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Throwback Thursday: What Kids Today Would Never Understand

By
Ivy Hollys
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throwback thursday
Friendship on a elementary age students group

Today on The Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong, the Throwback Thursday discussion took listeners on a nostalgic ride as guests Mark, Rhodalin, Kofi, and Nelly talked about what kids today would never understand. From old-school parenting to life before social media, the conversation was filled with laughter, strong opinions, and moments of deep reflection.

The issue of fathers quickly became the hot topic. Rhodalin shared how, in many homes, children had to leave the living room the moment their fathers entered, all in the name of “respect.”

“You could be watching your favorite show,” she said, “but as soon as Daddy steps in, everyone disappears.”

Mark disagreed, saying it doesn’t make sense for children to fear their fathers.

“You should be able to talk to him freely,” he said.

Kofi supported that view, adding that fathers should focus on making their children disciplined instead of fearful. “A father’s job is to guide, not intimidate,” he said.

Nelly also noted that such strictness often made children too scared to share their problems at home.

Listeners on Orange FM’s WhatsApp line joined in with their memories and observations. One message read, “Children today will never understand why some mothers used to cover up for their husbands’ mistakes and even their cheating, all in the name of keeping the family together.”

DJ Zee added that children today will also never understand what it was like to live without social media validation. “Back then, friendship and love existed without likes and followers,” she said.

The debate got so lively that it was never truly concluded. Voices overlapped, laughter filled the studio, and Adwoa had to step in to take a quick break. The topic might make a comeback in another episode.

Ashanti, Greater Accra Reach Semifinals of MTN Elite U-19 Championship

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ashanti Region and Greater Accra Region have booked their spots in the semifinals of the maiden MTN Elite U-19 Championship, joining Eastern and Brong Ahafo Regions in the last four.

Eastern Region kicked off their campaign with a commanding 5–2 victory over Upper West, followed by a win against Western Region. They later edged Brong Ahafo 1–0 to secure top position in Group A, despite a final-day loss to Northern Region.

Brong Ahafo advanced from the same group after recording wins against Northern, Upper East, and Western Regions.

In Group B, Ashanti Region emerged top with 10 points, sealing their position after defeating Greater Accra in their last group fixture. They had earlier claimed two wins and lost only once on penalties to Central Region.

Greater Accra also impressed, beating Upper East 4–0 in their opener and securing another 4–0 triumph over Volta Region before falling to Ashanti in their final match. Their performances earned them the second qualifying spot from Group B.

The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, October 31, with Greater Accra facing Eastern Region at 14:00 GMT, followed by Ashanti versus Brong Ahafo at 16:00 GMT.

Asokwa Residents Decry Weekend Water Shortages

By
Ivy Hollys
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Water shortages

Residents of Asokwa in Kumasi are expressing growing frustration over persistent water shortages that occur every weekend, disrupting household routines and local businesses.

Many residents report that their taps run dry every Friday evening and only begin to flow again late on Sunday or early Monday morning. The repeated pattern has forced families to store water in advance or buy from private tankers at high prices.

“This happens every weekend without fail,” said Mrs. Coleman, a landlady in Asokwa. “We have to ration water from Friday because we know it will not flow until Monday. It makes life very difficult, especially for families with children.”

Another resident said they depend on stored water from buckets throughout the weekend. “Without the reserved water, we wouldn’t be able to cook, clean, or even bathe,” she added.

Business owners in the area, including restaurant operators and laundry service providers, say the irregular water supply has disrupted operations and increased their costs.

A laundry attendant noted that the shortage makes it difficult to wash customers’ clothes on time. “Sometimes, customers get upset because I can’t finish their work as promised,” he said.

A food vendor also shared that he has to buy extra water every day, which significantly increases his operational costs. “It’s becoming expensive to run the business, but we can’t do without water,” he lamented.

The Asokwa Municipal Assembly has urged residents to conserve water, especially ahead of weekends, while calling on the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to implement long-term measures to address the problem.

As the situation persists, residents are appealing for swift and lasting action to end the cycle of weekend water shortages and restore consistent water supply across Asokwa.

Five More Arrested Over $102M Louvre Jewel Heist

By
Ivy Hollys
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louvre

French authorities have arrested five additional suspects in connection with the daring theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that one of the newly arrested suspects is believed to be part of the four man gang that carried out the October 19 heist. Police have now apprehended three of the four suspected thieves who disguised themselves as construction workers to steal priceless Napoleonic era artifacts.

