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Editorial: Expedite Implementation Of The Volta Lake Transport Project To Curb Accidents

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Once again, tragedy has struck on the Volta Lake. On Saturday, October 11, 2025 fifteen lives were lost near Kete Krachi, after yet another boat accident, a grim addition to a string of recurring disasters on one of Ghana’s most vital waterways. The pain and sorrow these incidents bring to families and communities have become all too familiar, yet national action remains disturbingly inadequate.

The Volta Lake, stretching over 8,000 square kilometres, is not merely a water body – it is the lifeline for over two million Ghanaians who depend on it daily for transport, trade and livelihood.

However, it has also become a symbol of state neglect and systemic failure in enforcing maritime safety regulations. Each year, dozens perish on this lake, often due to preventable causes such as overloading, poor vessel maintenance, lack of life jackets and weak oversight from regulatory authorities.

This latest tragedy mirrors a deadly pattern. In April 2022, about 40 people were feared dead after a boat capsized on the lake. In November 2023, five people died, one went missing and six others were rescued after another capsizing incident near Kyiribra, in the Afram Plains South District.

Similarly, in August 2019, four people lost their lives under similar circumstances. Despite repeated promises, each new accident exposes the same old problems, lack of safety infrastructure, absence of effective monitoring and a worrying culture of complacency among both operators and regulators.

The Minority in Parliament’s recent call for urgent government action is both timely and necessary. Their demand for the immediate implementation of the Volta Lake Transport Limited project, secured under a $150 million facility from the Korean Exim Bank in 2020, deserves national attention.

If executed effectively, this project could transform the Volta Lake into a safe, efficient and well-regulated transport corridor integrated into Ghana’s broader transportation network. But promises mean little without tangible results.

The government must treat inland water safety as a public safety emergency. The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) must not wait for another tragedy before acting. It must intensify regulatory oversight, enforce strict vessel registration, and ensure that every boat operator meets safety standards. Overloading should attract punitive sanctions and every passenger vessel must be equipped with sufficient life jackets and basic safety gear.

Beyond regulation, there is an urgent need for public education and community engagement. Many rural travelers on the Volta Lake have limited understanding of maritime safety or access to safety equipment. Regular awareness campaigns, backed by local assemblies and transport unions could save lives.

Government must also invest in early warning and rescue infrastructure including communication systems, search-and-rescue boats and trained response teams positioned along the lake’s major transport points. In times of crisis, rapid response can make the difference between life and death.

The tragedies on the Volta Lake are not acts of fate, they are the consequences of neglect. Ghanaians cannot continue to mourn year after year for lives lost to the same preventable causes. The time for reports, press releases and empty pledges is long past.

This latest disaster should serve as a national wake-up call. The government must act decisively not only to honour the memory of those lost, but to ensure that no Ghanaian ever has to die again, simply for using the Volta Lake to reach home, work or market.

 

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Big Push has exceeded expectation –Essikado Omanhene

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Nana Kwesi Agyemang, Lower Dixcove Omanhene

The President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) and Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketiah V, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for the rapid commencement of projects under the “Big Push” initiative, describing the pace of work as “truly impressive.”

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the 71-kilometre Takoradi–Cape Coast Road dualisation project, Nana Nketiah said that while he trusted the President’s sincerity when he first announced the initiative, he did not expect it to begin so soon.
“When President Mahama announced the Big Push, we thought it would start in a year or two.

Nana Kobina Nketiah V, Essikado Omanhene

But seeing it take off within the ninth month of your administration, I must say we, the chiefs, are thrilled,” the traditional ruler remarked.
He added that in his years as a chief, he had never openly praised any politician but felt compelled to do so because of the President’s demonstration of commitment and action.
“I am impressed, and today I will say it publicly. We thank you because when you promise, you deliver,” he stated.

Nana Nketiah also urged contractors working on the project to engage traditional leaders and employ local youth in the affected communities to ensure community ownership and sustainability.
He further noted that the Western Region had long suffered neglect in terms of road infrastructure, describing the Big Push as a much-needed intervention to change that narrative.

