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German President Steinmeier Ends Ghana Visit with Asantehene Meeting and €65 Million Aid Pledge

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Ghana with a poignant courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, at the historic Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The meeting symbolized the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between Germany and Ghana, while Steinmeier’s earlier announcement of over €65 million (approximately GH¢823 million) in development aid underscored Berlin’s commitment to sustainable partnership in West Africa. The visit, marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral development cooperation, highlighted themes of mutual respect, youth empowerment, and economic growth amid global challenges.

Key Moments

Manhyia Palace- Opemsuo Radio

Manhyia Palace- Opemsuo Radio 

  • Courtesy Call at Manhyia Palace: Steinmeier was warmly received by the Asantehene in a traditional ceremony, where Otumfuo Osei Tutu II gifted him a carved stool bearing the Asante emblem—a profound symbol of honor and enduring friendship in Akan culture. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, with emphasis on cultural exchanges, education, and Germany’s role in supporting Ghana’s stability as a regional hub. Steinmeier, speaking through an interpreter, praised the Asantehene’s wisdom and Ghana’s vibrant heritage, noting how such engagements foster “human connections that outlast formal diplomacy.” The event drew widespread acclaim on social media, with videos capturing the regal welcome and exchanges going viral among Ghanaian users.

 

  • Aid Pledge Announcement: During a joint press briefing with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, Steinmeier revealed Germany’s renewed €65 million commitment for 2025 development cooperation, pending Bundestag approval. The funds target renewable energy transitions, youth skills training in health, pharmaceuticals, and digital sectors, and vocational programs to create jobs. “Ghana is an ideal partner—educated, English-speaking, and strategically located,” Steinmeier said, highlighting last year’s €2.5 billion trade volume and Germany’s support for 200 new nurses annually via a Kumasi-based school starting in 2026.

 

  • Kumasi Engagements (Morning): Before the palace visit, Steinmeier performed a sod-cutting for expansions at the Kumasi Technical Institute, a German-funded vocational hub launching new programs next year. He also toured the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), engaging with staff, alumni, and students on collaborative research in health and technology, and visited the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research to explore joint ventures in infectious diseases.

 

  • Arrival and Accra Highlights (November 2-3): Steinmeier landed in Accra on November 2, greeted by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and German Ambassador Frederik Landshöft. The itinerary included a Guard of Honour, closed-door talks with Mahama on ECOWAS stability and AfCFTA opportunities, a wreath-laying at Kwame Nkrumah’s Mausoleum, and a state luncheon. A business delegation from Germany—spanning infrastructure, medtech, and satellites—accompanied him to scout investments.

Broader Context and Impact

This visit reinforces Germany-Ghana ties established since 1957, with Berlin viewing Accra as a key ally in Sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest-growing economy. Steinmeier emphasized equality in partnerships, countering narratives of aid dependency by focusing on trade and skills transfer. The Asantehene meeting added a cultural layer, bridging Europe’s industrial prowess with Ghana’s rich traditions, and was seen as a nod to decentralized diplomacy involving traditional leaders.

Stats Overview: Ghana-Germany Partnership Snapshot

Aspect Details
Trade Volume (2024) €2.5 billion (Germany’s top SSA partner)
Aid Pledge (2025) €65 million (renewables, skills, health)
Key Sectors Energy transition, vocational training, digital economy
Youth Impact 200 nurses/year; new tech programs at KTI/KNUST
Cultural Exchange First presidential palace call since 2018

The pledge awaits parliamentary nod but signals robust momentum. As Steinmeier departed Tuesday evening, his visit leaves a legacy of goodwill, with follow-up consultations planned. For Ghana, it’s a timely boost amid economic recovery; for Germany, a strategic foothold in Africa’s renaissance.

 

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Sarah Adwoa Safo Endorses Bawumia Over Father of Her Children in NPP Race

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> The NPP is preparing for an internal flagbearer contest following its 2024 loss to the NDC.

> Bawumia (former Vice President) and Agyapong (Assin Central MP) are seen as leading contenders, echoing their 2023 primary matchup where Bawumia won decisively.

> Safo and Agyapong had a past romantic relationship that produced the two children; Safo is currently married to Hanny Mouhtiseb (since 2019).

