News
359-year-old drum at Glidzi attracts tourists
Togbe Sedgbe Foli Bebe XV
This drum was made in 1663 for the first Ga Chief at Glidzi near Anexor, Togo.
The drum, surrounded by human skull, was played for the first Ga Chief, Togbe Foli-Bebe, once a year during his reign from 1663-1722 at festivals.
It was made with Odum tree and a cow hide and played for 13 successive chiefs before the current chief, Torgbui Sedegbe Foli Bebe XV, was installed in June, 1997.
The chief said the features of the drum had never changed since 1663 and extolled the unique talent of those who made the drum.
He said the drum contained the soul and spirit of the entire Ga citizens in Togo and evoked nostalgia whenever it was played during festivals and special occasions.
Togbui Sedegbe Foli Bebe XV praised his grandson, Foli, for being chosen naturally by the gods to play the drum seamlessly like his forefathers did since 1663.
It has since become a tourist attraction for visitors who throng Glidzi to catch a glimpse of this wonderful drum.
By Francis Xah
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has temporarily suspended all date of birth changes on the Ghana Card across the country.
The suspension takes effect from Monday, November 9, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Authority said the decision followed a review of its date of birth update process, which revealed the need for stronger safeguards.
The NIA said it was engaging key institutions, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Births and Deaths Registry, to strengthen the guidelines for processing such requests.
It explained that the consultations were aimed at ensuring a transparent, credible and standardised system for handling date of birth changes.
During the suspension, no new applications for date of birth changes will be accepted or processed at any NIA office nationwide. Requests already being processed will also not be approved.
The Authority said it would notify the public once the consultations were completed and the revised guidelines were ready.
It apologised for any inconvenience caused and appealed to the public for understanding and cooperation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Judicial Service of Ghana has announced the suspension of the industrial action by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG).
In a press release dated November 9, 2026, the Judicial Service said the decision followed productive discussions between the leadership of the two associations and management, resulting in a mutual understanding.
It has consequently directed all staff to resume work with immediate effect, with courts across the country expected to resume normal sittings on Tuesday, November 10.
The Service expressed regret over the disruption caused by the strike and apologised to President John Dramani Mahama, the Executive arm of government, the Speaker of Parliament and Members of Parliament, the legal profession and the general public.
It particularly apologised to court users who experienced inconvenience during the industrial action.
The Judicial Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of justice and thanked stakeholders for their patience and understanding as efforts continue towards a lasting resolution of the issues raised.
By: Jacob Aggrey
