Channel One Newsroom Live! Latest News Updates from Ghana | 19.05.2026 |

Ajouté : 2026-05-20

[00:00:30]Hello and welcome to the channel 1 newsroom live from our studios at number five Hansen Lane at Tessano. I am inos suff I think.

[00:02:29]Economic watchers urge caution as Bank of Ghana announces policy rate on Wednesday.

[00:02:41]In channel one sports, sports minister dismisses claims Ginian supporter groups are being denied visas by US embassy.

[00:03:14]tuning in. Let's settle for the details of our stories. Now, residents of Murray in the Abrau Kwa Manessa district of the central region are blaming sandwinning activities along the beaches for Saturday's tidal waves. The strong waves resulted in the collapse of 13 homes and rendered over 80 people uh residents want authorities to act to prevent another disaster. Central regional correspondent Tacos has more in the following report.

[00:03:45]Completely wiped away are 13 houses leaving 80 people including children distressed. Several other houses risk tumbling down in Ghana's Russian capital, Mori, otherwise known as the city of light.

[00:04:15]Some residents have attributed the disaster to widespread illegal sanding activities along the coast.

[00:04:31]12 to1 days.

[00:04:44]Sand winning activities in Mori have spanned several decades and have also affected activities of fishermen.

[00:05:21]Authorities say the safety of the entire community will no longer be compromised as strict law enforcement measures are expected to be rolled out.

[00:05:30]>> A is a worrying phenomenon here. There are some recit who still engage in sun.

[00:05:35]So indeed I've had discussions with the uh district executive and he's leing with the relevant authorities here to mount surveillance and apprehend anybody who engages in that kind of activity.

[00:05:47]Meanwhile, member of parliament for the Abraham Felix together with the National Disaster Management Organization Nadmu have extended aid to the disaster victims.

[00:05:59]>> I've been able to mobilize some significant quantities of relief items, food in the shape of rice, beans, maze, corn, um oil, cooking oil, dresses, mattresses, blankets, soaps, buckets and what have you. Nad has also reacted quickly. They've come here to do an assessment. They've seen the numbers.

[00:06:17]They've also contributed significantly to the relief items.

[00:06:21]>> A gesture that has been well appreciated.

[00:06:24]>> We thank our MP for supporting these items.

[00:06:29]After they have done the city defense, we want us to at least we need cement and slate so that we can able to complete our building. In a related development, the National Disaster Management Organization has declared the BA section of the Acra Cape Coast Highway as safe for traffic passage. The area got flooded, impeding smooth flow of traffic. Central Regional Dadmo director Quisa Wood however says perpetrators of activities that caused the flooding are being sought after to face the law. As at 5:00 a.m. this morning, uh the situation has been has been brought under control. Has been brought under control. The the the we have restored the situation to normaly.

[00:07:12]Vehicles are moving. There's free flow of traffic.

[00:07:14]>> A temporary relief, but authorities say help is on the way and it is being considered to resettle the affected victims. However, authorities say they will enforce laws against those who continue to win sand along the beach.

[00:07:30]for the channel one newsroom. I am Aquay Mari central region.

[00:07:38]>> Now the office of the rents commissioner and the rent control department have directed all private student host operators to halt any intended increment in fees for the 2026 2027 academic year.

[00:07:51]The directive is temporary ahead of a stakeholders consultative meeting.

[00:07:55]Channel 1 News's Manuel Ayama has more.

[00:07:59]According to the office of the rent commissioner and the rent control department, the decision to engage stakeholders in the student accommodation sector is necessary to find a lasting solution to the issue of unjustifiable increases in host fees.

[00:08:15]They say the engagement will be held nationwide and is expected to take place in the coming days.

[00:08:21]>> Upon what we found, there's a need for us to do stakeholder engagement. To be fair, we cannot set prices or say reduce it while we don't know what went into your pricing and to get and set a record straight. We are saying that hold on if there's any intention or plan to add more which we think somehow someway though we are not aware how you got there. It is not still not within the line of law to sit at will at your board meetings and increase rents which includes hosts. It is for this reason that we have stand on our authority the power of the law to say hold on let us meet which we have called for stakeholder engagement. If you clearly look at our statements it comes in two folds. Hold on we are about getting you letters and soon as by next week we start engaging as to how we engage you make it clear to them >> to ensure compliance with the directive.

