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REGSEC fights insecurity at Asawase … IGP visits crime scene

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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IGP Tetteh Yohuno interacting with officers during his visit to Asawase

The Ashanti Region is fast becoming a new epicentre of the long-standing Bawku chieftaincy conflict, following a disturbing wave of targeted killings that has left four people dead, within just three days.

Barely 72 hours after the assassination of the Kusaasi Chief, Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenge, two additional coordinated attacks, believed to be linked to the Bawku crisis, have raised urgent questions about the region’s security response.

On Friday afternoon, around 1:00 p.m., two gunmen on a motorbike opened fire on a man at Asawase in the Asokore Mampong Municipality.

The victim, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was killed instantly, after finishing a meal at a nearby eatery and attempting to enter his vehicle.

Security personnel arrived shortly after the incident and commenced preliminary investigations into what authorities suspect was a calculated, targeted killing.

On the night of Thursday, July 24, 2025 another violent attack occurred at Denase in the Afigya Kwabre North District.

A group of armed assailants, concealed inside a container near a speed ramp, ambushed a black Toyota Voxy with registration number UE 166-25, which was en route to Tamale and carrying seven passengers.

The attackers opened fire as the vehicle slowed, fatally shooting two passengers – a woman and a man identified as Abiola, a Mamprusi native and well-known blogger.

A third victim, a military officer, sustained a gunshot wound to the knee and is currently receiving treatment at St. Patrick Hospital in Offinso.

Sources told The Chronicle that Abiola had travelled from Accra and made a transit in Kumasi. He was reportedly an intermediary between rural Mamprusi communities and political figures, often facilitating donations and outreach on behalf of politicians.

A pistol was reportedly found on Abiola by police investigators. It remains unclear whether he was targeted because of his affiliations or his possession of the firearm.

REGSEC Responds to Kumasi Chief’s Assassination

Amid mounting public pressure, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has introduced emergency security measures, though critics describe the response as reactive and insufficient.

In the aftermath of the July 22 assassination of Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenge, REGSEC announced a series of directives aimed at restoring calm, particularly in hotspots such as Asawase.

Motorbike Ban After Dusk

In a statement conveying condolences to the bereaved families, REGSEC announced a dusk-to-dawn ban on motorbike usage.

“No motorbikes shall be permitted on the roads after 7:00 p.m. until further notice,” the statement emphasised.

“The use of unlicensed motorbikes or motorbikes without lights is strictly prohibited,” the statement said.

REGSEC has also suspended the ongoing inter-tribal football tournament with immediate effect. Additionally, it has imposed a temporary ban on the wearing of smocks by motorbike riders, as the garments are reportedly being used to conceal weapons.“

No motorbike rider is permitted to wear a smock until further notice,” the Council warned.

To enhance public safety, REGSEC has authorised the deployment of joint police and military patrols across known hotspots in Kumasi and its surrounding areas.

While acknowledging rising tensions, REGSEC assured residents of the government’s commitment to peace and justice. “All necessary measures are being implemented to ensure the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice,” the statement said.

REGSEC has, therefore, urging the public to support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could assist in identifying and arresting those responsible for the recent wave of violence.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to contain rising insecurity in the Ashanti Region, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has visited Asawase, a community increasingly becoming a hotspot for violent crime following the targeted killing of two individuals last week.

The IGP has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators behind the two fatal shooting incidents that have rocked Asawase within a week are brought to justice.

Leading a high-powered team of senior police officers and investigators, Mr Yohuno on Friday toured the crime scenes as part of a fact-finding mission, amid mounting public concern over the surge in violence.

During his visit, the IGP directed officers to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the culprits behind both murders.

He reaffirmed the Police Administration’s commitment to restoring calm and public confidence in the security services.

Director-General of Operations at the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Vance Gariba, who accompanied the IGP, assured the public that investigations were progressing steadily.

He further ordered strict enforcement of the existing ban on motorbike movement after 7:00 p.m., a directive issued earlier by the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in response to increasing crimes involving motorbikes.

Meanwhile, the family of the late Mohammed Madi Suleman has expressed profound grief and is calling for swift justice. His body was transported to Accra for burial after Islamic funeral rites were performed.

Lagos doctors declare three-day warning strike

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admin
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Lagos doctors

Medical doctors employed by the Lagos State Government have announced a three-day warning strike scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, in protest against what they described as the “unlawful and disrespectful” deduction of their salaries by the state.

Operating under the Medical Guild, the doctors said the strike action follows failed efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue. The industrial action is expected to conclude by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

At a press briefing held at the Guild’s secretariat in Lagos, the chairman, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, explained that the impasse began in April 2025 when the state government unilaterally deducted salaries from medical and dental officers without prior consultation.

