Ghanaian actor and comedian Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, made a special appearance on Orange FM’s over drive show “The Word on the Street” to promote his latest film, “Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero.” The movie, which premiered on Saturday, July 26, 2025, centers on the life and leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the current Head of State of Burkina Faso.
Speaking during the live interview, Lil Win described the film as a major milestone for African storytelling. He emphasized that the production is one of the first African-based biopics written, produced, and directed entirely by Africans. “This is more than a movie,” he said. “It’s about owning our narrative as Africans and telling our own stories with dignity and depth.”
The film follows Captain Traoré’s rise to power amidst political turmoil and military intervention in Burkina Faso. However, even before its premiere, the film stirred controversy. Some critics have accused the production of glorifying gun culture and military rule—claims Lil Win directly addressed during the interview.
“The movie does not promote violence,” Lil Win clarified. “It seeks to portray the reality of leadership during a difficult time in Burkina Faso’s history. It’s about resilience, responsibility, and hope for Africa.”
Despite the backlash, anticipation for the film remains high, especially among viewers eager to see a homegrown production tackling complex political themes. Lil Win urged the public to watch the movie and form their own opinions based on the full narrative rather than early assumptions.
Orange FM will continue to provide coverage on the film’s reception, critical reviews, and audience reactions in the days ahead.
The clash occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and has since caused fear among residents, with several farmers abandoning their fields and school attendance reportedly dropping due to safety concerns.
The exact cause of the violence remains unclear, but locals describe it as one of the most intense in recent times. Mpasaaso, known for its farming and small-scale mining activities, has experienced similar disturbances in the past.
Following the shooting, the attackers are said to have invaded the home of the Queen Mother of Mpasaaso No. 2, vandalizing her property and allegedly ransacking her bedroom. Community members believe the act was meant to threaten traditional leadership.
Mr. Dwamena Mensah, the family head (Abusuapanin) of Mpasaaso No. 2, expressed frustration over what he described as continued attacks and a lack of action from security officials.
Residents React to Gang Killings, Accuse Authorities of Inaction
“This is not the first time we are going through this. We’ve complained several times, yet no arrests have been made. It’s as if our safety doesn’t matter,” he said.
Another resident, Collins Appiah Afrifa, who claims to have witnessed the incident, voiced similar disappointment, accusing the police of inaction.
“We’ve reported everything to the Mankranso Police Command, but nothing has changed. People are losing trust in the police. If the authorities don’t act, we’ll have no option but to protect ourselves,” he said.
A local youth leader, Kwadwo Asare, further alleged that the attackers feel emboldened because of their supposed links to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Abubakar Saddick.
“They say the DCE is behind them. We’re giving him until Friday to take steps to protect this community. If nothing is done, we’ll take matters into our own hands,” he warned.
Community members are calling on the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to urgently intervene and restore peace to Mpasaaso.
Fighter jet dropped bombs on Cambodian military targets along their disputed border on Thursday, as armed clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbors killed at least 11 civilians, in a considerable rise of tensions that threatens to ensure into a broader conflict.
The violence comes a day after a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion, an incident that felled relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh to their lowest level in years. Thailand has since closed all border crossings with Cambodia.
Thailand’s 2nd regional military command in the northeast said in a post on Facebook that F-16 fighter jets had been located. It also claimed to have “destroyed” two Cambodian regional military support units. Army spokesperson Col. Richa Suksuwanont said the strikes were aimed only at military targets.
Cambodia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that a Thai F-16 had dropped two bombs on a road near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO word heritage site. It condemned what it called “brutal, barbaric, and violent military aggression,” accusing Thailand of violating international law.
Armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces had broken out at six locations along the disputed border earlier on Thursday, according to military officials, causing civilian casualties, damaging homes and livestock, and prompting the evacuation of residents in Thailand.
At least 11 people were killed in Thursday’s violence and 35 people impacted, according Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. An 8-year-old boy was among those killed, the Thai military earlier said
Six people were killed and 10 injured when a Cambodian rocket hit a busy gas station in Kantharalak, Sisaket province, close to the border. Several wounded people outside a heavily damaged 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station, with smoke billowing in the background.
Thailand also accused Cambodian troops of firing two BM-21 rockets into a civilian area in Kap Choeng district of Surin province, in Thailand’s northeast. Bangkok’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Cambodian attacks on civilian areas continued throughout Thursday, including at a hospital in Surin.
Residents of Surin could be seen running for cover and taking shelter in bunkers amid the sound of gunfire, in video from Thai PBS.
A motorcycle shop keeper in Surin, Komsan Jaipeng, said when the clashes started, he saw many school children rushing to escape. Komsan was opening up his shop when he first heard a boom Thursday morning.
