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First Lady assures of peace on December 7, as she campaigns in Trobu and Okaikwei North constituencies.

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The First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has taken her campaign to the Trobu and Okaikwei North constituencies, where she asked the electorate to peacefully cast their ballot on December 7.

According to the First Lady, the election on Saturday is not about violence but instead a contest of ideas.

She noted that while the security services will oversee the process, voters should go all out and vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and all NPP parliamentary candidates.

The First Lady’s visit to the constituencies was to sell the NPP’s message of continuity on Saturday when the country goes to the polls to elect a president and parliamentarians.

She indicated that aside from Dr. Bawumia showing commitment to the development of the country, the NPP flagbearer has a plan to transform Ghana.

She urged the electorate to go all out and cast their ballot for the NPP without any fear of violence. She indicated that in 2016, when President Akufo-Addo shared his vision with Ghanaians, they supported him and voted massively for him.

This support, the first lady said, has ensured that President Akufo-Addo fulfilled almost all his promises in the last eight years. She urged voters to extend the same support to Dr. Bawumia, as there is still more to be done. According to Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia has worked with President Akufo-Addo and understands the projects Ghana needs to propel her. She asked voters to go all out on December 7.

“Ghana deserves a lot. Are you not happy with the Ghana we have now? We need continuity, so do not be deceived. This Saturday’s election is not about violence. Peacefully go and cast your vote. Do not be afraid. Nothing will happen because we have the police and other security services who will ensure there is peace. Go and cast your vote peacefully so Ghana can move to better places.”

The NPP parliamentary candidate for Trobu, Gloria Owusu, asked voters to choose number one on the ballot. She indicated that the NPP has an unmatched track record of implementing social intervention programmes that have benefitted every Ghanaian, a reason voters should choose them on December 7.

“The NPP under President Kuffor introduced free maternal healthcare and free school feeding. Under President Akufo Addo, the free SHS was also introduced. I can therefore confidently say that no government has introduced social interventions like the NPP. This track record shows we are breaking the eight. So, on December 7, choose number one on the ballot for both presidential and parliamentary.”

The NPP lost the Okaikwei North seat to the NDC’s Theresa Lardi Awuni in 2020. That was the first time the party lost the seat since 1996. The NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Ama Dokuah Asiamah-Adjei, while reiterating the manifesto promises of Dr. Bawumia, asked party supporters to ensure the message gets to the grassroots.

“I urge you to get the message out to the grassroots. Let’s all do our homework to ensure the message is out there. We all have one vote, but our messages can secure thousands of converts. Feel free to cast your ballot on December 7. No one will be allowed to intimidate us. We will protect you and your votes.”

Man jailed four years for threatening to shoot, kill citizens during Dec. 7 elections.

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A Sowutuom Branch Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, who threatened to kill citizens during the December 7 general election, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment.


Mohammed Ibrahim was found guilty by an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah, at the end of the trial.


Ibrahim was charged with publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm, threat of harm, and offensive conduct to breach the peace.


He pleaded not guilty.


He was sentenced to three years imprisonment for publication of false news with intent to cause harm, four years on the charge of threat of harm, and three years for offensive conduct.


The sentences will, however, run concurrently.


In all, the prosecution called three witnesses to make their case.


Ibrahim also called three witnesses soon after he had opened his defence.


Ibrahim, who was lawfully remanded by the court, had his counsel, Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, pray for an expeditious trial after the court had declined him bail.


The case of prosecution was that the accused, now convict, identified himself as the leader of a revolutionary group known as “Ka na wu” literally meaning “speak and die” in the Twi language.


On September 3, 2024, the Ghana Police Service’s attention was drawn to a video recording of Ibrahim on social media platforms; Facebook, X, and Tik Tok.


In the said video, the convict was wearing a red military beret, saying that the Ghana Police Service in the Ashanti Region, under the direction of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Henry Quartey, were recruiting fake police personnel to kill citizens of Ghana during the December 7, 2024 elections.


