Former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen has strongly criticized the leadership of outgoing Liberian president and former footballer, George Weah, labelling it as “disgraceful.”
Boahen expressed his disappointment with Weah’s presidency, citing a lack of good leadership as a significant factor in his recent electoral defeat.
In an interview on Angel FM, Boahen asserted, “Oppong Weah is a big disgrace, he disappointed everybody serious about politics in West Africa.”
He criticised Weah for squandering his opportunity as president, accusing him of opting for leisure, such as travelling to Qatar to watch football, instead of focusing on governance.
Boahen drew a comparison with other political figures, stating, “Buhari who stayed outside his country for over a month was sick, George Weah was not sick.”
He further remarked that if a similar situation occurred with Nigerian politician Tinubu, it would be more understandable due to his health condition.
George Weah conceded defeat on Friday, November 17, 2023, to former Liberian Vice President Joseph Bokai after a closely contested presidential race.
Weah’s presidency, which began in 2018, has been marred by allegations of corruption and a perceived lack of development.
Boahen urged African politicians to learn from Weah’s defeat, emphasizing the need to govern responsibly and prioritize the interests of the people. He cited the recent political change in Equatorial Guinea, although inaccurately, as an example of the consequences of ruling without regard for the populace.
“Africans are now discerning. If you rule anyhow, why won’t they vote against you? Even this one, the election was rigged. He would have lost terribly,” Boahen stated, emphasizing the growing awareness among African voters.
The National Media Commission (NMC) has set a deadline for Media General, the operators of Onua TV/FM, to issue an apology for a broadcast from 2021 that has been deemed inciteful.
The NMC, in a letter dated November 21, 2023, warned of undisclosed consequences if the station failed to comply by November 24.
The letter, obtained by the Ghana News Agency, was directed to the Board Secretary of Onua TV/Onua FM, responding to a letter from the station concerning a petition related to the contentious broadcast in 2021.
During the broadcast, Captain Smart, a prominent on-air personality and host of the Onua Maakye show, made remarks considered insulting to the army chief and his commanders.
The NMC, in its earlier letter, accused Captain Smartof calling for an insurrection against the State of Ghana and its institutions, asserting that the conduct crossed the line of robust and critical broadcasting, turning the radio station into a “megaphone of war.”
In the recent letter, George Sarpong, the NMC boss, addressed the station’s response as a “red-herring strategy” to avoid accountability, extending the deadline to Friday, November 24, 2023, after which the NMC may take action without further consultation.
Last week, the NMC issued a “final caution” to Onua FM, demanding retractions and apologies for directly insulting the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The NMC instructed the station to apologize to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language and urged management to implement measures to curb the station’s “dangerous behavior.”
The NMC clarified its authority to take appropriate measures, including mediation and settlement, emphasizing that the broadcaster’s actions, inciting mutiny within the Armed Forces, warranted intervention beyond standard complaints settlement procedures.
The Member of Parliament representing Bolga Central, Isaac Adongo, has expressed regret during Tuesday’s 2024 budget debate for his earlier comparison of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to footballer Harry Maguire.
Adongo admitted that his analogy may have been misplaced, acknowledging Maguire’s recent success as a transformative footballer, in stark contrast to his characterization of Bawumia as “roaming at the IMF with a cup in hand.”
“Mr Speaker you remember that last year I was very quick to compare Dr Bawumia to Harry Maguire. Mr Speaker, I now apologize to Harry Maguire. Today, Harry Maguire has turned the corner and he is a transformational footballer. He is now scoring goals for Manchester United, he is now a key player to Manchester but as for our Maguire (Bawumia), he is now roaming at the IMF with a cup in hand. Our economic Maguire now was able to get pensioners to leave their house and come and parade in the streets,” he said.
Addressing the Speaker, Adongorecalled his swift comparison in 2022, where he criticized Bawumia’s performance as the Head of the Economic Management Team, drawing parallels to Maguire’s perceived threat to his own team’s defense due to scoring own goals.
In his original critique, Adongo commended Bawumia’s initial reputation as an “economic wizard” pre-2016 but argued that once in a central economic role, Bawumia had become a risk to the nation’s economic goals, asserting, “Our Economic Maguire is now tackling all the fundamentals of our economy and destroying all of them.”
The ongoing parliamentary discussions on the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, which commenced on November 21, 2023, have set specific time allocations to encourage broad participation. The proposed timetable has designated 20 minutes for the seconder and Ranking Members of the Finance Committee, 15 minutes for other committee members, and 10 minutes for all other Members of Parliament (MPs).
The comprehensive debate is organized around various sectors, encompassing governance, security, public safety, finance, economy, energy, infrastructure, social sectors, local governance, youth, sports, tourism, and culture.
The schedule for Tuesday covers discussions on finance, agriculture, trade, and industry, while Wednesday’s focus includes communications, energy, roads, works and housing, sanitation, and the environment. Thursday’s agenda encompasses education, health, employment, youth and sports, tourism, culture, and chieftaincy.
On Friday, the debate will centre around governance, addressing topics such as local government, judiciary, defense, interior, the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civil Education, and Commission on Human Rights and Administration of Justice.
A once bustling hub of diplomatic activity, the 10-storey Foreign Ministry office building in Accra now stands silent, a decaying relic of a bygone era.
Gutted by a devastating fire on the evening of October 21, 2009, the edifice has since languished in abandonment, becoming a cause for concern as it poses potential danger to the surrounding community.
A recent visit by The Independent Ghana revealed that the building remains standing, with evident signs of wear and tear due to prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.
The windows are broken, the walls are cracked, and the roof is damaged. Plants have grown inside and outside the building, creating a habitat for animals and insects. The building also shares a compound with the Accra Regional Passport Office, near Tema Station, where hundreds of people visit daily to apply for or renew their passports.
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) issued a warning for the demolition of the structure last year of the 10-storey structure, saying it would be best to pull down the building to prevent any disaster.
Mr Ayisi cited the compromised integrity of these buildings and the potential disasters they could unleash.
Director of Communication of NADMO, Mr George Ayisi, speaking to the media in April 2022, said the integrity of the building has been compromised and no engineer would advise to keep it and pointed out the high nature of the building and the potential disastrous impact it would have on nearby structures and people should it collapse.
“The Foreign Affairs building is high. God forbid if something happens, it may affect (people). I think we should do the needful, if we have to pull them down. Let’s get the experts so they can pull it down without causing harm to adjoining places so that we will feel safer,” he said in an interview with the Ghanaian Times in 2022.
“We can put up another structure on it because as of now no one is using it and it is just standing there. It poses danger to all of us. So the authority that are clothed with the power to do that let them act and act fast,” he added.
He is also reported to have mentioned that NADMO had presented a report to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, urging them to address the building since NADMO lacked the authority to carry out the demolition.
He explained that NADMO was anticipating the approval of a legislative instrument (LI) for the NADMO Act 2016 (Act 927). This legislative instrument would grant NADMO the authority to implement some of its recommendations and conduct site inspections before granting permits.
Nevertheless, the current status of the advocacy for the legislative instrument remains unclear, leaving questions about the extent of progress and the actions taken by NADMO to expedite the demolition of the building.
The old Foreign Affairs building is one of many state buildings that have been abandoned for various reasons and have either become death traps or breeding hubs for stray animals as well as an unofficial shelter for the homeless and the mentally ill.
On the evening of October 21, 2009, a fire destroyed the old Foreign Affairs building. It happened after most workers had left for the day. The fire quickly spread through the 10-storey building, destroying documents, computers, and other equipment. People who saw it said the building looked like a “skeleton” afterwards.
Firefighters worked for hours, and one of them got hurt by falling debris. He was the only person injured. Many important documents were also lost in the fire.
The then Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, mentioned that the fire had serious consequences for Ghana. The cause of the fire was unknown at the time and is still a mystery.
The Independent Ghana is starting a campaign to bring attention to various buildings that urgently require intervention. The goal is to ensure that public funds are used efficiently, especially for projects that tend to be delayed for extended periods or those that have the potential to become disasters in the future.
The Old Foreign Affairs building is emblematic of a larger issue in Ghana, where numerous state buildings have been abandoned, turning into potential death traps or shelters for stray animals and the homeless.
Many of these structures, including the Foreign Affairs building, have developed cracks, have been left unattended for years after disasters struck.
Legal representatives for two defendants during the trial of 14 individuals accused of the brutal lynching of the late Major Maxwell Mahama, have allegedly called on the prosecution to amend the charges from murder to manslaughter.
One of the defence lawyers, reported by Daily Guide as Theophilus Donkor, highlighted in his closing statement to a seven-member jury that Major Mahama reportedly fired a gun, a detail corroborated by a prosecution witness.
As such, Donkor argued that the accused, captured on video brutally attacking the soldier with clubs, cement blocks, and a gun, were responding in self-defence.
Urging the jury to acquit and discharge the accused, Donkor criticised the prosecution’s reliability, asserting that their case lacked substance.
Mr. Donkor challenged the credibility of the prosecution’s video evidence, claiming it fails to meet the standards of the Evidence Act and should be dismissed.
Additionally, he asserted that none of the 14 prosecution witnesses provided credible evidence linking his clients to the offence.
Another defence lawyer, Seidu Nasigri, raised doubts about the credibility of some prosecution witnesses, accusing them of “telling blanket lies.”
Major Mahama, the captain of a 31-member military team deployed to safeguard C&G Mining Company’s properties due to illegal mining activities, fell victim to the lynching in Denkyira Obuasi, now New Obuasi in the Central Region,
One of the accused, William Baah, the then Assemblyman of the area, faces charges of abetment of murder, while the other 13 defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit murder and the substantive charge of murder.
All 14 defendants have pleaded not guilty and have been in prison custody since the trial began in 2018.
Among the accused are Bernard Asamoah, Kofi Nyame, Charles Kwaning, Kwame Tuffour, Joseph Appiah Kubi, Michael Anim, Bismarck Donkor, John Bosie, Akwasi Asante, Emmanuel Badu, Bismarck Abanga, and Kwadwo Anima.
The Office of the Attorney General concluded its case on May 16, 2022, in the trial of the 14 individuals accused of lynching Major Maxwell Mahama in New Obuasi, Central Region, in 2017.
During the presentation, 14 witnesses provided varying accounts of the incident, with Frances Mullen Ansah, a Chief State Attorney, leading the case investigator in presenting the disturbing videos capturing the accused persons in the act.
Eleven of the accused opened their defence, denying the charges, while three – Kofi Nyame, Bismarck Abanga, and Kwadwo Anima – chose not to mount a defence.
Gospel singer Gifty Osei has sent a subtle message to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the dismissal of her husband, Hopeson Adorye, from the party.
In a comment under a post on Instagram, where Adorye reacted to his expulsion, Osei wrote: “Be careful who you push away, real ones don’t come back.❤️❤️❤️”
Osei’s comment suggests that she is not happy with the way the NPP treated her husband, who was the Deputy National Security Coordinator and a former parliamentary candidate for the party.
She also implied that her husband is a loyal and valuable member of the party, who might not return if the party regrets its decision.
Osei has always publicly expressed support for her husband amid several scandals, including accusations of infidelity on his part against her.
She has also been a beneficiary of the party’s patronage, as she was appointed as an ambassador for the ‘See something, say something’ campaign, which aimed to educate the public on terrorism awareness in Ghana.
Adorye, on his part, has declared his readiness to openly discuss his former party without any reservations. He said that he was free now to speak his mind without any punctuations, and that he was not worried about the future. He also hinted that the NPP might seek his audience one day, but he was not bothered by the situation.
The NPP announced the expulsion of Adorye in a statement on Monday, November 20, 2023, for violating the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
The party accused him and three others of publicly endorsing the candidature of a person other than the duly elected Presidential Candidate of the Party; His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, which is a breach of the “Party’s Constitution particularly Articles 3(5) (A)(4) and 3(9)(1)”.
Below is the Party’s statement.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken notice of recent activities of Hopeson Adorye, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Nana Ohene Ntow and Boniface Abubakar Saddique which includes publicly endorsing the candidature of a person other than the duly elected Presidential Candidate of the Party; His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.
In spite of their flagrant breach of the Party’s Constitution particularly Articles 3(5) (A)(4) and 3(9)(1), the afore-named men still hold themselves out as members of the NPP.
For the avoidance of doubt, Article 3(5) (A) (4) of the NPP Constitution enjoins all members of the Party to “abide by and publicly uphold the decisions of the Party”. In addition, Article 3(9) (1) of the Constitution provides as follows: “A Member of the Party, who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected member of the Party, or who joins or declares his or her support for another Political Party, or for an independent candidate, when the Party has sponsored a candidate in a general or by-election, automatically forfeits his or her membership of the Party”.
