Comptroller General of GIS doesn’t have a Facebook account

The immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, along with nine others, including three companies, appeared before the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on Tuesday.

They face 25 counts of criminal charges in connection with an alleged GH¢280 million corruption scandal.

The charges, brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), include conspiracy to commit a crime, extortion by a public officer, money laundering, and abuse of public office for private gain.

Presiding judge, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, granted each accused person bail in the sum of GH¢2 million, with 17 sureties. The case has been adjourned to August 26, 2025 and is scheduled to be heard virtually.

The first accused (A1) is Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former CEO of the NPA and Chairperson of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), followed by Jacob Kwamina Amuah (A2) – UPPF Coordinator and alleged Managing Director of several implicated companies and Wendy Newman (A3) – Staff member, Audit Department, NPA.

The others are Albert Ankrah (A4), Isaac Mensah (A5), Bright Bediako-Mensah (A6), Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah (A7), Directors of Propnest Limited (A8), Kellogistics Limited (A9) and Kings Energy Limited (A10).

All ten accused persons and entities have pleaded not guilty.

Despite raising concerns over the flight risk posed by Abdul-Hamid and Amuah, Special Prosecutor KissiAgyebeng did not oppose the granting of bail.

The court ordered the prosecution to file all disclosures and witness statements within one month.

Additionally, all accused persons must submit the names and addresses of any intended defense witnesses, and those intending to raise an alibi must file the necessary notice with the court registry.

Summary of Allegations

According to the Special Prosecutor, investigations revealed that between 2022 and December 2024 the first three accused – Abdul-Hamid, Amuah, and Newman – orchestrated an extortion scheme targeting oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters using their official positions at the NPA.

A total of GH¢280.5 million was allegedly obtained in unauthorised payments, with GH¢24 million directly handed to Abdul-Hamid by Amuah between January and December 2024. Additionally, GH¢227.2 million reportedly passed through Newman, who is said to have acted under Amuah’s instructions.

The prosecution stated that the illicit proceeds were laundered through Propnest Limited, Kellogistics Limited, and Kings Energy Limited — companies allegedly created and managed by some of the accused to purchase properties, vehicles, and fuel stations in order to disguise the source of the funds.

Detailed Background

Mustapha Abdul-Hamid served as CEO of the NPA from July 2021 until January 2025. The alleged offenses surfaced during a broader investigation into financial mismanagement and corruption within Ghana’s petroleum regulatory framework.

The Second Accused, Amuah, served as UPPF Coordinator and held several senior positions since joining the NPA in 2008. He is alleged to be the Managing Director of the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Accused companies.

The Third Accused, Newman, was an NPA employee and allegedly acted as a financial conduit in the scheme.

According to the prosecution, Abdul-Hamid conceived the extortion scheme and recruited Amuah, who in turn involved Newman.

They allegedly extracted GH¢280,516,127.19 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing firms under false pretences.

Out of the total amount, GH¢24 million was given directly to Abdul-Hamid, while GH¢227,232,323.58 was funneled through Newman on Amuah’s instructions.

The Fourth to Seventh Accused, together with a fugitive named Osei Tutu Adjei, allegedly helped set up and manage the three implicated companies (A8, A9, A10) to launder the funds.

The proceeds were allegedly used to acquire real estate, oil distribution trucks, and fuel stations all intended to conceal the illicit origins of the money and avoid legal consequences.

The accused were apprehended following months of surveillance and charged in accordance with the findings.

Sarkodie hails Edem’s ‘The Volta Regime’ as one of Ghana’s greatest albums

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July 24, 2025

Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has described Edem Goget’em’s debut album The Volta Regime as one of the greatest in Ghana’s music history.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, Sarkodie shared a snippet of Edem’s track You Dey Kraze, which features him, commending Edem’s artistry and the impact of the album.

“Undoubtedly, one of the greatest albums in Ghana’s music history!!! I remember when I first encountered my brother Edem I came back home to tell one of my hommies that this guy will have a serious impact on the music scene. He was like naa, because of the language barrier I said I don’t hear language I hear greatness!!! Big up my brother you still on my fav mcee list,” Sarkodie wrote.

Sarkodie and Edem have maintained a long-standing relationship over the years, collaborating on several projects.