The jewels, valued at more than 100 million dollars, remain missing. Investigators believe the treasures, including an emerald necklace set with over 1,000 diamonds gifted by Napoleon Bonaparte to his second wife, may have been dismantled for their raw materials.

The latest arrests were made Wednesday night in Paris and Seine Saint Denis, following an 11 day manhunt. The first two suspects were detained last weekend, one of them allegedly trying to flee to Algeria from Charles de Gaulle Airport.

According to prosecutors, both men, aged 34 and 39, have partially admitted their involvement. DNA evidence linked them to a broken display case and one of the scooters used in the escape.

The heist has drawn global attention and sparked criticism of security lapses at the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum. Museum director Laurence des Cars told French senators that no surveillance cameras were installed on the second floor balcony where the thieves broke in using an angle grinder.

Police say the investigation is ongoing as they continue to track down the fourth suspect and recover the stolen treasures.

SSNIT Boss Assures Contributors of Financial Strength

By
Ivy Hollys
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SSNIT Boss

Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwesi Afreh Biney, has assured contributors and pensioners that the Trust remains financially strong and capable of meeting its obligations despite past challenges.

Mr. Biney said the institution has used past hurdles as opportunities to improve its operations and strengthen its sustainability.

He highlighted SSNIT’s consistent record of paying pensions since its establishment in 1965. “The institution remains strong. There were challenges, but there were opportunities in there. I inherited both challenges and positives, and we worked together to define a strategy for the future,” he said.

According to Mr. Biney, SSNIT has paid pensions without interruption for nearly six decades. “In 1965, there were only three pensioners. Today, we pay over 257,000 pensioners every month,” he added.

He disclosed that the Trust had disbursed more than GH¢5 billion in pension payments so far this year, reflecting its financial capacity and commitment to contributors. “This year alone, we paid in excess of five billion cedis in pensions. The trust will continue to evolve, become stronger, and put in systems to ensure that we never fail,” he stated.

Mr. Biney also explained that SSNIT operates a defined benefit scheme backed by government guarantees, ensuring contributors’ pensions remain secure. “This is a defined benefit scheme, so it’s one that we have to pay. The government guarantees it. There’s nothing like the trust failing and putting pensions in jeopardy,” he emphasized.

Mahama Warns AI Could Deepen Global Misinformation Crisis

By
Ivy Hollys
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John mahama on reparations at the UN

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could intensify global misinformation if not managed responsibly and transparently.

Speaking at the International Conference on Information Integrity in Paris, President Mahama said emerging AI tools such as deepfakes and algorithmic manipulation are distorting public perception and reshaping global narratives, making it harder for people to distinguish truth from falsehood.

“While AI offers immense opportunities for innovation, it also amplifies the risk of misinformation and economic disruption,” he said. “Deepfakes, synthetic media, and algorithmic manipulation are reshaping what our societies perceive to be the truth.”

He urged nations to act collectively to ensure AI serves humanity’s interests, warning that misinformation must be treated with the same urgency as security and economic challenges.

“Disinformation is shaping elections, distorting public health responses, fueling conflicts, and undermining the fight against climate change,” he noted.

President Mahama also called for deliberate investment in independent journalism, describing it as a public good vital to democracy and peace.

“When journalists can hold their governments accountable, societies flourish. When truth is defended, peace is preserved,” he emphasized.

He concluded by urging global cooperation to safeguard truth and integrity in the digital age, stressing that the world must “invest in truth as deliberately as it invests in infrastructure, energy, or defense.”

Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added: “A critical, independent, and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy.”

Ghana Becomes First African Country to Support Global Media Fund

By
Ivy Hollys
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Global media fund

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana is the first African country to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). He said the move shows Ghana’s strong belief in the importance of independent journalism and credible information.

Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media in Paris on October 29, 2025, President Mahama said “independent journalism and reliable information are indispensable public goods.”

He called on world leaders to take real action to protect the global information space. “The time has come for all of us to turn our shared ideals into action to support public interest media and defend the truth. Together, we must win the global fight against misinformation and disinformation,” he said.

President Mahama also announced Ghana’s decision to join the Partnership for Information and Democracy, a global initiative that promotes transparency, accountability, and open governance. He said Ghana’s membership has been formally communicated through diplomatic channels, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

“Our decision sends a clear message to the world Ghana stands firm in advancing freedom and good governance,” he added.

