A recent public gathering buzzed with unexpected delight as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addoand the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, were caught in a warm, humorous exchange.
The scene, quite rare in the usually formal and high-tension political atmosphere, unfolded at an event spearheaded by the National Service Scheme (NSS) in, Accra.
The camaraderie shared by the two stalwarts, recognised respectively as the most and third most influential political figures in Ghana, was palpable.
A video circulated by Starr FM, alongside other media houses, captured the heartening moment. It showcased President Akufo-Addo and Speaker Bagbin sharing pleasantries, their conversation soon dissolving into hearty laughter. Bagbin, particularly tickled by the jovial banter, was seen covering his face with his hands, unable to contain his mirth.
This light-hearted interaction sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with netizens diving into speculation and commentary. The video served as a poignant reminder of the personal rapport often shared by top-tier politicians, a stark contrast to the fierce loyalty and occasional hostility demonstrated by grassroots party members.
Reflecting on their trajectories, both President Akufo-Addoand Speaker Bagbin have trodden similar paths, each boasting impressive careers as trained lawyers, former parliamentarians, and ministers of state.
Their shared experiences, no doubt, form part of the rich tapestry of their friendship, seen so clearly in their public exchanges.
However, as all political careers are in perpetual motion, these influential figures are approaching significant crossroads. President Akufo-Addo is set to bid farewell to his presidential role in 2025, leaving the political stage open to fresh faces. Similarly, Bagbin’s own future hangs in the balance, with the post-2025 landscape set to determine whether he will retain his speakership or diverge onto a new path.
The viral clip, meanwhile, continues to fuel curiosity and light-hearted conjecture among Ghanaians online. “What could they be talking about?” remains the question on everyone’s lips, a gentle reminder of the human aspect often overshadowed in the political arena.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) aspirant for the presidential candidacy, Kennedy Agyapong, has slammed the Akufo-Addo government’s Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) programme for its paltry GH¢700 stipend paid to trainees.
His comments, made during a Skyy Power FM interview on October 13, 2023, highlighted concerns over the stark disparities in income and the impermanent nature of positions under the programme.
Mr Agyapong underscored the incongruity by comparing the earnings of his personal driver, who makes a robust GH¢5,000 monthly, with those of NABCO personnel, some of whom hold university degrees. “It’s a shame,” he stressed, pointing out the unfairness in professionals earning GH¢700 while individuals without tertiary education could command salaries of GH¢3,000 to GH¢5,000.
“…even my driver I pay him GH¢ 5,000 cedis a month, and someone who has completed a university, you give the person 700 cedis a month, and you are saying you have created job, so we should clap for you? It’s a shame, because someone who has completed university is taking GH¢700 cedis and those who did not go to school are getting GH¢3,000, GH¢5,000,” he is quoted to have said.
Mr Agyapongwent to beyond mere criticism and rallied for a chance to steer the nation towards rectifying these imbalances.
He implored party delegates to envision a future where permanent, well-paying jobs are the norm, not the exception. “Vote for someone who will be able to give you a permanent job and not NABCO,” he urged, dismissing the temporary solution that NABCO represents.
Agyapong, promising transformative change, declared, “The kind of jobs I am coming to create has nothing to do with NABCO.” He identified unemployment as Ghana’s paramount challenge and expressed his commitment to inaugurating businesses to combat this issue, ensuring dignity and adequate compensation for Ghanaian workers.
The outspoken aspirant is in the running for the NPP’s flagbearership, alongside notable figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
With the party’s decision looming on November 4, 2023, to select a successor for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Agyapong’s fervent plea highlights the critical socioeconomic issues at the forefront of the political discourse.
Ghanaian highlife sensation and prolific songwriter, Akwaboah, has taken to social media to voice his concerns about the overwhelming presence of advertisements for male sexual enhancers on television.
In a lively Instagram video, the “Posti Me” singer candidly shared his disapproval of this advertising trend, suggesting that it paints an unproductive image of the Black race.
“Ghana, what’s the issue? I was here, making plans for my upcoming ‘Lighthouse’ album. I was feeling a bit tired, so I decided to kick back and watch some TV to unwind. To my surprise, every channel I tuned into seemed to be promoting sexual enhancement medicines,” Akwaboah exclaimed with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
“It’s all about ‘take this pill, and you’ll perform like a champion.’ Now, I have to ask, are all Ghanaian men in need of a boost? Does this mean that, we’ve lost touch with productive conversations, focusing solely on matters of the bedroom in Africa?”
Akwaboah’s concern extends beyond advertisements, as he seeks to encourage broader topics of discussion. “When will we shift our focus to financial empowerment and spiritual growth? It’s high time we changed the narrative. Sex shouldn’t be the only thing on our minds,” he insisted with a hint of exasperation.
Akwaboah’s engaging video prompted a flurry of comments from his followers, reflecting diverse opinions on the matter.
Missofoo: Oooh apart from that ones, you didn’t come across, “fa 100.00 begye 300 million” no bi eerrhh??? Ns3mhunu nkoaaaaaa oooo😂😂
Mcmrhollywood: The atopa news is more than preaching the word of God. Hmmm sad ooo
Cee Kwarteng: The men want it big, the women tight so how are we going to push a big one in a tight corner, If this is not madness then I don’t know.
Victoria Arthur: I guess that’s the only source of entertainment most men understand.
A retired military officer and security analyst, Col. Festus Aboagye, has alleged that there is a political agenda to remove the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, from his position.
Col. Aboagye made this claim based on the way the ad hoc committee appointed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to probe some leaked audio tapes involving the IGP, is conducting its investigations.
He told TV3 that the committee seems to have expanded its scope beyond its original terms of reference, which was to verify the authenticity of the leaked audio and video materials and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot to get rid of the IGP by some persons in police uniform and some civilians.
“I have been of the view that there is some empirical evidence that there is a bigger political agenda to remove the IGP from office.
“That is, more or less, evidenced in the approach that the committee has adopted which appears to widen the scope beyond its original terms of reference of first of all, authenticating the leaked audio/video material and investigating the circumstances surrounding the plot to remove the IGP from office by some persons still in uniform of the police service and one or two others who are civilians,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the IGP’s lead lawyer, Kwame Gyan, has expressed concerns about the proceedings of the hearings, accusing the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, of being biased.
The Abuakwa South MP, however, dismissed those accusations, saying that he was disappointed that anyone could think that he was not fair in his handling of the committee hearings.
“It is very disappointing for anybody to say I am biased. On the contrary, the generality of Ghanaians believe that I have steered the affairs of the committee well. If anybody is having jitters, that I am going to manufacture evidence against the IGP, it does not accord with common sense. Because what we are doing here is being recorded, so, Atta Akyea with whatever dexterity will not be able to improve upon the evidence,” he told journalists after an in-camera hearing by the committee on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Relatives of Georgina Asor Botchwey, who was brutally killed for money rituals on September 9, 2022, at Mankessim in the Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, have expressed dissatisfaction with how well the alleged murderers of their loved one look after a year in police custody.
Christopher Ekow Quansah Clark (the first accused), also known as ‘Nana Clark’ and his accomplice, Pastor Michael Darko, have been in police custody since Monday, September 19, 2022, after a thorough investigation revealed that Jonathan Obeng (the third accused) had dug the pit where the deceased was buried.
The family raised this concern after the alleged killers appeared before the Cape Coast District Court 1 on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, presided over by Her Worship Anita Sheila Serwah Crabbe.
The case was initially handled by Her Worship Bernice Mensima Ackon of the Cape Coast District Court 2, who was later replaced by His Worship Eric Oheneba Boasiako after her transfer a few months later.
In an interview with the media after the court proceedings, an uncle of the deceased, Papa Annan Swanzy, said he was astonished by how the alleged killers of his niece looked healthy and comfortable amid the tension surrounding their actions.
The uncle of the deceased also wondered if the accused persons were really in police custody, since the bereaved family had not been informed of the exact cells where the alleged killers were being held.
Papa Swanzy, however, assured the public that the family was determined to pursue the case to the end; hence, there was no need for anyone to worry about an unfair trial.
The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, October 24, 2023, as court proceedings indicated that the trial had reached its committal stage and preparations were underway to transfer it to the High Court after obtaining the Attorney General’s advice on the case to free Jonathan Obeng (the third accused) after findings proved him innocent of Asor Botchwey’s murder.
Background
The deceased, Georgina Asor Botchwey, lived at Yeji in the Bono East Region. She was an applicant seeking admission to the Ankaful Psychiatric Nursing School in the Central Region.
She arrived in Cape Coast on September 8, 2022.
Upon arrival, she called Pastor Michael Darko and told him about her presence in the region and what she had come to do.
Michael Darko, a self-proclaimed pastor and boyfriend of the elder sister of the deceased, told her he would pick her up after her interview with the Nursing School.
They met at the Ankaful Psychiatric Nursing School and took the deceased in a taxi to Pedu junction in Cape Coast where Christopher Ekow Clark Quansah (Nana Clark), the Tufuhene of Ekumfi Akwaakrom and a Trader had parked his Benz Car with registration number GT 8686-C.
The chief drove to Akwaakrom, took the deceased’s iPhone and locked her in a room.
The accused person went to Asikafo Ambantem, a suburb of Mankessim where they had dug a hole in an unfinished storey building belonging to the chief.
They went back for the deceased and took her to Asikafo Ambantem.
On September 9, 2022, around midday, the chief and the pastor murdered the deceased for money rituals.
The chief allegedly clubbed the deceased until she fell down.
The pastor allegedly strangled the deceased until she died.
They cut off the hair of the deceased after killing her and left the unfinished storey building around 2 am.
A complaint was lodged with the police by Alfred Duodu, a brother of the deceased.
The police gathered intelligence and started looking for the accused persons and on September 19, they arrested the pastor at Anomabo where he confessed to his crime.
He then led them to where they had buried the deceased leading to exhumation of her body.
The police further gathered intelligence which led to arrest of Tufuhene at his hideout in Ekumfi Akwaakrom.
He also confessed to his crime and said they did that for money rituals.
The accused were arraigned before Cape Coast District Court 2 presided over by Her Wordship Bernice Mensima Ackon.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit murder; and murder contrary to section 46 of Criminal and Other Offences Act ,1980 ,Act 29 .
Their plea was not taken. The facts and charges were read to them in Fante and Twi .
The prosecutor ,DSP Daniel Gadzo ,pleaded with court to give them some time to conclude their investigations.
Nollywood sensation Ronke Ojo, known for her remarkable acting skills, has opened up about her whirlwind romance that spanned a decade but barely survived a year of marriage!
In a jaw-dropping revelation, Ronke Ojo spilled the beans on her love life in an exclusive interview with Biola Bayo. The actress, revealed that she and her now-estranged husband enjoyed a whopping ten years of dating before they decided to tie the knot. That’s a decade, people! But wait for it – their marriage didn’t even make it to its first anniversary. What in the world happened?
According to Ronke, her ex-husband was, in her own words, “a nice person but isn’t a husband material.” Ouch! That’s got to hurt. But hold on, there’s more.
In a plot twist that could only happen in the world of celebrity love affairs, Ronke disclosed that after their initial separation in 2012, she found herself back in his arms the following year. Why, you ask? Well, there was a bun in the oven – a pregnancy that led her to reconsider her choices.
But don’t think for a second that this story is all about rainbows and butterflies. Ronke revealed the real reason behind their rollercoaster relationship – her ex-husband’s womanizing ways!
“We dated for almost a decade, and he was womanizing. When we got married, our marriage didn’t last up to a year. It was that bad,” she exclaimed.
Ronke, in her characteristic style, threw in a hilarious nugget – her ex-husband’s nagging habit. She cheekily pointed out, “there is a difference between a man without money and a man who doesn’t care.”
Ronke Ojo’s candid revelations have us in stitches, and we can’t help but applaud her for sharing her hilarious love story with the world. This Nollywood star has definitely had her fair share of romance adventures, and she’s not afraid to spill the tea!
So, folks, buckle up and get ready for more laughter, drama, and shocking twists because Ronke Ojo’s love life is a rollercoaster we can’t look away from. Stay tuned for more entertaining updates from the world of showbiz, brought to you by your favorite entertainment channel!
As the shockwaves from Hamas‘ unexpected strike on Israel reverberate, concerns are mounting over potential disruptions to the global supply of vital nutrients crucial for food cultivation.
The Port of Ashdod in Israel, strategically located just north of Gaza, plays an indispensable role in the country’s potash fertiliser exports. Due to the escalating conflict, the port has been plunged into emergency measures. This scenario, according to Ben Isaacson, an analyst at Scotiabank, threatens to compromise a significant 3% of the world’s potash supply.
The plot thickens with the looming shadow of Iran, a pivotal nitrogen exporter in the vicinity. Should Iran become embroiled in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the ramifications on the global nutrient market could be dire. Isaacson warns of a potential surge in prices for the crucial nutrient required for grain cultivation.
This spike could be a result of diminished supply coupled with surging premiums in Dutch TTF natural gas, an essential ingredient for producing nitrogen-based fertilisers.
In response to these geopolitical tremors, shares in leading fertiliser manufacturers have soared. Nutrien Ltd., a titan in the potash industry, saw its shares ascend by a notable 4.2%, marking its highest surge since last July.
Similarly, CF Industries Holdings Inc., a foremost nitrogen manufacturer, experienced a robust 6.2% increase, its most substantial monthly jump. Mosaic Co. wasn’t left behind, registering a 6.7% rise, its most significant intraday boost in nearly a year.