The convict stated that he and his cohorts knew where the Minister lived and that in the outbreak of war in Ghana, they would shoot him.


He threatened to unleash violence during the elections.


On September 10, 2024, the police declared the convict wanted, leading to his arrest.


A search conducted on his residence at Sowutuom led to the retrieval of the red beret he wore in the viral video.

Bournemouth ready to accept Liverpool’s offer for Antoine Semenyo—Reports.

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AFC Bournemouth are expected to accept offers for Antoine Semenyo amid interest from Liverpool, Football Insider has revealed.

The Ghana striker has been linked to several clubs in Europe following his explosive performance in the ongoing season.

Despite being linked to Arsenal and Newcastle United, Semenyo has been heavily tipped to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.

Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, revealed that the Cherries will not stand in the player’s way should he wish to make the move in the summer.

The report adds that a deal is unlikely to take place in January as Bournemouth do not want to sell midway through the season, while Liverpool are prioritising other positions.

Semenyo has enjoyed an excellent start to the season with Bournemouth, scoring four goals and providing one assist in 12 games so far.

The 24-year-old has stood out as one of the star players under Andoni Iraola, leading to interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Having missed their 3-2 defeat against Brentford, Semenyo is expected to make a return when they host Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday at the Vitality Stadium.

Saglemi Housing Project to be completed in 400 days—Quarm-LMI Consortium.

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The Quarm-LMI Consortium, appointed by the government to revive the stalled Saglemi Housing Project, has assured Ghanaians that the over 1,500 housing units will be completed within 400 days and made available for purchase.

This announcement signals progress on a project that has long been mired in delays and controversy.

Kofi Adabor Ofori-Amanfo, Managing Director of the consortium, disclosed that structural integrity tests will be conducted on the existing buildings to assess their stability.

He emphasised that these evaluations are crucial to ensuring the project meets modern safety and quality standards before completion.

In a recent media engagement following a courtesy visit to the Ningo Traditional Council, Mr. Ofori-Amanfo detailed plans for re-engineering parts of the structures.

This work will address any weaknesses in the original construction and guarantee that the housing units are both durable and habitable.

The Saglemi Housing Project, initially conceived as a major initiative to alleviate Ghana’s housing deficit, has faced significant setbacks over the years.

These have included allegations of financial irregularities and challenges with project execution, leaving the development incomplete and underutilized.

“Tentatively, we are looking at around 400 days to make sure that the whole place is completed for sale to people. Currently, we inherited the shell structures. And some of them will go through structural integrity tests to make sure that we are not going to sell back to society, something that might just break within time.”

“You know, this development has been left for more than seven years. A lot of them have gone through bad weather conditions. Some areas had some flooding that is prone to the environment there. So we need to do a lot of re-engineering over there,” he stated.

We have failed Ghana’s youth and we must rebuild trust and restore hope—Frimpong-Boateng.

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Appearing on a television talk programme last Saturday, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation said Ghana’s leadership has failed the youth. 

Speaking on TV3’s current affairs programme on Saturday [Nov 30, 2024], Prof. Frimpong-Boateng therefore urged the current leaders to work towards rebuilding the lost trust and restoring hope among young Ghanaians.

His reason was that many young people in Ghana are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the country’s political system. 

He pointed to poor leadership and corruption as key factors contributing to this sense of hopelessness.

“Young people are entitled to say that we’ve failed them,” Frimpong-Boateng said. “I have children and grandchildren, and I hear their concerns. We’ve failed them, and I don’t want to be part of the group that has let them down. I want to do something to restore their hope.”

He stressed the need for a new kind of leadership, one focused on self-sacrifice and the long-term survival of the nation. 

He pointed out that for decades, Ghana’s leadership has failed to meet the basic needs of its people, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and security. Instead, leaders have prioritised short-term gains, neglecting critical issues like corruption, climate change, and the mismanagement of resources.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng, a heart surgeon who served as CEO of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital the lack of sacrifice from those in power was also to blame and pointed to examples of leaders in history who made significant personal sacrifices for the greater good.

