Ghanaian nurse, Connie Ghartey, working at theRoyal London Hospital in the UK, has received widespread acclaim for her outstanding patient care.
For seven years, Connie has dedicated herself to brightening her patients’ mornings by greeting them with breakfast and a song, a routine that has recently gained viral attention after a grateful patient shared their experience online.
Connie’s commitment to uplifting her patients has made her a cherished figure at the hospital, with many noting that her morning visits bring joy and comfort during their stays.
Her compassionate approach was featured by ITV News, where she was praised as a beacon of positivity in the healthcare field.
In her interview, Connie explained that she aims to alleviate the burden of illness by offering a form of light and therapy through her morning routine.
“No one wants to lie on a bed, so when it happens like that, they need our support and encouragement,” Connie said. “Laughter is the best medicine, and singing is also a form of therapy.”
Meet Connie Ghartey, the UK-based Ghanaian nurse who brings joy to the wards at the Royal London Hospital by greeting patients with breakfast and a song. pic.twitter.com/kQDYh3vAlv
Connie’s work continues to inspire both her colleagues and the patients she cares for,showcasing the impact of kindness and empathy in the medical field.
Member of the National Communications team for National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Beatrice Annan has heavily slammed Agric Minister and owner of Rock City Hotel, Bryan Acheampong over his his comments on winning the elections at all cost.
Speaking to an enthusiastic audience at an NPP campaign rally in Nsawam, Eastern Region, over the weekend, he confidently asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would not win the upcoming election as the ruling NPP would do everything possible to hold power.
“So, we would do whatever it takes to win the elections. We are a political party that has pastors, imams, and traditionalists so whatever means we would take to win the elections, we would do so” he said.
In response to his remarks, Beatrice during an appearance on Metro TV’s ‘Good Morning’ Ghana morning show on August 12, 2024 blasted the Abetifi MP, calling him a coward who runs away in the face of trouble, citing the MP’s alleged flee from a bloody fracas that ensued during a primaries at Suhum.
On her part, Bryan Acheampong doesn’t qualify to be a man as he can’t even fight in the face of chaos.
“Bryan Acheamong, he is the most coward of the men in NPP .If there are men in the NPP Bryan is not one of them. Did you not see listen to the man when he wanted to buy a hotel and he was granting an interview alongside Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa he practically was crying.
He couldn’t even tell the difference between a director and a a shareholder.
He can’t even dunk. When he was a pc or wanted to be a pc for NPP at Suhum together with Opare Ansah, their primaries became very bloody with cutlasses and things he run away.
Men with balls Bryan is not a part of them. The man as Agric minister he can’t find his way please let’s spend our time discussing more prominent people” she said
Hearts of Oak has expressed their condolence to the family of one of their loyal fan, William Nii Laryea who passed out and died during the Homowo Peace Cup match on Sunday, August 12, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
During the first half, Laryea, who had reportedly been experiencing chest pains, collapsed suddenly.
Despite the medical team’s swift response, Laryea was transported to the nearest hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival.
In response to this, the club in a statement released on August 12, 2024, “the management of Accra Hearts of Oak with a heavy heart wishes to express our sincere condolences to the family of William Nii Laryea, who met his untimely death yesterday at the Accra Sports Stadium”.
Expressing their grief over loosing such support, they pledged to work with the family to give a befitting burial to their devoted fan.
“His departure to eternity will not only affect his immediate family but also, we as a club since we would lose his unflinching support and the passion with which he followed the club.
🔴🟡🔵 | 😭😭😭
We are saddened to announce the death of William Nii Laryea, a passionate Phobia who died during our game against Kpando Heart of Lions yesterday.
— Phooobia! – #WeNeverSayDie 🏅🏆 (@HeartsOfOakGH) August 12, 2024
We hope to liaise closely with his family to ensure that we would contribute positively towards a successful final funeral rite of William Nii Laryea” the club added.
Hearts of Oak clinched the 2024 Gbese Mantse Homowo Charity Peace Cup, triumphing over Kpando Heart of Lions 8-7 in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Despite several attempts, the Phobians couldn’t find the net in the first half.
The second half saw Hearts intensify their attacks, but Lions’ goalkeeper Lawrence Osei denied them repeatedly. With two minutes remaining, substitute Mohammed Hussein equalized after Ransford Mensah’s free-kick hit the framework.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has been sworn in for a fourth term after sweeping to victory in an election last month with more than 99 percent of the vote.
Several dozen heads of state and other dignitaries from African nations attended the inauguration ceremony on Sunday at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, where crowds had started gathering in the early morning.
Kagame took the oath of office before Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, pledging to “preserve peace and national sovereignty, consolidate national unity”.
The outcome of the July 15 poll was never in doubt for Kagame, who has ruled the small African nation since its 1994 genocide, first as de facto leader and then president.
He won 99.18 percent of the ballots cast to secure another five years in power, according to the National Electoral Commission.
Rights activists said the 66-year-old’s overwhelming victory was a stark reminder of the lack of democracy in Rwanda.
Only two candidates were authorised to run against him out of eight applicants with several prominent Kagame critics barred.
Democratic Green Party leader Frank Habineza scraped into second place with 0.5 percent of the votes against 0.32 percent for independent Philippe Mpayimana.
DRC ceasefire talks
Kagame is credited with rebuilding a ruined nation after the genocide when members of the Hutu majority unleashed 100 days of attacks targeting the Tutsi minority, killing about 800,000 people, mainly Tutsis but also Hutu moderates.
But rights activists and opponents have said Kagame rules in a climate of fear, crushing any dissent with intimidation, arbitrary detentions, killings, and disappearances.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who was among those attending Sunday’s ceremony, was due to have private talks with Kagame on a DRC ceasefire, the Angolan presidency said.
Luanda brokered the agreement last month after a meeting between the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda, which is accused of backing the M23 rebel group fighting Kinshasa’s armed forces.
But on August 4, the day the deal was supposed to take effect, M23 rebels – who have seized territory in the east since launching a new offensive at the end of 2021 – captured a town on the border with Uganda.
With 65 percent of the population aged under 30, Kagame is the only leader most Rwandans have ever known.
“I proudly cast my vote for President Kagame and made it a priority to be here today to witness this historic inauguration,” said Tania Iriza, a 27-year-old trader, one of the tens of thousands of Rwandans who turned out for the ceremony.
“His leadership has been transformative for our nation. Under his leadership, Rwanda has risen from our tragic past and forged a path towards prosperity, unity, and innovation.”
Kagame has won every presidential election he has contested, each time with more than 93 percent of the vote.
In 2015, he oversaw constitutional amendments that shortened presidential terms to five years from seven but reset the clock for the Rwandan leader, allowing him to potentially rule until 2034.
A tragic incident occurred during the Homowo Peace Cup match on Sunday, August 12, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium, resulting in the death ofAccra Hearts of Oak fan William Nii Laryea.
Hearts of Oak faced Kpando Heart of Lions, a fellow Ghana Premier League team, in a match held to celebrate the Homowo festival.
During the first half, Laryea, who had reportedly been experiencing chest pains, collapsed suddenly.
The Hearts Of Oak Fan That Died Yesterday During The Homowo Cup😢😭.
A die-hard fan of Accra Hearts of Oak SC collapsed during the Homowo Cup match yesterday between Hearts of Oak and Heart of Lions, immediately after an early goal by Heart of Lions.
Despite the medical team’s swift response, Laryea was transported to the nearest hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival.
On the field, Kwadwo Obeng Jr. opened the scoring for Heart of Lions just three minutes into the match.
Hearts of Oak’s Mohammed Hussein later equalized, sending the game into a penalty shootout. Hearts of Oak eventually secured the 2024 Homowo Charity Cup with an 8-7 victory on penalties.
The sudden passing of William Nii Laryea has left the Hearts of Oak community in deep mourning.
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak in a press release has expressed their condolence to the family of their ‘die-hard’fan William Nii Laryea who passed during the Homowo Peace Cup.
🔴🟡🔵 | 😭😭😭
We are saddened to announce the death of William Nii Laryea, a passionate Phobia who died during our game against Kpando Heart of Lions yesterday.
European champion Nico Williams isset to don the number 10 jersey for Athletic Bilbao in the upcoming season.
Although there has been speculation about a possible transfer to Barcelona, Williams seems poised to remain at Bilbao for another year.
The winger, who is the younger brother of Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams, resumed training last week after an extended break following his participation in the European Championship in Germany.
On Monday, Williams was officially handed the prestigious number 10 jersey, previously worn by club legend Iker Muniain, marking a switch from his former number 11.
“I’m proud to get the shirt number 10 from Muniain and to make history as he did,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barcelona may end their pursuit of the forward after failing to reach a deal, with the transfer window nearing its close.
Williams Jr has been a standout player at San Mames since making his senior debut, helping the Rojiblancos win their first Copa del Rey title in 40 years.
Up-and-coming Ghanaian artist Beeztrap KOTM has discussed his experience collaborating with celebrated rapper Sarkodie on the song “Amen.”
In an interview on the Delay Show on August 10, 2024, Beeztrap revealed both the thrill and the hurdles of working alongside one of Ghana’s top music stars.
Reflecting on the moment Sarkodie first reached out to him, Beeztrap stated, “I was very happy when Sarkodie called me. He initially posted our song, and I was happy, so I reacted to it.
