Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: ghanasoccernet.comThe 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has already rewritten the tournament’s history, becoming the highest-scoring edition ever with 120 goals recorded before Sunday’s final. This surpasses the previous record of 102 goals set at the 2019 edition in Egypt, highlighting the attacking ambition, technical quality, and confidence displayed by African teams throughout the competition. Brahim Diaz of Morocco leads the scoring charts with five goals, closely followed by Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, both on four. Tactical evolution fuels scoringAFCON 2025 has seen coaches embrace bolder, more expansive tactics, allowing forwards to thrive in attacking systems. The expansion to 24 teams has added depth without diluting quality, proving that larger tournaments can still deliver high-scoring, entertaining football.

Senegal are aiming to win the competition for a second time, having lifted the trophy in 2022, when they face hosts Morocco. The FSF said a "lack of adequate security" left players and staff "at risk". "What happened yesterday was not normal," Senegal manager Pape Thiaw said. Meanwhile, Thiaw said he hopes Sunday's final, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT, will not be Sadio Mane's last ever game at the tournament. Following Wednesday's semi-final win against Egypt, Mane, who scored the winner, told reporters he would not play at Afcon again.

General News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Conference of Presiding Members in the Volta Region has congratulated Togbe Afede XIV on his appointment to the Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy, describing the nomination as a recognition of his exemplary leadership and contribution to national development. According to him, Togbe Afede XIV’s extensive experience in enterprise, governance and traditional leadership places him in a strategic position to add value to national economic policy formulation and transformation efforts. “Your depth of experience places you in a unique position to contribute meaningfully to our national economic policy and transformation,” the statement noted. The Presiding Members also extended prayers and best wishes to Togbe Afede XIV, calling for divine guidance and strength as he assumes the role. Togbe Afede XIV, a respected traditional leader and accomplished entrepreneur, has over the years played prominent roles in national and regional development initiatives, earning widespread respect across political, business and traditional leadership circles.

Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: ghanasoccernet.comFormer Ghana striker, Asamoah Gyan has hailed Kudus Mohammed as a player with the potential to reach world-class status. Kudus Mohammed has managed only two goals in 19 appearances for the North London side in the ongoing season. "Mohammed Kudus is doing well," he said. "I wish him well because he is someone who is coming up in the ranks, and people should watch out. Kudus is currently sidelined with an injury and is expected to be out until April, forcing him to miss Ghana’s friendly against Germany in March.

Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comJulius Malema, the President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called on the South African Football Association (SAFA) to withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Julius Malema, the Bafana Bafana cannot partake in the 2026 FIFA World Cup because of the United States of America's continuous disrespect of international laws. He maintained that South Africa will be supporting America's continuous disrespect of international laws if they don't withdraw the Bafana Bafana from the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. “South Africa, Bafana Bafana must officially withdraw, SAFA must take a decision to withdraw from having anything to do with the World Cup that is taking place in America” EFF President Julius Malema“We must boycott the World Cup in America and boycott anything that has got to… pic.twitter.com/CR2zL6lJVj — News Live SA (@newslivesa) January 16, 2026JE

Politics of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe campaign team of Kwabena Agyei Agyepong has announced a Policy Day event slated for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as part of activities leading to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026. The Policy Day, which comes just 11 days before the NPP’s internal elections, is expected to provide Agyepong the opportunity to outline his policy vision for the party and the country. The event will also feature a special address by Dr Lawrencia Agyepong, alongside a live media engagement and question-and-answer session. Commenting on the significance of the Policy Day, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong said it marks a defining moment in his campaign journey. The campaign team has encouraged media houses interested in covering the event to seek accreditation ahead of time.

Politics of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has rejected claims that former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta fears returning to Ghana to face accountability. During a panel discussion on Tv3's Keypoints on Saturday, January 16, 2026, Felix described such fears as “a contrived excuse” and a deliberate attempt to evade justice. don't want my people to be treated harshly by ICE - Ambassador Victor Smith tells US senator“Everything he has done here shows that he's been trying to evade justice. By himself or people close to him saying he would like to come but is afraid of how he will be treated does not cut it with me,” he said. Meanwhile, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ofori Atta in relation to his stay in the country.

Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comBibiani Gold Stars welcome giants Asante Kotoko on matchday 19 of the ongoing 2025/2026 Ghana Premier League season at the Duns Park. Gold Stars, currently second on the Ghana Premier League table with 32 points are going into the game on the back of a 1-0 away defeat to Bechem United on matchday 18. Despite losing on the road, Gold Stars will be counting on their impressive home form against Asante Kotoko as they are yet to lose a game at the Duns Park in their last 5 games. Asante Kotoko on the other hand have won only one game in their last five away games in the Ghana Premier League. They drew goalless against Samartex and lost to Swedru All Blacks, Hohoe United and Basake Holy Stars respectively.

Sports News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comAmid controversy over referee Daniel Laryea’s performance during Morocco’s win over Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghanaians have rallied behind the official. After the game, some fans criticised Laryea for what they described as biased and poor officiating, while others defended him for his fairness. However, speaking to GhanaWeb TV on the Sports Debate show, most Ghanaians said Laryea’s performance was excellent and deserved applause rather than backlash. On a scale of 100%, the majority of football fans who spoke with GhanaWeb Sports rated the referee at 80%, while a few gave him 75%. They indicated that the complaints and backlash from Nigerians were not based on fair grounds but rather on emotions tied to the rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria.

Kusi, in the video, mentioned that he has received threats of death against his wife. “They told me, ‘If you don’t stop the case, we will bring your nude pictures. They've threatened to kill my wife if I don't stop the appeal and all that. Asked if he was bothered by the threats, Kusi said he is thinking about the safety of his wife. Asked about the possibility of him dropping out of the case due to the threats, Kusi replied, “Why not?

Regional News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: rainbowradioonline.comAuthorities have launched an investigation following the sudden death of a man, estimated to be in his late 50s, at a public restroom in Juaboso on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The incident came to light after a facility operator noticed that a patron had remained inside a stall for approximately one hour without exiting. Concerned by the delay, the operator entered the facility to check on the individual’s welfare.The man was discovered slumped and unresponsive. Despite immediate efforts to provide assistance and the arrival of emergency responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased has been transported to the Juaboso Government Hospital mortuary for preservation and a pending autopsy.

The NDC leadership described the tour as a commitment to “acknowledge the partnership beyond the ballot box,” echoing their gratitude for the Bono East Region’s steadfast support. Local leaders from Atebubu and Prang highlighted a dire water crisis, where women and children trek miles daily for potable water. “This is a crisis of dignity and health,” one chief remarked, urging the government to prioritize boreholes and water supply projects. For communities in Bono East, the 2024 elections were not just a political statement but a change contrac. Their demands for water and roads stand as markers of a promise made and now in the hands of the government.

OSP re-declares Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive“The possibility is very high and he could either self-deport or face deportation by the immigration judge on January 20. Dr Ayine additionally reiterated that his office is not investigating Ken Ofori-Atta in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal, as separate investigations are already being conducted on the matter. According to Dr Ayine, Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being investigated over several other cases, including transactions and activities undertaken during his tenure as Minister of Finance. Ken Ofori-Atta arrested and detained in the US“I also mentioned that there are other investigations ongoing. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (MP), Attorney-General & Minister for Justice Ken Ofori-Atta aka the Fugitive could either self-deport from the US or be deported by an immigration Judge on 20th January.

Regional News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: GNAJohn Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, has criticised the Akufo-Addo administration for failing to complete several development projects in the Oti Region. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, the minister cited stalled projects including the Oti Regional Coordinating Council administration block, regional police administration block and housing complex, Agenda 111 hospitals, the regional education office and other key government infrastructure. Gyapong claimed the Oti Region leads in abandoned projects nationwide, alleging that the previous administration failed to complete both inherited and newly initiated projects. He said discussions would be held with the Regional Security Committee before formally communicating recommendations to the Interior Ministry. Gyapong commended the three ethnic groups in Nkwanta South for observing the curfew and contributing to the prevailing peace.

General News of Saturday, 17 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA 16-year-old Ghanaian teenager, Comfort Antwi, has tragically lost her life following a fatal car crash in Charlotte, North Carolina in the United States. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, on the 5800 block of West Sugar Creek Road. Comfort Antwi was driving her Toyota Yaris northbound when it veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a BMW X3. Officers found the driver of the Toyota, Comfort Antwi, 16, with life-threatening injuries. Despite medical intervention, Comfort Antwi succumbed to her injuries on Monday, January 5, 2026.