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Iran FIFA world cup 2026 participation in doubt amid middle east conflict

By
Ivy Hollys
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fifa world cup 2026

With just a few more months to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, uncertainty is growing over whether Iran will participate in the global tournament amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The competition, organized by FIFA, is set to take place across North America, including the United States, a nation currently involved in heightened conflict with Iran.

Recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel have intensified the crisis, raising questions about Iran’s involvement in the tournament.

Iran is scheduled to play its opening group stage match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. However, comments from the president of Iran’s football federation suggest participation may not be guaranteed.

According to reports, the federation’s leadership has indicated that the ongoing attacks have made it difficult to look ahead to the World Cup with optimism.

The reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has further complicated the situation, creating uncertainty over who would make a final decision on whether Iran will boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kwesi Botchwey Jnr Files RTI Requests Over President Mahama’s SONA Statements

By
Ivy Hollys
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kwesi botchwey

Private legal practitioner Kwesi Botchwey Jnr. has filed Right to Information (RTI) requests at the Economic and Organized Crime Office and the Ghana Statistical Service over claims made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2026 State of the Nation Address.

In a Facebook post dated March 2, 2026, the lawyer disclosed that his petition to EOCO relates to the president’s statement that the anti-corruption agency investigated 462 cases and recovered more than GH¢600 million as of December 2025.

Mr. Botchwey is requesting detailed information on the specific cases from which the GH¢600 million was recovered, the individuals involved, the nature of the cases, their suit numbers, the dates of recovery, and the bank accounts into which the funds were deposited.

In a separate RTI application to the Ghana Statistical Service, Kwesi Botchwey is seeking a breakdown of the one million jobs President Mahama claimed were created between the first and third quarters of 2025.

The lawyer has asked for clarity on how many of the reported jobs were created in the private sector and how many were generated in the public sector. He is also requesting details of the institutions—both public and private—credited with creating the jobs.

President Mahama, during his address to Parliament on February 27, 2026, cited data from the Ghana Statistical Service to support his claim that one million people gained employment within the stated period.

Police Assure Tight Security for Ayawaso East Parliamentary re-run

By
Ivy Hollys
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ayawaso east re-run 2026

The Ghana Police Service has assured residents of maximum security ahead of the Ayawaso East parliamentary re-run election scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Accra Regional Police Command on March 2, the police confirmed the deployment of adequate personnel to all designated polling stations and key locations within the Ayawaso East Constituency. According to the Command, officers will maintain a strong and visible presence before, during, and after voting to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

The police also announced intensified patrols across the constituency to prevent any disturbances that could disrupt the re-run election.

Residents and political party supporters have been cautioned against engaging in acts that may undermine the integrity of the Ayawaso East parliamentary re-run. The Command emphasized that anyone found violating electoral laws will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, certified international election observer Koku Anyidoho has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election so far.

Speaking from a polling station in the constituency on election day, he commended the Electoral Commission of Ghana for the timely deployment of election materials and personnel. He noted that polling stations were set up in line with internationally accepted standards.

The Ayawaso East parliamentary re-run is being closely monitored amid heightened political interest, with security agencies promising to ensure calm throughout the exercise.

Global crude surge threathens fuel price hike in Ghana

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Fuel prices are expected to surge in the coming weeks as global oil prices hike as a result of the attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major shipping lane that carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East have contributed to the price spike. Iran has intensified strikes across the region in response to ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel. The tensions and uncertainty have hit the energy sector, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. Two vessels were hit by unknown projectiles, causing fires, while another projectile reportedly exploded very close to a third vessel. Authorities say the crew members are safe.

Iran has sternly cautioned ships to avoid passing through the strait, prompting many vessels to anchor in nearby waters rather than risk transit. According to analysts, shipping activity at the strait’s entrance has slowed significantly due to security concerns and rising insurance costs.

Sustained increases in crude prices could translate into higher pump prices, increased transport fares, and upward pressure on food and commodity prices for Ghana.

Energy analysts have said that markets have not yet gone into full panic mode because major oil production and transport infrastructure have not been directly targeted. However, they warn that if the war drags on and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, prices could surge beyond $100 per barrel.

Globally, companies like the OPEC+ group — which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed on Sunday to increase output by 206,000 barrels per day as part of efforts to stabilise the market. Some experts, however, have expressed concerns about the sustainability of this if the conflict should last longer than expected.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says three tankers linked to the UK and US had been struck by missiles and were burning. Neither country has officially confirmed the claim.

The UKMTO has reported multiple security incidents across the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and has advised vessels to transit with caution.

Ship-tracking data indicates that more than 150 tankers have dropped anchor in open Gulf waters rather than attempt to pass through the strait. Analysts warn that if the waterway remains effectively closed for an extended period, the consequences for global energy markets — and fuel-dependent economies like Ghana — could be significant.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Ashanti Regional Police arrest TikToker for publication of false news

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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suspect

The Ashanti Regional Police Command, has announced the arrest a 45yr old man by name,Isaac Boafo, and popularly referred to as “Duabo King,” for the offence of publication of false news with intent to cause fear and panic.