In line with these constitutional provisions, it is the view of the NPP that Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow. Boniface Abubakar Saddique and Yaw Buaben Asamoa have AUTOMATICALLY FORFEITED their membership of the Party. They are, therefore, no longer members of the Party.
The NPP entreats its members to remain true to their duties as per Article 3(5) of the party Constitution. We further call upon our members to bear in mind that the Party’s focus is to unite its ranks and rally the support of Ghanaians to make history by winning the 2024 general elections.
Gospel singer Gifty Osei has sent a subtle message to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the dismissal of her husband, Hopeson Adorye, from the party.
In a comment under a post on Instagram, where Adorye reacted to his expulsion, Osei wrote: “Be careful who you push away, real ones don’t come back.❤️❤️❤️”
Osei’s comment suggests that she is not happy with the way the NPP treated her husband, who was the Deputy National Security Coordinator and a former parliamentary candidate for the party.
She also implied that her husband is a loyal and valuable member of the party, who might not return if the party regrets its decision.
Osei has always publicly expressed support for her husband amid several scandals, including accusations of infidelity on his part against her.
She has also been a beneficiary of the party’s patronage, as she was appointed as an ambassador for the ‘See something, say something’ campaign, which aimed to educate the public on terrorism awareness in Ghana.
Adorye, on his part, has declared his readiness to openly discuss his former party without any reservations. He said that he was free now to speak his mind without any punctuations, and that he was not worried about the future. He also hinted that the NPP might seek his audience one day, but he was not bothered by the situation.
The NPP announced the expulsion of Adorye in a statement on Monday, November 20, 2023, for violating the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
The party accused him and three others of publicly endorsing the candidature of a person other than the duly elected Presidential Candidate of the Party; His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, which is a breach of the “Party’s Constitution particularly Articles 3(5) (A)(4) and 3(9)(1)”.
Below is the Party’s statement.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken notice of recent activities of Hopeson Adorye, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Nana Ohene Ntow and Boniface Abubakar Saddique which includes publicly endorsing the candidature of a person other than the duly elected Presidential Candidate of the Party; His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.
In spite of their flagrant breach of the Party’s Constitution particularly Articles 3(5) (A)(4) and 3(9)(1), the afore-named men still hold themselves out as members of the NPP.
For the avoidance of doubt, Article 3(5) (A) (4) of the NPP Constitution enjoins all members of the Party to “abide by and publicly uphold the decisions of the Party”. In addition, Article 3(9) (1) of the Constitution provides as follows: “A Member of the Party, who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected member of the Party, or who joins or declares his or her support for another Political Party, or for an independent candidate, when the Party has sponsored a candidate in a general or by-election, automatically forfeits his or her membership of the Party”.
In line with these constitutional provisions, it is the view of the NPP that Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow. Boniface Abubakar Saddique and Yaw Buaben Asamoa have AUTOMATICALLY FORFEITED their membership of the Party. They are, therefore, no longer members of the Party.
The NPP entreats its members to remain true to their duties as per Article 3(5) of the party Constitution. We further call upon our members to bear in mind that the Party’s focus is to unite its ranks and rally the support of Ghanaians to make history by winning the 2024 general elections.
Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Hopeson Adorye, has declared his readiness to openly discuss his former party without any reservations after his expulsion.
In response to the news of his dismissal, Adorye expressed his newfound freedom, stating that previously, he spoke cautiously for the sake of loyalty to the party.
However, now that he is no longer affiliated with the party, he asserts that his statements will flow without any punctuations – no full stops, no commas, no semi-colons, and others.
He reassured, “We will speak as we have to, so do not worry.”
Confident about the future, Adorye anticipates that as time progresses, the NPP might seek his audience. Unperturbed by the situation, he conveyed, “I am not worried. It is no problem.”
In response to Adorye’s threats, social media users expressed mockery, questioning his initial trust in the NPP.
One user sarcastically commented, “Sia, next time you won’t trust a dwarf from Kyebi.”
Another user added, “How I wish he comes out with the secrets of Serwaa Broni saga.”
A recent report, currently under scrutiny at the presidency, has identified ten Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) facing potential dismissal due to various issues raised during their tenures, according to a report by asaaseradio.com.
The report says that these dismissals are part of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s plan to make changes in the last year of his term, focusing on areas where public confidence has declined.
District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atebubu Amantin, Edward Owusu, is reportedly at the forefront of potential dismissals due to alleged anti-people activities and a divisive leadership style, causing significant opposition in the Atebubu District of the Bono East Region.
Despite his alleged loyalty to President Akufo-Addo, the president has reportedly ordered the swift dismissal of Edward Owusu following investigations into the complaints. The report goes on to reveal the names and offences of nine other MMDCEs who may face similar action.
Among the mentioned officials is Samuel Oduro Frimpong, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ejisu Municipality, who is alleged to have become detached from constituents and passive in addressing the municipality’s issues, lacking engagement with stakeholders.
District Chief Executive for Amansie Central, Michael Donkor, faces accusations of not residing in the district and involvement in illegal mining (galamsey), causing disaffection among locals.
District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South East, Thomas Opoku Ansah, is accused of residing outside the district, displaying a lack of seriousness in duty execution, and engaging in galamsey, contributing to dissatisfaction in the district assembly.
DCE for Sene East, Jerome Gmasombe Kofi Gyimah, is said to have caused division in his district making the government unpopular due to deep concerns about his leadership style.
Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Comfort Asante, is also alleged to be disconnected from the community, physically frail, and unable to handle the demanding tasks of the office.
MCE for Ga West Municipality, Clement Nii Wilkinson Lamptey, faces accusations of operating with sole authority and refusing to heed crucial input from key social figures, leading to a decline in government popularity.
MCE for Nzema East Municipality, Dorcas Elizabeth Amoah, is accused of having family members engaged in galamsey and exhibiting disrespect and arrogance towards leaders and community members.
DCE of Upper West Akim District, Eugene Sackey, faces accusations of being disconnected from the local community and lacking collaboration with essential officials. Similarly, Emmanuel Kojo Nanah, DCE for Twifo Lower Hemang Denkyira, has faced criticism for ineffective leadership, delegating the district’s operations to the presiding member, thereby adversely affecting the government’s reputation.
Renowned musician Mzbel recently shared a video capturing her son’s ecstatic reaction to a gift – a GHC 21,000 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2. The 12:34-minute clip, posted on Mzbel’s Facebook page, showcases her son, Aaron Adepa Amoah (Okomfo Black), expressing gratitude for the high-end laptop.
In the video, Mzbel narrates the effort she invested in acquiring the laptop, and Okomfo Black’s excitement is palpable as he clutches the gift to his chest, running around in sheer joy upon receiving it.
The heartwarming moment, capturing the mother-son bond, prompted many to comment on Mzbel’s parenting style.
Beyond giving his mother a kiss on the cheek and yelling thank you mum, Okomfo Balck also with deep emotion, said something many claim was “God bless you”.
In a both the video posted on Facebook on on instagram, the comments dominant under both posts were inquiries about whether or not he indeed said “God bless you”.
Why is this peculiar? Well a few weeks ago, Mzbel’s son who hitherto had not been so much in the media space was interviewed on Obi TV last month where the articulate 10-year-old shared his unconventional beliefs, expressing skepticism about the existence of God and identifying as a traditionalist. He rejected the idea of God as a creator, attributing human existence to science. Okomfo Black emphasized his reliance on his mother, pouring libation, and connecting with his ancestors.
His statements generated widespread debate and criticism on social media, with opinions ranging from accusing him of naivety to questioning Mzbel’s parenting skills. Some suggested he might change his views as he matures or faces life challenges.
Mzbel, defending her son as any mother would, clarified that Okomfo Black learned about these perspectives online and that she neither taught nor forced her beliefs on him. She affirmed her respect for his opinions and choices, urging those insulting her son to desist.
Given this background, the unexpected utterance of “God bless you” in the recent video has raised eyebrows, leaving many surprised at the potential contradiction between his expressed disbelief in God and the gratitude he conveyed in those words.
Some of the comments under the video posted on Facebook and Instagram are:
volta_empress_1: Ei adepa is in coding school!? Ma ka ekyere paaaaaa
volta_empress_1: Where did u guys hear the “God”?
emmbai933: Well done mzbel
emmbai933: Happy to see you excited though. Lol.
emmbai933: Adepa. Did I hear you say GOD bless you ? Ppl let’s help Adepa to understand GOD, the supreme being. well.
goldielooks_clotheline: Did I hear “God bless you”?
akua_k8: God bless you. yooo we hear
will16o9: This is beautiful. I just love the boys energy and charisma. Future leader
obaapa_akua_sarah_: Did I hear God Bless u ???? Hahaahaha
thatmelaninguy: He didn’t say God bless you wai! He said oooooohhh Bless youuuuuuu! Anyways me ne hwan?
appiah_1432: Did I hear this boy right did he say God bless you which god oooooooooooo. Funny people attention seekers, going to use gods name for your jokes think.
Renowned musician Mzbel recently shared a video capturing her son’s ecstatic reaction to a gift – a GHC 21,000 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2. The 12:34-minute clip, posted on Mzbel’s Facebook page, showcases her son, Aaron Adepa Amoah (Okomfo Black), expressing gratitude for the high-end laptop.
In the video, Mzbel narrates the effort she invested in acquiring the laptop, and Okomfo Black’s excitement is palpable as he clutches the gift to his chest, running around in sheer joy upon receiving it.
The heartwarming moment, capturing the mother-son bond, prompted many to comment on Mzbel’s parenting style.
Beyond giving his mother a kiss on the cheek and yelling thank you mum, Okomfo Balck also with deep emotion, said something many claim was “God bless you”.
In a both the video posted on Facebook on on instagram, the comments dominant under both posts were inquiries about whether or not he indeed said “God bless you”.
Why is this peculiar? Well a few weeks ago, Mzbel’s son who hitherto had not been so much in the media space was interviewed on Obi TV last month where the articulate 10-year-old shared his unconventional beliefs, expressing skepticism about the existence of God and identifying as a traditionalist. He rejected the idea of God as a creator, attributing human existence to science. Okomfo Black emphasized his reliance on his mother, pouring libation, and connecting with his ancestors.
His statements generated widespread debate and criticism on social media, with opinions ranging from accusing him of naivety to questioning Mzbel’s parenting skills. Some suggested he might change his views as he matures or faces life challenges.
Mzbel, defending her son as any mother would, clarified that Okomfo Black learned about these perspectives online and that she neither taught nor forced her beliefs on him. She affirmed her respect for his opinions and choices, urging those insulting her son to desist.
Given this background, the unexpected utterance of “God bless you” in the recent video has raised eyebrows, leaving many surprised at the potential contradiction between his expressed disbelief in God and the gratitude he conveyed in those words.
Some of the comments under the video posted on Facebook and Instagram are:
volta_empress_1: Ei adepa is in coding school!? Ma ka ekyere paaaaaa
volta_empress_1: Where did u guys hear the “God”?
emmbai933: Well done mzbel
emmbai933: Happy to see you excited though. Lol.
emmbai933: Adepa. Did I hear you say GOD bless you ? Ppl let’s help Adepa to understand GOD, the supreme being. well.
goldielooks_clotheline: Did I hear “God bless you”?
akua_k8: God bless you. yooo we hear
will16o9: This is beautiful. I just love the boys energy and charisma. Future leader
obaapa_akua_sarah_: Did I hear God Bless u ???? Hahaahaha
thatmelaninguy: He didn’t say God bless you wai! He said oooooohhh Bless youuuuuuu! Anyways me ne hwan?
appiah_1432: Did I hear this boy right did he say God bless you which god oooooooooooo. Funny people attention seekers, going to use gods name for your jokes think.
A 33-year-old Nigerian man, Saheed Azeez, who secured refugee status in the UK under the pretext of being gay has not only had three children with different women, but has also orchestrated a £220,000 parcel fraud via Facebook and eBay.
Saheed Azeez, who claimed he faced persecution by Boko Haram militants in his home country, was sentenced to six years in prison at Bolton Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property.
Azeez, residing in Wigan, collaborated with Nigerian fraudsters to establish an intricate network for a well-resourced scam.
The modus operandi involved convincing sellers on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp to send high-value items to various addresses with the promise of payment upon delivery.
However, Azeez would intercept the goods, selling them through his brother’s electronics shop.
