Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) of North Tongu, has filed his nomination forms to contest the North Tongu Parliamentary seat in the December elections.
The filing took place on Tuesday at the Electoral Commission Office at Battor in the Volta Region, with the party’s constituency executives in attendance.
Mr Elvis Addo, the Returning Officer, received the forms and assured of a diligent and fair process, urging party members to promote peaceful voting and reject electoral violence.
Mr Ablakwa expressed gratitude to his constituents for their support, despite the rainy weather, and pledged to continue serving with dedication, integrity, and a progressive vision.
He highlighted the National Democratic Congress’ impressive victory margin in North Tongu during the 2020 elections, where they secured the widest victory margin in the country.
The MP announced plans to surpass this achievement with “Operation 94%” in support of John Mahama, aiming to increase the party’s vote share in the constituency.
He reiterated his commitment to serving his constituents with humility and dynamism, emphasising his focus on addressing the needs of the people, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic development.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the Akosombo Dam spillage and assured his constituents of his continued efforts to support affected families and advocate lasting solutions.
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has launched the 13th Ghana Industry and Quality Awards to create resilience in the Ghanaian business landscape.
Dr Nora Bannerman-Abbot, the AGI Awards Planning Committee Chairperson, said the Awards would reward companies that had distinguished themselves in navigating through uncharted waters and emerged stronger and more innovative.
The categories for this year’s awards include the Major Awards, the Sector Awards and the Regional Awards. However, a few honorary Awards would also be given to deserving firms and personalities.
She said the planning committee had made deliberate efforts to distinguish the Awards from the several awards schemes by partnering with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for best quality standards.
The launch was on the theme: “Navigating The Uncertainties Of Our Business Landscape To Sustain Productivity.”
Dr Bannerman-Abott encouraged businesses to adopt science, technology and innovation, artificial intelligence and other digital tools to drive businesses for development.
Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, said the government was implementing several initiatives such as the “SME Goal” to propel growth among businesses, especially small businesses to thrive to meet international demand.
He said the government was giving out very low interest rates and tax incentives to foreign companies to enhance industrial growth.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry said the Ghana Revenue Authority was also developing flexible arrangements for businesses for a more collaborative approach to ensure market sustainability.
He said quality was key in the business sector, saying: “if your product is quality, it will be able to compete at the international market and that will drive more customers and investors into the country”.
He commended the AGI for such awards to enable businesses strive for the best since it served as a competitive measurement among companies and ensured companies work according to standards.
Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), speaking to the media, said sustainability was crucial in the business sector to enable businesses to overcome risk and shocks.
He called on the government to ensure there was improvement in the industrial sector by engaging the AGI to analyze government’s policies to impact and protect the interests of the sector.
He said government must also ensure that policies were being implemented to ensure manufacturing growth through sustainable policies.
The CEO congratulated businesses which doing well amid challenging macroeconomic conditions, adding that more exports than imports would improve national development.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station, as they prepare to travel to Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, September 11, 2024. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy came in Kyiv on Wednesday for a series of talks with key Ukrainian government officials at a critical moment in the conflict with Russia. Blinken has stated that he would want to hear directly from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and others about Kyiv’s war aims and what Washington can do to assist it accomplish them.
Zelenskiy is expected to resume his calls to his friends to enable Ukraine to shoot Western missiles, notably long-range US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, deep into Russian territory, limiting Moscow’s capacity to conduct assaults. According to Western sources, Blinken and Lammy will press Ukraine for additional details on its strategic objectives as they decide whether to approve the deal. There is concern in Washington and some European capitals that doing so might lead Russia into a direct clash with the West, although officials also acknowledge that Ukraine requires further assistance if it is to turn the tide of the fight in its favour.
Overnight, U.S. President Joe Biden suggested that there was room for compromise.
Biden said his administration was “working that out now” when asked if the United States would lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons in its war against Russia.
The speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, said that Moscow would consider the United States and its allies to be parties to the war if they allowed Kyiv to use long-range weapons.
Blinken has declined to say whether Washington would give permission, but said multiple factors went into any decision.