This year had witnessed a moderation in global fertiliser prices, offering a respite from the spikes of 2022, attributed to supply disruptions resulting from the Ukrainian conflict.
However, the situation could become graver if Iran, feeling the pull of the conflict, intervenes. The vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a staggering third of globally traded liquefied natural gas flows, could become a strategic chokepoint. Isaacson underscores the historical precedent of Tehran threatening its closure.
Already, experts like Alexis Maxwell of Bloomberg Intelligence had forecasted firmer nitrogen prices later this year, due to a nearly 10% swell in European natural gas prices spurred by a pipeline leakage in the Baltic.
Some customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Accra have expressed their frustration and anger over the challenges they face in purchasing electricity for their prepaid meters.
They claim that they have been debited without receiving credits, or that their meters have malfunctioned, leaving them in darkness for days.
The ECG issued a statement on October 9th 2023, acknowledging that there was a technical problem with the NURI KAMSTRUP prepayment system, which affected some of its customers. The statement assured the affected customers that the ECG team was working hard to fix the issue and restore normal service provision. The statement also apologised for the inconvenience caused by the glitch.
However, some customers who spoke to The Independent Ghana said that the statement was not enough and that they wanted a swift and permanent solution to the problem. They also demanded compensation for the losses they incurred due to the power outage.
One of the customers, Emmanuel Karlu, said that he bought ECG credits from the ECG office on Dome Kwabenya road on Friday, October 6, 2023, but when he returned home, he found out that his electricity supply had not been restored. He said that he got an error message on his meter when he inserted his card. He said that he went back to the ECG office several times, but he did not get any satisfactory assistance. He said that he had lost perishable food items in his refrigerator due to the lack of power.
Another customer, Doris Konadu, said that she purchased ECG credits online last week and received a confirmation message, but she had been sleeping in darkness ever since. She said that she followed up with the ECG office, but she was told that her meter was old and needed to be replaced. She said that she felt cheated and neglected by the ECG.
Some customers also took to social media platforms such as Twitter to vent their frustration and dissatisfaction with the ECG service. They complained that the ECG mobile app was not working and that the ECG vendors were also saying that the network was down. They wondered why everything in Ghana was so bad and called for accountability and transparency from the ECG management.
The ECG has not yet given any further explanation or update on the situation or how long it will take to resolve it.
Over 40 percent of grains available in local markets have been found to contain dangerous levels of aflatoxin contamination, according to recent reports.
Aflatoxins, harmful compounds produced by certain molds, are posing a significant threat to both public health and theagricultural sector in Ghana.
Aflatoxin contamination becomes a cause for concern when levels exceed 20 percent concentration in grains. Shockingly, grains sold locally have been discovered to contain double or even higher percentages of these toxins.
Aflatoxins are known human carcinogens, with the potential to cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, and acute liver injury. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health complications such as growth retardation, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
The contamination of grains not only jeopardizes the health of consumers but also has far-reaching economic implications. Many companies and manufacturers, reliant on grains as raw materials, prefer to import them due to the high aflatoxin levels in local products. For example, aflatoxins are responsible for approximately 18 percent of maize production losses in the country, translating to about 319,000 tonnes annually.
The absence of quality testing standards, a lack of premium value on grains with low aflatoxin levels, and suboptimal storage practices contribute to this dire situation.
In response to this pressing issue, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has partnered with the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), the Ghana Standards Authority, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Agriculture at the University of Ghana.
With financial support from the Korea Africa Economic Cooperation Fund (KOAFEC), they have launched a national program aimed at educating and raising awareness among stakeholders in the agriculture value chain about aflatoxins.
Senior Research Economist at AfDB, Francis H. Kemeze, stressed the project’s importance in promoting investments in grain quality enhancement and ensuring the consumption of safe and healthy food. He emphasized the need for rules, grades, and certification in African grain markets to facilitate transactions in the era of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and to establish a commodity exchange.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, acknowledged the severe threat aflatoxin contamination poses to health and livelihoods. He expressed excitement about the initiative’s potential to establish standards and ensure the sustainability of grain production.
Eradicating this problem will require comprehensive measures, ranging from land preparation and planting to harvesting, post-harvest treatment, storage, and processing.
Dean of the Department of Agriculture at the University of Ghana, Prof. Irene Susana Egyir, outlined key components of the program, including training and sensitization of farmers, market women, grain product traders, food sellers, and consumers in rural and urban areas.
As part of this initiative, laboratories for testing aflatoxins will be established in farming communities to ensure that products meet safety standards before entering the market. This collaborative effort aims to create a safer and more sustainable grain industry in Ghana, improving both public health and economic prospects for all stakeholders.
Visually impaired political activist, Duodu Bulgaria, has voiced his unwavering support for Bawumia over Ken, citing the need for peace and inclusivity as his primary motivators.
Duodu Bulgaria’s impassioned words centred on his desire for a leader who would foster unity and peace.
“I am a disabled man, so I want a president who will let me have my peace. Even without money, if I have peace, I am content. I don’t want a president who will introduce conflict into the country,” he began.
This was a subtle swipe at the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who is also contesting the flagbearer position of the New Patriotic Party alongside Bawumia.
Kennedy Agyapong in 2012 reportedly “declared war on all Ewes and Gas living in the Ashanti region, and that the NPP activists in the region should attack Ewes with machetes and cutlasses”, according to a report by The True Statesman.
Bulgaria, attempting to elevate Dr Bawumia, took a jab at this alleged utterance by Kennedy in the past and based his preference for Bawumia on several factors, including the latter’s knack for peace.
“13th April 2012, did you not hear about the Assin Central MP who wants to be president saying we should kill all GAs and Ewes? Am I the one putting words in his mouth? Did he not say that at his radio station? If someone tells you something as an adult, and if someone from elsewhere comes to relay something, won’t you verify it? You just go with the information and repeat it everywhere? But, let’s say what the person said is true? Does that call for the killing of a whole tribe?,” he questioned.
Duodu Bulgaria’s impassioned speech centred on his desire for a leader who would foster unity and peace.
“Dr Bawumia told me that when he comes to power, the NIA will collect the data of PWDs who are unemployed to help them receive some allowances every month. I strongly believe him. There is no one in this world I trust more than Bawumia. The whole world. He is an honest person,” Duodu explained.
When the host questioned the blind historian’s inclination towards Bawumia, Duodu was quick to defend his choice, contrasting the leadership styles of Nana Addo and Bawumia. He said, “Everyone has their style of leadership. Nana Addo has done his part. When Bawumia comes, he will also be a different person altogether.”
Backing up his endorsement for Bawumia, Duodu lauded his efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out Bawumia’s statement that while humans couldn’t be brought back, the economy could be revived.
“Look at the dollar’s depreciation and its stability now. Dr Bawumia’s policies, such as the oil for gold policy, have proven beneficial, leading to manageable fuel prices,” he noted.
Duodu firmly believes that Bawumia’s presidency will offer a deeper insight into his capabilities and vision for Ghana.
A Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the current government and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in an open letter. He accused the government of being a blend of family, friends and concubines, and of failing to uphold the principles of the rule of law, respect for human rights, and freedom of the press.
He wrote the letter in response to the recent attack by some NPP thugs on UTV, a media outlet that was airing a programme that was critical of the government. He said that he was shocked and saddened by the incident, which he said was contrary to the ideology and tradition of the NPP. He said that he had always believed that the NPP was the only major political party in Ghana that was founded on the values of democracy, pluralism, and separation of powers.
He also lamented the state of the economy, which he said was in a miserable and hopeless condition. He said that it would take at least 30 years for Ghana to recover from the economic malaise that the NPP had inflicted on the country. He said that instead of addressing the challenges facing the country, the government had resigned itself as if it had finished its job and left Ghanaians to suffer in silence.
He further questioned the role and influence of some people who claimed to be stalwarts of the party but had no official positions or appointments. He said that these people wielded so much power that they could get their friends and favourites appointed to prominent and powerful positions in society. He said that they also had the tendency to disrespect and make life difficult for Ghanaians. He said that this was unlike the NPP he knew.
He also criticized the government for controlling the press through bribery and intimidation, rather than through violence. He said that this was a variation of “family, friends, and concubines government” that undermined the sovereignty and authority of God. He said that any person or system that trampled on the fundamental rights of human beings was not qualified to rule.
He also called out the ‘NPP establishment’ for promoting a presidential candidate who he said was the most vulnerable and had more baggage than all the aspirants. He said that this was like shopping for a problem when they already had an answer.
Read his letter below:
I woke up this morning with barrage of calls and messages from friends, acquaintance and many NPP faithful. These distress calls have just one purpose; to complain about an attack by some thugs who have now been identified as members of the NPP on a media outlet, UTV.
This attack I understand was carried out on a live program which was airing late in the night because these individuals find the content of the program unfavorable to the NPP.
After watching various footages of the events, and reading the responses from the Ministry of Information and the party, there is only one question that has been lingering my mind; NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
When president Kuffuor was campaigning to win the first elections for NPP in the 2000 polls, a major message that sunk not only among Ghanaians but also the world was how the NPP represented hope to ensure the protection of rule of law, freedom of the press and respect for human rights.
This message was anchored on the ideology of the party which resonated with people like me to continue to be part of the party.
President Kuffuor took various steps to ensure the media was given the safest environment to operate and thrive.
I am puzzled that, a tradition that has long been associated with believing in exchange of ideas, respect for rule of law will have its members attack a media house.
Perhaps, these thugs have taken cue from how the government and the party have allowed impunity to fester and grow in the NPP.
If I recall, no one was allowed to be punished when similar groups went to the seat of government in Ashanti region to attack the then national security coordinator. Again, no one was made to face the law, when these brutes attacked a court in Kumasi making the lady judge who was sitting on that case run for her live in the full glare of the public.
These events have led many to believe, leaders have lost the moral control of the party or they benefit from these barbaric acts. So, I ask, NPP HOW DID WE GET HERE?
I am equally amazed about how some members of the NPP are going about their daily routine as if they do not know the mood of majority of Ghanaians and the potential danger awaiting the party in the near future.
Prominent and credible economists have predicted that considering the miserable and near hopeless state of the national economy, it might take Ghana at least 30 years to witness any semblance of recovery, even if we do everything right from now. Other knowledgeable, and equally credible economists tell us that they have not seen any country that has recovered from a malaise similar to what the NPP has visited on the country. The year 2024 will be turbulent economically, I am told.
Instead of addressing the challenges confronting us, the government appears to have resigned itself as if it had finished its job and Ghanaians should wait for the next administration to address the myriad of problems facing the country. NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
The present configuration of the NPP has no resemblance to the tradition that gave birth to it. At the personal level, I look at some of the people in political authority, others running the affairs of the party and still others claiming to be elders of the party and I don’t see what I have in common with them. NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
I had always believed that in Ghana the New Patriotic Party is the only major political party whose foundations are based on the principles of the rule of law, respect for the rights, opinions and dignity of the individual, fundamental human rights, pluralism and above all the separation of powers. The NPP tradition, as far as I know, does not believe that political power should be entrusted into the hands of one individual or a group of individuals and their family, friends, and concubines. The right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness are given to human beings by God that is why they are called fundamental rights. They are not given by a benevolent government. Therefore any person or system that tramples on these rights acts against God and is not qualified to rule.
A political system that respects the rights of individual citizens and seeks their wellbeing and prosperity, when in power, supervises real socio-economic development and prosperity for them. What is happening in Ghana now appears to be the opposite. NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Any political tradition that has despotic beginnings, or acquires despotic practices, to my mind, goes contrary to the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God. Any tyrant, dictator, or despot (congenital or acquired) who assumes the responsibilities of law maker, judge, and king at the same time becomes a god unto himself and practically does not respect the sovereignty of the Almighty God.
About eight years ago the NPP in opposition was broke. It opened a Mobile Money (MOMO) account and appealed to its members and sympathizers to donate “bits and pieces” for the party’s campaign efforts. The party won the elections and formed the present government with the fight against corruption as a major campaign pledge. Now, some people in the party and government appear to have become so rich that they don’t remember where we were eight years ago and are spending billions of Cedis to bribe the electorate to vote for preferred candidate in internal party elections. NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
There are people who claim to be stalwarts of the party; they have neither political appointments nor positions in the party structure. They appear to wield so much power that one of them is described as ‘de facto Prime Minister’ of the country. Apparently, they have what it takes to get their friends and favourites appointed to prominent and powerful positions in society. At the same time, they have the tendency to disrespect and make life difficult for Ghanaians. This is unlike the NPP we know. NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
We are being served with a variation of “family, friends, and concubines government”, and control of the press not through violence but through bribery and intimidation. We are witnessing the weaponization of state institutions to silence transformative voices while allowing patronized corruption to flourish. Instead of development in freedom, we are witnessing unprecedented intimidation, economic retrogression, and suffering in silence. NPP, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
To make matters worse, the ‘NPP establishment’ is busy promoting a presidential candidate, who to my mind is the most vulnerable and has more baggage than all the aspirants. It is like shopping for a problem when they already have an answer.
Popular Ghanaian Tiktoker, actress, and influencer, Martina Dwamena mostly known as Asantewaa has revealed some interesting details about her life and career in a recent video on her YouTube channel.
