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Ghana Ranked 6th Globally, 1st in Africa for Largest Gold Deposits

By
Ivy Hollys
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gold
Photo by Zlaťáky.cz:

Ghana has been ranked the 6th country in the world with the largest gold deposits, according to the World Gold Council’s 2025 Gold Demand Trends report. The West African nation also takes the top spot in Africa, boasting gold reserves of 140.6 tonnes.

The report highlights Ghana’s continued dominance as Africa’s leading gold producer, attributing this success to improved investment in the mining sector and stronger regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining. These measures have enhanced production efficiency and sustainability within the industry.

According to data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines, gold contributes roughly 40% of Ghana’s total export earnings, making it a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy. The sector plays a vital role in supporting foreign exchange stability, employment, and infrastructure development.

Globally, China remains the largest gold-producing nation, with 380.2 tonnes, accounting for about 10% of total global output. The Chinese mining industry is led by major state-owned firms such as China National Gold Group and Shandong Gold.

Russia ranks second, producing around 330 tonnes of gold, primarily sourced from Siberia and the Far East regions. Australia, Canada, and the United States follow in 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions, producing 284 tonnes, 202.1 tonnes, and 158.0 tonnes, respectively.

Ghana’s performance underscores its continued importance in the global mining landscape and reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the industry through policy reforms, sustainable mining initiatives, and increased investor confidence.

As gold prices remain strong globally, analysts predict that Ghana’s production levels could rise further in the coming years, solidifying its position as a global gold powerhouse.

Nigeria Rejects US Religious Freedom Designation

By
Ivy Hollys
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Nigeria
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria

Nigeria’s government has rejected its inclusion on the United States’ list of “countries of particular concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom, describing the move as misleading and based on faulty data.

The designation, announced by US President Donald Trump last week, accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from targeted attacks. Trump further claimed he had directed the US Defence Department to prepare for possible “fast” military action if Nigeria did not act to curb such killings.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed the claims as “unwarranted” and said they misrepresented the country’s complex security challenges. “Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian State is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data,” Idris said.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also clarified that the country was battling terrorism, not religious persecution. He added that while Nigeria welcomed support from the United States, such cooperation must respect the country’s sovereignty.

According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made significant progress in combating terrorism since taking office in May 2023. He noted that more than 13,500 militants have been killed, 17,000 suspects arrested, and over 11,200 hostages, including women and children rescued.

Idris emphasized that terrorism in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims alike and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending extremist violence through sustained military operations, regional partnerships, and international cooperation.

Home to over 200 ethnic groups practicing Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions, Nigeria has long been a diverse nation marked by periods of peaceful coexistence and sporadic violence linked to ethnic and resource-based tensions.

Hawa Koomson Feels Vindicated by Kasoa Report

By
Ivy Hollys
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Former Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, says the Interior Minister’s report on the 2024 Kasoa shooting incident has cleared her name. She believes the findings end years of harsh and unfair public criticism.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak presented the report, blaming the Kasoa violence on security lapses and institutional failures. According to him, no individual directed or caused the incident.

The document further stated that Philis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, now the MP for the area, denied any attack on her convoy and confirmed she was not at the scene during the shooting.

In a statement on Thursday, November 6, 2025, Madam Koomson reaffirmed her innocence. She explained that poor coordination among security agencies caused the tragedy, not personal actions or political interference.

“For years, I faced unfair public attacks. People branded me violent and unfit for office through sensational headlines,” she said. “The Interior Minister’s findings have proved my innocence and shown that weak systems, not individuals, caused the violence.”

The former minister described the controversy as one of the hardest moments in her public life. She recalled how unknown persons assaulted her while she monitored polling station reruns in Ablekuma North. That experience, she noted, revealed how false stories can damage reputations and put lives at risk.

Madam Koomson expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones in the violence. She urged the government to implement the minister’s recommendations, which include compensation for victims, better police training, the use of non-lethal crowd control tools, and the withdrawal of the military from election operations.

She also called on politicians, institutions, and the media to stop spreading misinformation and divisive messages. “This moment calls for introspection, justice, and unity not blame,” she said. “Let this truth restore faith in our institutions and strengthen our democracy.”

Sudan Envoy Urges Ghana’s Support for Peace Efforts

By
Ivy Hollys
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Peace

The Sudanese Ambassador to Ghana, Gariballa Khidir Ali, has appealed to Ghana to help restore peace and stability in Sudan as the conflict in his country continues.

He made the call during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The ambassador praised Ghana for its strong democratic values and record of promoting peace across Africa.

