based on what gave relevance to the industry as it exists today.

Cause of my stroke not linked to snatching someone’s wife – Kunta Kinte

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December 16, 2025

The other half of defunct Bradez group, Kunta Kinte has broken his silence on long-standing propaganda that linked his stroke condition to alleged womanising and to the effect he snatched someone’s wife, describing the claims as false, damaging and deeply unfair.

In an interview on Angel FM, the other half of the Bradez fame dismissed suggestions that his illness was punishment for immoral behaviour, particularly claims that he had taken another man’s wife.

“The gossip was that I took someone’s wife and that was why I went into that condition, but all that was not true,” he said firmly.

Kunta Kinte clarified that while he was popular and admired, he never engaged in the conduct he was accused of.

“The ladies liked me because I was multi-talented, I could sing, dance, play football and rap,” he explained. “But I never took anyone’s woman. I had only one girlfriend.”

The rapper expressed concern over how quickly illness is often moralised in public discourse, especially when it involves public figures.

He stressed that his stroke occurred suddenly during a casual basketball game and had nothing to do with rumours surrounding his personal life.

“All of a sudden, I realised half of my body had gone numb,” he recalled, adding that his condition worsened due to delays in receiving medical attention at the hospital.

Despite the persistence of speculation, Kunta Kinte said he has chosen not to frame his experience as a spiritual battle.

Dozens killed in Morocco flash floods

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December 16, 2025

Experts say the climate crisis is in part responsible for the extreme weather fluctuations

Flash floods have killed at least 37 people in Morocco’s coastal Safi region, according to state-owned television.

Cars and mounds of rubbish were seen sweeping through the main port city of Safi after torrential rain hit on Sunday.

Dozens of people have been receiving treatment in hospital for their injuries, say local authorities, and at least 70 homes have been inundated in the old city centre.

Local reports say access to and from the city is blocked on certain roads because of damage and debris.

Residents on Sunday described it as a dark day, with one telling the AFP news agency: “I’ve lost all my clothes. Only my neighbour gave me some to cover myself. I have nothing left. I’ve lost everything.”

Another survivor said he wanted to see government trucks at the scene to pump out the water.

Moroccan authorities say search and rescue missions are still under way.

Experts say the climate crisis is in part responsible for the extreme weather fluctuations seen in the North African state.

It has suffered seven years of drought in a row, depleting its reservoirs.

Last year was officially the hottest ever on record.

This latest, sudden downpour is expected to continue on Tuesday together with snowfall across the Atlas mountains, Morocco’s weather service warns.

Credit: bbc.com

Romanians mount mass protests over judicial corruption

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December 16, 2025