"We are waiting for this trophy for 50 years now," Morocco defender Romain Saiss told the BBC World Service. The West Africans are also bidding for their second Afcon crown, having claimed their maiden trophy at the 2021 edition in Cameroon. Yet Morocco have rarely come close to lifting the Afcon trophy since their sole triumph in Ethiopia in 1976, with this just their second appearance in the final since then. "I will be very happy to play my last Afcon final, to enjoy it and to make my country win." A second Afcon title, and a place in the history books, beckons for one side.

Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comGhanaian football fans have named Senegal as the favorites to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) over host nation Morocco. Speaking on the Sports Debate show on GhanaWeb TV, Ghanaians noted that Senegal have proven to be a tough side, dominant in most of their games and consistent throughout the tournament. They also argued that the individual brilliance of key players in the Teranga Lions squad such as Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Idrissa Gueye, and goalkeeper Mendy could be lethal for Morocco to handle on a good day. However, others opposed these views, arguing that the host nation are in a better position to win the title, having long desired to lift the trophy since 1976. The Teranga Lions won their maiden title in 2021 when they defeated Côte d’Ivoire, while Morocco last won in 1976 and are eager to make history this time around.

Crime & Punishment of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: GNAThe Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced a 27-year-old houseboy to 84 months’ imprisonment with hard labour for pouring acid on a senior high school leaver. The court held that tensions arose during a tile-cleaning exercise involving acid, following disagreements among those present. Prosecution said Agyei showed no remorse and urged the Court to impose a deterrent sentence. Chief Inspector Amartey said Agyei became offended and insulted Asante, leading to an exchange of words between them. I’m the course of the confrontation, Agyei poured acid from a container on Asante, prosecution said, adding that Asante was rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was admitted for three months.

Regional News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: rainbowradioonline.comA construction site meant to symbolise progress has turned into a scene of mourning following a tragic accident at the Ayensudo section of the “Big Push” infrastructure project. According to a report filed by Ebenezer Manso-Cudjoe on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the accident involved a heavy-duty bulldozer operated by XNL Construction Company Limited. The first victim, an engineer who had joined the project barely a week earlier, was killed instantly when the machinery reportedly reversed over him. Despite medical efforts, the reporter confirmed that he died while on admission, bringing the total death toll to two. Adding to the speculation, some witnesses described the incident as “strange,” alleging that the bulldozer moved on its own without being ignited or operated.

Politics of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comArtist and cultural figure Marigold Akufo-Addo, sister of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has shared a personal reflection suggesting that signs of leadership were visible in the former president from a very young age. “He said young men who draw crowds like that may not sit on the seat per se, but they will influence a lot of people,” Marigold recounted. She also pointed to Nana Akufo-Addo’s connection with his community, recalling how residents associated their father’s distinctive dark green car with the young Akufo-Addo because of how well-known he was in the area. According to her, Akufo-Addo’s popularity in sporting circles earned him the nickname “Bob Negro,” a reflection, he said, of the strong following Nana Akufo-Addo enjoyed even outside the classroom. Although Nana Akufo-Addo once considered pursuing football seriously, Marigold said the idea was discouraged due to concerns about education and long-term prospects, a decision she believes ultimately shaped his future path.

Sports News of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comCoventry City have received a major lift ahead of Saturday’s M69 derby, with Brandon Thomas-Asante edging closer to a long-awaited return after months on the sidelines. His return comes at a crucial moment with Frank Lampard’s side preparing for a high-stakes showdown against Leicester at the CBS Arena on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Speaking ahead of the game, Lampard confirmed the forward is back in the frame. “Torpy and Brandon are in contention for tomorrow,” he said. After nearly two months out, the sight of Thomas-Asante back on the training pitch will excite Coventry fans, who know just how decisive he can be.

Regional News of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comCorrespondence from the Upper East RegionThe Upper East Region recorded 32 positive cases of rabies in 2025. All 32 cases involved dogs that were retrieved after incidents of strange or suspected mad dog bites. He urged victims of dog bites to report to the Veterinary Office for follow-up and monitoring. Dr Anang disclosed that the increasing number of cases compelled the Regional Office to write to the headquarters, which subsequently supplied vaccines. He appealed to the government to implement a free rabies vaccination policy to help curb the disease.

