UK, Ghana Champion African-Led Development at ADF-17 Conference

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December 18, 2025

Ghana has formally petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over what it describes as the unfair treatment of Ghanaian-owned businesses operating in Nigeria.

The concerns were raised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja, Nigeria, from Wednesday, December 10 to Friday, December 12, 2025.

Addressing the Council, Mr. Samuel Ablakwa condemned in strong terms what he described as harassment and unjust actions taken against Ghanaian investors, warning that such developments could strain the long-standing diplomatic and economic relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Among the affected businesses is Jonah Capital PLC, a real estate company owned by prominent Ghanaian businessman, Sir Samuel Jonah. The Minister cautioned that failure to resolve the matter amicably could compel Ghana to take retaliatory measures, potentially resulting in cross-border trade tensions.

The petition follows a nearly year-long ownership dispute over the multi-billion-naira River Park Estate in Abuja, which has reportedly escalated into a major corporate crisis.

The dispute has placed Nigeria’s Ministry of Trade under increasing pressure amid allegations that Ghanaian-owned companies were subjected to extraordinary corporate expropriation, an issue that observers warn could trigger a broader Ghana–Nigeria trade dispute.

At the centre of the controversy is Mr Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Registrar-General of Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

According to allegations now before Nigeria’s National Assembly and diplomatic channels, Mr. Magaji, acting through the CAC, allegedly approved the reassignment and expropriation of shares belonging to Jonas Capital Nigeria Limited and Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited, both linked to Sir Samuel Jonah.

The actions are said to have been carried out despite an express directive from Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and while court proceedings on the matter were pending.

Formal service of the court process was reportedly effected on the CAC on November 28, 2025 raising concerns about due process, judicial respect and regulatory overreach.

It is further alleged that the CAC altered company shareholding structures, expunged public records, removed duly appointed directors and reinstated former directors, actions critics say amounted to an unlawful exercise of authority.

The controversy has attracted regional attention, with concerns growing within Nigeria’s political and business circles.

Despite being formally petitioned, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade has yet to issue a public response, deepening anxiety among foreign investors and the wider business community.

Following deliberations, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers acknowledged the concerns raised by Ghana and requested additional information on the matter for further consideration.

With ECOWAS now seized of the issue and the CAC Registrar-General under heightened scrutiny, observers warn that Nigeria’s response could determine whether the dispute is resolved through institutional mechanisms or escalates into a wider diplomatic and economic confrontation between two of West Africa’s closest allies.

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FOMWAG Urges Mission Schools to Respect MoU on Muslim Students’ Rights

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December 18, 2025

The Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG) has called on authorities of government-assisted mission schools to faithfully implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that protects the religious rights of Muslim students, particularly Muslim girls.

The call follows renewed public debate over the right of Muslim students in some publicly funded mission schools to observe aspects of their faith, including fasting and prayer during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by its National Ameerah, Ing. Safura Muhammed Andani, FOMWAG said the issue goes beyond school regulations and touches on fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of religion and the right to education without discrimination, as guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.

The association acknowledged the historic role mission schools have played in Ghana’s educational development and said it values their traditions and moral foundations, which have benefited generations of students, including Muslims.

However, FOMWAG stressed that because these schools receive public funding, their traditions must coexist peacefully with the constitutional rights of all students they serve.

The statement recalled that in 2021, the National Peace Council facilitated the development of an MoU between key stakeholders and the Conference of Managers of Education Units (COMEU) to provide clear guidelines on safeguarding the rights of Muslim students in government-assisted mission schools.

According to FOMWAG, the MoU reflects both the spirit and letter of the Constitution and Ghana’s long-standing commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The group, therefore, called on the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education, COMEU, school administrators and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the full and transparent implementation of the MoU.

“No student in a public institution should feel alienated or compelled to give up their religious obligations in pursuit of academic excellence,” the statement said, describing the matter as both a constitutional and moral imperative.

FOMWAG also urged parents and faith-based organisations to remain engaged through dialogue and peacebuilding, while calling on the wider society to approach the issue with understanding and mutual respect.

“This conversation should not divide us,” the statement added, noting that Ghana’s diversity of faiths and cultures has been a key factor in maintaining national peace.

FOMWAG reaffirmed its commitment to working with both mission and public institutions to promote an inclusive educational system where every child feels respected, protected and empowered to achieve their full potential.

