A viral video featuring Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, confronting NPP MPs in parliament over a controversial push for $530 million in tax waivers for selected companies has ignited widespread public reactions.

The heated exchange occurred amid a standoff in parliament, with NPP MPs reportedly opposing the reading of the 2025 first-quarter budget unless the minority agrees to the proposed tax waivers.

In the video, Hon. Ablakwa passionately opposes the move, arguing that approving such waivers would lead to significant financial losses for the state at a critical time when the nation is grappling with economic challenges.

The minority leader, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, has issued a stern warning to the Finance Minister, emphasizing that failing to present the 2025 first-quarter budget to parliament could have dire consequences. “If the budget is not presented, there will be no funds approved to pay government workers in January 2025,” Hon. Ato Forson cautioned. He also reminded the finance minister that non-compliance with budgetary obligations could attract legal penalties, including possible jail time.

Public Outcry

The video has stirred strong reactions from citizens across social media platforms. Many have praised Hon. Ablakwa and the NDC MPs for standing their ground to protect the nation’s financial resources, especially as the government prepares to exit office in a few weeks.

“$530M in tax waivers…. Is the administration out of its mind?” a Twitter user commented.

Others, however, have criticized the deadlock, expressing concerns about its potential impact on public sector workers and the economy.

“I’ve always stated that the current NPP is a Criminal Organisation. Same NPP government that could not pay WAEC 118 million Cedis to release WASSCE results for 2023/2024 academic year students who sat for the exams. Now pressing the neck of NDC MPs to approve tax waiver of 300 million dollars for the cronies and family members companies,” another concerned citizen wrote.

Background on the Tax Waivers

The $530 million tax waivers, pushed by the NPP MPs, are intended to benefit a list of companies that have yet to be publicly disclosed. Critics, including Hon. Ablakwa, have questioned the timing and transparency of the waivers, particularly as the government prepares to transition out of office after the December 2024 elections.

The NDC has vowed not to support the waivers, maintaining that they would burden the already strained economy. This position has contributed to the impasse, threatening to delay the budget approval process and raising tensions between the majority and minority caucuses in parliament.

What’s Next?

As the deadline for budget submission looms, the nation waits to see whether a compromise will be reached or if the gridlock will persist, potentially plunging the country into a financial crisis in the new year. For now, the video of Ablakwa’s fiery confrontation remains a rallying cry for those advocating for fiscal prudence and accountability.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has issued a press release to address misleading information circulating on social media and other platforms regarding the cost of the e-Gates System installed at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.

The GIS clarified that the claim of the e-Gate system costing the taxpayer $240 million is inaccurate. Instead, the service is implementing a comprehensive border management system dubbed “Immigration 360,” aimed at fully automating passenger processing and data management at all 48 approved entry/exit points in Ghana. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance sovereignty, interoperability, and address other inefficiencies found in the current systems at 12 key borders.

The total cost for the “Immigration 360” system is significantly lower than reported, amounting to $94.6 million.

The GIS emphasized its commitment to transparency and accuracy in public communications, urging media outlets and the public to rely on official statements for factual information.

For further details, the public is encouraged to visit the GIS website at www.gis.gov.gh or contact the Public Affairs Department at the National Headquarters in Accra.

pic.twitter.com/a0HBEaliew

— Ghana Immigration Service (@Gha_Immigration) December 19, 2024

Ghanaian TikTok star and radio presenter Felicia Osei has once again become the subject of speculation after photos of her in traditional engagement attire surfaced online. The images, which quickly went viral, show Felicia adorned in stunning engagement clothes, posing alongside a man in matching traditional attire, believed by many to be her groom.

The coordinated outfits and joyful expressions in the photos have led fans and followers to flood her social media pages with congratulatory messages, celebrating what they believe to be her big day.

Felicia recently shared a series of captivating photos on her social media platform, showcasing what appeared to be a traditional engagement ceremony. The images included a tag identifying her supposed groom as Reginald, with the hashtag #FELINALD2024, fueling speculations that the TikTok star and radio presenter may have tied the knot.