Over 14 months, Azeez, in collaboration with his associates, persuaded up to 272 victims to send goods worth a total of £220,000 to strangers’ homes. These individuals were promised a share of the proceeds in exchange for receiving the fraudulently obtained items.
Azeez was tracked down by the police while dropping off one of his young sons at a primary school. During the arrest, he reportedly concealed three smartphones, integral to the scam, in the child’s school bag.
The phones reportedly contained incriminating videos, including one sent to an underworld contact named ‘Baddest Boy,’ showcasing stolen smartphones.
Having admitted to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property, Azeez is set to be sentenced next week, facing a potential six-year jail term.
Nine individuals who allowed their addresses to be used as ‘drops’ in the scam will, according to reports, be sentenced next year.
Veteran and controversial media personality, Captain Smart, has hinted at his next venture following his departure as the presenter for Onua TV’s Maakye programme.
In a passionate speech during today’s show, Captain Smartformally announced his resignation, expressing optimism for the new path he has chosen.
He took a moment to extend gratitude to his co-workers, the management and staff of Onua TV’s parent company, Media General, and the viewers of the show.
Captain Smart acknowledged the experience and exposure gained during his tenure and expressed pride in his achievements and contributions to the flagship Maakye Show, covering current affairs, social issues, and entertainment.
“Let me thank those who I leave behind. You’ve all done well, from security to drivers. Today, I want to bow respectfully and say bless all of you. But for you, we would not be here. It is because of you that we are where we are today. A lot of people may not understand my speed. You may not actually understand me until you hear my very loud silence. Then you would appreciate that how we wish he was here or he were here.
I leave when the applause is loud. Let me thank you all for your indulgence, for your passion, your compassion, your empathy, everything put together that you wake up every other morning to come listen to me. Once again, let me thank the management of Media General for containing me. My speed is always supersonic. I am a fixer. I fix. I make sure the dead will rise. I always ensure that what is spoiled, the station that is dead and nothing can be done about it, that is where I bring it up. So thank you all Ghanaians. We have done enough. Someone should come and continue,” he noted.
Almost immediately,Captain Smart delved into a speech on African unity and self-reliance, stating, “But the truth of the matter is that there’s a billboard in town the face must show. There is a billboard in town that the face must show. Ghana is my priority, and West Africa is my home. And Africa is my responsibility.”
He continued, “We have to save this country at all costs, and it will be a bash at my back and a bar I cannot hold to survive if I cannot quit to save this country. I cannot always stay in my comfort zone. I cannot. Sitting on air, holding microphones, being mic’d is a comfort zone. I want bigger, bigger, and the biggest task, the great, greater, the greatest task, to prove to the world that once again, the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.”
Captain Smart joined Onua TV in June 2021, after resigning from Angel TV and radio, where he had worked for four years. He also started his own television station, dubbed Smart TV, which has attracted a large following on social media.
Captain Smart is known for his outspoken and fearless style of journalism, which often lands him in trouble with the authorities and some politicians. He has been suspended and arrested several times for his comments and criticisms on various national issues.
He is also known for his philanthropic and humanitarian activities, such as donating to the needy, supporting the education of the underprivileged, and advocating for social justice and good governance.
Captain Smart’s resignation from Onua TV has sparked mixed reactions from his fans and followers, who have expressed their sadness, disappointment, admiration, and curiosity. Some have wished him well in his future endeavours, while others have urged him to reveal his next move.
In a passionate speech on Onua TV’s Maakye programme, Captain Smartannounced his resignation, expressing optimism about the new path he has chosen. He took a moment to express gratitude to his co-workers, management, and staff of Onua TV’s parent company, Media General, as well as viewers of the show.
“I leave when the applause is loud. Let me thank you all for your indulgence, your passion, your compassion, your empathy—everything put together that you wake up every other morning to come listen to me. Once again, let me thank the management of Media General for containing me,” he noted.
Captain Smart then transitioned into a speech on African unity and self-reliance, stating, “The truth of the matter is that there’s a billboard in town; the face must show. Ghana is my priority, and West Africa is my home. And Africa is my responsibility.”
He continued, “We have to save this country at all costs, and it will be a bash at my back and a bar I cannot hold to survive if I cannot quit to save this country. I cannot always stay in my comfort zone. I want bigger, bigger, and the biggest task—the great, greater, the greatest task—to prove to the world that once again, the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.”
This has raised questions about whether Captain Smart is suggesting he is the face behind The New Force.
The new force billboard in town in Ghana is a mysterious and intriguing phenomenon that has sparked a lot of curiosity and speculation among the public and the media. The billboard, which shows a man in a wooden mask and a suit, conveys a message of leadership for the next generation, with the hashtag #TheNewForce. The billboard also has the flag of Ghana at the bottom right corner.
The billboard has been spotted at various locations in Accra, such as the 37 Military Hospital, the Airport Residential Area, the Accra Mall, and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle. It is not clear who is behind the billboard, or what their intentions are. Some people have suggested that it is a political campaign for the 2024 general elections, while others have dismissed it as a publicity stunt or a prank.
The billboard has generated a lot of reactions on social media, with some people expressing their interest and support for the new force, while others expressing their skepticism and criticism. Some people have also tried to guess the identity of the masked man, with names such as millionaire Nana Kwame Bediako(Cheddar), Assin-Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, and Kwame A Plus being mentioned.
The new force billboard in town in Ghana is a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon that has captured the attention of many Ghanaians. It remains to be seen if the new force will reveal itself and its agenda, or if it will remain a mystery.
The popular broadcasterCaptain Smarthas announced his departure from Onua TV, where he has been hosting the Maakye Show since June 2021.
He made the announcement during his live morning show presentation, thanking his audience and colleagues for their support and love.
Captain Smart said he was leaving Onua TV to pursue new challenges and opportunities in the media industry, without revealing his next destination. He said he was grateful for the experience and exposure he gained at Onua TV, which is owned by Media General.
He also said he was proud of his achievements and contributions to the Maakye Show, which is a flagship programme that covers current affairs, social issues, and entertainment. He said he was always committed to serving the interests and needs of the youth and the nation.
“Let me thank those who I leave them behind. You’ve all done well. From security to drivers. And well and today I want to Bow respectfully and say bless all of you. But for you, we will not get here. It is because of you, we are where we are today. A lot of people do not understand my speed. You may not actually understand me, until you hear my very loud silence, then you would appreciate that how we wish he was here or he were here.
I leave when the Applause is loud. Let me thank you all for your Indulgence for your passion your compassion your empathy every thing put together that you wake up every other morning to come listen tome once again let me thank the management of media general for containing me my speed is always supersonic is always supersonicI am a fixer I fix I make sure the dead will rise. I always make sure, that what is spoiled, the station that is dead and nothing can be done about it, that is where I bring it up. So thank you all Ghanaians. We have done enough. Someone should come and continue,” he said.
Captain Smartjoined Onua TV in June 2021, after resigning from Angel TV and radio, where he had worked for four years. He also started his own television station, dubbed Smart TV, which has attracted a large following on social media.
Captain Smart is known for his outspoken and fearless style of journalism, which often lands him in trouble with the authorities and some politicians. He has been suspended and arrested several times for his comments and criticisms on various national issues.
He is also known for his philanthropic and humanitarian activities, such as donating to the needy, supporting the education of the underprivileged, and advocating for social justice and good governance.
Captain Smart’s departure from Onua TV has sparked mixed reactions from his fans and followers, who have expressed their sadness, disappointment, admiration, and curiosity. Some have wished him well in his future endeavours, while others have urged him to reveal his next move.
Insider information surrounding the much-discussed alleged meeting between Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has taken a new turn.
Adakabri Frimpong Manso, a presenter with Despite Media, reportedly disclosed on Neat FM last week that the encounter was not as initially portrayed. According to Manso, Ken Agyapong was ambushed at home after evading numerous invitations from the Bawumia camp.
“They did all they could to get him but he was also evading them, so they surveilled him till they realized he was at home and then they ambushed him,” Manso stated, questioning the necessity of informing someone about a visit.
He further elaborated, “This was a case where he was not aware. They tried all they could through the handlers, so when they checked and got information that he was at home, they made their move. They kept very long at the residence and had extensive conversations.”
Manso indicated that a central theme of the discussions revolved around individuals who allegedly abused Agyapong during the flagbearer campaign.
Despite Agyapong securing a respectable second place in the November 4 polls, Bawumia emerged as the winner with over 61%, positioning him to lead the NPP in the 2024 general elections.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, has assured former La General staff members and the public of government’s commitment to having the demolished hospital rebuilt “within a space of about a year and a half.”
During parliamentary deliberations on the stalled project, Mr. Kissi expressed optimism that with the revisit of the loan agreement, construction would soon commence.
“One key thing is that, no matter what the issues were. It has come back to bare that one, the loan agreement is being revisited, and two, construction will take off. And I think that this is the best Christmas gift to La. This will be our Christmas gift to La,” Mr. Kissi stated.
“Now one key thing, without a doubt. I am even more happy about the fact that this will be done within the space of about a year and a half. Yes. That was the initial contract arrangement. For twelve months and if we are re-visiting, I can assure the La General staff members who were working there and then the citizenry that 3nky3 biaa, in the shortest time we will have La General Hospital back,” he said.
TheLa General Hospitalwas a public hospital in the La Dadekotopon Municipal District of Accra, Ghana. It was built in 1928 and served as a referral centre for the Greater Accra Region. It offered medical, surgical, emergency, obstetrical, gynecological, pediatric, and psychiatric services to the community.
In July 2020, the hospital was demolished after the hospital’s administration reported severe structural problems. The demolition was part of a plan to redevelop the hospital into a new and modern facility with 160 beds and state-of-the-art equipment.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the commencement of construction of the La General Hospital Redevelopment Project on August 10, 2020. The project was expected to be completed within 18 months and cost $68 million. The project was funded by a loan from Standard Chartered Bank and the UK Export Finance.
However, the project has been stalled due to challenges with the loan agreement and the transfer of the project to the Agenda 111, which is the government’s flagship initiative to build 111 district hospitals across the country. The project has faced opposition and criticism from some stakeholders, including the people of La, who have accused the government of neglecting their health needs and delaying the provision of a critical infrastructure.
In the 2024 budget, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced that an allocation had been made for the project and that work was due to start soon.
The minister appealed to the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority to approve the budget and the revenue bills without delay, saying that the project was a Christmas gift to the people of La.
Police in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region have successfully apprehended two suspected robbers, one of whom is notorious as ‘Demon Town,’ after a viral video showed them issuing threats to stab anyone resisting their attempts to snatch belongings.
In the video, one of the suspects is heard menacingly stating, “Have you seen the bag behind me? We are going to gather and deposit you in there. For pistol for real, if you don’t leave it, we are stabbing you. Demon, won’t you tell them?” Following a brief intervention by his cutlass-wielding ally, he continues, “Look at my dreadlocks, look at it, do you need to be told? Aputuogya gangsters, this is who we are, we will stab the eye of anyone who resists.”
Acting on a tip-off, personnel from the Kuntenase District Police Patrol team raided a house in Aputuogya, where the suspects were believed to be hiding.
Suspect Ibrahim Mohammed, 23 years old, featured prominently in the viral video, was handed over to the police by the town folks who had earlier raided the house. During interrogation, he claimed to hail from Adansi Fomena Kusa but currently resides in Madina, Accra. He stated that he was invited to the Bosomtwe District about a month ago by the other suspect in the video, identified as Kwame Sarpong, a distant family member.
The unemployed accomplice, who had been on the run, has also been apprehended by the police. The owner of the house where the suspects were found will undergo interrogation.
Suspect Ibrahim Mohammed is expected to face court proceedings as the police continue their investigation into the threatening incident captured in the viral video.
I trust Ghana Police Service . They are swift when it comes to cases like this . Get them arrested ASAP . Aputuogya isn’t known for this type of crime.. @GhPoliceServicepic.twitter.com/JBPurlWUlE
A Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, is facing criticism for his recent statement regarding the reconstruction of the La General Hospital, which was demolished by the government years ago and is yet to be rebuilt.
During a parliamentary session on November 14, Kissi referred to commencing work on the project, as outlined in the 2024 budget, as a “Christmas gift to the people of La.”
“No matter what the issues were, it has come back to bear that the loan agreement is being revisited, and construction will take off, and I think that this is the best Christmas gift to La. This will be our Christmas gift to La,” he stated, emphasizing that the project is expected to be completed within a year and a half.
“In the sense that this great hospital which has touched many lives is going to be reborn and we all need to be happy,” he said, adding that the project is supposed to be completed within a year-and-half,” he added.
