Ferdinand | PoliticsGhana | February 20 | High Court in Rabat Sentences 18 Senegalese Supporters to Prison Terms for Assault
The High Court in Rabat, Morocco, has sentenced 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year following assault-related charges.
According to court proceedings, the judge upheld the prosecutor’s recommendations, imposing both custodial sentences and financial penalties on the accused.
Breakdown of Sentences
Nine supporters received one-year prison terms and were each fined 5,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $500).
Six supporters were handed six-month prison sentences and fined 2,000 dirhams (about $200) each.
Three supporters were sentenced to three months in prison and fined 1,200 dirhams (around $120) each.
Relatives of the convicted supporters described the ruling as harsh. Reports indicate that one of the inmates collapsed after hearing the verdict.
Diplomatic Efforts
There have been claims circulating online that the Government of Senegal sent a delegation to engage Moroccan authoritiesbut that their appeal was unsuccessful. However, official statements detailing the outcome of any diplomatic intervention have not yet been publicly confirmed.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly among football supporters across West Africa, with some linking tensions to recent continental football rivalries.
Further updates are expected as diplomatic and legal processes continue.
The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, , has called for the immediate review and possible recall of a Junior High School Social Studies textbook over what he describes as dehumanizing and historically misleading content.
In a statement dated 17 February 2026, the MP raised concerns about portions of the Aki-Ola Series Social Studies textbook that reportedly outline “benefits Ghana has derived from colonization.”
According to Mr. Agbana, the referenced content not only presents false narratives but also attempts to portray colonization as beneficial to Ghanaian society.
He stated that such representations sanitize a painful chapter of African history and risk distorting the understanding of students. The MP argued that colonization was marked by systematic violations of human rights, identity, and dignity, and should not be framed in a manner that appears to justify or glorify its impact.
Link to Reparations Advocacy
The Ketu North legislator also referenced the broader continental discourse on reparations, noting that Ghana’s President, , has been championing efforts toward historical accountability and justice at the African Union and international levels.
He described it as contradictory for Ghana to pursue reparative justice globally while educational materials appear to present colonization in a favorable light to schoolchildren.
Petition to Ghana Education Service
Mr. Agbana announced his intention to formally petition the to review the textbook and ensure that any harmful or misleading content is removed from the curriculum.
He stressed that Ghana’s education system must reflect historical integrity and present an accurate account of slavery and colonization, emphasizing their negative and inhumane consequences.
“Our education system must reflect truth, justice, and historical integrity,” he noted, adding that children deserve an education grounded in dignity and factual representation of Ghana’s past.
Curriculum Review Debate Rekindled
The development is likely to reignite national conversations about curriculum oversight, textbook approval processes, and the teaching of colonial history in Ghanaian schools.
Education stakeholders have often called for balanced historical interpretation that acknowledges complexity while remaining faithful to documented historical realities.
The Ghana Education Service is yet to respond publicly to the MP’s call for review.
Pupils in public basic schools within Ayawaso West Wuogon are set to benefit from a new nutrition support initiative led by the Member of Parliament for the constituency, .
In a statement dated 19 February 2026, the MP announced that beginning 2 March 2026, all public basic school pupils from Class 1 to Class 4 will receive free Ghana-made cocoa drinks once every week until the end of the academic year.
Weekly Cocoa Distribution for Public School Pupils
The programme will cover all public basic schools in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency. According to the statement, the initiative is designed to support child nutrition, improve school participation, and promote the consumption of locally produced cocoa products.
Cocoa, described in the statement as nutritionally rich, contains antioxidants, iron, and magnesium, nutrients believed to support cognitive development and sustained energy levels among growing children.
Supporting Local Industry
Beyond its nutritional purpose, the initiative is also positioned as an economic support measure. By sourcing exclusively Ghana-made cocoa products, the programme seeks to boost demand for local manufacturers and cocoa farmers.
Ghana remains one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, and increased domestic consumption aligns with ongoing national conversations about value addition and local processing.
Education and Attendance
The MP noted that providing regular nutritious drinks may help encourage consistent attendance and active participation in public schools. The initiative reflects a broader understanding that child health directly affects learning outcomes.
