Ghana Drawn Against England, Croatia and Panama for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Najat Adamu
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Ghana Drawn Against England, Croatia and Panama for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Excitement is building across the globe as the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Although the three host nations have known since 2018 that they would stage the tournament, the reality of the expanded 48-team competition is now fully setting in.

With new formats, bigger groups, and increased global participation, the 2026 World Cup promises to be the most unique edition in the tournament’s history.

Ghana Lands in Tough Group L

The Black Stars of Ghana have been handed a difficult but exciting challenge after being drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

The group sets up thrilling matchups, especially the Ghana–England clash, which has already begun generating reactions among fans worldwide.

Match Schedule for the Black Stars

Ghana’s group-stage fixtures are as follows:

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Ghana vs. Panama
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto

Ghana opens its campaign against Panama, a match many analysts describe as crucial to building momentum in the group.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Ghana vs. England
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Boston

This highly anticipated clash is expected to be one of the most watched matches of the tournament’s group stage, as Ghana faces one of Europe’s traditional heavyweights.

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Ghana vs. Croatia
Venue: (To be assigned by FIFA)

Ghana will wrap up its group matches against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia—another stern test for the Black Stars.

Looking Ahead

With a blend of young talent and experienced players, Ghana will be aiming to defy expectations in what is arguably one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. The expanded World Cup format means greater opportunities—but also fiercer competition.

By Prince Tuffuor

Police Rescue Kidnap Victim in Wapuli; Three Arrested, One Suspect on the Run

Najat Adamu
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Police Rescue Kidnap Victim in Wapuli; Three Arrested, One Suspect on the Run

The Ghana Police Service in the Northern Region has rescued a kidnap victim at Wapuli in the Yendi Division following a swift, intelligence-led operation.

According to a Northern Regional situation report, the incident was first reported to the Tamale Regional Police Intelligence Directorate (RPID) on December 2, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m. The kidnappers had demanded GH₵100,000 from the victim’s family in exchange for his release.

In response, the Northern Regional Commander, DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, deployed a five-member intelligence team from the Tamale RPID to Wapuli to conduct surveillance and execute a rescue operation. The team successfully rescued the victim on December 5.

During a follow-up operation at 12:30 a.m. on December 6, police officers engaged the suspects in a gunfire exchange. The assailants managed to escape, abandoning a motorbike with registration M 25 NR and a Samsung mobile phone, which were retrieved as exhibits.

Later that morning, police arrested three suspects at Bokpaba along the Bimbilla–Yendi road. They have been identified as Haruna Seidu, 31; Amidu Bandi, 30; and Osman Bandi, 40. Officers also recovered GH₵70,000, believed to be part of the ransom payment, as well as two motorbikes.

Police say one suspect remains at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend him.

By Ebenezer Madugu

“This Is Why Coach Zito Deserves More Time” — Justice Adusi-Poku, Sports Analyst, Atinka FM

Najat Adamu
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0
“This Is Why Coach Zito Deserves More Time” — Justice Adusi-Poku, Sports Analyst, Atinka FM

Head Coach Abdul Karim Zito deserves more time and support despite the rising criticisms over Kotoko’s recent performances. After a bright start to the 2025/2026 campaign, the club’s momentum has stalled, with the team failing to win any of its last three outstanding matches — drawing twice and losing once.

But according to sports analyst Justice Adusi-Poku, the call for Zito’s dismissal is premature. Several critical factors have contributed to the team’s dip in form, many of which are beyond the coach’s control.

1. Unprecedented Injury Crisis

Kotoko is currently battling one of its worst injury spells in years.

  • 13 first-team players are sidelined.
  • About five of them are regular starters.

The analyst notes that no club can perform at its best with such a depleted squad, especially after integrating 15 new signings from the last transfer window. Team cohesion takes time, and injuries have disrupted the process significantly.