In the eleven minutes 30 seconds video, Asantewaa captivated her followers with lively updates about her multifaceted life, which includes being a professional nurse, an entrepreneur, and a social media influencer, and then dropped a ‘bombshell’ that left her fans both surprised and intrigued.
“For those of you who do not know, I am a professional nurse,” Martina confidently proclaimed. “I have completed nursing school, I have my pin, I have my cert, I practice as a nurse, and I have been posted. But I also came up with my letter that I wanted to be a voluntary nurse and so I call the shots, okay”
Martina, who is known for her unique and energetic content, went on to explain her unconventional approach to her nursing career
“I do not go to work with a timetable. Like Martina, my real name is Martina, my official name is Martina. SoMartina is supposed to come Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays like on a normal schedule or on our normal timetable. No. Because my name is not on our payroll and I go to work when I want to. When I feel like this month I want to go to work. Then I’m really doing it because I’m a voluntary nurse, okay.”
Martina was quick to reassure her fans that she hasn’t abandoned her nursing career. “So that is that. People who didn’t know and people who were thinking I have stopped nursing…[as if] I have decided to quit. … I haven’t, I’m still a nurse and I’m even still learning.”
Asantewaa also shared her ambition to take it a step further. “Like I keep saying, one day I might become a doctor. That’s my serious, serious passion. Sometime to come people will see me in my white robe. So look out for that.”
Asantewaa, the TikTok sensation with over 3M followers and 967K fans on IG, is also a talented actress who has starred in several movies and TV shows. She is set to premiere her new movie, The Royal Curse, on her YouTube channel today, October 9th 2023.
With over 3M followers on TikTok and 967K on IG, Asantewaa is not only a hilarious and creative video maker, but also a skilled actress who has appeared in various movies and TV shows. Today, October 9th 2023, she will launch her new movie, The Royal Curse, on her YouTube channel.
Managing editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratthas raised concerns about the authority and independence of Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), in comparison to Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
He wondered how the BoG governor, who is appointed by the president, can sometimes have more power and influence than the president himself in some matters concerning the economy and monetary policy.
He made these remarks during Peace FM’s Kokrokoo discussion programme on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Mr. Pratt expressed his bewilderment at the fact that the BoG governor, who is not elected by the people and has not presented a manifesto to them, can at times disregard or contradict the president’s advice or directives. He deemed this situation unacceptable and in need of prompt review.
“The BOG governor, for whom I did not vote, and in whom I haven’t expressly placed my confidence, hasn’t presented a manifesto to me. Yet, it’s suggested that, in certain matters, he wields more power than the president. This governor can even opt to heed or disregard the president’s counsel. I find this hard to fathom. How can the governor be more powerful than the president in certain aspects of our lives? Those arrangements have to change and it has to change fast!,” he said.
Mr. Pratt pointed out that the core issue here is the lack of transparency and accountability in the government’s handling of financial matters. He noted that when the government faces challenges or difficulties, it often seeks assistance from external institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which impose specific conditions and restrictions on the country.
This is why, according to him, the BoG governor is granted significant autonomy and authority, to the point where he is not answerable to the president in certain key situations but rather to these external bodies.
“Do you know why this is so? Our leaders are not transparent with numbers, when it comes to financial matters. When challenges arise and we’re at an impasse, they turn to institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, subsequently adopting their stipulations. This is why the Central Bank’s governor is elevated to an almost godlike status-seemingly more daunting than any deity. He’s under no obligation to listen to the president. Yet, while our president can’t oversee the BOG governor, the IMF can delegate someone to supervise this very position. The blame, I believe, lies with our leaders,” he explained.
He also called on the citizens to demand more transparency and accountability from their leaders and to hold them responsible for their actions and decisions. He stressed that only through these measures could they ensure that their power and interests were respected and protected.
Reflecting on the situation, Mr. Pratt stated, “Ghanaians are responsible for voting. We entrust our power to the president, expecting him to govern for the betterment of everyone. Recognizing that he cannot accomplish everything alone, the president appoints individuals to various roles to assist him in administering the country. Some are appointed as ministers, deputy ministers, and even the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, among other designations. However, once these appointments are made, systems are put in place that seemingly restrict the president’s influence over the Bank of Ghana’s governor. This puzzles me.”
Former Sanitation Minister,Cecilia Dapaah, has made an urgent plea for an expedited court hearing following actions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which resulted in the seizure of money from her residence and the freezing of her bank accounts, according to a report by citinewsroom.com.
Dapaah states that these measures have led to significant hardship, stress, and public embarrassment. In her formal request, she emphasises the critical nature of her situation, seeking a swifter legal intervention.
Her plea for urgency follows a previous High Court ruling where the court instructed the anti-corruption agency to release her funds and defreeze her bank accounts.
However, in a twist, the Office of the Special Prosecutor reinstated the freeze and re-seized her assets, leading to Dapaah’s appeal for prompt resolution.
While the case was originally slated for October 18, following the submission of the confirmation application on September 11, Dapaah is making a case for the hearing to be advanced to October 11.
Dapaah also took the opportunity to counter allegations from the Office of the Special Prosecutor. They had asserted that she conducted real estate transactions under pseudonyms and that funds were still being channelled to her from her late brother’s bank accounts.
In a formal affidavit, she responded to these claims, particularly opposing the re-seizure of the GH¢2.83 million and the sustained freezing of her accounts.
This legal tussle shines a spotlight on the operations of the anti-corruption agency and the ramifications for individuals under investigation.
A tragic incident has unfolded as a Ghanaian woman and her child met their end in Panama while on an overland journey to the United States. The unfortunate pair, identified as Merri Gimbiya Yar Zaki, lost their lives during a perilous river crossing in the South American nation of Panama.
Although their bodies have not yet been located, religious ceremonies were conducted in their honour in Nima, a district in Accra, adhering to Islamic traditions. It is permissible within Islamic customs to hold funeral rites in the absence of the deceased’s body.
The incident has resonated deeply on social media, with many expressing their condolences. Many users have highlighted Merri’s devout Muslim faith and her admiration for the Prophet of Islam.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has spoken clearly about his course of action should he not secure the flagbearer position for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming primaries, especially amidst circulating rumours of potential rigging.
Agyapong is contending for the top spot against other notable figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Agric Minister Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai Nimoh. This is a step towards the presidential candidacy for the 2023 general elections.
“I command the respect and backing of a majority of the delegates, particularly the polling station executives, for whom I have always shown respect and advocated,” Agyapong shared, projecting an assertive 70% win in the flagbearer contest.
Furthermore, he has debunked circulating whispers suggesting he might depart from the NPP to align with Alan Kyerematen, the independent presidential aspirant and leader of the Movement for Change (MFC).
During an interview with Bola Ray on Star FM,Mr Agyapongwas unequivocal in his commitment to the party, irrespective of the primaries outcome. “Why would I even think of leaving the party just because of a potential setback in a flagbearer race? If things don’t turn out as expected, I won’t create chaos; I will simply take a step back and keenly observe subsequent events,” he affirmed.
The NPP primaries are highly anticipated, not just within the party but across the nation. The chosen flagbearer will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the 2023 general elections, setting the tone for a head-to-head contest with candidates from other political factions, primarily the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
A Nigerian woman who threw a lavish party for her 70th birthday in London ended up cursing and chasing away some of her guests for not buying Aso-Ebi, a uniform dress that is traditionally worn by relatives, friends, and guests of the celebrant.
The woman, identified as Oluwatoyin Bucknor, had sold Aso-Ebi to her guests, but some of them declined to buy it and came in their own outfits.
A video posted by Lindaikejiblog officialinstagram shows the shocking moment when the woman grabbed the microphone and ordered those who did not buy Aso-Ebi to leave her party immediately.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the woman saying: “I beg you in God’s name, leave now. If you know you want to get to the age of 70, leave now.”
She added that she did not invite them to come and eat at her party, but to celebrate with her and honour her with Aso-Ebi.
The guests, who were visibly stunned and offended by the woman’s outburst, had no choice but to grumble and leave.
Some of them were heard saying: “This is wickedness”, “This is unfair”, “This is London, not Nigeria”, and “She should have told us before”.
The video has sparked mixed reactions from social media users, with some condemning the woman for being rude and ungrateful, while others sympathising with her for being disappointed by her guests.
Some of the comments are:
“This is so disrespectful. How can you chase away your guests because they did not buy your overpriced cloth? You should be happy that they came to celebrate with you in the first place.”
“I feel sorry for her. She must have spent a lot of money and time to organise this party and expected her guests to support her with Aso-Ebi. Maybe she was counting on the money from Aso-Ebi to cover some of the expenses.”
“This is why I don’t like attending Nigerian parties. They always have one drama or another. Why can’t we just enjoy ourselves without imposing unnecessary rules and obligations on ourselves?”
“She has every right to do what she did. It is her party and she can invite or uninvite whoever she wants. If you cannot buy Aso-Ebi, then don’t come to eat at her party. Simple as that.”
The party drama was also reported by Premium Times, a Nigerian leading newspaper for news and investigations.
According to the report, the party was held on September 30 from 5 p.m. until dawn and was strictly by invitation.
The invitation card also contained a warning note to guests such as No sharing of Aso-Ebi to avoid being bounced and no access card, no entry.
It also warned guests not to sit on any chair if their names were not written on the table to avoid embarrassment.
The final note on the invitation card justified the reasons for the warning, which was tied to the hall capacity secured to accommodate guests.
After the woman ordered the guests who did not buy Aso-Ebi to leave, some men stormed out in anger.
Another video clip captured them without revealing their faces outside the venue.
They were dressed in the party Aso-Ebi, a lilac Agbada attire as they complained bitterly about the woman’s utterances.
This is a London Birthday party of a Celebrant clocking 70 years old woman who grabbed the Microphone to announce that those attending the party who did not buy the Aso Ebi will not clock 70 years of age and if they eat her food the food will come out of their Noses.
On October 3, head potters popularly known as “kayayeis” came out in their numbers to express their displeasure over their current condition during the #OccupyBoG protest.
The Minority in Parliament led the protest to call for the dismissal of Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison. The Arise Ghana group, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and aggrieved members of the general public came out in their numbers.
What many did not expect was to see a significant amount of kayayeis on the streets.
Interacting with the media, some head potters accused the government of failing to see to its promises.
“You lied to us and we voted for you. They promised to build a hostel at Nzema Market for us. They came to commission it and that is all.
In reaction to their heavy presence, there were allegations that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) provided payments to individuals, particularly the Kayayei (head porters), in exchange for their participation in the #OccupyBoG protest that occurred on Tuesday.
But Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed allegations.
He emphasized that the demonstration represented a significant manifestation of public discontent, cautioning the government not to underestimate the frustration of the Ghanaian populace any further.
Mr. Ablakwa referred to the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest, which he noted also witnessed a substantial turnout of Ghanaians expressing their grievances against the government.
“If they did not want to participate in the demonstration, they would not have showed up – to the extent that they showed up in their numbers.
“Let us not say that they came because somebody induced them. It is totally wrong. We had said from the outset that this demonstration, we call on all Ghanaians and all sections of society,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a fiery response to Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, after he dismissed their OccupyBoG demonstration as the work of “hooligans.”
The protest, orchestrated by the Minority Caucus and supported by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), unfolded on Tuesday, October 3, as a vehement denouncement of the country’s economic crisis.
Accusing Dr. Addison of mismanagement and incompetence, the protesters passionately demanded his resignation.
However, the Governor, unfazed by the demonstration, labelled the protestors as “hooligans” and declared neither he nor his deputies would be stepping down. In an interview with the international business website, Central Banking, Dr. Addison deemed the NDC’s protest “completely unnecessary.”
“The Minority in parliament have many channels to channel their grievances in civilized societies, not through demonstrations in the streets as hooligans,” he asserted, referencing the #OccupyBoGProtest.
Unimpressed by this characterization,Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, took to the airwaves on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 5, to condemn Dr. Addison’s response.
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, clearly not amused by the governor’s choice of words, expressed his disbelief on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 5, saying, “For one, I could not have imagined that a central bank governor would be so frustrated as to respond that way. To call your members of parliament ‘Hooligans’…How can you describe people who have conducted themselves this way as ‘Hooligans,’ and you are the governor of the Central Bank?” Ayariga questioned.
He went on to narrate the meticulous planning and execution of the protest, led by none other than the minority leader and the national chairman of the NDC, Mr. Asiedu Nketia. Ayariga painted a picture of a peaceful, well-organized protest, emphasizing that they adhered to all the rules set by the police, stopping exactly where they were told to.
However, Ayariga disappointed by Dr Addison’s response remarked, “But I can understand where the arrogance of power has sent some people. In the future, when it becomes difficult to manage our people because they have been branded ‘Hooligans’ and they want to show what ‘Hooliganism’ means, he will come and answer,” declared Ayariga with a touch of defiance during the interview with host Bernard Avle.
Ayariga also shed light on the communication breakdown between him and the governor. In a letter, he sought an explanation for the significant cost escalation in the Bank of Ghana project, but instead of a detailed response, he received a vague reply citing national security considerations. “So, you’re asking us to use alternative ways, and you are refusing to respond to those alternative ways. And then when we decide to protest, you call us ‘Hooligans,’” Ayariga quipped.
The Bawku Central MP further pledged that the minority group would convene with NDC leadership to strategize their next move, vowing to hold the Governor accountable.