The statement further emphasized national pride, urging children to appreciate cocoa as one of Ghana’s most important natural resources.
Community Impact
The cocoa distribution programme is expected to run throughout the year, benefiting hundreds of pupils across the constituency.
Observers say such constituency-level interventions, when sustained, can complement national school feeding and child welfare programmes.
The Ayawaso West Wuogon initiative adds to growing efforts by public officials to integrate health, education, and local industry support within community development strategies.
Tags: John Dumelo, Ayawaso West Wuogon, Cocoa Programme Ghana, Public Schools Ghana, School Nutrition Initiative, Ghana Cocoa, Education News Ghana
Students of Somé Senior High School in Ghana’s Volta Region engage in practical lessons on Ewe culture by practising the traditional pouring of libation under teacher supervision.
Students of Somé Senior High School in the Volta Region have been seen participating in a practical lesson on Ewe cultural heritage, where they were guided by a teacher to practise the traditional pouring of libation.
The cultural demonstration, which has attracted attention on social media, forms part of efforts to promote indigenous knowledge systems within Ghana’s formal education framework.
Teaching Indigenous Knowledge in the Classroom
Libation is a long-standing ritual among the Ewe people and other ethnic groups in Ghana. It is performed to honour ancestors, seek blessings, and invoke spiritual guidance during important events such as festivals, durbars, funerals, and community ceremonies.
During the lesson, students were observed learning the proper method of invocation and the symbolic pouring of liquid, typically water or a locally prepared drink, onto the ground while reciting ancestral acknowledgements.
Education observers note that experiential learning of this nature helps students appreciate the philosophical and historical foundations of their communities beyond textbook instruction.
Cultural Preservation Through Education
Ghana’s education system has, in recent years, placed increasing emphasis on cultural identity and heritage preservation. Cultural studies, history, and local language instruction form part of the national curriculum at both basic and secondary levels.
In regions such as the Volta Region, where Ewe traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life, schools often incorporate practical cultural elements to strengthen students’ sense of belonging and identity.
Advocates of culturally responsive teaching argue that such initiatives:
Preserve indigenous practices for future generations
Promote respect for Ghana’s diverse traditions
Enhance student confidence and self-awareness
Encourage intergenerational knowledge transfer
Balancing Tradition and Modern Education
While Ghana continues to modernise its education system with digital and global competencies, educators say grounding students in their heritage remains essential.
Cultural literacy, they argue, is not separate from academic excellence but complements it by shaping socially aware and culturally confident citizens.
The Somé SHS activity reflects broader conversations about how schools can balance academic instruction with community traditions, ensuring that cultural values are preserved within contemporary educational spaces.
Community Response
The images of students practising libation have generated interest online, with many praising the school for promoting Ewe cultural heritage among young people.
As discussions continue about curriculum reforms and local content integration, the Somé SHS initiative highlights the enduring role of indigenous knowledge in Ghana’s education landscape.
President John Dramani Mahama will table a landmark resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in March seeking global recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
President John Dramani Mahama is set to present a landmark resolution before the in March, urging the global community to formally recognize the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
The President made the announcement on Sunday while delivering his report to the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government. He spoke in his capacity as the AU Champion for Advancing the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations.
President Mahama disclosed that his draft resolution has been formally adopted by the Assembly, clearing the path for a coordinated African position at the global level.
The adoption signals a unified continental effort to pursue historical accountability and structured reparative justice for the enduring consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation.
Push for Historical Accountability
The Transatlantic Slave Trade, which spanned several centuries, forcibly displaced millions of Africans to the Americas and Europe under brutal conditions. Its economic and social effects continue to shape inequalities across continents.
By seeking recognition of the trade as the gravest crime against humanity, the resolution aims to strengthen legal, moral, and diplomatic grounds for reparations and restorative justice.
Africa’s Reparations Agenda
In recent years, African leaders have renewed calls for reparations, linking the legacy of slavery to contemporary development challenges, structural inequalities, and systemic discrimination faced by people of African descent globally.