However, the announcement has been met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While many fans have congratulated her on what seems to be a significant milestone, others remain doubtful about the authenticity of the event. Critics and some followers have pointed out Felicia’s past tendency to share similar content that later turned out to be part of her creative skits or promotional campaigns.

As the debate continues, Felicia Osei’s latest post has certainly captured the attention of her audience, leaving many eager to find out the truth behind the photos.

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A post shared by Felicia Osei (@osei__felicia)

The recent sentencing of the 16-year-old son of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako has sparked significant public concern. The teenager received a six-month term at a senior correctional center after pleading guilty to eight charges, including two counts of manslaughter, following a tragic accident in East Legon that resulted in the deaths of two 12-year-old girls.

The incident occurred when the teenager, driving a Jaguar F-Pace Sport belonging to his parents, collided with another vehicle. Reports indicate that he was speeding through East Legon in a convoy with friends at the time of the crash.

In addition to the juvenile’s sentence, Bishop Salifu Amoako and his wife were fined GH¢12,000 for negligence and permitting their unlicensed son to operate their vehicle

The sentencing has sparked significant backlash on social media platforms, with many netizens expressing outrage over what they perceive as a lenient punishment for a crime that resulted in the loss of two young lives. Some argue that a six-month sentence does not equate to the severity of the offense, calling for a re-evaluation of the justice system’s handling of such cases.

Many are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more stringent penalties to deter reckless driving, especially among unlicensed individuals.

The family of the deceased has expressed mixed emotions following the sentencing of Bishop Salifu Amoako’s son to six months at the Senior Correctional Centre… #GHOneNews #EIBNetwork#GHOneTV #ElectionHub#CAFShouldPaySpiky pic.twitter.com/rDIka70bm1

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) December 19, 2024

Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie expressed his joy for the rising star Kweku Smoke during the “Revival Concert” on December 18, 2024, at Ghud Park in Accra. Sarkodie, who made a surprise appearance, shared that he believed in Kweku Smoke from the moment he first met him.

He praised the “Holy Ghost” hitmaker as the epitome of patience and hard work, highlighting his relentless determination to succeed in the creative arts industry. Sarkodie recalled, “The first time I saw Kweku Smoke and listened to his song, I recorded three verses on the spot. That was a first for me, and it shows how talented he is.”

Sarkodie, visibly emotional, emphasized that he attended the concert not to perform but to support Kweku Smoke and acknowledge his journey. He declared, “This boy has been through a lot and is the definition of patience and hard work. He has been grinding from day one, and I have tears in my eyes.”

In a heartfelt moment, Sarkodie endorsed Kweku Smoke as the best rapper for 2025 and gave him a passionate hug, stating, “Next year, Kweku Smoke is the best rapper of the year.”

The “Revival Concert” also featured performances by notable Ghanaian artists such as King Promise, Joey B, Fameye, Gyakie, The Asakaa Boys, and many others.

Sarkodie emotionally endorses Kweku Smoke due to his patience x hard work & above all crowned him the Best Rapper in advance.🥹❤️

The King has spoken👑🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/nzzjTHnJd1

— iTunesGad (@drop_last) December 19, 2024

Michelle Moyer is best known as the ex-wife of former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman and the mother of USWNT athlete Trinity Rodman. The couple was married from 2003 to 2012 and had two children together. Moyer divorced Rodman due to his reckless lifestyle and her desire to prioritize her children.

Recently, Michelle has been in the spotlight following an explosive interview by Trinity, where she discussed her strained relationship with her father.

Early Life and Marriage

Michelle Moyer was born on April 27, 1967, in the United States. She was an athlete in high school, participating in track and field and playing softball. She met Dennis Rodman in 1999 at a bar in Newport Beach, California. They married on May 13, 2003—Rodman’s 42nd birthday—in a private civil ceremony.

