The President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev. Isaac Owusu, is advocating for a robust legal framework to enshrine the recent government directive reinstating Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in basic and secondary schools across the country.

His call comes amidst concerns that, without legislative backing, future administrations could once again sideline these vital community structures in education.

Rev. Owusu made the appeal while addressing the media during the opening of the “Teaching Together” workshop, a collaborative initiative between GNAT and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), held at the GNAT Institute for Research and Industrial Relations in Abankro.

He emphasised GNAT’s long-standing advocacy for the revitalisation and institutionalisation of PTAs, which he described as “essential structures for promoting collaboration between parents and educators in managing schools and improving educational outcomes.”

The Ghana Education Service (GES) officially announced the full reinstatement of PTAs in all pre-tertiary schools on Thursday, July 17, 2025, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.

This directive marks a significant reversal of a 2019 policy under the previous administration, which effectively suspended PTAs and banned mandatory levies, replacing them with less influential “Parent Associations” (PAs) in the wake of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

President Mahama had, in June 2025, described the sidelining of PTAs as “unacceptable,” promising their full restoration to the education system.

According to Rev. Owusu, the restoration of PTAs “effectively returns the management of schools to the community, and any reversal would be a setback to inclusive governance in education.”

He underscored the need for Parliament to “enact legislation that would offer legal protection to PTAs, preventing future governments from arbitrarily dismantling or sidelining them.”

This legislative measure, he argued, would provide the necessary stability and long-term assurance for PTAs to effectively contribute to school development.

PTAs in Ghana have historically played a crucial role in school governance, infrastructure development, and student welfare.

Their contributions have included providing teaching and learning materials, supporting school renovations, enforcing student discipline, and even organising extra classes.

Studies have shown that strong PTAs foster collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community, creating a more conducive learning environment.

The “Teaching Together” workshop, being held at the GNAT Institute, brought together over 300 educators from the Northern, Bono, Ahafo, and Upper West Regions.

It is the first batch of over 600 teachers scheduled for training under the project, which focuses on “teachers teaching teachers to teach,” enhancing pedagogical skills in areas like inclusive education, technology education, gender and culture, and classroom management.

Rev. Isaac Owusu also took the opportunity to call on the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, to prioritize education in fiscal policy.

He urged the Ministry to “ensure that teachers’ welfare is given the necessary attention.” He highlighted the persistent challenges faced by educators across Ghana, including inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and delayed allowances, stating that these issues “negatively affect teacher motivation and educational delivery.”

Ghana’s education sector continues to grapple with these challenges. A 2022 Ghana Education Service (GES) report indicated that nearly 30% of basic schools in rural Ghana lack the required number of teachers, leading to issues like multigrade teaching.

Teacher motivation is often impacted by insufficient professional development opportunities and a perceived lack of adequate remuneration, despite recent efforts to improve conditions. GNAT, as the largest teacher union in Ghana with an estimated membership of over 200,000, plays a critical role in advocating for these systemic improvements

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Thirty people have been injured after a vehicle drove into a crowd queuing to get into a nightclub in Los Angeles.

Seven were critically injured and six were in a serious condition after the crash in East Hollywood, the LA Fire Department (LAFD) said.

A line of mostly women were waiting to enter the Vermont Hollywood music venue when the car struck at 02:00 local time (09:00 GMT) on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the crash as an intentional act because the driver made a U-turn before ramming through the crowd, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said that when officers arrived, bystanders had dragged the driver out of the Nissan Versa and were attacking him. One assailant had shot the driver.

The driver was taken to hospital for surgery, the LAPD added. His condition is unknown.

The vehicle drove through a taco stand, through a valet podium, and then into the crowd, said police.

Pictures from the scene show a grey car on a pavement with debris strewn on the ground, and a large police presence.

The nightclub was hosting a reggae/hip hop event at the time, according to its website.

A law enforcement official told CNN the driver is believed to have been intoxicated.

Police have described the suspect who opened fire during the melee before fleeing on foot as a bald Hispanic man. He was wearing a blue jersey and potentially armed with a silver-coloured revolver.

In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a “heartbreaking tragedy”.

“The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning – a full investigation into what happened is under way,” she said.

The victims have all been taken to hospitals or trauma centres, LAFD Captain Adam VanGerpen told reporters at the scene.

“It was a very chaotic scene,” Capt VanGerpen said, adding that “a lot of bystanders by the club came out to help people”.

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Fally Ipupa headlines electrifying first night as Congo takes centre stage in global celebration of music and culture.

The rhythm of Congolese Rumba echoed through the capital on Wednesday as President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo officially opened the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa, setting the tone for a landmark event that merges culture, tourism, and diplomacy under the theme “The Rumba Route for Peace.”

The opening ceremony, held at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), brought together cultural leaders, artists, international partners, and dignitaries from across the globe. President Tshisekedi thanked the Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili and his team at of UN Tourism for partnering with the Congolese government to bring the maiden edition of the festival to life, noting that the DRC would leverage this platform to promote peace, unity, and tourism development.

In his first official visit to the DRC, Pololikashvili addressed a packed hall of dignitaries, artists, cultural leaders and Congolese citizens. In a deeply personal and forward-looking speech, he noted that “it is a great honour to join you in Kinshasa, a city full of rhythm and energy.”

“Today, the DRC is making history. You are not only hosting a festival. You are sharing Congolese Rumba with the world. This music, recognised by UNESCO, tells the story of your people. It is a living link between Africa and the Americas.”

He also stressed the global significance of the festival. “Both music and tourism are instruments of peace. They break down barriers, foster understanding, and remind us of our common humanity. This festival shows what African tourism can be – inclusive, authentic, and proudly rooted in culture.”

The official opening was elevated by stirring choral performances and traditional Congolese music and dance, which brought vibrancy and local flavour to the ceremony in a rich cultural setting. The audience – made up of government officials, cultural leaders, international partners, and artists – was visibly moved by the authentic expressions of Congolese identity and artistry.

After the ceremony, President Tshisekedi led high-level dignitaries to tour the Cultural Village, an immersive exhibition space showcasing Congolese fashion, crafts, gastronomy and visual arts.

As the sun set, the celebration continued with a massive open-air concert headlined by Fally Ipupa at the People’s Palace, on the forecourt of the National Assembly. 

Drawing thousands of people, the show blended Rumba’s timeless melodies with urban rhythm and pop flair, bringing Kinshasa to life and marking a thrilling conclusion to Day 1. Fally’s performance – powerful, polished and deeply rooted in tradition – embodied the spirit of the festival: Congolese excellence with global resonance.

On Day 2 – Thursday, July 17

Day 2 of the World Music and Tourism Festival will focused on dialogue, innovation, and industry development at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC). Key highlights included “Transatlantic Rhythms for Peace,” a high-level roundtable exploring music as a tool for diplomacy between Africa, the Americas and beyond, as well as the “Fair Play” session, which tackled issues around copyright, artist rights, and equitable participation in the music tourism economy.

 A dedicated masterclass also provided artists and stakeholders with practical insights into intellectual property and sustainable business models.

Additional sessions explored music’s role in destination branding through the panel “Music at the Heart of Tourism,” and how digital platforms and youth-led innovation were reshaping the creative landscape in “From Vinyl to Viral.”

 A fireside chat with renowned Congolese musician Jean Goubald Kalala, moderated by Kojo Bentum-Williams, will offer a personal perspective on the evolution of Congolese Rumba. 

The World Music and Tourism Festival continues through Friday 18 July, with Kinshasa proudly at its centre – where the beat of Rumba becomes the heartbeat of peace.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans by his administration to introduce a regional quota system for recruitment into the country’s security services.

He made the announcement on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, during a durbar at Juaboso in the Western North Region as part of his nationwide “Thank You Tour.”