[00:09:23]The rent commissioner noted that an interim platform will be launched to receive complaints particularly from students about any unauthorized increases. He noted that appropriate action will be taken against offenders.

[00:09:37]>> Not working out of law. I'm working within the conference of my mandates and that has to do. But as to whether somebody will comply or not, we are going to launch a platform for students immediately to report and woe bet any operator who thinks that he's bigger than the loss of the republic and that we receive any report from any student across the country who says he has been charged. It mean that you have to now test the law and you will face them squarely.

[00:10:13]Frederick Opuku further noted that he has data on all registered hosts which will support the exercise. This engagement by the rent control department and the office of the rent commissioner with stakeholders in the host space is to ensure fair pricing. A goal they say they remain resolute in achieving. For Channel One News, I am Manuel Ayama.

[00:10:42]Let's do some labor issues now. And the railway workers union has threatened to embark on an industrial action if government fails to settle its 11 month salary areas. The workers say they will boycott work from Sunday, May 31, 2026.

[00:10:58]The union says assurances by the Ministry of Transport to address their concerns following an earlier protest in March has not materialized. There's more in the following reports. Workers of the railway company have for months protested delays in the payment of their salary areas. Citing the worsening economic hardship facing its members, the union says it is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to have its concerns addressed including embarking on an industrial action. We demand immediate settlement of 11 month salary arrest from June 2025 to April 2026 while we acknowledge the payment of 8 month salary arrest from October 2024 to May 2025. The prolonged delay in salary payment amount to unlawful of end wages. Therefore issue a formal ultimatum that all salary arrests including gross salary component be paid no later than 31st May 2026. Favor to comply with this demand will leave the union with no option but to invoke all lawful remedies available including but not limited to industrial action. The union also believes that a merger between the Ghana Railway Development Authority and the Ghana Railway Company Limited will help address critical staff welfare concerns.

[00:12:24]>> We still call on the government intervention to merge GCL and we are seeing it again. It's very necessary if this is done it will help the railway sector in so many ways. We take example like Kenya and Tanzania they have a unified system. How can only have two agencies running the same day and everyday institutional conflict and administrative issues? So we are calling on government again government intervention to merge GRC and GDA and review the railway act at 779.

[00:13:06]Still on labor issues, the unposted environmental health officers and assists association says it is dissatisfied with responses from government over their situations. The unposted health officers say for years successive governments have neglected their concerns at a peaceful protest in Ara. The association says government must consider posting them immediately.

[00:13:29]There's more in this report.

[00:13:32]Members of the unposted environmental health officers and assistance association on Tuesday 19th May 2026 began a protest march from Independent Square to the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General's Department. Although the group had intended to pick it at the premises of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieft Tency and Religious Affairs please barricades prevented them from proceeding there citing concerns that the protest would disrupt work at the ministry. For hours under the scorching sun, the protesters sank, chanted slogans, and displayed their certificates while demanding immediate postings after completing school in 2021.

[00:14:08]>> For a while now, sometimes I've been asking why I even attend school because I DON'T SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENDING A SCHOOL 3 YEARS, pay a whole lot of fees, come out and you have nothing like this educator always. It's just lying down, nothing to show for like come on, my parents are dead. The last for employment local some of us has complained for about 6 years now and still not employment did follow up for several times but we've not gotten a positive response >> deputy minister for local government chief tensy and religious affairs reta who addressed the group assured them of government's commitment to pose them >> local governments service is the recruiting authority for your sector and so let's just exercise patience minister will come when he comes I'll inform you we're here and then we'll see how best to reach your leadership and then we'll take it up from there so keep your fingers crossed I believe won't take long >> but speaking to channel one news general secretary of the association Emmanuel Auga said the deputy minister's remarks raise more questions than answers rather than suiting us down has rather raised more questions because if minister himself promised to call us and then he hasn't called us and then the deputy minister comes to tell us that he will tell the minister what to do that we see what we do next there is a problem yeah so I don't think we are pleased we are never pleased but we go home and then the leadership will meet and then we see the next the next way forward >> minority chief whip Frank anod Pre has defended comments made by minority leader Alexander Pño Marin against the judge preiding over the Abra case at circuit court 9. This follows criticism of the minority leader over remarks directed at the judge following the remand of Abbron. Here's more.