“It’s not just the system itself that counts. You have to ask: Can the Ukrainians effectively use it, and sometimes that requires significant training, which we’ve done. Do they have the ability to maintain it?” Blinken said.
BATTLEFIELD PRESSURES
Item 1 of 4 Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station, as they prepare to travel to Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, September 11, 2024. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country’s military needs in its fight against Russia. Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS
[1/4]Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station, as they prepare to travel to Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, September 11, 2024. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country’s… Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
On the battlefield more than 2-1/2 years since the invasion began, Ukrainian forces are being stretched by a better armed and bigger foe, as they try to fend off Russian gains in the east where Moscow is focusing its attacks.
In a bid to seize back some of the initiative and divert Russian forces, Kyiv last month sent troops into Russia’s Kursk region in an audacious large-scale cross-border incursion.
After making rapid progress initially, Ukrainian advances have stalled, and on Wednesday a senior Russian commander said his forces had taken back control of about 10 settlements.
The economic damage from the Kursk incursion totals at least $931 million, regional governor Alexei Smirnov said on Wednesday. More than 150,000 people have been evacuated since the start of Ukraine’s attack, he added.
Blinken’s visit to Kyiv comes a day after he said Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran and will likely use them in Ukraine within weeks, warning that cooperation between Moscow and Tehran threatens wider European security.
Russia and Iran both deny Blinken’s assertion.
The deepening military cooperation between Iran and Russia is a threat for all of Europe, Blinken said, adding that Washington had privately warned Iran that providing ballistic missiles to Russia would mark “a dramatic escalation”.
The U.S. imposed fresh sanctions on Iran on Tuesday over the alleged transfer.
Thousands of civilians have died in the war, which Russia started with a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February 2022. Millions of Ukrainians have also been displaced, while many cities and villages have become piles of rubble.
Russia has escalated its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, while Ukraine has also sent hundreds of long-range attack drones deep into Russian territory.
Later this month, Zelenskiy travels to the United States and will present a plan to Biden and his two potential successors in November’s presidential election that he hopes will bring the end of the war closer.
The winner of the first and most likely last debate between US presidential contenders Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is still unknown.
Tuesday’s event in Philadelphia provided Americans with the most extensive look at a campaign that has shifted radically since the first debate in June.
The proceedings, broadcast by the ABC network, began with an uncomfortable greeting but progressed surprisingly well, due in part to the candidates’ muted microphones, which decreased disruptions.
Moderators questioned the two on their views on the economy, abortion, climate change, and foreign policy, especially the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas battles.
Harris focused her early remarks on the economy, while Trump often pivoted to immigration and promoted conspiracy theories.
The two candidates also had an intense exchange over abortion, with Harris saying women are “bleeding out” in parking lots and Trump sidestepping a question about a national ban on the procedure.
The back-and-forth at the National Constitution Centre was riddled with false and misleading comments, including on job growth and a baseless claim about Haitian immigrants.
The stakes were high for both candidates heading into the showdown.
Harris, who entered the race just seven weeks ago, has had limited time to define her candidacy and win over voters.
Meanwhile, Trump’s allies had hoped he would stay on message and turn around what has been a rocky summer for his campaign.
The debate could be the only time before the November election that Harris and Trump could make their case in front of a television audience of tens of millions of voters.
Vice president and Democrat nominee, Harris, was buoyant when speaking to supporters after her confident performance in which she managed to rile her Republic rival.
“I think that we think today is a good day. But we have 56 days to go. And guys, we’re still the underdogs in this race. It’s tight,” she said.
“We believe in who we are. We believe in the American people. This is a campaign about bringing folks together, knowing the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us.”
Trump was bullish about his performance, despite making numerous outrageous and factually incorrect claims during the debate.
“All I do is to say the truth. I say the truth and if I lose votes or gain votes. I don’t care. But this was my best debate. I thought it was very good. I thought she was very weak on foreign policy. She was very weak on the border,” he told reporters.
Harris’s campaign has almost immediately called for a second debate against Trump, which he dismissed saying she only wanted a rematch because she “lost”.
