SuameTV News Desk — May 5, 2026

BREAKING

ECG EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE TODAY — Ashanti & Western Regions hit, multiple areas affected BECE 2026 DAY 2 — 619,985 candidates continue exams across 2,302 centres nationwide BANK OF GHANA CRISIS — GH₵34.9bn operating loss in 2025, economists warn of fiscal pressure ANTI-LGBTQ BILL — Minority pushes for passage under certificate of urgency SUAME INTERCHANGE UPDATE — Three overpasses at Anomangye, Suame New Road, Abusuakruwa progressing GMA USA 2026 NOMINEES UNVEILED IN KUMASI — 35 categories, ceremony June 26 in Delaware ROADS MINISTER — Non-performing contractors face final warning: deliver or lose the deal GHANA CARD CHILDREN — Registration starts today in Volta and Oti Regions for 3.1m children FORMER IGP PAUL TAWIAH QUAYE PASSES — family confirms death of ex-Ghana Police chief OKYEAME KWAME — launches Clap Challenge to honour teachers and students during BECE ECG EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE TODAY — Ashanti & Western Regions hit, multiple areas affected BECE 2026 DAY 2 — 619,985 candidates continue exams across 2,302 centres nationwide BANK OF GHANA CRISIS — GH₵34.9bn operating loss in 2025, economists warn of fiscal pressure ANTI-LGBTQ BILL — Minority pushes for passage under certificate of urgency SUAME INTERCHANGE UPDATE — Three overpasses at Anomangye, Suame New Road, Abusuakruwa progressing GMA USA 2026 NOMINEES UNVEILED IN KUMASI — 35 categories, ceremony June 26 in Delaware ROADS MINISTER — Non-performing contractors face final warning: deliver or lose the deal GHANA CARD CHILDREN — Registration starts today in Volta and Oti Regions for 3.1m children FORMER IGP PAUL TAWIAH QUAYE PASSES — family confirms death of ex-Ghana Police chief OKYEAME KWAME — launches Clap Challenge to honour teachers and students during BECE

⚡ Lead — Energy Emergency

⚡ Emergency Maintenance · Ashanti Region · Today

Power Alert — Tuesday May 5

ECG Emergency Maintenance Hits Ashanti Today — Kotei, Atonsu, Ahinsan, Ayeduase & More Cut Off

ECG has announced two separate emergency maintenance operations in the Ashanti Region for today, Tuesday May 5. The first affects Behenase, Kokobriko, Mensase and Abuoso from 9am to 5pm. The second, running 10am to 5pm, hits Ayeduase, Deduako, parts of Kotei, Atonsu, Ahinsan Estate, Gyinyase and Chirapatre.

9AMCut 1 Starts

10AMCut 2 Starts

5PMBoth Restore

May 6–9Ridge Next

📚 BECE WEEK ALERT: Day 2 of BECE exams is ongoing. Parents and school heads are urging ECG to ensure exam centres have uninterrupted power throughout the week.

Source: Graphic Online · ECG Ghana

📚 Education

Ongoing Nationwide

BECE Day 2 — 619,985 Candidates Continue Exams, 304K Male, 315K Female

Ghana's 2026 BECE is now in its second day. WAEC's Head of Public Affairs John K. Kapi confirmed 619,985 candidates are writing across 2,302 centres from 20,784 schools. The breakdown: 304,273 males and 315,712 females. Eleven subjects will be written in total, running until Monday May 11.

Candidates are reminded: no mobile phones, no smartwatches, no electronic devices of any kind in exam halls. No late arrivals will be admitted.

🎓 WAEC: "No candidate should go to the examination hall late." Phones and all electronic devices are strictly banned. Malpractice attracts severe penalties.

Source: Ghana Business News · WAEC Ghana

🏛️ Politics

Hot-Button Issue

Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Minority Pushes for Certificate of Urgency — Debate Intensifies in Parliament

Ghana's Parliament is once again at the centre of fierce national debate as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill returns to the floor. The Minority is pushing for the bill to be passed under a certificate of urgency, fast-tracking its consideration. The bill, reintroduced by 10 MPs in March 2025 as a private member's bill, proposes up to 3 years imprisonment for same-sex relations and up to 10 years for promoting LGBTQ+ activities.