However, their friendship faced a rough patch a few years ago when Edem expressed his anger at Sarkodie for failing to support one of his music projects. Edem publicly voiced his disappointment, stating that he had shown Sarkodie immense love in the past and expected the same in return.

He mentioned forgiving Sarkodie for not appearing in a music video for a song they both featured on, indicating that while his team lost money, he harboured no ill feelings. He also addressed an incident at Richard Nii Armah Quaye’s birthday party where it appeared Sarkodie snubbed him, clarifying that they were actually on good terms.

In the meantime, Sarkodie is preparing to hold a Kumasi version of his annual Rapperholic Concert in Kumasi for then second time. The programme has been slated for September 27, 2025 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Patapaa defines who qualifies to be called a celebrity

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July 24, 2025

‘One corner’ hitmaker, Patapaa has disclosed that some musicians are only popular on TikTok but can’t be recognised in real life.

He said such musicians known on TikTok mostly have hit songs on social media and are not eligible to call themselves celebrities.

Speaking on a Cape Coast based radio station, he said, “If you’re a TikTok artist, you can’t compare yourself to stars like Patapaa, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, or Kuami Eugene.”

“If you observe very well, you’d realize that we are still the ones who are booked for shows because we have a lot of songs to perform when booked. There are some TikTok artiste who have blown with one song, but when they come out on the streets, nobody can identify their name or face,” he revealed.

Patapaa further indicated that he seems to abhor the decision to attend events lately because most of the artistes he meets are TikTok stars who do not have songs to perform but just their one hit song.

“If you’re a TikTok artist, you’re not a celebrity; that’s why I don’t attend events when invited nowadays, because all the musicians who come are TikTok artists.”

Samini applaudsAmerado’s delivery on ‘Pharaoh’

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July 24, 2025

Dancehall legend, Samini has applauded Amerado for his impressive performance on his latest reggae single Pharaoh.

The song has earned widespread praise for its production quality and Amerado’s commanding vocal delivery.

Many listeners have likened his style on Pharaoh to that of Samini, with growing calls for a remix featuring the celebrated dancehall artiste.

Taking to Twitter, Samini quoted a post from Amerado in which the younger artiste was seen singing Pharaoh, and wrote: “Good job my guy wa y3 adiɛ papa heerrhh #akye”.

The endorsement has fuelled excitement among fans on social media, with many urging the two artistes to collaborate.

Produced with rich instrumentation and a catchy hook, Pharaoh continues to receive massive airplay and high streaming numbers, further cementing Amerado’s versatility as not just a rapper but a singer with a distinctly Ghanaian sound.

The song is currently available on all major digital streaming platforms.

Shatta Wale reshuffles management team

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July 24, 2025

Shatta Wale has announced a significant restructuring of his management team, introducing a refreshed lineup to steer his brand forward.

In a post shared on Facebook, Shatta Wale unveiled a new management structure, with key changes intended to inject fresh energy into the Shatta Movement.

One of the most striking adjustments is the reassignment of Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex.

Previously serving as Shatta Wale’s manager, Sammy Flex now takes on the role of Media and Public Relations Manager.

The move signals a strategic shift to enhance the artiste’s public image and media engagement, a field where Sammy Flex has built a solid reputation over the years.

The revamped team features new and returning faces taking up specialised roles across different areas of Shatta Wale’s brand operations.

From road management and personal assistance to bookings, merchandising, and music production, each individual has been strategically placed to ensure a more focused and professional approach in handling the artiste’s growing brand.

This restructuring comes at a time when Shatta Wale appears to be rebranding and repositioning himself within the industry.

Bookings and inquiries are now being directed through a dedicated contact line, reinforcing the professional overhaul underway within the Shatta Movement.

Sammy Flex reacts…

Ghanaian media personality Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, has spoken after his reassignment as Media and Public Relations Manager in a major restructuring of Shatta Wale’s management team.

Prior to the changes, Sammy Flex was the Artiste Manager for the famed dancehall musician.

In a post published on Sammy Flex TV on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Sammy made comments about the new development and his new role.

“Ever since I joined the Shatta Movement team, many people who know me know my background as a journalist, PR person and all. So when I was given the managerial position I couldn’t sit down and allow that aspect to be empty. I had to combine forces like Captain Planet,” he said.

