Ghanaian gospel musician Empress Gifty has set social media abuzz after debuting a striking transformation in her appearance, prompting widespread speculation about facial cosmetic enhancements. A video circulating online as of Tuesday, March 11, 2025, showcases the singerโs altered facial features, igniting rumors that she may have undergone procedures such as Botox, a nose job, and lip fillers.
The speculation follows an earlier video in which Empress Gifty was seen getting dental veneers fitted, a move that had already hinted at her interest in aesthetic upgrades. The cumulative effect of these changes has resulted in a dramatic shift in her look, drawing both admiration and criticism from fans and observers across the internet.
Reactions to the gospel starโs makeover have been polarized. While some netizens have praised her bold new appearance, others have expressed disapproval, describing it as โoverly artificial.โ A segment of her audience has gone further, questioning the appropriateness of such enhancements for a gospel artist, a role traditionally associated with modesty and simplicity in Ghanaian culture.
The viral video, which has quickly become a talking point, captures Empress Gifty confidently flaunting her transformed features, seemingly unbothered by the brewing controversy. Neither the singer nor her representatives have officially commented on the rumors of cosmetic procedures, leaving room for speculation to flourish.
As one of Ghanaโs most prominent gospel musicians, Empress Gifty has long been in the public eye, known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. However, her latest reinvention has shifted the focus from her music to her appearance, raising broader questions about beauty standards, personal choice, and public expectations for figures in the gospel industry.
Watch the videos circulating online for a closer look at the transformation sparking this controversy.
A transatlantic feud between two prominent Ghanaian media personalities has escalated, with U.S.-based political commentator Kevin Taylor taking aim at his rival, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, after evidence emerged suggesting Afrifa artificially inflated the popularity of his online show by purchasing likes from South East Asian countries.
The controversy erupted when a video, which gained significant traction online on Monday, revealed that a large portion of the likes on a recent episode of Afrifaโs program, For the Records, originated from Bangladeshi and Vietnamese users. Social media analysts and observers have speculated that these likes were bought to artificially boost the showโs visibility and perceived popularity.
Seizing the opportunity to ridicule his adversary, Taylor, known for his outspoken commentary on Ghanaian politics, took to X (formerly Twitter) to troll Afrifa. In a biting post, Taylor wrote: โWhile people are buying suits and hair from Vietnam some people are busy buying auto likes. eiii boi.โ The jab implied that Afrifaโs efforts to gain credibility were both desperate and embarrassing, contrasting his actions with more conventional purchases from the region.
The feud between Taylor and Afrifa has been simmering for months, rooted in their competing online platforms. Afrifa, a former host at Ghanaโs Angel FM, launched For the Records after leaving the station, adopting a format similar to Taylorโs established show, With All Due Respect. Tensions flared when Afrifa began publicly criticizing Taylor, igniting a bitter rivalry that has since captivated followers of Ghanaian media both at home and in the diaspora.
Taylor, who operates from the United States, has built a reputation for his no-holds-barred commentary, often targeting political figures and media personalities alike. Afrifa, meanwhile, has sought to carve out his own niche in the competitive world of online broadcasting. The revelation of purchased likes, however, has cast a shadow over his efforts, prompting accusations of inauthenticity.
Decades after the controversial executions of eight senior Ghanaian military officers in 1979, ordered by the late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, the events remain a poignant and debated chapter in Ghanaโs history. Following Rawlingsโ rise to power through a coup dโรฉtat in June 1979, these generalsโsome of whom had previously served as heads of stateโwere arrested, tried, and executed by firing squad on charges of corruption and abuse of power. The killings, carried out in the name of โhouse cleaningโ to rid the nation of corruption, continue to spark national discourse even today.
Hereโs a look at the eight military figures who met their fate under Rawlingsโ command:
1. General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong
Born on September 23, 1931, Acheampong led Ghana as head of state from 1972 to 1978 after overthrowing civilian President Kofi Abrefa Busia in a coup. A former teacher turned military officer, he ruled for six years until his ousting by General Fred Akuffo. Following his removal, Acheampong lived privately until Rawlingsโ 1979 takeover. Convicted of corruption by a special tribunal, he was executed by firing squad on June 16, 1979, at Teshie Military Range, aged 47.
2. General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa
Afrifa, born April 24, 1936, was a farmer, traditional ruler, and key figure in the 1966 coup that toppled Ghanaโs first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He briefly served as head of state from 1969 to 1970 before handing power to Busia. After retiring from the military, Afrifa ventured into farming and politics, winning a parliamentary seat in Mampong. Arrested on his farm under Rawlingsโ orders, he was tried for corruption and executed on June 26, 1979, at age 43. His body was buried without ceremony at Nsawam Prison Cemetery.
