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.
Campus
Prempeh College Crowned Champions of 2025 Luv FM High School Debate

Prempeh College has emerged as the champions of the 2025 Luv FM High School Debate, defeating Kumasi High School in a thrilling grand finale that captivated audiences across the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Debating the motion, “Politicians are more corrupt than civil servants,” both schools delivered compelling arguments, showcasing deep research, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking.
Ultimately, Prempeh College won the day with a final score of 231 points (50.22%), narrowly edging past Kumasi High School, who secured 229 points (49.78%). The victory came by majority decision, with 2 out of 3 judges awarding the contest to Prempeh College.

Organized by Luv FM, a member of the Multimedia Group Limited, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the debate provided a powerful platform for young intellectuals to engage on pressing societal issues. This year’s motion stirred thought-provoking discussion around ethics, governance, and public service in Ghana.
The final was a display of high-level debating, with both schools receiving commendation for their eloquence, structure, and analytical depth. However, Prempeh College’s refined delivery and ability to effectively rebut key points proved decisive in the eyes of the judges.
Their victory adds to their distinguished record in academic and extracurricular excellence, further cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in student leadership and discourse.
The 2025 Luv FM High School Debate received support from several corporate sponsors, media partners, and educational institutions, underscoring the importance of youth development and civic education in Ghana.
News
Ghana Police Establishes Secretariat to Support 24-Hour Economy Policy

The Ghana Police Service has announced the creation of a 24-Hour Economy Security Secretariat to ensure continuous public safety and to support the smooth, crime-free implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: We’ll Irrigate Over 2 Million Hectares Of Land Under 24-Hour Economy – Mahama
The Secretariat would coordinate the security apparatus of the much-touted and anticipated policy from the National Police Headquarters.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Mahama Declares 24-Hour Economy Agenda A ‘National Reset’
The Director General of Private Security Organization of the Ghana Police Service, COP Daniel Kwame Afriyie, announced this at the passing of 238 recruits from the Regional Police Training School in Ho.
“In line with its proactive measures, the Police the administration has established a new unit at the Police headquarters known as the 24-hour Economy Security Secretariat to oversee the security coordination of the implementation of the 24-hour Economy”, he said.

He said the police are up to the task to play their “cardinal role” toward the success of the 24-Hour Policy, which was launched by President Mahama on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The 24-Hour Economy was a flagship manifesto promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 electioneering.
READ ALSO: Tema and Takoradi ports to operate under 24-hour economy soon – Mahama
The 24-Hour Economy was developed to introduce a shift-based working system in industries such as manufacturing, agro-processing, healthcare, transportation, and retail, aiming to reduce unemployment in key sectors.
COP Afriyie said the police are up to task, ready to protect workers “at all times to go about their legitimate economic and social pursuits without undue hindrances by societal delinquents and avowed agents of violent crimes and lawlessness.”

He said that the current administration has undertaken a major reinforcement of the specialized police operational units to combat the emerging trend of security demands.
“The changing phase of security in Ghana, which is characterized by emerging complex and cyber-related crimes, violent crimes, communal conflicts, and changes in the modus operandi of criminals among others, continues to place a huge demand on personnel of the Ghana Police Service to deliver services that are more diverse, complex, skilled, and specialized to deal with these menaces confronting us”, he acknowledged.
238 recruits, made up of 31 Under Cadets and 207 general recruits, participated in the passing out ceremony and will soon be formally admitted as personnel of the Police Service.

The recruits were taken through academic work and field training exercises to gain hands-on experience.
The academic work comprises three sections, namely, Police Science, Law Studies, and Social
Science. The field work includes riding, driving, swimming, Public Order Management, Incident and Disaster Management, among others.
PW/SGT Dedjoe Sophia, National Police Training School, Accra, emerged as the Overall National Best Under-Cadet Officer.
G/R Gyarteng Evans of the Regional Police Training School, Koforidua, won the overall National Best Recruit in the Recruits’ Standardized Examinations.

G/CPL Agyaponh-Mensah Eric was adjudged the Best Under-Cadet Officer for this Regional Police Training School in Ho, while G/R Amedome-Reigns Emmanuel was the best recruit and overall best for the Regional Police Training School in Ho.
myjoyonline.com
News
Over 19,700 Students Receive Second Semester Loans – Dr Saajida Shiraz

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr. Saajida Shiraz, has confirmed that SLTF recently disbursed second-semester loans to 19,703 students across 135 public and private institutions.
Speaking at the launch of the No Fee Stress initiative, Dr. Shiraz highlighted that this marks the first time in four years the fund has paid second-semester loans.
She also revealed that first-semester loans have already been disbursed to 38,440 students across 145 institutions this academic year.
“The Student Loan Trust Fund Board this year has disbursed first-semester loans to a total of 38,440 students across 145 public and private institutions,” Dr. Shiraz stated.
“For the first time in four years, we have begun paying second-semester loans,” she continued. “Just three days ago, 19,703 students from 135 institutions received their loans.”
Acknowledging past challenges, Dr. Shiraz said, “The days when loans were approved but not disbursed, and the complacency that hindered the fund’s core mandate, are now behind us.” She confidently affirmed, “The challenges we faced in meeting our core mandate are a thing of the past.”
Dr. Shiraz also expressed profound appreciation to the GET Fund Administrator for their unwavering support. “I appreciate the GET Fund Administrator for privatizing the tertiary education reset agenda and committing the necessary funds to help SLTF meet its commitments.”
Established to expand access to higher education, the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) provides crucial financial support to students in both public and private institutions by offering loans that cover tuition fees and other educational expenses.
Over the years, SLTF has played a vital role in enabling thousands of students to afford tertiary education, thereby contributing significantly to national development through investment in human capital.
myjoyonline.com
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