The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), including Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others, is currently in Abuja for the national convention of the party.
The convention is expected to rectify some of the recent decisions of the national executive committee of the NDC.
According to the agenda made available to journalists, some of the issues on the table for discussion and resolution are zoning, ratification of the amended party constitution, and the election of national executives of the party
The NDC recently witnessed an influx of politicians who defected from other political parties, including the ADC and the PDP.
On Tuesday, no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to NDC.
Their defections were announced on the floor of the House during plenary.
Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande, and Munachim Umezuruike.
Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene, Murphy Omoruyi, and Abdulhakeem Ado.
The defections of the lawmakers to the NDC came two days after Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the party from the ADC.
Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), received the NDC membership cards last Sunday amid cheers from supporters, shortly after a closed-door meeting with leaders of the NDC.
Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi
Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has clarified his remarks on a six-month ultimatum to the World Bank over loan disbursement.
In a statement issued at the weekend by the spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, the AGF said the remarks were made in the context of encouraging timely consideration and processing of no-objection requests.
The AGF explained that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria are loans and not grants and therefore require efficient processing to ensure that projects tied to such facilities are implemented within planned timelines and fiscal cycles.
“At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank. Rather, he underscored the importance of stronger collaboration, mutual understanding, and timely and favourable consideration in the processing of no-objection requests by the OAGF to the World Bank when such requests are made by the OAGF for the deployment of project accountants, assistant project accountants, and project internal auditors from the Treasury for all federal government World Bank-funded projects that have a duration of more than six months before the project closure.
“The OAGF remains committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the World Bank and other development partners in advancing transparency, accountability and effective public financial management in Nigeria,” the statement read.
An unspecified number of civilians have reportedly died following a military airstrike on Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources said the incident occurred early Sunday, with witnesses estimating that at least 12 people were killed in one residence.
“It happened around 5 a.m.,” Auta Awododo, a resident of Kusasu, said, adding that one of the victims was his cousin’s son.
“Twelve people were killed in his house. The rest were Kusasu people who were fleeing from the terrorists,” Awododo added.
Residents said armed men on motorcycles had passed through the area while being pursued by military aircraft.
“The military first threw a bomb near the river in Kusasu,” one resident said. “The second bomb was dropped at Guradnayi.”
The Nigerian Air Force has not issued an official statement, and its spokesperson has yet to respond to enquiries.
Locals say this is not the first such incident, noting previous airstrikes in Shiroro that resulted in civilian casualties but were never fully resolved.
A security source confirmed that the armed group moved from Kusasu into neighbouring Munya, where they are still active.
“As I speak to you now, they (terrorists) are operating in Kabula near Kuchi,” the source said.
“There’s no confirmed report of abduction or killings yet, but they have rustled many cattle from communities in Munya.”
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, describing them as “difficult but necessary” measures aimed at preventing economic collapse and repositioning the country for sustainable growth.
Dare said this at a Northern Stakeholders Town Hall engagement in Kaduna State on Saturday, organised by Supporters of President Bola Tinubu under the umbrella of the Tinubu Door-to-Door Movement, with participants expressing support for the president’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections
According to him, the administration’s policies, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, were critical steps toward restoring fiscal stability and improving investor confidence.
”We have a president who, right from the beginning, rolled up his sleeves and started to work for this country. A president who is courageous, who is bold in his steps, and who has a vision. But added to that vision is a clarity about the direction he intends to move this country.”
“Tinubu’s reforms are working, and Nigeria is moving in the right direction,” he said.
He argued that recent policy efforts show early signs of impact, particularly in economic stabilisation and targeted social interventions.
According to him, “the fundamentals of the economy have been nailed down,” adding that the benefits of ongoing reforms are already beginning to reflect in smaller-scale interventions across different sectors.
He highlighted several government initiatives as examples of what he described as “micro-level impacts,” including support schemes for young people, healthcare subsidies, and social welfare programmes.
“We have 9.7 million of our young, vulnerable people benefiting from the 75,000 being given. That’s micro. Our young people are getting their funding loan. That’s micro. The health facilities. That’s micro,” he said.
Dare also said the reforms were already yielding positive outcomes despite the initial hardships experienced by Nigerians.
Goldfields Ghana Limited has announced a sponsorship deal worth US$5 million with the Ghana Football Association to support three national teams and the Women’s Premier League.
The strategic partnership, unveiled in Accra, announced Gold Fields Ghana as a partner of the Ghana Football Association, reaffirming the company’s enduring commitment to the growth and development of football in the country.
The sponsorship package would provide crucial support for the Black Stars, Black Queens, the Women’s Premier League, and the Black Challenge as they prepare for major international competitions.
Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association in his remarks described the partnership as historic and transformative moment for Ghana football. “It is with immense joy and deep gratitude that we gather here today for this very important occasion, the announcement of the sponsorship partnership between Gold Fields Ghana Limited and Ghana Football,” he said.
He further noted that the sponsorship agreement reflects the continuation of the long-standing relationship between the GFA and Gold Fields. He further praised the mining company for its continued investment in domestic football, particularly its support for clubs, as well as infrastructure development in Tarkwa and surrounding communities.
“Your contributions to infrastructure development, particularly the construction and modernization of the iconic Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, stand as enduring evidence of your commitment to sports and community development in Ghana.” he added.
Mr. Simeon-Okraku emphasized that the latest partnership was a strong message about inclusion, development, and the importance of investing in sports for growth and empowerment. Mr. Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to football and sports development in Ghana, emphasizing its dedication to empowering communities and nurturing sporting talent across the country.
“Goldfields has historically played a meaningful role in supporting Ghana’s national football agenda, previously sponsoring the Black Stars during the 2006 Germany World Cup, 2010 World Cup as headline sponsor and in the 2022 World Cup we supported the Black Stars as well,” he noted.
He noted that the $5 million support package for the three national teams and the Women’s Premier League officially cements Goldfields’ status as a partner of the Ghana Football Association.
Mr. Twum noted that the partnership was expected to fast-track the growth of the Women’s Premier League while also championing inclusivity through dedicated support for the Black Challenge.
Ghana’s gold sector remains a key driver of economic growth and external stability, Fitch Ratings has noted in its latest assessment. High global gold prices and increased mining output have significantly boosted Ghana’s export earnings and supported the country’s balance of payments.
“Ghana recorded a strong current account surplus, largely driven by the performance of the gold sector,” Fitch stated in the report. It said that the favourable commodity price environment had enhanced foreign exchange inflows, contributing to the accumulation of international reserves.
The agency said Ghana’s external buffers had strengthened through robust export performance, foreign direct investment inflows, and support from development partners. The build-up of reserves has reduced external liquidity risks and improved the country’s capacity to meet its external obligations.
Fitch projected that Ghana’s current account would remain in surplus in the near term, though it may narrow slightly as import demand rises and commodity prices moderate.
“The continued strength of the gold sector would support economic growth and sustain external stability,” the agency said.
The report also highlighted the role of small-scale mining in overall gold production, noting that increased formalisation could further enhance output and revenue. Fitch emphasised that the mining sector remains a key source of foreign exchange and government revenue, underpinning macroeconomic stability and improving the country’s credit profile.
The agency, however, cautioned that Ghana’s external position remained vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations, particularly in the gold market. It stressed the importance of maintaining sound economic policies to manage potential risks.
Fitch said that continued improvements in the external sector would support investor confidence and contribute to long-term economic resilience.
“Ghana’s strong current account position and growing reserves remain critical strengths in its economic outlook,” it noted.
President John Mahama breaking the ground for the Green City Housing Project
President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the commencement of the Green City Housing Project at Dedesua, a community in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region.
President John Mahama
The initiative, being implemented by the State Housing Company Limited (SHCL), sits on a 200-acre parcel of land made available by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The project will deliver more than 1,000 housing units within a carefully planned, integrated community that combines modern designs with environmental sustainability. It is expected to set a new benchmark for urban development in Ghana.
Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Works Housing and Water Resources
Beyond housing, the project is projected to create jobs, stimulate local enterprise, and generate lasting economic opportunities across the Bosomtwe District.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama said Ghana’s housing challenge has become more pronounced and requires clarity of purpose and decisive action. He noted that the national housing deficit is now estimated at over 1.5 million units.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, Mamponghene
According to him, this reflects years of supply failing to meet demand and that rising land values, escalating construction costs and limited access to long-term financing have placed ownership beyond the reach of many Ghanaians.
Mr John Bawah, Managing Director of SHCL giving his address
He said, informal settlements continue to expand, slums persist, and many Ghanaians live in substandard conditions. The pressure, he said, is intensified by rapid urbanisation, with more than half of Ghanaians now living in urban areas, which is expected to rise to about 70% by 2050.
President John Mahama admiring the project design
The President said Cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi would continue to grow rapidly and will be swamped by migration from other parts of the country, if we do not act urgently, and stressed that the government’s reset agenda is a commitment to rethink how housing, infrastructure and opportunities are delivered to the people.
He noted that decent housing is a right for all our people while Access to housing improves public health, strengthens educational outcomes, boosts productivity and stabilises communities.
President John Mahama at the launch of the Green City Housing Project
He described the Green City project as a timely intervention, stressing that it is not just about shelter, but about building a complete and liveable community that is safe, affordable and dignified.
