News
Arianna Naomi declines further collaboration, blocks police investigators
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The newly appointed Managing Director of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai, has urged staff of the corporation to play their part in advancing the growth and success of the organisation, stressing that every employee has a crucial role to play in achieving its goals.
According to him, it was important for staff to see themselves as owners of the institution and work together to achieve its goals to remain sustainable.
Dr Nai made the remarks when he was introduced to staff last Friday.
“You need to work as though the company belongs to you. You are not doing it for me; take ownership. Let us work as a team,” he said.
He urged employees to be committed to their duties, respect time and meet deadlines, adding that teamwork and responsibility were key to the growth of the organisation.
Dr Nai also thanked staff for their hard work and dedication over the years and praised them for contributing to the growth of the corporation.
The Board Chairman, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, expressed confidence in Dr Nai and wished him success in his new role.
A Board Member and Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee, Dr Charity Binka, also urged staff to give him their full support to enable him to succeed.
Dr Nai is an experienced management executive, academic and corporate leader with more than 25 years of experience in finance, administration, corporate governance, strategic planning, auditing and organisational leadership in Ghana and the United Kingdom.
Before his appointment, he served as General Manager in charge of Finance and Administration at the State Housing Company Limited. He has also held senior positions at the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Central Region Development Commission, the London Boroughs of Croydon and Merton, and Ananemantey & Co.
His experience spans both the public and private sectors, including development organisations, local government institutions, financial institutions and higher education institutions. He has also lectured in Accounting, Finance, Taxation and Management.
Dr Nai holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree in Financial Management from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Greenwich, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA).
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Sunday night belonged to Ghana’s screen royalty, the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City transformed into a runway of dreams as actors, filmmakers, and creatives rolled in for the 15th Ghana Movie Awards under the theme “Rewarding African Excellence.”
The red carpet didn’t just glow, it roared. From bold traditional wears to sleek couture, the movie fraternity showed up and showed out.
Kafui Danku, Nana Akua Addo, Yvonne Nelson, Hajia 4Reall, Kofi Okyere Darko, Juliet Ibrahim, James Gardiner, Clemento Suarez, Jackie Appiah, Kwaku Manu, Akabenezer, and Nigeria’s Deyemi Okanlawon led a constellation of stars who lit up the night.
Their patterns, colour play, and statement accessories turned Kempinski into Accra’s fashion capital for one night.
It wasn’t just about the looks. The night delivered wins that mattered. Nana Ama McBrown, Dr. Likee, Kwadwo Nkansah, Mawuko Kuadzi, and Janet Ayensu were among the heavyweights who walked home with top honours, celebrating craft, consistency, and African storytelling.
Class, pomp, and pageantry met purpose, a reminder that Ghanaian and African cinema isn’t just entertaining but on a mission for greatness.
The Ghana Movie Awards (GMA) is one of the most prestigious award schemes in Ghana’s film industry.
The scheme was established by Ghanaian actor and producer Fred Nuamah, and has over the years celebrated excellence.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
