Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comAmid controversy over referee Daniel Laryea’s performance during Morocco’s win over Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghanaians have rallied behind the official. After the game, some fans criticised Laryea for what they described as biased and poor officiating, while others defended him for his fairness. However, speaking to GhanaWeb TV on the Sports Debate show, most Ghanaians said Laryea’s performance was excellent and deserved applause rather than backlash. On a scale of 100%, the majority of football fans who spoke with GhanaWeb Sports rated the referee at 80%, while a few gave him 75%. They indicated that the complaints and backlash from Nigerians were not based on fair grounds but rather on emotions tied to the rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria.

Kusi, in the video, mentioned that he has received threats of death against his wife. “They told me, ‘If you don’t stop the case, we will bring your nude pictures. They've threatened to kill my wife if I don't stop the appeal and all that. Asked if he was bothered by the threats, Kusi said he is thinking about the safety of his wife. Asked about the possibility of him dropping out of the case due to the threats, Kusi replied, “Why not?

Regional News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: rainbowradioonline.comAuthorities have launched an investigation following the sudden death of a man, estimated to be in his late 50s, at a public restroom in Juaboso on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The incident came to light after a facility operator noticed that a patron had remained inside a stall for approximately one hour without exiting. Concerned by the delay, the operator entered the facility to check on the individual’s welfare.The man was discovered slumped and unresponsive. Despite immediate efforts to provide assistance and the arrival of emergency responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased has been transported to the Juaboso Government Hospital mortuary for preservation and a pending autopsy.

The NDC leadership described the tour as a commitment to “acknowledge the partnership beyond the ballot box,” echoing their gratitude for the Bono East Region’s steadfast support. Local leaders from Atebubu and Prang highlighted a dire water crisis, where women and children trek miles daily for potable water. “This is a crisis of dignity and health,” one chief remarked, urging the government to prioritize boreholes and water supply projects. For communities in Bono East, the 2024 elections were not just a political statement but a change contrac. Their demands for water and roads stand as markers of a promise made and now in the hands of the government.

OSP re-declares Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive“The possibility is very high and he could either self-deport or face deportation by the immigration judge on January 20. Dr Ayine additionally reiterated that his office is not investigating Ken Ofori-Atta in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal, as separate investigations are already being conducted on the matter. According to Dr Ayine, Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being investigated over several other cases, including transactions and activities undertaken during his tenure as Minister of Finance. Ken Ofori-Atta arrested and detained in the US“I also mentioned that there are other investigations ongoing. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (MP), Attorney-General & Minister for Justice Ken Ofori-Atta aka the Fugitive could either self-deport from the US or be deported by an immigration Judge on 20th January.

Regional News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: GNAJohn Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for failing to complete several development projects in the Oti Region. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, the minister cited stalled projects including the Oti Regional Coordinating Council administration block, regional police administration block and housing complex, Agenda 111 hospitals, the regional education office and other key government infrastructure. Gyapong claimed the Oti Region leads in abandoned projects nationwide, alleging that the previous administration failed to complete both inherited and newly initiated projects. He said discussions would be held with the Regional Security Committee before formally communicating recommendations to the Interior Ministry. Gyapong commended the three ethnic groups in Nkwanta South for observing the curfew and contributing to the prevailing peace.

General News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA 16-year-old Ghanaian teenager, Comfort Antwi, has tragically lost her life following a fatal car crash in Charlotte, North Carolina in the United States. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, on the 5800 block of West Sugar Creek Road. Comfort Antwi was driving her Toyota Yaris northbound when it veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a BMW X3. Officers found the driver of the Toyota, Comfort Antwi, 16, with life-threatening injuries. Despite medical intervention, Comfort Antwi succumbed to her injuries on Monday, January 5, 2026.

General News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: kasapafmonline.comDr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has described his appointment as Ghana’s Attorney General as a profound honour, though not a surprise, citing years of legal, parliamentary, and governmental experience that prepared him for the role. He explained that his previous tenure as Deputy Attorney General between 2013 and 2016 provided critical exposure to the demands of the office, particularly through his work under then Attorney General Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong. According to Dr Ayine, the collaborative environment allowed him to demonstrate both his legal capacity and leadership. Following the National Democratic Congress’ defeat in the 2016 general elections, Dr Ayine noted that he remained actively involved in the party’s legal and parliamentary work. Dr Ayine emphasized that his elevation to the Attorney General position was the culmination of years of deliberate preparation rather than a sudden promotion.