[00:16:14]>> The Futu MP has come under criticism for remarks suggesting he would continue to challenge the judge over what he described as a mislication of the law.

[00:16:24]The comments followed the remand of the Bono regional chairman of the MPPWame Bafu popularly known as Abra of alleged offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace and the publication of false statements against a judge.

[00:16:38]Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a workshop for minority MPs, Frank Anod said the minority leaders comments reflect the position of the entire caucus. They >> they can't stop us.

[00:16:50]>> This government knows they can't stop us. If there is any group of people you can c or put fear into it's not the MPP even with their numbers they they they have more numbers about twice they can even run a shift some of them will come in the morning and others will come in the afternoon we are still able to hold them in the chamber but have you considered pressure that is coming from for instance your leader when he spoke against the judge at circuit court night those are saying that he should be held in contempt and that he should be dragged before the general legal council What do you make of some of these pressures?

[00:17:23]>> Well, these are opinions. People can express their opinions. But he didn't speak as an individual anyway. What's the honorable said it's a reflection of the caucus position. So that is a position we well thought through it and anybody who wants to take us on on contempt, they at liberty to do so.

[00:17:39]>> You could have said it in a better way.

[00:17:41]>> Well, that's their view. Meanwhile, opening the workshop, Frank Anodumpre urged members to intensify pressure on the government, arguing that the administration has become unpopular earlier than expected.

[00:17:54]Once again, I want to thank my fellow colleagues in leadership and also be blunt.

[00:18:04]But if there is any time that this party should take back the reigns of governance, it is suddenly 2028 and not beyond 2028.

[00:18:18]We have to hold hands, band together, close rounds because the hope of the multitude of Ghanaians, the millions of Ghanaians, the farmers, the market women and all the people of this country, you visit the countryside and all they say is that Meanwhile, the NPP has petitioned the diplomatic community and international partners to closely monitor what it describes as a deteriorating human rights and democratic governance in Ghana. The NPP says the abituary arrest and prosecution of citizens is unhealthy for the country's democracy. For more on this uh we're joined via Zoom by the national youth organizer of the NPP Salam Mustafa. Many thanks for joining us. Salam.

[00:19:17]>> My pleasure. My pleasure to join you this evening.

[00:19:20]>> Right. What informed the party's decision to petition the dean of the diplomatic corps.

[00:19:29]>> Thank you so much. And um first and foremost, let me send on my own behalf and that of the party our warm regards to your lovely viewers. Indeed, the party decided to petition the dean of the diplomatic core and by extension the diplomatic core to bring them up to speed happenings in Ghana. As you aware they are developmental partners and that when things are going wrong it is uh in tandem with good spirit that we alert all partners.

[00:20:12]If you recall last year, the National Youth Wing led by my good self organized a demonstration to protest the weaponization of security agencies against MPP members.

[00:20:28]Somehow somewhat this year we have seen a resurgence of arrests and same intimidation tactics being deployed on yet again M P members.

[00:20:44]The party in its full complement of leadership, the presidential candidate, the leadership of parliament and its membership of the entire minority, the party in its full encumbrance have taken this matter very very seriously because it has become one too many. M >> we can count not less than 14 15 16 as different cases >> right >> of NP activist arrested in one way or the other and we think that these are not isolated.

[00:21:23]>> This is a very rehearsed strategy that needs a very concerted effort from the party. So we have also decided to embark upon a number of actions.

[00:21:35]>> Okay. And first and foremost, we decided to call upon the diplomatic community so that they are brought to speed >> right >> and are at breast with the human rights abuses happening in Ghana so that if anything happens the NPP will not be seen as the the formentors of of trouble of problems but that the the government is is is acting in bad faith. it and undermining the very beautiful democratic ethos that we have built in in in in Ghana. So in in in purpose it is the reason why we have uh as of today >> engagement with the diplomatic.

[00:22:24]>> How were you received? What was the um outcome of that engagement?