A friend of mine took a screenshot and posted it on TikTok, and people were questioning why I was so happy.”
Beeztrap explained that Sarkodie had been a major influence on his musical journey, making the recognition all the more meaningful.
“Sarkodie was someone I followed for years, so if he has posted me, why shouldn’t I be happy?” he remarked.
“Within that period, he texted me that he would send me a track… The following week, his manager called me, saying Sark had a song and wanted to send it to me to listen to.
“He sent it, and less than three minutes later, I was in the studio to record,” he said.
However, he explained that his initial version of the track did not meetSarkodie’s expectations.
“The first one I did, they didn’t accept it, so I had to do it again.”
Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded with thrilling performances and remarkable feats, capturing global attention.
The United States emerged as the top performer, leading the medal count with a total of 126 medals: 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze.
China secured second place with 91 medals, including 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze. Japan took third place, earning 45 medals—20 gold, 12 silver, and 13 bronze.
France, the host nation, finished fifth with a tally of 64 medals: 16 gold, 26 silver, and 22 bronze.
Final Olympic medal tally👇. On the basis of medals per million of population (as calculated by Bloomberg), Australia came second 🥈. Congrats to New Zealand who came first by a huge margin🥇. Amazing achievement from both countries. #Paris2024#Olympicspic.twitter.com/vtaHA8IBQj
Despite strong performances and reaching numerous finals, French athletes often fell just short of gold.
Great Britain, known for its strong Olympic presence, ended up in seventh place with 65 medals: 14 gold, 22 silver, and 29 bronze.
Kenya, the sole African country in the top 20, placed seventeenth with 11 medals, comprising 4 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze.
Notable moments for Team USA included Noah Lyles clinching the Men’s 100m title, the women’s football team defeating Brazil in the finals, and the men’s basketball team triumphing in their final game.
The nextSummer Olympicsare scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2028.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah of Peace FM has responded to the discovery of his lookalike.
In the current digital landscape, lookalikes of well-known figures have become a notable trend, capturing media attention for a variety of reasons.
Recently, Dan Kwaku Yeboah has found himself in the spotlight due to a lookalike discovery.
In an online video, he shared that his lookalike is his older brother, Eric Odenwho Manu.
Yeboah praised his brother for his talents, revealing that Eric is not only a singer but also an actor.
“That wasn’t me. It was my senior brother. I’ve received so many calls about this. Some said my father had a concubine. He’s my brother, and he is also a very good actor.
Sports journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah has clarified a viral video of a man performing at a funeral, which many claimed featured either him or his look-alike. According to him, the man in the video is Eric Manu, his senior brother, who is a musician and actor. pic.twitter.com/wzHqv2kQ3o
Award-winning gospelsinger Piesie Estherhas addressed why many female gospel artists in Ghana are opting for outfits that accentuate their curves.
In a recent discussion with radio host Nana Romeo on Accra FM, which was later highlighted by zionfelixdotcom on Instagram, Piesie Esther explained that this shift reflects a broader change in the times.
She noted that as the world evolves, it is essential to adapt to current trends rather than remain fixed in past styles.
She also mentioned her own understanding of fashion, pointing to how her past wardrobe choices demonstrate her grasp of evolving trends.
“The world is evolving. One of my daughters showed me an old picture I took back in the day. If I showed you that picture now and you saw the dress I was wearing, you would know that I like to dress well.
My father also liked dressing so his children followed in his footsteps. I understand fashion,” she said.
To add to her defense, she mentioned that she dresses to glorify God, who she said loves beautiful things.
“I have also realized that the God I serve likes beautiful things. Maybe the pastor didn’t say we shouldn’t wear nice outfits. Maybe he was talking about how revealing the dress is.
Sometimes, I wear certain outfits I do not feel comfortable in. It’s not intentional, but either I was in a rush or I never went for a fitting to check if the dress was okay or not.
It doesn’t mean that because [if] you’re a Christian, you shouldn’t also wear nice outfits. You have to see me to also glorify God’s name,” she added.
Her remarks followed a complaint from the outspoken man of God,Prophet Kofi Oduro, who was demanding answers to why some female gospel musicians wear sexual clothes.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)will unveil its Youth Manifesto at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA) in preparation for the upcoming December general elections.
The manifesto will detail John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to tackling issues impacting the youth.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, spokesperson for John Mahama, announced this in a statement.
“The Mahama 2024 campaign is excited to announce a full day of activities led by our flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, August 12th, International Youth Day.
The activities will focus on the youth and Mahama’s commitment to addressing their challenges.
In the morning, Mr. Mahama will launch the NDC’s Youth Manifesto at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA),” it stated.
The former president is set to host a unique “Mahama Youth Townhall Meeting” at the Bukom Boxing Arena later today.
At this event, he will outline various initiatives and policies aimed at tackling youth unemployment, enhancing education, offering skills and digital training, promoting entrepreneurship, and more.
“Mahama’s vision, a beacon of hope, is centred onBuilding the Ghana we want together.
He believes in empowering the youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive and succeed,” the statement added.
The party has urged the youth to embrace the occasion and vote for the party to create a better future for them and the entire citizenry.
Ghanaian Kumawood actress Oheneyere Mercy Asiedu Agyemang Duah, who has risen to prominence in the entertainment industry, has advised Ghanaian women to remain committed to their partners.
She noted that many women frequently end their relationships or marriages, believing that a new partner might be a better match than their current one.
In an interview with Emelia Brobbey on the Okukuseku Show, the actress urged young women to work through their issues with their partners instead of rushing into decisions they might later regret.
She highlighted that every man has his flaws and emphasized that perfection in a partner is unrealistic.
“There is no perfect man in this world. Every man has a fault or a negative attitude. You think the man you are living with is not the right person for you, and that will lead to a breakup.
Mercy Asiedushared insights on maintaining a long-lasting relationship, reflecting on how leaving a partner for someone new doesn’t always guarantee a better outcome. She emphasized that every relationship faces challenges and suggested that patience has been crucial to her own marital success.
Asiedu also expressed her commitment to preserving her marriage, stating that she will avoid actions that could jeopardize it. According to her, the only way her marriage would end is with her death.
“I have said to myself that in this marriage, the only time I will take my ring off is when I die. Even with that, my husband will be the one to take it off.
This is because I don’t know what will make me leave my marriage. Maybe unless my husband runs away from me, but if he doesn’t, I am stuck with him,” she said.
Paul Okoye, known for his role in the famous music duo P-square, has recently garnered attention on social media for his remarks aimed at aspiring artists looking to join his music label.
In a live video, Paul highlighted the high costs involved in promoting new talent and outlined specific criteria that prospective signees must fulfill.
He emphasized that applicants need to present proof of owning land and secure signatures from their parents.
Additionally, Paul made it clear that smoking is strictly prohibited within his camp.
He stated that any artist caught smoking would be fined N10 million.
“Before I sign an artiste to my record label, the artiste must bring a landed property and his/her parent must sign.
You cannot smoke any substance and I catch you smoking, it will be a minus N10m,” he said in the video.
“Before I sign an artiste to my record label, the artiste must bring a landed property and his/her parent must sign. You cannot smoke any substance and I catch you smoking, it will be a minus N10m”
Accra High Court has acquitted Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited (TPL) and its Group Chairman, Elder Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, of allegations related to the importation of counterfeit drugs into Ghana.
The verdict, delivered by Her Ladyship Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on July 29, 2024, counters the accusations made by Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
This decision concludes a five-year legal struggle that began on July 19, 2019.
According to a press release from Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, the court ruled that the claims were unfounded and criticized the Dr. Opuni-led FDA for misusing its authority.
“The court found evidence of coercion in obtaining confession statements from Elder Dr. Tobbin and Mr. Kamath, using documents prepared by the BNI with letterheads taken from Tobinco’s offices.
“The FDA’s prohibition of Tobinco’s products and the ban on Bliss GVS Pharma Limited’s exports to Ghana were ruled unlawful as they lacked proper authorization from the Minister of Health,” portions of the release read.
The release added that,the company and its CEO, it is a positive feeling and they welcome the court’s ruling.
On Saturday, singerCeline Dion releaseda statement condemning former President Donald Trump’s campaign for using her music without permission at a recent rally, while also humorously critiquing the choice of song.
The Trump campaign has featured Dion’s hit “My Heart Will Go On” at various rallies throughout 2023 and 2024.
However, Dion’s statement revealed that she and her management team had only recently discovered its use, particularly highlighting its playback at Trump’s rally in Bozeman, Montana, on Friday.
“Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana,” Dion said in a statement posted to her X and Instagram accounts.
“In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. … And really, THAT song?”
“My Heart Will Go On” is a romantic ballad that served as the theme song to James Cameron’s “Titanic.” Released in 1997, it is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
CNN has contacted the Trump campaign to inquire if they plan to stop using the song at upcoming events.
Previously, artists such as Rihanna, the Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osbourne, Queen, and the estate of George Harrison have also protested against Donald Trump’s use of their music during his presidential campaigns, dating back to his initial run in 2016.
Celine Dion recently made news for her dramatic return to the stage with a performance of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour” at the Olympics opening ceremony.
