Ghana and the United Kingdom have begun steps to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced.
The announcement followed a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg. During the meeting, both sides reviewed what the Minister described as increasingly buoyant relations and aligned priority areas for cooperation ahead of 2026, in line with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the Minister, discussions focused on expanding collaboration across key sectors, including security, trade, job creation, health, education, governance, and constitutional review.
He further highlighted Ghana’s interest in a government-to-government framework aimed at improving the protection and working conditions of Ghanaian health professionals currently working, or seeking to work, in the United Kingdom.
The Minister also advocated for Ghanaian students and professionals to be exempted from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and its associated fees, noting that English has long been Ghana’s medium of instruction.
Expressing optimism about the partnership, the Minister said it would deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for both countries.
Kade, Eastern Region – Five individuals accused of brutally assaulting Michael Quayson, a teacher at Kade Senior High Technical School, appeared before the Kade District Court today.
The suspects, who were arrested on January 5, 2026, pleaded guilty to the charges. Four of the accused, all above 18 years of age, were remanded into prison custody, while the 17-year-old juvenile suspect was remanded into police custody. They are scheduled to reappear in court on January 20, 2026.
The attack occurred on October 5, 2025, when Mr. Quayson was reportedly assaulted by a group of students after enforcing strict supervision during examinations. A video of the incident quickly circulated online, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all individuals involved will face the full force of the law.
The quarter-final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins on Friday, January 9, 2026, with eight teams battling for places in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The action on January 9 will see Mali take on Senegal at 4:00 pm, followed by a highly anticipated clash between Cameroon and Morocco at 7:00 pm.
The quarter-final matches will continue on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with Algeria facing Nigeria at 4:00 pm, before the defending champions Ivory Coast lock horns with Egypt at 7:00 pm.
The last-eight line-up features a mix of former champions and strong contenders, underlining the quality and competitiveness of this year’s competition.
Football analysts believe the matches will be closely fought, with fine margins likely to separate the teams as the tournament moves into its decisive phase.
Fans across the continent are expected to follow the games closely as the race for the AFCON trophy heats up.
The winners of the quarter-final matches will advance to the semi-finals of the competition.
His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has spoken highly of the strong and long-standing relationship between traditional leaders and the Ghana Police Service, describing his visit to the National Police Headquarters as historic and very humbling.
Speaking at the Headquarters, the Asantehene said that even though he has worked closely with the Police Service for many years, this was the first time he was visiting what he called the engine room and heartbeat of the institution.
Otumfuo explained that the visit was made possible through the kind invitation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and he expressed his sincere appreciation for the gesture.
He thanked the Police Service for the warm welcome given to him and his entourage and said he was particularly impressed by the beautiful parade mounted by female police officers.
In a light moment that drew laughter, Otumfuo jokingly said he wished he had come in a police uniform and even appealed to the IGP to get him one for a future visit.
The Asantehene was quick to add that the honour shown to him was not for him alone but for traditional rulers across the country, whom he described as the custodians of Ghana’s culture and values.
He said he was happy to be accompanied by members of the Ashanti Traditional Council and other traditional leaders, adding that they all share in the respect and goodwill shown by the Police Service.
Otumfuo also praised the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, saying it was encouraging to see the entire top command present at the event.
According to him, their presence reflects over 100 years of dedicated service to the nation.
He further expressed joy at seeing former Inspectors-General of Police at the ceremony, recalling his interactions with them and welcoming their presence.
Otumfuo concluded by saying the visit shows the strong partnership between traditional authority and the Ghana Police Service in the shared effort to promote peace, security and national development.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has praised the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his massive contribution to national development, humanitarian work, and the promotion of Ghanaian culture across the world.
The IGP made these remarks during the historic visit of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to the National Police Headquarters in Accra. He described the Asantehene’s support for the Ghana Police Service as fatherly and exemplary.