According to Mr Mahama, the proposed system is aimed at addressing longstanding imbalances in the recruitment process, which, he said, has historically favoured urban areas and individuals with political connections.

“We also promised to decentralise recruitment into the security services,” Mr Mahama told the gathering. “We’re waiting for financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance, and when we get it, every region is going to have a quota to send young people into the security services.”

He added that under the proposed arrangement, each region would be allocated a fixed number of slots, and any attempt to bypass the process with politically backed lists would not be tolerated.

“When that time comes, if your region has 100 slots and you go and bring a protocol list with 200 names, we will just throw that list away,” he said.

Mr Mahama’s remarks follow growing public concern over the transparency of recruitment processes within the country’s security services. In recent years, many young people—especially those from rural areas—have complained about being sidelined by so-called “protocol” arrangements, which they claim favour the well-connected.

He said the policy is intended to enhance fairness, ensure regional balance, and restore public trust in the operations of the security services.

Although financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance is still pending, Mr Mahama assured that once approval is received, the new recruitment model will be rolled out.

The Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, and other security agencies are expected to adopt the regional quota system upon implementation of the policy.

The NPP 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Aowin Constituency, Fuseini Yakubu Abanga (NPP Abanga), has openly attributed his electoral defeat to the active campaigning of his twin brother, who holds the position of Third National Vice Chairman of the NDC (Abanga NDC).

The revelation came to the limelight during an interview with Joy News at the NPP National Delegates Congress, highlighting the intricate and often volatile intersection of family ties and partisan politics in Ghana.

“In fact, I can even blame him for losing my seat in Aowin. I won,” NPP Abanga declared, revealing the depth of the political chasm between the siblings.

He confirmed, “Yes, he was behind. He came to campaign against me and politics.”

This personal account provides a rare glimpse into the dynamics of Ghanaian elections, where individual relationships can be strained by fierce party loyalties.

NPP Abanga painted a clear picture of the ideological divergence that pits him against his twin.

“In fact we don’t share the same ideology. He’s an NDC, I’m an NPP; there’s nothing NDC that I support. Same way, nothing MP that he will support, and for that matter, the chemistry is something which is there,” he stated.

The interview also touched upon the recent allegations against NDC Abanga regarding his alleged involvement in “galamsey” (illegal mining) activities, specifically backing fake anti-galamsey taskforces.

While NPP Abanga initially maintained that he “can’t defend any NDC person”, he later added, “Any NDC person is capable of doing anything, but to me, I’ve never seen him doing galamsey. I know him to be a legitimate man who holds concessions.”

This nuanced response suggests a personal belief in his brother’s legitimate business dealings, even amidst the political mudslinging.

Beyond Family Feuds: Internal Party Debates:

Beyond his personal electoral woes, NPP Abanga also weighed in on critical internal NPP discussions at the ongoing congress. He notably expressed strong opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment to raise the age limit for the National Youth Organiser position to 35.

“I don’t support the 35,” he asserted, explaining that he had engaged with youth organisers from all 275 constituencies and their deputies.

Despite falling within the proposed age range himself, NPP Abanga stressed the importance of democratic principles over personal gain.

“You don’t have to be selfish. I’m a political science student… I believe in democracy and I don’t think I should be so selfish that because it will favor Abanga. In this case, if that thing should come to it means I’m going to be the only contestant of which I should have been happy that I don’t I don’t have to be so selfish that I should think of myself of living members.”

This public stance on a contentious internal party matter demonstrates NPP Abanga’s broader commitment to what he perceives as democratic fairness within the NPP, even as he navigates the complexities of his political rivalry with his own twin.

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Speakers at a policy dialogue on pensions for Ghanaian creatives have called for greater commitment towards a workable scheme to secure the future of Ghanaian creatives to preserve Ghana’s heritage.

They indicated that ad hoc support schemes for creatives, particularly for pensions, left the sector unattractive for the young ones.

Several speakers urged the establishment of feasible and dependable schemes that would provide decent retirement conditions for Ghanaian creatives.

The dialogue was organised by the Centre for Research, Culture and Creative Arts of the School of Creative Arts (CeRCCA) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

It aimed at bringing attention to the need for a sustainable pension scheme for Ghanaian creatives and a sustainable national apprenticeship programme.

The dialogue highlighted two technical research reports on a pension scheme for the creatives and a sustainable apprenticeship programme.

It was attended by representatives from the Musicians Association of Ghana (MUSIGA), Film Producers Association of Ghana (FIPAG) and the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), among others.

A professor with the School of Creative Arts of UEW, Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, speaking on the Developing Pension Scheme for Ghanaian Creatives and Artisans, said the current Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Pension scheme did not fully address the welfare needs of creatives.

That, he indicated, was due to factors, including the volatility of incomes in the sector, the informal nature of the sector and policy gaps.

The situation, he said, had left many in the sector without dignified retirement welfare and support.

 Threat

Prof. Acquah said this posed a threat to the creative sector, which, he said, held great potential to contribute significantly to the national economy.

He called for a legal framework for creatives’ pension scheme and the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee the scheme for efficiency and sustainability.

The speakers and some dignitaries at the programme

The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, said the creative industry remained a powerhouse, but the lack of a comprehensive retirement security scheme made the industry unattractive and posed an existential threat to practitioners as they age or are incapacitated.  

“We have witnessed it. We have seen it. People who were doing very well all of a sudden, begging some people to pay their rent, and as a result of stress, within a few days, they just die off,” he stated. 

He disclosed that CeRCCA research proposed policy recommendations for a tailored guidance for creatives’ pension scheme to address these gaps, noting, “By securing our creatives, we secure Ghana’s soul”.

He commended the CeRCCA for the initiative and called for stronger collaboration with other organisations to create a significant impact on culture and creative art for livelihood empowerment, culture preservation and promotion.

The Dean of the School of Creative Arts, Prof. Evans Asante, said the topics had long occupied the periphery of national dialogue and policy discussion despite their immense contribution to national development.

Prof. Osuanyi Quaicoo Essel said Ghana needed a sustainable apprenticeship model that would address the gaps in training and employment. 

He said studies had confirmed that people with skills were easily employed, explaining that a robust national apprenticeship programme would help deal with the high unemployment problem.

The Chief Executive Officer of GHAMRO, Jackson Brefo, called on academia to collaborate with industry to equip up-and-coming creatives on creative laws and ethics.

ActionAid Ghana has handed over five mechanised boreholes and five urinal facil­ities to five public basic schools in the Northern Region, as part of efforts to improve access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in educational institu­tions.

The beneficiary schools included Kalariga Saqafat Islamic Primary School, Kpanvo Islamic Primary School in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and Kul­nyevila Primary School, Dimala Zion Primary school and Gbari­ma M /A Primary School in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly.

The facilities, which were hand­ed over during a brief ceremony, are expected to benefit hundreds of school children by providing clean drinking water and improved sanitation infrastructure.

This intervention forms part of ActionAid’s broader commitment to give back to schools located in the region with the ultimate aim of promoting children’s health and well-being.

Mrs Beatrice Yanman, Office Representative, speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Pro­gramme Manager of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Esther Boateng, emphasisied the essence of proper hygiene and sanitation in schools.

She highlighted the lack of ade­quate water supply and sanitation facilities in many basic schools and urged school authorities to ensure these amenities are well-maintained and utilised effectively.

She further stated that the importance of sanitation in the de­velopment of every child however, cannot be downplayed.

‘’Good health and environmen­tal sanitation in schools and institu­tions of higher learning could only be achieved if schools have access to adequate toilet facilities and drinkable water at 87.7 per cent and 77.7 per cent respectively,’’ she noted.