He added that new social housing initiatives driven at the district level are being rolled out to reduce financial barriers to ownership and insisted that regional and district capitals must also benefit.
President Mahama commended the Asantehene for releasing the land and praised SHCL for being the largest single provider of housing to Ghanaians over the last seven decades.
He pledged the government’s continued support to enable the company to provide more affordable housing.
Daasebre Osei Bonsu III, Mamponghene, representing the Asantehene, commended the government’s resolve to address the housing deficit. He cautioned traditional leaders against selling or encroaching lands allocated for the Green City Housing Project.
President John Mahama in a chat with Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Works Housing and Water Resources
Dr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, described the Dedesua Green City Project as one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at restoring dignity and integrity while serving as an economic driver.
Tradition and culture were well represented
He said sustainability in housing was no longer optional and that the project reflects Ghana’s readiness for partnership, with clear political will and recognition of the role of Ghanaians in the diaspora. According to him, the project is not about the next election, but about the next generation.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, said the project would reshape communities and livelihoods at a time when demand for affordable housing is rising.
Some attendees at the launch of the Green City Housing Project
He called it a bold step and a shared commitment to job creation for youth and contractors, urging all stakeholders to ensure its completion on schedule.
Mr John Sharif Bawah, Managing Director of SHCL, affirmed the company’s commitment to reducing housing costs and providing high-quality homes and better services. He promised to complete all uncompleted projects across the country and disclosed ongoing redevelopment projects in Adentan and other areas, as well as seven regional projects for the Ghana Immigration Service.
Some chiefs and elders at the program
He said SHCL is introducing mortgage financing options to make homes more affordable and with the support of the sector minister, is working to regularise all state lands in the country.
The SHCL boss disclosed that Phase One of the Green City Project covers 36.25 acres and will include 214 units: 158 two-bedroom and 56 three-bedroom eco and standard detached units.
Mr. Bawah appealed for support to keep prices low and requested assistance from the Big Push Project for roads and drainage works under the project.
President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to mothers across the country while expressing special appreciation to his wife, Lordina Mahama, in a heartfelt Mother’s Day message.
In a post on his Facebook page on May 9, the President described Mother’s Day as another opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices, love and dedication of mothers.
“Today is another opportunity for us to celebrate our mothers. Thank you to you all,” he wrote. The President also used the occasion to acknowledge the role played by his wife within the family, describing her as the foundation and strength of their home.
“To you, Lordina, the kids and grandkids just want to thank you for being the heart and strength of our family. Happy Mother’s Day,” he added.
Mother’s Day is observed annually in the month of May to honour mothers and maternal figures for their impact on families and communities.
In what will be remembered as the most poignant moment of the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, the Ghanaian music fraternity stood in solemn, glowing tribute to the late Highlife titan, Daddy Lumba.
The icon, whose career spanned decades of unrivalled brilliance, was posthumously conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
As his name echoed through the Grand Arena, the thousands in attendance created a spontaneous and breathtaking visual tribute, hoisting their mobile phone lights to transform the darkened auditorium into a shimmering galaxy of respect.
The special recognition was presented in acknowledgement of his immense contribution to Ghanaian highlife music, his decades of influence, and the timeless classics he left behind that continue to shape the industry.
From the infectious rhythms of his early career to the deeply philosophical ballads of his later years, Lumba’s catalogue remains the blueprint for melodic excellence in West Africa.
The atmosphere shifted from celebratory to deeply nostalgic as Ofori Amponsah, a protégé and long-time collaborator of the late legend, took to the stage.
The decision to honour Lumba was not merely an act of remembrance but an acknowledgement of his living presence in today’s soundscape.
Organisers of the awards noted that “Daddy Lumba’s work continues to shape Ghanaian highlife music and inspire generations of artistes, making his recognition at the ceremony a celebration of both his life and enduring impact.”
Ghanaian musician Moliy has clinched the award for Best International Collaboration at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).
The ceremony, held on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at a vibrant Grand Arena, saw the artiste rewarded for her ambitious and genre-bending track, ‘Shake It To The Max (Remix)’.
The record features a powerhouse lineup of Jamaican superstars, including dancehall queen Shenseea, the distinctive “E-Syde” leader Skillibeng, and the influential Silent Addy.
The victory is seen as a significant milestone for Moliy, whose sound has increasingly bridged the gap between West African Afrobeats and Caribbean dancehall. By bringing together some of the biggest names in the Caribbean music scene, the ‘Shake It To The Max’ remix became a staple on international playlists, proving its “cultural weight” far beyond the borders of Ghana.
The collaboration stood out not just for its star power but for the seamless integration of different musical textures, creating a record that felt both authentic to Moliy’s roots and globally competitive.
The International Collaboration category was one of the most hotly contested of the evening, featuring several high-profile crossings of talent.