“I’m just waiting for our colleagues, for us to have a meeting. We had partners and allies who joined us. So, we’re going to have a meeting. We are going to give him our response.”
However, he made it clear that they wouldn’t conform to the methods preferred by Dr. Addison, who seemed unresponsive to their attempts at communication.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Chairman Wontumi, has hit back at the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and aspiring NPP flagbearer, Kennedy Agyapong, over his recent allegations against him and Vice President Dr. Bawumia.
In a fiery response, Wontumi urged Agyapong to desist from threats and inflammatory remarks, and to change his ways before the November 4th elections.
Wontumi, who is known for his bold and often controversial statements, addressed the media on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. He expressed his commitment to fostering development within the party, and swore that he would not say anything against Agyapong or the NPP. “Everything I do is to bring development,” he said.
However, he did not mince his words when it came to critiquing Agyapong’s style of addressing issues, highlighting concerns about the use of threatening language.
“Now everything you say concerning what people have done to you won’t do anything. Instead, comments about someone being foolish, the way you talk, saying you regret you are NPP — I will show you. It will be a showdown. I beg you; let it stop today.”
Wontumi also reminded Agyapong about the potential consequences of his words, referencing tragic incidents from the past. He said he would have Agyapong arrested if he ever threatened him again, adding that he did not want to end up like Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the investigative journalist who was killed by gunmen in 2019.
If you threaten me again, I'll have you arrested. It's the same thing you did to Ahmed Suale that he isn't alive today – Chairman Wontumi responds to Kennedy Agyapong #MetroNewspic.twitter.com/ehAoGyRKvy
Hussein-Suale was a member of Tiger Eye PI, a team led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which exposed corruption in various sectors of society. Agyapong had publicly revealed Hussein-Suale’s identity on National TV. Weeks after, he was murdered in cold blood. His alleged killers are yet to be arrested or prosecuted.
“Because if not and you threaten me again, I will have you arrested. This is the advice I give to you. Because you have done this same thing so much that Ahmed Suale and others are no longer alive. So do not do that going forward,” he said.
TheChairman called for a shift in the discourse, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue. He advised Agyapong to apologise to the party members and polling station executives he had insulted, and to watch his steps carefully ahead of the primaries.
“I am not saying I want you to lose, but the things you say, insulting party members and polling station agents, if you will apologise to them and watch your steps well , it could be beneficial to you.
“And if you believe in yourself so much, say what you can do. We have exactly one month to the November 4th elections. I will conclude with Ezekiel chapter 18:22, it says if a sinner will leave his sinful ways and take the ways of the Lord, he shall be saved. So we are left with one month,” he said.
The backdrop of this verbal exchange stems from Kennedy Agyapong’s accusations against Vice President Dr. Bawumia and Chairman Wontumi.
At a recent rally in Kumasi, Agyapong accused them of undermining the NPP, asserting that their actions could lead to the party’s collapse. Agyapong’s scathing remarks included accusations that Wontumi insulted elderly individuals on his television station and abandoned his initial support for Alan to back Bawumia.
The MP warned that such actions could destabilise the party and pledged to confront any attempts to sabotage the NPP. The ongoing internal strife within the NPP underscores the challenges faced by the party as the November 4th elections draw near.
In a fiery response to recent accusations by Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, the outspoken Member of Parliament for Assin Central and aspiring NPP flagbearer, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Chairman Wontumi has issued a stern warning, urging Agyapong to desist from threats and inflammatory remarks.
Addressing the media, Chairman Wontumi, known for his bold and often controversial statements, expressed his commitment to fostering development within the party. He declared, “I am swearing today that I will not say anything against you and I will not say anything against the NPP. Everything I do is to bring development.”
The Chairman went on to critique Kennedy Agyapong’s style of addressing issues, highlighting concerns about the use of threatening language. “Now everything you say concerning what people have done to you won’t do anything. Instead, comments about someone being foolish, the way you talk, saying you regret you are NPP — I will show you. It will be a showdown. I beg you; let it stop today.”
Wontumi did not shy away from reminding Agyapong about the potential consequences of his words, referencing tragic incidents from the past.
He said he would have Agyapong arrested if he ever threatened him again, adding that he did not want to end up like Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the investigative journalist who was killed by gunmen in 2019.
“Because if not and you threaten me again, I will have you arrested. This is the advice I give to you. Because you have done this same thing so much that Ahmed Suale and others are no longer alive. So do not do that going forward.”
If you threaten me again, I'll have you arrested. It's the same thing you did to Ahmed Suale that he isn't alive today – Chairman Wontumi responds to Kennedy Agyapong #MetroNewspic.twitter.com/ehAoGyRKvy
The Chairman called for a shift in the discourse, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue. He advised Agyapong to apologise to the party members and polling station executives he had insulted, and to watch his steps carefully ahead of the primaries.
” I am not saying I want you to lose, but the things you say, insulting party members and polling station members, if you will apologise to them and watch your steps well , it could be beneficial to you.
“And if you believe in yourself so much, say what you can do. We have exactly one month to the November 4th elections. I will conclude with Ezekiel chapter 18:22, it says if a sinner will leave his sinful ways and take the ways of the Lord, he shall be saved. So we are left with one month,” he said.
The backdrop of this verbal altercation stems from Kennedy Agyapong’s accusations against Vice President Dr. Bawumia and Chairman Wontumi. At a recent rally in Kumasi, Agyapong accused them of undermining the NPP, asserting that their actions could lead to the party’s collapse.
Agyapong’s scathing remarks included accusations that Wontumi insulted elderly individuals on his television station and abandoned his initial support for Alan to back Bawumia. The MP warned that such actions could destabilise the party and pledged to confront any attempts to sabotage the NPP. The ongoing internal strife within the NPP underscores the challenges faced by the party as the November 4th elections draw near.
Hussein-Suale was a member of Tiger Eye PI, a team led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, which exposed corruption in various sectors of society.
Agyapong had publicly revealed Hussein-Suale’s identity on National TV. Weeks after, he was murdered in cold blood. His alleged killers are yet to be arrested or prosecuted.
Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has issued an unqualified apology for his use of vulgar language during the #OccupyBoGprotest on Tuesday, October 3.
The protest, organised by the NDC minority group in Parliament and some civil society organisations, was aimed at expressing their displeasure over the alleged illegal printing of money by the Bank of Ghana and the poor state of the economy.
Sosu, who is also a human rights lawyer, was captured on video hurling profanities in Ga at the President and his government, accusing them of corruption and mismanagement.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 4, Sosu said he regretted his choice of words and asked for forgiveness from all those offended.
He said he spoke out of anger and frustration at the Bank of Ghana and the current state of affairs in the country, but admitted that he was completely out of character.
He said he had reflected and realised that his actions were not consistent with his avowed values.
“I wish to sincerely apologise for my choice of words during my outburst yesterday, Tuesday, October 3 2023, during the Occupy BOG Demonstration. I unreservedly apologise for my actions and words and ask that all those offended would find a place in their hearts to forgive me. I am human and this only demonstrated the anguish, pain, frustrations and disappointment at the management of the Bank of Ghana, and at our current state of affairs as a country. I have reflected and realised that though I spoke those words out of anger and extreme provocation, I was completely out of character. Hence, consistent with my avowed values, I am sincerely Sorry,” he said.
Sosu is one of the vocal members of the NDC minority in Parliament and a deputy ranking member of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
I wasn’t intoxicated during the protest yesterday. I was basically consumed by anger and frustration toward the mismanagement at the BoG – Hon. Xavier Sosu ( Member of NDC) #GHToday w/ @Serwaa_Amiherepic.twitter.com/kZ2u9MH5x2
In a riveting twist to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the alleged theft case involving Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Sanitation and Water Resource Minister, the purported mastermind, Patience Botwe, has been denied bail by an Accra Circuit Court.
The courtroom drama unfolded as the court, presided over by Mrs Afia Owusua Appiah, revealed that the 18-year-old Patience Botwe, a former house help of the ex-Minister, had jumped bail at Juvenile Court “C,” Accra, after being initially granted bail.
The court, unyielding in its decision, declared, “This court is not inclined to grant bail to the first accused person (Patience Botwe) because proceedings of the Juvenile Court C showed that she flouted the court bail, and a bench warrant was issued for her arrest. Even when the case was struck out in March this year, the accused person was not arrested despite the bench warrant. Bail application for the first accused person is refused.”
The shocking revelation came after the lawyer for the accused, Nana Addo Asrifi, sought bail for Patience, asserting that she had been granted bail at the Juvenile Court. This prompted the Circuit Court to direct its Registrar to investigate the proceedings at the Juvenile Court to verify the claims made regarding the accused’s bail.
The court, displaying a no-nonsense approach, further instructed the Prosecution to expedite their investigations so that the pleas of the accused persons could be heard on the next adjourned date. It also directed the Police to scrutinize the properties of the sureties presented by the accused persons to facilitate the execution of their bail.
Led by Assistant State Attorney Akosua Agyepomaa, the Prosecution informed the court of their reception of voluminous documents from the Police, intending to peruse them before taking any action. However, the delay caused by the Prosecution’s frequent adjournment requests raised concerns among some defence lawyers.
Expressing frustration, Mr J. K. Ntoni, representing two of the accused persons, questioned why the Prosecution kept seeking adjournments, emphasizing the potential impact on the freedom of the accused.
Defence counsels, earlier in the proceedings, highlighted the challenges their clients faced in executing their bail. Mr Raymond Felli, led by Mr Yaw Dankwah, revealed their recurrent visits to the Police station, stating, “They have been asking us to go and come back.”
Amidst the legal intricacies, the accused individuals, facing eleven charges related to stealing money and items from the residence of the former Minister, include Sarah Agyei, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary, Malik Dauda, Patience Botwe, Benjamin Sowa, and Yahaya Sumaila. Notably, Franklin Sarakpo is reported to be at large.
The court, under the lead of Deputy Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Nyamekye, stated that the fact and charge sheets had been amended. Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to October 18, 2023, adding more suspense to this already sensational legal drama.
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and former National Youth Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has conveyed his confidence in Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s potential victory in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries scheduled for November 4.
Speaking in a recent interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo with Kwame Sefa Kayi, Awuku lauded Dr Bawumia as a competent and visionary leader capable of steering Ghana towards the next phase of development.
The basis for Awuku’s confidence stems from the outcomes of the party’s super delegates conference on August 6, which aimed to narrow down the field of 10 flagbearer aspirants to 5. Dr Bawumia emerged as a frontrunner, securing an impressive 68.15% of the total valid votes, amounting to 629 votes.
Awuku underlined the significance of the superdelegates’ votes on August 26 in shaping the final decision on November 4. He asserted that the superdelegates, representing diverse opinions within the party, echoed the sentiments of the grassroots by endorsing Dr Bawumia.
In acknowledging the extensive reach of the NPP across the nation, Awuku emphasised the party’s presence in nearly 40,000 polling stations, each serving as a microcosm of diverse communities. He urged the delegates to consider the broader impact of their choice on the nation and their respective localities.
“On November 4th, I am confident that the delegates of the New Patriotic Party, as we head to the polls, have to make a decision of electing not just a potential flagbearer but electing a potential president for Ghana,” Awuku urged. “Because the NPP is represented in all the polling stations in Ghana, almost 40,000, and these are communities. So, you take a decision and vote.”
Awuku concluded with a resolute statement, “Those who voted during the superdelegates will also vote on November 4th, and those who voted during the superdelegates represent the shades of opinions in the party, all the structures. I think the victory of Dr Bawumia on August 26 will be more profound on November 4th.” His optimism suggests a prevailing momentum that could shape the trajectory of the NPP’s leadership come November 4.
It appears tensions are escalating between the police and protesters at the ongoing #OccupyBoGprotes due to a route disagreement. According to Joy News reporter Maxwell Agbagba, the police attempted to redirect protesters to take the Castle Road instead of the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.
The protesters, arguing for the shorter Kwame Nkrumah Avenue route, now find themselves barricaded by the police, leading to a standoff between the two groups. The situation remains tense as both parties stand their ground on the choice of the route.
In a bold demonstration of dissent, the Minority Caucus in Parliament and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are spearheading the #OccupyBoGProtesttoday, calling for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, and his two deputies.
The protest, fueled by the Central Bank’s reported loss of GH¢60.81 billion in the 2022 fiscal year and the allocation of over $250 million for a new headquarters at North Ridge, takes a defiant stand against perceived fiscal mismanagement.
The protest which begun at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, navigating a route through Adabraka, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex Traffic Light, Atta Mills Highway, and concluding at the Independence Square.
However, MP for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, a key figure in the protest now says, protestors will end the march at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
He mentioned that, the party’s leadership have “already engaged the police. The demonstration will stop at Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, but the leadership will go to the Bank of Ghana to present our petition.”
The police, anticipating the gathering, have declared their readiness, with an ample number of officers deployed to ensure the security and orderliness of the #OccupyBoG Protest.
Addressing the media at a press conference in Accra yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service (GPS), assured the public of the police force’s preparedness. “We have an adequate number of police officers for tomorrow’s demonstration, and I will want to urge every member of the public that wants to come for the protest to show up because we have enough men to provide security throughout the length of the demonstration, and we will be there throughout,” she affirmed.
National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, criticized the police for what he deemed “unreasonable” restrictions on the protest routes.
However, he emphasized the NDC’s commitment to compromise for the sake of public order and safety. Gyamfi underscored the protest as a constitutional right, labeling it a patriotic duty to hold public officials accountable.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) known for its political rivalry with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has set aside differences to offer condolences to former President Kufuor’s family and the NPP at large.