According to her, most basic schools in Ghana do not have basic sanitation facilities: ‘’ and situations where they exist, they are either not functional, do not have separated facilities for boys and girls or are not near the school premises.’’

‘’As a result, teenage girls in such schools miss up to four days of classes each month during their menstrual periods. This situation contravenes the 1992 constitution of Ghana, which guarantees the right to education for all. It is also deemed a violation of the girls’ right to education, effec­tively excluding them from full participation in school.

“Clean water and good sani­tation are essential to the health of our children and their ability to stay in school. We urge school management to take full respon­sibility for the upkeep of these facilities,” she stressed.

She also noted that the pro­vision of boreholes and urinal facilities forms part of Action­Aid’s efforts to curb absenteeism, especially among girls, who are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation in schools.

Alhaji Mahamadu Issahaka, the Circuit Director of Education for Dabokpa, applauded Action­Aid for its continued support in addressing sanitation challenges in schools in the region.

“This support will go a long way to improve the overall school environment. We commend Ac­tionAid for consistently support­ing educational development in the region,” he siad.

The Chief of Kalariga, Abdul Rahaman Zakaria, also expressed appreciation to ActionAid on behalf of the local community for the kind gesture.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chan­cellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., expressed deep appre­ciation for MODEC’s continued partnership and support.

“Our longstanding relationship with MODEC is built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and capacity-building. This part­nership exemplifies how industry and academia can collaborate to empower the next generation of maritime professionals,” he mentioned.

Dr Brooks described Handler 2 as an essential tool in maritime education, underscoring its role in developing practical seamanship skills such as mooring, anchoring, line handling and navigation.

“Students will gain hands-on experience in vessel operation, engine and propulsion systems, and emergency drills,” he noted.

“This aligns with the IMO’s Standards of Training, Certifica­tion and Watchkeeping (STCW), which requires practical safety training that workboats deliver effectively,” he added.

He assured stakeholders that Handler 2 will be fully integrat­ed into RMU’s academic and training programmes, offering students immersive, real-world maritime experience.

MODEC Managing Direc­tor, Mr Theophilus Ahwireng, emphasised that the donation is a long-term investment in maritime education and offshore capabilities for Ghana and the wider West African region.

He revealed that MODEC and its partners have invest­ed over $2.3 million in RMU projects, including a state-of-the-art Welding Training Centre developed in collaboration with Tullow Oil at a cost of $1.8 million.

“We urge all users of the workboat to be diligent stew­ards of this valuable resource,” Mr Ahwireng indicated, while commending RMU’s leadership for upholding international stan­dards and fostering impactful collaborations.

Your Excellency, former Vice President and former flag bearer of our party, Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and your dear spouse, our respected former colleague, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, and former running mate of our dear party, members of the diplomatic corps, national executives of our great party, distinguished members of the Council of Elders, second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, colleagues in leadership, honourable, mighty minority members of Parliament, regional executives, constituency executives, distinguished delegates, representatives from our external branches, fellow patriots, members of TESCON, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen. 

Let us recall the piercing whistle of our revered former President, John Agyekum Kufuor. It is better to be a cleaner in a party in power than the General Secretary of a party in opposition.

These words echo with urgency today as we gather in the shadow of our 2024 defeat, a loss that stinks not because we failed but because Ghana is now paying the price for trusting the NDC’s hollow promises. 

Barely months into the alternative, the NDC’s betrayal is clearing. New levies on fuel have spiked pump prices.

Crashing ordinary Ghanaians. Their plight to end galamsey has collapsed into chaos. The President calls it a national emergency, yet refuses to declare a state of emergency to chaos.

Their vow to reset our nation has become a brazen assault on our judicial, starting with a shameful vilification of our Chief Justice. 

Their promise of change, a sham, with schemes afoot to funnel our mineral wealth to their cronies. 
Worst of all, their questionable Ablekuma rerun, where NDC-affiliated attacks have tired our candidates, Nana Ekua Afriyie, former MP Hawa Koomson, and journalists expose their willingness to trample democracy with violence. The message is clear. NDC is a failure. Ghana deserves better.

Our 2024 loss exposed our cracks, internal rifts, fortune resolved, and a message that didn’t connect. Yet this defeat is not our end. It is our crucible, fortifying us for the battles ahead.

You must channel this moment of disillusionment into a movement of renewal, turning pain into purpose. 
Let me share a story that should humble all of us. In 2005, a democratically elected leader stood at the gate of the American Embassy in New Delhi, holding a valid passport, but facing an insurmountable barrier.

The United States had denied Narendra Modi a visa, not for any criminal conviction, but because the world had judged him guilty. Imagine that moment of profound isolation. 

Here was a man who had won the trust of millions, yet reduced to persona non grata on the global stage.

The humiliation was complete. The path forward seemed impossible, but Modi made a choice that day that would define not his future, but the destiny of his party and some 1.5 billion people. 

Today, that same man commands audience at the G20, addresses joint sessions of the United States Congress, and leads one of the world’s most growing economies.

Recently, he visited our republic and addressed our parliament, stating, true democracy promotes discussions and debates. It unites people. It supports dignity and promotes human rights.

I couldn’t agree more. Modi’s journey from global barrier to world state offers us the NPP, a road map from our current wilderness to future victory. Modi’s resurrection began with a revolutionary principle.

In a nation fractured by castes, religious, ethnic, and linguistic differences, he declared, all the citizens, all the voters are my countrymen. 

Fellow patriots, look around us this very afternoon. Look at the divisions that have sprouted like weeds since our defeat.

We cannot, we must not allow 2024 to become the year that destroyed the NPP. From this moment, we speak with one voice. We move with one resolve.

We are not Achem, Ashanti, Fante, Mamprushi, Gonja, Ga or Ewe. We are NPP. We are not north or south.

We are Ghana first. Modi’s transformation was built on principles that never wavered. Service before self.

Performance over promises. Dignity through opportunity. These values are not foreign to us.

They are our foundation. Busia believed in service before self. Dankwa championed dignity through opportunity.

Tumbo sacrificed his leadership rights and fought for performance over promises. We have not lost our way because we forgot our policies. We have lost our way because we abandoned our principles.

Modi’s political resurrection was built on methodical grassroots mobilization. From the mid-1980s onwards, he dragged to villages others ignored. Sat with farmers others dismissed and listened to the dreams others regarded as impossible.

Perhaps we became a party talking to itself in Accra. We must become a party of Ghana talking to Ghana. Our constituency executives must master every polling station.

Our polling station chairpersons must know every voter. Our electoral area coordinators must understand every community’s dreams. Modi’s greatest achievement was rebranding not just himself but India’s entire narrative.

The country known for poverty became known for possibilities but this rebranding wasn’t cosmetic. It was substantive. We cannot rebrand ourselves through better slogans.

We must rebrand ourselves through better results and strong character. This conference marks a pivotal moment in our party’s journey. 

As we gather under the theme rebuilding together with our values, we are called not only to reflect but to renew.

We are called to look inward and ask ourselves the hard questions. Who are we? What binds us? And where are we going? We are in a season that demands sober reflection, radical unity and a return to first principles. This is a time of transition.

A time when we are repositioning as a party in opposition. It is a time to rebuild. A time to reconnect with our grassroots.

To re-express our ideals with clarity and reconnect to the Kenyan people with bold new vision for the future. 

We are at a critical juncture as a party not because our tradition is broken but because it is being tested. 

Tested by an electoral defeat, internal tensions, unmet expectations and the competing ambition of people who want to say.

But let us remind ourselves ambition must never override party loyalty. Competition must never erode patriotism and political differences must never poison the well of unity. 

Dear patriots, every political tradition, every movement that has endured storms and achieved victories has been built on one unshakable foundation, unity.

Without unity we are just individuals with ambition. But with unity we become a force, a party with direction, discipline and destiny. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity.