“Leadership is about sacrifice for the common good, not about personal wealth or power,” he said. “Until our leaders make this commitment, Ghana will continue to struggle.”

Prof Frimpong-Boateng also raised the issue of persistent corruption within the country. Despite claims from successive governments of progress in fighting corruption, he insisted that Ghana continues to suffer from a corrupt system that hinders the country’s development.

“Corruption is the reason why we have not made progress. Ghana has abundant resources and intelligent people, both at home and abroad. Yet, we remain stuck because of corruption,” he stated. “Anyone who tells you that we are fighting corruption seriously is not being truthful.”

He urged Ghanaian leaders to focus on restoring hope among young people, stressing that real change must come through action, not just words. 

Prof. Frimpong Boteng called on leaders to shift their focus away from personal wealth and power and instead work towards creating a system that ensures a better future for all Ghanaians.

“We need leadership that is focused on the survival of this country,” he concluded. “It’s not about you or your family. It’s about the people, the millions of Ghanaians who look to us for hope and a brighter future.”

Napo Observes Special Voting In Manhyia South.

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Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), took to the field on December 2, 2024, to observe the special voting exercise at various polling stations in the Manhyia South constituency.

After his observation, Dr. Prempeh expressed his satisfaction with the calm and peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the polling stations.

He noted that the smooth conduct of the special voting exercise was a testament to Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

According to Dr. Prempeh, the peaceful atmosphere at the polling stations is a strong indication of what to expect during the general elections on December 7, 2024.

He expressed his optimism that Ghana would once again uphold its reputation as a champion of governance through the ballot box.

Dr. Prempeh’s observation of the special voting exercise is part of the NPP’s efforts to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent.

The party has been working closely with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital appeals for support to complete an 80-million-dollar legacy project.

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Dr David Nkansa-Dwamena, Board Chair of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has urged the public, particularly organisations and philanthropists to support the institution in achieving its 80 million-dollar legacy project.

 
The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital being the third biggest referral centre in Africa is yearning to become the largest in Africa by advancing healthcare with the legacy project, which would have a simulation centre, training of medical professionals and a research centre. 


Dr Nkansa-Dwamena made the appeal at the Fundraising and Heroes Awards Night of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital as well as the launch of the Legacy Project in Accra. 


He said the success of the facility for the past 100 years had not been solely operated with government resources but had been made possible with the generous contributions of philanthropic corporate organisations, individuals, and dedicated staff. 


The Board Chair, while commending benefactors, indicated that the facility would need the continuous support of these philanthropists to continue achieving the legacy project, which was necessary in shaping the hospital’s future. 


“I passionately appeal to you to support these initiatives with your generous donations, as they will enable us to expand our reach and enhance the quality of care we offer as we confidently step into the next century of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s journey,” he stated. 


Meanwhile 15 members of staff were celebrated and honoured for their exceptional transformative contributions to the advancement of the hospital. 


Dr Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital described the awardees as heroes and heroine who had played an indispensable role in shaping the journey of the hospital and said it was only fitting to honour their dedication and impact. 


He said: “it is an undeniable fact that the healthcare landscape has evolved dramatically over the years and while Korle-Bu continue to adapt, one thing remains certain: Our Hospital will remain at the forefront of delivering advanced healthcare, training the next generation of medical professionals and driving critical research.” 


The Acting CEO said it was vital to continue nurturing the strong relationship with the government through the Ministry of Health, corporate partners, individual benefactors, and non-governmental organisations, adding that the collaborations eloquently demonstrated that the responsibility for health care could not rest solely on the government, hence a collective effort that required the support and involvement of all. 


Dr. Owusu-Sekyere said the support of benefactors, whether financial or kind, enabled them to provide excellent healthcare services to cherished patients. 