The potentially pivotal debate saw the two candidates lay out very different visions for the future of the United States.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
The decision was made after observations made by CAF during the recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024.
Based on these observations, it was determined that the stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.
The CAF team identified several issues, including a playing field that was deemed unsuitable for competitive matches.
The stadium’s playing field had deteriorated significantly, with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.
The Baba Yara Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, has hosted several high-profile matches in the past, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches.
CAF officials expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the stadium, citing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.
A letter from CAF noted earlier concerns expressed by the continental body about the state of the playing field.
“It is important to note that, prior to the match, CAF had expressed concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures. Persistent issues at this venue, as well as others in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have also been noted.”
Given the absence of any other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, CAF has requested the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue from among those approved by CAF outside Ghana for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The letter from CAF also recommended that the relevant authorities “conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.” Additionally, CAF advised that the stadium management engage experienced companies immediately to undertake the necessary refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
CAF expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana (through the GFA) in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches, offering to assist by providing an international pitch consultant with experience in major international competitions, including AFCON, to offer additional expert guidance on the necessary improvements. The cost of this support would be borne by the GFA.
CAF went on to indicate that once the needed renovation works were completed, it would, at the GFA’s request and expense, conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.
The withdrawal of approval means that Ghana will have to find alternative venues for upcoming international matches, including the AFCON qualifiers. The Ghana Football Association has promised to work with Government to address the issues and restore the stadium to its former status.
Veteran Broadcaster, Joachim Awuley Lartey will be laid to rest on September 20, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.
The former SWAG President, who passed on at age 96, would be given a state burial.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to lead a delegation of government officials to mourn the former Broadcaster who paid his dues in Sports Journalism.
The President in his tribute months back described the late Joe Lartey as one who was loyal and devoted to the state.
He assured that the government would ensure that he received a befitting burial.
The former staff of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation had a stellar sports journalism career spanning more than five decades.
Born on June 6, 1927, Joe Lartey, one of the nation’s top commentators in the 1960s served as the first President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG).
At age 16, the Broadcaster, who was then a student of Accra Academy joined the British Navy, a journey he had wanted to embark on years back.
He was motivated after listening to war speeches of the then British Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, on radio and reading about the war from some magazines.
He rose through the ranks to become a Supply Rating Officer after he received training at the King Tom barracks in Sierra Leone and the Royal Naval Base Kisi.
After his days as a Naval officer, Joe became a teacher before beginning his broadcasting journey.
He was recommended to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) where he started as a Senior Programs Assistant in 1961.
He worked for Radio Nigeria for a decade before returning to the Ghana Broadcaster Corporation in 1990, where he hosted the famous Sports Digest programme.
Joachim Awuley Lartey received ‘A Life in Sports’ honorary award from the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) at the Media Awards in Doha, Qatar, in 2022.
During the ceremony, thousands of Sports Journalists across the world testified to the role the Ghanaian had played in sports.
Ghana’s Chess team, Golden Knights have arrived in Budapest, Hungary for the 45th World Chess Olympiad scheduled for 10th to 23rd September 2024.
The strong contingent would compete in both the Opens and Women categories with hopes of winning the ultimate.
The team comprised of a healthy mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars who are poised to make history on the global stage.
They were Gertrude Banini Maud Benson, Tobi Felix, Dotse Dzidzor Esi, Hephzibah Awura-Ama Manubea Tandoh, Edward Sosu, John Kojo Hasford, Francis Anquandah, Formevor Cephas Clinton, Bernard Anhwere and Daniel Frempong-Smart.
Madam Christine Ashley, Vice President of the Ghana Chess Association who led the team to Budapest would also serve as an Arbiter for the competition.
The Sports Administrator speaking in an interview with the GNA Sports expressed confidence in her team.
She said the team was gingered to give in their best at the World Championship.
The World Chess Olympiad, organised by the International Chess Federation, is a biennial tournament which brings together various nations to battle for top prizes.
