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University of Ghana professor refutes claims of Mary, mother of Jesus, living in Ghana for 40 years
via GhanaWeb5 min read
Professor Wazi Apoh, Dean of the School of Arts and Professor of Archaeology at the University of Ghana, has dismissed viral claims that Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, resided in Ghana's Volta Region for 40 years. The controversy arose from a social media video featuring a man, identified as a tour guide at the Volta Regional Museum, who alleged that Mary and Jesus lived in Kpando Agbenoxoe for decades before returning to Jerusalem. He also claimed a statue of Mary at the site honored this history and attracted Catholic pilgrims. Professor Apoh, in an interview with GTV on April 28, 2026, stated that these claims were falsely attributed to his research, calling them "crap of lies." He suggested the misunderstanding might stem from his 1996 art historical study of the Grotto site at Kpando Agbenoxoe, which includes a 40-foot-tall statue of Mary. He believes the "40 feet" was misinterpreted as "40 years." Professor Apoh emphasized that his current exhibition at the Volta Regional Museum focuses on German-Volta connections and archaeological findings related to missionary activities, not biblical claims about Mary.
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Ghana's Minority in Parliament has criticized the government's handling of the ongoing power challenges, stating that it prioritizes public relations over substantive solutions. This criticism follows a fire incident at the Ghana Grid Company Limited substation in Akosombo, which has worsened power cuts. Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, stated that the government's response has not addressed underlying energy sector problems. He described recent measures as symbolic actions, arguing that suspending a CEO, reshuffling a regional management team, and holding a press briefing do not constitute an energy policy. Adomako-Mensah attributed the "dumsor" to deeper structural issues rather than any single individual, suggesting the current administration has failed to build on previous recovery plans. The Minority warns that without a clear, transparent, and long-term strategy, power instability will continue, impacting homes, businesses, and key economic sectors.
Must ReadDr. Yaw Amankwa Arthur, Deputy Director of Health Promotion at the Mental Health Authority, has voiced concerns regarding the increase in mental health cases in Ghana. He stated in an interview on April 28, 2026, that data indicates individuals aged 1 to 34 years old represent over 50 percent of reported cases, amounting to more than 40,000 people. Dr. Arthur suggested that the actual number of cases is likely higher due to underreporting. He highlighted the troubling nature of this trend, considering the potential social and economic contributions these individuals could make to themselves, their families, communities, and the country. The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being allowing individuals to cope with life's stresses, realize their abilities, learn, work, and contribute to their community, emphasizing its importance as a basic and universal human right essential for human development.
Must ReadGhana's Ministry of the Interior has banned motorbike use in Binduri and surrounding communities in the Upper East Region, effective immediately. This directive follows an attack on a military patrol team by unknown assailants in Binduri on April 27, 2026. The Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak-Muntaka, signed a statement on April 28, 2026, indicating that the restriction is a necessary measure to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and support ongoing security operations. The military reported that a convoy escorting 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to one. The military repelled the attack, killing seven assailants, arresting ten suspects, and recovering weapons. The Ministry urged residents to remain calm, support efforts to restore peace, and warned that defiance of the directive would lead to arrest and prosecution.
The Minority in Parliament has disputed claims that the recent fire at the Akosombo Substation is the sole cause of Ghana’s ongoing power outages. During a press conference on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, stated that the power crisis, referred to as "dumsor," had been affecting Ghanaians since January 25, 2026, long before the April 23, 2026, fire. He argued that the government is responsible for the crisis and that the fire is merely a symptom of a decaying energy sector. Adomako-Mensah cautioned against attempts to shift blame, insisting that the government must take responsibility for the broader challenges. He cited persistent, unannounced blackouts across the country and multiple emergency and maintenance notices from the Electricity Company of Ghana ECG as evidence of a strained system predating the Akosombo incident. The Minority highlighted the severe impact on households and businesses, including lost income for small businesses and families struggling without power, emphasizing that these conditions existed before the substation fire.