However, this characterization of the hospital’s reconstruction as a “Christmas gift” has sparked backlash. Critics argue that rebuilding an existing infrastructure that was previously demolished is not a gift but a rightful provision.
Reactions on social media included comments such as “Christmas gift? Such impudence!” and “Nonsense. As if they’re doing the people of La a favor.”
The La General Hospital project has been a contentious issue, symbolizing the government’s failure to follow through with critical infrastructure while demolishing existing structures serving communities.
In response to public concerns, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced an allocation for the project in the 2024 budget, stating that work was set to commence. Despite expressions of delight from the opposition bench and the local MP, there remains skepticism about the government’s promises. The people of La had rejected previous explanations about challenges with the loan and the transfer of the project to Agenda 111.
La General Hospital
No matter what the issues were, it has come back to bare that construction will take off. This is the best Christmas gift to La – Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi#CitiNewsroompic.twitter.com/8MxROP9ONN
You see how they talk? It gives you a clear idea of the selfish nature and irresponsible decision making bunch of individuals that you’ve chosen to lead you. I will always say this: They think we are in some sort of orphanage home and they are in the palace and it’s true.
— Mr. M.B.A ,(PGD) 𝕏 🇬🇭🥷🏽👨🏾🌾👨🏽🔬 (@NanaKwame_MBA) November 14, 2023
A viral video has surfaced capturing the heart-wrenching moment a man’s romantic proposal ends in the discovery of his girlfriend’s infidelity.
The disturbing footage, now widely circulated on social media, has sparked a wave of disappointment and discussions on the behavior of some individuals in relationships.
The video shows the man arriving at his girlfriend’s apartment accompanied by musicians, intending to propose. However, to his dismay, he discovers his girlfriend engaging in intimate activity with an unidentified man.
The visibly devastated man’s girlfriend peered out of the window and hastily retracted upon spotting her boyfriend. The raw and unfiltered nature of the video has sparked a flurry of reactions on the internet.
The incident has triggered extensive discussions on the internet, with social media users expressing their views on the shocking revelation.
The comments range from disapproval and disappointment to mockery, reflecting the emotional impact of the incident.
Reports reveal heightened tensions following Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia‘s alleged visit to Kennedy Agyapong’s residence on last week, seeking collaboration for the upcoming 2024 elections.
Initially hailed as a “calculated political move” by the Daily Guide newspaper, indicating a successful meeting with agreements on election strategies, conflicting information has now surfaced.
Kessben FM’s political analyst, Nana Frimpong Zeiga, citing Kennedy Agyapong’s brother and lawyer, Ralph Agyapong, challenged the positive narrative.
According to Zeiga, Kennedy Agyapong accepted to join Bawumia’s campaign but presented conditions that proved challenging for the Bawumia team to guarantee.
Zeiga stated, “Ken told him he doesn’t want to be on the same campaign platform as Ursula Owusu, Hawa Koomson, Dennis Miracles, Wontumi, Adomako-Baafi. But my question is how canBawumia win an election without these people in his campaign team? Indirectly Ken is telling them he won’t join the campaign.”
Lawyer Ralph Agyapong hinted that Kennedy Agyapong might be contemplating beyond the 2024 presidential campaign and could refrain from engaging in the Bawumia presidential campaign.
Ralph emphasized concerns about certain individuals within Bawumia’s team, stating, “Then you finish and you want to put the likes of Miracles Aboagye and Adomako Baafi on a platform with Ken to campaign? You are the same people who claimed he destroys campaigns.”
Pressed on whether this implied a categorical boycott of the Bawumia campaign, Ralph Agyapong remained non-committal, stating, “He (Kennedy) is thinking about himself; he is part of the party and has not left the party but he’s thinking about himself… We will move on and see what we will do in 2028.”
As uncertainties loom over Kennedy Agyapong’s role in the 2024 campaign, political observers are closely monitoring the evolving dynamics within the New Patriotic Party.
Neither Dr Bawumia nor Hon. Agyapong has confirmed or denied the claims made by the sources.
A Ghanaian student, Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, is reportedly at risk of eviction from Harvard University, with allegations suggesting that his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict has led to disciplinary actions.
According to the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee (Harvard PSC), Tettey-Tamaklo, who served as a residential advisor, has been suspended for speaking out about the situation in Gaza. The group claims that he faced disciplinary measures after protecting students from an individual attempting to dox them.
In a post dated November 15, 2023, Harvard PSC asserted that Tetty-Tamaklo is being evicted for his advocacy for Palestine. The group condemned the university’s actions, alleging racial stereotypes and a suppression of free speech.
“Elom has unwavering courage to speak out about Palestine even when the Harvard community is witnessing its most horrific onslaught of anti-Palestinian sentiment. We demand Elom be immediately reinstated,” the group stated.
A separate post shared by StopAntisemitism claimed that Tettey-Tamaklo, a student at Harvard Divinity School, was involved in harassing a Jewish student in a viral video. The post detailed Tettey-Tamaklo’s academic background and mentioned his receipt of the Clementine Cope Fellowship.
The situation unfolds against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with tensions escalating. The post did not provide information on the university’s response to the allegations.
Harvard is evicting a Black man, Elom Tetty-Tamaklo, for speaking out about Palestine. His crime? Protecting students from an instigator who tried to dox them. A senior university leader called Elom a “gang” member and pointed to his residence in Harvard Yard.
Helen Saah, one of the daughters of former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, has shared poignant memories of her late mother, former First Lady Theresa Kufuor, who passed away on October 1, 2023.
In her tribute, Helen reflected on the disciplined upbringing she and her siblings experienced under their mother’s guidance. She highlighted the emphasis on following rules, even to the extent that seeking permission was required before plucking mangoes from the tree.
Addressing her mother, Helen expressed, “You were the perfect mother for me. My earliest memories of you were of a beautiful, gentle and kind woman who smiled often and would entertain guests at the house on Switchback Road.”
However, Helen revealed a distinct transformation in her mother’s demeanor following the 1972 coup, during their residence in Kanda. Theresa Kufuor became more devout, frequently engaging in prayer and fasting. The household saw a shift towards strict rules that Helen and her siblings were required to follow.
“You were strict and had rules which we had to follow. One of the earliest rules was that we couldn’t claim ownership of things we found in the house or compound. Everything, including the mangoes on the tree, belonged to you, so we had to ask permission,” she detailed in her tribute.
Recalling moments of shared activities, Helen spoke of her mother’s culinary skills, learning to cook and bake under her guidance. Despite mishaps, such as bread loaves resembling bricks, Theresa Kufuor adapted recipes, ensuring a constant supply of homemade bread. Helen also fondly reminisced about the elaborate Christmas celebrations and the importance her mother placed on punctuality.
“You had a big heart and you were a mother to not just your biological children but to people from all walks of life,” Helen continued. The tribute highlighted Theresa Kufuor’s generosity and welcoming spirit, including hosting unexpected guests and fostering a supportive environment for everyone.
The late Theresa Kufuor, who passed away peacefully at home, was honored with a state funeral at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Helen’s heartfelt tribute captures the essence of a multifaceted and compassionate woman, unveiling a different side of the former First Lady.
Read her full tribute below;
Our mother was a true Christian, very strong in her faith, and had an admirable personal relationship with God. She prayed about everything. Even as she drove us to school, we all prayed aloud and even harder if we were running late in traffic. She made the sign of the cross on our foreheads as we parted. She kept a rosary in every bag.
Whatever difficulties you had, her advice and guidance started and ended with prayer. “Ɛ’bisa Nyame?” (“Have you asked God?”) or “Bisa Nyame” (“Ask God”) and “God does not make mistakes, so soldier on and bear your cross trusting in HIM”.
Mum was warm and gentle, loving, calm and controlled, very punctual, kind and compassionate. She was very hard-working and a disciplinarian.
Right from our childhood, Mum was tough on personal hygiene, politeness, manners and being considerate by cleaning up after yourself.
She was time-conscious and as soon as she blew her car horn to go to church she would have us running to her car with combs, socks, shoes, jostling for seats. You could not miss Mass, either.
Mum was great fun, too, laughing as she watched us race to obey her and trying to meet her deadlines. She whistled for each of us differently as shouting out was discouraged.
Our mother made precious moments: as children, evening car rides, bedtime stories and songs; as we got older, pillow fights, teasing, jokes, as well as teaching us we could not have everything. We used to race for mangoes when we heard them fall in the yard, but sometimes Mum would quickly say, “Me deaa” (“It’s mine”) as it dropped, and everyone would sit still in obedience, even though Mum would never go for it or eat it.
Some weekends, especially during Dad’s detention, she would entertain us by either a ride to Ambassador Hotel for club sandwiches and pastries or fixing the girls’ hair at Auntie Janet’s salon at the hotel. We sometimes got to hear and see Pat Thomas in some hot jumpsuits with a big afro performing the Afternoon Jam at the hotel. On other occasions, we had picnics at Ridge Park and visited our Auntie Kufuor who lived very close by.
She was a “one-of-a-kind” mother because when we remember our most embarrassing moments and being told off or being punished, we all do it with laughter, falling off our seats. She was strong-
willed and would work quietly and calmly to get her children to do what was right and necessary. She accepted all our cousins and friends, treating them with much love and support, some living with us for long periods of our lives.
She had a dedicated and dependable circle of friends for her entire life, the first of these being her siblings and cousins and the closest being Auntie Justina (of blessed memory). She was also always ready to make and accept new friends, inviting or extending a hand of friendship to others.
The show of respect for each other amongst Mum’s family was distinctive and admirable, referring to each other with a title before the name, irrespective of their age – brother, sister, “auntie”, cousin, with our grandma’s title, “Maame”, being the greatest. There was no such thing as falling out or tensions that we witnessed. Mum practised this in all her relationships.
As I was her first girl, Mum laid out my responsibilities of service and sacrifice even before I went to secondary school: going to the market, cooking, cleaning and making sure everyone had been served. I sometimes felt I wanted to join the others watching videos, which I hardly ever got to do. I had to do “big sister duties”, which carried on, and I am grateful to her for always encouraging me to perform and deliver.
She inculcated in me hard work, dedication to prayer, serving my God, and advised me to walk away from anything that would cause me pain or let me lose my focus. “Let them have it” and “God does not make mistakes”, she would say, “Yere wo ho: mia wo’ani” (“Keep at it and don’t give up”).
She was a beautiful woman who taught me to keep things simple and elegant in how I presented myself. Whenever she was pleased, her first favourite expression would be: “How nice.”
She supported me in all I did and raised my children with such great care, immersing them in boundless love and prayer, teaching them to put their trust in God.
Mum attended many sports and speech and prize-giving days at Trinity Montessori, Roman Ridge and GIS, cheering her grandchildren on, even as First Lady. She sat with them at church every Sunday, even when they were very young and difficult to control, teaching them to be well behaved during Mass.
She trained them not to have fizzy drinks because it would make them hyper and not to eat in- between meals. When they got to secondary school, she had a tête- à-tête with them and gave them pocket money secretly. She taught them the importance of family, that cousins are friends and not just cousins, creating a very close-knit relationship amongst them. She thoroughly enjoyed raising her grandchildren.
I am truly blessed and short of words to express my gratitude. Mummy, you are irreplaceable and unforgettable. I will miss you every second of my life and most importantly, carry your words in my heart and mind always and for ever.
You were a remarkable lady, beautiful inside and out, and we are blessed to have had the opportunity to be your children. I know you are watching us today and saying, “How nice,” as you watch Dad, family, all friends and well-wishers honour you. We thank God for your life.
Mummy, da yie. Nyame ’nfa wo nsie. And please continue praying and watching over us.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new Commission on Social Connection, unveiling an urgent response to the escalating health threat of loneliness worldwide.
Co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, the Commission, consisting of 11 influential figures, aims to tackle the widespread lack of social connection affecting people of all ages globally. Running for three years, it will scrutinize the role of social connection in health and propose solutions to foster social connections at scale.
Contrary to common perceptions that loneliness primarily impacts older people in affluent nations, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted its global reach: “High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and wellbeing.”
Research findings indicate that one in four older people faces social isolation, and adolescents, between 5–15%, experience loneliness, though these figures are likely underestimations.
The WHO emphasizes the severe consequences of insufficient social connections, with increased risks of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, and suicide. The lack of social connection is equated, or even greater, to well-known risk factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, and air pollution. Studies show that social isolation is linked to anxiety, depression, and a 30% increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The new WHO Commission aims to define a global agenda on social connection, raising awareness and building collaborations to drive evidence-based solutions for individuals, communities, and nations. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated social and economic repercussions, underscores the timeliness of this agenda.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy emphasized the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, stating, “We have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns.”
