Following the success of his emotionally resonant single Smile Again, which featured celebrated Ghanaian movie icon Nadia Buari in its acclaimed music video, award-winning musician Akwaboah returns with another powerful offering titled Obinim, set for release on September 9, 2025.
Drawn from his own life experiences, Obinim is more than just a song – it is a heartfelt reflection on life’s unpredictable journey and the power of self-love.
With rich vocals and Akwaboah’s signature soulful sound, the song delivers a universal message that many can relate to: the importance of embracing oneself, even when the future feels uncertain.
Obinim is a deeply personal record, inspired by Akwaboah’s own life experiences. It reflects on the unpredictable nature of life and emphasises the importance of self-love — especially in times when the future feels uncertain.
Through his signature soulful melodies and evocative lyrics, Akwaboah delivers a message that will resonate with anyone navigating life’s quiet struggles.
“Obinim is a song about life—my life and the life so many of us are living quietly,” Akwaboah shares. “It’s a reminder that no matter what you’re facing, you have to learn to love yourself because no one knows what tomorrow brings.”
The release of Obinim builds on the momentum from Smile Again, which touched hearts across the continent and showcased Akwaboah’s ability to blend music and storytelling.
The collaboration with Nadia Buari marked a creative high point, garnering widespread praise for its emotional depth and cinematic visuals.
South Korean workers detained during a massive immigration raid in Georgia Thursday will be returned to South Korea on a chartered flight following negotiations, an official announced Sunday.
“Negotiations for the release of the detained workers have been concluded, after swift responses by the relevant ministries, business agencies, and companies,” said South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik.
“However, some administrative procedures remain, and once they’re completed, a chartered plane will depart to bring back our citizens,” he added.
The workers were among 475 detained Thursday during a large-scale immigration raid at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia, which houses an electric vehicle battery plant jointly operated by South Korea-based companies Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. About 300 of those detained are South Korean, officials said.
The operation was one of the most extensive immigration raids in recent US history and the largest so far of President Donald Trump’s crackdown at workspaces across the country.
The South Korean government has been actively working to secure the workers’ release, along with the Korean Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General in Atlanta.
Smoke rises over a building of the Ukrainian government headquarters
At least three people have been killed, 18 wounded, and dozens of buildings set on fire in Kyiv, including the seat of the government, following a Russian drone and missile attack in Ukraine‘s capital, according to officials and local news reports.
Ukraine said Russia launched 805 drones and decoys and 13 missiles overnight into Sunday. It was the largest such attack since the full-scale invasion. Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, confirmed to The Associated Press news agency.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko was initially quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying that the attack early on Sunday killed an infant and a young woman, and sparked fires at several high-rise buildings in the city’s west and east.
Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s city administration, later confirmed the body of a one-year-old child was dug out of the rubble by rescuers.
Medics were called to the leafy Darnytskyi district to the east of the Dnipro River, where a four-storey apartment building caught fire from the debris of drones destroyed in the overnight attack, Klitschko added.
Drone debris also caused fires atop a 16-storey and two nine-storey buildings in the Sviatoshynskyi district in Kyiv’s west, he said.
Witnesses told Reuters they heard a series of explosions shaking the city, which sounded like air defence units in operation.
The attacks, which also knocked out power in the city, left smoke rising from the roof of Ukraine’s cabinet, housing the offices of its ministers.
More than 15,000 people have taken to the streets in Israel to call for an end to the war in Gaza and urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a deal to free the remaining hostages.
Families and supporters of the hostages still being held by Hamas thronged Jerusalem’s Paris Square, with others gathering in Tel Aviv.
Of the 48 hostages still being held in Gaza, as many as 20 are believed to be alive.
Netanyahu insists total victory over Hamas will bring the hostages home.
Hamas took 251 hostages back to Gaza after its attack in southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which some 1,200 people died.
Israel launched a massive retaliation campaign to destroy Hamas which has resulted in the death of at least 64,368 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN considers the figures reliable, although Israel disputes them.
Voices of protest on Israeli streets and international demands from some of its allies to stop the military offensive in Gaza have been growing steadily.
Yet all the signs are that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing to intensify the war, as the Netanyahu government vows to gain full control of the Gaza Strip and finally defeat Hamas.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced he is stepping down after less than a year in the role, following two major election losses.
The move comes a day before his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was expected to vote on whether to hold an internal leadership vote that could have forced him out.
The LDP has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades, but under Ishiba it lost its majority in the lower house for the first time in 15 years and then lost its majority in the upper house in July.
Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy and a key US ally, now faces a period of political uncertainty as tensions rise with China and regional insecurity mounts.