President Mahama’s initiative places the issue squarely on the agenda of the United Nations, positioning Africa for a sustained diplomatic campaign grounded in unity and historical evidence.
Further details of the proposed resolution are expected when it is formally tabled before the General Assembly in March.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) will soon launch 24/7 Prestige Centres in partnership with the Ghana Digital Centre to expand access to Ghana Card registration and related services across the country.
The has announced plans to introduce 24/7 Prestige Centres aimed at expanding access to Ghana Card registration and related identification services nationwide.
The new centres, which will operate around the clock, are expected to complement existing district and premium centres as part of efforts to make the Ghana Card more accessible to all eligible Ghanaians.
The initiative is being rolled out in collaboration with the , led by Mr. Dzifa Gunu, alongside selected private sector partners.
According to the NIA, the 24/7 Prestige Centres will operate daily, including Saturdays and Sundays. Applicants may either walk in for services or use the Authority’s official online portal at register.nia.gov.gh to begin the process.
The move is expected to ease congestion at existing centres and provide flexible service options for professionals, students, traders, and others who may not be able to visit registration offices during normal working hours.
Ghana Card Remains Sole National Identity Card
The NIA reiterated that the Ghana Card remains the only legally recognized national identity card for transactions requiring identification in Ghana.
This position is anchored in the , particularly Regulation 7(1), which designates the Ghana Card as the primary identity document for official and financial transactions.
Over the years, the Ghana Card has become central to public and private sector services, including banking, SIM registration, passport applications, and government payroll verification.
Expanding Access and Digital Inclusion
The introduction of 24-hour centres forms part of broader digital transformation efforts to strengthen national identification systems and improve service delivery.
By extending operational hours and leveraging online applications, the NIA aims to eliminate long waiting times and improve convenience for applicants across the country.
Further details, including the official launch date and locations of the new Prestige Centres, are expected to be announced soon.
Controller and Accountant-General’s Department directs HR units to correct Ghana Card discrepancies on government payroll or face salary suspension from March 15, 2026.
The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has directed public sector institutions to urgently update and verify Ghana Card details of employees on the Government Payroll System or risk salary suspension.
In an official circular dated February 11, 2026, the Department indicated that discrepancies between National Identification Authority records and payroll data have affected some employees’ access to the upgraded electronic payslip platform.
The notice forms part of broader measures to strengthen payroll integrity and eliminate inconsistencies in government salary administration.
Payroll Data Discrepancies Identified
According to the CAGD, following the rollout of an upgraded e-Payslip platform, critical data inconsistencies were identified. These discrepancies involve National Identification Authority numbers captured on the payroll system that do not correspond with official NIA records.
The mismatch has prevented some employees from accessing their monthly payslips through the new platform.
The Department stated that earlier communications had already requested updates to Ghana Card details. However, outstanding issues remain.
Immediate Actions Required from HR Departments
Human Resource Departments of affected “Covered Entities” have been instructed to take urgent corrective measures.
The required actions include:
Correcting the NIA numbers of all affected staff on the payroll system.
Submitting applications for correction or insertion of NIA numbers to CAGD, together with posting or transfer letters where applicable, and a clear copy of the employee’s Ghana Card.
A list of affected employees flagged as having “no NIA details” has reportedly been sent directly to the official corporate emails of the institutions concerned for immediate action.
Salary Suspension Deadline: March 15, 2026
The CAGD has warned that employees without verified NIA details will have their salaries suspended effective March 15, 2026.
The Department described the measure as a prerequisite for an upcoming nationwide employee re-verification exercise aimed at ensuring payroll accuracy and eliminating ghost names.
The directive underscores the government’s continued effort to digitise and clean up public sector payroll systems.
Broader Payroll Reform Context
The integration of Ghana Card data into public payroll systems is part of a larger national identification and financial management reform agenda.
In recent years, government has intensified efforts to:
Link public sector payroll to biometric identification
Reduce payroll fraud and duplication
Enhance transparency in salary administration
Strengthen financial accountability in public service
The upgraded e-Payslip platform is intended to improve access and convenience for government workers, allowing them to retrieve salary records electronically.