Dr Amin Adam explained that the upgraded facilities will help enhance teaching and learning outcomes by creating a more supportive atmosphere for both pupils and teachers. As part of additional support to basic schools, the Karaga MP disclosed plans to distribute 400 dual desks to schools in the area in the coming weeks. “We will also soon distribute 400 dual desks furniture to the schools,” Dr. Amin Adam stated, highlighting the importance of adequate learning materials in improving educational outcomes. Reaffirming his commitment, Dr Amin Adam stressed that education remains his top priority as a legislator. He indicated that continuous investment in school infrastructure is key to shaping the future of children in the constituency and ensuring equal access to quality education.

Meet Prof Priscilla Mante: The KNUST scientist featured in UNESCO Virtual Science Museum“We see children develop a lot of deficiency-related diseases, which affects how well they develop. Dr Abu also acknowledged the challenges of balancing career and family and securing funding in Africa. “A strong support system, including my husband, children, and mentors, has been crucial to my success,” she said. With this award, Dr Pearl Abu continues to inspire a new generation of African women scientists to pursue careers in science, technology, and agriculture. The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea Fellowship for Young Women Scientists is part of a new support programme instituted to recognise outstanding female researchers across Africa.

General News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA disturbing video of some Prempeh College students has surfaced on social media, showing them engaging in a heated fight with individuals believed to be members of the Cadet Corps. Video of students allegedly fortifying themselves spiritually sparks outrageAccording to reports gathered, the group from Prempeh College was seen being beaten with belts by members of the Cadet Corps, while the students also retaliated by throwing punches. Other critics have called on the government and school authorities to apprehend the identified students captured in the video. According to some commentators, such arrests would serve as a deterrent to others and help curb future acts of violence during school events. Watch the video below:Students of Prempeh College seen engaging in a fierce physical confrontation with cadet corps at the ongoing 2026 Ashanti Regional Senior High School Boys’ Soccer Festival being held at the Baba Yara Sports Complex.

General News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Judiciary is set to roll out a number of measures aimed at decongesting courts and improving access to justice, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has announced. The update followed a visit by the Chief Justice to the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and was shared on her official X page on Saturday, January 17, 2026. “The Chief Justice shared plans to decongest the courts through measures such as morning and afternoon court sessions, expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution services, and specialised courts, including Galamsey courts, dedicated to prosecuting illegal mining cases,” the post stated. Ghana's new Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlines vision for judiciary“I expressed my appreciation for the visit and the comprehensive update and reaffirmed my support for the Judiciary’s efforts to improve efficiency and access to justice, particularly the initiatives aimed at decongesting the courts,” she added. > See the Vice President's post below:This week, I received the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Baffoe Bonnie, the Judicial Secretary of the Office of the Chief Justice, Mr. Musah Ahmed, and Prof. Raymond Atuguba in my office.

“What we do before the season itself is more important than what we do during the event. He stressed that disaster management should not be limited to the rainy season but should be a continuous process throughout the year, including community education, sensitization, and preventive measures. Ghana's drainage infrastructure not keeping pace with urbanisation – HYDRO CEODr Darko also noted the role of the seven-member task force established in March 2025 to address flooding. He said the task force has helped put some communities and authorities ‘in check,’ particularly in preventing illegal construction in water retention areas. Watch the video below:Flood management should be a continuous process – Ghana Hydro AuthorityMRA/EBMeanwhile, watch as Ghanaians respond to Ofori-Atta's detention

“I was born into abject poverty, and so I grew up in very trying circumstances,” he stated. I went to school very late, at age 11,” the Attorney General said. Attorney General appointment was an honour, not a surprise – Dr Ayine. Days later, a man arrived at his family home with a school uniform, paving the way for his enrollment in primary school. Sensing his discomfort, his mother requested a transfer to Tongobion Primary School in Zuarungu South, where he was less known.

In a statement dated January 16, 2026, the intelligence-led raid targeted suspected drug dens and distribution points as part of NACOC’s nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse. Among those arrested is 32-year-old Rebecca Afia Naa Dei Kotei, popularly known as ‘Mother,’ who is believed to be a key figure in the local drug trade and had previously evaded arrest. During the operation, officers seized cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled substances, along with items believed to be linked to drug peddling activities. ” During the operation, officers seized quantities of suspected cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled substances, along with items believed to be linked to drug peddling activities,” the statement noted. NACOC has stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be processed for court in accordance with the law.