It doesn’t mean we all agree on everything. It means loyalty to a shared purpose. It means commitment to the flag, the same values and the same future.

The NPP has never been nearly a political organization. We are a tradition built on the sacrifice and convictions of patriots who came before us. Patriots who believed in liberty, human dignity, the rule of law and the boundless potential of the Ghanaian people.

Realized through the active participation of the private sector, these values must be our compass especially now. For us as a party, the muddy story is instructive. The lesson for us is simple.

It is possible to rebuild and leadership is empty without a united party. Like the BJP, we have known both power and opposition. We have faced criticism and internal differences.

But unity is not the absence of disagreement. It is a decision to prioritize collective strength over individual ambition. If we are to reclaim our position of leadership and trust, we must first reclaim the spirit of unity, discipline and shared purpose that build this party.

We must reconnect with the base, re-engage the grassroots and rise together, not as isolated contenders, but as a unified movement driven by conviction and clarity. Like the BJP, our party too must rediscover the principle and the ethos that define our founding fathers. We must rebuild, yes, but not as a scattered stone.

We must rebuild together, brick by brick, anchored in our values and in the unshakable belief that no individual, no individual, no individual is bigger than the MPP. That belief must reflect our tone, our language, our strategy and most importantly in our posture towards one another. Internal discord, suspicions and disunity have cost us.

We must learn from our losses and must do so quickly. And I ask again, what are our values? Our party guided by the enduring motto, development in freedom, stands for democratic accountability, the rule of law, free enterprise and national self-confidence. 

Rooted in the Dankwa-Busia tradition, we are inspired by a deep sense of perseverance, resilience and an unyielding faith in Ghana’s manifest destiny as a free, just and prosperous society of opportunities.

We believe in building a nation where every Ghanaian, regardless of their circumstance of birth, gender, ethnicity or religion, must be offered the chance to rise through merit, effort and enterprise. 

Our vision of a property-owning democracy has evolved beyond land or housing to mean giving every citizen a stake in national progress through education, healthcare, financial inclusion and decent jobs. Every child and youth must be equipped with the skills, values, confidence and opportunity to be entrepreneurial or to climb the professional career ladder.

From rural development and both social interventions to neutralization, the NPP remains committed to inclusive growth, law and order and empowering all Ghanaians to shape their own destinies in a free society. We believe in inclusive growth that lifts farmers, teachers, traders and students together. 

We stand for law and order, the bedrock of peace and progress. We uphold democratic accountability where leaders serve, not rule. Because in this party, we believe Ghana’s greatness lies in the hands of their people. Your sweat, your courage and your dreams. 

In freedom, you the Ghanaian are the author of your destiny. This is our covenant. They are the binding principles of the NPP.

The NPP has never been a party of despair. We are a party of destiny, but that destiny will slip from our hands if we allow disunity, bitterness, anger and self-interest to consume us. Let us end the hate campaigns and the subtle sabotage.

It is time to choose unity over evil and party over self. If we fight one another, we will end up falling together. But if we fight for one another, we shall rise together.

We have known victory and defeat. We’ve made mistakes, but we are not a broken party. We are only a battle-tested party.

We must not allow current challenges to blur our vision or break our ranks. Yes, we have differences.  Yes, we’ve made mistakes, but we must never forget we are what we stand for and where we are going.
Let this be a reminder. 

No matter how talented a leader is, they are nothing without a united, disciplined and visionary party behind them. That symbiosis, leader and party rising together, is what we must seek to achieve.

No individual can make it alone. Everyone needs the party. Since the NDC government assumed office in January, we’ve witnessed a very disturbing development, intimidation of our party members and a dangerous trend of persecution of our leaders and supporters.

These attacks are not random. They are strategic attempts to weaken us, but they will fail. They will fail because our response will be unity.

Our motto moving forward from today should be, touch one, touch all. When one of us is touched, all of us must rise. We are one family and the strength of our family is its loyalty in crisis.

If we choose unity over ego, purpose over personal ambition, no force, no force can ever stop us in 2028. When we are united, no external force can divide us, but when we are divided, even our strength can be used against us. Rebuilding does not mean avoiding or overlooking our differences.

It means confronting them with maturity. It means refusing to let factions become permanent fractures. It means calling each other back to the centre, the core which brought us this far.

Your servants in parliament hereby assure you through me that the MPP caucus remains resolute. We are not retreating. We are strong, united and committed to the values and ideologies of our party.

We shall continue to defend the legacy of our party in parliament, hold government accountable and show the Ghanaian people that we remain the better alternative. To our aspiring candidates, let this be a season of sober reflection. There is room for all of us at the table, but there is no room for selfish ambition.

Let us rise above the temptation to win at all costs and choose instead to serve at all costs. Delegates, the future of our party lies in the choices we make today. Let us choose unity over division.

Let us all rally around our elected leaders and reignite hope among our base. To our grassroots, you are the lifeblood of this great tradition. Your sacrifices, your patience and unwavering loyalty have kept us afloat in seasons of triumph and in valleys of loss and so to you, I say, hold on. Do not lose hope. We shall rise again.

The elephant has only stumbled. It has not been defeated. You have never given up on us and we, your servants in parliament, will never give up on you either and to our youth, you have formed a majority and your energy, your voice and your ideas are not just welcome, they are essential. Tescon, this is your moment. Stay grounded to our values.

Stay focused on the bigger picture. Know that the future of this party belongs to you, the Tescon youth and our youth scattered all over the country. Learn from the elders in parliament, don’t insult them, engage them, absorb their wisdom and grow with a strong conviction of our party and what it stands for.

That way you can also lead with clarity, build with purpose and sustain the NPP legacy that has been entrusted to you. It is time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. Yes, we lost 2024 elections in a big way, but let us be clear, this was not a defeat born out of failure.

It was a perfect storm of adversity no government in the fourth republic has ever had. From the banking crisis that threatened to collapse our financial system, which we spent billions fixing, restoring confidence and stability, to the global COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world to its knees.

Then came the Russian-Ukraine war, unleashing the harshest course of living, crisis in generation and through it all, we govern with a hung parliament and an opposition speaker. 

No government, no government in our democratic history faced this scale of compounded crisis. Yet, in the driving seat, we held the line.

We do not downplay the struggle the Ghanaian people had to endure, but we should commend them because it was a sacrifices day, including the bondholders made, which led to the big economic recovery we started witnessing from early 2024. 

We endured, the people endured, and still we delivered. There was leadership tested best in major crisis.

We should not be shy of the mighty gains we made under very difficult circumstances under Nana Akufo-Addo. We fixed the crisis and handed over an economy with stronger GDP growth than what we inherited in 2017. 

We built historic levels of gold and foreign exchange reserves, reserves the current administration is now relying on to prop up the city and support the economy.

We created jobs, we built more roads than any government in eight years span, and implemented free SHS, a globally unprecedented feat in a country where most students are borders. 

We industrialized like never before, from 1D, 1F and industrial parks to an emerging automotive sector that positions Ghana as a manufacturing hub of Africa’s single market. We expanded health infrastructure, re-fertilized agriculture, so boldly.

The STEM education agenda, we successfully rolled it out to equip our youth with skills for the jobs of tomorrow, thanks to Matthew Opoku-Prempeh and Dr Adutwum. We set Ghana on a reversible digitalization path, placing our nation at the forefront of promising digital economy and after. 

Fellow veterans, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, let us face the truth.

We took the hard, necessary decisions to save this economy, and now Muhammad’s government is taking propaganda credits, reaping where it has not sown, when they talk about resetting, where it is the so-called 24-hour economy, the gold board or anything else. 

They are simply rebranding our achievements and marketing them as their own. Let no one be deceived, the foundation they are standing on was laid by this party, by our sacrifices, by our bold leadership in the face of crisis.

So no, this party has no reason to hang its head at all. In closing, I want to reiterate our theme, rebuilding together with our values. 

It is a charge, it is a call to realign, to renew and to rise together, and we rise again in unity and in the enduring spirit of our party, our great NPP.

And I say to all of you, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil.  Let us go back to our roots, let us rebuild with courage, let us reimagine our future, and let us reclaim the spirit that built this party, a spirit of sacrifice, of loyalty, of conviction. 

We’ve done it before, we can do it again, and let it be that by the grace of God, we will.

God bless us all, God bless the NPP, and God bless our beloved nation Ghana. Thank you so much. 

Thank you very much.

ActionAid Ghana has handed over five mechanised boreholes and five urinal facil­ities to five public basic schools in the Northern Region, as part of efforts to improve access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in educational institu­tions.

The beneficiary schools included Kalariga Saqafat Islamic Primary School, Kpanvo Islamic Primary School in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and Kul­nyevila Primary School, Dimala Zion Primary school and Gbari­ma M /A Primary School in the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly.

The facilities, which were hand­ed over during a brief ceremony, are expected to benefit hundreds of school children by providing clean drinking water and improved sanitation infrastructure.

This intervention forms part of ActionAid’s broader commitment to give back to schools located in the region with the ultimate aim of promoting children’s health and well-being.

Mrs Beatrice Yanman, Office Representative, speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Pro­gramme Manager of ActionAid Ghana, Madam Esther Boateng, emphasisied the essence of proper hygiene and sanitation in schools.

She highlighted the lack of ade­quate water supply and sanitation facilities in many basic schools and urged school authorities to ensure these amenities are well-maintained and utilised effectively.

She further stated that the importance of sanitation in the de­velopment of every child however, cannot be downplayed.

‘’Good health and environmen­tal sanitation in schools and institu­tions of higher learning could only be achieved if schools have access to adequate toilet facilities and drinkable water at 87.7 per cent and 77.7 per cent respectively,’’ she noted.

According to her, most basic schools in Ghana do not have basic sanitation facilities: ‘’ and situations where they exist, they are either not functional, do not have separated facilities for boys and girls or are not near the school premises.’’

‘’As a result, teenage girls in such schools miss up to four days of classes each month during their menstrual periods. This situation contravenes the 1992 constitution of Ghana, which guarantees the right to education for all. It is also deemed a violation of the girls’ right to education, effec­tively excluding them from full participation in school.

“Clean water and good sani­tation are essential to the health of our children and their ability to stay in school. We urge school management to take full respon­sibility for the upkeep of these facilities,” she stressed.

She also noted that the pro­vision of boreholes and urinal facilities forms part of Action­Aid’s efforts to curb absenteeism, especially among girls, who are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation in schools.

Alhaji Mahamadu Issahaka, the Circuit Director of Education for Dabokpa, applauded Action­Aid for its continued support in addressing sanitation challenges in schools in the region.

“This support will go a long way to improve the overall school environment. We commend Ac­tionAid for consistently support­ing educational development in the region,” he siad.

The Chief of Kalariga, Abdul Rahaman Zakaria, also expressed appreciation to ActionAid on behalf of the local community for the kind gesture.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chan­cellor of RMU, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., expressed deep appre­ciation for MODEC’s continued partnership and support.

“Our longstanding relationship with MODEC is built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and capacity-building. This part­nership exemplifies how industry and academia can collaborate to empower the next generation of maritime professionals,” he mentioned.

Dr Brooks described Handler 2 as an essential tool in maritime education, underscoring its role in developing practical seamanship skills such as mooring, anchoring, line handling and navigation.

“Students will gain hands-on experience in vessel operation, engine and propulsion systems, and emergency drills,” he noted.

“This aligns with the IMO’s Standards of Training, Certifica­tion and Watchkeeping (STCW), which requires practical safety training that workboats deliver effectively,” he added.

He assured stakeholders that Handler 2 will be fully integrat­ed into RMU’s academic and training programmes, offering students immersive, real-world maritime experience.

MODEC Managing Direc­tor, Mr Theophilus Ahwireng, emphasised that the donation is a long-term investment in maritime education and offshore capabilities for Ghana and the wider West African region.

He revealed that MODEC and its partners have invest­ed over $2.3 million in RMU projects, including a state-of-the-art Welding Training Centre developed in collaboration with Tullow Oil at a cost of $1.8 million.

“We urge all users of the workboat to be diligent stew­ards of this valuable resource,” Mr Ahwireng indicated, while commending RMU’s leadership for upholding international stan­dards and fostering impactful collaborations.

Ghana’s Black Queens have progressed to the semifinals of the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they will clash with host nation Morocco. The Queens sealed their spot after an electrifying 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Algeria in the quarterfinals, with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan rising to the occasion as the hero by […]

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Published:
Sunday, 20 July 2025

Only four teams remain. The group stage filtered the hopefuls, the quarterfinals tightened the field, and now the elite stand tall. The final four of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 showcases the continent’s finest, a host nation propelled by a rare wave of home support, a Ghanaian side on a mission, the reigning champions still standing, and the historical giant with an unmatched pedigree.

On Tuesday, two high-stakes semifinals take center stage, Morocco vs Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and South Africa vs Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Morocco vs Ghana: Ambition Meets Determination

Three years ago, Morocco reached the final on home soil, reigniting national pride in women’s football. In 2025, the Atlas Lionesses have matured, stronger and more composed. With a packed Olympic Stadium behind them, Jorge Vilda’s side has shown new-found maturity. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by an Ibtissam Jraïdi brace, reinforced their momentum. “This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” said Vilda post-match.

However, a different challenge awaits. Ghana has maintained relentless intensity throughout the tournament. The Black Queens, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, hero of their penalty shootout win against Algeria (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)—are a team on a mission. Head coach Kim Björkegren has been clear: “This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up.”

In the group stage, Ghana emerged from a tough pool with South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and finishing with four points. They’ve since ridden a wave of self-belief, exemplified by playmaker Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye—a mix of experience and fierce ambition.

Statistically, Morocco boasts one of the tournament’s best attacks (10 goals in four matches), while Ghana holds the best defensive record (only two goals conceded). The matchup is finely balanced. Home advantage might tilt the scales, but Ghana remains unfazed. “Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,” Kusi smiled.

South Africa vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final

This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s AFCON. Nigeria has impressed with its discipline: three group wins, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia. Within a cohesive squad, full-back Michelle Alozie and midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade have stood out, while Esther Okoronkwo, the tournament’s top assist provider with three, continues to rise.

On the other side, Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. South Africa faced hurdles but endured. After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged Senegal on penalties (0-0, 4-1) in the quarterfinals, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Still, there’s more to this team than meets the eye. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all capable of turning the game on its head. The possession-heavy style that once seemed toothless now looks sharper, and the squad seems to be reliving the spirit of their 2022 triumph. “There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis insisted.

By the numbers, Nigeria dominates most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defense (no goals conceded). However, their most recent meeting in the CAF Women’s AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa.

The final four of this 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encapsulates everything promising about African women’s football. Morocco dreams of its first title. Ghana seeks a return to glory. South Africa eyes back-to-back crowns. Nigeria is out to remind everyone who’s boss.

Saminu Abdul Rasheed has set a blazing new national record in the men’s 100m, clocking an electrifying 9.84 seconds at the 2025 Last Chance Qualifier held at McEachern High School in Georgia.

This marks a significant milestone for the 27-year-old sprinter, who earlier this year broke Benjamin Azamati’s long-standing national record. Saminu has now shaved 0.02 seconds off his previous best, reinforcing his status as Ghana’s fastest man in history.

In a thrilling finish, fellow Ghanaian Mustapha Bokpin claimed second place with a strong 10.09s showing.

NEW NATIONAL RECORD

Saminu Abdul Rasheed shatters his own record with a lightning 9.84s in the 100m in Georgia! pic.twitter.com/HUkXAAUCGI

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) July 19, 2025

Already qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo, Saminu will aim to build on his impressive form and improve on his semifinal finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With this performance, Saminu now ranks as the joint 3rd fastest man in the world this year, trailing only Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson (9.75s) and Oblique Seville (9.83s).

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Published:
Saturday, 19 July 2025

Under the scorching sun at the Berkane Stadium on Saturday evening, Ghanaian midfielder Grace Asantewaa’s influence stretched across the pitch in a masterful performance that inspired the Black Queens to their first TotalEnergies WAFCON semifinals since 2016. 

Nine years of waiting – impatiently. Asantewaa, who was in the squad at the 2018 edition at home that failed to make it out of the group stages, has found redemption. Finally. It has been a long journey of doubt, hope then doubt, and back to hope. Amidst it all, a love for Ghana. 

“I am very, very, very happy. I have been preparing for this. Ghanaians have been preparing for this. We had to kill ourselves. It is time for us to win this WAFCON. And also, as an individual I want to win this WAFCON. I want my name to be in the history books in Ghana, in Africa and the world. I am very happy, and I know that Ghanaians are happy,” Asantewaa explains with an ear-to-ear smile while squinting her eyes. 

Redemption ticked off to-do-list

The matchup against Algeria in the third quarterfinal was personal. She remembers the pain – emotionally, physically and psychologically of failing to make it to the knockout stages seven years ago. The backlash was brutal. The impact across the board felt like many in Ghana stepped away from the team including those who would have been the go-to support. 

But like they say, “good things take time”. Asantewaa remembers wanting to give up. “I wanted to leave football. It was very tough. But my friends told me not to give up. My family too said they will support me no matter the case. And because of that I continued playing football. I continued preparing for our return to the WAFCON. Honestly, this feels really good. I’m happy.” 

Like the great Queen Asantewaa of the Ashanti Empire [modern day Ghana], who was known to be a war leader that commanded Ashanti Kings in the War of the Golden Stool fighting to defend and protect the sovereignty of her people, Grace directed the Black Queens midfield and controlled the game therein throughout regular and extra time. 

At some point, it looked like an orchestra. The conductor in her, dictated the frequency of the game, weaving passes in tandem with Jennifer Cudjoe. Asantewaa was not only relentless without the ball, but she also shaped Ghana’s approach against a stubborn and solid Algerian team that had not conceded a goal in the tournament. 

Midfield Engine and Choir Leader

With the ball, she threaded passes upfront, to the wings, pushed forward to the 18-yard box while constantly getting involved in the communication between the defense and the offense. Asantewaa was relentless. Her heat map will impress many a game analyst. 

Ghana head coach Kim Lars Björkegren is in cloud nine after this performance, “She has been stepping up in every game that we have been playing. It seems that if a game is more important, she is going to play even better. That’s really important for us. Both her and Cudjoe worked so hard. Normally, for a central midfielder, you cannot play 90 minutes or 120 minutes in a quarterfinal, but I couldn’t take out those two because they kept going and they did it so well especially Grace.” 

The goalless draw motivated their resolve in the penalty shootout with Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu converting from the spot to ensure a 4-2 deserved victory for the Black Queens. Ghana, who have now been involved in two penalty shootouts at the WAFCON, have won both. The result also means that the Black Queens have won three of their four games at the WAFCON to have gone to extra time. 

Semifinals unlocked

Ghana have now reached their seventh WAFCON semifinal and will meet hosts Morocco at the grandeur Olympic Stadium in the capital Rabat on Tuesday, July 22 at 8pm (local time). 

“We have done a very good job. We are going to the semifinals. We are not ending here. We are taking this mentality to the semifinals. I know for sure that we are going to win the trophy,” says the elated Asantewaa who cannot stop looking at the sky as if to thank the universe. 

Asantewaa is one of four players that had featured at the WAFCON prior to this edition and wants to inspire Ghana to the final. The Black Queens have reached the WAFCON final three times in the past – 1998, 2002 and 2006, losing to archrivals Nigeria on all occasions. 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expanded its Electoral College for the selection of its presidential candidate, following the approval of a key constitutional amendment during its National Annual Delegates Conference held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana Stadium.

The amendment, introduced by the party’s Constitution Amendment Committee, is part of efforts to broaden internal democracy and ensure wider participation in the party’s internal elections. Frank Davies, Chairman of the Committee, announced that the proposal to expand the Electoral College had been adopted by delegates at the conference. He noted that the expanded structure will be used when the party elects its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

“Whereas the National Council of the party has, pursuant to Article 13(1) of the constitution, scheduled January 31, 2026, as the date to elect the party’s 2028 presidential candidate,” Mr Davies told delegates, “the National Annual Delegates Conference has adopted an amendment to expand the Electoral College for this purpose.”

The amendment redefines who can vote in the party’s presidential primaries, bringing in a wider range of members who have served in various leadership and representative roles over the years. 

The new electoral college structure includes members of the National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives, National Council of Elders, National Patrons, all past National Directors, sitting and past MPs, TESCON representatives from each recognised tertiary institution, all card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), 15 delegates from every external branch, founder members, and three representatives each from special organs of the party.

This reform is expected to inject institutional memory and broaden the perspectives in the presidential primary process. It also serves to recognise the contributions of a wide array of party veterans and functionaries who have shaped the party’s fortunes at various levels.

Party leaders believe the expanded Electoral College will strengthen internal cohesion and reduce the perception of elite control over leadership selection. It is also intended to give voice to a larger segment of the party’s base as it prepares for what is expected to be a highly competitive flagbearership race ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The NPP’s expanded Electoral College for its 2026 Presidential Primary;

i. All members of the National Council
ii. All members of the National Executive Committee
iii. All members of the Regional Executive Committee
iv. All members of the Constituency Executive Committee
v. All electoral Area Coordinators
vi. All members of the Polling Station Executive Committee
vii. All members of the National Council Of Elders
viii. All National Patrons of the Party
ix. All Past National Directors who are NPP Members
x. All members of Parliament
xi. All Past National Officers
xii. Fifteen (15) Delegates from every External Branch
xiii. Founding members who are signatories to the registration documents of the party at the electoral commission
xiv. One TESCON representative from each recognized tertiary institution
xv. All Card bearing ministers and deputy ministers
xvi. All MMDCEs

The amendment forms part of a broader constitutional review process aimed at restructuring the party after its defeat in the 2024 polls. The conference, themed “Rebuilding Together with Our Values,” brought together over 5,500 delegates from across the country. It featured debates on more than 50 motions, drawn from over 300 amendment proposals submitted by members nationwide.

The adoption of the expanded Electoral College is one of the most significant outcomes of the conference and is expected to influence how future leaders emerge within the NPP. It marks a strategic shift in how the party engages its broader membership and may shape the political dynamics leading up to the 2028 elections.

Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo

The Chief Executive Officer of Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Ing Kwadwo Twum Boafo, has assured Ghanaians and the West African sub-region that his outfit, in collaboration with other governmental and ECOWAS institutions, is adequately prepared to clamp down on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing in the region.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Second Extraordinary Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Ministerial Committee Meeting held in Accra on July 19, 2025, Ing Boafo acknowledged that perpetrators of financial crimes constantly devise new tactics to stay ahead of security agencies but emphasised that the FIC and its partners remain vigilant and proactive.

“Such illegal people really worry; they always come up with different tactics, but we are much prepared because the criminals will always want to have a step ahead, but we are on their trail,” he stated.

He further warned that money laundering is a serious offence often linked with tax evasion, cautioning individuals to desist from engaging in such illegal activities or face the full rigour of the law.

According to him, despite political and security challenges in some African countries, Ghana’s government agencies, including the Bank of Ghana and the Attorney General’s Department, are working tirelessly to curb these illicit financial activities.

Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in her remarks, urged ECOWAS member states to unite in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing to safeguard regional stability and economic integrity.

“The innocent flows of money and related crimes often thrive where coordination is weak and institutional presence is limited,” she noted.

She emphasised the need for deeper engagement with all West African countries, including those undergoing political transitions, to tackle transnational threats effectively.

According to her, strengthening regional cohesion and institutional collaboration is key to sustaining development and enhancing security.

The President of GIABA, Edwin W Harris Jr, highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing, transaction monitoring, and coordinated regional action to track and disrupt money laundering networks.

He revealed that Mali had made progress in exiting GIABA’s enhanced follow-up process in June 2025, while Nigeria and Burkina Faso are expected to make significant improvements by the next review meeting.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, stressed the devastating impact of money laundering and terrorist financing on economic stability, governance, and social development.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to supporting GIABA in developing robust policies and strengthening regional cooperation.

“Strong political will and solidarity are essential in tackling financial crimes.

“Our efforts contribute not only to regional security but to the long-term prosperity and financial integrity of our nations,” he said.

AM/

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

The show will feature live performances from Kwesi Arthur and Afrobeat star Camidoh

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho is set to host two of Ghana’s leading music acts, Kwesi Arthur and Camidoh, as part of its SRC Week celebrations on Saturday night July 19, 2025.

The event forms part of the WatsUp On Campus Tour, a series of shows held across various tertiary institutions in Ghana.

The show will feature live performances from the award-winning rapper Kwesi Arthur, known for hits such as “Grind Day”, “Baajo”, and “Celebrate.”

Afrobeat star Camidoh, whose single “Sugarcane” became a global success, is also billed to perform.

Students from UHAS and neighboring schools are gearing up for a night full of electrifying performances, thrilling activities, and nonstop energy.

The event is part of the ongoing WatsUp On Campus Tour, an exciting nationwide experience that connects students with their favorite artists while celebrating youth culture across Ghana’s tertiary institutions.

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

DjQwequ Blog of Saturday, 19 July 2025

Source: Emmanuel Jacob Amissah

In markets across Ghana, plantain sellers are rethinking their survival strategies amid wild price swings.

As shifting supply cycles create scarcity in some areas and gluts in others, vendors are expanding their offerings to include yams, maize, and cocoyam. Their goal: to retain loyal customers, stabilise earnings, and avoid tying up scarce capital in overpriced plantain stock.

Food vendor Justina Lamptey, who usually fries plantain for sale, has recently switched her focus.

“Lately, there’s no plantain, so I’ve switched to yam and cocoyam,” she explains. “Plantain has its season—when it’s out, prices go up, sometimes to GH¢20 for just three. At that rate, I can’t make a profit.”

She plans to reintroduce plantain to her menu as soon as prices ease.

“My profit is higher on plantain than on yam or cocoyam, so I’ll add plantain the moment it’s in season.”
Roaster Beatrice Amarh has adopted a rotating menu to manage such risks.

“Because plantain is not in season, I only roast yam and maize. There is some plantain in the market, but it’s very expensive and I’d lose profit if I bought it.”

Years of trading have taught her to follow the crop calendar closely.

“When plantain is in season, maize goes out. When maize is in season, plantain goes out. So I switch depending on what’s available.”

In Kokomlemle, veteran trader Maa Gifty keeps a small, strategic stock of plantain on hand—even during peak price periods—to maintain her higher-spending clientele.
“Every year, plantain gets expensive when it’s out of stock. But this year, it’s very expensive,” she says.

A bunch can cost her GH¢40, which she retails at GH¢50, leaving a slim GH¢10 margin before factoring in transport, fuel, and spoilage.

“Many traders drop plantain entirely during these times, but I keep a little. It’s the rich people who often buy. One person can take the whole heap—I can get GH¢300 or GH¢200 just like that. Some come from the Industrial Area just to buy from me.”

She also gauges customer perceptions carefully.

“People feel more satisfied when they buy maize or corn instead of plantain,” she notes.

As a result, her stall balances smaller quantities of premium plantain for big spenders with more affordable staples like yam, maize, and cocoyam for general traffic.

For consumers like Thomas Asare, the price pressure is clearly visible.

“You go to the market to buy plantain—it’s very expensive. The plantain-and-beans they sell, one is now GH¢2 instead of GH¢1 or 50 pesewas,” he says.

For low-income households trying to stretch weekly food budgets, that price jump is significant.

So the next time you visit your favourite plantain seller, don’t be surprised if you leave with less, or none at all.

From yams to maize and cocoyam, Ghana’s market traders are diversifying their stock to keep their businesses afloat, and to keep dinner on your table.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to climate resilience and environmental protection as he led the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

Addressing a gathering of traditional leaders, residents, technocrats, and government officials, the Minister described the project as a critical national intervention aimed at protecting lives, restoring livelihoods, and responding to the urgent threat of rising sea levels and tidal waves.

“This project is not just about stones and groynes. It is about people. It is about the mothers, the children, and the fishermen who have lost everything to the sea. It is about restoring hope and reclaiming the livelihoods that have been washed away by tidal waves,” the Minister stated.

Mr Adjei highlighted that the journey began in 2015, when President John Mahama launched Phase I of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project, which involved constructing groynes along a 4.3-kilometre stretch to protect Azizadzi, Horvi, and Blekusu. The intervention significantly reduced tidal devastation in those communities.

However, over time, Salakope, Agavedzi, Amutinu, and Abutigun remained exposed to intensified tidal wave action, worsened by climate change. The Minister noted that after the completion of Phase I, the calls for an extension became impossible to ignore.

“It became clear that a second phase was not just necessary but urgent. Our people were suffering, and we could not wait any longer. Today, we have come back to finish what we started,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Mamaga Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who was visibly emotional, expressed immense joy and relief over the start of Phase II. She recounted years of frustration and desperate pleas to the previous administration that yielded no action.

“There were times I had to cry publicly about the pain and suffering of my people. I went to the previous administration again and again, but nothing was done. President Mahama heard our cry, and within six months, he has delivered. He is truly a father who listens to his children,” she said.

Dzifa Gomashie thanked the President and the Ministry for responding to the community’s long-standing need and emphasized the importance of seeing the project through to completion.

Spanning four years (2025–2029), Phase II will be executed by Armandine Golding Limited under the supervision of the Ghana Hydrological Authority. It will extend protection to an additional 8-kilometre stretch of coastline through the construction of 37 groynes, alongside beach nourishment and ecological restoration to reinforce natural buffers against wave energy.

Crucially, the project will also deliver socio-economic infrastructure, including: A modern fish market, A cold storage facility, designated fish drying and smoking areas.

“We are not only building defenses we are building livelihoods. These investments will directly support our fisherfolk and market women and empower the coastal economy,” the Minister stated.

Mr Adjei called on local residents to support the project with cooperation and vigilance.

“We can build the best structures, but without community ownership, their purpose will be diminished. I urge all of us to treat this as our collective responsibility. Let’s protect it, let’s maintain it, and let’s be proud of what we are building together,” he emphasised.

The Minister,however, reiterated the broader objectives of the project, which include: Preventing the destruction of infrastructure and property, Strengthening resilience to coastal hazards, Supporting Ghana’s climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategy.

“Together, we will reclaim our coastlines, restore our communities, and secure a safer, more resilient future for generations to come,” the Minister affirmed.

The Blekusu Coastal Protection Project Phase II represents more than an engineering feat it is a symbol of responsive leadership, community resilience, and hope restored for thousands who live with the constant threat of losing everything to the sea.

