Sports journalist Bawa Mugis has strongly defended the decision to recall Ghana defender Baba Abdul-Rahman to the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the recent criticism against the player as unfair and hypocritical.
Baba Rahman’s return to the national team has sparked debate among sections of Ghanaian football fans, with critics questioning his inclusion due to his previous decision to step away from the Black Stars setup for nearly three years.
However, Mugis believes the backlash against the experienced left-back ignores the difficult circumstances that forced him to take a sabbatical from the team.
According to the respected journalist, Baba Rahman endured severe abuse after Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on September 7, 2023. The defender and his family reportedly faced insults, threats, and intense criticism from both traditional and social media platforms following the game.
Mugis argued that Baba Rahman is not the first player to temporarily distance himself from the national team due to public pressure and emotional distress.
He referenced past incidents involving former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan and his brother Baffour Gyan, who nearly quit the national team during the 2008 AFCON after harsh criticism from supporters over missed goal-scoring opportunities. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor reportedly intervened to convince them to remain with the squad.
The journalist also pointed to the Ayew brothers, who announced a temporary retirement from the Black Stars in 2013, stressing that such situations are not new in Ghana football.
Beyond the emotional arguments, Mugis maintained that Baba Rahman deserves his place in the squad based on merit and performance.
The former Chelsea defender has been impressive at club level, making 74 appearances across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons while contributing nine goals and six assists.
Mugis further noted that since Baba Rahman stepped away from the national team, several players who were invited to fill the left-back position failed to make the role their own.
He added that there had already been growing calls for Baba’s return before the World Cup qualifiers due to his consistency and experience at club level.
The journalist believes the defender’s quality, technique, and leadership will be crucial for Ghana as the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
“In the final analysis, selection should be guided not by sentiment or noise, but by merit, consistency, and what best serves the collective ambition of the team,” Mugis stated.
He concluded that contribution to the Black Stars should be judged on present readiness and impact rather than subjective opinions surrounding a player’s past decisions.
BREAKING NEWS: Northern Music Icon Memunatu Laadi Dies in Tragic Car Accident
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Published:May 29 2026
Published at : 10:12am
The Northern music industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of celebrated musician Memunatu Laadi, popularly known as Muna Laadi, who reportedly lost her life in a fatal car accident on Thursday night.
According to sources close to the family and industry insiders, the veteran artiste was travelling to Koforidua for a scheduled joint performance with fellow musician Sister Z. Sister Z, who was in Accra at the time, was expected to meet Muna in Koforidua through the Accra route for the event.
Sadly, Muna Laadi never made it to her destination after the unfortunate accident claimed her life.
Her sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the entertainment fraternity, especially within the Northern music scene where she remained one of the most respected and influential female artistes. Known for her powerful voice, energetic stage performances, and inspirational songs, Muna Laadi touched countless lives through her music career.
Tributes have since started pouring in from fans, musicians, and stakeholders in the entertainment industry, all describing her death as a huge loss to Ghanaian music.
Memunatu Laadi leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers across the country.
Using Bail as Punishment for Accused Persons Is Not Law” — Haruna Iddrisu
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Published: May 29 2026
Published at: 07:50am
Story by Saibu Terry
Former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has criticised the practice of using bail conditions as a form of punishment for accused persons, insisting that such actions go against the principles of justice and the rule of law. Speaking at final funeral rites of Dr. Mahama Shaibu in Tamale, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart stressed that bail is intended to guarantee the appearance of accused persons before court and should not be turned into a punitive measure.
According to Haruna Iddrisu, imposing excessive or unreasonable bail conditions undermines the constitutional rights of citizens and weakens public confidence in the country’s judicial processes. “Using bail as punishment for accused persons, that’s not law,” he stated, calling for fairness and balance in the administration of justice. The Education Minister further noted that the legal system must uphold the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, adding that accused persons should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship before trial.
His comments have sparked discussions among legal practitioners, political observers, and members of the public on the need for reforms within Ghana’s justice delivery system. Haruna Iddrisu has consistently been vocal on governance, constitutional rights, and legal reforms, often advocating for transparency and the protection of civil liberties in Ghana.
Tamale City Assistant Coach Mohammed Osman “Kwakwa” Resigns After Playoff Heartbreak
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Published: May 28 2026
Published at: 10:17am
Story by Saibu Terry Tamale City assistant coach Mohammed Osman Adun, popularly known as “Coach Kwakwa,” has officially resigned from his role at the club following the team’s failure to secure promotion to the Ghana Premier League. Coach Kwakwa submitted his resignation letter to Tamale City CEO Mohammed Iddi barely a week after the Citizens suffered a painful 3-1 defeat to Debibi United in the Zone 1A and Zone 1B Access Bank Division One League playoff final in Accra. The highly respected CAF Licence B coach spent three years with Tamale City, having joined the club during the 2024 league season. During his time with the Citizens, he played a key role in the technical setup of the club, helping the side remain competitive in the Division One League and guiding them through an impressive campaign that saw them qualify for the playoff finals.
Despite taking an early lead in the crucial playoff encounter, Tamale City collapsed in the first half as Debibi United mounted a strong comeback to secure victory and book qualification to the Ghana Premier League. The defeat ended Tamale City’s hopes of returning to the topflight next season. Speaking to Ghananewsnet.com, Coach Kwakwa confirmed his departure, citing a number of unresolved internal issues behind his decision to leave the club. “I believe this is the right time for me to step aside. I appreciate the opportunity given to me by the club and I wish Tamale City the very best in the future,” he stated.
Coach Kwakwa is widely admired within the Northern football fraternity for his tactical discipline, commitment to player development, and passion for the game. His resignation is expected to mark the end of an important chapter for the Tamale-based club as they prepare for another campaign in the Division One League. Tamale City are yet to officially comment on the development.