“Today, we renew our commitment to you and explore new ways of deepening this partnership as we embark on the second century of Korle-Bu’s legacy, the importance of maintaining and strengthening our ties with our corporate and individual partners has never been more critical. Together, we can continue to build a healthier future for all,” he added. 


The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, recalled that Korle-Bu’s journey began over a century ago, when in 1916, the Sempe Stool of the Ga State gifted the land upon which the iconic institution stood and said the gesture, made by the forebears, was not just an act of generosity but a commitment to the health and well-being of the people and reaffirmed that commitment with the same resolve. 


The Ga Mnatse who was represented by Nee Lante Bruce, the CEO of Ga Mantse Foundation, announced the construction of a state-of-the-art pharmacy complex, estimated at 6 million Ghana cedis, a commitment to the growth of the institution. 


He said, “While Korle-Bu remains a beacon of excellence, we all have a role to play in its advancement. On behalf of the King, I urge everyone here, residents of the Ga State, captains of industry, and our generous partners to contribute to this fundraising effort. Together, we can ensure that Korle-Bu remains not only a national treasure but a leader in healthcare across Africa.” 


The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its continuous support to the facility in ensuring quality and accessible health care for all. The MOH and some corporate institutions made pledges to support the initiative. 

Special Voting: We shared the food upon request – Lydia Alhassan.

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The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has defended her actions following the emergence of a video showing her and her constituency women’s organizer distributing food to voters during the Special Voting exercise on Monday, December 2, 2024.

The incident, which occurred at the Legon Police Station polling centre, sparked public debate about voter influence and electoral ethics, as the MP was seen handing out food packages to individuals in the voting queue.

In an interview on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show with Bernard Avle on Tuesday, December 3, Lydia Alhassan dismissed allegations of any malicious intent, stating that her actions were purely driven by compassion.

She explained that the situation began when one of the personnel in the queue requested water. Her women’s organiser provided the water, and observing others in need, the MP extended the gesture to those who appeared tired or hungry.

“I thought that there were some people who would need food after I have served my people, and so I decided to give it [the food] to them [the people in queue]. Did you see me giving out food to the people in the queue? The lady with me received a request for water, and in her attempt to give it to the person who requested it, she ended up giving it to two other people who also needed water.”

Critics, including her political opponent John Dumelo, raised questions about whether this act could be perceived as an attempt to influence voters.

However, Lydia Alhassan rejected such claims and emphasised that she had only come to the polling station in her capacity as a stakeholder to monitor the voting process and ensure everything was running smoothly.

“As a stakeholder, I had to be there to oversee the process. We sent food specifically for our agents and also served the media personnel present. The idea was to ensure that everyone involved in facilitating the voting process was adequately taken care of,” she explained.

Addressing the aftermath of her visit, Lydia Alhassan noted that she had left the location before any further incidents occurred.

She refuted allegations that she had been present when John Dumelo reacted to the food-sharing reports.

“As a stakeholder, I had to be there, and so I was there to monitor the process, and we sent food to be given to our agents, and we even served the media.

“After I left, I was told that there was an incident and I was not there, and so when I was asked about the incident, I said I was not near there and so didn’t know anything about the incident, and it was later on that I saw a video of my opponents calling me names.”

Kwesi Appiah would have been a better choice as Black Stars coach than Otto Addo-GOC president Ben Nunoo-Mensah.

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President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), Ben Nunoo Mensah has voiced his belief that Kwesi Appiah would have been a better choice than Otto Addo as the Black Stars’ head coach for the team’s third coaching stint.

After resigning following Ghana’s disappointing early exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Otto Addo was reappointed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in March for a three-year term with a potential two-year extension.

Despite starting his second tenure with positive results, including consecutive victories over Mali and the Central African Republic in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Addo has faced significant criticism.

His inability to lead the Black Stars to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has fueled widespread discontent, with Ghana finishing at the bottom of Group F with just three points from six matches. This performance has led to increased calls for his dismissal.