The Vice President of the WRHC and Omanhene of Lower Dixcove, Nana Kwesi Agyemang, also lamented the deplorable state of roads in the Western Region, particularly within the Ahanta West Municipality, which, he said, could not boast of a single tarred road.

He appealed to the President to ensure that the municipality benefits from the national development agenda, saying “We want you to leave a lasting legacy in Ahanta West by addressing our poor road network.”
Nana Agyemang further called for the completion of the Apimanim–Agona Regional Hospital project, which he revealed was about 15 percent complete.

The facility, he said, was designed as a five-storey structure with an emergency and accident centre to serve the entire region.

Minister Reaffirms President’s Commitment
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson reaffirmed President Mahama’s commitment to completing all inherited projects, stressing that the President’s visit demonstrated his resolve to fulfil campaign promises.
“The President assured Ghanaians that if God granted him victory, he would complete every project started by the previous administration.

“He has not run away from that promise, and his presence here today is proof of that commitment,” the Minister emphasised.

 

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Five Arrested Over Chieftaincy-Related Murder at Asemkor

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KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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Abraham Cudjoe

The Western Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of one John Abban, brother of the chief of Butre and Asemkor, following a violent chieftaincy dispute in Asemkor, in the Ahanta West District.

Ekow Paintsil

According to a statement issued by the Regional Police Command, the incident occurred on October 6, 2025 when the deceased was attacked and murdered amid tensions arising from a chieftaincy disagreement within the community.
The suspects reportedly fled the town immediately after the incident and went into hiding.
However, through sustained intelligence-led operations, police managed to track them down in separate operations across two regions.

On October 15, 2025 the Western Regional Police Intelligence Directorate arrested Kennedy Abor, alias Abongo (30), Kojo Attah Panyi (20) and Joseph Basses (30) at their hideout in Funko near Takoradi.

Two days later, on October 17, 2025 a joint team comprising officers from the Western and Accra Regional Intelligence Directorates apprehended the two main suspects — Abraham Cudjoe, alias Yalle (39) and Ekow Paintsil (45) — at Afuaman Ayigbe Town in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
Police say all five suspects are currently in custody assisting with investigations and will be put before court in due course.

Joseph Bassew

The arrest of the five suspects comes exactly a week after the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson and security capos, together with the president of the Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) stormed Asemko and ordered the police to arrest the perpetrators behind the crime.

Now, what is not known is whether those who torched down houses in Asemko in retaliation of the attack on the Butre chief have also been arrested.
It would be recalled that following the attack on the Butre Chief, Butre residents allegedly mobilised and torched down houses and shops in Asemko in retaliation.

Due to the attack, resident mostly women and children fled the village and most rendered homeless.
The murder of John Abban, most especially, appears to have deepened tensions at Asemkor and its surrounding communities, which have been grappling with a long-standing chieftaincy dispute.

Kennedy Agbor

The killing reportedly triggered fear and unease among residents, prompting an intensified security presence in the area.

Police have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and restoring calm to the community.

 

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Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, brother in Kuje prison

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admin
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Nnamdi Kanu

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Emmanuel Kanu, the brother of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, along with his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.

Confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the duo were arraigned for allegedly violating a court order that prohibits protests around the Three Arms Zone in Abuja.

The Nigeria Police had charged Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and 10 others with a two-count offence of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace, following a protest held on Monday in the nation’s capital.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects allegedly obstructed traffic flow, denied citizens their right to free movement, and chanted war songs while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore had accused security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Credit: channelstv.com

Anambra election: Why I cried in public –Gov Soludo

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admin
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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, on Wednesday said the bad roads and lack of social amenities in Enugu Ukwu and Aguleri made him to cry in public.

The governor disclosed this during the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship campaign rally in Anambra East.

Soludo assured that if reelected his administration would not leave anybody behind, stressing that everybody in the state will be carried along.