Social disconnection’s impact on education and economic outcomes is also emphasized, with lonely high school students more likely to drop out of university, and disconnected individuals experiencing poorer job satisfaction and performance.
Chido Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy, highlighted the need to redefine the narrative around loneliness, stating, “Investments in social connection are critical to creating productive, resilient, and stable economies that promote the well-being of current and future generations.”
The Commission on Social Connection, supported by a Secretariat based at WHO, will commence its first leadership-level meeting from 6 to 8 December 2023, with a flagship report expected by the mid-point of the three-year initiative. The list of Commissioners includes global leaders and advocates, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the growing global loneliness epidemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new Commission on Social Connection, to tackle loneliness as a serious health problem and promote social connection as a priority for all countries.
The Commission, co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, will work for three years to analyse the role of social connection in improving health and well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds. It will also recommend solutions to build social connections at a large scale and in different settings.
The Commission consists of 11 policy-makers, leaders and advocates from various countries and sectors. They will produce a flagship report by the mid-point of their term and define a global agenda on social connection.
Social isolation and loneliness are widespread and affect the health and well-being of people of all age groups and regions. One in four older people experience social isolation and between 5–15% of adolescents experience loneliness, according to research findings. However, these figures are likely to be underestimations.
“High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and well-being. People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide and more,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This WHO Commission will help establish social connection as a global health priority and share the most promising interventions.”
Lack of social connection can also lead to poorer education and economic outcomes, as well as lower social development and innovation. It can also increase the risk of violence, conflict and extremism.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic impacts have worsened the situation of social isolation and loneliness for many people, especially those who are already vulnerable or marginalized.
“I am thrilled to work closely with an outstanding group of Commissioners on advancing social connection – a vital component of well-being. Together, we can build a world that is less lonely, healthier, and more resilient,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy. “Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns, such as tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis.”
The Commission will also highlight the importance of tolerance and respect for diversity among different religions, cultures and beliefs. It will showcase examples of how social connection can enhance the well-being of communities and societies and foster peace and harmony.
“Young people are not immune to loneliness. Social isolation can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere,” said Chido Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy. “Across Africa and beyond, we must redefine the narrative around loneliness. Investments in social connection are critical to creating productive, resilient and stable economies that promote the well-being of current and future generations.”
The Commission on Social Connection, supported by a Secretariat based at WHO, will hold its first leadership-level meeting from 6 to 8 December 2023. More Commissioners may be confirmed at a later date.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has in a significant move, unveiled the establishment of a groundbreaking Commission on Social Connection, aimed at addressing loneliness as a severe health threat on a global scale.
The Commission, co-chaired by U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy and African Union Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba, comprises 11 influential policy-makers, thought leaders, and advocates. Operating over three years, it will scrutinize the pivotal role of social connection in enhancing health across all age groups and propose solutions to foster social connections universally.
Social isolation and loneliness, affecting people worldwide, have prompted the WHO to prioritise the issue as a global health concern. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized, “High rates of social isolation and loneliness around the world have serious consequences for health and wellbeing.”
Contrary to common perceptions, loneliness impacts all age groups globally. Research indicates that one in four older people faces social isolation, with adolescents experiencing loneliness at rates between 5-15%, according to findings, likely underestimated.
Dr Vivek Murthy stressed the severe consequences of loneliness, stating, “People without enough strong social connections are at higher risk of stroke, anxiety, dementia, depression, suicide, and more.”
Loneliness is highlighted as a risk equivalent to or greater than well-known factors like smoking, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, and air pollution. The new WHO Commission aims to define a global agenda on social connection, raising awareness and fostering evidence-based solutions for individuals, communities, and nations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social connections underscores the urgency of addressing loneliness. Dr Vivek Murthy asserted, “Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns.”
The Commission’s agenda includes redefining the narrative around loneliness and emphasising investments in social connection as crucial to creating productive, resilient, and stable economies.
Chido Mpemba, African Union Youth Envoy, emphasized the relevance of addressing loneliness across all age groups: “Young people are not immune to loneliness. Social isolation can affect anyone, of any age, anywhere.”
The Commission, supported by a WHO-based Secretariat, will convene its first leadership-level meeting from 6 to 8 December 2023, with a flagship report expected midway through the three-year initiative.
The Commission’s diverse list of commissioners includes global leaders and advocates from various countries, indicating a collaborative effort to tackle the global loneliness crisis.
A video circulating on YouTube features an individual claiming to possess insider information about a purported meeting between Vice President Bawumia and Hon. Kennedy Agyapong. In the video, the unidentified informant provides unconfirmed details about the discussions that purportedly transpired during this meeting.
Reportedly, Vice President Bawumia, who emerged victorious in the flagbearer race against Kennedy Agyapong and two others on Nov 4th, visited the influential NPP figure. The exact date of the alleged encounter remains undisclosed, with indications that the visit occurred after unsuccessful attempts to reach Kennedy Agyapong.
According to the individual in the video, the meeting, which reportedly lasted until 1:00 am, revolved around the potential contribution of Kennedy Agyapong to the NPP’s 2024 election campaign.
The informant claims that during the conversation, the delegation, including Vice President Bawumia, offered apologies for any negative actions or words directed at Kennedy Agyapong leading up to the Nov 4th primaries.
Notably, the video alleges that three names—Miracles Aboagye, Hawa Koomson, and Ursula Owusu—surfaced during the discussions. The claim is that, irrespective of any agreements made for the campaign, Kennedy Agyapong may allegedly prefer not to share the campaign platform with these three individuals. This decision, as per the informant, is significant, considering Agyapong’s previous support for Ursula Owusu during her constituency seat campaign.
It is essential to emphasize that the information presented in the video is unverified, and the claims made by the informant remain alleged and unconfirmed. The focus of the reported conversation was purportedly seeking forgiveness for perceived wrongs committed by party members against Kennedy Agyapong, with an appeal to move past past grievances and prioritize the party’s and the country’s best interests.
Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, has slammed the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram,Sam George, for his ‘filthy’ and ‘ugly’ attack on the religious beliefs and practices of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Nana Akomea was speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo with host Kwame Sefa Kayi on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Expressing his dismay at recent remarks made Sam George, Nana Akomea remarked, “The recent language Sam George used is so filthy, I cannot comprehend. That an elected member of parliament will speak such words as though you are inciting some people, Muslims, that Bawumia is not a proper Muslim.”
Sam George had recently said about Vice President Bawumia, who is contesting for presidency is a ‘religious prostitute,’ and thus not a true Muslim.
“The best description you can give him is that, he is a Muslim by day and a Christian by night, a religious prostitute cannot be our president. No true Muslim anywhere in this world believes that Jesus Christ is our lord and saviour. No true Muslim kneels before a Catholic priest or a pastor to lay hands on them – only Bawumia,” he said during a recent appearance on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana show.
In response to Sam George‘s comments, Nana Akomea questioned the appropriateness of a Member of Parliament making such statements, stating, “Is this something that should come from a member of parliament? Calling a whole Vice President of Ghana a prostitute. It is dirty.”
“That an elected member of parliament will speak such words as though you are inciting some people, Muslims, that Bawumia is not a proper Muslim. You, Sam George, are not a Muslim. You say you are a Christian. Are you the one to determine who a true Muslim is? Even with the Christian that you are, you are not qualified to determine who a proper Christian is. Are you, Sam George, a proper Christian?” he added.
Nana Akomea emphasized the importance of religious tolerance in Ghana’s development, saying, “One of the main reasons for Ghana’s development is religious tolerance. Christians and Muslims living together in peace, across the country. A lot of countries do not have that.”
“Even the chief imam went to the Catholic Church when he was celebrating his 100th birthday and was earnestly prayed for by Father Campbell. The Quran and Bible talk about tolerance for each other, so if you are someone with good intentions, you should be praising people like the chief imam for being tolerant. It is the same God. Our worship may be different, but it is the same God. So why insult Bawumia because he went to a Catholic Church and got prayed for? Why are you inciting Muslims against Dr. Bawumia? Let’s stop this moving forward,” he noted.
Nana Akomea urged Sam George to refrain from insults, stating, “Sam George should change his ways and let the Holy Spirit work in him because this behavior is not good. He should stop.”
As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 elections, the focus on candidates and their messages becomes crucial. As such, Nana Akomea dvised the public to focus on the message and policies of the aspirants for the 2024 general elections, and not on their personal attacks and propaganda.
The 2024 general elections will be held in December 2024 to elect the president and members of Parliament for the next presidential term.
Despite the somber atmosphere surrounding the funeral of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor, an unexpected and light-hearted moment unfolded as ex-President Kufuor exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries at the State House in Accra.
In a brief interaction with former President John Mahama, Kufuor extended a warm handshake and, with a smile, turned to his wife, asking, “Which pretty girl is that?” The former First Lady smiled back and greeted him, while the former President Mahama chuckled at the remark. They exchanged some more conversation and Mahama moved on.
You can watch the video of the encounter here.
John Dramani Mahama joins former President J.A. Kufuor in mourning at the State Funeral of the late former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor.#UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/G36BB3MBzP
The state funeral for the former First Lady, Theresa Aba Kufuor, took place at the forecourt of the State House on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
The funeral rites will continue in Kumasi on November 18, after which she will be laid to rest the same day. This will be followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
In his tribute to his late wife, former President Kufuor described her as his devoted companion of 61 years of marriage. He recounted how they met in London in 1961 and got married in 1962.
He praised her for being a pillar in his long journey to becoming the president and for playing a pivotal but quiet role in shaping key social interventions during his tenure. He also thanked God for giving him Theresa and expressed his hope to meet her again in the afterlife.
Theresa Kufuor, who was born on October 25, 1935, died on October 1, 2023, at the age of 87 at her home at Peduase in the Eastern Region.
She was a nurse and midwife who dedicated her life to the service of humanity and the Catholic Church. She was also the founder of the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organisation that supports the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. She was a mother of five, a grandmother of eight, and a sister of the renowned statesman, the late J.H Mensah.
She was honoured with a Papal Award of Dame of St Gregory the Great for her commitment to the plight of poor children and their mothers. She also contributed to Ghana’s growth and development through her advocacy for free compulsory universal basic education (FCUBE) for kindergarten children amongst other timeless policies that are still in place.
As the anticipation for Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s 2024 Budget presentation mounted in Parliament on Wednesday, 15th November 2023, an unexpected incident unfolded involving MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong. In a candid video, Agyapong was captured declining a handshake from a fellow NPP MP who appeared eager to greet him.
Present in the company of Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, MP for Kwadaso constituency, and Ernest Yaw Anim, the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, as well as two other MPs whose identities were unclear in the video, the tension between Agyapong and his colleague became palpable.
Despite receiving handshakes from others, Agyapong conspicuously ignored one specific MP, sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship and the cause of the apparent rift. The video has left many wondering about the underlying reasons for such a chilly and tense encounter within the NPP ranks.
Public opinions on Agyapong’s actions diverged, with some praising his straightforwardness, commending him for not pretending to be on good terms with those he might have differences with. On the other hand, critics argued that such behavior was unbecoming, especially for someone aspiring to the presidency of Ghana.
Comments on the video posted on Facebook by TV3 reflected the divided sentiments:
Kyei Baffour Tenkorang: “But that’s not leadership— everybody can’t be on your side. Competition is very much allowed in politics. After elections are over, friendship continues.”
Issah Yahaya: “Ken has gained my respect, I swear! God even likes those who don’t pretend. Well done Ken.”
Amy Gyenkel: “I just love this man, plain and no-nonsense person. They don’t know shame; after all, they did, they still want to get close. No entertaining them jor.”
Sumang Kavini: “I love his straightforwardness. Some of the MPs are hypocrites and ungrateful. I can’t wait for him to field his candidates in those constituencies to give them a real showdown.”
Nana Asare Edmund Hillary: “Gross immaturity, and people are praising this? Can you imagine this person wants to be a president? I like Ken as a person but sometimes he behaves too immature. If you want to be a president, you must learn to tolerate everybody who is a Ghanaian, including those who don’t like you.”
Enock Mensah Mega: “Some of his biggest political enemies were Koku Anyidoho, Muntaka, Kofi Adams, and Asiedu Nketia, but he’s best buddies with them today. What’s more mature than that? His problem is not about his colleague MPs not supporting him oo. His problem is those MPs he personally helped financially, gave them logistics and campaigned for them in their various constituencies to become MPs even as late as 2am risking his life, those were the same MPs who went out there in public to DISGRACE him, INSULT him, DISRESPECT him, and LIED about him all in the name of politics. Besides, he has the right to choose who he’ll greet or shake hands.”