He noted that although many of their members initially demanded an immediate strike, the Guild’s leadership opted to pursue a more diplomatic route through negotiation and advocacy.

“Following persistent engagement, the deductions were reversed, and a six-member conciliation committee, comprising representatives from both the Guild and the government, was set up,” Olugbogi said. “It was agreed that all parties would maintain the status quo until a resolution was reached.”

However, the Guild accused the Lagos State Treasury Office of violating the agreement by implementing another round of deductions in July, which triggered the decision to embark on the warning strike.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Troops kill three notorious terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

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admin
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Nigerian troops

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, OPFY, have eliminated three notorious terrorist kingpins during a successful ambush in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The development was disclosed in a post on Saturday by counterinsurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, via X.

According to the report, the operation took place on Thursday, July 25, between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle axis of Sabon Birni LGA.

The troops reportedly neutralised three top terrorist commanders identified as KachallaNagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar. Three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle were recovered during the operation.

Security sources said the terrorists, along with their foot soldiers, had stormed the area to collect ransom and illegal levies imposed on residents when they were ambushed by troops.

The operation was said to have triggered widespread relief and jubilation in Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and other communities across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs.

“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” a source was quoted as saying.

Troops have continued to intensify both kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the area, working in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The military has urged members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely information to help in dismantling criminal hideouts.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Many Feared Dead As Boat Capsizes In Niger State

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admin
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Boat Capsizes In Niger State

Many passengers have been feared dead following a boat mishap in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

In a statement on Sunday, NSEMA’s Director of Information and Special Duties, Ibrahim Hussaini, stated that the boat, carrying an unspecified number of passengers and goods to Kwata, Zumba Market, capsized mid-river.

Hussaini noted that the boat operator and a few passengers were rescued, with one currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Kuta.

According to him, the number of casualties could not yet be confirmed as search and rescue operations were ongoing at the time of filing this report.

“The Agency received a report of a boat mishap which occurred yesterday. A boat loaded with commodities and an unknown number of passengers heading to Kwata Zumba market capsized along the route,” the statement read.

According to the agency, the operation was conducted by NSEMA desk officers in collaboration with local divers and volunteers.

Such river accidents are, unfortunately, common in Nigeria. In November 2024, at least 27 people died when a boat capsized on the Niger River in central Nigeria.

The boat was carrying about 200 passengers from the state of Kogi to a food market in the neighbouring state of Niger when it capsized late on November 29, with more than half reportedly missing, according to Ibrahim Audu, a spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.

Rescuers had managed to pull 27 bodies from the river while local divers were still searching for the missing passengers, according to the spokesperson for the Kogi State Emergency Services, Sandra Musa.

Credit: channelstv.com

Apologise To Tinubu Over Lopsided Projects Claim, Umahi Tells Kwankwaso

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admin
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Kwankwaso and President Tinubu

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to apologise to President Bola Tinubu for accusing the President of concentrating the nation’s resources on developing the southern part of Nigeria.

Umahi, who made the call in a statement while reacting to Kwankwaso’s comment, also urged Nigerians to ignore the former Kano governor’s statement, which he said was misleading.

“To my brother, Senator Kwankwaso, you owe our President Tinubu an apology and a duty to withdraw your statement using the information I have provided herein for the benefit of Nigerians and the unity of the nation,” the minister said in a statement that was posted on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday.

“I request the good people of Nigeria to ignore Senator Kwankwaso’s misleading statement and know that President Tinubu is fairly committed to developing every part of this country with fairness, equity, and the fear of God,” he added.

Umahi said Kwankwaso’s comment was made “intentionally to deceive our brothers and sisters in the North and to pretend that he loves the North more than any other leader from the North”.

“I consider Senator Kwankwaso’s statement as a statement made out of desperation and as part of his struggle with a few others who believe that they can inherit the impeccable legacy of our dear late President Muhammadu Buhari, and that the only way available for them towards achieving the same is to be divisive and pretentious.

“Trying to be like our late President Buhari cannot be a job of three decades and can not be done with deceit,” he said.

The former Ebonyi State governor also highlighted some of the key ongoing projects of Tinubu in the North, including the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

Credit: channelstv.com

2 arraigned for stealing GH¢368,628 worth of steel from employer 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Dansoman Circuit Court

Albert Alhassan, a 38-year-old night security man at M.J. Steel Ghana Limited, and Gideon Adjel, 28, an operator at the same company, have been arraigned before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly conspiring with seven others to steal steel products worth GH¢368,628 from their employer.

The accused have both pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, stealing, and causing unlawful damage.

Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit presided over the proceedings.