The late Mrs. Theresa Kufuor, the former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, died on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 87. She was the wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who served as the head of state from 2001 to 2009.
The NDC, in their statement, extended heartfelt sympathy to the entire family of the former First Lady, placing special emphasis on the children and former President John Agyekum Kufuor. The loss of Mrs. Theresa Kufuor is not only a personal tragedy for the family but also marks the end of an era in Ghanaian politics.
The statement, signed by Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the NDC, said: “We hold fond memories of Madam Theresa’s service to the nation as First Lady during the period when HE John Agyekum Kufuor served as President of the Republic of Ghana from 2001 to 2009.”
“We pray that God will comfort the family during these challenging times. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this period of grief,” the statement added.
According to sources close to the family, Mrs Kufuor passed away peacefully at her home in Peduase, surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her husband, five children, and several grandchildren.
Mrs Kufuor was born on October 25, 1935, in Koforidua, Eastern Region. She was the last born of her parents and the younger sister of the late NPP stalwart, J.H. Mensah. She attended the Catholic Convent in Keta and later studied nursing in Oxford and London. She married Mr Kufuor in 1962, after meeting him at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London in 1961.
As the First Lady of Ghana, Mrs Kufuor was admired for her warmth, kindness, and grace. She was a devout Catholic and a philanthropist who founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF) to support poor children and their mothers. She also advocated for free and compulsory basic education and championed women’s empowerment. She was awarded the Papal Award Dame of St Gregory the Great by the Catholic Church for her humanitarian service.
Highlife sensation, Kuami Eugene, has given fans a rare glimpse into the challenges of fame and fortune at a tender age.
In an engaging live interview with radio show host Kojo Manuel, the “Open Gate” hitmaker delved into the mental toll of his rapid rise to stardom and how public criticism affected him.
The talented artiste, who soared to fame at the age of 19 with the release of his debut track “Angela” in 2017, expressed the difficulties of navigating newfound wealth and fame while still in the early stages of adulthood. Kuami Eugene bared his soul, revealing the impact of public scrutiny on his mental well-being.
“I made a lot of mistakes when I was young; blowing up as a young guy wasn’t easy. At the age of 19, they should have considered the fact that ‘Oh, he is a young boy,’” Kuami Eugene confessed during the interview, emphasizing the challenges he faced while adjusting to his newfound lifestyle.
The artiste elaborated on the swift transition from having nothing to enjoying substantial wealth, from lucrative show deals to driving a Range Rover. He expressed disappointment that the public, instead of understanding his situation, subjected him to unwarranted criticism.
“To move from not having anything to taking this amount for a show, to driving a Range Rover. I’ve never had all these before, all within a very short period. That wasn’t fair on the side of the public. They didn’t reason that he is a young boy and he is getting all this money,” he passionately shared.
Kuami Eugene‘s journey to fame continued with numerous chart-topping hits like “Ohemaa,” “Wish Me Well,” and the widely acclaimed “Open Gate,” all while under the banner of Lynx Entertainment Records.
In a surprising turn of events in October 2022, Kuami Eugene made headlines by announcing his signing with the American record label “Empire Records.” Speculation arose regarding his departure from Lynx Entertainment, but the label clarified that the move was part of a “strategic partnership,” affirming that Kuami Eugene remained an integral part of the Lynx family.
The candid revelations by Kuami Eugene provide fans with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young celebrities navigating the complexities of fame, wealth, and public perception. As the artist continues to evolve in his musical journey, his openness serves as an inspiration and a testament to the resilience required to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Theresa Kufuor,born Theresa Mensah on 25 October 1935, in Wenchi, Ghana, dedicated her life to service, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of Ghana’s history. Her journey began at the Catholic Convent, OLA, in Keta, Ghana, where she laid the foundation for her education.
Venturing abroad, Theresa pursued her passion for nursing in London at the Southern Hospital Group of Nursing, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Her commitment to healthcare further led her to the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, and Paddington General Hospital, London, where she emerged not only as a Registered General Nurse but also as a State Certified Midwife with a Certificate in Premature Nursing.
In 1961, destiny intervened as Theresa met John Kufuor at a Republic Day Anniversary Dance in London. Their union, sealed in 1962, bore the fruit of five children: J. Addo Kufuor, Nana Ama Gyamfi, Saah Kufuor, Agyekum Kufuor, and Owusu Afriyie Kufuor. Her love extended to eight grandchildren, creating a legacy of family and warmth.
Theresa’s journey took a pivotal turn when her husband assumed the presidency of Ghana, marking her tenure as the First Lady from 2001 to 2009.
Mrs. Laura Bush and Ghana’s first lady Theresa Kufuor sit together on the South Lawn of the White House during the South Lawn Arrival Ceremony Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, on the South Lawn of the White House. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
Simultaneously, she held the esteemed position of the First Lady of the African Union from 2007 to 2008 during John Kufuor’s chairmanship.
In both roles, Theresa was celebrated for her unassuming demeanor and commitment to public service.
Beyond the political limelight, Theresa Kufuor championed causes close to her heart. A fervent advocate for children and mothers, she founded the Mother and Child Community Development Foundation (MCCDF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Her advocacy also extended to educational reforms, particularly the implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) program for kindergarten children.
On October 2, 2023, Ghana bid farewell to this remarkable woman, but her legacy lives on. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI recognized her compassionate efforts with the Papal Award Dame of St. Gregory the Great.
In 2019, President Nana Akufo-Addo honored her with the Companion of the Order of the Volta, the highest national distinction, for her outstanding service to the nation.
Theresa Kufuor’s life serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a nation’s narrative.
Theresa Kufuor’s life was a testament to the transformative power of service and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of Ghana’s history.
Enoch Teye Mensah, widely recognized as ET Mensah, passed away on October 1, 2023, in South Africa, where he was receiving medical treatment.
Born on May 17, 1946, in Koforidua, Eastern Region, ET Mensah was a trained accountant and a distinguished fellow of several professional bodies.
ET Mensah’s career began as the PNDC Metropolitan Secretary for Accra (Mayor of Accra) from 1982 to 1992. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous infrastructure projects that significantly transformed the city.
ET Mensah played a foundational role in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a Founding Member, National Youth Organizer, and Vice Chairman. Notably, he founded TEIN and represented the Ningo Prampram Constituency as the Member of Parliament for an unprecedented five consecutive terms, totaling 20 years. He served as Minister of Employment & Social Welfare, acting as Minister of Education and Agriculture when needed.
ET Mensahserved as the Minister of Youth and Sports from 1993 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings. His impactful initiatives included the introduction of professional football, the Premier League, and the implementation of sports policies, player transfer mechanisms, and sponsorship programmes.
He is also said to have played a pivotal role in the successful hosting of the African Cup of Nations in 2000. The National Youth Policy was also initiated under his leadership in 1999.
In 1996, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram constituency and retained this position for five consecutive terms, concluding in 2017. During his time in Parliament, he served as the Majority Chief Whip from 2009 to 2013.
His ministerial roles extended beyond sports, encompassing positions such as Minister of Employment and Social Welfare (2010-2012), Minister of Education (2011-2012), and Minister of Water Resources, Works, and Housing (2012-2017) under Presidents John Atta Mills and John Mahama.
Throughout his career, ET Mensah championed various policies and programs aimed at improving the welfare of workers, students, teachers, and the general public.
ET Mensah also represented Ghana on the international stage, serving as a member of the Pan-African Parliament from 2005 to 2009 and later contributing to the Council of State from 2021 to 2023.
In addition to his political roles, ET Mensah holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies from Vision International University, Romana, California.
He was a Fellow of good standing of the Institute of Financial Accountants (FFA), Institute of Administrative Accountants (IAA), a Member of the National Association of Public Accountants (USA), and a Member of the Institute of Public Accountant (FIBA), Australia.
ET Mensah was a member of the Government Task Force overseeing the implementation of the President’s Priority Projects at the Office of the President. Until his passing, he served as a member of The Council of Statefor the Greater Accra Region.
In recognition of his exceptional service to the nation, ET Mensah was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Volta, Ghana’s highest national honor.
He leaves behind his wife and seven children. He will be remembered as a significant figure in Ghanaian politics, celebrated for his enduring contributions to public service and his role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
ET Mensah’s legacy is characterized by his enduring commitment to public service, instrumental roles in Ghana’s political landscape, and transformative contributions to the city of Accra. His passing is mourned by many, and he will be remembered as a stalwart figure in Ghanaian history.
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has named four persons who had the endorsement of former President John Agyekum Kufuor to lead the party in the 2007 flagbearership race.
The former Trade Minister and a presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in an interview with Bernard Avle, the General Manager of Citi News, said that President Kufuor explicitly stated his inability to exclusively support Alan’s flagbearership bid while listing individuals he thought were viable candidates.
Mr Kyerematen said that he was one of the four persons who had the blessing of Mr Kufuor, along with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who eventually won the contest and became the president of Ghana in 2016, Aliu Mahama, who was the vice president under Mr Kufuor, and Papa Owusu Ankomah, who was a former Minister of Education and Attorney General.
The revelation came as Alan reflected on the political landscape in 2005 when, according to him, clandestine manoeuvres were already in play among party members eyeing the flagbearership position.
“When I went to him to inform him that I have an interest and that my other colleagues have started moves undercover, if he sees that I’m also operating, he should not be surprised about that. His advice to me was, ‘Wait, do your work. If people feel that you are the right person, they themselves would promote you,’” Alan recounted.
However, Alan revisited President Kufuor three months later, expressing his intent to enter the public campaign arena. President Kufuor’s response was unequivocal: “Well, I cannot stop you, but I want to tell you that I will not support you. If there are any people that I will support, there are four people: Nana Akufo-Addo – he was the first person he mentioned, Aliu Mahama, Papa Owusu Ankomah, and then yourself. Any of you, if you win, bless my soul. I’ll be happy.”
He also dismissed the claim that Mr Kufuor was working against any of the candidates or favouring him over others. He said that it was unfair to Mr Kufuor for people to create such an impression, because he did not interfere in the internal affairs of the party or influence the outcome of the election.
“I may not be able to speak for him, but it may not necessarily be untrue. However, it is unfair to President Kufuor for people to have, or are now creating, the impression that because I was a favourite, he did all in his power to, as it were, install me as an heir apparent. It is totally untrue that he was working against any of these candidates,” he noted.
Mr Kyerematen contested for the NPP flagbearership three times: in 2007, 2012 and 2016. He lost to Nana Akufo-Addo on all occasions.
Former Trade Minister and former presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen has shed light on a pivotal moment in his political career, revealing that in 2007, formerPresident John Agyekum Kufuor made it clear that he would not support Alan’s bid for the party’s flagbearership.
Alan Kyerematen made this revelation in an interview with Bernard Avle, the General Manager of Citi News, on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. He was responding to a question about whether he was a favourite of Kufuor, who appointed him as an ambassador and a trade minister.
Mr. Kyerematen said that he informedPresident Kufuorof his intention to contest for the NPP flagbearership in 2007, but he was advised to wait and focus on his work as the Trade Minister.
“In 2005, all the people who eventually contested, they had started doing underground moves and operations. I had made up my mind at that time, post-2004, 2005, that I would contest. When I went to him to inform him that I have an interest and that my other colleagues have started moves under cover, if he sees that I’m also operating, he should not be surprised about that. His advice to me was, ‘Wait, do your work. If people feel that you are the right person, they themselves would promote you,” he said.
Alan respected this counsel but returned three months later when he observed open campaigning by others. “I said, ‘Big brother, people are campaigning openly, so I want to serve you notice that I’ll be going.’ What he said is that, ‘Well, I cannot stop you, but I want to tell you that I will not support you.’”
Mr Kyerematen however noted that, former president Agyekum Kufuor did not work against any of the candidates, and that it was unfair for people to create the impression that he favoured him[Alan] over others.
On the contrary, he said that President Kufuor was neutral and impartial in the process, and that he would have been happy with any of the four candidates winning the flagbearership.
“[President Kufuor] said, if there are any people that I will support, there are four people: Nana Akufo-Addo – he was the first person he mentioned, Aliu Mahama, Papa Owusu Ankomah and then yourself. Any of you, if you win, bless my soul. I’ll be happy.’ So, it was on that basis that we all carried on,” Alan told Bernard Avle.
Disputing claims that he was the favourite, Alan emphasised that President Kufuor did not work against any of the candidates. “It is unfair to President Kufuor for people to have, or are now creating, the impression that because I was a favourite, he did all in his power to, as it were, install me as a heir apparent. It is totally untrue that he was working against any of these candidates,” Alan affirmed.
In a groundbreaking revelation that’s sending waves across social media, a Ghanaian tour guide has spilled the beans on the hidden origins of some U.S. states and Jamaica, leaving us questioning everything we thought we knew.
During a recent tour, the guide, Nii-Aquaye, unveiled the sensational claim that Kentucky State was not always known by its current name. No, no, it was apparently once the royal playground of a Ga King called Nii Tackie, from whom slaves were taken from to US soil.
The ingenious plan, according to Nii-Aquaye was to avoid the slaves getting lost in the American wilderness, so wherever they settled, they had to name the town after King Nii Tackie, as the source of their identity. Hence, Kentucky [King Tackie] – because, well, why not?
