Entertainment of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comMedia personality and entertainment pundit Halifax Ansah-Addo has urged churches to become more inclusive of people based on their talent instead of their lifestyle or background. The church is a place for people who are coming to seek righteousness and seek the face of God. Anybody who has the talent that can be used in the house of God should feel free to open to come,” he said. Christians should dress fashionably to attract 'non-believers' to church - Broda SammyAnsah-Addo went further, saying that individuals should not let personal habits or reputations keep them from contributing their gifts in church settings. His comments mirror those of gospel musician Broda Sammy, who stated that the gospel should be targeted at those not already in church.

The meeting formed part of the Legacy Project under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commemorative Project on Gender Parity in Elected Bodies in Member States (2025–2035), held in Accra. However, she noted that despite these frameworks, women and youth remain significantly underrepresented in political and decision-making spaces across many member states. She also emphasised initiatives aimed at empowering young people, including programmes led by the Ministry of Youth Development and the National Youth Authority, which have expanded youth engagement in civic education, policy dialogue and national decision-making processes. Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, reiterated the Commission’s dedication to supporting member states in expanding opportunities for women and youth in governance. She described these measures as essential to embedding inclusion within the democratic structures of member states.

Business News of Saturday, 21 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has held a strategic meeting with the 24-Hour Economy Authority to discuss the pilot implementation of the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme within Ghana’s downstream petroleum industry. The session was chaired by the NPA Chief Executive, Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, who underscored the Authority’s readiness to collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth rollout. According to him, the downstream petroleum sector plays a critical role in national productivity and must be strategically positioned to support extended operational hours. Officials from the Ghana Police Service and National Security were also present, reflecting the security and regulatory considerations tied to extended operational hours in the petroleum value chain. The engagement marks a significant step towards integrating the petroleum downstream sector into Ghana’s evolving 24-hour economic framework.

According to him, he once arrested a chief, an action that did not sit well with the traditional ruler. He explained that after the arrest, the chief told him he had disgraced him and warned that he would be transferred from his post. Police crackdown on wanted robbery gang in Ashanti Region; three suspects arrestedASP Awudu said within three to four days of the incident, he was indeed transferred to a village called Kyekyewere. Citing his experience, he added, “In one instance, I arrested a chief and sent him to the office. I was not surprised when, within three to four days, I was sent to a village called Kyekyewere.”AMMeanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s exposé on the 'dark side of Kayamata' and its devastating impact

Amaning explained that processors like Garbin Oil Mills, Benso Oil Palm Plantation and GOPDC are unable to compete with smuggled oil, forcing them to offer lower prices for fresh fruit bunches to farmers. For instance, a 25-litre gallon of local oil may retail at GH¢580 but smuggled oil sells for as low as GH¢420, creating an uneven playing field. According to OPDAG, smuggling has been ongoing for over four years, despite government directives requiring all vegetable oil imports to pass through Tema and Takoradi ports. Amaning proposed empowering TCDA to certify all vegetable oil imports and equipping FDA to remove unregistered products from the market. We need a system that protects farmers, processors, and ultimately consumers,” he said.

Business News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has dismissed media reports suggesting a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country. In a statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, the NPA clarified that the reports do not reflect the actual LPG supply situation in Ghana. Fuel shortages looming - Oil Marketing Companies warn"The NPA wishes to assure the general public that there is enough LPG in stock to meet demand", it stated. The NPA further noted that, under the national import plan, an LPG cargo is expected to arrive within the next two weeks. Fuel prices rise as NPA sets new price floor“Consumers are hereby advised to desist from panic buying and be rest assured that there is no impending shortage of LPG in Ghana", it added.

The party is calling for a detailed account of the incident in Burkina Faso through the Ghanaian Ambassador to the Sahel Region and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, they are seeking formal guarantees from the Ibrahim Traoré-led government regarding the safety of Ghanaian lives and property, alongside a formal apology. Domestically, they are demanding a clear briefing on the readiness of Ghana’s security forces to safeguard its citizens. "If this had happened in a country like the United States, they would have responded in equal measure.”He added, “This is war! It can never happen to the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or even China; these countries would have retaliated.

