Okomfo Anokye SHS ends two-year NSMQ exile with dramatic final-riddle victory

September 12, 2026

• The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) demands the complete abolition of the 15% priority placement allocation in the Senior High School (SHS) system.
• GNAPS argues that the current policy unfairly advantages students from public basic schools over those from private schools in securing preferred SHS placements.
• They contend that the definition of 'deprived schools' is flawed, wrongly equating public school attendance with low-income status and excluding private schools operating in challenging communities.
• GNAPS warns that the policy threatens the sustainability of private schools by potentially causing declining enrollment as parents move children to public schools for better placement odds, leading to financial difficulties.
• The association advocates for an SHS placement system based on equal opportunity for all students, irrespective of the type of basic school they attended.

September 12, 2026

• Saudi Arabia has closed its critical East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack originating from Iraq, amidst an escalating Middle East conflict.
• Iraq admitted the drone attack came from one of its provinces bordering Iran, leading to the removal of a military commander and an ongoing investigation.
• The incident coincides with significant advances by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have seized control of much of the Red Sea coast, including the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
• The pipeline closure impacts 4-5% of global oil supply, and the widening conflict has pushed global crude oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
• Saudi Arabia has reserved its right to retaliate but supports Iraq's efforts to prevent future attacks, while the Gulf Co-operation Council condemned the incident as a dangerous escalation.

September 12, 2026

• Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician Bernice Offei has died at the age of 63.
• Her death was announced on September 12, 2026, by fellow musicians Nii Noi and Kwesi Ernest.
• Offei was celebrated for hit songs including "Life Is Short," "Hold On," and "Kaa She Gbeyei."
• Her passing comes shortly after a reported disappearance, where she was later found safe but appeared unwell.
• She had a decades-long career, leaving a lasting legacy in Ghana's gospel music scene with her inspirational messages.