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has stirred speculation by asserting that the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, will step down from his role in the coming days.
Dr Forson claims that this inside information on the minister’s imminent resignation is circulating within the corridors of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a post-budget reading interview on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, he stated, “The Minister of Finance is going to resign after presenting this budget, well so be it… their own people, the NPP, NPP MPs, and everywhere are saying so. They are saying it to all of us, I am sure you have heard it that the finance minister… Go and find out because I am hearing he is going to go.”
The Minority Leader, without delving into specifics, suggested that if Ken Ofori-Atta does indeed resign, he will be remembered for his perceived failures and incompetence in managing Ghana’s economy over the last seven years.
‘If he’s going, let me be blunt with you, he will still be remembered as the one who crashed the Ghanaian economy. Yes he did not do it alone. He crashed it with assistance of our vice president Alhaji Bawumia. He has destroyed us and we all know what he has done. His records are there for the ordinary Ghanaian to see
Let me tell you, he will be remembered as the one who borrowed to benefit his businesses and his cronies. This Minister of Finance will certainly be remembered as the one who destroyed Ghanaian business and the economy. He is the same minister who has brought our financial sector to its knees,” remarked Dr Ato Forson.
This potential development follows a history of discontent within the NPP ranks, with over eighty lawmakers in 2022 calling for Ken Ofori-Atta’s removal from office.
However, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo rejected the demand, urging a postponement of any decision until the conclusion of Ghana’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.
Notably, despite past criticism, President Akufo-Addo has consistently expressed confidence in the finance minister, rebuffing concerns about Ken Ofori-Atta’s competence on multiple occasions. As Ghana awaits the unfolding of this speculated resignation, the political landscape remains abuzz with anticipation.
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has stirred speculation by asserting that the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, will step down from his role in the coming days.
Dr Forson claims that this inside information on the minister’s imminent resignation is circulating within the corridors of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a post-budget reading interview on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, he stated, “The Minister of Finance is going to resign after presenting this budget, well so be it… their own people, the NPP, NPP MPs, and everywhere are saying so. They are saying it to all of us, I am sure you have heard it that the finance minister… Go and find out because I am hearing he is going to go.”
The Minority Leader, without delving into specifics, suggested that if Ken Ofori-Atta does indeed resign, he will be remembered for his perceived failures and incompetence in managing Ghana’s economy over the last seven years.
‘If he’s going, let me be blunt with you, he will still be remembered as the one who crashed the Ghanaian economy. Yes he did not do it alone. He crashed it with assistance of our vice president Alhaji Bawumia. He has destroyed us and we all know what he has done. His records are there for the ordinary Ghanaian to see
Let me tell you, he will be remembered as the one who borrowed to benefit his businesses and his cronies. This Minister of Finance will certainly be remembered as the one who destroyed Ghanaian business and the economy. He is the same minister who has brought our financial sector to its knees,” remarked Dr Ato Forson.
This potential development follows a history of discontent within the NPP ranks, with over eighty lawmakers in 2022 calling for Ken Ofori-Atta’s removal from office.
However, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo rejected the demand, urging a postponement of any decision until the conclusion of Ghana’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.
Notably, despite past criticism, President Akufo-Addo has consistently expressed confidence in the finance minister, rebuffing concerns about Ken Ofori-Atta’s competence on multiple occasions. As Ghana awaits the unfolding of this speculated resignation, the political landscape remains abuzz with anticipation.
As the anticipation for Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s 2024 Budget presentation mounted in Parliament on Wednesday, 15th November 2023, an unexpected incident unfolded involving MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong. In a candid video, Agyapong was captured declining a handshake from a fellow NPP MP who appeared eager to greet him.
Present in the company of Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, MP for Kwadaso constituency, and Ernest Yaw Anim, the Member of Parliament for Kumawu, as well as two other MPs whose identities were unclear in the video, the tension between Agyapong and his colleague became palpable.
Despite receiving handshakes from others, Agyapong conspicuously ignored one specific MP, sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship and the cause of the apparent rift. The video has left many wondering about the underlying reasons for such a chilly and tense encounter within the NPP ranks.
Public opinions on Agyapong’s actions diverged, with some praising his straightforwardness, commending him for not pretending to be on good terms with those he might have differences with. On the other hand, critics argued that such behavior was unbecoming, especially for someone aspiring to the presidency of Ghana.
Comments on the video posted on Facebook by TV3 reflected the divided sentiments:
Kyei Baffour Tenkorang: “But that’s not leadership— everybody can’t be on your side. Competition is very much allowed in politics. After elections are over, friendship continues.”
Issah Yahaya: “Ken has gained my respect, I swear! God even likes those who don’t pretend. Well done Ken.”
Amy Gyenkel: “I just love this man, plain and no-nonsense person. They don’t know shame; after all, they did, they still want to get close. No entertaining them jor.”
Sumang Kavini: “I love his straightforwardness. Some of the MPs are hypocrites and ungrateful. I can’t wait for him to field his candidates in those constituencies to give them a real showdown.”
Nana Asare Edmund Hillary: “Gross immaturity, and people are praising this? Can you imagine this person wants to be a president? I like Ken as a person but sometimes he behaves too immature. If you want to be a president, you must learn to tolerate everybody who is a Ghanaian, including those who don’t like you.”
Enock Mensah Mega: “Some of his biggest political enemies were Koku Anyidoho, Muntaka, Kofi Adams, and Asiedu Nketia, but he’s best buddies with them today. What’s more mature than that? His problem is not about his colleague MPs not supporting him oo. His problem is those MPs he personally helped financially, gave them logistics and campaigned for them in their various constituencies to become MPs even as late as 2am risking his life, those were the same MPs who went out there in public to DISGRACE him, INSULT him, DISRESPECT him, and LIED about him all in the name of politics. Besides, he has the right to choose who he’ll greet or shake hands.”
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the much-anticipated 2024 Budget to Parliament on Wednesday, 15th November 2023, aligning with the constitutional mandates outlined in Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).
This comprehensive budget and economic policy address key strategies for navigating challenges and fostering growth in 2024.
Explore the full statement below to gain insights into Ghana’s economic roadmap for the coming year.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, during a presentation of the 2024 Budget to Parliament on Wednesday, 15th November 2023, has lauded the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s seven-year tenure, declaring it as a period marked by grace and positive impact. The Minister expressed the government’s commitment to further enhance the private sector’s capacity to bolster productivity and job creation.
“We believe it has been seven years of grace and positive impact. We are determined to do more to boost the capacity of the private sector to expand productivity and create jobs,” stated Ofori-Atta.
Highlighting the extensive efforts and resource allocation over the past seven years, Ofori-Atta confidently asserted that every sector, household, and region in the country has experienced positive transformations. Emphasizing President Akufo-Addo’s dedication to decentralised development, the Finance Minister noted the historic investment of GH¢422.1 million to create and resource six new administrative regions—an unprecedented move since Ghana’s independence.
Aligning with the government’s policy on preferential options for the poor, Ofori-Atta outlined significant achievements in social mobility and the protection of vulnerable populations. Notable accomplishments since 2017 include improving access to quality Senior High School (SHS) education for approximately 5.7 million Ghanaians, increasing enrolment and learning outcomes for 3.8 million pupils through GH¢3.6 billion investment in School Feeding Programmes, and reforming the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to benefit 16 million Ghanaians.
Ofori-Atta also highlighted investments in foundational education, supporting over 6 million pupils with GH¢248.5 million in Capitation Grants, and improving the quality of life for about 350,000 households under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, with an investment of GH¢1.2 billion.
The Finance Minister stressed that these investments were not only morally right but also economically essential to uplift and extend opportunities to every Ghanaian household. He expressed confidence that the substantial investments made over the seven years would significantly transform society by addressing the root causes of poverty.
According to him, the government has, over the past seven years, made noteworthy investments, including GH¢32.7 billion to ensure a stable power supply, GH¢25.3 billion to reposition the financial sector, GH¢2.4 billion in the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) to support young graduates, GH¢7.1 billion in road and transport infrastructure, GH¢541.5 million in 169 One District, One Factory (1D1F) enterprises, and the creation of over 2.3 million jobs in the private and public sectors. Ofori-Atta highlighted the government’s commitment to sustaining these positive impacts and continuing to steer the nation towards growth and development within a stable macroeconomic environment.
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has announced that Ghana is seeking support from various international institutions to deal with the aftermath of the Akosombo Dam spillage and flood disaster that affected several communities in the country.
The minister made this announcement on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, while presenting the 2024 budget to Parliament, themed “Pursuing Growth & Development Within a Stable Macroeconomic Environment”.
He said that the Ministry of Finance had applied to the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund, an initiative launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the COP 27 in Sham El- Sheikh, to access some financial resources to support communities upstream and downstream of the Akosombo Dam.
“Mr. Speaker, we recognise the place of climate policy and financing to help address the long-term effects of climate change on victims of drought, flooding, and other adverse weather events. Accordingly, the Ministry has applied to the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund, an initiative launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the COP 27 in Sham El- Sheikh, to access some financial resources to support communities upstream and downstream of the Akosombo Dam,” he noted.
He also said that the Ministry of Finance had requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities.
“We have requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities,” he added.
Mr Ofori-Atta also announced that the government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief and restoration phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage and floods in some parts of the country.
“Mr. Speaker, Government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions,” he said.
The minister expressed his empathy for the affected families and conveyed the appreciation of the President and the entire government to all groups and individuals who had empathised with and supported the affected families.
He recounted his visit to the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage in Mepe, in the Volta Region, where he met with the victims, townsfolks, children, the chiefs and the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The Akosombo Dam spillage occurred on September 15, 2023, following excessive rainfall recorded in several parts of the country. To preserve the structural integrity of the dam, the Volta River Authority commenced controlled spilling, which led to the flooding of downstream communities in parts of the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions.
The heavy rainfall also caused flooding upstream of the Akosombo dam, and impacted communities in the Savanna, Oti, and Bono-East Regions.
The government, through various agencies, according to the minister, provided various forms of support to the impacted communities, including food, drinks, mattresses, mosquito nets, clothes, baby food, sanitary pads, water services, solar lamps, sanitation services, restoration of utility services, and some social infrastructure.
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has announced that the government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief and restoration phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage and floods in some parts of the country.
“Mr. Speaker, Government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions,” he said.
The minister made this announcement on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, while presenting the 2024 budget to Parliament, themed “Pursuing Growth & Development Within a Stable Macroeconomic Environment”.
The Minister highlighted the devastating consequences of the Akosombo Dam spillage, triggered by excessive rainfall in various parts of the country.
To safeguard the dam’s structural integrity, the Volta River Authority initiated controlled spilling on 15th September 2023. This deliberate action resulted in downstream flooding in sections of the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, as well as upstream flooding in the Savanna, Oti, and Bono-East Regions.
“..in the last few months, we have been witnesses to the devastating impact of the Akosombo Dam spillage. This follows excessive rainfall recorded in several parts of the country. To preserve the structural integrity of the dam, the Volta River Authority commenced controlled spilling on 15th September, 2023,” he mentioned.
To address the aftermath, the government, through collaborative efforts involving VRA, NADMO, and various agencies within a 13-member high-level inter-ministerial committee, provided crucial support to the affected communities. This assistance encompassed essential items such as food, beverages, mattresses, mosquito nets, clothing, baby supplies, sanitary products, treated water services, solar lamps, sanitation services, utility restoration, and social infrastructure rehabilitation.
Expressing empathy for the affected families, Minister Ofori-Atta recounted the poignant visit to Mepe, where government officials, in collaboration with VRA, interacted with victims, townspeople, children, chiefs, and Honourable Okudzeto.
The Minister stressed the government’s commitment to the restoration phase, with the Ministry of Agriculture set to allocate additional resources to support the revival of livelihoods.
The family of the late Ghanaian footballer, Raphael Dwamena, is reportedly split over the circumstances surrounding his death and the arrangements for his funeral.
Raphael Dwamena, 28, died on Saturday, November 11, 2023, during an Albanian league match between his side Egnatia and Partizani, where he collapsed on the field and passed away while being transported to the hospital in an ambulance.
He had a documented history of heart problems, which had greatly affected his career in terms of his attractiveness to football clubs.
Following his demise, his family in Ghana have been relating with the media, updating Ghanaians on the state of the family in this difficult timed arrangements being made to see to his burial.
