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
For generations of graduates, the University of Ghana has shaped some of life’s most meaningful moments.
It is where lifelong friendships were formed, marriages began, business ideas took shape, partnerships were built, entrepreneurs nurtured, and identities discovered.
UG became a shared home, one that inspired pride and a deep sense of belonging. Yet, as the years pass and life takes alumni into different careers, countries, and seasons, many gradually lose touch with the University and with one another.
On 28 May 2026, the University of Ghana will officially launch the University of Ghana Global Alumni Network (UGA Network) App, a digital platform designed to foster and strengthen lifelong connections between the University and its alumni worldwide.
The launch, scheduled to take place at the University of Ghana, marks a significant shift in alumni engagement and development, from fragmented, informal networks to a single, trusted, and official digital home for all Legonites.
For years, alumni engagement has largely depended on WhatsApp groups, social media pages, and independent alumni groups.
While these channels have kept conversations alive, they have also created fragmentation, making it difficult to maintain accurate records, share official updates, and mobilise alumni for mentorship, networking, and institutional development.
The UGA Network App was developed to address this gap.
It provides a secure platform where alumni can register, verify their alumni status, update their profiles, reconnect with classmates and year groups, and stay informed about university and alumni initiatives, all in one place.
At the heart of the UGA Network App is a simple idea: alumni should never feel like outsiders to the University they helped build.
Designed with alumni experiences in mind, the platform makes it easy to rediscover old bonds, build new professional relationships, participate in alumni events, and contribute meaningfully to the University’s advancement.
Whether a recent graduate navigating early career decisions or a seasoned professional seeking to give back, the app creates space for every alum to belong and participate.
The UGA Network App is the official alumni engagement platform of the University of Ghana, managed by the Institutional Advancement Directorate, in collaboration with the Information Technology Directorate.
Built on a verified and secure alumni database, the platform protects personal information while ensuring credibility and trust for users.
As the University prepares to unveil the UGA Network App, alumni are invited to register, reconnect, and belong.
The Bank of Ghana has directed Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MMFL) to suspend the implementation of its proposed 0.75 percent fee on direct wallet-to-bank transfers pending further consultations.
The proposed charge was scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2026.
In a press release issued by its Communications Department, the central bank said the decision to halt the implementation was to allow for further engagement on the matter.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the move forms part of efforts to ensure that any changes in charges within the mobile financial services sector are introduced fairly and in a way that protects consumers.
The Bank said it remains committed to safeguarding the financial wellbeing of users of mobile money and other digital financial services.
The proposed fee had generated public discussions ahead of its planned implementation date.
However, the Bank of Ghana did not indicate when a final decision on the proposed charge would be announced.
By: Jacob Aggrey
