Entertainment
‘Black Panther’ Director Ryan Coogler wrongly targeted as bank robber
Bank staffers mistakenly thought Ryan Coogler was staging a robbery, so they called cops, and the famed director actually ended up in handcuffs, briefly.
According to an Atlanta PD report, obtained by TMZ, Coogler was detained after stopping in a Bank of America to make a transaction back in January – a completely legal transaction but that’s not how one teller took it.
Coogler walked in rocking shades and a COVID face mask – not uncommon, of course – but he handed the teller a withdrawal slip that had a note written on the back.
We’re told his message read, “I would like to withdraw $12,000 cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet.” Understandable, considering the amount of money he was getting but this led to the teller thinking something suspicious was going down, and cops were called for an attempted robbery.
When officers arrived, they detained 2 people waiting outside for Ryan in an SUV and then went in and brought the director himself out in handcuffs.
After an investigation, the police say this was all just a huge mistake and the fault lies with the BoA employee, who’s described in the report as a pregnant Black woman.
According to the report, when the teller went to make the transaction on her computer, it triggered some sort of an alert. So, she told her boss Coogler was attempting to rob the bank, and they called 911.
In the end, cops realized this was a screw-up, and Ryan had actually done nothing wrong. Sounds like Ryan wasn’t too pleased. The report notes he asked for badge numbers of all the responding officers once everyone was released.
He’s been in GA a lot over the past year, filming the sequel to “Black Panther,” which itself has been a drama-filled process with cast injuries and alleged COVID conspiracy talk. And now…this.
Source: tmz.com
Fashion enthusiasts, shoppers, and industry stakeholders gathered at the A&C Mall at East Legon on Saturday as Ghanaian fashion brand, Neesa Atelier officially opened its newest retail outlet to unveil an exclusive capsule collection inspired by West Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The launch, held as an intimate ‘Sip & Shop’ experience, marked a significant milestone for the growing fashion brand as it expanded its physical presence while showcasing its latest collection, Dust & Raffia.
The collection offers a creative exploration of the cultural links between Ghana and Mali, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion design. Guests at the event were given a first look at the limited-edition pieces, which featured a hand-spun cord, raffia, jute, and Bogolan (mudcloth) elements.
According to the Creative Director of Neesa Atelier, Pamela Sarkodee, the collection celebrates the enduring connections among African communities and highlights the beauty of indigenous craftsmanship.
“This collection celebrates the stories that connect us across borders. By bringing together Bogolan, raffia, jute, and cordwork, we wanted to create pieces that honour heritage while presenting a contemporary vision of African luxury,” she said.
Throughout the event, guests toured the new retail space, interacted with the collection, and enjoyed an exclusive shopping experience that included special in-store offers. The occasion also provided an opportunity for fashion lovers to engage with the brand’s vision of blending culture, creativity, and community.
The Dust & Raffia collection draws inspiration from the textures, symbols, and traditions that have connected Ghanaian and Malian communities over generations. Through the use of natural materials and handcrafted techniques, the collection seeks to preserve cultural narratives while presenting them through modern fashion.
The new A&C Mall outlet has been designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, giving them access to Neesa Atelier’s signature collections as well as future releases within one of Accra’s leading retail and lifestyle destinations.
Industry observers say the expansion reinforces Neesa Atelier’s growing reputation within Ghana’s fashion industry as a contemporary African brand committed to celebrating identity, heritage, and craftsmanship through innovative design.
The Dust & Raffia capsule collection is currently available for pre-order, with a wider public release expected in the coming weeks.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The search for Ghana’s next beauty and purpose-driven ambassador kicks off Saturday, June 27, 2026, as auditions open for the historic 69th edition of Miss Ghana.
Aspiring contestants will converge at Oak Plaza Hotel, East Airport, Spintex Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The event will bring together young women from across the country ready to represent their regions and compete for the ultimate crown.
Organized by Exclusive Events Ghana, the pageant continues its mission to identify women who embody beauty, intelligence, leadership, discipline, and passion for community service.
The eventual winner will represent Ghana at the Miss World pageant and lead charitable projects through the Miss Ghana Foundation.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy”, celebrating 69 years of promoting purpose-driven leadership, cultural pride, and female empowerment.
Speaking ahead of the auditions, Inna Patty, CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana, said “For nearly seven decades, Miss Ghana has empowered young women to inspire change, celebrate culture, and represent the pride of Ghana to the world. Now, a new chapter begins. The countdown to Miss Ghana @69 is on.”
To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old, be confident, morally upright, community-minded, and able to serve as a Ghana ambassador locally and internationally
The judges will also consider the communication skills, confidence, creativity, and personality of applicants.
Aspiring queens will have the opportunity to showcase unique talents like singing, dancing, spoken word, rap, or other creative expressions while engaging judges on national development issues.
Prospective queens are to download application forms and view full entry requirements on the Miss Ghana website.
Miss Ghana 2026 is powered by Exclusive Events Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