He said: “The oldest man in Enugu Otu told me that they needed a tarred road, I was at Enugu Ukwu Aguleri. That’s the place that I cried. I cried there publicly and that’s because we drove to the place for almost one and half hours and this is the worst road that I have ever seen.

“I went on to ask a question, what if somebody was ill and had an emergency by 1:00 am? I asked if they had a hospital and they said no, I asked about pipe borne water, they said no, electricity they said no.

“When I was going there the school children lined up along the road and they had cardboard papers listing out what they needed. Some of the schools didn’t have seats, chairs. Some said their roofs were leaking, some said they had no teachers, and all manner of things.

“But the last time I visited Enugu Ukwu and Aguleri, at the square I saw solar powered borehole scheme running there. I saw some power lines, I went there to commission a brand new general hospital with medical personnel and doctors.

“When I was going there the school children lined up but were no longer displaying those list of problems, they were now along the road dancing and saying welcome.

“The first time I went I cried but the second time I went I laughed. I used this as an illustration because of the terrain there, to do roads there is very expensive. You can’t go to a people and say there is no hope, ours is to give hope.”

Credit: dailypost.ng

ADC accuses APC of burning Ekiti Secretariat

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admin
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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of engaging in political terrorism.

This allegation comes in the wake of the burning of ADC’s state secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday.

The party described the incident as a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ADC spoke in a statement by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleging that the early-morning arson attack formed part of a wider pattern of coordinated assaults on opposition figures and facilities across the country.

Recall that unknown assailants set fire to the building housing ADC’s Ekiti secretariat just hours before the party’s reconfiguration and affirmation ceremony, an event meant to renew commitment and consolidate its political structures.

Reacting, Abdullahi said, “This was a deliberate act of arson intended to sabotage and terrorise the opposition ahead of the governorship election in the state.

“The ADC condemns this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms. It is criminal, anti-democratic, and a disgrace to all who claim to believe in political freedom.”

The party linked the Ekiti attack to similar incidents in Kaduna, Lagos, Kebbi, Kogi, and Edo states, alleging that the trend showed a sustained campaign of intimidation since July, when the opposition coalition adopted the ADC as its preferred platform.

It listed several past attacks, including assaults on party leaders in Alimosho, Lagos; a disrupted inauguration event in Kaduna; an attack on the convoy of ADC officials in Birnin Kebbi; the targeting of its secretariat in Dekina, Kogi; and alleged threats from the Edo State governor.

“Each of these cases could be dismissed as isolated acts of political miscreants. But taken together, five states, multiple incidents, one consistent target, they form a pattern too dangerous to ignore. This is no longer about partisanship, it is about the integrity of the political process itself,” the party said.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Varsity Lecturers suspend strike, gives govt one month ultimatum

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ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended the two-week warning strike it began on October 13, 2025.

The strike, which was set to expire next Monday, was suspended following renewed commitments from the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the union’s demands.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, citing recent interventions and engagements with the Yayale Ahmed-led committee and the Deputy Senate President as the reasons for suspending the action before its scheduled end.

However, the lecturers urged the government to take advantage of the one-month suspension window to meet their demands, which include the review of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and disbursement of the university revitalisation fund, among others.

ASUU also warned that the union would resume the industrial action without prior notice if no concrete steps are taken within the next one month.

On October 12, ASUU declared a two-week “total and comprehensive” strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28.

ASUU based its two-week warning strike on the Federal Government’s failure to address issues concerning staff welfare, infrastructure development, implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, and payment of salary arrears.

Following ASUU’s strike declaration, however, the Federal Government faulted the union for the industrial action, saying it was addressing its demands.

It later directed varsities to implement a “No Work, No Pay” policy following the strike.

Credit: channelstv.com

Experts deliberate on how to promote nature-based solutions for sustainable development

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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The Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA) has held maiden edition of the Africa Climate Dialogue, organized under the theme: “Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions: A Pathway to Sustainable National Development” in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The high-level event, held at the Accra City Hotel, brought together policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, youth and civil society to deliberate on the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change and advancing sustainability across Africa.

Delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour, the Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Issifu Seidu, commended the organizers for their foresight in creating a platform that fosters collaboration and innovation in climate action.

He described the dialogue as “a crucial space for meaningful engagement at a time when Africa is confronted with the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.”

According to Mr. Seidu, nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a transformative pathway to tackle these interlinked challenges while driving economic growth.

“Whether through mangrove restoration, agroforestry, or wetland conservation, Nature-Based Solutions demonstrate that environmental stewardship and development can go hand in hand,” he stated.

He further noted that the government remains committed to integrating NbS into Ghana’s national development agenda and climate policies, as reflected in the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

He also highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to create the Ministry of State for Climate Change and Sustainability as “a structural solution to policy fragmentation,” aimed at ensuring coherence and accountability in implementing climate-related initiatives.

Mr. Seidu announced plans to establish a National Climate Change and Sustainability Hub to promote research, capacity building, and policy innovation, and to institutionalise climate units across Ministries and District Assemblies.

He called on all stakeholders—government, private sector, academia, and civil society to work together to unlock the potential of NbS and align national efforts with global frameworks such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Board Chair of AC4NCA, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, has urged African nations to prioritize Nature-based solutions (NbS) in their national development and climate policies.

Delivering the welcome address, she said the Centre was established to champion the integration of NbS as a core strategy in Africa’s climate response.

Rev. Aryee emphasised that challenges such as biodiversity loss, land degradation, and climate change threaten livelihoods and development progress across the continent.

However, she noted that these challenges present opportunities to “use nature’s power to repair damaged landscapes, shield communities from climatic shocks, and generate green jobs.”

She reaffirmed AC4NCA’s commitment to working with governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to accelerate climate action for a greener and more resilient Africa.

Director of Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Peter Dery, who also addressed the gathering reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to using Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as a key pathway to achieving sustainable national development.

Dr. Dery said the impacts of climate change from prolonged droughts to coastal erosion continue to threaten agriculture, water security, and livelihoods across the continent.

He noted that Ghana’s climate ambition aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of land and marine areas and restore degraded ecosystems by 2030.

The country, he added, has already achieved a reduction of 28.7 million tons of carbon dioxide, representing 45% of its global target.

Highlighting key government initiatives such as the Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, West African Coastal Areas Resilience Project, and Improved Resilience of Coastal Communities Project, Dr. Dery emphasised that nature-based solutions are “development accelerators” that support livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

 

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COCOBOD Inaugurates Committees to Drive Financial Discipline

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD),Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo,Deputy Minister for Agriculture,John Dumelo,CEO of COCOBOD,Dr. Randy Abbey,and other top executives of COCOBOD pose for a group photograph.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has inaugurated three strategic sub-committees — the Finance Committee, the Cocoa Tertiary Education Trust and Scholarship Committee, and the Cocoa Sector Marketing Committee (COSMARC) — as part of renewed efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa industry.

COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Randy Abbey at the meeting.

The inauguration, held at COCOBOD Headquarters in Accra, brought together board members, management, and staff in a ceremony that underscored the Board’s commitment to operational discipline and sectoral transformation.

Delivering his address, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the Board’s commitment to reposition Ghana’s cocoa sector in line with the Government’s Reset Agenda, under President John Dramani Mahama.

“Upon assuming office, the President constituted this new Board, with a clear mandate to chart a new course for the revival and transformation of Ghana’s cocoa sector.

“We are to diligently pursue this vision — one that seeks to restore discipline, efficiency, and sustainability in every aspect of our operations,” he said.

Finance Committee to Restore Fiscal Discipline

Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo noted that the Finance Committee would be central to strengthening fiscal discipline, particularly in view of the Board’s current financial challenges, including a debt stock estimated at GHS 32 billion.

“This situation underscores the urgent need for prudent financial management. Your committee’s role is, therefore, pivotal in restoring public confidence, strengthening fiscal discipline, and guiding the Board toward financial stability and growth,” he stressed.

He tasked the committee, chaired by Thomas Ampem Nyarko (MP), Deputy Minister of Finance, to ensure the transparent, efficient, and responsible use of resources, particularly in implementing productivity enhancement programmes.