He explained that his initial focus as manager was to bring calm to the team and reshape public perceptions of Shatta Wale.

“It is now time to bring in other energies so that I can even do more here,” he added, indicating that the job is too demanding for one person.

“One thing I believe is that the Shatta Movement job is not a one-person job. Those who are closer to it understand it and they know that you can’t do it alone. These people have been there. They are not new people. They have been there playing different roles but now they have been given specific roles to play to make sure the team runs,” Sammy further noted.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

US opens investigation into Harvard’s visa program eligibility

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July 24, 2025

The Trump administration is opening an investigation into Harvard University’s “continued eligibility as a sponsor for the Exchange Visitor Program,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday, marking the administration’s latest escalation against the Ivy League institution.

It was announced amid ongoing legal challenges against the government’s attempts to block the university’s ability to host international students.

“The investigation will ensure that State Department programs do not run contrary to our nation’s interests,” the top US diplomat said in a statement without offering further details about the investigation.

The Trump administration first revoked Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program status in May but the decision was blocked by federal judge Allison Burroughs.

“All sponsors participating in this program are required to fully comply with exchange visitor regulations, transparency in reporting, and a demonstrated commitment to fostering the principles of cultural exchange and mutual understanding upon which the program was founded,” Rubio said in Wednesday’s statement.

The administration has previously cited antisemitism on campus as a reason for putting the school’s international student program in jeopardy, along with the claim that Harvard did not provide the government with required information about its international students.

Credit: cnn.com

Air India crash victim’s son receives wrong remains

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July 24, 2025

Other remains were found in Shobhana Patel's casket after her body was returned to the UK

The son of a woman killed in the Air India plane crash has told the BBC “other remains” were found in her casket after her body was returned to the UK.

Miten Patel, whose father also died in the crash, said the coroner identified the mixed-up remains and left him to worry: “How many others are in there?”

The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday that the wrong bodies were being sent to loved ones following the crash which killed 260 people shortly after take-off in early June.

All remains were handled with “utmost professionalism” and dignity, India’s foreign ministry said, and that it was working with UK officials to address concerns. Ashok and Shobhana Patel were travelling home to visit their sons and grandchildren on 12 June. After the Gatwick-bound plane crashed in Ahmedabad, western India, they were among the first victims to be returned home.

Their son Miten said the mix-up was “obviously very upsetting,” even though he acknowledged that mistakes happen.

“People were tired and there was a lot of pressure. But there has to be a level of responsibility that you’re sending the right bodies to the UK.

“How do I know there aren’t other remains in the casket with her?”

The Daily Mail reported two cases in which the wrong remains were allegedly returned to loved ones in the UK.

One apparently saw a family receive the wrong body entirely, while another was said to involve the remains of several people placed in the same casket.

India’s foreign ministry said that they were aware of the report “and have been working closely with the UK side from the moment these concerns and issues were brought to our attention”.

The statement continued: “All mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased. We are continuing to work with the UK authorities on addressing any concerns related to this issue.”

Credit: bbc.com

Trump announces ‘massive’ trade deal with Japan

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July 24, 2025

President Donald Trump with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba

United States President Donald Trump has announced that he has struck a “massive” trade deal with Japan following months of fraught negotiations.

Under the agreement announced on Tuesday, the US will impose a 15 percent tariff on Japanese exports and Japan will invest $550bn in the US, Trump said.

“We just completed a massive Deal with Japan, perhaps the largest Deal ever made,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“Japan will invest, at my direction, $550 Billion Dollars into the United States, which will receive 90% of the Profits.”

Japan will also open up to US exports of cars, rice and certain agricultural products, Trump said, adding that the deal would create “hundreds of thousands of jobs”.

“There has never been anything like it,” he wrote.

Speaking at a reception with members of the US Congress later on Tuesday, Trump said the sides had also agreed to form a joint venture to exploit liquified natural gas in Alaska.

“It’s a great deal for everybody. I always say it has to be great for everybody,” he said.

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent hailed the deal as a “historic agreement”.

“I am happy to reaffirm our commitment to deepening this longstanding alliance and building the next chapter of US-Japan cooperation as we enter a new Golden Age under President Trump,” Bessent said on X.

Credit: aljazeera.com

Backlash after Zelensky strips anti-corruption bodies of independence

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July 24, 2025