Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Aggrey Santana, has alleged that Arianna Mackey, a Black American lady who did a video claiming to have been kidnapped by personnel of the Ghana Police Service, was paid to do what she did.

“She was paid to come to Ghana to do what she did. We did not wait. When the presidency got wind of the video, they sent it to us, but by the time we called the police, the national security had already started their investigations.

She came to Ghana and lodged at Kempinski. We have her data, including her address, as well as the dates she flew into and out of the country. The pressure she had to go through, she released another video in less than 24 hours and deleted the first one,” he explained.

Abeiku Santana indicated that the young lady posted a subsequent video suggesting that she was paid to paint a grim picture of Ghana and its security.

“After she deleted the video, she came to post another one, saying she was paid to come and do what she did. This clearly tells you that she came with an agenda, and the fact that she had to delete the video,” he said.

Abeiku Santana expressed worry over the fact that Ghanaians are painting a grim picture about Detty December, indicating that they must push a positive narrative to allow tourists come to the country.

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested 54 suspects in separate swoop operations aimed at clamping down on drug peddling, drug use, and robbery hideouts across parts of the region.

In a press release dated December 22, 2025, the Police said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to rid communities of criminal activities. “This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug peddlers and users, and rid our communities of these miscreants,” the statement said.

The intelligence-led operations were carried out in several areas, including Abesim, Banda, Nkrankwanta, Odumase, Dumasua, Wenchi, and Dormaa, resulting in the arrest of suspects believed to be involved in various criminal acts.

Police said items retrieved during the operations included “quantities of tramadol, suspected Indian hemp, scissors, a green tricycle, a small crusher, matches and cigarettes,” all of which have been retained for evidential purposes.

According to the statement, “the suspects were arraigned before the court and have been remanded in police custody for further investigation.”

The Bono Regional Police Command assured the public of its readiness to ensure safety during the festive season, warning that “persons who commit crimes will be arrested and made to face the full rigours of the law.”

Paul Adom-Otchere says a recent Supreme Court ruling in the Kwabena Adu Boahene case marks a major step toward transparency in Ghana’s criminal justice system.

On Good Evening Ghana programme monitored by MyNewsh, he explained that the apex court has clarified how evidence must be handled in criminal trials, especially where national security and political sensitivity intersect.

“The Supreme Court said, ‘No, bring it. Bring it to court and let there be a determination in the court whether this paper is relevant or not,’” Adom-Otchere stated.

He said the ruling rejected attempts to decide relevance secretly during pre-trial conferences. “You can’t determine relevance in secret at a pre-trial. Let the judge see the document. Let all arguments be made. Let the media be there,” he added.

According to Adom-Otchere, the court’s decision strengthens democracy by ensuring openness.

“This application is to foster transparency with the criminal process that will make our democracy look like a normal 21st-century democracy,” he said.

He stressed that accused persons must be allowed full access to materials that may aid their defence.

“Everywhere in the world, accused persons are allowed to defend themselves. That is what modern criminal justice systems are about,” Adom-Otchere said.

While the court declined to remove the trial judge, he said the ruling still favoured the principle being advanced by the defence.

“The judge could not be prohibited, but the court affirmed that relevance must be determined in open court,” he noted.

American rapper Busta Rhymes has revealed that Nigeria is his preferred destination for life after music, disclosing plans to acquire property and potentially start a family in the country.

The veteran hip-hop artist, born Trevor Smith Jr., shared the intention while addressing fans during his appearance at the Detty December Fest in Lagos over the weekend.

He said the visit reinforced a long-held desire to establish permanent roots in Nigeria.

According to the 53-year-old, his journey to the country came after a 15-year wait, a delay he described as significant given his global career. He stated that retirement would mark the point at which he would relocate and settle fully.

“I’m looking for a home here. I’m looking for property,” he told the crowd, adding that he is also “thinking about looking for a wife so that when I stop working, I can settle down here.”

Busta Rhymes described the visit as special, suggesting it influenced his decision to consider Nigeria as a long-term base rather than a temporary stop.

Busta Rhymes is a Grammy-nominated American rapper, songwriter, and producer known for his high-energy delivery and longevity in hip-hop. He rose to prominence in the 1990s and has remained influential for over three decades.

Detty December refers to Nigeria’s end-of-year entertainment season, marked by concerts, festivals, and nightlife events that draw international performers and members of the African diaspora, particularly to Lagos.

Paul Adom-Otchere says the Supreme Court’s pending ruling on January 14, 2026, could significantly reshape criminal disclosure rules in Ghana.

Explaining developments on Good Evening Ghana monitored by MyNewsGh, Adom-Otchere said the Deputy Attorney-General is seeking a review of the court’s earlier decision that ordered prosecutors to disclose documents connected to the Kwabena Adu Boahene case.

“The Supreme Court is saying that once it is in your possession and connected to the case, you must bring it out,” he explained.

He said prosecutors are unhappy with the removal of the word “relevance” from disclosure requirements.

“They want the court to restore the word relevance or replace it with ‘connected with the matter,’” Adom-Otchere noted.

According to him, the outcome now depends on whether two newly added judges can sway the original five-member panel.

“What is required for the decision to change is that the two new judges must be able to swing another two,” he said, outlining possible voting scenarios.

Despite the uncertainty, Adom-Otchere observed that momentum currently favours the defence.

“Even though Atachia lost the prohibition application, what he got has actually helped him,” he said. “The ball really is shifting to his court.”

He added that the main criminal trial itself has been adjourned to February, making the January 14 ruling pivotal.

“Let’s see what happens on January 14 going forward,” Adom-Otchere said.

Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has disclosed that the constitution review committee will present their final report to the president today, December 22, 2025.

The Committee, led by Prof. H. Kwesi Prempeh, has been gathering national feedback on proposed changes to several parts of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution for months.

“At 2pm today, the Constitution Review Committee will present their final report to the President,” he said.

Also, at 11am this morning, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice returns to the Government Accountability Series to unveil details of an investigation into a high-profile corruption case involving a politically exposed person.

His post shared via social media read:

“A busy week to wrap up the year.

1. At 11am this morning, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice returns to the Government Accountability Series to unveil details of an investigation into a high-profile corruption case involving a politically exposed person.
2. At 2pm today, the Constitution Review Committee will present their final report to the President
3. Tomorrow, the National Airline Task Force will present their report to the President.

Have a Merry Christmas folks”.

Actor James Ransone, best known for his role as Ziggy Sobotka on HBO’s The Wire, has died. He was 46.

Authorities in Los Angeles confirmed that Ransone died at his home on December 19, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a suicide.

Ransone, born James Finley Ransone III on June 2, 1979, in Baltimore, Maryland, built a career defined by emotionally grounded performances across television and film.

He emerged from Baltimore’s arts scene before gaining national attention with The Wire, where his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in the show’s second season became one of the series’ most memorable roles.

Following that breakthrough, he appeared in major television productions including Generation Kill, Bosch, and Poker Face. His film work spanned multiple genres, with notable roles in Sinister, The Black Phone, and It: Chapter Two, in which he played Eddie Kaspbrak.

Beyond his acting work, Ransone was known for speaking publicly about his personal struggles.

In 2021, he disclosed that he had been sexually abused at age 12 by a tutor, an experience he said had long-term emotional effects.

He also spoke openly about past heroin addiction and alcoholism, and about achieving sobriety in his late twenties.

News of his death prompted tributes from fellow actors and industry colleagues, many of whom cited his intensity, honesty, and dedication to his craft. Fans also shared messages of grief and appreciation for his work.

Ransone is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their two children.

Majority Chief Whip Rockson Dafeamakpor has defended his role in a withdrawn private member’s bill that sought to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, saying the proposal was intended to improve the effectiveness of Ghana’s anti-corruption regime.

The bill, co-sponsored with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, was pulled after public backlash and a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, which the sponsors said they immediately complied with.

The proposal drew criticism from civil society and within the governing National Democratic Congress. NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on December 17, said Majority leaders must not act unilaterally on sensitive policy matters and should consult the party leadership.

Dafeamakpor acknowledged that broader consultation should have preceded the bill’s introduction but rejected claims that it sought to weaken accountability structures.

He said anti-corruption efforts must deliver measurable outcomes rather than rely on the existence of institutions alone, arguing that enforcement bodies such as EOCO and the Attorney-General’s Department are more visibly active in prosecutions.

The Majority Chief Whip maintained that the initiative was reform-focused, despite its withdrawal.

Apostle Lilian Owusu, widow of the late former Deputy Minister of Finance and Ejisu MP, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, has spoken publicly about her decision to remarry, describing it as a step guided by faith, love, and personal conviction.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service at her church on Sunday, Apostle Owusu said her choice to move forward was deliberate and rooted in a positive outlook on life.

“I believe in forward ever, backwards never and by the grace of God I prayed to God that for me I can’t go out and I have made up my mind to move forward.

“I will not allow pain to cage me. I have a lot to do. This is the culture of the family, no matter what comes, we look at the positive side and we move forward and by the grace of God… my prayers and my request, God carry a man to the house of God.”

She also shared how she met her future husband, emphasizing that their union was built on mutual affection and divine timing.

“They came for business alliance and it was love at first sight, as soon as he saw me, he pursued and fortunately, it was just within the time I was ready.

“We have been praying and God, and God those answered prayers, has given us a calm man and he is not a replacement, nobody has said we have gotten a replacement.”

Apostle Owusu explained that her decision to remarry was not the result of public expectation or pressure, but a conscious choice to embrace life after loss.

Former Ghana’s Most Beautiful participant and media personality Gayobi Achaawa Sackey has shared her experience attending the GTBank-sponsored GTCO Music Concert 2025, describing Shatta Wale’s performance as “otherworldly.”

Speaking about her first-ever concert in a video available to MyNewsGh, Gayobi Achaawa said she arrived at the VVIP section and was immediately struck by the energy of the crowd.

“When Shatta Wale’s name was announced that he’s next to perform, the police could not control the crowd.

“It was as if something had possessed everybody there and the smoke was coming out of my mouth. I saw with my eye there was a girl, she was singing Shatta Wale’s song, she shouted and she just collapsed.”

Achaawa described the performance as marathon-like, noting the hours-long set that stretched from night into morning.

“I used to ask myself that, sometimes I see Shatta Wale performing and I see that it’s daybreak, like it’s morning, it’s daybreak, day chilly, day chilly and I ask myself, who stayed? Sister, I stayed.”

She also highlighted the intensity and charisma of the dancehall artist.

“When Shatta Wale was coming and you hear, Shatta Wale is not a human being, Shatta Wale is like a demigod. I don’t know whether Shatta Wale knows the love that people, see people love him from the depth of their heart.”

Achaawa then added vivid details about the performance, including Shatta Wale’s changing stage outfits.

“Shatta Wale came on stage fully dressed with hijab on his head, Shatta Wale left the stage half naked.”

She concluded by noting her exhaustion and responsibilities the following day, emphasizing the unforgettable nature of the concert.

“Hey, Wale, see, I’m going to get ready to go to work now.”