President Mahama has said he supports the principle of the legislation but prefers it to be introduced as a government bill rather than a private member's bill — creating a tension between Parliament and the Presidency.

— The Africa Report · Wikipedia · May 2026

Ghana's Human Rights Commission has warned the bill could infringe on fundamental constitutional rights. Ghana is also set to host the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family and Sovereignty in Accra this May.

Source: GhanaWeb · HRW · The Africa Report

Financial Crisis

Bank of Ghana Posts GH₵34.9bn Loss in 2025 — Economists Warn of Deeper Fiscal Pressure

Ghana faces renewed economic concern after the Bank of Ghana confirmed an operating loss of GH₵34.9 billion for 2025 — nearly four times the GH₵9.49 billion recorded in 2024. Economists warn that recapitalising the central bank will likely increase public debt and strain government finances.

The stability argument cannot become a blanket justification for large financial losses without a clear explanation. The central question is simple: could the same macroeconomic gains have been achieved at a lower cost?

— IERPP Analysis · Ghanamma · May 5, 2026

The Minority has also drawn attention to MP Isaac Adongo's silence on the losses — given his past criticism of similar BoG shortfalls under the previous government. The EU has described Ghana's economic recovery as "positively surprising", while the GSE market capitalisation hit GH₵281 billion.

Source: Citi News · Ghanamma · IERPP

Roads Ministry

Roads Minister Issues Final Warning — "Deliver or Lose the Deal" to Non-Performing Contractors

Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has issued a stern final warning to contractors who are underperforming on government road projects across Ghana. In a strongly worded statement, the minister said contracts will be terminated for any contractor failing to meet agreed timelines and standards, with no further tolerance for delays. The directive is expected to impact multiple projects under the Big Push roads programme.

Source: MyJoyOnline · Roads Ministry

🎵 Entertainment & Showbiz

Entertainment

Ghana Music Awards USA Unveils 2026 Nominees in Kumasi — 35 Categories, Ceremony June 26

Excitement filled The Octopus at Kumasi City Mall on April 30 as the Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) officially unveiled nominees for its 2026 ceremony. The event drew musicians, industry players and fans, reflecting the growing global reach of Ghanaian music. This edition features 35 categories — 24 for Ghanaian musicians based in the US and 11 for Ghana-based artists.

"We are proud to provide a platform that acknowledges the outstanding achievements of artistes both in Ghana and the US. This dual focus strengthens the connection between our communities and showcases the diversity of Ghanaian music to the world."

— Dennis Boafo (Don D), CEO Ghana Music Awards USA · April 30, 2026

Kumasi-based artists including Adom Kiki and Xheila performed at the unveiling. The main awards ceremony holds on June 26, 2026 in Delaware Valley, USA — ahead of Ghana's World Cup group game in Philadelphia.

Source: Graphic Showbiz · BusinessGhana

Artist Spotlight

Okyeame Kwame Launches Clap Challenge to Celebrate Teachers & BECE Students

Legendary Ghanaian rapper and educator Okyeame Kwame has launched a nationwide Clap Challenge, calling on Ghanaians to show appreciation for teachers and students during BECE week. The initiative has gone viral on social media, with thousands of schools and individuals participating across the country. The rapper, known for his deep advocacy for education, says the challenge is meant to motivate the over 600,000 candidates writing this week.

Source: MyJoyOnline · GhanaWeb

Sad News

Former Inspector-General of Police Paul Tawiah Quaye Has Passed Away

The family of former Inspector-General of Police Paul Tawiah Quaye has confirmed his passing. He served as one of Ghana's most prominent police chiefs, known for his role in maintaining law and order during a critical period of Ghana's democratic development. Tributes are already pouring in from across the country. Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.

Source: GhanaWeb · JoyNews