“Now that a conclusion has been reached in the negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, I believe this is precisely the appropriate time,” Ishiba said, referring to a deal signed last week to ease tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Japanese cars and other exports.
Until Sunday, he had resisted calls to resign, saying it was his responsibility to settle the dispute with Washington before stepping down.
“I have strongly believed that negotiations concerning the US tariff measures, which could be described as a national crisis, must be brought to a conclusion under our administration’s responsibility,” he said.
The 68-year-old said he would continue his responsibilities “to the people” until a successor was selected.The LDP will now choose a new leader, who will become prime minister following a vote in parliament.
Ishiba, who took office in October 2024 promising to tackle rising prices, struggled to inspire confidence as the country faced economic headwinds, a cost-of-living crisis and fractious politics with the US.
Inflation, particularly the doubling of rice prices in the past year, was politically damaging.
Public support further slid after a series of controversies, including criticism of his decision to appoint only two women to his cabinet and handing out expensive gifts to party members.
The Omanhene of Bekwai Traditional Area, Nana Osei Kwadwo II, has appealed to the government, through the Ashanti Regional Minister, to ensure that the people of Bekwai benefit from a fair share of the national cake.
He emphasised the Municipality’s commitment to cooperating with the government to enhance the total development of the region and the country as a whole.
Giving audience to the Regional Minister during a familiarisation tour of the Bekwai Municipality, Nana Osei Kwadwo highlighted the infrastructure deficit in the Municipality, particularly in the area of education, roads and sanitation.
The chief pleaded with the Minister to address these challenges to improve the lives of the residents.
Reacting to the plea of the Omanhene, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, assured chiefs and the residents of Bekwai Municipality of the government’s readiness to finish all uncompleted projects and initiate new ones.
He encouraged the Assembly to use 80% of the Common Fund to make a meaningful impact on the residents.
The Minister emphasised the government’s stance against illegal mining, while encouraging responsible mining practices that prioritise environmental sustainability.
He commended the Assembly’s staff and management for their work and urged them to cooperate with the MCE to implement legacy projects.
Lawyer Raphael Opoku Adusei, the Member of Parliament for Bekwai, expressed the need for collaboration between the Regional Minister and the Assembly to address the pressing challenges affecting the constituents.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Salifu Issaka also appealed for support in completing the Assembly’s bungalow and clearance to recruit more social welfare staff.
The MCE raised concerns about the poor state of the Koneyaw Road network and appealed for its reconstruction to benefit the residents.
Tension has engulfed the Manso Tontokrom community in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, following the deployment of over a hundred fully armed military personnel to the area.
The operation, allegedly backed by Asanko Gold Mines, has sparked outrage among residents who claim the mining company was tormenting them with soldiers, to evacuate them from their land.
Tontokrom youth mass up to confront the soldiers
The situation in Tontokrom remains volatile, with residents vowing to resist what they perceive as oppressive measures by the mining company. The conflict borders on the complex issues surrounding mining rights and community interests.
The dispute between Tontokrom community and Asanko Gold Mines dates back to several years, with local folk accusing the company of denying them access to lands they have worked on over the years.
The Residents, chanting war songs amid invocation of curses, claim the land was their only means of survival and have decided to resist any forceful takeover.
Isaac Nyarko, a youth leader in Tontokrom expressed frustration over the mining company’s actions, stating that Asanko Mines has consistently used soldiers to harass them, resulting in the deaths of some community members and causing physical challenges to others.
The community has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and prevent further bloodshed. They are demanding an immediate withdrawal of all armed security personnel from the area to ease tension.
The traditional leaders have also proposed the establishment of an independent committee of inquiry to investigate past incidents and recommend compensation for victims.
To address the crisis, the traditional leaders have outlined a series of demands aimed at fostering a peaceful resolution. These include immediate withdrawal of armed personnel and armed security personnel from the area to ease tension.
Armed military men battle ready to clash with youth
They also want an Independent Committee of Inquiry to probe the matter, establishment of an independent committee to investigate past incidents and recommend compensation for victims.
The traditional leaders have also recommended the creation of a legally recognised community mining scheme for residents to reduce friction and clarify concession boundaries.
Meanwhile, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, together with the Chief Director of the Regional Coordinating Council, Representative of Minerals Commission and Mr Frank Asare, the National Coordinator of the government New flagship policy, Responsible Cooperative mining and Skills Development Programme, and Mr Isham Alhasaan, Presidential Staffer in charge of Coordinating government programmes in the Ashanti region, have visited the area.
He called for calm and restraint between the Tontokrom community and Asanko Gold Mine, following concerns over the community’s alleged takeover of the mine’s legal concession.
