Ghanaians voted in a closely contested election between President Nana Akufo-Addo and his rival John Mahama. The election, marked by peaceful proceedings, saw high voter turnout and enthusiasm. Key issues included unemployment, infrastructure, education, and health. Akufo-Addo received praise for his pandemic response and improvements in education and electricity, while Mahama faced criticism for economic mismanagement and corruption. Both candidates signed a symbolic peace pact to ensure a peaceful election. The stability in Ghana contrasts with unrest in other West African countries.

Nigeria's Nollywood film industry is attracting significant foreign investment from companies like Netflix, Canal+, and StarTimes, driven by the industry's rapid growth and increasing production quality. Despite challenges such as piracy and low-budget productions, higher quality films are drawing in audiences and investors. The industry is seeing a rise in box office revenues, with successful films like 'The Wedding Party' and 'Chief Daddy' leading the way. Foreign investors are keen to capitalize on Nollywood's potential, with companies like Canal Olympia expanding cinema operations in Nigeria. However, industry experts caution that Nigerian filmmakers must protect their interests to avoid exploitation.

Kajuru district in northern Nigeria, once a vibrant area with Christian Adara farmers and Muslim Fulani herders living together, has become desolate following deadly clashes. The violence began on February 11, with conflicting reports on the death toll, which the governor of Kaduna state initially stated as 66, later revising to 130. The conflict, rooted in land disputes and ethnic tensions, has escalated with attacks on Fulani villages, leading to mass displacement and uncertainty. The situation is sensitive, with local authorities cautious about releasing official figures. Kaduna's governor has been criticized for potentially exacerbating tensions, and the region is struggling with unemployment, population growth, and poverty, which fuel the longstanding rivalries.

Ghana's plan to build a new national cathedral designed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye has received mixed reactions. While some see it as a symbol of democratic consolidation and a potential architectural landmark, others criticize the prioritization of the project over social welfare. The cathedral, intended as a house of prayer for all, has sparked debate about government involvement in religious matters. President Nana Akufo-Addo has formed a board to manage fundraising, but the project's cost remains undisclosed. Critics question the use of public funds and the constitutionality of the state's involvement, with a legal challenge posed by James Kwabena Bomfeh junior. Despite government assurances of neutrality, concerns about preferential treatment towards Christianity persist, as Accra already has a high density of churches.

Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi are set to begin piloting the world's first malaria vaccine later in the year 2018. The vaccine, which has been developed by the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, will be administered to children as part of the trial starting from September. The vaccine initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat malaria, one of Africa's leading causes of death. Alongside vaccination, new scientific research and advanced insecticides are being utilized in the fight to eliminate the disease. The article also emphasizes the importance of personal protection measures to maintain global health security.

The article discusses the issue of drowning in Ghana, highlighting the lack of official statistics on the number of annual deaths. It points out the dangers of the Gulf of Guinea, known for its violent currents, and the problem that many locals cannot swim. The Ghana National Aquatic Rescue Unit, which was established in 2016, is mentioned as a response to these dangers. The unit was founded after a tragic incident where a three-year-old girl drowned at Labadi beach in Accra, and there was no one able to rescue her.

Drowning deaths in Ghana are a concern due to the absence of official statistics and the dangerous waters of the Gulf of Guinea. Many locals cannot swim, and the Ghana National Aquatic Rescue Unit was established in 2016 following the drowning of a young girl on Labadi beach in Accra.

Ghana is reviving its coffee industry, historically overshadowed by cocoa, through government initiatives and growing local and international demand. The revival aims to boost the economy and address youth unemployment. Farmers like Kofi Afadi and George Klu are optimistic about the future, with support from local coffee retailers and international chains enhancing the domestic market. The government's program has led to new plantations and fair pricing, fostering a sense of heritage and pride among Ghanaian coffee farmers.

Since 1996, the village of Tafi Atome in Ghana's Volta Region has transformed into an eco-tourism destination, attracting thousands of visitors annually to the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary's success has led to improved local infrastructure, including a clinic, wells, and school renovations. The once sacred mones monkeys, targeted by hunters after the decline of traditional beliefs, are now protected and considered friends by the villagers. Eco-tourism in Ghana, with its considerable potential, is expected to grow, with projections of increased tourist numbers and job creation. Experts and tour operators advocate for more government support and community pride in eco-tourism initiatives.

Ghana's Electoral Commission's website was targeted by hackers amidst the presidential election results announcement. The incident was reported on Twitter, and the site was temporarily offline. Tensions rose as the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) called for incumbent President John Dramani Mahama to concede defeat based on their internal polls. The election is closely contested, with Mahama's National Democratic Congress party seeking re-election during an economic slowdown. Ghana, known for its democratic stability in West Africa, experienced few voting issues, with a run-off anticipated if no candidate secures a majority. The opposition criticized the government's economic management, highlighting issues with national finances and oil revenue, particularly from a field operated by Tullow. Officials have asked for patience in awaiting official results and cautioned against unofficial sources.