[00:22:30]We are very very grateful to to the team of the the the diplomatic core, the uh ambassador, high commissioner to uh Ghana, the Moroccan high commissioner.

[00:22:45]uh she received us very very well and she indeed um received the petition and has assured us that all her colleagues will receive the petition and also uh there's a second phase to the engagement with the diplomatic core which we are working on where we will meet the full uh house >> the full complement of the diplomatic core. So that is also uh in the offing that we are working towards. It's it's a very concentriced effort.

[00:23:17]>> Okay.

[00:23:18]>> The party is going to work on from now till we we see that government has come back to it senses and behaving you know in a way that does that does not suggest that others are less of citizens of Ghana than than others. Look, let me tell you um the the NDC, you know, some petitions have been filed against some persons of NDC persuasion and nothing has been done to them. If you recall, one went to the uh uh uh uh uh uh Aquitaba election, a communication officer of the NDC threatened the life of the minority leader. We petitioned the IGP >> and nothing was done.

[00:24:06]>> Salam, what specifically or what actions um do you want the diplomatic community to do for the NP?

[00:24:17]I did mention to you these are very very important uh stakeholders in as far as um partnership and development is concerned and we want to uh bring to the attention of the international community that there's gross human rights abuse in Ghana and the whole world should turn its attention on Ghana to see how the the the the democracy that we have built over the period is being destroyed here in Ghana by this government that promised us a reset and is faulting to do so. So like I did mention it it is the first line of action that the party in this full um you know force has decided to take in in in in in time we will announce other measures the party will be embarking on. We are coming out with a very huge demonstration and it will really surprise the the the the government all the other um you know tools available to us as far as the constitution is concerned that it it puts us at at our disposal to use to uh drum home our point. we will use all of it and I'm not sure this government you know will be too comfortable to >> some critics argue though that um appealing to the diplomatic community on domestic political matters you know amounts to inviting them uh foreign influence into Ghana's internal affairs how do you respond to that >> is absolutely not true you know the same um you know can said that government you know engages you know the international community on developmental projects and you know contract contracts loans and so on and so forth grants and so on and so forth. So if it is not doing right to its own you know uh citizens, it is important that some of these things are brought you know to to bear you know and given to um you know made them you know they for them to become aware that a government is not you know uh living you know it work okay and is molesting the people in the country especially opposition certificates. We shouldn't be treated less because somebody is of a certain political persuasion. That is absolutely wrong and I think that that is the the the the point we want to drum home.

[00:27:02]>> All right. Salam, thank you so much for speaking to us. Uh Salam Mustafa is national youth organizer of the NPP.

[00:27:09]This is still the channel one newsroom on channel one.

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[00:31:12]You're welcome back. Up next is channel one business with Nataly au.

[00:31:24]>> CNR business is brought to you by Echo Bank.

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[00:32:30]How are you doing Natalie?

[00:32:31]>> I'm good. And you?

[00:32:32]>> I'm very well, thank you. Will the monetary policy rate be reduced?

[00:32:35]>> Um, that's what a lot of economic watchers are expecting on the back of current inflation trends and then the global risk that we are facing.

[00:32:44]>> Give us the details.

[00:32:46]>> Now, as the Bank of Ghana prepares to announce a new monetary policy rate on May 20, 2026, economist at Aston Business School, Dr. say Shri says the central bank is expected to adopt a cautious approach amid prevailing economic uncertainties. He however notes that the central bank still has room to lower the policy rate given the current gap between inflation and the benchmark interest rates. There's more in this report.

[00:33:12]>> Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an economic policy forum hosted by the institute of economic affairs on interest rates and economic developments in Ghana, Dr. Sajjit Chry observed that monetary policy easing could support economic growth provided lower policy rates are effectively transmitted through reduced lending cost. Ahead of the Bank of Ghana's monetary policy committee announcement on Wednesday, Dr. Chi said the central bank's decision is expected to reflect prevailing domestic and external market conditions including inflation trends and broader global economic developments. the backdrop of this this war going on in the Middle East. I think it's quite tricky for the central banks to really you know although the numbers are looking quite good, the inflation numbers are looking very very good but I think they need to take into account the current environment. So I think it's a tricky situation for um uh for the central bank. I I suspect that they will behave cautiously. Uh but again the the the difference between the policy rate and inflation is is quite quite huge. uh so they do have a margin to reduce the uh to the the policy rate.

[00:34:19]>> Dr. Chry also called for policy actions that ensure any reduction in policy rates is translated into lower lending rates to support businesses and stimulate economic activities. the the central bank can uh can use some kind of you know regulatory measures to really uh to persuade banks to really translate those those uh interest rate monetary policy rate cuts into the lending rates.

[00:34:46]Policy think tank integrated social development center ISODEC is calling for stronger crackdown on illicit financial flows arguing that Ghana must focus on plugging massive revenue leakages before deepening reliance on external policy oversight frameworks. The call comes as government moves to pursue a new PCI program following the completion of the IMF supported extended credit facility arrangement. Here's more. At a press conference in Ara on Tuesday, the group said Ghana's fiscal strategy must prioritize recovery of lost resources rather than repeated recourse to external conditionality frameworks such as the PCI. ISO calls on the government of Ghana to pursue a genuinely alternative fiscal strategy.

[00:35:36]Specifically, we propose the following.

[00:35:39]One, strengthen domestic revenue mobilization by intensifying efforts to combat illicit financial flow. This must now be translated into enforcement action such as realtime trade misinvoicing detention base erosion and profit shifting audit capacity at the Ghana Revenue Authority and renegotiation of extractive sector contracts. Economist and analyst at the center Dr. Adamu Abu cautioned that the proposed government's new economy strategy may not deliver the expected job creation >> since we know that the policy documents will be supervised by the IMF then it is likely that it's going to be more orthodox than hetrodox and so even beforehand we can preempt and know that they are coming to h pursue policies that will not target unemployment they are coming to say that they want to make sure they enhance economic growth, but this is a jobless growth.

[00:36:45]>> Accountability and ethical leadership have once again taken center stage in discussions on Ghana's economic future as key financial sector players stress the need for integrity in governance and professional practice. Experts say sustained economic growth cannot be achieved without transparency and a strong commitment to ethical standards across all sectors. Is more in this report.

[00:37:07]Calls for accountability and ethical leadership are taking center stage at this year's accountants conference and annual general meeting of the institute of chartered accountants Ghana in ho as financial experts warn that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without integrity and professionalism.

[00:37:23]The adviser to the governor of the bank of Ghana Dr. John Kuachi says although Ghana's economy is showing signs of stability and recovery the country must deliberately build a culture of accountability and ethical conduct to sustain the gains being made. According to him, accountability remains a critical requirement for sustainable growth, stressing that no economic tribe where integrity is compromised.

[00:37:43]>> Without the pillars of ethical standards and accountability, even the most prosperous nations risk collapse. While we recently navigated the precipice of a debt crisis and inflation exceeding 50%, a true reset transcends mere numerical correction. It demands a fundamental shift in our institutional habits. The president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, Augustine Ado, also underscored the importance of transparency and ethical leadership in governance and economic development.

[00:38:23]>> We should be able to have leaders who will be ethical.

[00:38:28]Leaders who be prepared to be honest, trustworthy and truthful.

[00:38:35]leaders who will not be biased, who will not allow self-interest to override their powers and authority of government.

[00:38:48]Let's now bring you an update on crude oil prices and how the local currency is performing on me bank market.

[00:39:24]Hey, it's time to And that's all for business. I am Natalie Netti Aaho. Back to you, you know.

[00:39:45]>> Thank you very much, Natalie. Let's do some more stories. The public accounts committee of parliament has directed the management of ano aiadanba senior high school to pay salary areas amounting to 10,82 Ghana cities to five casual workers employed by the school. The directive follows revelations in the auditor general's report that the temporary workers were paid 250 Ghana cities a month for 9 months in 2024 far below the approved national minimum wage. There's more in the following report by Channel 1 News's Ni Aquin.

[00:40:21]>> Management of the Anglavia Daima Senior High School appeared before the public accounts committee of parliament on that casual workers were being paid far below the national minimum wage. Ideally these casual workers were supposed to receive an amount of 490 Ghana cities for a month for the period of 9 months in the year 2024 but they were receiving 250 Ghana cities more so for the year 2025 these casual workers are receiving 450 Ghana cities which is also below the national minimum wage approved. Now appearing before the public accounts committee, members of the committee directed that these casual workers should be paid the difference of over 10,000 Ghana cities for the year 2024 and also the difference of the minimum wage for the year 2025 should be reimbured to these casual workers. Here are highlights of what transpired at the sitting.