“I told my wife that we are not going home tonight, we will stay at least a night at this shelter here. Our house is about 7 to 8 kilometers from the border,” he said from Phanom Dong Rak district. Komsan said he had prepared a bag of items for more than a month now, including spare clothes and phone chargers.
“I am so concerned that the bomb drop and the bullet will kill us,” the 45-year-old farmer said from Sa Em, 10 kilometers (6 miles) north from the conflict area where the shooting first started Thursday morning. “I am worried for my people, my children, my relatives and especially for the troops who fight.”
Thailand’s military said it condemns “violent acts against civilian targets by the Cambodian side and is prepared to take military action to the fullest extent to protect its sovereignty and its people from such inhumane actions.”
Civilian and Military Casualties Mount as Border Clashes Escalate
It accused Cambodia of violating both its sovereignty and international law, claiming it laid landmines within Thai territory on the disputed border.
In recent decades, Thailand and Cambodia have had a complicated relationship of both cooperation and rivalry. The two countries share a 500-mile (800-kilometer) land border – largely mapped by the French when they controlled Cambodia as a colony – that has periodically seen military clashes and been a source of tension.
In 2011, Thai and Cambodian troops clashed in an area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, displacing thousands of people on both sides and killing at least 20 people.
The recent flare-up began early in the morning when Thailand’s military said Cambodian troops fired at a Thai army base in an area near the ancient Ta Muen Thom Temple, which lies about 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok in disputed territory in the south of Thailand’s Surin province and in Cambodia’s northwest.
Thailand said Cambodia had deployed a drone in front of the temple, before sending troops in with weapons. Clashes then erupted along the entire border region with small arms and heavy weapons used, according to Thailand’s military.
Cambodia has disputed that account. A Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson said its troops had acted in self-defense after an unprovoked incursion from Thai soldiers.
“Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity,” Lieutenant General Maly Socheata said.
The ongoing conflict is “likely to get worse before it gets better” and the next few days could see more “confrontation, clashes, escalation,” Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, told CNN. “Each side has so much pent-up tension.”
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced its intention to support pensioners with chronic conditions through a partnership with the newly established Mahama Cares program.
This initiative aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on pensioners and enhance their welfare.
The collaboration comes in response to concerns raised by the leadership of the National Pensioners Association (NPA) regarding the health needs of retirees, leading them to urge SSNIT for assistance.
During the 2025 Pensioners’ Engagement Forum in Kumasi, SSNIT’s Director General, Kwesi Afreh Biney, assured attendees that the organization would work closely with Mahama Cares to provide necessary support for members living with chronic diseases.
“We’ve assured them that, we will work together with the Mahama Cares programme and ensure that, whatever support we can also provide goes into ensuring that, those living with chronic diseases get the requisite support,” he said.
Mr. Biney also revealed plans of SSNIT to roll out its own telemedicine channel by the end of the year, aimed at providing medical advice to members in communities lacking health facilities.
He further stressed the importance of engaging with pensioners, acknowledging their vital role in the pension sector, and pledged to address their concerns promptly.
Nana Adarkwah Tuffour, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners Association, stated that many pensioners might not have survived without the introduction of SSNIT.
He emphasized that the institution is crucial for the well-being of both the pensioners and their families.
Nana Adarkwah believes that assisting members with chronic conditions by utilizing Mahama Cares will significantly improve their health care delivery.
He expressed gratitude to SSNIT’s leadership, particularly Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, for going above and beyond routine pension payments to show genuine concern for the well-being of retirees.
Mr. Tuffour also commended SSNIT for organizing health screenings for members, which he believes reflects a deeper understanding of pensioners’ dignity and health needs.
He encouraged fellow pensioners to actively participate in such forums, explaining that they are essential for building trust and fostering progress.
The Regional Chairman urged members to promote the SSNIT Scheme by encouraging others, especially the self-employed, to enroll.
Education in parts of the Manso area in the Ashanti Region is reportedly under threat as students shy away from school due to the tactics employed by the anti-galamsey taskforce.
Leaders of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners in Amansie South say the taskforce’s heavily armed operations, which they describe as “military-style,” are instilling fear among schoolchildren and disrupting academic activities.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chairman of the local association, Mr. Kwaku Abone, expressed concern over the taskforce’s presence, which he says, though necessary to combat illegal mining, must be more considerate of the community, especially its younger residents.
“We’re not against the government’s efforts to stop illegal mining. In fact, we’re willing to help identify and arrest those involved. But when the children hear gunfire or see people being chased, they get scared and stay away from school,” he said.
Mr. Abone also accused the taskforce of targeting some legal operators, claiming that licensed miners have had their equipment, including excavators, destroyed without justification.
Teachers in the area echoed the concerns, confirming that school attendance has dropped in recent weeks. They are urging the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to intervene before the situation worsens.