According to the brief facts presented by Chief Inspector Portia Nuarko, the complainant, CEO of M.J. Steel Ghana Ltd located at Abossey Okai, detected significant shortages in inventory earlier this year.

In response, CCTV cameras were installed across the premises.

On May 15, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., surveillance footage captured the accused persons alongside others currently at large loading 676 pieces of 1/16 steel plates and 208 net metal plates into a truck.

The stolen items, valued at GH¢367,920 and GH¢68,640 respectively were transported to an unknown location.

Four padlocks securing the facility were found broken, with the damage estimated at GH¢500. During investigations, video footage revealed the accused evicting squatters in front of the shop, presumably to gain full access to the premises.

To avoid identification, the accused covered their faces with cloth, but an eyewitness assisted in identifying them.

The second accused, Gideon Adjel, was later arrested on July 21, 2025, at Korle Gonno after being traced through a mobile network disclosure.

While Albert Alhassan (A1) and Gideon Adjel (A2) are in custody, the court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the remaining seven accused, namely; Shadrach Ollenu @ Junior, Lord Lamptey, Maxwell Asiedu, Mustapha (Security), Abraham Terku, Kingsley Yeboah and Ibrahim Zakaria

The accused face the following charges:

Count One: Conspiracy to commit crime (Contrary to Section 23 of Act 29/60)

Count Two: Stealing 676 steel plates worth GH¢367,920

Count Three: Stealing 208 metal net plates worth GH¢68,640

Count Four: Causing unlawful damage to four padlocks worth GH¢500

In court, Albert Alhassan was granted bail in the sum of GH¢450,000 with two sureties, one of whom must present title deeds equal in value to the bail amount.

He is to deposit his Ghana Card at the court registry and report to the police every two weeks until further notice.

The court has directed the Prosecution to file disclosures and witness statements ahead of the next case management conference.

The matter has been adjourned to August 27, 2025.

Stakeholders’ contributions are important to sustain SSNIT -DG

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Kwesi Afreh Biney - Director General, SSNIT

The Director-General of  the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Mr Kwesi Afreh Biney, has emphasised the importance of stakeholders’ contributions in enabling the organisation to secure dignity and livelihood for the over 257,000 Pensioners on its payroll.

Speaking at a Staff Breakfast Meeting in Kumasi, Mr Kwesi Biney highlighted the significance of employer compliance and digital transformation in sustaining the pension scheme.

The theme of the meeting: “Strengthening Employer Compliance for a Sustainable Pension Scheme through Digital Transformation”, he noted, underscores SSNIT’s commitment to making its processes more efficient, inclusive and reliable.

The Director-General of the SSNIT noted that digitalization would remove barriers that make compliance burdensome for employers and ensure seamless interactions with stakeholders.

SSNIT’s digital platforms, including the Self-Service Portal and Mobile App offer various services, such as submitting and validating contribution reports quickly and accurately, paying contributions via mobile money, direct debit or bank transfers, applying for and tracking clearance certificates, lodging complaints and tracking their resolution.

Mr Kwesi Biney announced the opening of two new physical branches at Adentan and Spintex and plans to launch a 24/7 Virtual Branch, allowing stakeholders to access services anytime, anywhere.

He said SSNIT is also partnering with selected banks to set up co-location service points within their banking halls.

The Director-General assured stakeholders of SSNIT’’s continued commitment to enhancing digital transformation, simplifying processes and improving transparency.

He encouraged open dialogue and urged stakeholders to share their challenges and suggestions to keep the scheme strong and sustainable for generations to come.

NOVA Fuel Commissions 18th Fuel Station at Walewale

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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NOVA Fuel

NOVA Fuel has inaugurated its 18th fuel station at Walewale, in the North East Region, signalling a bold step forward in its mission to become the country’s leading Oil Marketing Company (OMC) within five years.

The newly commissioned station, located strategically in the heart of Walewale, offers a full suite of energy services, including premium fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), aligning with the company’s expansion strategy and commitment to sustainability.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, NOVA Fuel Managing Director, Kwasi Zigah emphasised the company’s goal of nationwide coverage and market leadership.

“Community by community, NOVA Fuel is expanding nationwide. We aim to become Ghana’s number one OMC in the next five years,” he declared.

Operating under the trading name of Westol Petroleum Limited, NOVA Fuel has built a growing network of stations in key locations such as Accra, Ashaiman, Nsawam, Takoradi, Ayanfuri and Weta.

Mr. Zigah assured residents of Walewale of reliable, high-quality fuel supply at competitive rates, backed by the company’s in-house logistics network.

“With our own fleet of tankers, we transport fuel from depots directly to our stations. Customers can expect clean, reliable fuel – what we call wholesale prices,” he said.