According to him, Ghana has earned trust as a reliable ally in difficult times. “We are open to African-led initiatives and solutions, and we believe Ghana can play a key role,” he said. He added that with unity among African nations, Sudan could recover from its challenges and rebuild a stable society.

In response, Speaker Bagbin thanked the Sudanese delegation for their confidence in Ghana’s leadership. He reaffirmed Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Sudan and stressed the importance of regional peace.

“Sudan is a key partner in Africa’s growth, and instability there affects the whole continent,” he said. “Lasting peace will require a united African effort.”

Furthermore, he pledged Ghana’s continued support for Sudan through peacebuilding, technical cooperation, and parliamentary diplomacy. He said such efforts would help promote unity and lasting stability across the continent.

Asantehene Warns New Police Chief to Avoid Land and Chieftaincy Disputes

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, to stay away from chieftaincy and land-related disputes in the region.

He said such matters are beyond the Police Service’s mandate and fall under his authority as the traditional ruler of Asanteman.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu advised that any chief who approaches the Police Commander with land issues should be referred to the Manhyia Palace for resolution. He also directed the commander to report any ongoing land dispute immediately to him for appropriate action.

The Asantehene urged DCOP Akoto to focus on improving security across the region by tackling theft, robbery, and other social vices. He said maintaining peace and order remains key to the region’s development.

Otumfuo gave the advice when the new Police Commander paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

The outgoing Regional Police Commander, COP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his guidance and support during his tenure. He also introduced his successor, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto, to the King.

The delegation accompanying the outgoing commander included CP Francis Kouame Somian, Deputy Regional Commander; Chief Superintendent Frederick Hammond, Manhyia Divisional Commander; and DSP Godwin Ahianyo, Ashanti Regional Police PRO.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s Youngest Mayor

By
Ivy Hollys
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new york
Zohran Mamdani, pictured by Yuki Iwamura

Zohran Kwame Mamdani has won New York City’s mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a landmark election that has reshaped the US political landscape. At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest person in more than a century to lead America’s largest city and the first South Asian and Muslim mayor in New York’s history.

Running as a Democrat and self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani campaigned on affordability and social reform, promising expanded public housing, universal child care, and higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. His victory over Cuomo, who ran as an independent, marks a dramatic generational and ideological shift within the Democratic Party.

In his victory speech, Mamdani declared, “We have toppled a political dynasty. The future is in our hands.” He pledged to create a government that works “for everyone” and to prioritize the needs of working-class New Yorkers.

According to projections from CBS News, Mamdani secured 50.3% of the vote, while Cuomo earned 41.6%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailed with just over 7% before conceding.

National attention on Mamdani’s campaign grew after President Donald Trump criticized his policies, labeling him a communist, a claim Mamdani rejected. Trump also threatened to withhold federal funds from New York if Mamdani won.

Beyond New York, Democrats celebrated major wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and California, signaling momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Still, challenges await Mamdani as he faces questions about how he will fund his ambitious social agenda and navigate tensions with a Republican-led Congress.

For now, his victory stands as a defining moment for progressive politics and the next generation of leadership in New York City.

KNUST Dominate 28th GUSA Cross Country and Minor Games

By
Ivy Hollys
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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has emerged as the overall winner of the 28th Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) Cross Country and 2nd Minor Games held at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya.

The week-long competition, which ran from October 27 to November 1, 2025, brought together 16 public universities under the theme “Harnessing the Lesser-Known Sports: The Key to Developing the 21st Century Sportsman.”

KNUST dominated across several disciplines, winning gold medals in Chess, Scrabble, and Tug of War, affirming their superiority in both physical and mental sports.

In the 10km Cross Country Mixed Relay, KNUST maintained a commanding lead from start to finish, ahead of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and the University for Development Studies (UDS), who placed second and third respectively.

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) took gold in Ampe, followed by C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) with silver and host institution UESD with bronze.

KNUST also claimed gold in both men’s and women’s Chess, while University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and University of Cape Coast (UCC) won silver in their respective divisions. GIMPA and GCTU earned bronze medals.

The Tug of War event saw KNUST clinch another gold, with University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and UDS finishing second and third. In Scrabble, KNUST swept gold in both categories, ahead of UESD, GCTU, UCC, and GIMPA.

The results reaffirm KNUST’s dominance in university sports, reflecting a balanced pursuit of academic excellence and athletic distinction.

Mfantsipim, Opoku Ware, and St. Augustine’s Set for NSMQ 2025 Grand Finale

By
Ivy Hollys
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nsmq
PHOTO CREDIT: myjoyonline

The countdown is on for the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) Grand Finale, and anticipation is at an all-time high. Set for Thursday, November 6, at the SGS Auditorium, University of Cape Coast, this year’s final promises one of the fiercest academic battles in recent memory.