The Minister interacted with the community and their leaders to acquaint himself with the issues at hand and find a peaceful resolution.
The Minister emphasised the need for cool heads and restraint, ensuring that the situation does not escalate into confrontations or insecurity.
He assured the community that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all parties involved and finding a solution that benefits everyone.
The visit, he said, would enable the Regional Coordinating Council to take an informed decision to settle the matter amicably devoid of any further escalation.
The Minister explained that if the community has documentation indicating that the concession belongs to them, the government could negotiate with Asanko Gold Mine to block an area for the community.
However, if the community is working without documentation, they would need to go through cooperative mining to obtain the necessary documentation and operate legally.
Honey is food made by bees for bees, but many people also enjoy it. Humans have prized honey for its sweet taste for thousands of years. Some researchers say honey is more than a sweetener. It may also have health benefits, though there is little evidence for some of its medicinal uses.
Raw honey comes straight from a beehive. Some honey producers pass the substance through a coarse filter to remove foreign matter, but it remains unprocessed food. Most of the honey sold in stores goes through a heating process to make it less sticky and easier to filter.
High temperatures pasteurize honey and destroy yeast cells in it that can cause unwanted fermentation.
Raw Honey vs. Processed Honey
Honey can also be harvested and processed in different ways.
Raw honey. The U.S. government has no official definition of raw honey. But the National Honey Board says it’s generally considered to be honey that has not been heated during processing. Some may not be filtered. Raw honey is safe to eat, though children under 1 year should avoid all honeys.
Processed honey. Places that make honey usually process, or pasteurize, it before they sell it. This means that they heat it at a high temperature to kill yeast cells. But even when it’s processed, honey still retains its nutrients and antioxidants.
Filtered Honey vs. Unfiltered Honey
Honey can come in filtered or unfiltered versions:
Filtered honey. All or most of the small particles, air bubbles, pollen grains, comb, and other things have been taken out.
Unfiltered honey. This honey might still have some fine particles or other small pieces inside the honey itself.
Crystallized Honey
All honey can crystallize. Types of honey that are higher in glucose are more likely to crystallize than others. Some types crystallize very slowly such as tupelo honey and sourwood honey.
Crystallized honey is safe to eat. You can use it as a spread or in hot drinks.
If your honey has crystallized, put the bottle in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water to soften. Don’t microwave honey, as that can make it taste unpleasant.
Honey Benefits
Although it is not a rich source of nutrients, some people regard honey as a health food. There is little or no evidence for many common claims about honey, but research supports some of the following:
Anti-inflammatory effects
Honey contains antioxidants, which can protect the body from inflammation. Inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. One study showed that antioxidants in buckwheat honey were detectable in blood plasma, showing that eating honey could enhance antioxidant activity in the body.
Cough relief for children
Health authorities do not recommend over-the-counter medications to treat young children’s coughs and colds. Some parents may look for natural remedies. In one study, 2 teaspoons of honey relieved children’s nighttime cough and allowed them to sleep. However, doctors do not recommend this practice for children less than a year old.
Minerals and compounds
Honey has about 31 different minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It also has several important amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
Antioxidants
Honey is high in polyphenols and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. That means they help protect your body against some types of cell damage.
Wound and burn healing
For many years, honey has been used to treat burns and wounds. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may ease burns and improve wound healing.
Cholesterol
Some research has indicated that honey may help reduce cholesterol. In one study, levels of total cholesterol, LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides went down in people who had 70 grams of honey (about 2.5 ounces) each day for 4 weeks. Their HDL (or “good”) cholesterol also increased.
Last week, the Honourable Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, addressed the ongoing discussions about Telecel and AT, formerly AirtelTigo. At a press briefing, the Minister clarified that the arrangement is neither a merger nor an acquisition, but rather a restructuring aimed at addressing AT’s accumulated debts and strengthening the sector.
While the form may not qualify as a legal merger, in substance, the outcome is similar, as the two companies will operate as one entity in the market. At present, MTN holds a commanding 73.87 percent market share, while AT controls 7.82 percent and Telecel 18.3 percent. Even when combined, the new entity would account for less than 30 percent of the market—well below MTN’s dominant position.
While Elon Musk’s Starlink offers some competition in data in terms of unlimited data, its high setup limit restricts access. The central question, therefore, remains whether this restructuring can enhance competition and consumer welfare by creating a stronger rival to the market leader.
Ghana’s Telecom Market Structure
Ghana’s telecom market has long been characterized by imbalance. MTN, which entered the scene in 1996, has grown through consistent investment and risk-taking when others hesitated. MTN is now reaping the benefits from its industry and foresight. Its success has created strong network effects in voice and data services, leading to brand loyalty and inelastic demand despite higher data prices compared to rivals.