“The actual name of Kentucky State is Nii Tackie. Nii Tackie was the king of Accra who was vibing with the slave masters. So the slaves that they bought from Nii Tackie’s hands to the state, for them not to get lost of their root, they have to make sure wherever the slaves settled they used that King’s name to name the town, Kentucky,” he passionately explained.
But the plot thickens. He explained what the names Nii and Naa means in Ga.
“When you come to this community, it is whereby you gonna hear the name Nii and Naa. Nii means King and Naa means Queen.” Move over, Buckingham Palace; Ghana’s got a royal lineage going strong! And as for Virginia State, they’ve got Jamestown, which, you guessed it, was the handiwork of Ga slaves.
Oh, but we can’t forget the Ashantis, who landed in Jamaica, giving the world the name “Jamaica.” According to Nii-Aquaye, in Ashanti language, it’s ‘Gya ma yaka,’ meaning, “we are stuck on this land, we can no longer go back to Africa.” Well, Jamaica, consider yourself officially decoded.
This revelation has left many scratching their heads, others reaching for their history books, and some just laughing hysterically at the sheer ‘audacity’ of it all. The guide, Nii-Aquaye has taken the Ghana-U.S. tourism game to a whole new level, leaving us wondering: what other secrets lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary places?
So, next time you’re touring a historical site, remember – there’s always room for a bit of mystery, a dash of humour, and a side of Ghanaian flair. Stay tuned as The Maestro, Nii-Aquaye promises more mind-bending insights into the hidden connections between Ghana and the rest of the world.
B.J. Da Rocha was a prominent lawyer, politician, and founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana.
He was born on May 16, 1927 in Cape Coast, where he attended Adisadel College for his secondary education. He later studied law at the University of London and was called to the bar in England and Wales in 1955.
He returned to Ghana and became the first Ghanaian director of the Ghana School of Law in 1958. He lectured at the school for almost two decades before retiring in 1992 as the first Ghanaian director of legal education. He also served as the general secretary of the Progress Party, led by Kofi Abrefa Busia, who became the prime minister of Ghana from 1969 to 1972.
He was also one of the founding members and the first national chairman of the NPP, which was formed in 1992 as a successor to the Progress Party and other pro-democracy movements that opposed military rule in Ghana. He played a key role in shaping the party’s ideology, vision, and policies.
He was known for his outspokenness, integrity, and dedication to the party and the nation.
He died on February 23, 2010, at the age of 82, after a long illness. He was honored by the Ghana Bar Association for his contribution to the legal profession in 1993.
In 2012, a book titled “B.J. Da Rocha: A Life of Integrity” was launched by President John Atta Mills to commemorate his life and legacy. In 2017, Mountcrest University College in Ghana instituted a lecture and a chair in law and politics in his memory and honor.
He became relevant following conversations around Alan Kyerematen and him back in 2005. Alan Kyerematen was one of the presidential aspirants of the NPP who contested against Nana Akufo-Addo, who eventually won the party’s nomination.
In 2008, B.J. Da Rocha wrote a letter criticizing his choice of Hajia Alima Mahama as his running mate and accusing him of being influenced by tribalism and nepotism.
He also described Alan Kyerematen as a “disruptive factor” who should be expelled from the party for resigning after losing the primaries.
TV3’s morning show host, Cookie Tee, has expressed her disbelief and disappointment at the decision of Alan Kyerematen, the former Minister of Trade and Industry, to resign from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and contest the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate.
Speaking on New Day on Monday, September 27, 2023, Cookie Tee said that Kyerematen’s reasons for opting out of the NPP were not convincing, as they were the same ones he gave in 2008 when he lost the party’s presidential primaries to Nana Akufo-Addo.
“It is so interesting because the same reasons he stipulated for opting out now are the same reasons he gave out in 2008 that his supporters were victimised, they were brutalised. The same thing that happened 2007 to 2008, is the same thing that has happened here,” she said.
She questioned why Kyerematen had kept quiet about the problems facing the country until now, when he was part of the administration that had been in power since 2017.
“We were in this country when GUTA closed shops for two weeks in Accra and Kumasi and you were trade minister. We have been sitting here, inflation hit 54%, what did you say? I mean, that is why I find it weird that you are all part of an administration, and then all of a sudden, when you feel that it is okay, you want to opt out and then now start pointing the things that have gone wrong and how they can be fixed. But how about when you were there?” she asked.
She also challenged Kyerematen’s appeal to the youth, who he claimed would support his new movement, called “Movement for Change”, with a Monarch Butterfly as the symbol.
“When you were there, what did you do for the youth? Because now it’s like you are the leader, you are our leader and you are asking us to support with technology, digitalisation and all that,” she said.
Cookie Tee’s comments came after Kyerematen officially announced his resignation from the NPP and his intention to run as an independent candidate at a press conference at the Movenpick Hotel on Monday afternoon.
He said he was dissatisfied with the way the party had treated him and his supporters over the years, and accused the party leadership of being biased and unfair in the selection process of the presidential candidate.
He said he had a vision to transform Ghana into a prosperous and inclusive nation, with a focus on industrialisation, job creation, social protection, and human development.
He said he believed that his new movement would attract millions of Ghanaians who were disillusioned with the two major political parties, NPP and NDC, and wanted a change in leadership and governance.
I find it weird that you are all part of an administration, and then all of a sudden, when you feel that it is okay, you want to opt out and point out things that have gone wrong and how they can be fixed, but how about when you were there? – @TheCookieteeGH#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/qVjV2rKRUa
In a recent turn of events, Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), issued an order to remove all posters of former party member Alan Kyerematen from party offices in the region, citing Kyerematen’s departure from the party as the reason for the directive.
However, Alan Kyerematen, in response to this decision, expressed his lack of concern regarding the removal of his posters but took issue with the person behind the request.
Alan Kyerematen, during an interview on the ‘Mpu Ne Mpu’ segment on UTV, made his sentiments clear. He began by questioning the origin of the order, saying, “It’s not a problem.
You say it’s from Wontumi? You say it’s from the chairman, Wontumi? Who brought Wontumi into the party? Ask him.” Kyerematen went on to recount the history of his involvement in Wontumi’s political journey, highlighting his role in introducing Wontumi to the NPP.
Kyerematen reminisced about his interactions with Wontumi in 2005 when he was going to Kumasi. He recalled how Wontumi, at that time a small-time businessman, approached him and expressed his willingness to support Kyerematen’s political aspirations after observing his vision and approach to politics.
Initially doubting Wontumi’s sincerity, Kyerematen soonrealized Wontumi’s commitment when he continued to seek his help.
Kyerematen shared that he liked young, courageous people and inquired about Wontumi’s constituency, eventually helping him become a chairman. He further promoted Wontumi within the party, making him a regional chairman due to his hard work and dedication.
However, Kyerematen expressed his disappointment in Wontumi’s recent actions, suggesting that Wontumi should be more cautious. He reminded Wontumi that betraying someone who had helped him succeed was not the right course of action.
While acknowledging Wontumi’s right to support other candidates, Kyerematen emphasized that launching an open campaign against him was unnecessary and advised Wontumi to act fairly as the regional chairman.
Kyerematen concluded his response by stating that he had no objections to the removal of his posters, as he was no longer an aspirant in the party. He assured that there were “no fears” on his part regarding the poster removal.
“If he says they should take my posters down, I do not have anything to say about it because I am no longer an aspirant in the party. So if my posters are supposed to be removed, then that is okay. No fears,” Mr Kyerematen said.
Chairman Wontumi’s decision to remove Alan Kyerematen’s posters came after an earlier interview on his radio station, Wontumi FM, where he made statements about Kyerematen’s past associations and his view that Kyerematen’s resignation was ill-advised.
Wontumi claimed that Kyerematen had benefited greatly from the NPP and implied that his departure from the party was ungrateful.
In a swift response to an instruction byChairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to remove his posters from all party offices in the region, former NPP presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, voiced his perspective on the matter.
During an interview, Alan asserted that he harboured no issue with the poster removal request itself but rather with the individual making the request, highlighting his prior contributions to Chairman Wontumi’s political journey.
Alan expressed his sentiments with conviction, addressing the host of the ‘Mpu Ne Mpu’ segment on UTV, saying, “It’s not a problem. You say it’s from Wontumi? You say it’s from the chairman, Wontumi? Who brought Wontumi into the party? Ask him.” Alan Kyerematen went on to recount his initial interactions with Chairman Wontumi and his role in shaping his political trajectory.
“Today, Wontumi is making noise all over the place. If he has somebody to thank, he needs to thank Alan Kyerematen. I held his hand and brought him into the party. But who is Wontumi? I brought Wontumi into the party. I did so because I had good intentions for him. He was then a businessman, a small-time businessman,” he said.
He recalled an encounter with Chairman Wontumi back in 2005 when he was travelling to Kumasi. At the time, Chairman Wontumi, described by Alan as a small-time businessman, approached him expressing an interest in politics. Alan noted that Chairman Wontumi had observed his political acumen, vision, and leadership style, prompting his willingness to support Alan’s bid for the party’s flagbearer position.
“I was going to Kumasi in 2005, and he came to see me. Some of these things, we don’t have to say, but I have tolerated them for too long, that’s why I am talking. Today, when we are talking about party issues, he is the one to dictate things. He approached me and said he never thought to get involved in politics in Ghana, but after he observed the way I manage my politics, what I say, and my vision, if it is true I want to contest for the flagbearer position, then he is ready to support me, ” he narrated.
“I thought he was joking at first,” Alan admitted. However, as their interactions continued, it became clear that Chairman Wontumi was genuinely committed to the cause. Alan inquired about his constituency, which turned out to be Bosomtwe, and played a pivotal role in facilitating his rise within the party, eventually leading to Chairman Wontumi becoming the constituency chairman.
Alan Kyerematen’s support and mentorship extended further, culminating in Chairman Wontumi’s elevation to the role of a regional chairman. During his tenure in Alan’s camp, Chairman Wontumi exhibited remarkable vibrancy and played a pivotal role as a chief campaigner.
“But when I got to Kumasi, he would usually call, so I realized he was serious. At the time, I really liked young courageous people, just as I still do. I asked him which constituency he belonged to, and he said he was from Bosomtwe. I held his hand to the place and asked that they make him a chairman. At the time, I had great influence in the party, and truly, he became chairman. They made him the chairman. When Wontumi was in my camp, he was very vibrant, he was more than a chief campaigner. I will commend him for being smart to recognize that Alan would be the one that could help him into politics,” Alan Kyerematen said.
While Alan commended Chairman Wontumi’s political acumen in recognizing the opportunities presented by their collaboration, he expressed concern about the recent developments and actions of Chairman Wontumi. Alan urged him to exercise caution and gratitude, particularly when someone has contributed to one’s success.
But the things he is now doing, he needs to be very careful. He needs to be very careful. When someone helps you achieve success in life, do not betray the person.
The now independent presidential candidate added that, “After he [Wontumi] became chairman of the constituency, I also noticed he was working very hard, so I took him to the chairmen to make him a regional chairman. Ask him. Now, if you have a good standing, you think you are the only one who talks and everyone must listen to. So when I hear him saying he is campaigning against me, saying very big things, I do not have any problem, but I will advise him, if someone does good to you, remember and be grateful.”
Alan Kyerematen clarified his stance on the poster removal, stating that, as he is no longer an aspirant in the party, he has no objections if his posters are taken down. He emphasized that he holds no grievances but believes that those who have benefited from support should remember and appreciate those who aided their journey.
Chairman Wontumi’s earlier comments about Alan, where he highlighted the opportunities and support Alan had received from the NPP, had sparked this exchange. Wontumi had voiced his belief that Alan’s resignation from the party was a curse, given the help he had received and the potential consequences of his departure.
The public exchange between Alan Kyerematen and Chairman Wontumi underscores the intricate dynamics within political parties and the significance of personal relationships in Ghanaian politics.
The decision of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, to leave the party and run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections has sparked a sharp rebuke from Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.
In a recent interview on Wontumi TV, on Monday, September 25, 2023, Chairman Wontumi accused Alan of ingratitude, reminding him of the opportunities he enjoyed within the party.
Wontumi pointed out that it was President Kufuor who appointed Alan Kyerematen as an ambassador, a position that brought him immense happiness and benefits. “You, your girlfriends, your wife, and your children enjoyed it so much,” Wontumi claimed in his interview, alluding to the privileges Alan and his family had during his tenure as an ambassador.
“President Kufuor made you an ambassador. When you got that, you were happy. You, your girlfriends, your friends. Alan Kyerematen, you and your girlfriends. Do you share your girlfriends with me? You and your girls and your friends were having fun, together with your wife and kids, attending good schools. President Kufuor also made you trade minister and because of this, you became so rich that you were nick-named Alan Cash,” he alleged in the Twi dialect.
He added that Alan’s decision to leave the NPP was a curse to him and that he would regret it in the future.
“As for me, I think this resignation is a curse to him because the NPP has helped him. Look at how the party has helped you. If everyone in the NPP got what you have gotten from the party, none of them would complain of being mistreated,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi’s comments follow Alan Kyerematen’s held a press conference in Accra on Monday to announce his resignation from the NPP and his intention to run for president as an independent candidate in 2024.
He lamented the transformation of the NPP, stating that it no longer resembled the party he had joined in 1992 and helped nurture. Alan claimed that the party had been taken over by a select group of leaders, government appointees, and “behind the curtain power brokers.”
