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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 12th June 2026

Management of Manhaliya Islamic Institute has maintained that its leadership is under the guidance of Sheikh Tanim Abdallah, clarifying that Sheikh Khalid Husein Jimah has not highjacked the leadership role of the Institution contrary to the misconception bandied around in the media space especially on social Media.

At Press briefing at the Manhaliya Mosque in Tamale, immediately after Jumah Prayers, Sheikh Abdul Wahab Alhassan, noted that Sheikh Khalid Jimah was nominated in 2010 to support the leadership of the institution, receiving overwhelming endorsement by Stakeholders in Manhaliya, stressing that under no circumstance he attempted to arrogate supreme powers to himself at the institution as the leader.

The Leadership of Mahanliya described the the current development in connection to Sheikh Gima as not only ‘fabricated lies’, but also termed it as ‘misinformation and disinformation’, aimed at tainting the image of Manhaliya and the revered Sheikh Khalid Husein Jima, using social media as a stool.

Therefore, Manhaliya Islamic Institute is urging the general public to disregard the false news circulating on the New Media about the institution, insisting that it remains focused on providing the right learning environment to produce learners, refine their potentials for prosperous future.

“Owing to the realities of age and the need to adapt to leadership responsibilities in an orderly manner Sheikh Husein Khalid Jima wasnominated in 2010 to support in the leadership of the Institution. His nomination was unanimously endorsed by all stakeholders within the Manhalia fraternity. Unfortunately, some individuals
misconstrued this development and proceeded to fabricate lies, spread misinformation and disseminate disinformation through social media just to taint the image of Manhalia and our beloved Sheikh Jima. The claim that our Sheikh fought and lobbied for leadership within Manhalia Islamic Institute is entirely
untrue and constitutes a blatant falsehood. These are baseless speculations emanating from individuals who lack proper knowledge of the Institution”

At the Press Conference, Sheikh Abdul Wahab also gave historical background of the Manhaliya Institution, stating that it was founded by Sheikh Mohammed Issah Bello in 1972 with 20 students in his house.Adding that Sheikh Bello subsequently secured land in 1981 to establish the institution which has survived decades of existence till now, combining English and Arabic education.

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Published: 11 June 2026

Published at: 9:09

Story by Saibu Terry

Political communicator and social commentator Hardi Pagazaa has expressed concern over what he describes as a disturbing trend in Dagbon regarding the management of traditional and religious leaders, following two recent incidents that attracted widespread attention on social media.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Pagazaa cited the recent announcement of the passing of Naa Bapra Nyong Lana, Col. (Rtd) Abdulai, Paramount Chief of the Nyong Traditional Area in the Karaga District. According to him, news of the chief’s death spread rapidly across social media platforms while the body was still in Accra, a development he believes disregarded Dagbon customs and the emotions of the bereaved family.

He noted that the incident was not isolated, recalling similar occurrences involving the late Naa Yeb’ Nanton Naa Sulemana and Naa Bapra Mion Lana Abdulai. While criticizing bloggers and social media users for circulating such sensitive information prematurely, Pagazaa argued that a significant portion of the responsibility lies with individuals entrusted with managing and safeguarding information concerning traditional leaders.

“The haste to inform trusted people is the major cause. Any secret beyond one person is no longer a secret,” he remarked, urging social media activists to respect Dagbon traditions and avoid actions that could portray the culture negatively.

Pagazaa also referenced a widely circulated video involving Sheikh Saeed Zakaria, head of the Ambariya Islamic Community and one of Ghana’s most respected Islamic scholars. The video addressed concerns surrounding the establishment of the Ambariya Islamic Education Unit and allegations of interference in a protocol list that had been submitted.

According to Pagazaa, the matter could have been resolved discreetly through dialogue rather than becoming a subject of public debate on social media. He suggested that those responsible for managing the affairs of the respected cleric failed to handle the issue appropriately.

“A word from Afa Saeed is an authority and must be respected at all times and in all situations,” he stated.

He further observed that the decision by the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to grant Ambariya an independent educational unit was never intended to become a social media controversy. In his view, the disagreement, reportedly centered on the omission of a single name from a protocol list, could easily have been addressed through administrative channels.

Pagazaa concluded by calling for the engagement of professionals to manage the communications and public affairs of traditional rulers and religious leaders, arguing that proper management would help prevent avoidable controversies and protect the dignity and authority of respected institutions in Dagbon.

“It’s time professionals are hired to manage our leaders,” he emphasized.

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Published: 11 June 2026

Published at: 8:10am

Story by Saibu Terry

The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has reiterated the need for stronger international cooperation to combat illegal gambling activities that continue to undermine the growth and sustainability of the lottery industry across the world.

Speaking during the EL Industry Days 2026 held in Marrakesh, Morocco, Mohammed Abdul-Salam joined lottery industry leaders, regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders from Africa and Europe in discussions aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operations.

According to the NLA Director-General, unregulated gambling activities not only threaten the integrity and credibility of the lottery sector but also deprive governments of significant revenue that could otherwise be invested in national development projects, social intervention programmes, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He emphasized that illegal gambling networks have become increasingly sophisticated, making it imperative for regulatory bodies, industry operators, and governments to strengthen collaboration, share intelligence, and adopt innovative technologies to effectively monitor and combat unlawful gaming activities.

“Illegal gambling continues to threaten the integrity of our industry and deprive nations of vital revenue. Through stronger partnerships, innovation, and effective enforcement mechanisms, we can protect players, safeguard government revenues, and promote responsible gaming practices,” he stated.

The EL Industry Days 2026 brought together experts from across the lottery and gaming sector to exchange ideas, explore emerging industry trends, and develop strategies for building a more transparent, responsible, and resilient lottery ecosystem.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam further highlighted the National Lottery Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible gaming in Ghana while ensuring that lottery operations remain fair, secure, and beneficial to national development.

He noted that the fight against illegal gambling requires a collective effort involving regulators, licensed operators, law enforcement agencies, technology providers, and international partners.

The conference also provided participants with an opportunity to discuss digital transformation within the lottery industry, regulatory best practices, consumer protection measures, and emerging technologies designed to improve industry compliance and operational efficiency.

The NLA Director-General expressed optimism that the partnerships and insights gained from the event would contribute significantly to strengthening Ghana’s lottery sector and enhancing efforts to tackle illegal gambling across the continent.

The National Lottery Authority continues to play a leading role in promoting responsible gaming and ensuring that lottery activities contribute positively to Ghana’s socio-economic development while protecting the interests of players and stakeholders