It was her first concert performance since revealing that she is living with stiff person syndrome, “a rare, progressive syndrome that affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Government’s financing for the period of 2024-2026 is anticipated to depend primarily on multilateral and bilateral partners, as well as domestic treasury bills due to restricted access to international markets.
The World Bank projects that Ghana will predominantly rely on treasury bills and funding from multilateral and bilateral lenders until 2027.
Between 2023 and 2026, the World Bank is expected to provide approximately $3 billion in funding. This includes about $1.5 billion designated for project loans, $1.15 billion for budgetary support, and $400 million for various other initiatives.
During the same timeframe, the African Development Bank plans to allocate $338 million, with $200 million set aside for project loans and grants and $103 million for budget support for 2023-2024.
Domestically, the World Bank anticipates a revival of medium and long-term domestic debt issuance starting in 2025 as the local bond market recovers.
For the third quarter of 2024, the government intends to raise GH¢78.441 billion from the money market. Of this amount, GH¢53.807 billion will be used to refinance short-term debt, while GH¢24.633 billion will be allocated for new financing needs.
This borrowing will be facilitated through the weekly issuance of 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day treasury bills. Transactions will be settled on the date of the primary auction plus one business day.
Chelsea have initiated discussions with Atletico Madrid about potentially signing Portuguese forward Joao Felix.
The clubs, having recently negotiated separate deals for Conor Gallagher and Samu Omorodion, are now exploring the possibility of Felix joining Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s inquiry into Felix follows the collapse of Omorodion’s proposed transfer on Sunday. However, Gallagher is still expected to finalize his move to Madrid in the coming days.
Felix, who previously had a six-month loan spell at Chelsea, scored four goals in 16 appearances during the latter half of the 2022-23 season.
Although he remains under contract with Atletico until June 2029, his relationship with head coach Diego Simeone has soured, leaving his future uncertain.
The 24-year-old forward has been on an extended summer break after participating in Euro 2024, during which time he has been assessing his options.
Chelsea’s interest comes amid competition from Aston Villa, whose manager, Unai Emery, is a long-time admirer of Felix.
Atletico originally signed Felix in 2019 for €126 million (£113m), making it one of the highest transfer fees in football history at the time, following his impressive debut season with Benfica’s first team.
The Premier League club chose not to pursue a permanent deal for him last summer, leading to his loan spell at Barcelona during the 2023-24 season, where he scored 10 goals in 44 appearances.
Felix has also made 41 appearances for Portugal, netting eight goals for his national team.
Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has recommended that the Electoral Commission (EC) implement an electronic system to transmit election results directly from polling stations to its website for the 2024 elections.
Rev Dr. Fred Deegbe, representing the Centre, emphasized that this approach would help address irregularities in the collation, transmission, and announcement of election results. By enabling real-time monitoring by citizens, it would enhance the election’s integrity and restore public trust.
Dr. Deegbe also pointed out the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the malicious use of social media, stressing the need for a multi-faceted strategy, including improved media and information literacy, to combat these threats.
Rev Dr Deegbe made the remarks at the 10th anniversary public lecture of the Political Science Education Department of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) held on the theme: “Towards a peaceful 2024 election in Ghana, collaborations among stakeholders in the context of emerging technologies.”
“Regaining trust is a process and so, the EC should start building it by updating its website to facilitate the transmission of results directly from polling stations to regional centres, and then to the national level.
The website, he suggested, should provide detailed vote counts for both parliamentary and presidential candidates, with frequent updates whenever there were changes.
Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe urged the Electoral Commission (EC) and all election stakeholders to embrace technology for voter education, strengthen cybersecurity, and counteract misinformation.
He called on Civil Society Organizations to utilize data analytics to maintain accuracy and transparency as the nation moves towards implementing electronic voting in the future.
Additionally, Rev. Dr. Deegbe encouraged citizens to resist any attempts by politicians to buy their votes in the upcoming general election, stressing the importance of voting wisely and without undue influence to elect leaders who will ensure accountability.
“A vote is your will, choice and conscience, taking money means you are selling your conscience and ability to hold leadership accountable,” he said.
He cautioned about the severe impact that the monetization of elections and its processes could have on national development, emphasizing the critical role citizens play in ensuring fair, accurate, and transparent elections for the country’s progress.
He called on stakeholders to educate the public about the detrimental effects of vote buying on the democratic governance of Ghana.
He also encouraged all citizens to work together to ensure that Ghana continues to be a beacon of hope for Africa following the 2024 elections.
Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mr. Samuel Awuku,has been praised for his outstanding leadership, which has elevated the Authority’s standing globally.
Under his strategic and results-driven management, the NLA has transformed from a loss-making entity into a profitable and esteemed organization within the international lottery sector.
This recognition was voiced by Dr. Martin Amanianpong, the Acting Director of Finance, during an Editors’ Forum hosted by the NLA. Dr. Amanianpong described Mr. Awuku’s dynamic and passionate leadership as unparalleled, playing a crucial role in the Authority’s recent achievements.
“Mr Samuel Awuku’s leadership has been a driving force behind the remarkable turnaround of the NLA. His vision and dedication have not only restored the Authority’s financial health but have also positioned it as a key player on the global stage,” Dr Amanianpong stated.
During Mr. Awuku’s tenure, one of the most notable achievements has been transforming the National Lottery Authority (NLA) from a loss-making entity into a profitable organization.
This financial recovery highlights his strategic leadership and the innovative measures he has implemented to revitalize the Authority’s operations.
Dr. Amanianpong also highlighted another significant achievement under Mr. Awuku’s leadership: the NLA’s attainment of Level 2 Certification in Responsible Gaming.
This internationally recognized certification underscores the Authority’s dedication to ethical practices and social responsibility, reflecting its commitment to upholding industry best practices and prioritizing community well-being.
Additionally, Mr. Awuku’s leadership led to the NLA securing observer member status in the European Lottery Association (ELA), a prestigious global organization that sets standards and promotes collaboration among lottery bodies worldwide.
This recognition not only enhances the NLA’s international credibility but also paves the way for new partnerships and growth opportunities.
The NLA, through Dr. Amanianpong, expressed pride in Mr. Awuku’s accomplishments, acknowledging that his visionary leadership continues to bring significant benefits to the Authority.
The Editors’ Forum provided a platform for the NLA to share its achievements and future plans with the media, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and excellence.
As the NLA builds on these successes, Mr. Awuku’s leadership remains a source of inspiration both within the Authority and across the broader lottery and gaming industry.
His ability to drive results, motivate his team, and reposition the NLA stands as a testament to his exceptional leadership skills.
The forum concluded with a call for continued support from stakeholders as the NLA strives to reach even greater heights under Mr. Awuku’s guidance.
Former President John Mahama has urged trainee nurses to prioritize securing stable employment over relying on allowances, emphasizing the importance of sustainable job opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Addressing the trainee nurses on Saturday, the NDC flagbearer acknowledged their financial difficulties but emphasized that long-term employment offers greater benefits than short-term allowances.
He assured them that, if elected, his administration would focus on job creation within the healthcare sector, ensuring that nurses and other healthcare professionals have stable and fulfilling careers.
“We know the problems with trainee nurses, and that’s why, when we were in government, we proposed replacing your allowances with student loans.
“Our goal was to create more employment opportunities for you. What matters most is securing a job after you finish school, not just the allowance,” Mahama stated.
He criticized the current government for not delivering on its promises, noting that many nurses have been left without their allowances for as long as 30 months.
Mr. Mahama also pledged to restart and complete hospital projects that the current administration had abandoned, including finishing the Agenda 111 hospitals, to generate more job opportunities for healthcare workers.
“This election is between Ghana and the NPP,” Mahama concluded, stressing the stakes of the upcoming election.
Chief of Akyem Wenchi and Oseawuohene in the Eastern Region, Daasebre Dr. Asumadu Appiah, has openly acknowledged that efforts to eliminate illegal mining, or“galamsey,” in Wenchi and its surrounding areas are likely to be unsuccessful.
He explained that galamsey serves as the primary source of employment for the youth in the region, making it challenging to eradicate the practice without offering viable alternative livelihoods.
Instead of an outright ban, Daasebre Asumadu Appiah proposed the introduction of a more regulated community mining scheme. He argued that this approach would allow the government to generate revenue from the activity while ensuring environmental protection.
The chief also emphasized the need for traditional leaders (Nananom) to be more involved in the management of natural resources. He criticized the current system, where mining leases and permits are granted by the central government in Accra without proper consultation with local chiefs.
He called for a revision of this practice, advocating for traditional authorities to have a greater say in decisions impacting their lands.
Daasebre Asumadu Appiah made these comments during a visit from NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who called on him at his palace in Akyem Wenchi as part of his campaign tour in the Eastern Region.
“We don’t have any job opportunities within our community; the only job here is galamsey. As for the galamsey, it is not something we can stop if you tell us to stop. So all we asking is that you give us good policies and guidelines to do it. That is all we are asking from you that bring us those policies. You guys have said we should do community mining so for instance, I have sent an application to the district to do it.”
Dr Bawumia emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and stated that his administration plans to focus on promoting community mining schemes, including the implementation of a more flexible licensing process for these activities.
The Vice President also assured that traditional authorities would play active roles in the management and allocation of mining concessions.
“I think we haven’t gotten it right. For me, I think we should help small-scale mining and if we can do it well, galamsey will also do well. We need a licensing regime to make it easy so that people can acquire the license to work,” Dr Bawumia said.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 31st Biennial General Council meeting of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, held at CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS) in Navrongo, Upper East Region, Mr. Mahama highlighted the critical need for solidarity in these tough times.
He, also a member of the Assemblies of God Church, emphasized the severity of the financial difficulties confronting the country.
Mr. Mahama pointed out that the ongoing economic crisis has intensified the struggles of many Ghanaians, making mutual support more crucial than ever.
The former president referenced recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service, which has reported a troubling rise in multidimensional poverty across the nation.
He stressed that these figures reflect the harsh realities faced by many citizens and underscored the necessity for collective efforts to ease their plight.
In his address, Mr. Mahama urged all Ghanaians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to unite in a spirit of compassion and support for one another. He argued that the strength of the nation during a crisis lies in the unity and mutual assistance of its people.
Furthermore,Mr. Mahama called on the government to implement effective measures to address the economic challenges and reduce the strain on the population.
He reaffirmed his commitment to seeking solutions that will provide relief and help Ghana navigate these challenging times.
“We’ve seen an increase in multidimensional poverty from the Ghana Statistical Service’s recent statistics. It says that 8 million of our people in 2023 went one day without food because they couldn’t afford it. It means that people are hungrier, and the hardship is real.”
“This is the time for us to show compassion to each other because, in times of poverty, we must be our fellow’s keeper,” Mr Mahama urged.
Running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO says the possibility of the NPP winning the December 7 election is dependent on God and not the plans of the party.
Dr Prempeh, who is seeking divine intervention for the NPP to break the eight, made these remarks during the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Mount Olivet Methodist Church at Lagos Town in Takoradi on Saturday.
“The possibility is only with God. Nothing is possible unless there is God inside.
Just like I tell my party it is not the planning for winning the election because, with the Methodist Church behind us, we will surely win it.”
“…Whether you admit it or not it is only God that can make the angels, and the stones turn and come and vote for us. It is only God who can grant us the favour of men.
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong,has voiced his concerns regarding certain government appointees who appear to be out of touch with the party’s grassroots.
In a Facebook update on August 10, Frimpong shared insights from his recent visit to the Bono Region, where he observed considerable dissatisfaction among party supporters.
He attributed this unrest to the lack of effective engagement by some appointees with the party’s core members.
Frimpong’s post emphasized that this disconnect is contributing to an increasing sense of frustration among the party’s base.
Justin Kodua
He warned the involved appointees to address these concerns without delay or face potential public scrutiny for their shortcomings.
Frimpong stressed that their positions are a direct result of the party’s grassroots efforts and support.
Consequently, it is essential for them to remain engaged and attentive to the issues raised by those who have contributed to their success.
“Feedback from my tour of the Bono region shows that some appointees have lost touch with their base. Don’t force me to start mentioning names; do the needful,” he posted.
World Business Outlook Awards has honoredUnited Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana with accolades in two categories at its annual awards ceremony.
The bank earned the title of Best Banking Services Provider for its advanced systems and comprehensive product offerings, and was also named the Leading Financial Services Institution in Ghana for introducing the innovative Braille Account package.
These awards, which recognize businesses for their outstanding achievements and innovations, highlight UBA Ghana’s dedication to delivering superior banking services and customer satisfaction.
“We are thrilled to receive these awards, which reflect our dedication to delivering exceptional banking experiences,” said Uzoechina Molokwu, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Ghana. “We are proud to be recognized as a leader in Ghana’s financial sector.
“Our goal is to make banking easy, convenient, and accessible to all Ghanaians and meet the evolving needs of our customer base,” added Uzoechina.
“These awards motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in banking in Ghana.”
He further noted that, “Our primary focus is our customer and this informs our Customer First (C1st) philosophy which ensures that we always put our customers first”.
Our customers remain central to our mission. As we celebrate the eighth anniversary of our C1st Philosophy, our commitment to delivering top-notch banking services remains unwavering”.
These accolades also acknowledge UBA Ghana’s role in advancing the country’s economic progress and development over the past two decades.”
“As a bank, we are committed to investing in initiatives that promote financial inclusion, people development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.”
UBA Ghana has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. These awards reinforce the bank’s position as a leading financial institution in Ghana and a trusted partner for individuals and businesses.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oscar Amevenku has initiated legal action against the Ghana Police Service, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP),and the Attorney General.
ACP Amevenku alleges that he has not been promoted despite fulfilling all necessary criteria for advancement.
He argues that his request for promotion has been unjustly ignored, even after raising the issue with the Police Council and other authorities.
In the lawsuit submitted on July 30, the officer details that he was passed over for promotion in January 2022, despite having served over four years at the ACP rank and being eligible for advancement.
“Plaintiff avers further that subsequent to the aforementioned promotions, some more Assistant Commissioners junior to the plaintiff, and even members of the Cadet Course 35, junior to the plaintiff’s Cadet Course, have been elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police while the Plaintiff has remained in the same position.”
In the writ, the officer prayed the Accra High Court for an order directed at the Defendants to “take all necessary steps to ensure Plaintiff’s promotion to the Rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police effective from 1 January 2022.”
He is also urging the court to compel the Service to restore “his seniority within the Service, over all the current Deputy Commissioners, who used to be junior to him before their elevation to their present rank.”
Lawyers for the plaintiff further demanded that the Police Service pay “all entitlements due Plaintiff at the rank of deputy commissioner from the effective date of promotion.”
Ga Mashie Homowo festival began on Saturday, August 10, with the traditional Kpokpoi sprinkling ceremony led by Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.
During the ceremony, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II sprinkled Kpokpoi across 21 houses representing the Ga stool, accompanied by lively drumming, dancing, and musket fire.
The festival’s activities commenced with Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi-Bonte II, the Adobten (Head of Military) of the Ga State, who started the Kpokpoi sprinkling from his palace.
He then proceeded through Ga Mashie’s main streets to Usher Fort.
The event attracted a significant crowd, including tourists and diaspora members who traveled to join the festivities.
Homowo, which means “hooting at hunger,” celebrates the Ga people’s triumph over a historical famine.
Member of Parliament for Abetifi and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has reaffirmed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP)commitment to securing victory in the December 7, 2024 elections.
Speaking to an enthusiastic audience at an NPP campaign rally in Nsawam, Eastern Region, Acheampong addressed recent calls for him to step back from his bid to acquire a 60% stake in four SSNIT-owned hotels through his Rock City Hotel.
He confidently asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would not win the upcoming election.
Acheampong emphasized that the NPP is a well-oiled election-winning machine, asserting that losing the election is not an option for the party.
“I have said that whether the NDC likes it not, they will never win the 2024 elections. They would not win. You can check their records. They would not win. The NPP would win the elections. The NPP exists to win elections.
“ NDC can never win the election, We will use every means to win the 2024 election; critics can go burn the sea, and even if they win we won’t hand over to them”
The MP proposed that theNPP could secure electoral victory by leveraging the backing of pastors, imams, and traditional leaders within their ranks.
“So, we would do whatever it takes to win the elections. We are a political party that has pastors, imams, and traditionalists so whatever means we would take to win the elections, we would do so. ‘Burn the sea if you don’t understand, we’ll win and continue with our good works”, he noted.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has refuted allegations that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is responsible for Ghana’s deteriorated relationship with Burkina Faso.
In a statement, the Ministry described the claims as “wholly unfounded and lack substantial evidence or merit.”
This follows allegations by former President John Dramani Mahama that President Akufo-Addo ‘s recent commentary and engagement with the United States government had affected the relationship between Ghana and Burkina Faso causing “diplomatic tension” between the two states.
The Ministry noted in a statement on Saturday, August 10, that under President Akufo-Addo, diplomatic efforts had consistently been directed towards fostering constructive and respectful relations with all nations including Burkina Faso.
“It is recalled that a ministerial visit to Burkina Faso in 2022, followed by a visit of the President in 2023 received the highest level of courtesies and hospitality and reinforced the commitment of the two fraternal countries to building stronger bonds of cooperation across all fields, for the mutual benefit of our two people and our region,” it stated.
The Ministry added that the leadership of President Akufo-Addo has been dedicated to advancing diplomacy in a manner that upholds the values of diplomacy and promotes peaceful engagement on the global stage.
“It is crucial to emphasise that Ghana is committed to maintaining diplomatic relationships with Burkina Faso. Our interactions with Burkina Faso are guided by the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.”
“The Ministry therefore called for a focus on building bridges and strengthening ties with our neighbour rather than spreading falsehood that only serves to undermine the spirit of international cooperation,” it further noted.
Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that no polling station will be assigned more than 750 voters for the 2024 general elections. Dr. Serebuor Quaicoe, the Commission’s Director of Training, explained that in previous elections, some polling stations had over 2,000 voters, leading to prolonged counting that extended late into the night.
To streamline the process and minimize confusion, the Commission has capped the number of voters at 750 per station to ensure quicker and more efficient counting.
“Our understanding and thinking is that most of the confusion occurs in the night and now that we have decided that no polling should have more than 750 voters, some time ago some used to have 2000.
In 2020 the threshold was 749 and later to 750, no polling station will be more than that.
“Once we have been able to reduce the threshold we should finish on time,” he said during a seminar organised by the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Accra on Friday, August 9.
Regarding the filing fees, Dr Serebour Quaicoe said that the presidential aspirants should be able to be in a position to pay. He said the aspirants can mobilize the fees from their supporters if they cannot do it by themselves.
“Contesting an election is not an individual issue, if you don’t have the money you should be able to mobilize from your supporters. “So if you are saying you want to be the president of Ghana and you not mobilizing people to pay 100,000 then how are you going to do the campaigning?” he said.
The Electoral Commission has recently revealed the nomination fees for the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to the announcement, male candidates for the presidency will be required to pay GH¢100,000, whereas female candidates and individuals with disabilities will be charged GH¢75,000.
“Candidates vying for the position of President will be required to make a payment of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢100,000.00) at the time of submitting their Nomination Forms.
Payment shall be by Banker’s draft and addressed to the Chairperson of theElectoral Commission.
“Female Candidates and Persons with Disabilities are required to pay Seventy-Five Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢75,000),” part of the statement read.
Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)will persist in addressing the contentious “Agyapadie” document despite efforts to stifle discussion.
In a statement shared with Metro TV, Dr. Apaak alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has tried to suppress discourse on the document due to its negative impact on their campaign.
He further claimed that the NPP intends to falsely accuse NDC members of creating and distributing the document and plans to seek a court injunction to prevent its circulation and media coverage.
“No one can use state institutions, police, or courts to gag us from discussing the Agyapadie document and its contents. We’ll continue exposing the evidence confirming its implementation,” Dr. Clement Apaak vowed.
The Builsa South MP emphasized that the document’s authors are not NDC members or functionaries, adding, “We won’t be intimidated or gagged.”
About the Agyapadie document
The Agyapadie bookhas stirred controversy and debate across Ghana due to its contentious claims.
The document is purported to detail a plan for the Akyem people to exert control over Ghana’s economy, politics, and societal institutions, suggesting they aim to dominate crucial sectors such as finance, commerce, and industry.
Its origins remain ambiguous, with speculation that it was produced by unknown entities or individuals.
In response to the book’s circulation, the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has strongly refuted its validity, dismissing it as a falsehood and part of an ongoing campaign of animosity against the Ofori Panin family and the Okyeman.
In his address, during a press engagement in Sunyani on Friday, August 9, 2024 he revealed a significant development that is set to transform the landscape of Ghanaian football.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology would soon become a reality for the nation’s football leagues.
“We will introduce VAR to our football,” stated Kurt Okraku, highlighting the GFA’s commitment to embracing technological advancements in the sport.
He went on to explain that incorporating VAR is a crucial element of the GFA’s comprehensive plan to enhance refereeing standards across the country.
He highlighted that the first stage of this implementation will commence with the Ghana Premier League (GPL).
Football fans and stakeholders in Ghana will be keenly observing how VAR affects game dynamics and referee performance.
This move underscores the GFA’s commitment to tackling officiating challenges and its dedication to advancing the quality of the sport.
Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) has urged the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to make public the names of businesses and individuals who have been penalized for issuing dud cheques.
The association argues that publishing these names in national newspapers is essential to reinstating confidence in cheques as a trustworthy payment method.
John Awuah, the Chief Executive of GAB, stressed during an interview on Joy News that such transparency would act as a significant deterrent, preventing others from engaging in the practice of issuing dud cheques.
“If someone sees their neighbor’s name on this list, it will ensure they avoid making the same mistake,” Awuah stated.
He noted that the individuals and businesses in question have repeatedly issued dud cheques over the years, highlighting that this practice is not only against central bank regulations but also constitutes a crime under the Criminal Offenses Act.
“Issuing dud cheques undermines trust in the payment system, which is why this issue is so critical,” Mr. Awuah stressed.
On August 6, 2024, the Bank of Ghana revealed that it had penalized 47 individuals and 245 businesses for repeatedly issuing dud cheques—at least three times—between January 2022 and January 2024, despite prior warnings.
As a consequence, these offenders have been prohibited from issuing cheques and accessing new credit facilities in Ghana for three years, starting from June 28, 2024.
Mr. Awuah cautioned that the continued issuance of dud cheques could result in a widespread rejection of cheques as a viable payment method, posing serious risks to the financial system.
He highlighted that numerous businesses have already incurred losses due to this practice and called on regulators to take decisive action to restore confidence in the payment system.
Echoing this concern, Seth Twum Akwaboah, CEO of the Association of Ghana Industries, expressed worries about the repercussions of the Bank of Ghana’ssanctions on businesses, particularly regarding their ability to secure new credit from banks over the next three years.
Ghana faced severe economic challenges after theCOVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe.
The government frequently reminded citizens of the pandemic’s devastating impact on the economy.
However, many Ghanaians were skeptical, viewing the government’s messaging as mere “PR gimmicks.”
One such skeptic is investigative journalist Manasseh Azure, who, in his latest book “The President Ghana Never Got,” sheds light on what transpired “behind the scenes” during the pandemic.
In chapter 30, titled “The Scandal Akufo-Addo Initiated,” he wrote, “It was natural to think that the COVID-19 pandemic would cause them to reflect and attempt to act reasonably, but those in charge did not miss an opportunity to create avenues to loot.”
He detailed how the country’s health facilities were overwhelmed and lacked essential equipment needed to combat the virus effectively.
He cited the Ashanti Region, home to over five million people, where only 40 hospital beds were available. The situation was so dire that COVID-19 positive patients were sometimes housed in the same wards as those without the virus.
Manasseh wrote: “What caused COVID-19 taxes to be passed after Akufo-Addo won his second term in the December 2020 election?”
How government looted through disinfection exercises
After the news of the virus reaching Ghana broke, the president ordered the disinfection of public places including markets and schools.
Manasseh said the government suspended the services of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). It rather employed the services of another contractor to undertake the exercise at an additional cost to the state.
From the figures, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Education probably spent not less than 600 million cedis on these exercises “which were undertaken by a private contractor where the assemblies were ordered to stop”.
Manasseh called the fumigation exercise senseless emphasising the World Health Organisation’s position that the exercise was needless.
How government looted through COVID-19 testing
In 2020, the government mandated all travellers coming to Ghana to undertake antigen tests upon arrival at the airport and ports of entry. The government “hurriedly” formed a company called Frontiers Healthcare Services Limited to handle the tests.
“That shady arrangement was the biggest fraud on Ghanaians and travellers to Ghana,” Manasseh wrote.
However, Dr. Kofi Bonney, a virologist from the Noguchi Memorial Centre for Medical Research, pointed out that antigen tests are generally much cheaper than PCR tests.
He stated that the cost typically ranges between $10 and $20.
Following his remarks, Dr. Bonney faced significant criticism from the government, leading the Centre to issue a statement distancing itself from his comments, clarifying that they were his personal opinions.
In his book, Manasseh highlighted that the antigen test at Ghana’s airports was likely the most expensive COVID-19 antigen test globally.
“From the figures released, the company made US$84 million from the exercise and vanished into thin air afterwards,” he wrote.
He was of the view that these monies went into the pockets of government.
Former Auditor-General and notable anti-corruption advocate, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, has lauded the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its meticulous and impartial handling of the Airbus scandal.
In an interview with Channel One TV on Saturday, August 10, Domelevo commended the OSP for its commitment to maintaining independence throughout its investigations.
Domelevo pointed out that some officials might be tempted to act in a way that pleases the sitting president when handling referred cases. However, he praised the OSP for resisting such pressures and focusing strictly on the evidence, ensuring a bias-free investigation.
He underscored the significance of the OSP’s approach, asserting that it sets a strong precedent for how public institutions should function—without external influence.
According to Domelevo, the OSP’s decision to present its findings without fear or favour demonstrates its dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Domelevo urged Ghanaians to acknowledge and value the OSP’s efforts to maintain its independence, stressing that such impartiality is vital for the integrity of the nation’s legal and justice systems.
He further called on the public to support and commend the Special Prosecutor for prioritizing transparency and impartiality, emphasizing the crucial role of independent institutions in the ongoing battle against corruption.
“I was full of commendations for him (special prosecutor) because especially when a request comes from the Office of the President, public servants are likely to read between the lines in order to tow the line of the president or what they think the president wants or wanted but I think he independently did his assessments or his investigations and came out with his report.”
“Some aspects of the report I think did not sit well with Ghanaians, some Ghanaians are very happy about the report but be it as it may, my happiness is that he has done his work independently and boldly came out with his findings…I think the OSP has done a good job,” Domelevo insisted.
Background
On January 31, 2020, Ghana was identified as one of five countries where Airbus SE, a global aerospace giant, was accused of bribery or offering payments to high-ranking officials in exchange for business advantages between 2009 and 2015.
This information, disclosed by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), led to Airbus agreeing to a record-breaking £3 billion settlement with France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to avoid corporate criminal prosecution.
In the wake of the scandal, President Akufo-Addo referred the case to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for a thorough investigation.
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu had pointed to former President John Dramani Mahama as the individual referred to as ‘Government Official 1’ in the UK SFO’s report.
This assertion was supported by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), although Mr. Mahama consistently denied the allegations, and no definitive evidence was found to implicate him.
However, in a recent development, the OSP has confirmed that former President Mahama is indeed the individual referred to as Government Official 1 (GO1) in the Airbus scandal.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, August 8, the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, also identified Samuel Mahama, the former president’s brother, as Intermediary 5 in the scandal.
During the briefing, the OSP summarized its findings, confirming that although Mr. Mahama was identified as GO1 in UK court documents and as Individual 1 in US filings, there was no evidence that he played any direct role in the corruption associated with the aircraft acquisitions.
West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA)Ghana has urged the Ministry of the Interior to expedite the approval of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation Cabinet Memo and the National Commission on Small Arms Bill, aimed at regulating the spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the country.
This call was made following a three-day capacity-building workshop for around 25 civil society organizations affiliated with WAANSA Ghana in Abokobi, near Accra. The workshop was part of a Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) project managed by the UN Systems in Ghana.
The participating CSOs stressed the critical importance of passing the bill into law to effectively control and regulate SALW.
They pointed out that Ghana’s existing gun control laws are considered the weakest link in the fight against terrorism, money laundering, and the proliferation of SALW, as noted by the EU and other international bodies.
WAANSA Ghana praised the proactive stance of the Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey, in addressing the nation’s security challenges, commending his dedication to citizen protection.
The organization encouraged him to collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Cabinet Memo on the Arms Trade Treaty Implementation—signed and ratified by Ghana nine years ago—receives approval, enabling the swift passage of the arms commission bill into law.
The group emphasized that enacting the bill, along with Cabinet’s approval of the ATT Implementation Memo, is vital for tackling the underlying causes of insecurity and violence in the country, including curbing the illicit arms trade.
Additionally, WAANSA Ghana called for increased public education on the dangers of illicit small arms and light weapons proliferation.
The organization also urged the government to strengthen its collaboration with CSOs and community leaders to promote peace and security, especially in the lead-up to, during, and after the December general elections.
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH)has announced that its Dialysis Centre will fully reopen next week after being closed for the past two weeks.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 10, 2024, hospital management confirmed that a substantial supply of crucial dialysis consumables has been secured and is currently in the process of being delivered from the Tema Port.
“The hospital has secured a significant quantity of essential consumables for dialysis, which are currently being processed for delivery to Korle Bu from the Tema Port.
“The Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Supply Company are providing vital support to expedite this clearance on an emergency basis to ensure that we continue to deliver top-notch care to our valued patients.
“As a result, we anticipate that the outpatient section of our Dialysis Centre will return to full operations early next week,” it stated.
The hospital also extended an apology to patients for any inconvenience caused by the closure, expressing gratitude for their patience and understanding during the period.
“To prevent future shortages and improve our service delivery and cost efficiency, the Minister of Health, Hon Dr. Bernard Okoe Roye, has procured 30 additional dialysis machines with a year’s supply of consumables for Korle Bu.
The specifications of the new machines will allow us to access their essential consumables from the open market at competitive prices,” it added.
Recent discussions about the legacy of Ghana’s firstPresident, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, have sparked considerable debate among Ghanaians regarding his role as the nation’s founder.
The controversy intensified after key figures in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, questioned Nkrumah’s recognition as Ghana’s sole founding figure.
The division over Nkrumah’s legacy isn’t new—it dates back to his lifetime, during which he faced not only verbal criticism but also numerous physical threats.
Nkrumah is often cited as the Ghanaian leader who survived the most assassination attempts. In his book, Dark Days in Ghana, Nkrumah himself mentioned surviving at least six such attempts.
A throwback of interview of Dr. Chris Tsui Hesse, Nkrumah’s former personal photographer, with Onua TV’s Captain Smart on the “Maakye” morning show around last year, shows how the photographer recounted four bomb attacks that the former president narrowly escaped.
He highlighted the first attack, which occurred on August 1, 1962, in Kulungugu, a town in the Upper East Region.
While returning to Ghana from Burkina Faso, Nkrumah stopped his convoy to greet students by the roadside. Tragically, a bomb exploded, killing many of the children.
Nkrumah’s life was spared thanks to the quick actions of his aide-de-camp, Captain Buckman.
#GhanaHistory: 🇬🇭📷🏛️ Watch and listen to Dr. Chris Tsui Hesse, a personal photographer to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah narrates how four bombs exploded in an attempt to kill #KwameNkrumah.
“When we got to Kulungugu, we knew that there was no stopping there, but Nkrumah saw the kids and stopped. And because of the dust, there were distances between the vehicles.
So, when he stopped, he sat in the car and waited. So, when I got there, he was there. So, I parked behind him, and he gave me the sign that I should film this.
So, I prepared my camera and went out. And then he came out and was going towards where the formation was. And then Captain Buckman was then the ADC, and he was following him (Nkrumah) with the security people.
“… I was in the middle, and the action was in the background. The school kids were performing something beautiful. And on my right side, Nkrumah was moving towards the kids. On my left side, Adamafio and the ministers were moving. I was in the centre.
So, it was. I had this appetite for not missing. It was so beautiful. I was just standing there to capture because my lens was capturing everything in detail. Then, immediately before Nkrumah passed and the ministers passed, Captain Buckman booted him (Nkrumah) down and put his body on him,” he narrated.
Dr. Tsui Hesse recounted that just as Captain Buckmanshielded Nkrumah, abomb detonated, sending body parts flying. Despite the explosion, Ghana’s first president sustained only minor injuries and was quickly taken to a health facility in Bawku for treatment.
Dr. Hesse also described a second bomb attack at the Flagstaff House, the then-presidential residence, where an explosion occurred during a cultural performance for Nkrumah, resulting in numerous casualties.
The third incident he mentioned took place at Accra Sports Stadium, once again during a cultural performance, where a bomb blast claimed several lives.
The fourth attack, according to Dr. Hesse, happened at Lucas House, near the UTC area, where a staff member of the Information Services Department lost their life in the explosion.
In his latest book, The President Ghana Never Got, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni sheds light on how Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) was selected as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate.
Awuni reveals that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was taken aback to learn about Dr. Bawumia’s decision from external sources rather than from his own advisors. The book also notes that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was aware of the choice two months prior to the official announcement to the president.
“The Asantehene had mentioned it to the President. Akufo-Addo was shocked to hear the news at his next door from someone about 250 kilometres away. But this was not accidental,” myjoyonline.com quoted part of the book as saying.
The book highlighted that three weeks before Dr. Bawumia communicated his decision to Akufo-Addo, the Asantehene mentioned it to the president during a conversation, which left him shocked.
Manasseh further stated that before officially informing the president, Dr. Bawumia had already discussed his choice with former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
“The information about Bawumia’s choice of running mate was more secure with the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace than in Akufo-Addo’s Jubilee House and the state intelligence agency he trusted to conduct the research.”
“When Bawumia reared his head, NAPO told Bawumia that he had been preparing for a long time to contest, but since Bawumia was contesting, he would step back and support his candidacy. Bawumia was touched by that gesture and earmarked NAPO for the running mate position.
“NAPO was not the ideal candidate because of his perceived arrogance, but he checked all the boxes of political considerations, the foremost being that the running mate must come from the Ashanti Region.”
Manasseh also revealed that President Akufo-Addo and his family were hoping for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to be selected as the running mate.
The book added that Dr. Bawumia initially preferred Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, as his running mate, rather than NAPO.
However, NAPO was chosen due to his strong political standing, particularly, his connection to the Ashanti Region.
High Court in Tamale has mandated theElectoral Commission (EC) in Walewale to open the ballot box and provide copies of the voter register used in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primaries.
Justice Richard Marc Kogyapwah, sitting as an additional High Court Judge, issued the directive to the EC, instructing them to grant access to all material evidence related to the Walewale election—a matter currently under judicial review.
This order came in response to a lawsuit filed by Haija Lariba Zuwera Abudu, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, who contested the results of the parliamentary primaries held on January 27, 2024.
Represented by her lawyer Sylvester Isang (ESQ), the plaintiff is seeking to challenge the election due to alleged irregularities and violations of electoral rules.
The lawsuit names Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama as the first defendant and the NPP as the second defendant. The plaintiff contends that the election process was marred by over-voting and the inclusion of deceased delegates, and is requesting that the election results be annulled and a re-run be conducted.
Despite the gravity of the case, Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama and his legal team failed to attend any of the three court hearings in Tamale to address the plaintiff’s claims.
Petition:
They further petitioned the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo, against the trial judge, whom they alleged was biased, on August 1, when the Member of Parliament was seen at a function in the constituency with the trial judge, who was on official assignment in the constituency.
The allegation against the trial judge was dismissed, allowing the parties to move their motion.
Ruling:
On August 7, 2024, the Court ruled in favor of the plaintiff’s request to access the ballot box and photo album used in the January 7, 2024, NPP parliamentary election. Additionally, the Court ordered that copies of the voter register used in the election be made available.
Justice Richard Marc Kogyapwah directed the court registrar to deliver the notice of hearing to all defendants via electronic methods such as WhatsApp, along with physical postings at the second defendant’s residence, Yizo House in Walewale, and the court’s notice board.
This is in preparation for the case management and potential trial scheduled for August 14, 2024.
During the proceedings, an incident occurred involving Wahidu, who was seen recording the court session with a Samsung phone without authorization.
A female police officer from the Ghana Police Service intervened, leading to a confrontation in which Wahidu threatened the officer. This disruption caused a five-minute delay in the court session.