3. General William Fred Kwasi Akuffo
Born in March 1937, Akuffo assumed power in 1978 by deposing Acheampong. His tenure was cut short by Rawlingsโ initial failed coup attempt, leading to Rawlingsโ arrest and death sentence. However, junior officers freed Rawlings, who then overthrew Akuffo in 1979. Charged with corruption, Akuffo was executed in June 1979 at Teshie, aged 42, leaving behind his wife, Emily Akuffo.
4. Major General Robert Kotey
A former Chief of Defence Staff under Akuffo, Kotey also served as commissioner for information and housing during Acheampongโs regime. Following Rawlingsโ decree for former officials to surrender, Kotey turned himself in at Achimota Police Station. Tried and convicted, he was executed on June 26, 1979, at 43, and buried at Nsawam Prison Cemetery. He left behind his wife, Nancy, and nine children.
5. Colonel Roger Felli
Born in May 1941, Felli was the youngest of the executed officers. A career soldier commissioned in 1963, he held roles such as Minister of Foreign Affairs (1975โ1979) and commissioner for works and housing. On June 26, 1979, the 38-year-old was shot at Teshie alongside other officers and buried unceremoniously at Nsawam.
6. Vice Marshal George Yeboah
Yeboah, born December 25, 1937, commanded the Ghana Air Force and sat on Acheampongโs Supreme Military Council. Once Rawlingsโ superior, he became a target after the 1979 coup. Executed on June 26, 1979, at age 41, Yeboah left behind his wife, Beatrice Safo Yeboah.
7. Rear Admiral Joy Amedume
As Chief of Naval Staff, Amedume was among those arrested for alleged corruption after Rawlings seized power. He was executed on June 26, 1979, with his body interred without military honors, marking the end of his naval career.
8. General Edward Kwaku Utuka
A seasoned officer with extensive training, Utuka held significant roles in Ghanaโs military governments. Deemed corrupt by Rawlings, he was arrested and executed on June 16, 1979โthe same day as Acheampongโmaking him one of the first casualties of the purge.
A Lasting Legacy
The executions, carried out at Teshie Military Range, were initially buried in unmarked graves at Nsawam Prison Cemetery. In 2000, following petitions from the generalsโ widows, President John Agyekum Kufuor authorized the release of their remains for proper burials. The events of 1979 remain a polarizing topic in Ghana, reflecting both Rawlingsโ radical approach to reform and the heavy toll it exacted on the nationโs military elite.
A host of prominent Ghanaian celebrities and notable figures gathered today to pay their respects at the funeral of Mr. John William Kodzo Anato-Dumelo, father of Ghanaian actor-turned-politician John Dumelo. The somber event, held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, drew an outpouring of support from the entertainment and political spheres in a show of solidarity with the bereaved Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon.
Among the attendees were gospel singer and minister Sonnie Badu, actor James Gardinerโrecently named Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authorityโand veteran actress Selassie Ibrahim. The presence of Ibrahim Mahama, a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and CEO of Engineers and Planners, as well as the brother of Ghanaโs President, underscored the significance of the occasion.
The burial service took place at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka, Accra, where John Dumelo, visibly emotional, was supported by his wife, Gifty Dumelo. The dayโs events are set to conclude with the final funeral rites at the East Legon Executive Club later this evening.
Dumelo, a well-known figure in Ghanaโs entertainment industry before transitioning into politics, has received widespread condolences as he lays his father to rest. The gathering of such high-profile personalities highlights the deep connections within Ghanaโs cultural and political elite during this moment of mourning.
The Ghanaian media landscape is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Girlsโ SP, a cherished and consistent panelist on Oyerepa FM, whose passing has left fans, colleagues, and listeners in deep sorrow. Known for her eloquent and passionate contributions, Girlsโ SP was a standout voice on the popular radio station, and her absence has created a palpable void in the hearts of many.
Girlsโ SP earned widespread admiration for her insightful commentary and ability to tackle complex societal issues with depth and perspective. A regular fixture on Oyerepa FMโs discussion panels, she brought a unique blend of knowledge and charisma that resonated with the stationโs audience, cementing her status as a fan favorite. Her sudden departure has sent shockwaves through the media fraternity and beyond, with tributes pouring in from across Ghana.
Listeners and colleagues alike have flocked to social media to express their grief and celebrate her legacy. Many have highlighted how her thoughtful contributions elevated the stationโs programming, making it more engaging and impactful. โShe was a voice of reason and passion,โ one listener wrote, while another noted, โOyerepa FM wonโt be the same without her.โ
Details surrounding the cause of Girlsโ SPโs death remain undisclosed at this time, adding to the sense of disbelief surrounding the news. The Oyerepa FM team has yet to release an official statement, but the outpouring of condolences underscores the profound mark she left on the station and its community.