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former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo.
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On December 15, 2025, former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo publicly endorsed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the upcoming leadership race (ahead of the 2028 elections), explicitly stating her political future lies with him rather than Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

Key Details from Her Statements

  • Safo declared: “It is time for Bawumia” and tied her political prospects to his leadership.
  • She openly acknowledged sharing two children (a son and a daughter) with Kennedy Agyapong, a fellow NPP heavyweight and potential rival contender.
  • Despite this personal connection, she emphasized: “This is not a matter of family and friends in the NPP party.” She expressed concerns that her career could be at risk under an Agyapong presidency, while denying any personal animosity toward him.
  • Safo defended Bawumia against blame for the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat and economic challenges, arguing he was not the finance minister and lacked overriding authority (likening his role to a “driver’s mate”).

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32 Nigerians Arrested in Ghana Over Romance Scam as Authorities Intensify Cybercrime Crackdown and What You Need to Know

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Nigerians Nabbed
32 Nigerians Arrested in Ghana Over Romance Scam
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Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), in a joint intelligence-led operation with National Security operatives, conducted an early morning raid in Kasoa Tuba (Central Region) On Saturday December 13, 2025; this resulted in the arrest of 32 Nigerian nationals suspected of running an organized romance scam syndicate.

The operation seized devices like laptops and phones, which are now undergoing forensic analysis. This announcement came from Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, who praised the Cyber Security Agency and described it as “another massive blow against cybercrime in Ghana.

Hon. Sam George

Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, in a appreciation post on X to CSA

He emphasized the government’s commitment to making Ghana an “unattractive destination for cybercrimes” and urged public support for security agencies to protect the country’s reputation. This arrest is part of Ghana’s intensified crackdown on cybercrime in 2025, following similar operations, including INTERPOL-coordinated efforts across Africa that led to hundreds of arrests for romance scams and extortion.

What Are Romance Scams and Why Do You Need to Know?

Romance scams (also known as “online dating scams” or “confidence fraud”) are a form of cybercrime where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites, social media, or apps to build emotional relationships with victims. Once trust is established, they invent excuses (e.g., medical emergencies, travel costs, or investment opportunities) to request money, gifts, or financial information.

 

Key facts and red flags:

  • Common tactics: Scammers often pose as attractive professionals (e.g., military personnel, doctors, or businessmen) abroad. They quickly profess love, avoid video calls or in-person meetings, and pressure victims for urgent financial help.
  • Victims: Frequently target elderly or lonely individuals, but anyone can fall prey. In many cases, victims are from Western countries (e.g., US, UK), with losses running into millions globally.
  • Global impact: The FBI reported over $1 billion in losses from romance scams in the US alone in recent years. In Africa, Nigeria and Ghana have been identified as hubs, though operations often involve international networks.
  • Why it’s rising: Easy access to the internet, anonymity online, and economic pressures drive participation. Some scammers justify it as “retribution” or economic necessity, but it’s illegal and causes severe emotional and financial harm.

How to protect yourself:

    • Never send money to someone you’ve only met online.
    • Verify identities (reverse image search photos, insist on video chats).
    • Be wary of sob stories or requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or crypto.
    • Report suspicions to authorities (e.g., FBI’s IC3 in the US or local cybercrime units).

This incident highlights how cybercrime networks exploit borders, but also shows increasing international and regional cooperation to combat them. Stay vigilant online—trust is earned slowly, especially in digital relationships.

 

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SAD NEWS: Tragic Death of Popular Ghanaian Influencer Columbia 1K in East Legon Crash

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Popular Ghanaian social media personality and businessman Godwin, widely known as Columbia 1K,
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Ghanaian social media personality and businessman Godwin, widely known as Columbia 1K, has tragically died following a severe car accident in East Legon, Accra. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 11, 2025, when Columbia 1K’s white Honda Civic collided with another vehicle at a traffic light. Various reports indicate he died at the scene before medical help could arrive.

Columbia 1K was renowned for showcasing his flashy lifestyle on platforms like TikTok, where he often highlighted luxury items, including phones—earning him a reputation in some circles as a phone dealer or enthusiast. His content attracted a large following, with fans drawn to his extravagant displays.

News of his passing broke on Friday, December 12, with friends and fans sharing emotional tributes online. One close associate, Junior Tee, posted a heartfelt video recalling their time together. Videos circulating from the scene show the mangled remains of his luxury vehicle, underscoring the severity of the crash.

 

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