At the conference, President Mahama joined French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders to endorse the Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media.

The declaration renewed global commitments to fund the IFPIM, with a goal of raising €130 million between 2026 and 2028 to support independent journalism worldwide. It also created a Consultative Committee to improve coordination between governments, civil society, and the Forum for Information and Democracy.

President Mahama said the Paris outcomes showed a shared global understanding that defending truth requires collective and continuous effort that goes beyond national borders.

Bagbin Warns Absentee MPs of Sanctions for Skipping Parliamentary Sittings

By
Ivy Hollys
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Alan Bagbin at the Parliament

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has expressed deep frustration over the persistent absenteeism of some Members of Parliament (MPs), warning that disciplinary actions will soon be taken against those who fail to attend sittings.

Addressing the House on Wednesday, Mr. Bagbin revealed that he had received attendance reports for the first and second meetings of Parliament but chose not to publish them, hoping the situation would improve.

“It looks like that was a catastrophic mistake I made,” he admitted. “I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee.”

The Speaker said he has now directed parliamentary clerks to strictly record attendance for the current meeting to ensure accountability. He cautioned that MPs who continue to absent themselves without permission risk losing their seats under Parliament’s standing orders.

“I have given directives to the clerks at the table to take the records for this meeting. We will be taking action to compel members to sit or to be considered to have vacated their seats,” Mr. Bagbin stated.

Fritz Baffour Recalls Rawlings as Fearless Defender from Childhood

By
Ivy Hollys
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Fritz Baffour

Former Minister of Information, Fritz Baffour, has shared a touching childhood memory of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, describing him as a fearless and fair young boy who stood up to bullies.

Mr. Baffour recounted how he, Mr. Rawlings, and the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, all attended the same early childhood school in Accra then known as Mrs. Sam’s School, later renamed New Nation.

“There was a school set up by a lady called Mrs. Adu Sam. It was called Mrs. Sam’s; later it became New Nation, and it attracted many elite Ghanaians. Nana Konadu went there and Jerry Rawlings was there… I was in that school. I went there about three years old. Rawlings was one year older than her,” he said.

According to Mr. Baffour, Rawlings was already known among his classmates for his courage and sense of justice.

“We all knew each other. I spent two years there, and we heard of Jerry John who, when anyone was bullied, they would say, ‘Go and call Jerry John.’ So at that age, he was already fighting bullies. This is the truth,” Mr. Baffour recalled.

The late former President Jerry John Rawlings, who led Ghana from 1981 to 2001, is remembered as one of the country’s most influential and controversial leaders. His bold leadership style, anti-corruption drive, and reforms continue to shape Ghana’s political history.

Mr. Baffour’s tribute came as part of a broader reflection on the life and legacy of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who passed away recently, marking the end of a historic political partnership that began long before their rise to national prominence.

US and South Korea Reach Broad Trade Deal

By
Ivy Hollys
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Getty Images

The United States and South Korea have reached a broad trade agreement following talks between their leaders in Gyeongju, both governments confirmed on Wednesday.

South Korea’s presidential aide, Kim Yong-beom, said the two sides agreed to maintain reciprocal tariffs at 15% but will reduce taxes on cars and car parts. He added that South Korea will invest $350 billion in the US, including $200 billion in cash and $150 billion in shipbuilding.

US President Donald Trump, who is on a week-long Asia tour, said the deal was “pretty much finalised” after nearly two hours of discussions with President Lee Jae Myung. “We had a tremendous meeting today with South Korea,” Trump said, adding that “a lot was determined.”

The agreement follows months of tension after Washington imposed a 25% tariff on Seoul earlier this year, later reduced to 15% after South Korea pledged major investments and LNG purchases.

Ties between the two allies had also been strained by a recent US immigration raid that saw hundreds of South Koreans detained.

Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Busan, on the sidelines of the Apec Summit. “We’re going to have something very satisfactory to China and to us,” Trump told reporters.

During his visit, Trump received South Korea’s highest honor, the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, and a golden crown “for his contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

His trip comes amid renewed North Korean missile tests and protests in Seoul. Earlier in Japan, Trump signed an agreement on rare earth minerals and reaffirmed a “golden age” of US-Japan relations.

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