Entertainment
We have failed Castro and Janet Bandu- Lawyer Maurice Ampaw
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Legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has said that Ghanaians and the relevant state institutions clothed with power to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of musician Castro and a friend, Janet Bandu, have failed them.
Castro, known privately as Theophilus Tagoe, together with Janet Bandu were in the company of former Black Stars Captain, Asamoah Gyan and others at a resort in Ada to spend the weekend on July 6, 2014.
Unfortunately, the two disappeared during a Jet Ski cruise on the lake, and against this backdrop, Monday, July 6, marked the sixth year since the unfortunate incident, but with a year more, the way would be paved for the two to be legally declared dead.
The legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has expressed his disappointment.
According to him, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) failed in the search approach for the two.
In an interview with The Spectator, Maurice Ampaw said, initially, the country failed to take the right steps to properly investigate the case.
He said those who were with Castro on the fateful day were not properly investigated and were allowed to leave the crime scene, and rather authorities relied on hearsay as well, and later kept quiet on the case.
Maurice Ampaw added that the people of Ghana, and Parliament among other state institutions lost interest in the case, and failed to give it the necessary attention in order to resolve it.
He also apportioned some of the blame to the families of the missing individuals for not uniting to fight for the right thing to be done.
According to him, all that the country had been waiting for is the seven years, and a day legal requirement to declare them dead.
Describing the processes as very sad, he said the family could seek an order from the court to that effect next year, and go to the Birth and Death Registry to legally declare them dead, adding that it would give the necessary families permit to hold the funeral and look into the sharing of assets.
Expressing his displeasure, he said, “How can someone die and you say you’re waiting for seven years to declare him dead? We have not been serious and we don’t take the death of people serious,” Maurice Ampaw lamented.
According to section 33 of the country’s Evidence Act 1975, a person can only be legally declared dead after seven years, and one day by a court, where the person in question is not heard or seen despite measures to find the individual.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Gospel musician Lady Adwoa marked her birthday in a deeply spiritual way on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the release of her latest single, ‘ASEDA,’ a powerful song of thanksgiving that reflects her personal journey of faith, resilience, and unwavering trust in God.
The new release, whose title translates as “Thanksgiving,” is more than just another gospel song. It is a heartfelt testimony of God’s sustaining grace and faithfulness through some of the most challenging moments of the singer’s life.
According to Lady Adwoa, ASEDA was inspired by her experiences over the past five years; a period she described as one of intense trials that tested both her faith and resilience. Despite the difficulties, she said every challenge became another reminder that God never abandons those who trust in Him.
“Through every difficult season, God simply came through for me. He has been faithful through it all,” she said.
She explained that the message of the song is rooted in the biblical admonition to remain thankful in every circumstance.
“The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances, so whether in the good, the bad, or the ugly, I choose to give thanks to God,” she added.
By releasing ASEDA on her birthday, Lady Adwoa said she transformed what is traditionally a personal celebration into an offering of gratitude to God for preserving her life and strengthening her through every season.
With the declaration, “ASEDA FATA NYAME” meaning God deserves all the thanks. The singer said the song encapsulates her testimony and serves as an encouragement to others to remain steadfast in faith regardless of life’s uncertainties.
The uplifting single combines a message of hope with heartfelt worship, reminding listeners that gratitude should not be reserved only for seasons of abundance but should also be expressed amid life’s trials.
Lady Adwoa has encouraged gospel music enthusiasts and the general public to stream ASEDA on her YouTube channel and follow her social media platforms for updates on her music ministry and future projects.
The release has already begun drawing attention among gospel music lovers, with many expected to connect with its timeless message of gratitude, hope, and unwavering confidence in God’s faithfulness.
An International Relations student at Cumbria University, Rumzia Sule, has been officially crowned Miss Ghana 2026, emerging victorious over 12 other contestants to claim the coveted national title.
The grand finale of the 69th edition, held under the theme “Empowering Women, Enduring Legacy,” saw the University of Ghana graduate Fatimatu Zara Ishacu finish as the first runner-up and Whitney Opoku Nketia adjudged the second runner-up.
Other awards, such as Miss Fitness, Miss Talent, Miss Eloquent, Most Beautiful Skin, Miss Congeniality, Most Disciplined, and Miss Photogenic, went to Nedlyn Appiah, Lucille Akua Oputa-Otutu, Davinia Owusu Kuffuor, Lawrencia Serwaa Amankwa, Fatimatu Zara Ishacu, Anita Appiah, and Whitney Opoku Nketia, in that order.
Rumzia also won the Beauty with Purpose award.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s pageant adopted a strategic, scaled-down format. Shifting away from traditional pomp and pageantry, to a more personal and community skills development theme.
The final selection was held at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra before an elite panel of judges, relatives of contestants amongst others present to witness the historic occasion.
According to the organisers, Exclusive Events Ghana and the Miss Ghana Foundation, the format change was a deliberate choice, as part of preparations towards the upcoming milestone for the brand both nationally and internationally, that is, next year’s landmark 70th, in Ghana and this year’s 75th anniversaries, internationally.
Despite the cozy setting of the coronation, the finalists underwent the full, rigorous pageant journey following nationwide auditions on June 27, 2026.
The young women participated in intensive, weeks-long mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship programme designed to test their resilience, empathy, discipline, and professionalism.
Furthermore, the contestants demonstrated their commitment to national development by rolling up their sleeves for the National Clean-Up Exercise, supporting President John Dramani Mahama’s call to restore cleanliness across Ghana by desilting choked gutters in parts of Accra.
The Foundation emphasised that these outreach programmes were vital evaluation tools used to identify a queen who genuinely embodies compassion and a willingness to serve society beyond the glamour of the stage.
Rumzia’s exceptional public speaking and commanding vision ultimately separated her from the field.
As the new Miss Ghana 2026, Rumzia will now begin preparations to represent the nation on the international stage at the upcoming Miss World pageant in Vietnam.