“The NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, behind the curtain power brokers and some unscrupulous party apparatchiks.
“… I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 general elections as an independent presidential candidate,” he said.
In his bid for the presidency, Alan revealed his plans to establish a new movement called “Movement for Change in Ghana,” symbolized by the Monarch Butterfly. He declared that this movement would be driven by the youth of Ghana, representing hope, positivity, and the desire for transformation.
Wontumi on Alan Cash
He added: “To actualise this goal, I will establish and lead a new MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE in Ghana. The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes change and transformation, hope, and positivity. It also communicates strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which are key traits that I cherish as a Political Leader. The new Movement will be led and powered by the youth of Ghana. Out of the over 17 million registered voters in the 2020 general election, the youth aged 18-35 years constituted over 9.4 million voters representing 55% of the total voters,” he said.
Alan Kyerematen concluded, “The brand motto of the MOVEMENT is ‘Ghana Will Rise Again,’ which symbolizes hope for the future of Ghana.” He expressed his commitment to lead this movement and pursue his presidential ambition outside the NPP.
The decision of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, to leave the party and run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections has sparked a sharp rebuke from Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.
In a recent interview on Wontumi TV, on Monday, September 25, 2023, Chairman Wontumi accused Alan of ingratitude, reminding him of the opportunities he enjoyed within the party.
Wontumi pointed out that it was President Kufuor who appointed Alan Kyerematen as an ambassador, a position that brought him immense happiness and benefits. “You, your girlfriends, your wife, and your children enjoyed it so much,” Wontumi remarked in his interview, alluding to the privileges Alan and his family had during his tenure as an ambassador.
“President Kufuor made you an ambassador. When you got that, you were happy. You, your girlfriends, your friends. Alan Kyerematen, you and your girlfriends. Do you share your girlfriends with me? You and your girls and your friends were having fun, together with your wife and kids, attending good schools. President Kufuor also made you trade minister and because of this, you became so rich that you were nick-named Alan Cash,” he said in the Twi dialect.
He added that Alan’s decision to leave the NPP was a curse to him and that he would regret it in the future.
“As for me, I think this resignation is a curse to him because the NPP has helped him. Look at how the party has helped you. If everyone in the NPP got what you have gotten from the party, none of them would complain of being mistreated,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi’s comments follow Alan Kyerematen’s held a press conference in Accra on Monday to announce his resignation from the NPP and his intention to run for president as an independent candidate in 2024.
He lamented the transformation of the NPP, stating that it no longer resembled the party he had joined in 1992 and helped nurture. Alan claimed that the party had been taken over by a select group of leaders, government appointees, and “behind the curtain power brokers.”
“The NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, behind the curtain power brokers and some unscrupulous party apparatchiks.
“… I wish to use this platform to announce that I am honourably resigning from the New Patriotic Party to contest for the high office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the 2024 general elections as an independent presidential candidate,” he said.
In his bid for the presidency, Alan revealed his plans to establish a new movement called “Movement for Change in Ghana,” symbolized by the Monarch Butterfly. He declared that this movement would be driven by the youth of Ghana, representing hope, positivity, and the desire for transformation.
He added: “To actualise this goal, I will establish and lead a new MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE in Ghana. The brand logo for the MOVEMENT is the Monarch Butterfly, which politically symbolizes change and transformation, hope, and positivity. It also communicates strength, endurance, spirituality, and trust, which are key traits that I cherish as a Political Leader. The new Movement will be led and powered by the youth of Ghana. Out of the over 17 million registered voters in the 2020 general election, the youth aged 18-35 years constituted over 9.4 million voters representing 55% of the total voters,” he said.
Alan Kyerematen concluded, “The brand motto of the MOVEMENT is ‘Ghana Will Rise Again,’ which symbolizes hope for the future of Ghana.” He expressed his commitment to lead this movement and pursue his presidential ambition outside the NPP.
Alan Kyerematen is a seasoned economist and politician who has served in various capacities under different governments. He was Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States from 2001 to 2003, Minister of Trade and Industry from 2003 to 2007, Senior Ministerial Adviser on Trade under President Nana Akufo-Addo from 2017 to 2021, and Minister of Trade and Industry from 2021 to 2023.
He has also contested for the NPP’s presidential nomination three times: in 2007, 2014, and 2018, but lost to Nana Akufo-Addo on each occasion.
His decision to leave the NPP has sparked mixed reactions among party members and supporters. Some have expressed disappointment and anger at his move, while others have wished him well and pledged their support for his presidential bid.
Former Minister of Trade and Industry, and four-time presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen, has announced his resignation from the party, citing intimidation and unfairness by some party officials and supporters who favoured one particular candidate.
He said that the NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the party that he joined in 1992 and helped to nurture.
In a speech delivered at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra on Monday, September 25, 2023, Kyerematen said that he joined the NPP as a founding member, believing in its core values and the long-standing traditions of its antecedents, predicated on fairness, equity, probity, accountability, and transparency.
He said that he had devoted the best part of his professional career to serving the party, and that he still believed in the vision of the founding fathers of the party.
However, he said that the party had been hijacked by a selected group of party leaders and elders, government appointees, “behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous party apparatchiks.
He said that these people had manipulated the party’s processes and structures to favour one candidate over others, and had used intimidation, violence, bribery, and propaganda to silence any dissenting voices.
Alan Kyerematen
“I have devoted the best part of my professional career to serving the Party, and I still believe in the vision of the founding fathers of the Party. However, the NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, “behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous Party apparatchiks, ” he said.
Mr Kyerematen said that it was his fervent wish to use the vehicle of the party to bring his God-given talents, experience, and knowledge acquired both locally and internationally over a period of 46 years, to serve Ghana at the highest level of executive authority. He said that he had a unique appeal and experience that could help the party win power from the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he accused of mismanaging the economy, undermining democracy, and violating human rights.
He said that it was abundantly clear to him that his services and contributions to the party were not appreciated, and that his continuous stay in the party would create further tension and division. He said that this was an exact replay of circumstances that led to his decision to resign from the party in 2008. He said that he had no choice but to leave the party with a heavy heart and seek other avenues to serve Ghana.
“It was my fervent wish to use the vehicle of the Party to bring my God given talents, experience, and knowledge acquired both locally and internationally over a period of 46 years, to serve our dear nation, Ghana at the highest level of executive authority .
It is abundantly clear to me, that my services and contributions to the Party are not appreciated, and that my continuous stay in the Party will create further tension and division, which is an exact replay of circumstances that led to my decision to resign from the Party in 2008,” he mentioned.
He thanked his supporters and sympathisers for their loyalty and dedication over the years. He also thanked President Nana Akufo-Addo for giving him the opportunity to serve as a minister in his administration. He said that he wished him well in his remaining term of office. He said that he would announce his next political move in due course.
Kyerematen’s resignation has come as a shock to many political observers and analysts, who have described it as a big blow to the NPP. They have said that Kyerematen was one of the most popular and influential figures in the party, who had a strong base of support across the country. They have also said that his departure would create a vacuum in the party’s leadership and succession plan.
Kyerematen had contested for the NPP flagbearership four times since 2007, but had not been successful so far. He had lost to Nana Akufo-Addo three times in 2007, 2010, and 2014. He had also come third for the first time in 2021 in a special delegates conference that aimed to reduce the number of candidates to five. He had faced nine other candidates, including Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong. Bawumia had won with 52%, followed by Agyapong with 19%. Kyerematen had received 10% of the votes.
Media personality and activist, Bridget Otoo has revealed her intention to sue a police officer who allegedly assaulted her during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest. The protest was a three-day demonstration organized by the Democracy Hub, a civil society group, to demand better living conditions, accountability, and good governance in Ghana.
Bridget Otoo spoke to Joy News on The Probe with Benjamin Akakpo, where she narrated her ordeal and explained why she joined the protest.
She noted that as a ‘concerned citizen’ who wanted to use her name and influence to help secure bail for some of the protesters who had been arrested and detained by the police, she went to the Accra Regional Command of the Ghana police service where some of the arrested protesters were held.
“As a concerned citizen I wanted to take part in the protest because there was so many thing that bothers me as a person and as journalist. Being able to speak freely is very important to me. Those were things that moved me naturally to join. Then I get there and the protest is over because obviously they had arrested about 49 of them but I thought that I was a citizen in good standing, I could go there and use my name to act as surety to get bail,” she said.
However, her peaceful presence at the police station turned into a nightmare when she was assaulted by a police officer who was not in uniform. A video circulating on social media shows the moment when she was attacked. Two men not in uniform came out of the Accra Regional Police Command of the Ghana Police Service located at Tudu and charged at her, pushing her with extreme force in an attempt to drag her into the gated yard of the building, amid protests from fellow protesters who were in front of the facility demanding the release of their colleagues who had been detained.
Bridget Otoo, who seemingly was later let go, stated that the police tore part of her shirt, physically assaulted her, and other participants.
She expressed her shock and trauma over the incident, saying that she did not expect to be treated that way by the police who are supposed to protect citizens. She also said that she had identified the officer who attacked her, and that she was going to sue him with the help of another protester, George.
“I am not a violent person, I am not strong physically, I cannot fight anyone. I don’t think I can fight a woman not to talk about a man. I had a reporter in there I wanted to see her and they[the police] didn’t agree and so I stood out and then a gentleman approached me. A gentleman called George. He and I are going to sue the police officer who attacked me. In the coming weeks you would hear about it, ” she said while recounting how she was attacked by the police.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest is a three-day demonstration organized by a group of citizens who are dissatisfied with the performance of President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration. The group is calling for better governance, accountability, transparency, and social justice in Ghana. The group has been using social media to mobilize support and express their grievances over various issues such as e-levy, galamsey, fuel prices, unemployment, education, health care, security, among others.
Former trade minister and a four-time aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership, Alan Kyerematen, has announced his resignation from the party and his intention to contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
He made this announcement at a press conference at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra on Monday, September 25, 2023.
Mr Kyerematen noted that he had endured resentment and hostility within the NPP for years, despite his sacrifices and contributions to the party, recounting his experiences in the NPP presidential primaries since 2007, when he first contested with current President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
“In 2007, I joined a distinguished group of seventeen (17) Presidential aspirants to contest in the presidential primaries of NPP. In that election, under very strange circumstances, the electoral process was truncated on the day of the election, on account of accusations levelled against me, of influencing the course of the elections. This strategy was designed to create disfavour against me, in an attempt to diminish my popularity and the massive support I enjoyed amongst the grassroot activists of the Party,” he said.
However, he said that he and his supporters were attacked and alienated by some elements in the party, and that his representations to the party leadership were then ignored.
“Despite the sacrifice that I made to unite the Party as referred to above, there were very serious post-primary attacks on my supporters all over the country, and an open show of hostility. Some of my supporters were victims of brutalities and continue to bear the scars of that treatment. I made several representations to the then leadership of the Party, drawing their attention to the rancorous and divisive behaviour of some elements in the Party, ” he mentioned.
Frustrated by the blatant alienation of his supporters orchestrated by elements within the party’s leadership, Alan contemplated resigning from the NPP.
The outcry from party members nationwide prompted the then Chairman of the Party to establish a Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Ambassador Samuel Odoi Sykes. The committee validated Alan’s concerns and persuaded him to withdraw his resignation, with a promise to address the contentious issues he had raised.
In his unwavering commitment to the party, Alan Kyerematen accepted this plea and actively joined the campaign team of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, providing invaluable support during the election. However, the promises made by the party leadership remained unfulfilled, and the divisive attacks against Alan and his supporters persisted for several years, continuing to the present day.
“It is common knowledge that any Party member who is associated directly or indirectly with Alan, is treated with disdain and considered an outcast. I have endured all this resentment, and maintained my integrity within the Party throughout the past fifteen year,” he mentioned in his speech to a cheerful audience.
Controversial social media influencer and mental health advocate, Abena Korkor, has opened up about her life and career in a recent radio interview. The former University of Cape Coast (UCC) student, who is known for her erotic dances and her occasional spill the beans moments about her relations with prominent men, has shown another side of herself that many people may not be aware of.
In an interview with Ohemaa Woyeje on Angel FM 102.9, Abena Korkor revealed that she is not only a media personality, but also a smart, entrepreneurial and artistic woman who has done many things in her life. She said that she attended some of the best schools in the country, such as St Paul Methodist Preparatory School, Aburi Girls Senior High School, University of Ghana and UCC.
Abena Korkoralso disclosed that she has been involved in various businesses and activities, such as selling products, making cocktails, working as a research scientist, teaching yoga, attending finishing school, making beads, offering massage therapy and drawing. She said that she likes to try new things and learn new skills.
“I have done so many things, I have sold things before, I have done cocktails before, I have been a research scientist before, I have done so many things, yoga, finishing school, bead making, massage therapy, a lot of things. I like to try new things, and so I have done a lot of things. I have done arts before I can draw,” she said.
Abena Korkor’s interview has impressed many of her fans and followers on social media, who have praised her for being versatile and talented. Some have also encouraged her to keep pursuing her dreams and passions despite the challenges she faces as a bipolar disorder patient.
Abena Korkor has been vocal about her mental health condition and has been advocating for more awareness and support for people living with it. She has also been using her social media platforms to entertain and educate her audience with her videos and posts.
