News
2025 Bugum Festival in Tamale Cancelled by Gbewaa Palace Due to Security Concerns
The 2025 Bugum (Fire) Festival in Tamale and the surrounding areas has been formally canceled by the Gbewaa Palace because of growing security concerns.
The overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abubakari II, and important players, including traditional leaders, security services, and pertinent authorities, held lengthy deliberations before making the decision.
The palace claimed in a statement on Thursday, July 3, 2025, that the step was necessary to maintain peace, unity, and public safety because of growing tensions between some local factions.
“This decision comes in response to emerging tensions among certain factions in the area and reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding peace, unity, and the safety of all citizens,” the statement noted.
The Ya-Na emphasized that upholding societal harmony must come first at this time, even if they acknowledged the Bugum Festival’s cultural value to the Dagbon people.
“While the Ndan Ya-Na recognises the rich cultural heritage and profound significance of the Fire Festival to the people. The paramount concern at this time is the preservation of harmony and the prevention of any activities that could heighten existing tensions,” the statement added.
Traditional leaders have been instructed to keep their communities informed and to assist in attempts to keep things peaceful and secure during this time.
In support of efforts to promote peace, the Ya-Na also urged locals to continue being kind and watchful.
“The Ndan Ya-Na appeals to all residents to remain vigilant, cooperative, and steadfast in upholding the peace that is vital for the progress and well-being of the area. It is the hope of the Ndan Ya-Naa that the Festival will resume in the near future under more favourable and peaceful circumstances,” the statement said.
Energy
See The Areas That Will Be Affected By Power Outages On June 4
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced multiple power outages for Thursday, June 4, 2026, affecting communities in the Tema, Eastern, Central, and Western Regions, with a combination of planned and emergency maintenance exercises scheduled across the country.
In the Tema Area, a planned maintenance exercise will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. The affected areas include the Sea Water Desalination Plant, Maranatha, Buade, Glow Lamp, Frimpongmaa Estates, Abrantie, Dan Adams, Coastal Estates, Basket, GCB Training School, Ataa Adama, Royal Ravico, Junction Mall, Regimanuel Estates, Parakuo Estates, Queensland International School, Kpoo Keke, Best Western Premier Hotel, Leisure Hours Hotel, and extensive parts of Nungua including Zongo, Township, Traditional Council, Polyclinic and Secondary School. Also affected are the Kpeshie Divisional Police Headquarters, Coco Beach, Main 1, Father’s Hotel, C5 and surrounding areas. The notice was originally issued on Monday, June 1.
In the Eastern Region, a planned maintenance exercise will run from 8:00am to 5:00pm, affecting Sekesua, Anyamoni, Oterkpolu, Bukonor, Asesewa, Akateng and surrounding areas. This notice was originally issued on Tuesday, 2nd June.
The Central Region will experience a planned outage from 9:00am to 3:30pm, affecting Brimso Headworks, Akaikrom, Police Barrier, Ankaful Junction, Mpeasem, WAEC, Yayaaikawa, Wanyiwato, part of Dominase, Duakyimase and surrounding areas.
In the Western Region, ECG will undertake two separate exercises. The first is an emergency maintenance from 10:00am to 2:00pm, affecting Dixcove, Busua, Cape 3, Agona Damtsi, GREL and surrounding areas. The second is another emergency maintenance from 9:00am to 4:00pm, affecting Akoon, UEE, parts of Market Circle, Railway Quarters, Apinto Hospital, Cyanide, Kwabedu, Alhaji Dauda, New Atuabo, Budo City, Banso, Esuosu and surrounding areas.
ECG has expressed regret for the inconvenience that will arise from all these exercises. The company has advised affected customers to make alternative arrangements for power-dependent activities during the specified hours.
All notices were originally issued between Monday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 3, 2026. ECG assured that power supply would be restored to all affected areas upon completion of the scheduled maintenance works. Customers have been encouraged to contact ECG’s official communication channels for further updates.
graphic.com.gh
General News
Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Thursday, 4th June, 2026
General News
Assin Edubiase: School Bus ‘Plunges’ Into River, Two Pupils Killed
Tragedy struck when a school bus transporting more than 40 pupils of a preparatory school at Assin Edubiase in the Assin South District of the Central Region veered off the road and plunged into a river.
It resulted in the death of two kindergarten pupils of the Alice Elites Academy.
The deceased, a three-year-old and a five-year-old, were among pupils who were in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AS 2218-20.
The accident occurred on the Assin Kwafokrom-Homaho stretch on Monday [June 1, 2026].

Graphic Online understands that the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, it veered off the road, and plunged into the river.
Dozens of pupils got injured.
ASP Wonder Lumor from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Central North Regional Police Command told Graphic Online that the 40 injured pupils were transported to health facilities for emergency medical care.

According to him, 22 of the victims were taken to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital, while the 18 others received treatment at the Assin Edubiase Health Centre.
ASP Lumor explained that all the injured pupils responded positively to treatment and were later discharged.
graphic.com.gh
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