As Ghanaโs media space grapples with this loss, Girlsโ SPโs legacy as a dedicated and influential panelist will endure in the memories of those who tuned in to hear her voice. May her soul rest in peace.
Nhyiraba Kojo, a well-known Ghanaian musician and businessman, has forcefully refuted claims circulating online that he was arrested in the United States in connection to a high-profile fraud case involving socialite Hajia4Real. The artist, spotted recently at an airport by bloggers, used the opportunity to address the rumors head-on, labeling them as baseless and damaging to his reputation.
In an exclusive interview, Nhyiraba Kojo dismissed any suggestion of wrongdoing, asserting that he has no criminal record and has never been involved in fraudulent activities that would justify an arrest. โI have no criminal record anywhere, and I have never been arrested in the U.S. or anywhere else,โ he stated emphatically. He accused bloggers and social media users of spreading unverified falsehoods, warning that he intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for the defamatory claims.
The rumors linking Kojo to Hajia4Realโs ongoing fraud case have gained traction online, with some speculating that the musician might be implicated in the scandal that has gripped public attention. However, Kojo categorically denied any involvement, calling the allegations a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image as a respected public figure and entrepreneur. โThese bloggers just spread falsehoods without verifying their facts. I will not let this slide,โ he said, signaling his determination to hold detractors accountable.
Expressing frustration over the impact of the misinformation, Kojo urged media outlets and bloggers to exercise greater responsibility in their reporting. โI have worked hard to build my brand, and I wonโt allow anyone to drag my name in the mud,โ he added, appealing to the public to dismiss the rumors and focus on the facts.
As Kojo prepares to take his case to the courts, this unfolding saga is poised to draw further scrutiny, both in Ghana and internationally. With no official statements from U.S. authorities corroborating the arrest claims, the musicianโs next movesโand the response from those he accusesโwill likely shape the narrative in the days ahead. Stay tuned for developments in this high-stakes controversy.
A chilling murder case at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has left students, faculty, and the broader Ghanaian public grappling with questions and demanding answers. The victim, Joana Deladem Yabani, a final-year Biological Sciences student, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Daniel Tuffuor, also a final-year student, in a shocking incident that unfolded on campus in the early hours of February 27, 2025. As details emerge, the story of a troubled relationship, a fatal altercation, and a calculated cover-up has gripped the nation.
A Relationship Marked by Turmoil
According to sources close to the investigation, Joana and Danielโs relationship stretched back to their first year at KNUST, known locally as Level 100, and persisted through their final year, Level 400. However, it was far from smooth. The couple reportedly sought help at the KNUST Counselling Centre on at least five occasions, battling โserious relationship problems.โ Joanaโs father, concerned for his daughterโs well-being, urged the pair to part ways. But Daniel, described by those familiar with the case as โobsessed,โ refused to let go.The tension wasnโt new. An audio recording obtained from a friend of Joana revealed disturbing prior incidents: Joana confided that Daniel had slapped her twice. Despite this, she admitted she still loved him and had forgiven himโa decision that now haunts those who knew her.
The Night of the Tragedy
The events leading to Joanaโs death began innocently enough. On the evening of February 26, the couple, along with two other classmates, studied late into the night at the Biological Sciences Library. Between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m., they left the library, parting ways with their peers as they headed toward their hostel. What happened next remains a subject of intense scrutiny.Somewhere along the route, a โlittle argumentโ erupted, according to Danielโs later account to friends. But what he described as minor quickly escalated into a deadly encounter. Investigators say Daniel, unable to control his emotions, pushed Joana to the ground. In a horrifying sequence captured by campus CCTV, he allegedly knelt on her neck for two minutes, strangling her until she stopped breathing.Realizing she was dead, Daniel reportedly shook her lifeless body for five minutes before dragging it to the nearby Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation. There, he sat with her corpse for 14 minutes, then took her laptop and walked awayโcalmly, as if nothing had happened. He later hid the laptop behind Flint Hostel, a location that would prove critical to his undoing.
