The system is a mother hen.

Try to fix things, and you’ll get pecked into submission.

Author

Chale News
February 26, 2025

So, what’s in the bag today?

  • National: Afenyo-Markin tried to fix the system, but the system fixed him instead.

  • Agriculture: Burkina Faso said, “No more cereal exports,” and Ghanaian traders are now in their “we move” era.

  • National: Ghanaian workers are getting laid off like it’s Black Friday sales and TUC says “Enough!”

  • National: Samospharma caught in 4K? FDA records say “Yes”.

  • Regional: Meningitis outbreak in Upper West? The streets are hot, but not in a good way.

  • Fact of the Day: You won’t believe the fuel many cars in Brazil run on.

  • Crime: Roofing guy got roofed by his own scam.

  • National: When your station gets ‘Cancelled’ in real life.

QUICK BYTE

  • Afenyo-Markin pulled up to Ghana Water with big reform energy, but the system showed him pepper instead. According to him, Ghanaian institutions don’t like change—unless it’s a name change or a logo rebrand. He spoke about how every time someone comes in with fresh ideas, the system activates self-defense mode like an overprotective mother. During the vetting of the Deputy Energy Minister-Designate, Afenyo-Markin basically gave him a “big brother advice” moment, telling him to brace for impact if he ever tries to reform ECG. According to him, Ghana’s political and bureaucratic system is like an old generator—you try to start it, and it just coughs, smokes, and dies. And if you’re too persistent, it might just electrocute you. Read more

  • You know when you sip a too-cold slushie too fast, and your brain goes kaput for a few seconds? Now, imagine that but way worse, and instead of a slushie, it’s an actual bacterial attack on your brain. That’s meningitis for you, and it’s currently wreaking havoc in Upper West, with 173 cases and 16 deaths. Not the kind of numbers we like to see. The most affected? People between 11 and 20 years old. So, basically, JHS and SHS kids. Story continues in the Deep Dive section.

  • So, this guy Clement Acquah Jonah, self-proclaimed manager of Joonak Roofing, promised to roof Nana Offei’s three buildings for GH¢14,000. Money was paid in full, vibes were exchanged, and Acquah started the job—only to downgrade the materials like a WhatsApp video losing quality. Instead of the premium 4.5 roofing sheets, my man went and bought the lite version (3.0), slapped it on two buildings, and ghosted. Story continues in the Deep Dive section.

  • Burkina Faso just extended its no cereal, no white beans policy, meaning Ghanaian traders are officially stressed. No more imported millet, maize, or cowpeas from up north. They’re keeping their grains close to their chest because climate issues have messed up their harvests, and they don’t want to risk food shortages at home. If this ban continues, your waakye, tuo zaafi, and even basic rice and stew might start feeling like luxury items. Everything will rise like yeast. Anyway, the Ghanaian government is telling traders to “comply to avoid sanctions. Read more

FACT OF THE DAY

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In Brazil, many cars run on alcohol (ethanol fuel) made from sugarcane.

  • Ghana’s opioid scandal just took a jaw-dropping turn. Samospharma, the pharmaceutical company swearing it has zero ties to shady drug exporters, just got called out—by none other than the FDA. Samospharma had boldly denied any dealings with two Indian companies, Aveo Pharmaceuticals and Westfin International, both previously linked to illicit drug shipments. But guess what? FDA records from 2022 and 2023 prove they actually imported multiple pharmaceutical products from these same firms. With this revelation, the FDA isn’t playing. They’ve now banned Samospharma from using these suppliers and warned that any future imports from them won’t make it past customs. Read more

  • TUC is telling President Mahama to stop the job losses ASAP before Ghana’s unemployed WhatsApp groups run out of space. A new directive is revoking public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024, but even people hired before then are getting sacked. Mahama gave amnesty to security recruits from the last government, and now TUC is saying, “Boss, do the same for everyone else.” Read more

  • One minute you’re locked into your favorite radio station, the next, it’s giving silent treatment. Seven radio stations got the plug pulled on them, and the Communications Minister says it’s simply because they weren’t licensed. Some MPs wanted to drag the Minister in for questioning, but Majority Leader Ayariga said, “No need, the guy’s just following the rules.” So, if your radio station suddenly disappears like a stolen iPhone. And for those wondering why the big guys like Joy FM and Citi FM weren’t touched, Ayariga had the perfect clapback, “Because they actually did their homework.” So if you’re running a radio station, better make sure your papers are papering. Read more

DEEP DIVE

Roofer or Scammer?

Nana Offei tried reaching him—calls, texts, smoke signals—but Acquah was playing harder to find than a trotro conductor with change. So, Offei did what every smart Ghanaian does when someone is dodging them—he switched numbers, finessed Acquah into thinking there was a new contract, and BOOM! Just like that, Acquah was fished out and arrested faster than jollof at a Sunday gathering.

Now, Acquah is before the Amasaman Circuit Court, trying to explain why his roofing career is hanging by a thread. He’s been granted GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties, and his next court date is April 6. Meanwhile, the only thing Nana Offei is waiting for is justice… or at least his missing third building’s roof. Read more

This Ain’t Your Average Headache

The disease, caused by bacteria with names longer than your electricity bill (Streptococcus pneumoniae), is hitting mostly teenagers.

Doctors are pulling all-nighters like students cramming for WASSCE, running tests and pumping out daily updates. Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae are also lurking around, making the whole situation a bacterial avengers crossover nobody asked for.

To fight back, health authorities have rolled out the heavy artillery IV ceftriaxone ( if you can’t pronounce it, just say, strong antibiotics). They’ve also trained 221 health workers and turned radio stations into emergency classrooms, schooling folks on symptoms and urging them to show face at the hospital if they feel off. The good news? Treatment is free. The bad news? People are still playing “maybe it will pass” with their symptoms, leading to late detection and worse outcomes.

And of course, there’s always one wahala—vaccines are in short supply. Demand is high, but availability is vibes and inshallah. Until the stocks come in, we’re left with the old-school method: avoid overcrowded spaces, wash your hands like you just chopped waakye with your fingers, and if your head starts feeling like a malfunctioning Bluetooth speaker, run to the hospital! Read more

NEWS SOURCES

Today’s stories are curated from: