The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has retrieved a luxury 2019 Lamborghini Urus belonging to Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, in connection with an ongoing international criminal investigation.

The high-profile seizure occurred at Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra, following a joint operation between EOCO, the FBI, and the United States Justice Department. The operation was executed under the authority of a 2023 request from U.S. agencies seeking restitution from Nana Kwabena Amuah, a convicted fraudster currently serving an 86-month prison sentence in the United States.

According to EOCO, the Lamborghini—valued at over $300,000—has been tied to proceeds from Amuah’s criminal enterprise. The seizure was carried out professionally and without incident by the Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) of EOCO.

Shatta Wale reportedly pleaded with officers not to publicize the seizure, expressing concerns that it could damage his brand if fans witnessed EOCO officials driving away with the vehicle. He was eventually allowed to surrender the car voluntarily.

EOCO stated that both Shatta Wale and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been declared persons of interest in the case and will be assisting in further investigations.

A formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request is expected to be sent to the Government of Ghana for the repatriation of the car to the U.S., where it will contribute to settling Amuah’s $4.7 million restitution order.

The final investigation report will be shared with the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department as part of ongoing international cooperation.

Ghanaian rapper Lyrical Joe marked his birthday in his signature fashion by releasing the ninth instalment of his annual 5th August series. This tradition, which has become a much-anticipated gift to fans, sees the lyrical virtuoso showcase his artistry, wordplay, and storytelling prowess, turning his special day into a celebration of rap culture.

What is 5th August?

In 2017, Lyrical Joe conceived the idea to release a rap song titled “5th August”. The idea received a warm welcome from his then management, ” Galatrava Records”. The first edition was released in 2017, which paved the way for greatness. Surprisingly, the song went on to win more fans and exceeded his expectations. Since the first edition of this series, he has been consistent with over 4 series under his belt now. The Ghanaian rapper is known widely for his lyrical prowess and pen game.

Why 5th August?

Lyrical Joe has chosen 5th August for this series because that marks the day he was born. To celebrate his new age, the rapper has instituted that day to release this project. The idea is to release a record-setting masterpiece that will define an era, featuring good lyrical content and high-quality production, he stated. Since the beginning of the 5th August series, no rap song has reached Lyrical Joe’s lyrical standard across the continent.

Impact Of the “5th August”

Lyrical Joe’s 5th August series has been widely celebrated in Ghana and across Africa. The 5th edition of the 5th August series won him the BEST RAPPER Performance in the biggest awards scheme in the Ghanaian entertainment fraternity, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, now (TGMA) 2021. This has certified his word, and hard work has established a backbone for the future 5th August series.

His release is the 9th edition.

Audio: https://ditto.fm/5thaugust_9

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in a ceremony held on Monday, August 4, 2025.

The board, composed of experienced professionals from both the public and private sectors, is tasked with steering the affairs of the Authority in line with Ghana’s tourism development goals.

The members of the new board include:

Gertrude Emefa Donkor

Hon. Yusif Issaka Jajah – Deputy Minister

Maame Efua Houadjeto – CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority

Kwame Adu Darko Okyere-Mensuo – Representative, Ministry of Finance

Samuel Seth Passah – Representative, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs

Joseph Osiakwan – Representative, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

Suweibatu Adam – Representative, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology

Afi Amoro, Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, Bella Korkoe Ayayee Ahu, and Darison Baba Al-Hassan – all representing the private sector.

In her remarks, Hon. Gomashie charged the board to work collaboratively to promote sustainable tourism, enhance service delivery in the industry, and support creative sector initiatives that contribute to national development.

Also in attendance were senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, led by the Chief Director, Mr. Joseph Kwasi Amoah.

The Ghana Tourism Authority plays a key role in promoting Ghana as a preferred tourist destination and regulating tourism enterprises across the country.