Atinka OnlineAtinka Online is the fastest growing radio-tv news portal in Ghana. Get all breaking news updates, latest news headlines, local and world stories, entertainment, sports, etc.
The Accra High Court has lifted the injunction it placed on the funeral arrangements of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba after the applicants failed to meet the GH¢2 million undertaking required by the court.
The injunction, which was granted earlier at the request of the musician’s maternal family, had restrained the family head, Kofi Owusu, from proceeding with burial plans and also barred Transitions Funeral Home from releasing the body. The applicants were directed to provide the undertaking to cover any potential losses that might arise from delaying the burial.
However, the applicants were unable to fulfil the financial requirement within the stipulated time, prompting the court to set aside the injunction.
With the restriction now lifted, the family head and other stakeholders are expected to continue preparations for the funeral. The court is still handling the main case regarding the disagreements between the maternal relatives and the family head over funeral leadership and fund management.
Daddy Lumba, 60, passed away on July 26, 2025, leading to a family dispute rooted in long-standing Akan customs surrounding burial rights.
Tension filled the air on Atinka TV’s Kumasi Bitters Di Asa Season 9 when host Papa Di Asa stunned contestants and viewers alike with a surprise eviction announcement during last Wednesday’s live show.
With the competition racing toward its highly anticipated Grand Finale, contestants have been pushing beyond their limits in an intense bid to secure a spot among the finalists. The unexpected twist sent shockwaves through the dance arena, leaving many contestants visibly anxious.
The pressure peaked during this week’s Francophone-themed edition, which showcased electrifying performances. Empress Hafsa and Ms Beya rose to the occasion, delivering outstanding routines to Francophone hits that earned them the Best Performer titles for the night and significantly raised the stakes.
However, the celebration quickly turned emotional as Akokor, Abroso, and Ayishatu Moro were unexpectedly evicted from the competition. In a lighter moment, Too-Sweet received recognition as the Well-Behaved Contestant, drawing applause from both judges and fans.
As Kumasi Bitters Di Asa Season 9 edges closer to the grand finale, emotions are running high. Every dance move, every performance, and every second on stage now carries enormous weight. Viewers can expect even more intensity, passion, and unforgettable moments as the remaining contestants battle for the ultimate crown.
Vote for your favourite contestant by dialling 713466# on all networks.
Relationship coach and entertainment pundit Nana Kweku Duah has sparked fresh debate on gender dynamics and loyalty in relationships following a bold submission on Kisses and Roses.
Speaking on the panel, Nana Kweku Duah argued that women rarely cheat without a deeper underlying issue stemming from their partners. According to him, most women remain loyal, committed, and emotionally invested in their relationships — until they begin to feel neglected, disrespected, or emotionally abandoned.
“No woman in her right senses will just go and cheat. If you see a woman cheating, check from the man,” he said. “Women don’t cheat. It is the men that push them into it.”
He noted that women generally thrive on emotional connection, affection, communication, and reassurance. When these are missing for prolonged periods, he claimed, some women eventually seek comfort elsewhere. While emphasising that cheating is never justified, he stressed that men must acknowledge the role they sometimes play in emotionally distancing their partners.
His remarks have since generated mixed reactions online. Some viewers believe he is highlighting an uncomfortable truth men often avoid, while others insist that both men and women must take responsibility for their actions regardless of relationship challenges.
The conversation continues to evolve, with Kisses and Roses fans actively debating whether women cheat by choice or as a response to emotional neglect within their relationships.
Founder and Leader of Heaven’s Gate Ministries, Prophet Nicholas Osei, widely known as Prophet Kumchacha, has sparked intense debate after openly throwing his support behind polygamy during an appearance on Kisses and Roses.
Speaking on the show, the outspoken prophet argued that polygamy is a more honest and responsible option for men who naturally develop affection for more than one woman. According to him, many married men secretly engage in extramarital affairs, which creates deeper emotional and spiritual damage than openly marrying more than one wife.
“I support polygamy because it is better to marry more women than to marry just one and commit adultery,” he stated.
Prophet Kumchacha further shocked the audience when he added that he personally would not hesitate to marry “two or three” women, stressing that transparency is preferable to deception in marriage.
His comments have since triggered mixed reactions online. Some viewers commend him for his honesty and say polygamy brings clarity into relationships, while others strongly disagree, arguing that it may create more complications and insecurity in homes.
The conversation continues as followers of Kisses and Roses share opposing views on whether polygamy is a practical solution or simply a controversial escape from marital discipline.
The highly anticipated funeral of celebrated highlife icon Daddy Lumba, originally scheduled to take place this weekend, has been postponed after the Kumasi High Court granted an injunction filed by the late musician’s sister.