The Police arrested Isaac Boafo after the he accused four police officers stationed at the Central Police Station, Kumasi of engaging in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrol duties at Asafo, Kumsai in a viral video circulated on TikTok.

Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended the suspect to justify his allegations and revealed that during interrogations, Isaac Boafo admitted to publishing the video and stated that he is a social media content creator who made the allegations solely to attract views and online engagement. He also admitted that he had no evidence to back the claims made against the officers.

“The suspect also acknowledged making comments concerning the President of the Republic for the purpose of content creation and admitted that he could not defend those statements.

“He has since been formally charged and detained to assist with further investigations”, the statement read.

The Police cautioned the public against the publication and circulation of false information, particularly on social media.

“The Police wish to caution the public against the publication and circulation of false information, particularly on social media, as such acts have the potential to cause unnecessary fear, panic, and reputational damage. Persons found engaging in such conduct will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” The Police statement said.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Baba Jamal to win Ayawaso East by-election win 75%

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Baba Jamal

Global InfoAnalytics has predicted a strong win for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Baba Jamal, in the Ayawaso East by-election scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in its latest survey.

According to Global InfoAnalytics, the poll was conducted between February 28 and March 1 and sampled 972 voters within the constituency.

The polls projected Baba Jamal to win with a massive 75% while his closest rival, Baba Ali of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is expected to trail behind with a total of 21% of the votes.

Independent contender Umaru Sanda Muhammed, who recently parted ways with the NDC, is estimated to secure about 3 per cent. The remaining aspirants, Ibrahim Iddrisu and David, are each tipped to obtain less than one per cent of the ballots cast, reflecting a race largely dominated by the two main political parties.

This follows the passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, who died in January while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, creating a vacancy in the Ayawaso East Constituency.

Baba Jamal was declared winner in the National Democratic Congress primaries despite controversies surrounding votes buying and his recall as the Ghanaian ambassador to the Republic of Nigeria

By: Janice Opoku Agyemang

Heart failure accounts for a staggering 88% of cardiac admission – GHS

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Dr. Adomako-Boateng

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Fred Adomako-Boateng, has revealed that heart failure has become a common reality in hospitals. 

Speaking at the 8th Annual General Scientific Meeting of The Ghanaian Society of Cardiology, the health director revealed that the average age of a heart failure patient in Ghana is 50 years, which is nearly a decade younger than their Western counterparts. 

He cautioned that the situation is critical because it poses a threat to the Ghanaian workforce and brings unprecedented household burdens to several families.

He added that data from the Sub-Saharan African region shows that hypertension is the predominant driver of heart failure, contributing to nearly 40-50% of heart failure cases

Dr Adomako-Boateng also said in specialised facilities like KATH, heart failure accounts for a staggering 88% of cardiac admissions. 

At the event, he stressed the need to increase awareness, educate more people, and implement policies that are suited to Ghanaian culture and people.

The Ashanti Regional Health Service director also pointed out the lack of resources, such as echo and specific lab tests, in many district health facilities, as well as the economic difficulties patients face during treatment.

Dr Adomako-Boateng urged policymakers to consider including heart-related diseases in the health insurance policy to absorb some costs and relieve patients.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Education in Ghana: Government Expands Free Sanitary Pads, TVET Centers, and New Universities

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ministry of Education, Ghana
The Ministry of Education, Ghana

Education in Ghana is undergoing sweeping reforms as the government rolls out fresh investments targeting access, infrastructure, skills training, and gender equity across the country.

Speaking during the State of the Nation Address, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to removing barriers that prevent children, especially girls, from staying in school.

One of the key highlights under the education agenda is the continuation of the free sanitary pad initiative for schoolgirls. In 2025 alone, a total of 12.2 million packets of sanitary pads were distributed to girls in public schools nationwide.

For the 2026 financial year, the government has allocated 292.4 million Ghana cedis to sustain the program. The president said the initiative is designed to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among female students, ensuring that no girl’s education is interrupted due to menstrual challenges.

Beyond basic support interventions, the government is also addressing congestion in senior high schools. As part of efforts to ensure parity and expand access, 30 Category C secondary schools will be upgraded to Category B, while 10 Category B schools will be elevated to Category A status. Facilities in existing Category A schools will also be expanded to accommodate more students.

President Mahama further announced that six new regional TVET centers of excellence will be constructed across the country. These centers are expected to equip young people with practical, industry-relevant skills aligned with the demands of the evolving job market.

In addition, the government is reviewing the national curriculum to align with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Future of Education and Skills Framework. The review is aimed at making technical and vocational training more adaptive and resilient to global changes.

At the tertiary level, the government has entered international partnerships to establish two new public universities—one in the Bono East Region and another in the Oti Region. A grant from China has also been secured to establish a new public university in Damongo in the Savannah Region.

The President further announced plans to establish three new technical universities to strengthen skills development, enhance innovation, and support Ghana’s industrialization drive. Technical universities, he noted, play a critical role in closing the skills gap and reducing youth unemployment through industry-aligned, practice-oriented training.