The Ghana Badminton Association (GBA) will on Thursday, September 12, organise the National Badminton Technical Officiating Course, at the Borteyman Sports Complex.
The one-day comprehensive course aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in various technical officiating roles within the sport.
Leading the training would be Mr. Yeboah Evans, Competition Director for Africa Badminton, with Mr. Gabriel Atseku, an African Accredited Umpire, National Certified Referee, and National Certified Referee, and other qualified instructors.
In an interview with the GNA Sports, Mr. Atseku emphasized that this program would pave the way for participants to attain international standards in technical officiating.
He noted that attendees could take on roles such as Tournament Director, Referee, Match Control, Umpire, Service Judge, and Line Judge.
Mr. Atseku also encouraged Physical Education (PE) teachers to seize this opportunity to enhance their careers and develop technical officiating skills.
He said, “as in many sports codes, technical officials play an important role in badminton”.
“It is up to the technical official to ensure that the match is played moderate fairly, and that all decisions are consistent for all players.”
“We have technical officials at all levels, some of them officiate at continental level.”
“While athletes were the stars of badminton, Technical Officials run the show.”
He said referees, umpires and line judges had significant roles to play in any badminton event.
He said, “firm yet fair, their word is the law on the badminton court.” “With sharp eyes and an even sharper mind, these men and women work in tandem to ensure a smooth tournament experience for all athletes.”
Madam Theresa Lardi Awuni, Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, has filed her parliamentary nomination forms to seek re-election as the legislator for the area.
The MP received “overwhelming support” from party faithful, constituency members, and community leaders when she arrived at the Electoral Commission’s District Office to file her papers, a news brief shared with the Ghana News Agency said.
The statement said, “many supporters expressed their excitement about her continued leadership and voiced their confidence that she would secure another term in Parliament.”
Addressing the jubilant crowd after the filing of her nomination forms, Madam Awuni expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of support and reiterated her dedication to serving the people of Okaikwei North.
She assured the people that she would continue to champion for accountability and development.
“Madam Awuni’s tenure as MP has been marked by several key initiatives, including youth empowerment programs, infrastructure development, and her commitment to improving healthcare and education in the constituency. Her leadership has also been felt beyond her community, as she has played a pivotal role in advocating for national policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians,” the statement said.
“Her nomination filing is seen as the beginning of what promises to be a spirited campaign that will once again unite the people of Okaikwei North in pursuit of a shared, progressive future,” the statement added.
Mr Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, the Okere NPP parliamentary candidate says a vote for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the President, is an endorsement of youth employment and massive development.
He therefore urged the youth in Okere to vote massively for Dr Bawumia and himself to continue the works of Mr Dan Botwe, the former MP.
The NPP has laid a solid infrastructure in Okere through the MP, to pave way for youth employment in the next government and must be endorsed massively come December 7, he said.
In an interview with the GNA after filing his nomination at the EC Office at Adukrom, Mr Addo-Kenneth reiterated that NPP had kept faith with Okere and appealed to them to reciprocate.
He hoped that after learning under the leadership of Mr Dan Botwe, the people would trust him and endorse him to take Okere to the next level.
Mr Addo-Kenneth who is also the Okere District Chief Executive (DCE), started his political career as a polling station executive, became the Okere Constituency secretary for nine years and subsequently got appointed as the first Okere DCE.
The DCE won the parliamentary primaries to replace Mr Dan Botwe, as the Okere parliamentary candidate and has always maintained that he would stand on the legacies of Mr Dan Botwe, a colossus of Ghana’s politics to retain the seat for NPP.
Meanwhile, Mr Dan Botwe had declared his unflinching support to the DCE and appealed to all in the constituency to rally behind him to become the next MP, come December 7.
He said his hard work, from being the Okere NPP constituency secretary through to becoming the President’s nominee for the position of the DCE, was evident and enough proof that he had experience and therefore ready to represent Okere in parliament.
Mr Botwe, a former General-Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Minister of State leaves parliament in 2024 after serving four-terms and a total of 16 years as the Okere MP for the party.