According to preliminary information, the injunction seeks to compel the Family Head (Abusuapanyin) to render a full account of the one-week observation held earlier. Family representatives are expected to provide clarification on matters relating to the organization, funding, and proceedings of the earlier ceremony before the funeral can continue as planned.
The injunction is intended to ensure transparency and to resolve internal family disagreements before the final rites are performed. Further details, including a new date for the funeral and statements from the concerned parties, are expected in the coming days. More soon.
Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu has issued a stern warning to criminals ahead of the Christmas season, declaring that security agencies “will smoke you out” as Ghana intensifies festive-season security.
He gave the warning at the Black Star Square after the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Fire Service, Immigration Service, Prisons Service, Customs Division and other allied agencies staged a major coordinated Show of Force across key routes in Accra.
The exercise saw five teams—Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo—move in disciplined convoys along the Kasoa, Amasaman, Aburi, Aflao and Accra–Kpong corridors, before returning to base.
The operation was conducted at a controlled speed of 40 km/h, with medical units and escorts accompanying each team.
The IGP said the operation was intended to reassure the public—especially returning diaspora visitors—that security agencies were fully prepared to safeguard lives and property during the festive season. “This period attracts a lot of people home, and we must guarantee their safety. To criminals wherever you are: we will make it very uncomfortable for you to operate,” he cautioned, urging the public to volunteer information on suspicious activities.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, applauded personnel for their discipline and noted that the exercise had strengthened inter-agency cooperation. He encouraged the teams to maintain a deterrent posture as Christmas approaches.
Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Briggs Genfi also commended the forces and reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing modern equipment and logistics to enhance security operations.
Officials say the operation is one of several planned activities to ensure a peaceful and crime-free Christmas for all Ghanaians.
As Ghana edges closer to the Christmas holidays, the Central Business District (CBD) is already buzzing with early signs of the festive season. The familiar blend of excitement and anticipation fills the air as traders prepare for what is traditionally their busiest period of the year. Although sales remain slow at this stage, many vendors are optimistic that business will pick up as Christmas draws nearer.
A walk through the bustling CBD reveals a market fully awakened to the season. Stalls are draped with colourful lights, sparkling garlands, and a wide array of festive items—from hampers and toys to fabrics and household gifts. Christmas carols echo from shops and speakers, blending with the usual city bustle to create a warm, inviting holiday atmosphere.
Christmas decoration vendors, in particular, have stepped up their game this year. With ladders in hand and decorations strung high across walkways, they have transformed streets and shopping areas into vibrant corridors of celebration, ensuring that shoppers and passersby feel the magic of the season.
Despite the visible cheer, many traders expressed concerns about current economic challenges. They noted that purchasing power has dipped and the flow of money in the system remains slow.
“We have a lot of Christmas items in town; it’s just that the market is very slow,” one trader lamented.
Another vendor, who had only started selling Christmas goods the previous day, remained hopeful about the season.
“Our products are usually the last to be purchased, but I can’t say sales are bad. I know next week I’ll be busy selling. People should patronise my items because they are affordable,” she said.
Traders have, therefore, called on government to take urgent steps to stabilise prices and improve liquidity as families prepare for the holidays.
“We are calling on people to patronise our items because they are being sold at very low prices. We are also looking forward to seeing a change in buying patterns,” another trader added.
Shoppers also shared warm Christmas wishes for loved ones and echoed traders’ concerns.
“This Christmas is not going as expected, but I believe things will change. Ghanaians should have patience. We are calling on government once again to release money into the system,” a shopper noted.
As the countdown to Christmas continues, the Central Business District stands as a vibrant reflection of hope, resilience, and festive joy. Traders remain confident that sales will improve, shoppers are embracing the season’s spirit, and the streets continue to light up with colourful decorations. One thing is clear—Christmas is truly in the air.
The Ghana Police Service has commemorated the 2025 Police Memorial Day with a solemn ceremony to honour officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The event, held at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
This year’s commemoration was marked with a Flag Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony under the theme: “Remembering Our Fallen Heroes: Gone But Not Forgotten.”
The ceremony featured the lighting of the perpetual flame, prayers for the fallen officers and their families, and tributes recognising the sacrifices made by personnel who paid the ultimate price to protect lives and maintain national security.
First Use of the New Cenotaph
On 28th November 2026, the newly constructed cenotaph was used for the first time to honour officers who died in 2025 and 2026. The memorial structure now serves as a permanent symbol of respect for police who die while performing lawful duties.
How Officers Are Selected for Recognition
Only police personnel who die in the lawful execution of their duties qualify for commemoration during Police Memorial Day. A selection panel chaired by the Director-General of Welfare vets the cases, which are then forwarded to the Police Management Board for approval. The criteria and disqualification guidelines are outlined in S.I. No. 63.