Mfantsipim School, Opoku Ware School, and St. Augustine’s College: three giants of Ghanaian secondary education with a combined seven national titles are all chasing glory. Each contender enters the competition with strong momentum, history, and a burning hunger to lift the prestigious NSMQ trophy.

Mfantsipim School, fondly known as BOTWE, are the defending champions after winning the 2024 edition. With three national titles to their name (1999, 2014, 2024), they are aiming for a rare back-to-back victory that would cement their place as NSMQ legends.

Representing the Ashanti Region, Opoku Ware School (OWASS) is seeking a third national crown after triumphs in 1997 and 2002. Their dominant semifinal performance and 2025 regional championship victory have reignited hopes of ending their two-decade wait for another national title.

From Cape Coast, St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) enters the finale determined to reclaim the crown they last held in 2019. With two national titles (2007 and 2019), the Saints have shown consistency and strategy throughout this year’s competition.

As these three academic powerhouses prepare for the ultimate showdown, the question remains: Who will conquer the 2025 NSMQ? Will BOTWE defend their title, will OWASS reclaim their lost glory, or will AUGUSCO rise once more?

GAC Chair Calls for National Ownership of HIV Response

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ghana Must Lead Its HIV Fight

Chairman of the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) Governing Board, Kakra Essamuah, has urged Ghanaians to take charge of the country’s HIV response. He warned that global funding is declining, which threatens the sustainability of national programmes.

He said Ghana’s success depends on local resource mobilisation, strong partnerships, and continued political and community support.

Private Sector Must Step Up

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 World AIDS Day in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Essamuah called for greater private sector involvement. He explained that HIV affects productivity and slows economic growth.

“The private sector must rise to the challenge by investing in workplace HIV programmes and supporting awareness and testing drives,” he said.

Strengthening Local Support

Meanwhile, Acting Director-General of the GAC, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said Ghana must act fast to respond to global economic pressures and reduced donor aid. He encouraged citizens to contribute to the National HIV and AIDS Fund to sustain ongoing programmes.

According to him, “Ghana must mobilise, innovate, and lead its own HIV response.”

Ending Stigma and Discrimination

Additionally, Dr. Akanbong condemned stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. He noted that HIV is now a manageable condition, and affected persons deserve respect and inclusion.

He said this year’s global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reflects Ghana’s current funding and health challenges.

Protecting Progress

Furthermore, Dr. Akanbong assured that the Commission will continue working with partners to maintain progress in prevention and treatment.

World AIDS Day, marked each year, renews Ghana’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Activities Across the Country

This year’s campaign will promote voluntary testing, treatment adherence, and care in line with the UN 95-95-95 targets. Throughout November, the GAC will lead education and condom distribution programmes with support from local assemblies.

Finally, the celebration will end on December 1, 2025, with a national address by President John Dramani Mahama on Ghana’s HIV response.

France Suspends Shein Over ‘Childlike’ Sex Doll Scandal

By
Ivy Hollys
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shein

The French government has suspended Shein’s access to the French market after finding “childlike” sex dolls listed on the fast-fashion giant’s platform.

The finance ministry said on Wednesday that Shein’s French website will remain blocked until the company proves all its products comply with French laws and consumer protection standards.

The suspension follows revelations by France’s anti-fraud agency that third-party sellers were promoting sex dolls resembling children on the site. The news sparked public outrage just as Shein opened its first-ever physical store in Paris’ BHV department store.

In response, Shein said it had halted all third-party sales in France to ensure full compliance with national laws.

Public Backlash and Protests

The launch of Shein’s Paris store triggered mass protests, with activists, union leaders, and local officials condemning the brand for promoting disposable, unsustainable fashion. Paris Deputy Mayor Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj urged the economy minister to permanently ban the platform, saying it was “contrary to the city’s values.”

Several top brands — including Disney, Figaret, and Armor Lux — have since pulled their products from BHV, distancing themselves from the controversy.

Legal and Ethical Fallout

France’s High Commissioner for Children, Sarah El-Haïry, condemned the dolls as “deliberate miniature copies of children,” calling buyers “potential predators.” Authorities have also opened criminal investigations into Shein, Temu, AliExpress, and Wish for allegedly distributing illegal or harmful content accessible to minors.

Despite the scandal, Shein maintains that it removed all offending listings and banned sex dolls from its site. The company pledged to cooperate fully with French regulators.

The scandal comes as France pushes to strengthen ethical fashion standards and protect its reputation as the global capital of haute couture.

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