According to Mr. Yohuno, Otumfuo’s influence goes beyond peace and security. He said the Asantehene has positively impacted the lives of many vulnerable people across the country through education, culture, and social support programmes.
He mentioned the Otumfuo Education Fund, which has helped thousands of brilliant but needy students from different parts of Ghana to further their education.
The IGP also commended Otumfuo’s role as Chancellor of KNUST, saying he has successfully brought together tradition and modern education.
He explained that Otumfuo has made sure Ghana’s culture continues to thrive alongside innovation, research, and academic excellence, especially in areas related to culture, the diaspora, and global relations.
Mr. Yohuno described Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as a global symbol of African culture, whose influence is felt far beyond Ghana.
He pointed to initiatives like the Manhyia Palace Museum and Otumfuo’s engagement with Africans in the diaspora as key efforts that have helped project Asante and Ghanaian culture onto the world stage.
“These efforts have boosted Ghana’s image, strengthened diaspora relations, promoted tourism and made our culture relevant globally,” the IGP said.
The IGP added that Otumfuo’s visit to the Police Headquarters was a big moment for the Ghana Police Service and one the entire nation holds in high regard.
He reaffirmed the Police Service’s appreciation of Otumfuo’s leadership, noting that the visit shows the strong partnership between traditional leaders and state institutions in promoting unity, peace, and national development.
Black Stars defender Mohammed Salisu has suffered a major setback after picking up a serious ACL injury, ruling him out for the rest of the season and putting his 2026 World Cup hopes in serious doubt.
The AS Monaco centre-back sustained the injury during his side’s 3–1 loss to Olympique Lyon on Sunday. Medical reports indicate that Salisu will undergo surgery, followed by a long period of rehabilitation.
This development comes as a huge blow to both AS Monaco and the Black Stars, with the defender expected to be sidelined for several months. The seriousness of the injury has raised concerns over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as his return will depend largely on how well his recovery goes.
Salisu has been one of Ghana’s most dependable defenders in recent years, admired for his strength, calmness on the ball and commanding presence at the heart of defence. His absence will be deeply felt, especially as the Black Stars continue preparations for crucial international fixtures.
Ghanaians will now be hoping for a smooth recovery for the defender, with further updates on his condition expected in the coming weeks.
Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprises remain central to employment creation and local economic activity, yet many continue to face capability gaps that limit their ability to scale sustainably. Addressing this challenge was the focus of the 2025 Mini-MBA Programme, delivered through a partnership between MTN Ghana, Absa Bank Ghana and NOVA Business School Africa.
The programme supported 50 SME owners through a structured business development journey combining academic rigour with practical application. Participants were drawn from diverse sectors, including retail, manufacturing, health, food services and professional services, with several belonging to Absa’s SheBusiness portfolio.
A partnership built to close capability gaps
The Mini-MBA followed a blended learning model that combined in-person lectures, virtual masterclasses, leadership sessions, coaching clinics and a final capstone project. The curriculum covered core business competencies such as business model innovation, digital productivity, finance, compliance, sustainability and digital marketing.
Beyond formal instruction, the programme created space for entrepreneurs to test ideas, strengthen decision-making and learn from peers facing similar operating realities.
Commenting on the initiative, Audrey Abakah, Director for SME and Partnerships at Absa Bank Ghana LTD, said, “At Absa, we have learned that finance is not the only important part of what an enterprise needs to grow. Capability matters just as much. This Mini-MBA reflects what is possible when strong partners combine practical learning with real business realities.”
MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, emphasised the broader impact of the programme:
“The entrepreneurs are employing people, generating revenue which is transformative, and we are proud to be part of their journey. MTN’s mandate under financial and digital inclusion is to ensure nobody is left behind.”
Building capability within a broader SME strategy
The Mini-MBA forms part of Absa Bank Ghana’s wider approach to supporting MSMEs through a combination of finance, skills development and partnerships. In the first half of 2025, the bank supported more than 1,300 MSMEs nationwide. SME loan disbursements reached GHS 293 million, alongside GHS 351 million in agribusiness financing. Through initiatives such as the SME@10% programme, delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Absa continues to expand access to finance for women-led businesses, youth enterprises, agribusinesses and digital-first firms.