A “very angry”protester identified as Nasiba, who participated in the recent #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration organized by Democracy Hub and concerned citizens, has unleashed a scathing attack on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, branding him as the “worst president ever” in a passionate and emotional interview with JoyNews.
Nasibah’s anger and frustration were palpable as she vented her feelings about the current state of affairs in Ghana, with a particular focus on the suffering endured by the country’s youth and the beleaguered healthcare system.
In a voice quivering with rage, the protester recounted the heartbreaking story of a dedicated teacher who had devoted over three decades of his life to public service, only to tragically lose his 24-year-old son because they couldn’t afford the exorbitant cost of dialysis, an astounding GH¢400 per week. Her tone resonated with the collective pain of countless Ghanaians who have faced similar hardships in their quest for affordable healthcare.
“I am very angry, I am very angry. I am angrier this morning, people are dying each day, and the dialysis machine in Korle Bu got spoilt, do you know the number of people who died? A 24-year-old boy died this morning; his father is a teacher. His father is a teacher. Gave over thirty years of his life to the service could not transplant, could not afford dialysis GH¢400 a week. What do you mean?” she angrily said.
But it wasn’t just the healthcare system that came under Nasibah’s withering criticism. She accused the government of gross misallocation of funds, squandering resources on frivolous expenses while the nation grappled with pressing issues. She pointedly questioned the government’s priorities, especially in light of the heavy tax burden placed on citizens and the relentless rise in the cost of living.
” The cost of living in this country but you bring flowers to celebrate your daughter’s birthday, you bring a cake to celebrate E-Levy. God will judge the government, God will judge Akufo-Addo, it will hurt him, it will be excruciating He will be in pain. Somebody who built his career on protest, he built his career on protest, God will judge him. He will meet his death. Making people suffer, look at the Ghanaian youth, look at every one of them, and he is using the police as a tool. Had us arrested on Thursday, maltreated, beaten and lied about. Lied about it. Beat us, lied about it. Said they did not beat anybody. What is wrong with protests. This country’s independence was founded on protests. It was founded on protest. But I guess he does not know that, because he thinks government owes him. Ghana owes him something. His birthright. You work so hard to become the worst president ever. God will judge him. God will judge him,” she cried out.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouseprotests reached a climax on the final day when protesters made a daring attempt to breach a police barricade late into the night, aiming to march towards the presidency. This audacious move came in the wake of the illegal arrests and heavy-handed police tactics that marred the first day of the protests, during which 49 protesters were apprehended and detained for hours on charges of unlawful assembly. All of them were subsequently released on bail.
Days 2 and 3 witnessed no major incidents, as the police strategically cordoned off the main road leading to Jubilee House, the presidential residence, even before the protesters initiated their march towards the symbolic location.
Day 2 saw the partial blockade of one section of the 37-Accra Road, while the final day witnessed the full closure of both sides, causing significant disruption to vehicular traffic throughout the day.
Nasibah’s emotionally charged words reflect the deep-seated frustrations and grievances felt by many Ghanaians, as many have shared the video multiple times on Twitter with comments affirming her sentiments.
A video circulating on social media shows a police officer sitting on the floor and pleading with protesters to end their roadblock near the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. The protesters, who are part of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse campaign, have been demonstrating for three days to demand better living conditions, accountability, and good governance in Ghana.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse campaign is a civil society movement that has been using social media and street protests to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country. They have been calling for reforms in various sectors, such as health, education, economy, security, and justice. They have also been accusing the government of corruption, mismanagement, and incompetence.
The protesters have been blocking major roads and intersections in the capital, causing severe traffic congestion and disruption. They have also been attempting to march to the Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the President of Ghana, to present their grievances and demands.
However, they have been met with resistance and repression from the police, who have barricaded the road leading to the Jubilee House and arrested some of the protesters.
On the first day of the protest, 49 protesters were arrested and detained for hours on charges of unlawful assembly. They were later released on bail after intervention from some lawyers and civil society groups. On the second and third day of the protest, no major incidents were reported, but the police maintained a heavy presence and prevented the protesters from reaching the Jubilee House.
The video shows one of the police officers trying to persuade the protesters to clear the roadblock and allow traffic to flow. He is seen sitting on the ground and speaking calmly to the protesters, who are wearing black and red attire and holding placards with various slogans. He says: “I beg of you to, if it would be possible, move aside for us.”
However, his appeal fell on deaf ears, as the protesters refused to budge and continued to chant and make noise. One of them is heard saying: “Aban (government most often refers to police officers), you said if it would be possible, but it won’t be possible.”
The video has sparked mixed reactions from social media users, some of whom have praised the police officer for his professionalism and humility, while others have criticized him for being weak and ineffective. Some have also expressed their support or opposition to the protest and its objectives.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse campaign is one of several protests that have taken place in Ghana in recent months, reflecting the growing discontent and frustration among some sections of the population over the performance and policies of the government. The campaign has also drawn attention to some of the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana’s democracy and development.
The Ghana Water CompanyLimited (GWCL) has officially announced a temporary disruption in water supply flowing from the Kpong water treatment plant.
This interruption is scheduled to occur from Sunday, September 24, through Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The purpose of this interruption is to facilitate the necessary rehabilitation of the primary transmission pipeline that connects the Kpong treatment facility to the eastern sector of Accra.
Residents in the following areas should take note of the impending disruption: Gbetsile, Afienya, Zenu, Prampram, Mataheko, Katamanso, Dawhenya, Sakumono, Batsonaa, Klagon, Tema Township, Adjei Kojo, Borteyman, Santeo, and the surrounding vicinities.
In a statement, the GWCL explained that the main 42-inch transmission pipeline had become weak and prone to frequent failures since April 2021, resulting in water and revenue losses for the company due to high volumes and pressure in the pipeline.
“The work involved in changing the pipeline is capital intensive; therefore, Management has resolved to change the weak portions of the line to reduce cost and to maintain the integrity of the transmission pipeline. This repair work will also reduce the inconvenience of frequent interruption of supply to customers and ensure long-term reliability of water supply.”
“GWCL is, therefore, entreating customers in the above-stated areas to store enough water during the period in which the works will be carried out.
Meanwhile, management has assured customers that water supply will resume as soon as the works are completed, and they deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause to the public.
The parliamentary committee investigating a leaked tape that allegedly reveals a plot to remove the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, from office has received the names of three new witnesses to testify against the IGP.
The witnesses were submitted by Superintendent George Asare, one of the senior police officers implicated in the tape, through his lawyers.
According to a letter addressed to the Chairman of the committee, Supt Asare has requested the three witnesses to corroborate some of the allegations he made against the IGP during his appearance before the committee. The allegations include the award of a contract to Bugri Naabu and the payment of kickbacks by Dr Dampare, the role played by Bugri Naabu in the appointment of Dr Dampare as IGP, the unauthorised monthly payment made by COP Nketiah Frimpong on behalf of Dr Dampare to Bugri Naabu and others, the conversion of the Police Intelligence Directorate into a personal unit of Dr Dampare, and the extra judicial killings committed by the PID under Dr Dampare’s directions.
The three witnesses are Ishaw Yakubu a.k.a Boyo, Samuel Ofori and ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil. They are expected to appear before the committee on October 2, if invited. The committee is conducting an in-camera hearing, which means that the proceedings are not open to the public or the media.
The IGP has denied all the claims made by Supt Asare and COP George Alex Mensah, another senior police officer involved in the tape.
The leaked tape, which was admittedly recorded by former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, who appeared as a key witness before the committee, allegedly captures a conversation between a police commissioner and a politician about a plan to removeDr Dampare ahead of the 2024 elections.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, formed the committee in response to a call by the Minority Caucus for a probe into the tape. The seven-member bi-partisan committee comprises representatives from both the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament.
The Avenor Traditional Council has imposed a ban on funerals, mass gatherings and noise-making in the area from November 13 to November 27, 2023. The ban is to pave way for the celebration of the Avenor Tutudoza festival, which is a cultural and historical event that showcases the heritage and identity of the Avenor people.
According to a press release signed by Torgbui Tali Gafatsi III, the Chairman of the festival’s Central Planning Committee, the ban is part of the preparations and activities to mark this year’s festival, which will be launched on Saturday, September 23 at the Akatsi Central Market Square. The release stated that all chiefs, families, institutions, drumming groups and other stakeholders in Avenor land must observe the directive accordingly.
The release also stated that all associations and churches in Avenor land must suspend all funerals, conventions and other mass gatherings in all communities during the period of the ban. It warned that anyone who would violate the order of Togbe Doglo Anumah VI, the Paramount Chief and President of the Avenor Traditional Council, would face the full wrath of the council.
The Avenor Tutudoza festival is a rebranded festival celebrated under the auspices of the Avenor Traditional Council and the royal patronage of Togbe Dorglo Anumah VI. The festival aims to promote unity, development and tourism in Avenor land. The theme for this year’s festival is “Empowering and Awakening the Natives of Avenor to take Responsibility towards the Development of Avenor land”.
The ban on funerals comes at a time when the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has revealed his ministry’s plans to leverage funerals for domestic tourism.
He said that funerals in Ghana were not just solemn events but vibrant celebrations of life that offered a window into the country’s diverse cultures. He said that his ministry would provide free buses to transport people who attend funerals to nearby tourist attractions and serve them local dishes and drinks.
He noted that this initiative would boost the local economy and create jobs for the youth. He also said that his ministry would ensure that funerals were reported in a responsible and ethical manner, without giving too much details or glorifying the act.
However, some critics have expressed their reservations about the minister’s proposal, saying that it could commercialise a deeply personal and emotional event and disrespect the wishes and privacy of grieving families. They have also questioned the feasibility and sustainability of the initiative, given the limited resources and infrastructure available for tourism in Ghana
A Mental Health Expert has warned the media against airing or publishing content that can create a sense of hopelessness and despair among the public, which can lead to suicide. He said that some media contents, especially on television and radio, were not sensitive to the mental health of their audience and could fuel suicidal thoughts or actions.
Mental Health Coordinator for the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, Mr. Pious Tay, made these remarks in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on its “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility” platform. He said that the media had a responsibility to promote and safeguard the mental well-being of the public and to avoid content that could harm them.
He cited some examples of media content that could trigger suicide, such as hoax stories, April Fool’s Day pranks, fabrications, stories without sourcing or authentication, and advertisements and promotional materials presented as news. He also said that some media platforms allowed unscrupulous persons to post suicide messages in the comment sections of their publications, which could influence others to follow suit.
He advised the media to be vigilant and to monitor their platforms and comments to prevent such messages from spreading. He also urged the media to report on suicides in a responsible and ethical manner, without giving too many details or glorifying the act, as this could lead to copycat suicides among vulnerable people.
He further appealed to the media to use their platforms to educate and advocate for suicide prevention, and to inform the public about where and how they can get help if they are feeling suicidal or know someone who is. He said that the media could play a vital role in creating hope and support for those who are struggling with mental health issues.
He also called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC), as well as other regulatory bodies, to ensure that media houses followed their ethics and standards and to sanction those who violated them.
Mr. Tay also advised young people to value human relations more than social technologies. He said that social media could be addictive and misleading, and could not provide the answers or solutions to their problems. He said that young people should cultivate a positive family atmosphere and communicate openly and honestly with their parents, teachers, counsellors, and friends.
He said that families who spend time together develop a bond of trust and understanding, which makes it easier for them to address and resolve their issues. He said that children who are raised in a fear-free environment are more likely to express their feelings and seek help when they need it.
Dr. Sally Quartey, Tema Metro Health Director, also urged young people to create good bonds with their family members and other trusted adults and to share their challenges with them instead of resorting to machines. She said that technology could have a negative impact on people’s emotions and mental health, especially young people who depend on it for guidance.
She said that technology could not replace human interaction and compassion, which are essential for preventing suicide.
The National Tenants Union has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a showdown if their demands for improved rent control measures and a swift overhaul of the existing rent law are not met.
The union argues that the current rent law has become obsolete, with no significant efforts being made to rectify the situation. Frederick Opoku, the Secretary of the National Tenants Union, expressed frustration with the government’s lack of action on this pressing issue.
Opoku stated, “The current rent control law has outlived its usefulness. We’ve been raising our concerns for an extended period, but all we get are promises. We have been informed that the law is under consideration in parliament, but we need swift action.”
He went on to emphasize the union’s determination, saying, “We want to send a clear message to the government that if they don’t expedite the process of amending the law, we will not hesitate to take matters into our own hands. We have a substantial and widespread membership, and if we decide to challenge the government, we have the strength to do so.”
Opoku also highlighted the urgent need for the government to allocate sufficient resources to the rent control department to ensure its effectiveness, responsiveness, and proactivity.
He pointed out that the department is currently under-resourced and unable to address the pressing concerns faced by tenants across Ghana. “Many of the staff working in the rent control department are also tenants themselves. Most of them have faced eviction from their rented accommodations. This highlights the government’s lack of seriousness when it comes to housing issues. The very officials who are supposed to assist us in addressing our complaints as tenants lack the necessary capacity and means to do so.”
Opoku further added, “They don’t even have access to vehicles, which forces tenants to hire taxis and cover the costs both ways when they need rent officers to accompany them and address their issues.”
The National Tenants Union’s threat of a showdown underscores the growing frustration among tenants in Ghana over the state of rent control and housing regulations. As this issue gains traction, it remains to be seen whether the government will take swift action to address the concerns of its citizens or face the consequences of a potential confrontation with the determined union.
