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So, what’s in the bag today?
Education: Free SHS might still be free, but now your chop money is on you (coming soon)!
Entertainment: Kwabena Kwabena schools us on “Manhood 101”.
Regional: When GH¢20,000 met integrity: Zoomlion worker wins hearts in Tamale.
National: Prison Economics: When a ‘Yam’ phone costs more than a Gucci bag.
Economic: PNC is saying, “we’re vibing with or without the perks.
Crime: From sakawa dreams to juvie screams.
Fact of the Day: Guess which famous queen wasn’t meant to be queen?
National: ACEPA drags MPs for turning ministerial vetting into a vibes-only affair.
Sports: Paralympic boss to Kofi Adams: Don’t put all your eggs in football’s basket!
QUICK BYTE
Dr. Charles Aheto-Tsegah thinks the government’s food bill is too heavy and says boarding and day students should chip in for their meals. His solution? Pay for your own jollof if you want to enjoy the luxury of school dining. Want the deets in full? Check out the Deep Dive section.
You’re out and about, doing your thing, and boom—you stumble on GH¢20,000. For most of us, the mental math would start immediately: rent, small trips to Dubai, and maybe finally fixing that screen crack on your phone. But Salifu Ibrahim? Nah. Man went straight to "what’s right over what’s easy" mode and returned it to its owner. The owner of the money, staying low-key and anonymous, couldn’t believe it and showered Salifu with all the thank yous. “I’m overwhelmed,” they said, probably while still clutching the cash tighter than Ghanaian aunties clutch handbags in markets. Read more
Ever heard of a “Yam” phone going for GH₵3,000? Welcome to the alternate universe of Ghana’s prison life. According to an ex-convict, even SIM cards flex at GH₵400, and Android phones? That’s a cool GH₵12,000. Prison isn’t just bars—it’s a boujee black market. With guards sometimes turning a blind eye (wink-wink). And if your phone gets seized, you can always get it returned if you pay some money. It’s giving Shark Tank meets Squid Games. Read more
Back in 2021, a 15-year-old played Mr. Apprentice Sakawa”, sacrificing their childhood (and his 10-year-old friend, Ishmael) for some “get-rich-quick” juju.
Fast forward to 2025, the 15-year-old—now almost 19—cried for forgiveness in court. “It wasn’t my intention,” he sobbed, blaming the devil. The judge, likely giving him the “are you for real?” look, handed him 12 months in juvie to learn a vocation. Meanwhile, the adult accomplice is serving life in prison. Read more
You know how every squad has that one person who drops random but weirdly wise advice? Yeah, that’s Kwabena Kwabena for Ghana right now. In an interview with he basically said, “Guys, let’s not embarrass ourselves, okay? Real men step up for their partners.” And for the men who think being “masculine” is about flexing muscles or being the loudest in the room, Kwabena said, “Nah fam”. Uncle Kwabena also turned to the ladies and said, “Sis, we’re all trying, so maybe cut the guys some slack, okay?” Apparently, men are out here struggling in silence like Wi-Fi in a storm, so a little empathy wouldn’t hurt.
PS: Oh, and in case you forgot, he’s celebrating 20 years of hits and heartbreak anthems with a Valentine’s Day concert this February. So, if you’re single, in a situationship, or just confused, maybe pull up to the Grand Arena—Uncle Kwabena might sing your life story. Read more
FACT OF THE DAY
Queen Elizabeth II was never supposed to be queen.
Bernard Mornah just made it clear: PNC doesn’t need Mahama’s call-up to stay relevant. According to Mornah, it’s Mahama’s move whether to include PNC members in his administration. And if he doesn’t? Well, “it’s his burden to carry.” He reminded everyone that the PNC has been cozy with power before—remember Kufuor, Mills, and Mahama’s first term? Yeah, they were there.
But this time? Mornah’s like, “appointments are cool, but we’ve got our own plans anyway.” Read more
ACEPA just served Ghana’s Parliament some piping-hot feedback on their vetting process, and it’s not looking good. Dr. Rasheed Draman called out MPs from both sides for turning ministerial vetting into a snooze-fest, saying the Minority’s trivial questions and the Majority’s “friendly match” approach are failing the nation. Read more
Ghana’s new Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, hasn’t even warmed his seat, and advice is already pouring in! Samson Deen, the Paralympic Committee President, is urging Adams to spread the love across over 50 Olympic and 22 para-sports disciplines. Deen didn’t hold back, warning that over-investing in football could stifle talent in other sports and tank the sector’s growth. His wishlist? A National Sports Policy, school sports revival, direct budgetary allocations for federations, and a dedicated desk for para-sports at the ministry. Read more
DEEP DIVE
Fee SHS
Dr. Charles Aheto-Tsegah, a former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service has proposed a "BYOF" (Bring Your Own Food—or Fund) policy. The government is feeling the heat from rising feeding costs, and Dr. Aheto-Tsegah thinks it’s time students paid for their meals.
His grand plan? Slash boarding costs, expand day schools (cue more E-blocks), and let day students focus on eating from home—or their wallets. For struggling students, he suggests a system where the government foots the bill. Basically, “No money? No problem, just prove it!”
Dr. Aheto-Tsegah also wants to unclog Ghana’s crowded dormitories. Think fewer bunk beds, more fresh air, and zero excuses for catching the "boarding house flu." Read more
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