MTN Ghana’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku
SheBusiness, Absa’s women’s banking proposition, remains an important part of this ecosystem, offering access to finance, capacity building, networks and business tools. Several SheBusiness clients were among this year’s graduating cohort.
NOVA Business School Africa, which provided academic oversight, will continue to support graduates through post-programme engagement and targeted coaching to ensure that learning outcomes translate into tangible business improvements.
MTN Ghana complemented these interventions by introducing the SME Rapid Growth Programme (SRGP) which is the three-month blended learning initiative designed to accelerate business growth for high-value MSME customers. Looking ahead, beneficiaries from the programme are expected to embed improved governance, stronger financial discipline and clearer strategic decision-making within their businesses as they move forward.
By bringing together a telecommunications provider, a financial institution and an academic partner, the Mini-MBA demonstrates how private-sector collaboration can move beyond access to finance to address the deeper capability challenges facing SMEs.
Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Rúben Amorim following a disappointing run of results that left the club struggling in both domestic and European competitions.
The decision was confirmed on Monday after an emergency meeting of the club’s board, with United citing the need for “immediate change” as performances continued to fall below expectations.
Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches, failed to stabilise the team despite significant backing and high hopes from fans. A series of inconsistent displays, defensive lapses and dropped points proved costly, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
Sources close to the club indicate that Manchester United will pay a compensation package reportedly worth £12 million to terminate the Portuguese coach’s contract.
The sacking has sparked mixed reactions among football fans in Ghana, with many questioning the club’s long-term direction and frequent managerial changes. Ghanaian supporters of the Red Devils have taken to social media to express frustration over the club’s continued struggles since the post–Sir Alex Ferguson era.
United have announced that an interim manager will take charge while the club begins the search for a permanent replacement ahead of the next phase of the season.
Amorim departs Old Trafford having overseen a turbulent spell that fell short of expectations, as Manchester United once again turn to the drawing board in search of stability and success.
President John Dramani Mahama on Monday officially received the final report of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh.
Following the presentation, the President directed that the report be published immediately to allow public access and engagement. The move forms part of government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive constitutional reform.
The CRC report contains comprehensive recommendations aimed at reviewing and strengthening Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, following extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.
The document is now publicly available and can be accessed and downloaded by members of the public via the link below:
The Constitution Review process is expected to guide future reforms and inform national dialogue on governance, accountability, and democratic development.
The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested 132 suspects and recovered several items, including motorcycles, following a series of special swoops and motor traffic operations across Accra.
At a press conference on December 23, the Regional Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, stated, “The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a total of 132 suspects and retrieved various exhibits, including narcotics, suspected stolen items, and motorcycles, during special swoop and motor operations conducted across multiple jurisdictions in the metropolis. These efforts form part of our sustained drive to combat crime this Christmas and beyond.”
She detailed some of the operations, noting that on Thursday, December 18, police from the Kotobabi District under the Nima Division carried out a swoop at Alojo near Merciful Hotel Annex, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.
Another operation occurred on Sunday, December 21, led by the Railways District Command of the Accra Central Division, targeting identified criminal hideouts and resulting in 15 arrests.
Superintendent Obeng added that a motor traffic operation on Friday, December 19, in East Legon and the Airport Division, led to the seizure of 36 motorcycles. Riders committing minor offences were issued warning letters, while others are being processed for court. Similar operations were carried out in other parts of the metropolis.
“All suspects arrested are currently undergoing screening. Those found culpable will be presented in court, while individuals not linked to criminal activity will be released,” she said.
The recovered items have been retained and, where necessary, forwarded to the Police Forensic Laboratory for analysis.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, Superintendent Obeng urged the public to support police efforts. “The command encourages citizens to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to help keep Accra safe,” she added.