Wahidu wassubsequently arrested for contempt of court.
Following the incident, plaintiff’s counsel Sylvester Isang (ESQ) spoke with GHOne News’ Noah Nash Hoenyefia.
He confirmed that after reviewing the photo album from the parliamentary primaries, there were confirmed instances of double voting, votes cast by deceased delegates, and absentee voting, validating the plaintiff’s complaints.
“We are grateful to the court for granting us access to our material evidence, which we can confirm has been our suspicion. We shall present our findings to the court.
We hope our other concerns will be granted,” counsel reiterated.
The case was adjourned to August 14, 2024, for case management and a possible trial.
Awuku family’s saga is truly extraordinary: a tale of four robust brothers who inexplicably lost their vision right after their sixth birthdays.
This family of six, which includes four men and their father, now faces the profound challenge of blindness. The father, who survived a gunshot wound to one eye, manages with only partial vision.
David Awuku, the eldest brother, recounted their harrowing experience during an interview with Kofi TV. He described how he and his siblings were struck by the loss of their sight under mysterious and unsettling circumstances.
“In 2017, my father got shot in one of his eyes. My mother, who was taking care of the home at that time too, passed away. We weren’t born blind. We were all able to see perfectly well until we turned 6 years old,” he disclosed.
Emmanuel, one of the brothers, gave a detailed account of how their father, who was the breadwinner of the home, got shot.
“Our parents were the ones taking care of us because we were very incapable. They used to burn and sell charcoal. One evening, at around 8 pm, they went to check on a batch of charcoal they were burning, and we waited for them to return, but to no avail. We waited till morning, and there was still no trace of them.”
Narrating further, he said, “We decided to go to the farm to check what happened to them, and on our way, we met a certain man who asked us to return.
He told us that while my parents were burning the charcoal that evening, someone shot my father in the eye and he was rushed to the hospital. Till now, we don’t have the slightest idea of who shot our dad.
“Now he is getting weaker by the day, His energy level has dropped, although he keeps going to work. He isn’t as strong as before. We went from hospital to hospital, yet the doctors couldn’t tell what exactly was wrong with our sight.”
They also recounted an interesting moment when they went for checks at theOkomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, andthe specialist informed them that their eyes were far healthier than his.
“There was this instance when we went to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for checks, and after a thorough check of our situation, the specialist who attended to us told us that we had healthier eyes than him. He detected that our eyes were more perfect than his.
“He also said he wouldn’t be able to prescribe any drugs for us because there was nothing wrong with our sight,” Joshua said.
Expressing his sentiments about their condition, Joshua added,
“It’s sad when our friends are going to work to cater for their families, and we can’t do much to support ours. Even what to eat is a problem sometimes.
Asked if they have tried different approaches to ascertaining the cause of their plight, including resorting to shrines, the eldest son said, “It’s something we have been considering, but we haven’t taken a step yet.”
In addition to the four blind brothers, their youngest sibling, Blessing, also lost her vision after turning 10.
Blessing shared that before becoming fully blind, she had been able to see from morning until 6 p.m.
Botswana sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo is set to receive significant accolades from both the government and local institutions for his remarkable performance at the2024 Olympic Games.
Tebogo made a name for himself on August 8, 2024, by clinching the gold medal in the 200m race, marking both the first African victory in this event and Botswana’s inaugural Olympic gold medal.
The achievement has brought immense pride to Botswana, drawing global recognition for Tebogo’s extraordinary accomplishment.
In recognition of his success, the government will award the 21-year-old sprinter a four-bedroom house, as reported by Ghanaian journalist Fentuo Tahiru.
Additionally, Tebogo will receive 1 million Pula ($75,000)from a local company, $3,600 for his performance in the 100m and 200m finals, and $260,000 from various other institutions.
To celebrate Tebogo’s victory, the Botswana government has declared a public half-holiday—an afternoon day-off—on Friday.
Tebogo will continue to represent his country in the Men’s 4x400m relay, set to compete later today, August 10, 2024.
Algerian boxer Imane Khelifhas firmly rejected accusations suggesting she is a transgender woman, asserting that she is a woman and rightfully competes in the women’s boxing category at the Olympics.
She stressed that she has always lived as a woman, being born as one, and has previously addressed questions about her gender.
At a press conference following her gold medal win, Khelif referred to those who doubted her gender as ‘enemies of success’, stating that their skepticism only enhanced the significance of her achievement.
“As for whether I qualify or not, whether I am a woman or not, I have made many statements in the media,” Khelif said as quoted by theguardian.com.
“I am fully qualified to take part in this competition. I’m a woman, like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived a woman, I competed as a woman, there’s no doubt about that.
[The detractors] are enemies of success, that is what I call them. And that alsogives my success a special taste because of these attacks. My honour is intact now,” she added.
Imane Khelif wonthe gold medal in the Women’s 65kg after beating Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting who was also accused of being a transgender woman.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, expressed his desire to be remembered as a leader known for his integrity.
At a press briefing in Sunyani on Friday, Mr. Okraku emphasized his commitment to honoring his promises and remaining true to his word in his role at the helm of Ghanaian football.
“I want to be remembered for being a very honest leader who stood by his words and delivered the same at every given opportunity,” he said.
Critics have raised concerns about Mr. Okraku’s leadership style, alleging that he has been lacking in transparency regarding the governance of the association.
But he is determined to ensure that his legacy is one of a leader who was honest with his football family and consistently delivered on his promises. “This is how I want to be remembered,” he reiterated.
Leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has challenged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to present proof of corruption involving President Akufo-Addo or his relatives.
He asserted that no corruption allegations under the current administration are as serious as the Airbus bribery scandal linked to former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s flagbearer.
Taking to social media following the Special Prosecutor’s conclusion of his investigation into the case, Mr. Otchere-Darko said “the hypocrisy of partisan politics is indeed most interesting.”
“Let us dare the opposition and their “squeaky clean” leader to name one clear case (not mere allegation) against Akufo-Addo, his family members or appointees that come anywhere remotely close to this Airbus case and its volumes of findings by investigators and admissions of guilt by the bribe giver.
“Let them put the Airbus case side by side to any of the charges they continue to lay on NPP’s doorsteps.
Yet, so desperate are they that they (led by JM himself) are eager to rely confidently & unashamedly on a book of fiction as their main dossier of evidence & to use same to draw links and conclusions from other instances to show that what Ghanaians are enduring today is worse than what they did see under Mahama’s NDC; never mind the tons of evidence of real developments and spendings that have gone directly into the welfare and wellbeing of families and communities across the country,” he wrote on X (former Twitter).
The comments from the President’s cousin come days after the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng exonerated former President John Dramani Mahama of any wrong doing in the Airbus deal.
According to Mr. Agyebeng, there is no evidence of corruption or bribery against the former President; an assertion that has been widely applauded by the opposition NDC and rejected by the governing NPP.
Reacting to the findings, Mr. Otchere Darko congratulated the former President for his victory.
“I am truly happy for John Mahama and his family and his party, it must have been 4yrs of utter agony having such a case of huge international proportions hanging around his neck.
It couldn’t have been easy! Still, Africa shall continue to rise and rise we shall! Let the torch of transparency and the scrutiny of civil society & the media continue to shine on us all for the Africa we want and deserve!
Read below the full post by Gabby Otchere-Darko
“The hypocrisy of partisan politics is indeed most interesting. Just a few days ago a senior opposition party official in Ghana held a press conference to condemn a relative of the vice president, who is a businessman, for his company allegedly benefiting from a public contract properly awarded. A week earlier it was about a former boyfriend (and “baby father”) of a daughter of the president and a contract for spare parts where no bribery allegation is said to be involved. Today that same propaganda chief is leading his party triumphantly (with support from the media), hailing his boss, the opposition leader and former president, as being “squeaky clean!” Why?
The former president and theNDC presidential candidatefor 2024 has been CLEARED of that major bribery charge that had hanged around his neck for 4yrs! Details are that reputable investigative institutions in UK, US and France have done thorough investigations which all implicated that Ghanaian leader and his brother in an indictment where the bribe giver (Airbus) admitted guilt and paid millions in fines (but not to Ghana).
Airbus admits to paying bribes which allegedly went to Ghanaian Govt officials. Emails and other facts in the public domain point to the unusual involvement of the “Government Official 1” as the main champion of the deal in the entire transaction from the onset (even promising more) and how his brother was later brought on board as agent for the company that admits to paying bribes. Today his party and its leadership are understandably mightily relieved and happy because investigators in Ghana say they found no evidence against the leader and his brother the agent. One can only be happy for them! They now point to how an “innocent” interest in a transaction can be so mischievously misconstrued even by reputable investigators as dodgy.
Thank God for Akufo-Addo’s meticulous OSP. Anaa? And, yet, that same party, the NDC, and that same leader, John Mahama, have made allegations of corruption against the current president, his family, friends and appointees their main campaign message; even to the point of using a patently fake document (not reports of reputable investigators) against the current president and his royal family to drive home the point.
But, this is what is interesting though! Let us dare the opposition and their “squeaky clean” leader to name one clear case (not mere allegation) against Akufo-Addo, his family members or appointees that come anywhere remotely close to this Airbus case and its volumes of findings by investigators and admissions of guilt by the bribe giver. Let them put the Airbus case side by side to any of the charges they continue to lay on NPP’s doorsteps.
