Health News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged all health facilities across the country to strictly enforce identification protocols for patients and staff, following the alleged baby theft at Mamprobi Hospital on February 17, 2026. He noted that name tags should only be removed at the security exit, not at the ward level, as a measure to prevent incidents such as baby swaps. More details emerge as neighbours of Mamprobi baby thief speak“Apart from the tagging, which is part of the clear protocols for patient and baby identification, name tags should not be taken off at the ward level. Name tags of both the mother and the baby should only be removed at the security gate, which is the exit. The minister also urged health facilities to establish closer working relationships with nearby police stations to strengthen security and ensure quick responses to any suspicious activity.

Sports News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comHead coach of Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany, has criticised legendary manager José Mourinho for failing to condemn the alleged racism against Vinicius Jnr. 'He called Vinícius a monkey' - Mbappé alleges racist remark by Benfica's PrestianniReacting to the incident, Mourinho blamed Vinícius for provoking the fans with his goal celebration dance, a comment that sparked backlash. Kompany expressed disappointment in Mourinho’s remarks, saying they appeared to justify the actions of the player rather than objectively addressing the issue. I understand the person he is, I understand he fights for his club,” Kompany told the media. Kompany added that the Portuguese manager’s remark was flawed, “I know deep down he’s a good person.

Entertainment of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has pledged its full support to ensure a befitting funeral for the late gospel musician, Yaw Sarpong. Speaking at the one-week celebration of the late Yaw Sarpong held on February 19, 2026, representatives of the union disclosed that efforts are already underway to engage government officials to assist in organising a memorable farewell for the veteran musician. According to the union, shortly after news of Yaw Sarpong’s passing broke, its leadership began reaching out to key state authorities to inform them and formally seek support. “We are donating GH¢500 to the family towards the funeral expenses. When it’s time for the funeral, MUSIGA, we will always be here to support and make sure our brother gets a befitting burial,” he added.

Business News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFollowing the expiration of a 12-month lease extension for the Damang Mine, Gold Fields has announced its formal exit from ownership and operation of the mine, effective April 18, 2026. This follows the government’s decision for the asset to revert to state ownership. Since July 2025, the government has appointed a ministerial transition team to work alongside Gold Fields to coordinate the handover. Gold Fields Ghana to hand over Damang Mine to government in April 2026According to Fraser, the company has not received any formal communication from the Lands Minister regarding the next owner following Gold Fields’ exit. The Damang exit marks a significant shift in Gold Fields’ Ghana portfolio, coinciding with ongoing discussions with authorities regarding the renewal of the Tarkwa mining lease.

General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comMillicent Amankwaah, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, has expressed frustration after being mocked on social media for a slip of the tongue during her speech in Parliament. The error quickly went viral, drawing criticism and ridicule from social media users. In response, Amankwaah took to Facebook Live to defend herself and challenge those questioning her competence. She insisted that her track record speaks for itself and that one mistake should not be used to undermine her credibility. The Member of Parliament further added, “As a former SRC Women’s Commissioner of KNUST, I am not someone these things can break.

Speaking during a recent podcast, Dakolo reflected on the heavy expectations placed on men to constantly show strength. According to him, men are encouraged to speak up, but when they do, they are often judged. “They say make we talk, but when we talk, and tears fall, they say we be weak,” he said. “Who helps the person that helps everybody?” he asked, pointing out that many assume a provider already has support simply because he appears strong. He concluded by urging men to talk more openly with one another and encouraged women to listen even to the things men struggle to say out loud.

“These were breadwinners, pillars of their homes, and citizens whose only ‘crime’ was trading to feed families back home,” Rev Ntim Fordjour said. Rev Ntim Fordjour argued that the security risks in Burkina Faso were widely known and questioned why precautionary measures were not taken to protect Ghanaian traders travelling to high-risk areas. According to him, the situation has weakened regional security coordination with neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso. Rev Ntim Fordjour further criticised the government’s response after the attack, stating that six days after the incident, no high-level ministerial delegation had visited Burkina Faso and no minister had briefed Parliament on the matter. Rev Ntim Fordjour called on the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, and National Security to provide answers and outline measures to prevent similar incidents involving Ghanaian citizens abroad.

The Bishops stated that if these allegations are substantiated, they would constitute a grave breach of public trust and represent a shift from enforcement into complicity. They also raised concerns that officials linked to disaster management structures may have demanded additional payments to shield illegal mining operators from enforcement actions, suggesting systemic misconduct across multiple institutions. The Bishops proposed four key measures to restore integrity and accountability:The establishment of an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations. While stressing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, the Bishops cautioned that delay or inaction would further erode public trust in public institutions. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who also assured investigative journalists and anti-galamsey activists of the Church’s prayers and support in the face of threats.