[00:41:25]>> Why do you need a security guy? for the security or the safety of the campus and the students and property of >> So you want this person to secure the school, protect your property and you underpaying this guy.

[00:41:41]Huh? If you don't pay him the right amount, he will pay himself. When your computer gets missing, don't go and ask him. You are underpaying him.

[00:41:52]When your books are getting missing at the school, don't ask him because you are underpaying him.

[00:41:59]See you. Just because somebody is poor doesn't mean we have to take advantage of that person.

[00:42:10]Just because somebody needs a job doesn't mean we have to take advantage of that person. Pay people the right wages.

[00:42:20]See the whole room is silent.

[00:42:23]Oh, can you imagine 250 Ghana cities by now he has three kids 250 Ghana cities with three kids is not fair.

[00:42:31]>> So you owe them the difference of 240 over the duration that they worked um for the school and then the new difference um from 20 is it 2026 or 2025 to date. You owe them that difference and we will pursue you to make sure you give it to them because they have worked for it.

[00:42:53]>> Reporting for Channel One News from Madang, I am Ni Aqui Okine.

[00:43:01]>> The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association has accused officials within the Ghana Cocoa Board of engaging in private cocoa buying activities.

[00:43:09]According to the association, the practice is undermining trust and worsening financial pressures within the cocoa sector. There's more in the following report.

[00:43:20]>> The concerns come at a difficult time for Ghana's cocoa sector as smuggling and liquidity challenges continue to put pressure on licensed buying companies.

[00:43:31]Speaking at the signing of an MOU with a produce buying company limited, president of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, Stevenson anat highlighted long-standing challenges confronting the sector, including cocoa smuggling, >> the conflict of interest, as I said, concerning involving public officials, particularly within Coco, Coco Board engaging in private buying operation and undermine confidence in the sector.

[00:44:08]This issue continue to distort Ghana's cocoa business, advantage genuine cocoa farms uh coco farmers and then create opportunities for financial irregularities. Meanwhile, the produce buying company limited says it has secured a 30 million CD credit stock financing facility to help settle out standing debts old cocoa farmers.

[00:44:37]>> Looking at the time factor, >> the suffering of the farmers there. We felt that no the farmer has done no wrong. It is trust. They have given us the cocoa. We have supplied to our regulator that's cocoa board. If cocoa board is not able to meet this obligation and the farmers are suffering then let's go out of our own way then get some money do our own arrangement sort out the farmer whilst we wait for the regulator to do the needful we did our projections based on the margin the returns that we are getting assuming cocoa board is going to pay us the returns by margin we are getting and we felt that we could pat away some of our margins to augment without affecting our books.

[00:45:30]The Supreme Court has approved joiner applications in two separate constitutional cases before the apex court, admitting a coalition of civil society organizations into a suit challenging the prosecutorial powers of the office of the special prosecutor and the joining of the trustees of the Methodist Church Ghana to a case over alleged religious restrictions at Wesley Girl Senior High School. There's more in the following reports.

[00:45:57]In the first case, the Supreme Court granted leave for several civil society organizations to join an ongoing constitutional challenge questioning whether the office of the special prosecutor can independently initiate criminal prosecutions without prior authorization from the attorney general.

[00:46:15]The substantive suit was filed by private citizen Noah Adam against the attorney general. The CSOS admitted into the case include Transparency International, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Star Ghana Foundation, Pimp Plus Bites, Immani Africa, ASEP, One Ghana Movement, and Africa Education Watch moving the application lawyer for the applicant Kazito Beo argued that the organizations possess expertise and institutional knowledge relevant to the constitutional questions before the court. He noted that several of the groups had played key advocacy roles leading to the establishment of the office of the special prosecutor and had consistently engaged the state on anti-corruption reforms. Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Sherai told the court the state did not oppose the application. Believing the ruling, Chief Justice Buffoni held that the applicants had established sufficient basis to assist the court in arriving at what he described as a lasting determination of the issues. In a separate constitutional matter, the Supreme Court also granted an application by the trustees of the Methodist Church of Ghana to be joined as the fourth defendant in a suit challenging religious practices at Wesley Girl Senior High School. The case was filed by private legal practitioner Shafi Osman who contends that Muslim students at the Methodist founded school are compelled to attend Christian worship services and prevented from fully practicing their Islamic faith.