Implications for Public Sector Workers
The directive affects workers across various government agencies, ministries, departments, and other covered entities.
Failure to comply could result in temporary salary interruption until verification is completed.
Employees are therefore advised to liaise promptly with their HR departments to confirm that their Ghana Card details are accurately captured in the payroll database.
Official Endorsement
The circular was signed by Kwasi Agyei, Controller and Accountant-General.
The Department has urged institutions to cooperate fully to ensure a smooth verification process and avoid disruption of salary payments.
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, announces expanded health, education, and women’s economic empowerment initiatives at the 30th OAFLAD General Assembly in Addis Ababa.
Ghana’s First Lady, , has outlined renewed commitments to expand healthcare access, strengthen girls’ education, and deepen economic empowerment initiatives for women across the country.
She delivered the address on Sunday at the 30th General Assembly of the in , Ethiopia.
The Assembly was held under the theme Building Resilience for Women and Children: Climate, Conflict, and Sustainable Futures, bringing together African First Ladies and development partners to examine policy responses to vulnerability across the continent.
Health Identified as National Priority
Mrs. Mahama described healthcare as the cornerstone of family and national strength, stating that her office will intensify interventions in three key areas beginning 2026.
Through the , nationwide free medical screenings have been conducted for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, breast conditions, eye conditions, and prenatal care.
In partnership with the , outreach programmes have supported communities in the Greater Accra and Bono regions, combining testing with treatment support and counselling to reduce HIV stigma.
The foundation has also constructed and upgraded maternal and child health facilities at:
Bole District Hospital
Nkoranza Municipal Hospital
Bodom Health Centre
Another facility in the Oti Region is nearing completion.
In addition, the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre has undergone renovation and expansion. Essential medical equipment including hospital beds, incubators, ultrasound machines, and phototherapy units have been distributed to selected facilities nationwide.
Mrs. Mahama further referenced Ghana’s hosting of the ICASA Conference in Accra in December 2025, where discussions with UN agencies focused on eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Looking ahead, she announced plans to expand services into hard-to-reach communities, strengthen training for local health leaders, and increase support through the Ghana Medical Child Fund to assist uninsured patients.
“When women and children are healthy, families are stronger, and nations prosper,” she stated.
Renewed Focus on Girls’ Education
On education, the First Lady reaffirmed her scholarship support for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students.
A recent collaboration with the led to the launch of the Education Linda Scholarship Programme. The initiative currently supports 40 junior high school girls with school fees, uniforms, and learning materials.
Mrs. Mahama described education as a foundation for leadership and long-term national development.
Economic Empowerment and SME Support
The Foundation continues to equip trained female artisans such as hairdressers and dressmakers with working tools to establish sustainable livelihoods.
In 2026, it plans to expand support to small and medium enterprises, aligning with Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy and the proposed Women’s Development Bank.
Community-based training programmes will include beading, hairdressing, digital literacy, and technology skills to improve women’s participation in emerging sectors.
“When we empower a woman economically, we empower an entire family and uplift a whole community,” she noted.
Continental Collaboration
Aligning with OAFLAD’s resilience agenda, Mrs. Mahama pledged sustained collaboration with African partners to scale interventions beyond national borders.
The 30th General Assembly of focused on translating policy dialogue into measurable action, particularly in areas affected by climate vulnerability, conflict, and economic instability.
Participants called for coordinated African-led solutions that address the structural barriers confronting women and children.
Mrs. Mahama concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to ensuring that no woman or child is left behind.
Fuel tanker explosion at Ntoaso on the Accra–Suhum dual carriageway leaves at least three dead, multiple vehicles burnt, and several injured, police confirm.
Suhum–Nsawam Highway, Eastern Region – February 14, 2026
At least three persons are feared dead following a fatal motor accident involving a fuel tanker on the Suhum–Nsawam Highway in the Eastern Region.
According to a press release issued by the Eastern South Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service, the incident occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Ntoaso on the Accra–Suhum dual carriageway.
The tanker, which was transporting petrol from Tema to Kumasi, reportedly lost control upon reaching a section of the road, resulting in a blast that caused fuel to splash onto vehicles behind it.