This dominance earned MTN the designation of Significant Market Player (SMP)in line with the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775). Telecel and AT, as smaller players, have struggled to keep pace, with limited investments in networks and infrastructure. Regulators have voiced concerns about this lopsided structure for years, as it risks stifling innovation and leaving consumers with fewer choices.
National Security Considerations and Resilience
MTN’s success in Ghana is undeniable. Since entering the market about 30 years, it has invested heavily, built loyal customers, and delivered reliable service. Yet its overwhelming dominance also poses risks. In today’s economy, voice, data, and mobile money are lifelines. A major outage at MTN would disrupt business, government services, and everyday life. Overdependence on one operator can therefore become a national security concern. Creating a second strong competitor through the Telecel–AT merger spreads this risk and builds redundancy into the system. It
also underlines the need to classify telecom infrastructure as critical national assets that require legal protection.
Economic Rationale for the “Merger”
From an economic standpoint, the merger-like restructuring makes sense as a way to enhance efficiency. When two smaller firms combine, they can pool resources to achieve economies of scale, reducing operating costs and freeing up funds for better pricing or service upgrades. The new entity would gain financial stability, enabling investments in technology, innovation, and customer support.
A wider network could extend coverage to underserved rural areas, promoting inclusion for those previously excluded. Importantly, this arrangement could create a stronger competitor to MTN, making the market more contestable. With greater bargaining power over suppliers and less duplication in infrastructure, this proposed arrangement might introduce dynamic pricing and new offerings, pressuring all players to perform better.
Competition Law and Policy Perspective
Competition law and policy provide a framework to evaluate such deals. Typically, merger reviews assess whether a transaction would substantially lessen competition, often using structural presumptions like reducing players from three to two. However, that rule may not apply here, as the merger involves fringe firms rather than creating a new dominant force.
In markets with one clear leader, consolidations among smaller operators are often seen as pro-competitive. For instance, in the European Union and the United States, regulators have approved similar mergers when they bolster rivalry against incumbents, provided efficiencies outweigh any risks. Ghana lacks a comprehensive competition law yet, but the principles from the NCA Mergers and Acquisitions Guidelines Bill align with this view: the focus should be on whether the deal rebalances the market without harming overall dynamics.
Consumer Welfare Dimension
Consumer welfare stands at the heart of this analysis. On the positive side, the merger could lead to tangible benefits, such as improved service quality through upgraded networks and more affordable options as costs drop. Enhanced reach might bridge the digital divide, especially in remote regions, while a healthier balance sheet allows for innovations like faster data speeds or better mobile money integration.
Yet, there are risks to consider, including short-term disruptions during integration and the potential for reduced incentives to compete aggressively with fewer operators. In a concentrated market, coordination between the remaining players could emerge, though MTN’s ongoing dominance might mitigate that. To ensure gains flow to users, safeguards are essential, drawing from economic theories that prioritize long-term efficiencies over static player counts.
Regulatory Role and Remedies
The regulatory role is crucial in guiding this process. The NCA has a history of inaction, such as not addressing MTN’s Significant Market Power status promptly after it crossed thresholds in 2015. The 2017 Airtel-Tigo merger, intended to stimulate, fell short due to insufficient follow-through on investments and oversight. Lessons from that experience, and from other African telecom consolidations like those in Nigeria or South Africa, highlight the need for proactive measures. Allocating additional spectrum to the new entity could spur competition. Moreover, passing the Competition Bill would equip regulators to tackle anti-competitive practices like price fixing or abuse of dominance.
Closing Thoughts
If handled thoughtfully, the Telecel-AT arrangement could invigorate Ghana’s telecom sector without undermining MTN’s achievements. It won’t displace the leader but might result in a more balanced playing field, encouraging medium- to long-term competitive pressures through proper investments and regulatory frameworks. The NCA should apply competition principles rigorously, approving the deal with conditions to maximize consumer benefits. Ultimately, this is an opportunity to learn from past mergers and build a resilient market where efficiency, innovation, and welfare align. After all, Ghanaiansdeserve a telecom ecosystem that serves all its citizens equitably.
Appiah Kusi Adomako, Esq
NB: The writer is a lawyer and a competition economist, and a consumer protection advocate. He is the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS International. He can be contacted via email: apa@cuts.org or www.cuts-accra.org or 0302-254-5652.
Denmark search for their first victory away to Greece
Denmark will be bidding to post their first victory of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign when they make the trip to Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis on Monday night to tackle Greece.