“Galamsey is destroying our environment and must be stopped, but the current approach is making children too afraid to come to school. We need a solution that ensures both safety and education,” one teacher remarked.
Hulk Hogan, the towering icon of American professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71.
A symbol of 1980s wrestling culture, Hulk Hogan helped elevate the sport to mainstream popularity. His powerful image and flamboyant showmanship defined the golden age of televised wrestling.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, he began wrestling in Florida during the 1970s. He reportedly earned the nickname “Hulk” after appearing alongside actor Lou Ferrigno on a local TV program.
He adopted the name Hogan after joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where owner Vince McMahon sought an Irish-sounding persona.
A 1984 photo shows him backstage at Madison Square Garden with his parents, Peter and Ruth. That era marked his breakthrough, as wrestling became a TV phenomenon blending sport with entertainment drama.
Breakthrough and Media Expansion
Hulk Hogan embodied the all-American hero in wrestling, often cast against villainous opponents. Fans embraced him as a symbol of strength and justice in choreographed rivalries.
In 1982, he made his Hollywood debut as Thunderlips in Rocky III, opposite Sylvester Stallone. He later appeared as Starlight Starbright on Dolly Parton’s variety show in 1987, with Parton playing his fan-turned-wife in her music video Headlock On My Heart.
At WrestleMania V in 1989, held at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, Hogan met Donald Trump. Their relationship later evolved into a public political endorsement, aligning the wrestler with Trump’s presidential campaigns.
Hogan expanded his acting portfolio with roles in films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny, and Santa with Muscles.
In the 2000s, he returned to the ring, facing a new generation of stars. A highlight was his 2002 match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8, billed as “Icon vs Icon.” Despite claiming superior fitness, Hogan lost the bout.
He appeared alongside John Cena at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, continuing his connection with younger audiences.
Late-Career Controversies and Legal Battles
Hulk Hogan remained active well into his later years, including a 2009 match against veteran Ric Flair. However, his image suffered in 2015 when WWE suspended him after a video revealed him using a racial slur.
In an emotional interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, he apologized and asked for forgiveness. WWE reinstated him in 2018, but the damage to his reputation lingered.
That same year, Hogan was at the center of a major lawsuit involving the gossip site Gawker. The website had published a sex tape involving Hogan and a friend’s wife.
He sued and was initially awarded $140 million. The case eventually settled for $31 million, forcing Gawker to shut down. Tech billionaire Peter Thiel funded the lawsuit, citing a desire to combat media “bullying.”
Political Endorsements and Divisive Legacy
In recent years, Hulk Hogan’s vocal support of Donald Trump drew polarized reactions. He delivered theatrical endorsements at events including the Republican National Convention and a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in October 2024.
His cultural impact remains significant, though later controversies left his legacy deeply divided among fans and critics alike.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson opened his presentation by describing government payments Ghana 2025 from the Consolidated Fund. He insisted these payments reflected deliberate investments that support the economy and improve living standards.
Dr. Forson noted that critics suggesting insufficient sectoral investment were mistaken. Substantial disbursements were made between January and June 2025 across priority areas.
“Rt. Hon. Speaker, contrary to the perception that we are not spending, we are indeed spending—and spending at the right places. We are making the right investments,” he said.
Breakdown of Major Disbursements (Government Payments) : January–June 2025
Dr. Forson revealed that a total of GH₵114.5 billion was released, with GH₵84.2 billion allocated to non-interest expenditures. Notable allocations include:
US$700 million to settle Eurobond obligations
GH₵10 billion paid to domestic bondholders
GH₵2.9 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)
GH₵2.7 billion to SSNIT
GH₵9.1 billion to support the energy sector for stable power supply
GH₵5 billion to clear arrears
GH₵4.6 billion to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund)
GH₵1 billion to support the Free Secondary Education programme
GH₵4.6 billion to the NHIS
GH₵1.4 billion to settle NHIS claims
GH₵252 million for vaccines and medicines procurement
GH₵72.8 million for Capitation Grants
GH₵477 million for LEAP beneficiaries
GH₵895 million for the School Feeding Programme
GH₵122.8 million for BECE registration
GH₵300 million for the No Fee Stress Policy
GH₵191.7 million for Teacher Training Allowances
GH₵462.6 million for Nursing Training Allowances
GH₵25 million to pay Assembly Members’ allowances
GH₵21 million to support the National Apprenticeship Programme
GH₵34.5 million to the Adwumawura Programme
About GH₵2 billion to support MDAs operations
About GH₵2 billion to recapitalise the National Investment Bank (NIB)
Fiscal Discipline and Strategic Focus
Dr. Forson emphasised that this government payments Ghana 2025 breakdown shows disciplined fiscal management and prioritised funding. He stressed that investments were directed toward sectors critical for public welfare and economic stabilization.