[00:47:51]According to the plaintiff, those restrictions violate constitutional protections on freedom of religion and worship. Lawyer for the metadist trustees judge Ankumar Mensahan argued that the church as proprietor of the school will be directly affected by any ruling and therefore ought to be heard.

[00:48:10]Council for the plaintiff Abdul Aziz Gamba opposed the application maintaining that Wesley Gina High School is a public institution and arguing that the issues raised had previously been addressed by the courts. The Supreme Court subsequently ruled that the trustees of the Methodist Church of Ghana had established sufficient basis to be joined as a necessary party and directed that they be served with all processes filed so far in the matter.

[00:48:40]>> This is still the Channel One Newsroom on Channel One TV. Still ahead.

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[00:53:01]You're welcome back. Up next is Channel One Sports with Bernard Abeatri.

[00:53:18]I hear there's some exciting news.

[00:53:19]Arsenal has won the league.

[00:53:20]>> Yeah. Yeah. After 22 years, I mean, that's been that's been a journey, isn't it?

[00:53:24]and they have a game to spare against Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, AFC Bournemouth came strong at Manchester City. They they scored earlier and City would have to equalize. But, you know, City needed a win to still stay in the run or in the race if you want. But, you know, they were strong. AFC Bulma were stronger and they held it up until City got the equalizer which was just not enough.

[00:53:47]>> Interesting. What other stories do you have for us?

[00:53:49]>> Let's get into it, shall we? Now, great.

[00:53:51]Uh, Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofidir Adams has assured that uh, Ghana is putting measures in place to avoid logistical setbacks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup while addressing concerns surrounding visas, athlete welfare, and preparations for upcoming international competitions. I was present and filed this report.

[00:54:16]Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams on Tuesday, May 19 addressed the media at the Ministry's conference room on a number of pressing sporting issues, including Ghana's preparation towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerns from the recently ended African Senior Athletics Championship, and matters involving the Ghana Swimming Association and World Aquatics.

[00:54:42]Addressing reports that members of the national supporters group had been denied visas, he clarified that applicants are yet to receive interview date and insisted no official rejection has been communicated.

[00:54:57]The supporters union has already been given a dedicated date by the embassy for processing and similarly players, technical officials, accredit accredited personnel with official responsibilities connected to the tournament are also being prioritized within the structured visa coordination process. The objective remains to ensure orderly, credible and coordinated travel arrangements for all Ghanaian participants connected to the tournament.

[00:55:32]>> The sports minister also touched on lessons from previous international tournament where issues surrounding feeding arrangement and poor logistical planning generated public criticism. He disclosed that government will not contract any external kitra for the world cup stressing that authorities are determined to avoid challenges experienced at past competitions.

[00:55:56]>> The oversight committee or the ministry is not going to contract any kitra to cook for anybody for and and then you go there then like the way the South African athlete gave us negative publicity. Kufi Adams further assured that financial provisions have already been made for Ghana's participation in upcoming international competitions including the Commonwealth Games as governments look to improve support for athletes across various disciplines.

[00:56:26]>> The finance minister talked about money made available for World Cup FIFA World Cup. Why is no provision for others? we will be able to tell you that provision has been made. Indeed, government made provision for over 40 million Ghana city for the just ended 24th uh African senior African athletic championship.

[00:56:51]But the minister didn't mention it. That money has since been released to us for us to be able to pay whatever must be paid towards that competition. 100% released to us. The same vein, provision has been made for the Commonwealth Games in our budget. Provision has also been made for the youth Olympics. Indeed, provision has been made for many other international competitions.

[00:57:27]Let's talk about another interesting matter. Southampton have been thrown out of the playoffs after admitting they spied on three clubs in the championship season. The AFL charged the Saints with watching training sessions of Oxford, United and Ipsswitchtown.