As part of NOVA Fuel’s green energy initiative, the company is also rolling out LPG services at its outlets.

In Walewale, residents will be able to exchange old gas cylinders for new ones, paying only for the gas – a move Mr. Zigah says supports both environmental sustainability and public health.

“We support the government’s transition to greener energy. Clean cooking helps both the environment and human health,” he added.

Deputy Minister for Energy, Richard Gyan-Mensah, who was present at the event, lauded NOVA Fuel’s leadership in promoting cleaner energy options and encouraged other OMCs to follow suit.

“This is the kind of innovation and responsibility we need from the private sector to drive Ghana’s energy future,” he said.

The commissioning also drew praise from local leaders. West Mamprusi Municipal Chief Executive, Mohammed RabiuJabaah, and the Chief of Walewale, Naa Mahami Abudu, both applauded NOVA Fuel’s investment in the region, noting the job creation and economic boost the station will provide.

The Walewale station offers fuel, LPG, and other essential energy services, reinforcing NOVA Fuel’s position as a rising force in Ghana’s energy sector and a key player in the country’s economic development and clean energy transition.

Benin names Spike Lee and wife ambassadors for African-Americans in the US

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Spike Lee and wife

Benin has appointed renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, a seasoned producer and author, as its ambassadors for African-Americans in the US.

The couple are expected to serve as “thematic” ambassadors, raising awareness and supporting initiatives to promote Benin’s ties with people of African descent.

The agreement was finalised during their visit to Cotonou, Benin’s capital, last week, French public broadcaster RFI reports.

The government says it will help reconnect “people of African descent around the world to their historical, cultural, and spiritual roots”.

The West African country also hopes the move will promote cultural tourism. It has come up with several initiatives encouraging people of African descent to reclaim their heritage and pursue citizenship where eligible.

Last year, the government passed a law offering nationality to people with an African ancestor who was taken from their homeland as part of the transatlantic slave trade.

The appointment of the ambassadors follows the recent launch of a website where the descendants of enslaved Africans can apply for citizenship.

RFI reports that Tonya Lewis Lee was among hundreds of people who applied and received a favourable response. She was in Benin last year.

In 2019, Ghana launched what it called the “Year of Return” to encourage people of African heritage to go back to the continent.

Spike Lee has previously stated that DNA analysis traced his father’s lineage to Cameroon, while his mother’s roots were from Sierra Leone. His wife’s specific country of ancestry has not been made public.

Both have long been advocates for civil rights and social justice in the US in their works. Spike Lee’s films are often based on African-American experiences and explore themes of race, identity, and justice.

The Benin government said that “through their long-standing commitment to justice, their exceptional creativity, and their global reach”, both have “profoundly shaped the contemporary narrative of the African diaspora”.

They have not publicly commented about their appointment.

Source: BBC

 

Daddy Lumba’s legacy will echo through the ages –Mahama

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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President John Mahama and the late Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu

President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to the late Highlife legend Charles Kwadwo Fosu, widely known as Daddy Lumba, whose sudden passing yesterday, July 26, 2025, sent shockwaves across Ghana and the global music community.

In a heartfelt Facebook post today, July 27, President Mahama expressed sorrow and declared that Daddy Lumba’s “unmatched musical genius” would resonate for generations to come.

“I have learnt with deep sorrow the passing of Ghanaian music legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba,” President Mahama wrote, capturing the collective grief of a nation.

The President’s tribute acknowledged Daddy Lumba’s immense impact on Ghanaian society, stating, “Lumba’s unmatched musical genius provided the soundtrack to our lives, carrying us through various phases of life. The beats to his memorable songs may have died down, but his enduring legacy will echo through the ages.”

This sentiment reflects the deep personal connection many Ghanaians had with his music, which chronicled love, social commentary, and everyday experiences with unparalleled artistry.

On behalf of the Government of Ghana, President Mahama extended “heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss,” recognizing the profound void left by the Highlife icon’s demise.

The news of Daddy Lumba’s passing at the age of 60 at the Bank Hospital in Accra has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from all sectors of Ghanaian society.

Daddy Lumba’s career, spanning over three decades with more than 30 albums, cemented his status as one of Ghana’s most prolific and influential artists.

His unique fusion of Highlife with elements of Afro-pop, gospel, and contemporary sounds, coupled with his distinctive vocal delivery and poignant lyrics, garnered him a massive following. Hits like “Aben Woha,” “Sika Asem”, “Theresa” and “Yentie Obiaa” are more than just songs; they are cultural touchstones that evoke powerful memories for millions of Ghanaians.

Daddy Lumba’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power of Highlife music as a cultural heritage.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

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