The couple had two children: D.J. and Trinity Rodman, born in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Despite their marriage, they maintained separate residences just two miles apart, a unique arrangement that Rodman found beneficial.

Challenges and Divorce

Their marriage faced significant challenges almost immediately. Moyer filed for divorce in 2004 due to Rodman’s struggles with addiction and erratic behavior. Despite several attempts at reconciliation, their marriage was dissolved in 2012. A serious motorcycle accident served as a wake-up call for Moyer, prompting her to prioritize her children’s well-being over the chaotic dynamics of her marriage.

“I’m blessed to be alive. But I knew that I couldn’t take it anymore,” she told ESPN. “I needed to be there for my kids. I decided to divorce and be done with the Dennis stuff. That was it for me.”

Life After Divorce

Michelle has appeared on television shows such as Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and Sober House. She is also involved in charitable causes related to addiction and mental health and has pursued a career as a singer.

Moyer has another child, Teyana Lima, from a previous relationship. Teyana has two children, Kya and Koa, making Michelle a grandmother. Her children with Rodman, D.J. and Trinity, are both athletes. D.J. plays basketball, while Trinity is a talented player for the United States Women’s National Team and the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Recent Spotlight

Trinity Rodman recently gave an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she criticized her father for being an absentee dad. “He’s not a dad,” she said. “Maybe by blood, but nothing else.” She expressed that she and her brother have been generous in how they’ve spoken about their father, often holding back on the issues and trauma they’ve experienced.

Michelle Moyer continues to be a supportive figure for her children, balancing her public persona with her personal commitments.

Rapper Medikal believes that the people of Ghana made the right choice in the 2024 elections. The country recently went to the polls to elect new leaders who will govern for the next four years. In a keenly contested election, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the governing political party, suffered a significant defeat, losing many of their parliamentary seats to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In an interview with Accra-based TV3, Medikal expressed his satisfaction with the election outcome. When asked if he voted, he confirmed, “I voted,” and added, “I think Ghana made the right choice.”

Regarding his trust in the new government, Medikal was cautious but hopeful. “The new government, I don’t trust them. I just feel I need to give them the benefit of the doubt because of past experiences. I believe Mahama small but now I don’t trust anyone. I have 60% believe in Mahama and I think they will help the creative arts because the people they work with are people who are well vested in the creative arts,” he said.

Medikal’s comments reflect a mix of optimism and skepticism as Ghana transitions to new leadership.

The 16-year-old son of Bishop Salifu Amoako, Founder and General Overseer of Alive Chapel International Church, has been sentenced to six months at a Senior Correctional Centre following his involvement in a tragic car crash in East Legon. The incident, which occurred on October 12, 2024, claimed the lives of two 12-year-old girls, Justine Agbenu and Maame Dwomoh Boateng[1].

The juvenile, whose identity is protected by law, faced eight charges, including two counts of manslaughter, dangerous driving, and driving without a license or insurance. At his initial court appearance in November, he pleaded not guilty and was remanded into custody, with his passports seized during the investigation.

The prosecution revealed that the teenager, who lacked a driver’s license, gained access to his mother’s car during a family birthday party. Without permission, he and a friend took the vehicle and later joined a convoy of other friends.

The accident occurred at a T-junction when the teenager, driving at excessive speed, collided with another vehicle. The crash led to a fire that engulfed both cars. While the teenager and his passenger managed to escape, two young girls in the other car tragically perished in the blaze. The driver of the other car and another girl were rescued.

In court, the teenager admitted to taking the car keys without his parents’ knowledge and recalled driving with his friend to the A&C Mall before the fatal crash. Investigators concluded that his reckless driving was the cause of the accident.

The sentencing has sparked significant backlash on social media, with many netizens expressing outrage over what they perceive as a lenient punishment for a crime that resulted in the loss of two young lives[1]. Some argue that a six-month sentence does not equate to the severity of the offense, calling for a re-evaluation of the justice system’s handling of such cases.

Many are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and more stringent penalties to deter reckless driving, especially among unlicensed individuals