Somali referee Omar Artan will tomorrow night become the first non‑European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, marking a historic breakthrough for African officiating on the continental stage. Artan, Africa’s reigning Referee of the Year, will take charge of the clash between Paris Saint‑Germain and Aston Villa. His appointment comes just weeks after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite holding a valid visa. The setback, widely condemned by Somali officials and football stakeholders, has now given way to a moment of triumph. Artan’s presence at the...
Hearts of Oak Withdraws from GHALCA Top‑4 Tournament
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club PLC has officially announced its withdrawal from the 2026 GHALCA Top‑4 Tournament, citing scheduling conflicts and proximity to the upcoming Ghana Premier League season. In a statement dated August 11, 2026, the club explained that the tournament’s dates clashed with pre‑agreed programs and preparations for the new league campaign. Management noted that efforts to engage the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) on possible rescheduling were unsuccessful. “The decision was taken after careful consideration of our commitments and the need to adequately prepare for the league season,” the release stated. Despite stepping aside, Hearts of...
African House’ a Brilliant Idea to Tell the Pan‑African Story — Hon. Gomashie
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has described the proposed Pan‑African House under the African Monologue Challenge (AMC) as a “brilliant idea” for Africans to take ownership of their narrative and showcase the continent’s rich cultural identity to the world. The initiative will bring together 12 finalists from 12 African countries for a month‑long cultural exchange residency in Ghana, where participants will explore the country’s culture, heritage, and tourism attractions while serving as cultural ambassadors in their respective nations. Hon. Gomashie called for stronger collaboration across the creative sector, stressing the important role of...
Ghana, Burkina Faso Sign Defence Cooperation Agreement
Ghana and Burkina Faso have signed a landmark Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at securing vital cross‑border trade corridors, safeguarding economic activity, and deepening defence collaboration between the two neighbouring countries. The agreement was signed by Ghana’s acting Minister for Defence, Cassiel Ato Forson, and Burkina Faso’s Defence Minister, Major General Célestin Simporé, during a bilateral engagement that underscored the shared resolve of both nations to strengthen regional security and stability. Officials noted that the accord will enhance joint efforts to protect trade routes, improve intelligence sharing, and foster closer cooperation between the defence establishments of the two countries. The signing...
Vice President Engages Kayayei Association, Calls for Holistic Interventions
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku‑Agyemang has received a delegation from the Kayayei Association, led by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to discuss the challenges facing head porters and explore interventions to improve their livelihoods. The engagement built on previous conversations that have deepened understanding of the experiences of kayayei, including concerns about exploitation, access to skills training, opportunities to establish sustainable businesses, and the welfare of women and children. Vice President Opoku‑Agyemang stressed that the kayayei phenomenon must be understood within the broader context of migration, inequality, and development. She noted that...
Ghana, Korea Deepen Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Partnership
Ghana and the Republic of Korea are strengthening cooperation in tourism, culture, and the creative arts through a five‑year partnership valued at approximately US$4.5 million. Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed appreciation for Korea’s financial and technical support, highlighting recent professional training for Ghanaian heritage site managers as a key step towards building capacity and improving the preservation and presentation of Ghana’s cultural heritage. The Minister also called for deeper cultural exchange between both countries, stressing that Ghana can learn from Korea’s culture, discipline, and work ethic while sharing its own rich traditions and...
Tourism Minister Welcomes Invitation to Teshie Homowo Festival
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has welcomed an invitation to participate in selected activities of this year’s Teshie Homowo Festival, reaffirming government’s commitment to promoting Ghana’s festivals and cultural heritage. The Minister expressed her willingness to join the celebrations, subject to her official schedule, and encouraged organisers to work through the appropriate channels when seeking institutional support. She further offered to provide a letter to assist organisers in engaging potential private‑sector partners, emphasising the importance of collaboration among government, traditional authorities, local assemblies, and the private sector in developing festivals into vibrant tourism...
Pakistan Envoy Calls on Speaker Bagbin, Strengthens Parliamentary Cooperation
The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Ghana, H.E. Naheeb Durrani, has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to deepen the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key sectors, including culture, food security, and health. The High Commissioner extended a formal invitation to the Speaker, Members of Parliament, and the Pakistan Friendship Association to visit Pakistan, underscoring the mutual desire to foster closer people‑to‑people connections. In his welcoming remarks, Speaker Bagbin traced the rich history of parliamentary relations between Ghana and Pakistan,...
GoldBod CEO Highlights ASM Gold’s Impact on Ghana’s Economy
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, Esq, has underscored the transformative role of artisanal and small‑scale mining (ASM) in stabilizing Ghana’s economy and strengthening the local currency. Speaking on the Board’s performance, Mr. Gyamfi revealed that ASM gold alone generated over US$10.8 billion in foreign exchange earnings, enabling the Bank of Ghana to intermediate about US$10.6 billion into the market. “That helped the Bank of Ghana intermediate about $10.6 billion for the market, the cedi appreciated by over 41%, and reserves rose from $8.9 billion to $13.8 billion by December 2025,” he stated. According...
Russian Envoy Calls on Speaker Bagbin, Extends Invitation to Russian‑African Summit
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Ghana, H.E. Andrei Eduardovich Ordash, has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen parliamentary cooperation. During the meeting, Ambassador Ordash extended an invitation to the Speaker and Members of Parliament to attend the upcoming 3rd Russian‑African Summit, emphasizing its vast opportunities for Africa in bilateral trade, development cooperation, and the sharing of new technologies. He noted that Ghana’s parliamentary participation would add a valuable dimension to the summit’s deliberations. Discussions also touched on key areas of...