According to reports, the maternal and paternal sides of the late striker are not on the same page over matters relating to his unfortunate demise and issues thereafter.
In a Peace FM interview on Monday, November 13, 2023, the father of the late striker, Patrick Amoako Sefa, detailed how he learned of the demise of his son.
He highlighted the family’s consistent engagement with the Ghanaian wife of the late striker and the role she was playing in the family’s effort to fly the body home for burial and funeral rites.
He mentioned that the wife was the point of contact between the family and the Albanian authorities, indicating that they were making provisions to secure a flight to bring the body to Ghana.
He also appealed for help from the Ghana Football Association and others to facilitate the movement of the body from Albania to the country.
“We’ve spoken to his wife, and she indicated that they were making provisions to secure a flight to bring the body to Ghana. We need help to bring the body to Ghana. We are appealing to the Ghana Football Association and all persons to help us bring the body to Ghana,” he said.
However, one day after the revelation, Raphael Dwamena’s mother, sister, and uncle made an appearance on Onua TV, offering an account of events that significantly differed from the narrative provided by Dwamena’s father.
The alleged uncle of Dwamena conveyed that attempts to establish communication with the wife had proven unsuccessful.
He revealed that Dwamena’s sister had made five unsuccessful attempts to contact the wife, and the calls persisted until the wife purportedly turned off her phone, extinguishing their hopes of obtaining firsthand information from someone close to the player in Albania.
As per the supposed uncle, who asserted to have found out that Dwamena resided with his wife in Albania following the tragic incident, the agent of the late striker had served as their intermediary.
According to him, the agent, whose identity he declined to disclose, had been providing the family with updates on the events surrounding the demise of the player.
“We only found out that his wife was staying with him after his death. This is because whenever we try to establish contact with her over the incident, she tells us she’s busy. “When it happened, the sister claims she tried getting in touch with the wife, but all her five attempts were unsuccessful. She even switched the phone off on her. We were lucky to have heard from his manager, who is now our point of contact there,” he said on Onua TV.
As it stands now, it is not clear when and how the body of the late striker will be brought to Ghana for burial and funeral rites.
The family of the late Ghanaian footballer, Raphael Dwamena, is reportedly split over the circumstances surrounding his death and the arrangements for his funeral.
Raphael Dwamena, 28, died on Saturday, November 11, 2023, during an Albanian league match between his side Egnatia and Partizani, where he collapsed on the field and passed away while being transported to the hospital in an ambulance.
He had a documented history of heart problems, which had greatly affected his career in terms of his attractiveness to football clubs.
Following his demise, his family in Ghana have been relating with the media, updating Ghanaians on the state of the family in this difficult timed arrangements being made to see to his burial.
According to reports, the maternal and paternal sides of the late striker are not on the same page over matters relating to his unfortunate demise and issues thereafter.
In a Peace FM interview on Monday, November 13, 2023, the father of the late striker, Patrick Amoako Sefa, detailed how he learned of the demise of his son.
He highlighted the family’s consistent engagement with the Ghanaian wife of the late striker and the role she was playing in the family’s effort to fly the body home for burial and funeral rites.
He mentioned that the wife was the point of contact between the family and the Albanian authorities, indicating that they were making provisions to secure a flight to bring the body to Ghana.
He also appealed for help from the Ghana Football Association and others to facilitate the movement of the body from Albania to the country.
“We’ve spoken to his wife, and she indicated that they were making provisions to secure a flight to bring the body to Ghana. We need help to bring the body to Ghana. We are appealing to the Ghana Football Association and all persons to help us bring the body to Ghana,” he said.
However, one day after the revelation, Raphael Dwamena’s mother, sister, and uncle made an appearance on Onua TV, offering an account of events that significantly differed from the narrative provided by Dwamena’s father.
The alleged uncle of Dwamena conveyed that attempts to establish communication with the wife had proven unsuccessful.
He revealed that Dwamena’s sister had made five unsuccessful attempts to contact the wife, and the calls persisted until the wife purportedly turned off her phone, extinguishing their hopes of obtaining firsthand information from someone close to the player in Albania.
As per the supposed uncle, who asserted to have found out that Dwamena resided with his wife in Albania following the tragic incident, the agent of the late striker had served as their intermediary.
According to him, the agent, whose identity he declined to disclose, had been providing the family with updates on the events surrounding the demise of the player.
“We only found out that his wife was staying with him after his death. This is because whenever we try to establish contact with her over the incident, she tells us she’s busy. “When it happened, the sister claims she tried getting in touch with the wife, but all her five attempts were unsuccessful. She even switched the phone off on her. We were lucky to have heard from his manager, who is now our point of contact there,” he said on Onua TV.
As it stands now, it is not clear when and how the body of the late striker will be brought to Ghana for burial and funeral rites.
Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC), Nana Akomea, has advised Alan Kyerematen, who has recently resigned from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to focus on his solo mission and refrain from making unnecessary comments about the NPP and its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Nana Akomea, who is also a member of the NPP’s communications team, made this statement on Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo” on November 15, 2023. He was responding to criticisms from Alan Kyerematen directed at Dr Bawumia, who was elected as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 polls on November 4, 2023.
Alan Kyerematen, during an event organised by his ‘Movement for Change’ team in the Ashanti Region, asserted that there was no distinction between the Presidency and the Vice Presidency, implying that Dr Bawumia had nothing new to offer Ghanaians.
Nana Akomea described Alan Kyerematen’s remarks as “blows” that were unnecessary and could provoke retaliation from the NPP. He said that Alan Kyerematen should respect his decision to go solo and leave the NPP and Dr Bawumia alone.
“If you have decided to go solo, it’s okay. Nobody stopped you, though we wished you would come back to us. But these blows you are throwing at the NPP are unnecessary; if you do that, then someone also would have to respond to you, and it will look like we are also hitting at you. We don’t want that, so we plead with him to stop it,” Nana Akomea said.
He also urged Alan Kyerematen to communicate his message and vision for Ghanaians through his movement, rather than attacking the NPP and Dr Bawumia.
“We plead with him to focus on his activities. He should concentrate on his message and vision for Ghanaians…He should leave the NPP and our flagbearer alone so that we don’t also retaliate in like manner. He should do his campaign in peace,” Nana Akomea added.
Alan Kyerematen, who was initially part of the NPP contest, resigned from the party after placing third in a super delegates election held to reduce the number of contenders from 10 to five.
He accused the party’s leadership of manipulating the electoral process in favour of the vice president. He then formed his own movement, which he said was aimed at bringing change to Ghana.
Ghanaian media personality and mental health advocate, Abena Korkor, recently disclosed on her Twitter account that she identifies as bisexual, emphasizing that there is no shame in being one.
This revelation, made on October 11, 2023, followed a tweet by Nigerian news blog YabaLeftOnline regarding allegations made by Will Smith’s former assistant, Brother Bilaal, about an incident involving Will Smith and Duane Martin.
In her tweet, Abena Korkor stated, “There is no shame in being a bisexual. I am one.”
Abena Korkor, formerly a co-host of TV3’s Ladies Circle, known for providing a platform for women to discuss their challenges, faced dismissal from the media organization in June 2023 after sharing a video of herself in lingerie on social media.
As a mental health advocate diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Abena Korkor has been outspoken about her condition and its impact on her life. She has also been involved in various controversies, including leaking a list of men she allegedly had encounters with and sharing explicit content online.
Abena Korkor’s announcement of her bisexuality coincides with Ghana’s consideration of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Proposed by eight MPs in June 2023 and garnering unanimous support in Parliament, the bill aims to impose restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, criminalizing advocacy, promotion, funding, and acts of homosexuality, with penalties ranging from six months to ten years of imprisonment.
The bill also seeks to prohibit trans healthcare, the formation of LGBTQ+ groups, sponsorship of LGBTQ+ activities, teaching LGBTQ+ issues in schools, and adoption and fostering by LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, it grants the government the authority to extradite individuals convicted under the bill.
This proposed legislation has faced widespread criticism from human rights groups, civil society organizations, religious bodies, celebrities, and foreign diplomats, who argue that it is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and violates international law. Concerns have also been raised about its potential to fuel violence, stigma, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and undermine efforts against HIV and AIDS.
Abena Korkor has not yet addressed the implications of her revelation considering the anti-lqbtq bill. Her disclosure has elicited mixed reactions from followers and fans.
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Okaikoi North constituency, Victor Ofori, has criticised Oheneba Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, the current MP for Akropong Constituency, for her decision to switch constituencies and contest in Okaikoi North.
Ofori expressed his disapproval, deeming the move an insult to the constituents of Okaikoi North. He accused the lawmaker of selfishness, asserting that her decision to abandon her current constituency, where she holds the position of MP, and vie for a new seat was inappropriate.
In an interview with Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM’s Frontline, Ofori stated, “She is greedy and self-centred. I say this because she is a sitting MP in a constituency, and she has decided to leave her constituency and run for another simply because there is too much competition.”
Ofori raised concerns about the lack of support for Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei within the NPP, claiming that many party delegates do not want her as the parliamentary candidate.
“She doesn’t respect us as constituents,” he added. “You are a member of Parliament who is leaving your constituency. You’re afraid of losing in your constituency’s primary, so you’ve decided to run in Okaikoi North. That is offensive, and I want the delegates to punish her. She sees our consistency as a dump site, so when she sweeps, she dumps it here.”
Ofori vowed to continue exposing what he perceives as her greediness and lack of faithfulness. He also mentioned other party members, stating, “We will continue to expose her for how greedy she is. She is not faithful. We only know of Ken Kuranchies. Afia Akoto is also not faithful, and Kofi Nyarko is also not faithful.”
Charles Bissue’s wife Nana Ama Dokua is greedy and selfish, can’t be trusted – NPP man#INDViral Abena | Mr Ibu | Finance Minister | Sarkodie | La General Hospital | Mr Eazi | Wrong Ex pic.twitter.com/b82uosaYJZ
Renowned historian and lawyer, Anokye Frimpong, has challenged recent assertions by Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, claiming that the Dormaa Stool predates the Ashanti Stool by centuries.
In an interview with GhanaWeb, Frimpong reportedly disputed the Dormaahene’s claim, deeming it incorrect and challenging to defend. He is quoted to have said, “If anybody says that the Dormaa Stool existed long before the Ashanti Stool, I believe that it is not easy to accept it, it is not correct.”
Frimpong delved into historical accounts, tracing the emergence of both stools and highlighting two significant wars between the Ashantis and the Dormaas. He emphasised that the Dormaas won the first war, only to be defeated later by Asanteman under Osei Tutu I. This defeat compelled the Dormaas to relocate from present-day Suntreso to Gyaaman in present-day Ivory Coast.
The controversy arose when Dormaahene responded to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s assertion that it took an Asantehene to elevate the Dormaa stool to paramountcy. Dismissing this claim, Dormaahene insisted that the Dormaa stool had existed for centuries before the Ashanti stool, making it impossible for an Asantehene to elevate the then Dormaahene to a paramount chief.
Addressing the issue’s significance, Dormaahene stated, “I would speak to this issue because if I don’t, I would not be able to sleep… most people think that I am the one who causes the issue (between myself and the Asantehene). Some are even saying that if I don’t take time, I might cause a war.”
Dormaahene clarified that correcting history should not be construed as an act of aggression. He emphasised, “I want to place it on record with any contradiction that the stool of the people of Aduana in Dormaa existed 300 years before that of the Ashantis was established. So if there is to be an elevation, is it not us who are to elevate them?”
He said his respect for Ashantis but maintained his commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies, stating, “I mean no disrespect to the Ashantis, but if their leader continuously makes incorrect claims about the people of Dormaa, I will respond.”
Assistant Superintendent of the Ghana Police Service and practicing lawyer, Akolgo Yakubu Ayamga, found himself detained by the Supreme Court for contemptuous behaviour during court proceedings.
The incident occurred on November 14, 2023, following Ayamga’s vocal objection to the dismissal of his application.
Expressing visible displeasure, Ayamga directed his outburst at the Supreme Court bench, including Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. This display of contempt prompted his immediate arrest and detention, with the Chief Justice ordering his removal from the courtroom.
Ayamga’s emotional response stemmed from the dismissal of his application and the imposition of a GH¢10,000 cost against his side. Subsequently, he was escorted to a detention room to await trial for his actions.
Efforts from senior members of the legal community, including Addo Attuah and Dr. Bassit Bamba, aimed at securing clemency for Ayamga were made. Despite their pleas, the Chief Justice, referencing a prior incident at the Takoradi High Court, expressed concern over Ayamga’s conduct. The Chief Justice underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism and ethical standards in the courtroom.