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“Apatre” from Lake Bosomtwe might be unwholesome

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SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU

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December 18, 2025

Tilapia (apatre) undergoing preservation for sale

It is now evident that the Fish stock, particularly the much patronised Tilapia (Apatre) species from Lake Bosomtwe might be unwholesome for human consumption for unknown reasons.

Health and Environmental officers during the visit to Abono, gateway to Late Bosomtwe recently

An epidemic from contamination seems imminent if steps are not taken to check the inflow of foreign matter, including chemicals from mining activities into the Lake, the only Meteorite Lake in Ghana, covering an area of about 52 km2.

Lake Bosomtwe, the third UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Ghana, has reportedly reduced in size, following human activities including illegal mining.

The Lake faces contamination from illegal mining (cyanide, mercury), sewage, agro-chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides), refuse dumping and deforestation, leading to high levels of arsenic, ammonia, bacteria, nitrates/phosphates, and heavy metals that wash into rivers feeding the Lake making the water unsafe for drinking and the fish stock.

Lake Bosomtwe is primarily known for its fish stock, with dominant assorted Tilapia species which are experiencing drastic decline lately.

However, besides the threats of extinction of the fish stock from overfishing and habitat loss, reports from the Bosomtwe enclave currently indicate that floating of lifeless fishes is now a common sight in the Lake on daily basis an indication of contamination intensifying the threats to the ecosystem and the 22 surrounding communities.

Sale of fishes (both fresh and fried) is a source of livelihood for the residents who trade them in the nearby communities and in the Kumasi metropolis.

As a result of the current situation, local fish mongers are treating and preserving the said fishes for sale in the markets for public consumption posing a health hazard.

The residents of the communities along the Lake, including Abono, Ankaase, Duase, Dompah, Esaase, Apaw and Banso, who are yet to come to terms with the situation, attribute the unhealthy development to illegal mining activities which flow into the Lake along the countless valleys.

They pointed to intensified mining activities at Adumasa near Asamang in the Bosome-Freho portion of the Lake, as well as Konkoma and Beposo.

The Residents are demanding action against illegal miners and polluters and have called for water quality testing.

They appealed to the Traditional authorities, District Assemblies and health authorities to take steps to prevent a health hazard in the area to protect lives and public health.

Following concerns raised by Assembly members in the area, a team of medical officials, environmentalists and officers from the Bosomtwe District Assembly has visited Abono, the gateway to the Lake on a fact finding mission. No report has been made public yet.

Meanwhile, A Rocha Ghana, an environmental and conservation-oriented non governmental organisation that engages in scientific research, environmental education and community-based conservation projects in 20 communities across six regions in Ghana, has visited communities at the Lake to assess the situation. It is yet to issue a report on its findings.

Shock as popular South African DJ shot dead in Johannesburg

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December 18, 2025

DJ Warras was shot by a man with dreadlocks in broad daylight

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across the nation grappling with entrenched crime.

Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.

The motive of the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made, police said.

Stock was a well-known radio and TV presenter and a podcaster in South Africa.

Fred Kekana, a local police chief, said Stock was attacked outside Zambesi House near Carlton Centre.

Stock spent several hours at the building overseeing the installation of security systems at the premises, which had been controversially occupied by unknown people, reports the state-run SABC.

“It is alleged the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what looked like a security uniform opening fire on Stock before fleeing, said Kekana.

The DJ tried to run away after he was shot but fell down across the street, the police chief added.

Credit: bbc.com

Warner Bros favours Netflix offer over $108bn Paramount bid

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December 18, 2025

The Warner Bros logo is displayed at Warner Bros Studio

Warner Bros Discovery has told its shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance’s $108.4bn (£80.75bn) takeover bid.

Paramount had said its offer was “superior” to a $72bn deal that Warner Bros struck with Netflix for its film and streaming businesses.

But in a dramatic plot twist in the story of who will take control of one of Hollywood’s oldest and most famous movie studios, Warner Brother’s board “unanimously” recommended rejecting the offer and agreed the deal with Netflix was in the firm’s best interests.

The media giant put itself up for sale in October after receiving “multiple” expressions of interest from potential buyers, including approaches from Paramount Skydance.

On 5 December, Warner Bros Discovery said it had agreed to sell its film and streaming businesses to Netflix.

In a lengthy legal filing, Warner Bros Discovery’s board said the higher offer from Paramount poses numerous and significant risks and strongly rejects the idea that the Ellison family – one of America’s richest – is financially supporting the bid.