General News of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFormer Member of Parliament for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro, Sylvester Tetteh, has called on senior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to end public disagreements and instead offer guidance as the party prepares for its upcoming internal elections. Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on January 16, 2026, Sylvester Tetteh raised concerns about recent public comments by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, and the support those remarks received from Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe. Sylvester Tetteh said while Professor Frimpong-Boateng had served the party with distinction and deserved respect, public statements that create tensions within the party are unhelpful at a time when unity is crucial. Touching on Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe’s claim that he could not be expelled from the party because he is a founding member, Sylvester Tetteh noted that age and experience come with responsibility. He argued that senior party figures have a duty to provide guidance and direction, particularly to the younger leadership currently managing nationwide campaigns.

General News of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comAn executive secretary of a private transport union Ibrahim Musa has dismissed claims that transport operators deliberately created the current shortage of commercial vehicles being experienced in certain parts of the country. 'It's not an amusing situation' – Veep on 'trotro' struggles at peak hoursHe explained that the lack of consistent resourcing for private transport operators has left many vehicles broken down, worsening the transport challenges being experienced across the country. They are all at the shops and then somebody in his publication will say we have created an artificial shortage. Musa further accused the government of sidelining private operators in budgetary allocations, while prioritising state-owned transport companies. Government directs STC buses back on roads amid transport congestion – Kwakye OfosuMusa also warned that unless urgent steps are taken to adequately resource private transport operators, the ongoing transport difficulties will persist.

“The Ministry of Education cannot disclaim responsibility for materials circulated under its authority. Highlighting the gravity of the matter, CDM called for immediate action, urging the withdrawal of all teaching materials that introduce or promote LGBTQ-related concepts in SHSs. The group also demanded full accountability from the Ministry of Education, NaCCA, and GES for the oversight failures that allowed the materials to reach classrooms. It is not value-neutral education; it is ideological insertion through state authority,” the CDM statement added. The organisation concluded that Ghanaians must actively defend the moral and cultural foundations of education, warning that silence is complicity.

Sports News of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFormer Paris Saint-Germain star, Neymar has given his friends a firsthand look at the grueling daily routine he undergoes to manage his recurring knee injury. Known for his meticulous treatment and intense recovery regimen, Neymar wanted his friends to experience the physical demands required to keep him fit for top-level football. At his training facility, Neymar’s three friends were taken through the same procedure he endures. As the machine was switched on, the discomfort became unbearable, and they began wailing in pain, clearly unprepared for the intensity of Neymar’s daily regimen. Neymar has faced multiple knee issues over the years, but is bent on making Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

From early exits to painful near-misses, the modern AFCON era has been unkind to those bold enough to host it. Only once in recent history has a host truly conquered the weight of expectation. Meet Daniel Laryea: Ghana's first AFCON semi-final referee in over 50 yearsAngola 2010Angola’s AFCON story began with fireworks. For the first time in the modern era, a host nation conquered AFCON. AFCON history whispers warnings to the hosts.

General News of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Hydrological Authority has stressed the need for a clear policy framework on rainwater harvesting to reduce flood risks in the country. He also pointed out the importance of rainwater harvesting, which slows down runoff into drains and allows water to be collected for future use. There are areas we can avoid developing, so that it can serve as water retention areas. When you travel elsewhere, there are recreation centers that are used as water retention areas. Dr Darko urged property developers to prioritise green spaces in planning and construction, while calling on the government and stakeholders to implement policies that support rainwater harvesting as part of sustainable urban development in Ghana.

The school has also come under intense public scrutiny after an alleged abuse incident involving an eight-year-old pupil. Authorities are expected to continue investigations into both the alleged abuse case and the school’s operations as part of efforts to safeguard the welfare of children in the region. BackgroundSt Olives Grammar School, formerly known as Happy Home School, is a private basic school located in Dodowa in the Shai Osudoku Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. The school recently came under intense public and media scrutiny following an alleged abuse incident involving an eight-year-old pupil. The matter drew the attention of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and other state agencies, prompting investigations into both the alleged abuse and the school’s compliance with educational regulations.

Politics of Friday, 16 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFormer Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia stormed the Ashanti Region on Thursday to begin the last lap of his national campaign tour for the NPP's Presidential Primaries this month. Dr Bawumia, who is widely tipped to win the race, started a nationwide tour about three months ago, and so far, he has visited 15 regions and about 230 constituencies, with the Ashanti Region outstanding. In his remarks to delegate, Dr Bawumia stressed on his vision to revitalise the party by addressing perennial welfare concerns of party members. In this regard, Dr. Bawumia revealed focal point will be created to liaise with contact points in constituencies to ensure that welfare issues captured by the system are addressed. Dr Bawumia is expected to tour all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region in the coming days ahead of the January 31 primaries.