As part of measures to improve teacher welfare under the broader education reforms, the government is rolling out the Teachers’ Housing Initiative, also known as “Teacher Dabre.” The program is a partnership involving District Assemblies, the GETFund, and other stakeholders, with the goal of building 50,000 housing units for teachers nationwide.

The initiative aims to improve living conditions for teachers, particularly in rural and remote areas, and boost retention while ensuring they can live and work with dignity.

Ghana Basic Education Reform: Government to Build 600 Schools and Introduce AI, Coding in Curriculum

By
Ivy Hollys
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president John Mahama on private sector
President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

Basic education in Ghana is set for a major transformation following President John Dramani Mahama’s latest policy announcement aimed at strengthening the country’s foundation of learning.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address before Parliament, President Mahama described basic education as the most critical entry point in Ghana’s education system. He noted that it is at this level that children acquire foundational literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that determine their academic and professional future.

As part of a broader reform agenda, the government is undertaking a policy shift to rebalance national education investments in favor of basic education. The president said this move reflects the government’s recognition that strong secondary and tertiary outcomes begin with a solid base.

One of the key pillars of the basic education reform is a review of the Standards-Based Curriculum for Kindergarten to Primary Six. The revised curriculum will incorporate robotics, coding, and the responsible integration of generative artificial intelligence.

According to President Mahama, artificial intelligence will be introduced in an age-appropriate and developmentally sensitive manner. The focus will go beyond technical knowledge to include ethical use, digital responsibility, critical thinking, and the promotion of human values within the basic education system.

In addition to curriculum reforms, the government is targeting infrastructure expansion to address the long-standing challenge of schools under trees. For the 2026 financial year, the government has programmed the construction of 200 kindergarten blocks, 200 primary school blocks, and 200 junior high school blocks nationwide.

The president confirmed that adequate budgetary allocation has been made to support these projects, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to strengthening basic education infrastructure across the country.

On the financial front, President Mahama announced that all outstanding capitation grant arrears owed to public basic schools have been fully cleared. In addition, arrears related to BECE registration subsidies due to the West African Examinations Council have been settled.

He further disclosed that legacy debts owed to the examination body from previous years have also been cleared, restoring stability and confidence in the administration of national examinations at the basic education level.

The president emphasized that education for learners with special needs remains a priority under the basic education reform agenda. He described inclusive education as both a moral responsibility and a practical investment in Ghana’s human capital development.

GDP Growth: Ghana Enters Top 10 African Economies as Debt Falls 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Sona 2026: gdp
President John Dramani Mahama

Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth has taken center stage following President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, where he declared that Ghana is once again among the top 10 largest economies in Africa.

Delivering the constitutionally mandated address before Parliament, President Mahama said the country’s economic fundamentals are strengthening, positioning Ghana as open for business and ready for sustained growth.

According to the President, Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product is projected to hit 113 billion dollars in 2025, a sharp rise from 83 billion dollars at the end of 2024. This growth places Ghana among the top 10 African countries with the largest economies, a milestone he described as evidence that the Resetting Ghana Agenda is yielding results.

He reported that the average GDP growth for the first three quarters of 2025 stands at 6.1 percent. The primary surplus reached 2.6 percent of GDP, exceeding the government’s target of 1.5 percent. The fiscal deficit closed at 3.1 percent, below the projected 3.8 percent.

President Mahama noted that these figures reflect what he called disciplined governance. He said the government chose expenditure control over waste and reforms over excuses, tightening commitment systems and conducting a comprehensive audit of 2024 financial commitments to restore credibility to public finances.

The president emphasized that the economic turnaround is already benefiting households and businesses. “We tightened expenditure and commitment controls. We improved payables reporting and conducted a comprehensive audit of 2024 commitments to restore credibility and discipline. Mr. Speaker, these measures have begun to deliver some of the most remarkable economic outcomes in decades,” he said. 

Reflecting on Ghana’s recent challenges, President Mahama described December 19, 2022, as one of the darkest days in the country’s economic history. On that day, Ghana declared its inability to honor debt obligations and placed a moratorium on domestic and foreign debt repayments, triggering a complex restructuring process.

He criticized previous debt arrangements, noting that large repayment obligations had been pushed into the 2025 to 2028 period, creating pressure for the current administration. However, he said decisive action was taken to confront the crisis.

Government interventions included the establishment of sinking funds, restructuring of obligations, and the pursuit of bilateral agreements. As a result, public debt fell by 82.1 billion Ghana cedis, reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio from 61.8 percent to 45.3 percent. The president described this as one of the sharpest debt reductions in Ghana’s history.

He also revealed that on January 2 this year, Ghana settled a 709 million dollar Eurobond ahead of schedule, completing 1.4 billion dollars in debt service initially due in 2025.

As Ghana approaches its 69th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama said the country does so with renewed hope, insisting that sound policy, fiscal discipline, and inclusive growth are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous economy.

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