News
Speak up! Salam Mustapha urges CSOs and faith-based organizations
The National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has urged civil society groups and religious bodies to speak out against what he describes as unfair treatment by the government, following the arrest and release of dancehall artist Shatta Wale.
His call comes amidst the arrest of Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on August 20, 2025.
The case is tied to a Lamborghini Urus linked to a $4 million U.S. fraud scheme involving a Ghanaian man, Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is serving a seven-year jail term in America.
Shatta Wale was detained after he failed to produce ownership documents for the luxury vehicle.
He reportedly told investigators he purchased the car via WhatsApp from a man known only as “Zak” but could not provide contact details or proper paperwork. The only document available was a customs declaration in the name of the convicted fraudster.
In the evening of August 21, 2025, Shatta Wale met his bail conditions after the initial amount of GH¢10 million with two sureties was reduced to GH¢5 million.
His release followed hours of protest by hundreds of fans who gathered at EOCO headquarters in Accra, chanting and demanding his freedom.
Mr. Mustapha, who visited the EOCO office in the evening, told journalists and bloggers that the government must be reasonable in its dealings with citizens.
He said no one should be treated as a second-class citizen because of political affiliation.
He contrasted the arrest of Shatta Wale with the case of an individual who allegedly attacked nurses at Ridge Hospital but still walks free.
He described the arrest over a car issue as “absolute nonsense.”
According to him, what is happening in Ghana is no longer normal but “abnormal.”
He insisted that the government was oppressing its people and urged civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and the general public to rise and speak out
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
NPP is a diverse party, let’s end religious and tribal bigotry campaigns – Dr. Bawumia
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party in the 2028 elections (NPP) and former Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has cautioned against the use of religious and tribal sentiments in the party’s internal campaign.
Dr. Bawumia expressed concern that some campaigners and flagbearer hopefuls were introducing divisive arguments, including claims that delegates should not vote for him because his wife is not a “true Ghanaian.”
He described such claims as disturbing and unrepresentative of the values of the NPP.
“We are a very diverse party covering four religions and all tribes. It is important that we remain united,” he said.
He urged his opponents to contest on the strength of their vision, mission, ideas, integrity, and track record, rather than attacking personalities based on religion or ethnicity.
Citing his own record, Dr. Bawumia reminded party members of his contributions to the NPP’s victories in 2016 and 2020, including his role in the 2013 election petition and his wife Samira’s nationwide campaign efforts.
He noted that at those times, nobody questioned his background or his wife’s identity.
He stressed that attempts to divide the party along religious or tribal lines do not reflect the views of the NPP’s rank and file.
“The NPP will always triumph over tribal and religious bigots. What we need is unity to go forward and win 2028,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia further cautioned the party not to repeat past mistakes, recalling how divisions cost the NPP the 1979 elections.
He expressed confidence that with unity and hard work, the party could secure victory in the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Six foods that can trigger allergies – Dr. Kofi Brifo
The Founder of the Skin Foundation Africa, Dr. Kofi Brifo, has outlined six common foods that can cause and trigger allergic reactions.
They include milk, nuts, eggs, wheat, seafood such as shrimps and lobsters, and soy products like soy milk.
Speaking on the topic “Allergies and the Skin: What to Know” on GBC’s Breakfast Show, Dr. Brifo explained that allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance.
He said this can lead to inflammation, itching, redness, skin rashes, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
According to him, allergies are very common in urban African communities, affecting about 30 to 40 percent of people.
He added that reactions can be caused by environmental factors such as detergents, perfumes, skincare products, insect bites, and foods.
Dr. Brifo noted that food remains one of the leading causes of allergic reactions and highlighted six major triggers.
These are cow milk, nuts, eggs, wheat, seafood such as shrimps and lobsters, and soy products.
He stressed that while some people may have individual triggers like pineapples, these six foods are the most common culprits, especially in children.
On treatment, Dr. Brifo cautioned the public against the misuse of steroid creams for rashes, particularly in children, warning that this could lead to harmful side effects such as stretch marks at an early age.
He explained that allergies cannot be completely cured but can be managed through awareness, avoidance of triggers, and gradual desensitisation methods.
Dr. Brifo urged the public to take allergic reactions seriously, especially when symptoms go beyond rashes and include difficulty in breathing, describing such cases as life-threatening emergencies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