Vehicles and Motorcycles Destroyed
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion and resulting fire affected multiple road users.
Police confirmed that:
Six vehicles were burnt
Four motorcycles were also destroyed
The impact of the blast caused extensive damage, leaving charred wreckage along the stretch of the highway.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities reported that two unidentified male charred bodies were found at the scene. An additional unidentified body was discovered inside one of the burnt vehicles.
About four persons who sustained injuries from the blast were rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Police say efforts are underway to identify the deceased and notify their families.
Emergency Response
The Ghana National Fire Service personnel from Suhum and Nsawam were deployed to the scene to extinguish the fire and prevent further spread.
Police officers have also commenced visits to hospitals in the area to assist in identifying victims and coordinating further investigations.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to clear the damaged vehicles from the highway to ease traffic congestion.
Motorists Advised to Exercise Caution
The Police have advised motorists using the Suhum–Nsawam stretch to reduce speed and comply strictly with directives from officers managing traffic at the scene.
The Eastern South Regional Command stated that investigations into the exact cause of the accident are continuing.
The statement was signed by DSP David Fianko-Okyere of the Public Affairs Unit.
Ferdinand | PoliticsGhana | February 13 | Public furious as Russian man records sexual escapades With Young Ghanaian ladies and shares videos online
Public concerngrows after reports allege a foreign national secretly recorded intimate encounters with young women in Ghana and shared them online. Calls mount for investigation.
Accra, Ghana – February 2026
Growing public concern has emerged following allegations that a foreign national, reportedly of Russian origin, engaged in intimate encounters with multiple young women in Ghana and secretly recorded the interactions for distribution on a Telegram channel.
The claims, which are circulating widely on social media, suggest that some of the encounters were captured using a concealed recording device without the knowledge or consent of the womeninvolved.
As of publication, law enforcement authorities have not publicly confirmed details of the allegations. However, the matter has sparked widespread debate about digital exploitation, privacy violations, and cybercrime enforcement in Ghana.
Allegations of Secret Recording
One case that has drawn significant attention involves a 29-year-old woman who reportedly met the individual at a shopping mall in Accra. According to accounts circulating online, she later accompanied him to a hotel where an intimate encounter allegedly took place.
It is further claimed that the encounter was recorded using a hidden body camera.
If verified, such conduct could constitute serious criminal offenses under Ghanaian law, particularly in relation to cybercrime, non-consensual recording, and the unlawful distribution of intimate images.
Legal and Cybercrime Implications
Secretly recording intimate acts without consent may violate privacy protections and could fall under offences addressed by Ghana’s Cybersecurity and data protection laws.
Legal experts note that non-consensual sharing of intimate content can expose victims to blackmail, reputational harm, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological distress.
Digital platforms such as Telegram, which allow encrypted content sharing, can complicate tracking and enforcement efforts once material has been uploaded and redistributed.
Security agencies are being urged to investigate the matter thoroughly and determine whether any criminal conduct has occurred.
The allegations have ignited strong reactions online, with many Ghanaians calling for swift action to protect individuals from digital exploitation.
Civil society advocates say the situation highlights the need for greater public awareness regarding:
Digital consent and privacy rights
Risks associated with concealed recording devices
Reporting mechanisms for cyber exploitation
Stronger enforcement against online abuse
There are also renewed calls for enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and digital platforms to address cross-border exploitation.
A Broader Conversation on Digital Responsibility
Beyond the immediate allegations, the situation has prompted reflection on personal safety in the digital era.
Technology has made covert recording devices more accessible, raising concerns about exploitation in private spaces. Advocates stress that while individuals have personal freedom, awareness of potential risks is critical.
At the same time, commentators emphasise that responsibility lies primarily with anyone who violates another person’s privacy. Victims of digital abuse should not be subjected to public shaming.
Call for Investigation
As the story develops, attention is turning toward the Ghana Police Service and relevant cybercrime authorities to establish the facts and determine whether formal charges are warranted.
Until official confirmation is provided, the claims remain allegations. Authorities have yet to release a formal statement on the matter.