On the Cocoa Tertiary Education Trust and Scholarship Committee, chaired by Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo said its creation marks a new era in COCOBOD’s educational interventions.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo.

The committee will oversee the Cocoa Tertiary Education Trust Fund, designed to support tertiary education, vocational training, and capacity building for the children of cocoa farmers and industry workers.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of Ghana’s national development. Through this Trust Fund, we will empower the next generation of cocoa farmers, ensuring that our youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to sustain and transform the industry,” he said.

He urged committee members to move beyond boardroom deliberations and engage directly with cocoa-growing communities.

“Visit our farmers, listen to their stories, and let their experiences shape the policies and programmes you develop,” he advised.

COSMARC to Ensure Transparency in Cocoa Marketing

Highlighting the role of the Cocoa Sector Marketing Committee (COSMARC), chaired by Hon. Sampson Ahi (MP for Bodi), Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo said the committee would promote transparency and fairness in cocoa marketing. Its mandate includes reviewing the performance of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), assessing market trends, and recommending sustainability-driven policies.

“Irregularities in cocoa purchasing, smuggling, and unfair market practices have long undermined the integrity of the sector. COSMARC’s work will be vital in addressing these issues and upholding Ghana’s reputation as a global leader in quality cocoa,” he said.

Commitment to Integrity and Collaboration

Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo commended members of the three committees for their wealth of experience and charged them to uphold the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability.

“Together, let us work to promote education, accountability, and sustainable growth within Ghana’s cocoa sector. May your work bring renewed hope to our farmers, our youth, and the future of this great industry,” he concluded.

COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Randy Abbey also lauded the formation of the committees, reaffirming management’s commitment to support their work. He said the initiative forms a crucial part of COCOBOD’s broader transformation agenda aimed at building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive cocoa economy.

The inauguration of the three committees — Finance, Cocoa Tertiary Education Trust and Scholarship, and COSMARC marks another milestone in COCOBOD’s ongoing institutional reforms to ensure that Ghana’s cocoa industry remains farmer-centered, globally competitive and sustainably managed.

The respective chairpersons expressed gratitude to the Government and COCOBOD management for the confidence reposed in them, pledging to discharge their duties with professionalism, diligence, and excellence.

 

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About 400,000 fans thronged ShattaFest 2025 –JoyNews Research

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Massive crowd at Shatafest

A JoyNews Research analysis has revealed that about 400,000 fans turned up at Ghana’s Independence Square and its environs for Shatta Wale’s ShattaFest 2025, making it one of the largest outdoor concerts in the country’s recent history.

According to the research, the concert, which was planned in just 13 days recorded attendance far beyond the projected figures submitted to authorities for clearance.

Gates opened at 4:00 PM and by 8:00 PM, the venue was nearing capacity, forcing security to manage an overflow of enthusiastic patrons.

Organisers had anticipated a maximum of 100,000 attendees, but the reality on the ground was a crowd estimated to be three to four times larger.

Using aerial imagery, drone footage and on-ground crowd density mapping, JoyNews Research estimated that about 250,000 people filled the main Independence Square, with an additional 100,000 occupying the adjoining streets and open spaces.

Extending the analysis to the outer peripheries, particularly the Osu, Tema Station, nearby beaches and stadium areas, the data shows total crowd could be as high as 400,000.

Shatta Wale’s Media and Public Relations Manager, Sammy Flex, described the turnout as a staggering surprise that went far beyond the team’s expectations.

“We didn’t anticipate the huge numbers at all. They filled the entire square, the stands, and even spilled into the streets. The drone shots captured people stretching from the stadium area all the way to Osu and Tema Station. The whole place was packed,” he revealed.

Despite the overwhelming attendance, the event was largely incident-free, thanks to emergency and safety measures put in place.

Social media has since been flooded with videos and tributes praising the energy and organisation behind the historic show. As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, both Shatta Wale and his team have expressed deep gratitude to fans for making the event a resounding success.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

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