General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFollowing the shutdown of the Royal Nursing College at Tafo Nyhiaeso by the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC), the wife of the college director, who is also the proprietress of a montessori school affiliated with the college, has been handed over to the police for prosecution, citinewsroom.com reports. This was disclosed by the Deputy Director General of GTEC, Prof Augustin Ocloo. According to him, the shutdown was necessary to safeguard the academic future of the more than 800 students reportedly enrolled. His comments follow reports that GTEC closed the institution after its management failed to comply with instructions and did not provide documentation confirming its accreditation status. He also added that accountability will be determined through the legal process while GTEC works to ensure affected students are not left stranded.

General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comMember of Parliament for Yendi, Abdul Fatawu Alhassan, has warned President Mahama against rushing the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy, cautioning that speed without proper planning could undermine its success. If we rush to implement all the details about the 24-Hour policy, we may do shoddy work,” he said. He stressed that political pressure from opponents should not force the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to rush the 24-Hour Economy agenda. President Mahama assents to 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill“For us, political pressures from opponents should not push us to rush things under the 24-hour economy policy implementation. President Mahama on Thursday, February 19, 2026, signed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law, a move described by government officials as a major step in the country’s economic transformation drive.

Crime & Punishment of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comManagement of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital also known as Ridge Hospital has condemned an act of violence against a security officer at the facility, confirming that the 18-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. "The Security guard, who was on duty at the Labour Ward, was assaulted by an 18-year-old male, Gabriel Dimson, who had accompanied his mother and a friend to the Hospital. Watch as a patient's relative brutally assaults security man at Ridge HospitalManagement of the hospital noted that violence against staff would not be tolerated. It further urged the public to cooperate with hospital staff and adhere to established protocols, particularly visiting hours, to maintain a safe environment for all. “We urge the public to cooperate with Hospital staff and comply with established guidelines, including visiting protocols, to ensure a safe and orderly healthcare environment,” it added.

In her autobiography, It Takes A Woman, of 2018, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings shared her experience and memories of that very day on June 4, 1979. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings described how a journalist they knew by the name Elizabeth, corroborated the tales of her mother, giving her no more rooms for doubt. But Nana Konadu added that she wasn’t exactly surprised, except for the fact that she did not take an earlier statement he had made to her seriously. Beyond the realm of anything I could imagine, plans for his escape must have already been in the works,” she wrote. The Jerry John Rawlings-led military overthrow saw the end of the rule of the Supreme Military Council, with Colonel I. K. Acheampong as its chairman, on June 4, 1979.

Leading the charge is Halima Aliko Dangote, appointed Group Executive Director, Dangote Family Office & International Offices (Dubai & London). What Dangote said about a percentage of his wealth in the event of his deathNext in line is Fatima Aliko Dangote, named Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations – Oil & Gas. Mariya Aliko Dangote completes the trio as Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations – Cement & Foods. Meanwhile, the Dangote Group is pushing forward with a $400-million construction equipment deal with China’s XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. With these moves, the Dangote Group is clearly stepping on the global growth accelerator as it races toward its $100 billion Vision 2030 goal.

Business News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, has alleged that a significant portion of jute sacks meant for cocoa packaging was left unused at Ghana’s ports. According to him, out of 286,000 bales of jute sacks available at the port, only 91,000 were cleared, while an additional 80,000 bales were procured shortly before the previous administration left office. Speaking to journalists in Accra, he said, “When COCOBOD had 286,000 bales of jute sacks at the ports, they cleared only 91,000 and left the rest at the ports. Just a few days before they were leaving office, they contracted someone and paid GH¢48 million to bring in 80,000 bales of jute sacks. Adongo said these failures have necessitated reforms introduced under the Mahama-led administration, aimed at stabilising cocoa production and restoring confidence in the sector.

Replays showed the Argentine footballer lifting his jersey to cover his mouth while speaking to Vinícius Jnr. During the investigation, officials noted a major challenge: they were unable to ascertain what Prestianni said because he covered his mouth. Incidents of racial abuse can be particularly challenging to substantiate when players cover their mouths with their hands or jerseys. In an attempt to close this loophole, FIFA officials are considering a rule that would ban players from covering their mouths while talking to opponents. However, the law would serve as a strong measure against racial abuse and help protect the integrity of the sport.