He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s mission to reset the economy for inclusive growth. “We are spending wisely, targeting the sectors that matter most to our people and our future,” he stated.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson warned Parliament that Tema Port smuggling revenue leakages are jeopardizing Ghana’s 2025 revenue targets. He revealed that a GH¢1.6 billion shortfall in customs collections stems from systemic leakages at key entry points.
Dr. Forson explained during the mid-year budget review on Thursday, July 24, that customs revenue fell by 12.7 percent in the first half of 2025. He attributed this decline to widespread smuggling and undervaluation of imports. He underscored that the shortfall threatens achievement of national revenue benchmarks for 2025.
“Customs revenue recorded a significant shortfall of GH¢1.6 billion … a 12.7% reduction … attributed to the systemic Tema Port smuggling revenue leakages at key customs collection points, particularly the Tema Port, and the smuggling of goods across our land borders,” he explained.
Reform Measures and Revenue Protection Strategy for the Tema Port Smuggling Revenue Leakages
To curb Tema Port smuggling revenue leakages, the minister announced reforms including Artificial Intelligence tools to reduce human interference in customs valuation. He said the AI system will help verify country of origin and classify imports accurately. He added that proper valuation will improve revenue collection.
He disclosed that an anti-smuggling surveillance programme will target both land and maritime borders. Additionally, he stated that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division will undergo institutional review to restructure its operations.
“We will review the institutional setup of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, including staff mobility, to facilitate the decentralisation of Customs operational risk to enhance transparency and accountability of staff,” he stated.
These actions aim to mitigate Tema Port smuggling revenue leakages that are undermining government revenue. The minister emphasised that structural reforms will protect customs integrity. He assured that strategic measures will support revenue targets through 2025.
By leveraging technology and departmental restructuring, the government seeks to strengthen revenue generation to avoid further accidents like the Tema Port smuggling revenue leakages. The focus on transparency, decentralisation, and surveillance marks a proactive shift toward securing fiscal stability and improving import integrity.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson opened his remarks in Parliament by emphasising Ghana’s economic recovery Ghana 2025 remains a work in progress. He affirmed that President John Dramani Mahama will deliver on recovery and stabilisation despite inherited challenges.
Forson highlighted that the economy still faces obstacles, though hopeful signs are visible. He acknowledged the severity of the crisis left by the previous administration and promised committed leadership moving forward.
“Mr. Speaker, there is still more work to be done. President Mahama is determined to deliver,” he stated. He reiterated that optimism should not be confused for victory.
“We are not out of the woods! It will be premature to make that pronouncement,” he said. He added: “But the good news is that, today, hope is in sight and we are determined to navigate the country out of the terrible storm we inherited.”
Forson continued by reaffirming confidence in the President’s leadership. He emphasised that perseverance and sound fiscal policy will guide the path to economic recovery.
“Insha Allah, H.E. President John Mahama will deliver!!” he declared, rallying both Parliament and citizens behind government efforts.
Outlook on Economic Recovery Path
Dr. Forson underscored that sustained fiscal discipline and reform remain critical for economic recovery Ghana 2025. He urged patience and support as the administration builds momentum.
Investors and market watchers have noted real improvements in macroeconomic metrics, though Forson warned that risks still persist. He encouraged ongoing vigilance and transparent policy implementation to ensure the country remains on track.The mid-year review serves as both a progress check and a strategic pivot toward ending Ghana’s economic crisis. With economic recovery Ghana 2025 as the guiding goal, the government remains focused on delivering results this year.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson says the government will not request extra funding in the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review Ghana. He made this clear as he confirmed that all macroeconomic targets for 2025 will remain unchanged.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, Forson noted that developments in the first half of 2025 do not necessitate altering the Appropriations Act. He specified that GDP growth, inflation, primary balance, and reserve benchmarks are still expected to be met.
“Mr. Speaker, I am not asking for additional money from the Appropriations Act. We maintain the following macroeconomic targets for 2025,” he stated.
Recovery Indicators and Revenue Adjustments in the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review
Dr. Forson outlined key targets that will guide fiscal policy. He reaffirmed ambitions for at least 4% overall GDP growth, plus 4.8% non-oil growth. He also cited an end-year inflation goal of 11.9%, a primary balance surplus of 1.5% of GDP, and international reserves covering at least three months of imports.
Forson emphasised signs of economic recovery as rationale for keeping the current budget intact. “Although we have made significant progress, we are cautiously optimistic,” he noted.
He revealed that projections will be adjusted to reflect revenue from the Energy Sector Levies Amendment Act, 2025 (Act 1141). The Finance Minister clarified that both revenue and expenditure estimates will incorporate this new levy.