A Bold Facade and a Damning Discovery
In a move that stunned investigators, Daniel returned to campus later that morningโstill wearing the same shirt heโd worn during the crimeโto write an exam. Friends reached out, asking if heโd heard about Joanaโs death. His response was chillingly nonchalant: he claimed theyโd argued on the way back to the hostel, that Joana told him to walk ahead, and that when he turned around, she was gone. He assumed sheโd taken a different route.But Danielโs story didnโt hold up. Around 5 a.m., Joanaโs body was discovered, prompting an outcry from students and passersby. By 6 a.m., the news had spread, amplified by a publication from the student-run KNUST Gazette, sparking widespread concern over campus security. The university, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and KNUST Security Services, launched an immediate investigation.CCTV footage soon revealed the grim truth: Daniel was no bystanderโhe was the โmastermindโ behind Joanaโs death. A teaching assistant in the Biological Sciences Department spotted him during his exam, still in the incriminating shirt, and alerted authorities. Daniel was arrested on February 27 and arraigned before the Asafo Circuit Court the following day. Prosecutors requested his remand to allow further investigation, a request granted by the court. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear again on March 17, 2025.
Unanswered Questions Linger
The laptop wasnโt the only item recovered. Joana had reported her phone stolen two days before her death, though itโs unclear what action KNUST security took at the time. Police later found both her phone and laptop hidden behind Flint Hostel, bolstering the case against Daniel. Signs of violence on Joanaโs body, noted during the initial police examination, further corroborated the footage.Yet, one question looms large: What drove Daniel to kill Joana over what he dismissed as a โlittle argumentโ? Students and the public alike are skeptical, with many arguing the official narrative doesnโt fully add up. Posts on X reflect this unease, with the KNUST community questioning how a four-year relationship could end in such brutalityโand why more wasnโt done to intervene sooner.
A Campus on Edge
In response to the tragedy, KNUST has ramped up security, deploying over 50 police officers and mobile patrol teams across campus. The universityโs Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police for swift action, though she called the loss โheartbreaking, especially for parents.โ The investigation continues, with authorities vowing to uncover the full truth.As Daniel awaits his March 17 hearing, Ghana waits tooโfor justice, for clarity, and for answers to a crime that has shaken one of its premier institutions to its core. Joana Deladem Yabaniโs soul, as the KNUST Gazette poignantly noted, now rests in peace. But for those left behind, peace remains elusive.Stay tuned to CountryGhana News for updates on this developing story
Multiple sources have reported that Folorunsho Alakija, the 73-year-old Nigerian billionaire and founder of Famfa Oil, has gone blind following a harrowing near-air disaster. The incident, which occurred while she was traveling with her husband, Modupe Alakija, Chairman of Famfa Oil, is said to have triggered a severe health crisis that ultimately cost her her vision.
According to Sahara Reporters, the ordeal began when the couple experienced a near-mishap mid-flight. The stress of the event reportedly caused Alakijaโs blood pressure to surge, damaging her eyesight. One source told the outlet, โShe had a near air mishap with her husband on board, and her blood pressure shot up, affecting her eyes. Sheโd been struggling with vision problems for some time, but instead of seeking medical treatment, she turned to faith, starting a church. Now, she canโt see at all.โ
Alakijaโs spiritual journey has been a significant part of her life. In 2004, she began hosting a small fellowship in her home, which grew into the Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. On her 69th birthday, she was ordained as an apostle, marking a milestone in her religious leadership. Despite her recent health struggles, her legacy as a business titan remains intact. Forbes estimated her net worth at $1 billion in 2020, and in 2015, she ranked 87th on their list of the worldโs most powerful womenโone of only two African women recognized among Africaโs wealthiest individuals.
The incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her condition, with no official statement yet from Alakija or her family. For now, the Nigerian business community and her admirers worldwide are left hoping for her recovery as she navigates this challenging chapter.
Elon Muskโs latest gigโslashing government fat as part of Trumpโs Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)โis hitting a snag. A group of federal workers filed a lawsuit today, claiming Muskโs demand to justify their jobs (remember that โwhat did you do last weekโ email?) violates their rights. โHeโs treating us like Tesla assembly line workers,โ one plaintiff fumed. Musk, unfazed, doubled down on X, calling it โtime to drain the swamp.โ With 21 DOGE staffers already quitting over his plans, this fightโs exposing the chaos of Trumpโs efficiency crusade. Will the courts clip Muskโs wings, or is this just the start of a federal overhaul?
Big news from the Supreme Court today: Richard Glossip, an Oklahoma man on death row for decades, just got his murder conviction and death sentence tossed out in a 5-3 ruling. The court said he didnโt get a fair shake at due process, and now itโs back to square one for a new trial. Glossipโs case has been a lightning rod in the capital punishment debate, with activists cheering this as a win against a flawed system. โJustice isnโt dead yet,โ one supporter tweeted. Critics, though, say itโs just delaying the inevitable. Either way, this rulingโs got people talkingโcould it spark a bigger push to rethink the death penalty nationwide?