Nunoo Mensah, commenting on the situation, expressed disappointment over the decision not to rehire Kwesi Appiah after Chris Hughton’s departure following Ghana’s group-stage elimination in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

“I think that in so many years, Kwasi Appiah has been one of Ghana’s best coaches, and it was sad we got him out in that manner,” he told Asempa FM.

“Also, when there was an opportunity to appoint him again, we overlooked him. For me, because we are constrained by financial difficulties, we should look within ourselves.”

He pointed out that most of Ghana’s AFCON victories have come under local coaches, emphasizing the potential for local talent to reach international standards and show greater commitment to the national cause.

“Most of the AFCON titles we won were with Ghanaian coaches, so why don’t we look within ourselves and build people to the level of Pep Guardiola and co.? Those local coaches will be more committed to the nation,” he added.

Kwesi Appiah first led the Black Stars from 2012 to 2014 and was reappointed from 2017 to 2020. During his first stint, he notably became the first Ghanaian coach to lead the team to qualify for the World Cup in 2014.

Otto Addo’s position remains uncertain as the GFA’s Executive Council deliberates on the next steps following Ghana’s failure to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON.

I will transform the North if you vote for me – Alan Kyerematen.

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Alan Kyerematen’s recent tour of the five regions of the North highlighted the pressing need for development in an area brimming with untapped potential. 


Traveling through the Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, and Savanna regions, Alan observed firsthand the challenges facing communities and pledged to prioritize their development if elected. 


In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra Alan expressed concern about the region’s lack of basic social and economic infrastructure, which he described as a significant gap in leadership by successive governments. 


“The conditions here are truly concerning. In some communities, children are learning under poor conditions in extreme heat, while access to clean water remains a daily struggle for many families. This situation hinders their ability to thrive and fulfill their potential.” 


He stressed that such challenges perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, holding back not only the region but the nation as a whole. 


It is common to see children walking long distances to fetch water from streams with some washing clothing whilst others serve their livestock from the same muddy stream. Reflecting on such scenes, Alan noted that, “No child should have to choose between going to school and helping their family fetch water. It’s a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to ensure every child has access to basic necessities like clean water and education.” 


Alan also expressed concern about healthcare infrastructure, where some residents reportedly travel several kilometers to reach the nearest clinic. 


“It is disheartening to hear stories of lives lost due to preventable situations because of a lack of nearby health facilities. This is a region with immense potential to drive Ghana’s growth, yet it faces significant neglect. We must address this,” he stated. 


The Non-Partisan Presidential Candidate also noted the struggles farmers go through with unpredictable weather patterns and lack of regular inputs and markets. Without support to modernize, the farmers continue with small subsistence methods that do not return enough value to them. 


He also promised to introduce a New Agricultural Revolution to modernize agriculture for better incomes. “This region has the potential to be the food basket of West Africa, yet it struggles with food security challenges,” he said.

 
He pledged to complete projects like the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and introduce agro-parks to enable year-round farming, emphasizing, “With the right support, agriculture in this region can flourish and transform lives.” 


The statement said during his interactions with traders, Alan heard heartbreaking stories of market women trapped in debt cycles because they couldn’t access affordable loans.  


“These are hardworking people who need just a little support to thrive.” He pledged to establish a Traders Bank to provide low-interest loans tailored to the needs of small-scale traders. 


“If we empower the traders, we empower the families they support,” he explained. 


He challenged the people of the five regions to rethink their political choices. 


 “For decades, the duopoly has come here asking for votes, only to turn their backs once in power. Instead of providing concrete plans, they are now fighting over who is more corrupt or who has failed the economy more,” he said. 


He called on the people to demand more from their leaders and to consider the promise of change embodied in his Great Transformational Plan (GTP). 


“The regions of the North deserve better. Your children deserve opportunities that allow them to dream and achieve. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and ensure no family, no community, is left behind in our pursuit to alleviate poverty,” he concluded. 

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