Paramount is backed by the billionaire Ellison family, which has close ties to the president.

In a reflection of where power now lies in the entertainment industry, the Warner Bros board says the offer from streaming giant Netflix is well financed and offers better long term value to shareholders.

Netflix welcomed the recommendation from Warner Bros. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-chief executive, called the company’s merger agreement “superior” and “in the best interest of stockholders”.

In a letter to Warner Bros shareholders, Netflix reiterated its stance that its bid for Warner Bros involves a clearer funding structure and less regulatory risk.

Credit: bbc.com

Selena Gomez explains why her voice has changed so much

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December 18, 2025

Selena Gomez says there’s a reason why her voice sounds different — because her throat swells up.

The “Calm Down” singer responded to a fan question about why her voice has changed over the years in an Instagram Live session Tuesday.

“Yeah, I’ve gotten this question a few times, the voice thing,” Gomez admitted. The pop star, 33, began to explain a reason before backtracking her sentence.

“So sometimes when I’m on… never mind,” she said, cutting herself off. “There’s no excuse, I don’t really care.”

She then explained that the voice change is caused by occasional throat swelling.

“I think my point is, is that sometimes things happen,” she said. “I get weird. My throat kind of swells inside sometimes. That’s all. That’s good.”

Gomez then thanked her followers for being transparent with her.

“I’m glad y’all are being real with me on the Live. I appreciate it though, for real,” she said.

Gomez has been candid about her ongoing health struggles — specifically her battle with Lupus.

The chronic autoimmune disease can cause swelling and irritation, also known as inflammation, that may affect joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Credit: pagesix.com

I am divorced and I will not marry again –Nana Ama McBrown

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December 18, 2025

Popular Ghanaian actress and television presenter Nana Ama McBrown has announced that she is divorced from her husband of twelve years, Maxwell Mensah.

She made the disclosure on TV3’s New Day, explaining that the decision to end the marriage was reached mutually and without bitterness.

“I’m the most happiest right now. I have done through divorce. Yes, I am divorced. I am, and I am not ashamed to say but I did so beautifully. Me and my husband are cool. We spoke yesterday, we speak today, we speak tomorrow, we meet, I go to our house [to see] my in laws and everything.

Look, I am a happy woman. We are the best of friends. We didn’t go through it like the bitter ones. I was tired, he was tired. We sat down, we said let’s talk about it. Let’s move on,” she said.

McBrown stressed that despite the separation, she maintains a cordial relationship with her ex husband and his family. She added that although her former in laws and ex husband wanted her to remain in the marriage, she felt unable to continue.

“He is a correct guy. I still feel him but I got tired of the marriage,” the multi talented showbiz personality said.

She revealed that the marriage was contracted under customary law, meaning the separation only required the involvement of both families.

McBrown said what gives her the most joy is the child she shares with Maxwell Mensah, describing their daughter as a precious gift from the marriage.

“I will not marry again. I can give birth again but I won’t marry again,” she noted.

“I have married for 12 years. When you see celebrities that has married for 12 years, applaud them,” she added.

Prior to her public announcement, there had been widespread rumours that the couple were experiencing difficulties in their marriage. Some reports suggested that alleged extra marital affairs on the part of Maxwell Mensah had contributed to the breakdown of the relationship.

Nana Ama McBrown and Maxwell Mensah got married 12 years ago and are blessed with a daughter, Maxine.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Britain to rejoin EU’s Erasmus program in Brexit reversal

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December 18, 2025

Britain announced that it will rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, six years after it ditched the scheme during fractious Brexit negotiations.

The government said rejoining the scheme was a “huge win” for young Britons, and will ensure that “everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad.”

Erasmus allows students to spend a year at foreign universities while paying the same fees as their domestic peers. The agreement will also allow Prime Minister Keir Starmer to show the British public that his push to improve relations with the EU is beginning to bear fruit.

But this fruit has come at a price. Britain’s contribution for the 2027/28 academic year will be £570 million ($760 million). Although this fee represents a 30% discount to the default terms under the current trade deal with the EU, it is around twice what Britain paid to take part in Erasmus while it was still a member of the bloc.

The costly reintroduction of a pre-Brexit perk could raise uncomfortable questions about how and whether Britain is benefiting from its decision to leave the EU, which was taken in 2016 and implemented in 2020. Talk of Brexit remains something of a taboo in British politics.

Credit: cnn.com

US accused of using illegal workers at centre processing refugee claims in South Africa

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December 18, 2025