In addition to the wreath-laying ceremony, the names of selected officers are inscribed on the Wall of Honour or recorded in the Roll of Honour, depending on the nature of the sacrifice.
The ceremony was observed simultaneously across all police regions in Ghana.
A Permanent Day of Remembrance
Since 2020, the Police Administration has fixed 2nd November each year as the official Police Memorial Day, aligning it with All Souls’ Day on the liturgical calendar.
List of the 20 Fallen Heroes of 2025
The 2025 commemoration honoured 20 officers who died in the line of duty:
G/Const. James Kofi Atie – Road accident (Bono East Region)
G/Const. Taylor Jessey Nii – Road accident (Ashanti Region)
G/Const. Rockson George – Shot (Upper East Region)
G/Cpl. Ebenezer Annan – Road accident (Bono East Region)
G/Sgt. Albert Appiah – Fell unconscious (National Police Headquarters)
G/Const. Aboagye Gideon – Road accident (Central North Region)
G/Const. John Kwabena Dogbey – Drowned (Western North Region)
G/Const. Tigwe Bazen John – Road accident (Upper East Region)
G/Const. Thomas Boadu – Road accident (Nangodi Police Station)
G/L/Cpl. Emmanuel Kwoa Amoah – Pronounced dead at Koforidua Government Hospital (Regional Visibility, Bolgatanga – UER)
Of the 20 officers, six (6) will have their names engraved on the Wall of Honour, while the remaining fourteen (14) will be recorded in the Memorial Book of Honour.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Police Memorial Day was first observed on 24th November 2014, held on a bare floor without any permanent monument. Today, the commemorative activities — including the new cenotaph — symbolize Ghana’s ongoing commitment to honouring officers who risk their lives daily.
The 2025 ceremony once again highlighted the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of Ghana’s police officers, reaffirming the nation’s gratitude and commitment to supporting them in their duty to protect life and property.
Drivers must prioritize safety, discipline and courtesy — Joseph Mensah
The National Vice Chairman and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), Mr. Joseph Mensah, has urged drivers across the country to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to road safety measures as the Christmas festivities approach.
Speaking to the media during PROTOA’s end-of-year council meeting at the Kumasi Cultural Centre, Mr. Mensah—who also serves as chairman for 24 transport unions in the Ashanti Region—expressed concern over the frequent rise in road accidents during festive seasons.
According to him, many of these accidents are caused by needless over speeding, impatience, and disregard for basic road safety precautions.
He cautioned drivers to avoid excessive speeding, overloading, and reckless overtaking, stressing that their primary responsibility is to transport passengers safely to their destinations.
“Drivers must exercise extreme care while at post. This period demands discipline and strict adherence to road safety regulations,” he said.
Mr. Mensah further reminded drivers that they have a duty to serve the public with dedication, devotion, and commitment. He encouraged them to show courtesy and respect to passengers at all times, noting that “good customer service is the surest way to win public confidence.”
He concluded by appealing to all drivers, especially those in the PROTOA union, to work together to ensure an accident-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
Executive Director of Transparency International (TI) Ghana, Mary Addah, says proposals to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) are misguided, unnecessary, and premature.
Her comments come in response to a Private Members’ Bill jointly submitted by Members of Parliament Mahama Ayariga and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, seeking to repeal the OSP Act (Act 959).
The proposed Office of the Special Prosecutor (Repeal) Bill, 2025, dated December 8, calls for the complete dissolution of the OSP, with all corruption-related prosecutions reverting to the Attorney-General, as stipulated under Article 88 of the Constitution.
Bill’s Rationale
The memorandum accompanying the bill argues that the OSP’s nearly eight-year existence has revealed deep-rooted structural and constitutional deficiencies that undermine its effectiveness. It further cites:
-Alleged overlaps in prosecutorial authority between the OSP and the Attorney-General
-Resulting institutional friction and conflicting mandates
-Delays in the prosecution of corruption cases
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Mary Addah insisted that the OSP should be strengthened—not dismantled.
“We are in the best stages of the office. The calls for it to be scrapped are very much unnecessary. It is sad that we have to be talking about this now,” she said.
She questioned why Parliament would consider dismantling an institution still evolving, while older institutions with longer histories of underperformance have not faced similar scrutiny.
“The intent and purpose of the law and the office—have they been achieved? Why are we in a hurry?” she asked.
“The Attorney-General’s office has been there for more than 100 years; how many cases have they prosecuted? Perhaps we want quick action and results. We cannot fault Ghanaians for that, but I think we should hasten slowly.”
Background
The OSP was established in 2017 as Ghana’s foremost independent anti-corruption investigative and prosecutorial body, created to target high-profile corruption cases without the political interference often associated with the Attorney-General’s office.
The debate over its future now reignites long-standing questions about political will, institutional independence, and the country’s commitment to fighting corruption.