2. Fatigue from Excessive Travel and Congested Fixtures

The Porcupine Warriors have been travelling across the country for both regular league matches and outstanding fixtures that were rescheduled earlier in the season.
This has resulted in:

-Player fatigue

-Accumulated knocks and new injuries

-Opponents taking advantage of a tired Kotoko side

Justice Adusi-Poku argues that this physical toll has clearly affected the team’s sharpness and consistency.

3. Absence of Key Players

Perhaps the most damaging factor has been the loss of Albert Amoa, the team’s best performer and creative force this season.
Other influential players like Kwame Poku and Isaac Mintah have also been unavailable, further weakening the squad.

With the spine of the team missing, Zito has been forced into constant tactical adjustments, making stability difficult.

Conclusion: A Coach Who Needs Patience, Not Pressure

Justice Adusi-Poku insists that Coach Abdul Karim Zito must not be judged solely on recent results. The circumstances surrounding the team would pose a challenge to even the best managers.

He believes Kotoko will regain form once:

-Injured players return,

-The team gels fully, and

-The travel load eases.

For these reasons, he concludes that Zito deserves more time to execute his project and steer the club back to winning ways.

By Justice Adusi-Poku

AU Commission Chairperson Condemns Deadly Attack on Civilians in South Kordofan

Najat Adamu
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0
AU Commission Chairperson Condemns Deadly Attack on Civilians in South Kordofan

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned in the strongest terms the reported killing of more than 100 civilians in Kalogi, South Kordofan, Sudan, describing the attack as “horrific” and a grave breach of international law.

According to media reports referenced by the AU, the victims included dozens of women and children, many of whom were inside a pre-school when the assault occurred. Educators, medical personnel, and civilians attempting to assist the injured were also reportedly targeted.

In a statement, the Chairperson said he was “appalled by the repeated and escalating atrocities committed against civilians in the region,” highlighting continued aerial bombardments, drone attacks, and assaults on essential civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.

H.E. Youssouf called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to halt the violence and urged all parties to fully protect civilians — especially children, women, and the elderly — in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

He further appealed for unhindered humanitarian access to allow lifesaving assistance to reach affected populations, and stressed the need for independent investigations to ensure accountability for all violations.

“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be brought to justice,” the statement said.

The African Union reiterated its solidarity with the people of Sudan and reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to prevent further atrocities and to support a return to dialogue, peace, and stability in the country.

Bullet TV’s Karen Antwi Joins Israel-Selected Delegation For Cyber Week 2025

Najat Adamu
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0
Bullet TV’s Karen Antwi Joins Israel-Selected Delegation For Cyber Week 2025

Bullet TV’s Karen Antwi has been selected by the Embassy of Israel in Accra to join Ghana’s official delegation for Cyber Week 2025 and AI Week 2025 in Tel Aviv—making her the only journalist from Ghana chosen for this year’s mission.

The two conferences, hosted annually at Tel Aviv University, are among the world’s most influential gatherings on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The 2025 editions, scheduled for 8–11 December, will bring together policymakers, security experts, academics, tech companies and international media from more than 80 countries.

Bullet TV’s Karen Antwi Joins Israel-Selected Delegation For Cyber Week 2025

Cyber Week has, over the past decade, grown into a global platform for strategic discussions on cyber defence, featuring high-level panels, live demonstrations of emerging digital threats and exhibitions from Israel’s cutting-edge cybersecurity industry.

AI Week, which complements the main conference, focuses on advances in machine learning, autonomous systems, and global AI governance frameworks.

Israel remains one of the world’s foremost cybersecurity hubs, powered by decades of investment, elite military intelligence expertise, and a vibrant start-up ecosystem. The country’s cyber defence firms contribute significantly to global innovation in the field, and its national cyber strategies are frequently studied by governments strengthening their digital resilience.

For Ghana, participating in the summit highlights the nation’s increasing prioritisation of cyber-readiness as digital systems expand across government, banking, education and commerce.

With cybercrime, online fraud and data breaches becoming more sophisticated, the Israeli Embassy says Ghana’s involvement will enhance technical cooperation, deepen institutional capacity and expose key actors to international best practices.