The visitors opened their Group C campaign with a goalless draw against Scotland, while Greece recorded a 5-1 victory over Belarus in their first match in the section on Friday night.
Greece put on a show in their Group C opener, with the hosts 4-0 ahead at the interval, and they scored a fifth just past the hour, with Belarus then netting once in the 72nd minute to make it a 5-1 match.
Greece have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, and they are aiming to make the finals of a World Cup for the first time since 2014, when they managed to reach the round of 16.
Denmark, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by Scotland in their section opener on Friday night, so the visitors will be bidding to record their first win in Group C on Monday evening.
Denmark’s last victory over Greece was a 1-0 success during qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Denmark will be looking to post their first victory of this qualification campaign, but Greece were excellent last time out, and we are expecting the home side to be good enough for at least a point on today.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Israel, Italy faceoff in Group I
Italy and Israelwill meet today, as they pursue a place at World Cup 2026. With Norway favourites to top their qualifying group, neither side can afford to drop points in Hungary, where the Azzurri will seek a second straight win under new management.
Italy players
Following successive World Cup qualifying failures, Italy began their quest to end 12 years of hurt with a chastening 3-0 loss in Norway, spelling the end for Luciano Spalletti and leaving them trailing far behind top spot in Group I.
Spalletti then signed off with an unconvincing 2-0 win against Moldova, before handing the reins to new boss Gennaro Gattuso, who has been tasked with reviving the Azzurri and making sure they do not miss a third straight global finals.
With a nine-point deficit and two games in hand, Italy came into this month’s international window playing catch-up, and they completed their first mission by eventually sweeping aside Estonia on Friday.
Including two defeats in qualifying for Russia 2018 – and back-to-back UEFA Nations League losses last year – Israel have been beaten in all of the sides’ six previous meetings.
Yet, they will head into Monday’s crucial clash with a three-point lead over Italy – who still have one game in hand – and they remain contenders to at least finish runners-up in Group I.
In a strange atmosphere on neutral soil, Italy may find it tough to overcome an improving Israel side.
Nonetheless, the Azzurri seemed to have found a missing spark last time out, so if their back four can hold firm, three more points should be theirs.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Belarus and Scotland clash in Group C
Scotland will be bidding to record their first victory in Group C when they continue their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a clash against Belaruson Monday night.
Steve Clarke‘s side opened their qualification section with a goalless draw against Denmark on Friday, while Belarus suffered a 5-1 defeat to Greece, so there will be pressure on the hosts to bounce back here.
Scotland players
Belarus have never qualified for the finals of a World Cup, so they are chasing history, while they have also never been present in the finals of a European Championship, finishing fourth in their qualification section for Euro 2024.
The last meeting between these two sides came back in 2005, when Belarus recorded a 1-0 victory in a World Cup qualifier, but Scotland lead the overall head-to-head record two wins to one.
Scotland will have been encouraged by their performance against Denmark last time out, with Steve Clarke’s side picking up a point in a goalless draw, and they will now be aiming to move onto four points in the section.
Not since 1998 have Scotland been present in the finals of a World Cup, so there is plenty on the line, and they have also never managed to make it out of the group stage of this particular tournament.
Scotland have also been knocked out in the group stage of the last two European Championships, but simply making it to the finals of next summer’s World Cup would be a huge achievement for the nation.
This would be a huge win for Scotland if they can pull it off, and we are backing Clarke’s side to edge a close game on Monday evening in order to move onto four points in the section.
Switzerland will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of their World Cup qualifying group when they welcome Slovenia to St Jakob-Park in Basel this Monday night.
Switzerland skipper Xhaka
The Swiss kicked off their campaign with a solid victory over Kosovo on Friday, while their upcoming opponents managed to secure an encouraging draw with Sweden.
Switzerland are chasing their sixth successive World Cup appearance, and the Red Crosses have certainly made an encouraging start.
Breel Embolowas the star of the show against Kosovo, with the forward bagging two goals in a thumping 4-0 win against Kosovo.
Switzerland also enjoyed a series of good results before their World Cup qualifying campaign, winning three straight friendlies against Luxembourg, Mexico and the United States.
Slovenia, on the other hand, kicked off their qualifying campaign with an encouraging 2-2 home draw against Sweden.
Slovenia have not qualified for a World Cup since 2010, but the team will be quietly confident after making it to the most recent European Championships and even progressing to the last-16.
Looking ahead to their clash against Switzerland, Kek’s side will certainly fancy their chances. Slovenia are unbeaten in four away games, including three competitive matches.
Switzerland have looked incredibly strong in recent games, and they will be a tough side to beat on Monday – especially at home.