The suspect, identified as Mohammed, is alleged to have impregnated the minor and later taken her to a private health facility to terminate the pregnancy without the knowledge or consent of her parents. “He has been charged with defilement and causing abortion,” the report said. 40-year-old man jailed 10 years for defilement, impregnating daughterThe victim’s father, Mohammed Salifu, said the family remains resolute in seeking justice, despite attempts by some community leaders to have the matter settled privately. He disclosed that two chiefs and other opinion leaders had visited their home to persuade them to withdraw the case, but the family rejected the proposal and insisted on pursuing legal action. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the family and some individuals connected to the case have allegedly received threats from persons believed to be linked to the accused.

Politics of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minority Caucus has criticised what it describes as inconsistencies and policy symbolism within the Mahama administration’s flagship programmes, including the 24-hour economy initiative. According to the statement signed by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the 24-Hour Economy “has departed totally from its original vision”. It pointed to what it described as contradictions between claims of 300,000 jobs and assertions of one million jobs created. “A government that cannot agree with itself on employment data cannot credibly manage national employment policy,” the statement said, adding that headlines were being prioritised over verified facts. The statement concluded that reform without implementation design amounts to “policy symbolism”, warning that legislative announcements without structural backing risk eroding public trust in governance and national transformation efforts.

Entertainment of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA Ghanaian psychologist, Joseph Osafo Adu, has raised concerns about the psychological implications surrounding the use of Kayamata, describing it as a practice rooted in manipulation and low self-confidence. Speaking in an interview with Elsie Lamar, featured in a new exposé on the dark side of Kayamata, aired on GhanaWeb TV on February 18, 2026, Professor Osafo Adu explained that the fundamental motivation behind the use of Kayamata is manipulation. “The fundamental thing for the use of Kayamata is manipulation. Kayamata can damage liver, kidneys and cause infertility – Dr Francis Baidoo warnsProfessor Osafo Adu further warned about the long-term consequences of relationships built on manipulation rather than genuine emotional connection. Professor Osafo Adu added, “You can imagine a young lady who has used this and managed to get herself a very wealthy man.

Speaking at the commissioning of the B5 Plus LTD Steel Manufacturing Plant, onFriday, February 20, 2026, he said the facility will strengthen Ghana’s domestic steel production capacity. “If we reduce steel imports by even 20 to 30 percent annually, the foreign exchange savings alone could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. “Steel consumption is a strong indicator of industrial development. Across emerging economies, per capita steel consumption rises in tandem with infrastructural development, urbanisation, and industrial expansion", he added. The commissioning of the plant is expected to advance Ghana’s industrialisation agenda by creating jobs, supporting infrastructure development, and reducing dependence on imported steel.

While Benjamin Asare has earned plaudits for his performances in the Ghana Premier League, Coach Nimley argued that domestic statistics are misleading. "The quality of finishing in our local league is not a good enough test." In a move to bring confidence to the post, Coach Nimley urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to look toward the Eredivisie. He specifically named Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, the highly-rated AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper who plays his club football in the top tier Dutch league, as the ideal candidate for the Black Stars. For Coach Nimley, that starts with a ruthless overhaul of the goalkeeping department, prioritizing elite-level testing over local league form.

General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comTraffic on the Apam Junction–Winneba stretch of the highway has been temporarily halted following an accident involving a fuel tanker at Ekumfi Essarkyir Junction in the Central Region. The tanker reportedly lost control while in motion and overturned, blocking a section of the busy highway and causing significant disruption to vehicular movement in the area. Officers from the Ghana Police Service also cordoned off the affected area and suspended traffic as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Emergency teams are currently transferring the remaining fuel into another tanker to minimise the risk and facilitate the clearing of the highway. Authorities have advised motorists to use alternative routes while efforts continue to restore normal traffic flow and fully secure the accident scene.

General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Police Service has had the suspect in the Mamprobi Polyclinic baby theft case remanded in custody for two weeks after being denied bail, despite arguments by her lawyer citing family responsibilities. However, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, the judge ruled that the suspect should remain in custody to allow investigations to continue. She will reappear before the court on March 4, 2026, for the hearing to continue. Police undertook a manhunt, and at about 3:40 AM on Wednesday, the suspect was found at the premises of the Korle‑Bu Teaching Hospital with the baby, believed to be the missing child. More details emerge as neighbours of Mamprobi baby thief speakPolice disclosed that upon interrogation, Salifu claimed she had delivered at the hospital and was discharged due to a lack of bed space, but officers found no record to support her claim.

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