Karen Antwi’s inclusion as the sole Ghanaian journalist is expected to offer Ghanaian audiences exclusive insight into one of the world’s foremost cyber and AI gatherings.

Her coverage will explore global cyber policies, evolving threat landscapes, and the growing role of African nations in shaping digital governance.

Her selection also reflects the expanding responsibility of journalists in interpreting rapid technological change for the public. As global cyber threats intensify, the ability of the media to break down complex digital issues is becoming increasingly essential.

Bullet TV will provide continuous updates from her coverage in Tel Aviv throughout the conference.

By Karen Antwi

AU Commission Chairperson Condemns Deadly Attack on Civilians in South Kordofan

Najat Adamu
-
0
AU Commission Chairperson Condemns Deadly Attack on Civilians in South Kordofan

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned in the strongest terms the reported killing of more than 100 civilians in Kalogi, South Kordofan, Sudan, describing the attack as “horrific” and a grave breach of international law.

According to media reports referenced by the AU, the victims included dozens of women and children, many of whom were inside a pre-school when the assault occurred. Educators, medical personnel, and civilians attempting to assist the injured were also reportedly targeted.

In a statement, the Chairperson said he was “appalled by the repeated and escalating atrocities committed against civilians in the region,” highlighting continued aerial bombardments, drone attacks, and assaults on essential civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools.

H.E. Youssouf called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to halt the violence and urged all parties to fully protect civilians — especially children, women, and the elderly — in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.

He further appealed for unhindered humanitarian access to allow lifesaving assistance to reach affected populations, and stressed the need for independent investigations to ensure accountability for all violations.

“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be brought to justice,” the statement said.

The African Union reiterated its solidarity with the people of Sudan and reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to prevent further atrocities and to support a return to dialogue, peace, and stability in the country.

Upper West Region: Policemen Assaulted in Jirapa; AK-47 Rifles Reported Missing

Najat Adamu
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0
Upper West Region: Policemen Assaulted in Jirapa; AK-47 Rifles Reported Missing

A police peacekeeping operation in the Saawie community of Jirapa erupted into violence on Friday, December 5, after five officers were attacked and disarmed by a mob. Three AK-47 rifles and a service pistol were seized during the confrontation, with two of the rifles still missing.

According to an internal police situation report, the officers arrived in the community at about 15:40 hours to help de-escalate rising tensions following threats allegedly issued against Fulani herdsmen—an issue that has long fuelled conflict in the area.

Upper West Region: Policemen Assaulted in Jirapa; AK-47 Rifles Reported Missing

The team, led by the Jirapa Municipal Commander, ASP George Doe, was on an outreach mission to invite traditional and opinion leaders for dialogue. However, the officers reportedly came under sudden and fierce attack from about 30 residents. The mob assaulted the unarmed officers, leaving all five with serious injuries, before forcibly taking their weapons.

In response to the incident, the Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Francis Yiribaare, ordered an immediate deployment of reinforcement teams drawn from Jirapa, Lawra, Wa, Nadowli, and Nandom to restore order and pursue the suspects.

So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack. Local leaders have been given a 24-hour ultimatum to assist in recovering the remaining two rifles that are still unaccounted for. Police operations in the community are ongoing.

By Ahmed Abubakari Saanyuo

Soldiers Announce Coup in Benin, Dissolve Government

Najat Adamu
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0
Soldiers Announce Coup in Benin, Dissolve Government

A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television on Sunday, declaring the dissolution of the government and the removal of President Patrice Talon in what they described as a coup d’état.

The troops, identifying themselves as members of the self-styled Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced that they had met and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”

Talon, who has led the West African nation since 2016, was due to step down next April after completing 10 years in power. His whereabouts remain unknown.

The French Embassy in Cotonou reported gunfire at Camp Guezo, near the president’s official residence, and urged French citizens to remain indoors for safety.

The announcement comes barely a month after Benin’s parliament approved constitutional reforms. The amendment, passed by a 90–19 vote, extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit. It also establishes a new legislative body ahead of presidential elections scheduled for April.

Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon has been serving as the eighth president of Benin since 2016
Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon has been serving as the eighth president of Benin since 2016

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, a close ally of Talon, has been widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed him. The main opposition candidate was barred from contesting after failing to secure the required endorsements, raising concerns about the openness of the electoral process.

The sudden military intervention throws Benin’s political transition into turmoil, raising questions about the fate of the constitutional reforms and the upcoming elections. Regional and international observers are closely monitoring developments as the situation unfolds.

The story is developing.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Ghana Drawn Against England, Croatia and Panama, Otto Addo Says “We Can Beat Anyone”

Najat Adamu
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0
Ghana Drawn Against England, Croatia and Panama, Otto Addo Says “We Can Beat Anyone”

Ghana’s Black Stars will face England, Croatia and Panama in the group stage of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time African champions open their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, in Dallas, USA. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on June 11 and culminates with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 26.

This edition of the World Cup marks a historic expansion from 32 to 48 teams, organized into 12 groups of four. An additional 22 nations will contest playoffs in March to determine the final six qualifiers. In total, 104 matches will be played across 16 venues in North America, up from 64 in previous tournaments.

Seventy-eight games will be staged in 11 NFL stadiums in the United States, including all fixtures from the quarterfinals onward. Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches. The final will also feature the first-ever World Cup halftime show.

Under the new format, the 12 group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to a newly introduced round of 32. The eventual champions will play eight matches in total.

Reacting to the draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Ghana coach Otto Addo expressed confidence in his team’s chances.

“once we get a good start, anything is possible. On a good day, I know we can beat anyone. But I also know that we can lose against all of those teams, including Panama.”  Addo told TV3

Ghana will be looking to make a strong impression against 1966 World Cup winners England, 2018 finalists Croatia, and debutants Panama, as they aim to progress deep into the tournament.

By Ebenezer De-Gaulle

Awutu Senya East MP Encourages Youth to Venture into Agriculture

Najat Adamu
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0
Awutu Senya East MP Encourages Youth to Venture into Agriculture

The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency, Hon. Phillis Naa Koryo Okunor, has urged the youth to take up agriculture as a viable and profitable career path. She described the sector as a modern, lucrative, and essential engine for wealth creation, food security, and job creation.

Speaking at the Awutu Senya East Municipal Farmers’ Day celebration, held under the theme “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future,” the MP stressed that farming should no longer be viewed as a low-status occupation.

“Farming is not a low-status job. It is a profitable enterprise, and I encourage the youth to venture into it to earn income and secure their future,” — Hon. Phillis Naa Koryo Okunor, MP for Awutu Senya East

During the event, outstanding farmers were recognized and rewarded with items such as refrigerators, television sets, farm tools, and a tricycle (“aboboyaa”), which was presented to the Overall Best Farmer.

Awutu Senya East MP Encourages Youth to Venture into Agriculture

MCE Calls for Protection of Agricultural Lands

In an interview with ATINKA NEWS reporter Samuel Nyamekye Jnr, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Seth Sabah Serwornoo Banini, appealed to traditional authorities to help preserve lands meant for agriculture. He noted that farmlands in the area are rapidly being taken over by estate developers, posing a serious threat to local food production.

“We are appealing to Nananom to reserve lands for agriculture. Most of the lands meant for farming are being degraded by estate developers,” — Hon. Seth Sabah Serwornoo Banini, MCE 

Awutu Senya East MP Encourages Youth to Venture into Agriculture

Overall Best Farmer Appeals for Land Access

The Overall Best Farmer for the municipality, 37-year-old Alhaji Bandago, who supports a family of 11 children, also lamented the lack of accessible farmland. He called on both the government and traditional leaders to intervene by protecting and allocating more land for agricultural activities.

“The unavailability of land is a major hindrance to agriculture. We need government and Nananom to help reserve lands for farming,” — Alhaji Bandago, Overall Best Farmer

The awards ceremony highlighted the critical role of farmers in sustaining the municipality and reinforced calls for greater youth participation in the agricultural sector.

By Samuel Nyamekye Jnr.

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