Justice Pwamang advised Ayamga on the inappropriateness of aggression in a courtroom, urging adherence to legal rules.
In response to pleas for mercy, the Chief Justice decided to discharge Ayamga, cautioning him against future misconduct. Addo Attuah, acknowledging Ayamga’s learning curve, stressed leniency, citing Ayamga’s ongoing navigation of the complexities of legal ethics.
Contrasting opinions emerged within the bench, with Justice Kulendi seizing the moment to deliver a brief lecture on effective advocacy.
Drawing a humorous analogy, he likened it to the art of wooing a woman, asserting that courts are swayed by persuasion, not aggression. Laughter ensued from both the gallery and the bench.
Health Minister Agyemang Manu has advocated for the demolition of multiple health facilities lacking structural integrity, citing a potential risk to lives.
During his appearance before Parliament on Tuesday, November 14, to address questions concerning the delayed works on the La General Hospital, the Minister expressed the necessity for the demolition of several hospitals in the country due to insufficient funds for reconstruction.
Mr. Agyemang Manu highlighted specific facilities such as the Elmina Polyclinic, the Korle-Bu surgical block, and the Akyem Oda Government Hospital that require leveling and subsequent reconstruction.
He acknowledged the financial constraints hindering immediate action, stating, “When you don’t have adequate funding, you can’t do everything at a go. Salt pond, Elmina, Oda, Korle Bu (surgical block), we need to pull down all these facilities and rebuild them.”
Updating the Parliament on various projects, the Minister disclosed the suspension of work on the Komfo Anokye Maternity block due to insufficient funds. He emphasized that the La General Hospital is not the sole facility facing demolition, mentioning the already-demolished Komfo Anokye Maternity Block.
Regarding the stalled work on the La General Hospital, demolished in July 2020, Minister Agyemang Manu assured the government’s commitment to its reconstruction. He acknowledged the funding challenges, explaining the suspension of work on the Korle Bu Maternity block in light of the La General Hospital situation.
In response to concerns about the La General Hospital’s delayed reconstruction, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu attributed the delay to funds being withheld by the sponsors following Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He mentioned that until Ghana receives a clean bill of health from the IMF, funding will likely remain withheld, leading to a potential downsizing of the project within the context of Agenda 111.
Chairman of the Greater Accra caucus of the Minority, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, threatened a demonstration if funding for the La General Hospital was not included in the 2024 budget. In a subsequent update, Minister Agyemang Manu disclosed that the Finance Ministry had secured €50 million in local funding for the reconstruction.
However, Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, questioned the Minister’s transparency, asking for the source of the funding. He also raised concerns about the contractors’ confidence, highlighting that their request for funds before returning to the site indicates a lack of trust in the government’s assurances.
Muntaka expressed doubt about the government’s intention to reconstruct the La General Hospital, suggesting it was demolished for political reasons, specifically to win the 2020 general election. He criticized the Minister for the delayed value-for-money audit and questioned the lack of due diligence on the banks involved in the funding syndicate.
Concluding his submission, Muntaka urged the Health Minister to be transparent about the challenges faced, cautioning against raising false hopes without certainty.
Ghanaian media personality Deloris Frimpong Manso, widely known as Delay, continues to make waves in the business world, as she officially introduces her latest venture, “Delay Bread,” today.
The culmination of months of planning and preparation, the launch took place amid a buzz of excitement, marking another significant addition to Delay’s expanding business empire.
Delay had in 2022, hinted about this vision during her appearance at the “Youth Experience 2022” event in Kumasi on October 30, where she shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey.
Delay, recognized for her diverse business ventures, including Delay Mackerel, Sardines, and Spaghetti, Shito, Tomato Paste, revealed a dream that inspired her latest venture—the bakery business.
In her characteristic low-profile manner, Delay emphasized the importance of hard work and discouraged the celebrity culture that pressures young individuals for overnight success.
Delay, a seasoned TV and radio presenter, public speaker, and women’s advocate, began her broadcasting career at the age of 17. Over the years, she has evolved into a serial entrepreneur, managing a television production company, Maxgringo Productions, responsible for hits like the Delay Show, Afia Schwarzenegger, and Cocoa Brown.
In recognition of her efforts, Delay received the Women Empowerment Award at the 3G Awards in New York in 2018. Her commitment to empowering women extends beyond media, as she engages in public speaking, sharing her experiences to motivate the youth and women to excel in life.
The Delay Show, known for its controversial nature, stands as a testament to her influence in the Ghanaian media scene. As an executive producer of Cocoa Brown and Afia Schwarzenegger TV series, Delay continues to shape the narrative of her rise in the industry.
As the first batches of Delay Bread hit the shelves, the response from consumers and industry observers is eagerly awaited. The launch marks not only a milestone for Delay but also an exciting chapter in the evolution of her business empire.
Founder, and leader of Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Prophet Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom, popularly known as Opambour, has strongly criticized the Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II for his recent attacks on the Ashanti kingdom and its ruler, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Opambour asserted that the status of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as a ‘king’ is unquestionable, as his throne surpasses any other traditional ruler in the country.
He dismissed arguments challenging Otumfuo’s supremacy and pointed to Otumfuo’s invitation by King Charles III during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral as evidence of his elevated status.
Speaking on Prophet 1 TV, Opambour advised Dormaahene to cease his criticisms of Otumfuo, emphasizing the difference in their respective positions of kingship. Opambour even suggested that the Dormaahene should ‘shut up’ regarding his critiques.
“Was he invited by King Charles during the Queen’s funeral? Dormaahene should stop doing that. We don’t want this to continue. Whatever Otumfuo’s state is, we like it, so he should shut up,” exclaimed Opambour.
Opambour highlighted Otumfuo’s unique privilege at the late Queen’s funeral, stating, “When King Charles’s mother died, Otumfuo was allowed to enter the palace with his convoy while presidents were denied such privilege.”
📌His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has received the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III to attend the events marking the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.#Opemsuoradio#opemsuo1047pic.twitter.com/gxlFenGnzU
The Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeayo Agyeman Badu II, had in a recent interview with Ghanaweb, stated that there is “no King in Ghana” as the 1992 constitution does not make any reference to that title.
He also cautioned chiefs under the Dormaa jurisdiction against paying allegiance to any paramountcy aside from the one that granted them their throne.
These remarks, alongside numerous other anti-Otumfuo comments from Dormaahene, have ignited widespread debates regarding the extent of Asantehene’s authority and his influence over subordinate stools within the Kingdom.
The ongoing discourse delves into the intricacies of traditional hierarchies, raising questions about the dynamics of power and allegiance within the Ashanti Kingdom.
The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed a case filed by Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, the editor of the Daily Searchlight newspaper, challenging former President John Dramani Mahama‘s eligibility to run for president.
The court reportedly asserted that Kuranchie needs to acquire a solid legal mentor and properly learn his under their guidance.
In June 2023, Kuranchie initiated the legal action against the former president, contesting his eligibility for a presidential run. In his writ, he sought a clear interpretation of Article 66 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, specifically outlining the presidential term as four years.
Kuranchie argued that, according to the correct interpretation of Article 62, a former president of Ghana is not qualified to seek re-election. He urged the court to prevent John Mahama from pursuing his presidential ambitions.
In response, John Mahama submitted a motion to the Supreme Court on September 25, 2023, seeking the dismissal of Kuranchie’s writ of summons filed on June 12, 2023, citing technicalities.
In a ruling on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the Supreme Court rejected the suit, affirming that John Dramani Mahama is eligible to participate in the 2024 General Elections. The court’s decision clears the way for Mahama’s presidential bid.
Just in: The Supreme Court has admonished Editor of the Daily Searchlights Newspaper Ken Kuranchie to find a master and learn his legal trade under his feet after his writ against former President John Dramani Mahama was struck out as being “defective.”
Amidst the ongoing debate on whether there are kings in Ghana, former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has identified five paramount chiefs in Ghana whom he considers as kings.
Speaking in a recent radio interview shared on Dadzie Multimedia Facebook page, Boahen stated, “In my view, Anlo has a king, this is my little history and knowledge. Ashanti has a king, Yagbonwura, Nayiri and Ya Naa; these five are kings and I am not disputing that whoever else is not a king.”
Boahen made these remarks while discussing a fundraiser by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II known as the ‘Heal Komfo Anokye Project,’ aimed at raising US$10 million to renovate the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi. He commended Otumfuo for his initiative, emphasizing the positive impact of traditional leaders championing such causes.
“When these leaders step in, the political divide unites… it is good that these traditional leaders join in,” he stressed. Boahen suggested that other paramount chiefs, such as Yagbonwura, Nayiri, and Ya Naa, could follow Otumfuo’s example by initiating similar projects for hospitals in their respective areas.
On the issue of traditional authorities playing a role in protecting public infrastructure, Boahen defended his view, stating, “Ghanaians are tired of politicians because they use projects and issues to campaign and deploy contractors and communicators for parochial interests.”
In contrast, lawyer and historian Yaw Anokye Frimpong, in a recent interview with GhanaWeb, argued against considering Otumfuo a king in the strict sense. According to Frimpong, the terms “kingdom” and “king” are not present in Ghana’s chieftaincy laws and regulations. He emphasized that the Asantehene is subject to the laws of the country and does not have the authority of a traditional king with a separate parliament, judiciary, and executive.
Frimpong acknowledged Otumfuo as a “super paramount chief” with unique powers, such as being the kingmaker of all the stools under his jurisdiction in Ashanti land. Despite this, he clarified that Otumfuo is not the head of state of Ghana, and his powers do not extend beyond the frontiers of the Ashanti land.
In the realm of colours and shapes, Ghanaian visual artist Amoako Boafo is leaving an indelible mark, captivating all who encounter his works. Imagine this – he recently pocketed a whopping $252,000, roughly GHC3m, from selling just one of his mind-blowing artworks!
But hold on, there’s more to this artistic prodigy than meets the eye. Amoako Boafo isn’t your typical interviewee. At less than 40 years old, his canvases have graced the galleries of mega-dealer Larry Gagosian, who’s declared him “the future of portraiture.”
Can you believe it? The superhero sketches from his childhood drawing battles are now evolving into million-dollar masterpieces!
From competing with pals over superhero sketches to rubbing shoulders with art giants, Boafo’s journey is nothing short of a Ghallywood plot.
Growing up in the streets of Accra, Ghana, he went from supporting his mum and grandma to having his fingertip-painted portraits fetching seven figures at auctions.
Oh, and did we mention that he’s one of the first artists to send his work to space on Jeff Bezos’s rocket? Talk about reaching for the stars!
Image credit: ARTnews
Born in 1984, Boafo is a self-taught maestro who started painting while his mum was away cooking up a storm in the kitchen. But it’s not all paint and canvas for Boafo; he hustled as a semi-pro tennis player before someone angelically offered to pay his art school fees. And guess what? He graduated at the top of his class in 2008, clinching the title of Best Portrait Painter of the Year!
Fast forward to 2018, and the art master decided to bless Boafo. His paintings, discovered on Instagram by none other than Kehinde Wiley (the guy who painted Obama!), catapulted him into the international art scene. Boafo went from selling his pictures for peanuts in Ghana to having buyers throw crazy amounts at his artwork at auctions.
A look from DIOR MEN’S SUMMER 2021 LOOKBOOK inspired by Amoako Boafo’s works, photographed by JACKIE NICKERSONAmoako Boafo earned recognition as one of Time Magazine’s 100 emerging leaders in 2021, featured in the annual TIME100 Next 2021 list.A look from DIOR MEN’S SUMMER 2021 LOOKBOOK inspired by Amoako Boafo’s works, photographed by JACKIE NICKERSON
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, everyone suddenly realized they were missing out on Boafo’s brilliance. Museums and collectors raced to fill the void, and the price tags on Boafo’s works soared to £2.5m – cha-ching!
But here’s the scoop – Boafo is more into painting than talking about it. “I paint because I love to create,” he says. And guess what’s stressing him out? Anything that drags him away from his studio. Tennis, on the other hand, that’s just pure excitement!
And hey, if you’re in Accra, swing by Gallery 1957 – owned by Marwan Zahkem, the cool cat who snagged one of Boafo’s early pieces.
Boafo’s self-portrait is stealing the show, signed “Amoako Boafo King.” Rumor has it, he uses “King” either as his nickname or because, well, he’s the king of the art scene!
So, there you have it – Amoako Boafo, the guy turning space into an art gallery and turning canvas into cash. Keep your eyes on this paint-splattered shooting star because he’s just getting started! #GhanatotheWorld
