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  • GG strengthens PNG–Tonga ties during historic visit

    GG strengthens PNG–Tonga ties during historic visit

    Papua New Guinea’s Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, has concluded a successful official visit to the Kingdom of Tonga, joining celebrations marking 150 years since the enactment of Tonga’s Constitution — one of the Pacific’s oldest and most enduring charters.

    Accompanied by Lady Emeline Dadae, the Governor General met with His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu, reaffirming the deep historical and spiritual bonds between the two nations — ties that trace back to the arrival of early Tongan missionaries who brought Christianity to PNG more than a century ago.

    “As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of Independence this year, we remain deeply grateful to the early Tongan missionaries who trained our teachers and nurses, built schools, and helped shape our nation’s early development,” Sir Bob said.

    “Their sacrifices — many losing their lives to diseases like malaria — laid the foundation for our enduring people-to-people connection.”

    Sir Bob also conveyed PNG’s appreciation to Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala for attending the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary in September, and thanked the Tongan Armed Forces for their role in supporting peace during the Bougainville Crisis.

    Reaffirming PNG’s commitment to Pacific solidarity, the Governor General pledged closer cooperation on shared challenges including climate change, sustainable ocean management, and combating illegal fishing.

    During the visit, Sir Bob and Lady Dadae joined King Tupou VI and New Zealand Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro in a groundbreaking ceremony for Tonga’s new Legislative Assembly building at Talangaholo, following the destruction of the old Parliament by Cyclone Gita in 2018.

    King Tupou VI, in his address, reflected on Tonga’s constitutional legacy, tracing its roots to King Tupou I’s vision in 1875 to protect Tongans from landlessness and ensure responsible governance.

    The week-long celebrations concluded with a Remembrance Service, where Sir Bob laid a wreath alongside King Tupou VI in honour of Tonga’s former monarchs.

    The Governor General and Lady Dadae were warmly received by the Tongan Royal Family and Government and are expected to return to Port Moresby next week.

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  • Supreme Court allow review of Napanapa land issue

    The Supreme Court has allowed a landowner group of Napanapa in the Central province to challenge a decision of the National Court that removed them as recognized landowners.

    Chief Justice Sir Gibb’s Salika, sitting as a single Supreme Court judge, granted leave to Pastor Hanua Gadiki and his Rokurokuna sub-tribe of Koita to challenge the 2012 decision of the National Court that removed them as the landowners of the customary land described as DA5 – a land where the Napanapa PNG LNG refinery is situated.

    Pastor Gadiki and his Rokurokuna tribe of Koita were initially recognized as the legitimate landowners of the DA5 land by the Provincial Land Court in 2010.

    However, the opposing party- the Kuriu Incorporated Land Group- led by a Daure Gabe Pundi, applied to the National Court to review the decision of the Provincial Land Court.

    The National Court on July 18, 2012, ruled upheld the review Pundi and the Kuriu Incorporated Land Group and declared them as the principal traditional landowners of the DA5 Napanapa Land, replacing Pastor Hanua and his Rokurokuna sub-tribe of Kotia who were the initial principal traditional landowners of the subject land.

    The National Court during the ruling, did not refer the matter back to the Provincial Land Court or the Local Land Court to rehear and redetermine the traditional land dispute.

    This prompted Pastor Hanua to apply for leave in the Supreme Court to review the decision of the National Court.

    He argued that the National Court had erred in law and breached Section 3 and 26 of the Land Dispute Settlement Act in determining or declaring the ownership of the traditional land in dispute when it has no jurisdiction to do so.

    Pastor Hanua through his lawyer submitted during the leave application that there were case laws that supports the contention and that leave should be granted for the full Supreme Court to hear and determine the substantive issue.

    The questions posed to the court include;

    Whether the National Court has jurisdiction to determine ownership of traditional land or determine who the principal landowner is?


    And whether it is fair and just to allow the decision of the National Court to stand, contrary to Section 3(1) and 26 of the Land Dispute Act and the Supreme Court decision in Louis Lucian Siu vs Wasime Land Group Incoporated, and Simon Ekanda vs Hon Pila Niningi, Attorney General of Papua New Guinea.


    The Chief Justice after assessing the submissions, was satisfied with the grounds raised by the applicant (Pastor Hanua), noting that the application raised arguable grounds and therefore granted the leave sought.

    This means the substantive issue will go before a full Supreme Court bench to be heard and determined.

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  • Akon Set to Light Up PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary

    PORT MORESBY – Global R&B superstar Akon has touched down in Papua New Guinea ahead of his much-anticipated performance tonight at the Sir John Guise Stadium, marking a historic highlight in the country’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

    Akon arrives at the Jacksons airport in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. PICTURE SUPPLIED

    The multi-award-winning artist, known worldwide for hits like Smack That and Lonely, arrived to a warm reception in Port Moresby on Monday, September 15, 2025. Fans gathered at Jacksons International Airport, some waving PNG flags and others singing his songs, as excitement builds for what promises to be one of the biggest concerts ever staged in the nation.

    Akon’s visit is part of the golden jubilee program celebrating half a century since Papua New Guinea gained independence on September 16, 1975. The government has organized a month-long lineup of cultural events, parades, and performances, but the singer’s concert is expected to be the centerpiece of festivities, drawing thousands to the capital.

    Speaking to local media shortly after arrival, Akon expressed his honour at joining the milestone celebration. “This is a special moment for Papua New Guinea, and I’m excited to be here to share my music with the people. Tonight will be about unity, love, and celebrating this beautiful country’s journey over 50 years,” he said.

    Security has been heightened around the Sir John Guise Stadium, where organizers expect a capacity crowd. Gates will open in the late afternoon, with local artists scheduled to perform before Akon takes the stage later in the evening.

    For many, the event symbolizes not only a world-class concert but also PNG’s growing place on the global stage. As one fan put it: “We’ve been waiting for this moment. To have someone like Akon here for our 50th Independence makes us proud.”

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