Yet, so desperate are they that they (led by JM himself) are eager to rely confidently & unashamedly on a book of fiction as their main dossier of evidence & to use same to draw links and conclusions from other instances to show that what Ghanaians are enduring today is worse than what they did see underMahama’s NDC;never mind the tons of evidence of real developments and spendings that have gone directly into the welfare and wellbeing of families and communities across the country.
As we speak, there is another case in the US involving a senior staff of an international bank who was allegedly compelled to pay bribes in order to secure a take-or-pay power contract for a Turkish company under John Mahama. Remember the billions of dollars Ghanaian taxpayers have paid for those take-or-pay deals over the last 7 or so years? Ghana is, indeed, an interesting country.
But, I am truly happy for John Mahama and his family and his party, it must have been 4yrs of utter agony having such a case of huge international proportions hanging around his neck. It couldn’t have been easy! Still, Africa shall continue to rise and rise we shall! Let the torch of transparency and the scrutiny of civil society & the media continue to shine on us all for the Africa we want and deserve!
Accra High Courthas handed down five-day prison sentences to three pastors—Apostle Samuel Anang Sowah, Bishop Abraham Adjetey Adjei, and Bishop Daniel Buernor Tokoli— for contempt of court.
These pastors, previously affiliated with the Holy Apostolic Reformed Church (HARC), were found guilty of disregarding court orders that barred them from interfering with the church’s operations.
In addition to the imprisonment, Justice William Boampong, who presided over the case, imposed a fine of GH¢1,000 on each pastor, to be paid to the church, which had filed the contempt motion.
The contempt charges originated on October 27, 2023, when the court convicted the pastors for conducting services at the church’s branches in Tema, Teshie, and Nungua, despite an ongoing interlocutory injunction preventing them from doing so.
At that time, the court issued a caution and discharged them.
However, the court learned that just two days later, on October 29, 2023, the pastors once again defied the court’s orders by holding services at the same branches.
In his ruling, Justice Boampong emphasized that the pastors had not only breached the court’s instructions but had also undermined the authority and administration of justice by their continued defiance.
“The court earlier cautioned and discharged the respondents in an earlier contempt case, but they went ahead and repeated what the court restrained them to do.
The Respondents should therefore be made to respect the law at this time. I sentence each of the three respondents to five days imprisonment,” Justice Boampong ordered.
The Trustees of the Holy Apostolic Reformed Church (HARC)filed a lawsuit against the three pastors, accusing them of violating the church’s constitution by acting independently and refusing to acknowledge the church’s leadership.
The plaintiffs sought several remedies from the court, including a declaration that the three branches taken over by the pastors remained under the authority of the HARC headquarters.
Additionally, the church requested a court order to bar the pastors from any involvement with the church as long as they continued to disregard the directives of the church’s central leadership.
The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has called on theElectoral Commission (EC)to ensure transparency in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections by publishing the results from all polling stations before announcing the final outcomes.
In recent years, Ghana’s presidential elections have faced legal challenges at the Supreme Court, with accusations of flawed processes at polling stations.
The Electoral Commission also faced criticism for issuing two different declarations of the 2020 election results due to discrepancies in result tallying.
IDEG views such incidents as potential threats to the stability of Ghana’s democracy and suggests that making polling station results publicly available on the EC’s website could prevent similar issues.
Kwesi Jonah, a Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, emphasized the importance of these measures, noting that while Ghana’s democracy is considered the sixth most stable in Africa, there is still room for improvement.
“We know that there are certain weaknesses, certain lapses in our democracy and some of these weaknesses relate to the electoral process.
“The European Union which since 2012, has consistently observed elections in Ghana has always come out with certain recommendations to help us to reform in order to fast track our democracy and not to backtrack it.”
“One of them has to do with the publication of polling station by polling station results officially on the websites of the Electoral Commission,” he said.
He emphasized that this approach would prevent political parties from claiming they lack access to the results or from suggesting that the election has been rigged.
“There is no serious political party that can say that we don’t have the results, polling station by polling station results because our system of elections is such that at every polling station, there are two agents for the political party, one for the presidential candidate, one for the parliamentary candidate,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission is implementing various reforms to address these issues. However, the commission’s Director of Training, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, emphasized that political parties must also be prepared to accept the results.
The Electoral Commission (EC)has revealed that political parties rejected its proposal to close polls at 3 pm on election day.
According to the Commission, election observers had suggested that the EC consider bringing forward the traditional 5 pm closure of polls to 3 pm to avoid late-night collation of results.
In his address at a seminar organised by the Institute for Democratic Governance, themed “EC Procedures for Electoral Disputes and Publication of Election Results,” Director of Training at the Electoral Commission, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe explained that during engagements with various political parties, the Commission proposed ending polls at 3 pm on election day, but the parties rejected this proposal.
“Voting ends by 3 o’clock, by 5, we should have finished the polling station results. So it will now be left with the transmission of the results.
But when we met our colleagues, they said, “for this year we shouldn’t touch the law. The director or training noted.”
He further went on to reveal that, every polling station would have not more than seven hundred and fifty voters as judging from the previous years, polling stations where counting didn’t eat into the night were mostly free from any electoral related chaos.
“We had wanted to close elections by 3 o’clock because our understanding and thinking is that most of the confusion occurs at night.
And now that we have decided that no polling station should have more than 750 voters, some time ago some used to have even 2000 at a polling station.
In 2020, the threshold was 749, this time 750.No polling stationwill have more than 750 voters. And with this, it should not take us three hours, if everybody was to be there on time.
The ones who are able to do the threshold, we should be able to finish on time. And from experience, counting does not go beyond 2 hours” he added.
A new book by investigative journalistManasseh Azure Awuni, titled The President Ghana Never Got, alleges that the Chief of Staff’s office at Jubilee House has been channeling funds to Parliament’s Appointment Committee to accelerate the approval process for ministerial nominees.
The book claims that this practice of financial inducement has been in place across multiple administrations, beginning with the presidency of John Evans Atta Mills.
According to Manasseh, the Chief of Staff has regularly sent money to members of the Appointment Committee during the vetting process.
One example cited in the book dates back to 2017, when Mahama Ayariga and other members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused Boakye Agyarko, a then-ministerial nominee, of attempting to bribe the Appointment Committee.
However, these allegations were denied by committee members, including Muntaka Mubarak, a key figure on the committee, who claimed that any money received by the committee did not originate from Agyarko but from Jubilee House.
Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chair of the Appointment Committee since 2017, acknowledged that the committee had received money from the Chief of Staff but denied facilitating payments from ministerial nominees.
Osei-Owusu recounted instances where nominees approached him with offers of money, but he insisted that any such dealings should occur directly between the nominees and committee members, refusing to act as an intermediary.
In the book, Osei-Owusu expressed surprise at being implicated in the distribution of money from Boakye Agyarko to Muntaka Mubarak.
Excerpt from Osei-Owusu’s Account:
“When I asked the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, about the money from the Chief of Staff to the committee, he confirmed it. Mr. Osei-Owusu, who has chaired the Appointments Committee since 2017, said the perception of payments to committee members was so prevalent that ministerial nominees often approached him offering money.
“Before the (2017) vetting started, I discussed with the Majority Leader that I could not accept money on behalf of the members. If a nominee wanted to give money, they should deal directly with that person.
“Because of this perception, some nominees came to me, asking if there was something they should do. When I said no, they persisted, saying, ‘Are you sure? It’s me, you can trust me. We want to be generous to the committee.’
I told them to deal directly with the person they wanted to be generous to.
“He said he was surprised that despite refusing to mediate payments from nominees, he was accused of receiving money from Agyarko and passing it to Muntaka to influenceNDC members to approve the nominee.
However, he admitted making intermittent calls to the Chief of Staff when committee members approached him with demands for ‘motivation.’”
Chiefs and people of Nkroful have accepted an apology from Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate, after he made controversial remarks about Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
During his introduction in Kumasi on July 9, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, claimed that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which led to widespread criticism.
While some people completely disagreed with the comparison, others took issue with the way it was presented.
Following the backlash, NAPO issued a public apology for his statements. However, the chiefs of Nkroful, Dr. Nkrumah’s birthplace, insisted that he apologize in person before they would accept it.
During his visit to the Nzema area, NAPO stopped by Nkroful to personally apologize for his remarks.
“I lived with Nzema people when I was growing up. Nzema people and I are one people. I will never disrespect Nkrumah in any way, anybody who attempts to disrespect Nkrumah will face the consequences of his actions.
“Nkrumah has done so much for the country. I was misconstrued, but I apologised to Ghanaians and I stand here before you to apologise for my comments again, forgive me, we’re all one people,” NAPO said.
In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua accepted the apology.
“NAPO’s comments received wide condemnation from Ghanaians because it was uncalled for. We hail the actions of Ghanaians, we thank them. We need to recognise that Nkrumah did a great job for the country.
“We’re a peaceful people, we don’t like violence, and we don’t want a situation where chaos will erupt in Ghana because of the Nzema people. We heard that NAPO apologised to Ghanaians for his comments. But he needed to come to Nzema to personally apologise to the traditional leaders and re-affirm his regrets.
“Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs, this is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology.”
