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August 2, 2026
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Cambridge University’s Prof Arday at centre of plagiarism row defends his work
Policy
Key Points
- Professor Jason Arday, Cambridge University's youngest black professor, is facing a plagiarism controversy stemming from allegations made by former academic Nathan Cofnas.
- Cofnas used plagiarism detection software to identify numerous instances of alleged copying in Arday's work and also questioned his claims about charity running achievements.
- Arday admitted to errors in his work, attributing some to his autism, his reliance on mimicry, and a lack of adequate supervision and proofreading early in his academic career.
- He asserts that the intense scrutiny is part of a "racially motivated" and "well-orchestrated campaign" against him, linked to broader criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
- The controversy has sparked divided opinions, with some academics and public figures defending Arday as a victim of bullying or a smear campaign, while others emphasize the importance of upholding academic standards.
Why This Matters
This article, while not directly about Ghana, touches on universal themes of academic integrity, institutional responsibility, and the challenges faced by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education. Ghana, with its growing academic sector and focus on equity and inclusion, could draw lessons from the discourse surrounding plagiarism, support for neurodivergent individuals, and the impact of racial bias in academic environments. It underscores the importance of robust systems for academic oversight and fair treatment within educational institutions globally.
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August 2, 2026
Elder Richard Kweku Bedu Hudson
- Elder Richard Kweku Bedu Hudson, aged 84, has passed away.
- Funeral and burial services are scheduled for Sunday, August 9th, 2026, at Labone SDA Church, Accra.
- A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at Amazing Facts SDA Church, Mamprobi – Accra.
- Chief mourners include prominent traditional leaders like Nana Essieni V and Nana Esarko III, along with Hon. Kwamina Bartels, and various family members and church representatives.
- The announcement provides details of the deceased's immediate and extended family, including his widow, children, grandchildren, and siblings.
August 1, 2026
New Dagbon regent vows to preserve peace and uphold rotational succession
- The new Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, has pledged to preserve the kingdom's peace and uphold the rotational chieftaincy succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu gates.
- He affirmed his commitment to his late father's legacy of peace-building and reconciliation.
- The Regent vowed to ensure a transparent process for enskinning a new Yaa Naa, strictly adhering to tradition and the existing peace agreement, while warning against partisan exploitation of the transition.
- He highlighted his father's statesmanship in enskinning more Abudu chiefs than Andani chiefs to prioritize kingdom peace over gate advantage.
- Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II also pledged to continue the late king's development agenda, including the new palace construction, the Dagbon Ten-Year Development Plan, the UDS Yendi Campus, and ongoing agricultural and energy partnerships.
August 2, 2026
‘Our hearts are with everyone affected’ — Shatta Wale’s management after ShattaFest UK tragedy
- ShattaFest UK, also known as Ghana Party in the Park, was cancelled in London after a stampede and severe overcrowding at the venue.
- Police intervened due to public safety concerns, as the venue exceeded its approved capacity, leading to several injuries.
- Shatta Wale's management expressed deep sorrow, prioritizing the safety of patrons and extending thoughts to those affected.
- They are awaiting official confirmation on injuries and alleged fatalities, urging the public and media to refrain from speculation.
- Shatta Wale and his team pledged full cooperation with authorities and event organizers in the ongoing investigation.