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DjQwequ Blog of Saturday, 19 July 2025

Source: Emmanuel Jacob Amissah

Delegates at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Delegates Conference on Saturday, July 19, approved 54 motions aimed at restructuring the party and refining its policies ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Held at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra, the conference reflected the party’s renewed focus on internal democracy and strategic reform, covering key areas such as constitutional amendments, electoral processes, grassroots mobilisation, governance, and policy direction.

However, delegates decisively rejected two notable constitutional amendment proposals, Motion 17 and Motion 54.

Motion 17 sought to amend Article 7(30) of the NPP Constitution to allow Regional Executive Committees to appoint independent supervisors for polling station and electoral area elections, thereby excluding constituency-level officers from that role.

Delegates opposed the motion, arguing it risked weakening grassroots participation and oversight.

In a similar vein, Motion 54 proposed redefining “youth” within the party as members not above the age of 35, instead of the current 40-year ceiling.

Below is the full list of motions

Article 1

Amend article 1 of the Constitution to include the Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours.

[The absence of the Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours  in the Constitution is an obvious omission and ought to be rectified. The Party’s Motto, Symbol and Colours must find expression in the Party’s Constitution.]

Article 3(7)

Amend article 3(7)of the Constitution to give the power to recommend suspension of a Member or an office holder pending disciplinary action against him to the appropriate Disciplinary Committee rather than the Executive Committee.

[The amendment is necessary to ensure justified suspension of party executives (elected and appointed) by Executive Committees, only upon recommendation by the Disciplinary Committee,  pending disciplinary proceedings against such Officers. It is the Disciplinary Committee that shall recommend suspension having regard to its preliminary findings.]

Article 4(3)(7)

Amend article 4(3)(7) of the Constitution to allow for a complaint against any Constituency or Regional Officer, whether elected or appointed, to be filed at;  (i) in the case of the Constituency Officer, the Regional Executive Committee and (ii) in the case of the Regional Officer, the National Executive Committee.

[The amendment seeks to achieve fair and equal treatment or handling of disciplinary matters involving ‘elected officers’ and ‘appointed officers’ who are at the same level of the Party by providing that they should be dealt with by the same Disciplinary Committee.]

Article 5(6)

Amend article 5(6) of the Constitution to adopt the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s demarcation/cluster of Electoral Areas.

[The EC’s Electoral Area systems are pre-determined, bereft of controversies and involves more polling stations than the party’s demarcations of Electoral Area. The current provision in the Party’s constitution is that where polling stations under an Electoral Area exceed ten(10), an additional Electoral Area may be created. This lack of certainty and exactitude has triggered misunderstandings in the creation of some Electoral Areas. The adoption of the EC’s Electoral Area system cures any such misunderstanding or perceived mischief.] 

Article 6 –  new provision

Amend article 6 of the Constitution to provide for an Electoral Area Executive Committee structure made up of five (5) members who shall all be elected comprising the Electoral Area Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Communications Officer and Electoral Affairs Officer.

[The current system requires limited expansion to allow for increased participation and support in the management of the electoral areas. A 5-member Committee enhances operational capacity and ensures a more inclusive and structured approach to supervising polling station activities.]  

Article 6(1)

Amend article 6(1) of the Constitution to increase the Polling Station Executives from five (5) to seven (7) who are all to be elected compromising the Chairperson, Secretary, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Communications Officer and Electoral Affairs Officer.

[The Committee recommends one man one vote (OMOV) system as a long term electoral framework for the Party. In the absence of the foundational structures for the OMOV electoral system, the proposed limited expansion (representing 40% rise) at the polling station level is more realistic and manageable. It has the effect of increasing the electoral college considerably while the Party works on the recommended OMOV system.]

Articles 6(1); 7(2); 9(1); 10(7)(3)

Amend article 6(1), 7(2), 9(1) & 10(7)(3) of the Constitution to split/decouple the position of Research and Electoral Affairs Officer at the Constituency, Regional and Nationals levels of the Party.

[The amendment brings the needed focus and attention to each of the two responsibilities. Also, it is not every researcher who understands electoral matters and vice versa. Therefore, separating the positions and appointing people with the requisite expertise to occupy the respective positions will inure to the Party’s benefit.] 

Article 7(2)

Amend article 7(2) of the Constitution to include the Constituency Research Officer, Electoral Affairs Officer and PWD Coordinator on the Constituency Executive Committee.  

[This represents a limited expansion of the Constituency Executive Committee and seeks to promote inclusivity and broader participation in Party activities at the Constituency level.]

Articles 7(5); 9(2); 10(7)(3)

Amend articles 7(5), 9(2) & 10(7)(3) of the Constitution to make Communication Officers at all levels of the Party elected from the Polling Station, Electoral Area, Constituency, Regional and at the National level. At the National level, the Communication Officer shall be the Director of Communications. 

[Theappointment of Communication Officers has, in many instances, been fraught with a lot of challenges occasioned by perceptions of favouritism and lack of candour. Making the positions elective will afford the Party delegates to select persons they think can best communicate for the Party. For the avoidance of doubt, the Deputy Directors of Communications shall remain appointed.]

1. MOTION TEN

Articles 7(10); 9(7)

Amend articles 7(10) & 9(7) of the Constitution to prevent Party Officers who get appointed into government from continuing to hold their offices.

[Party officers who are appointed into government should not be allowed to hold dual positions. So long as they have accepted the appointment to serve in government, they should focus on their mandate in government and give opportunity for other competent Party members to occupy their positions in the Party. It is also in line with the provisions in clause 10 of article 7 & clause 7 of article 9, which are intended to ensure that government appointees do not hold Constituency, Regional and National Executive offices.]

1. MOTION ELEVEN

Articles  7(26); 9(24)

Amend articles 7(26) & 9(24) of the Constitution to provide that any vacancy that may occur for whatever reason in the case of the Constituency Secretary and Regional Secretary shall automatically be filled by the Deputy Constituency and Deputy Regional Secretary respectively.

[The Deputy Constituency and Deputy Regional Secretaries, just like the substantive Constituency and Regional Secretaries, are also elected by the same delegates at the same Conference. The Deputy Secretaries should be able to occupy the positions of the substantive Secretaries in the absence of the latter.]

1. MOTION TWELVE

Article 7(27)

Amend article 7(27) of the Constitution to give voting rights to National and Regional Officers at the Constituency Delegates Conference at the Constituency they hail from.

[This amendment strengthens the connections between these Officers and the respective Constituencies they hail from, where they may also serve as Patrons and source of logistical support.  This amendment is also geared towards the proposed limited expansion of the electoral college pending the OMOV system.]

1. MOTION THIRTEEN

Articles 7(27); 9(25); 10(2)

Amend articles 7(27), 9(25) & 10(2) of the Constitution to provide that the Party shall hold Constituency/Regional/ National Delegates Conferences every two years (i.e. biennially) instead of annually.

[This amendment looks at holding timely but necessary Conferences across all levels of the Party. There shall also be sufficient time to hold other equally important Conferences within the period before the biennial conference. Where it becomes necessary, an Extraordinary Delegates Conference may be called.]

1. MOTION FOURTEEN

Article 7(27)(b)

Amend article 7(27)(b) of the Constitution to give voting rights to the Electoral Area Executives at the Constituency Biennial Delegates Conference. 

[Currently,  Electoral Area Coordinators and all Polling Station Executives have voting rights at Constituency Delegates Conference. The proposed Electoral Area Executives (made up of the Electoral Area Coordinator to be now called Electoral Area Chairperson and four (4) other executives) should have voting rights at the Constituency Delegates Conference.]

1. MOTION FIFTEEN

Articles 7(29); 9(27)

Amend articles 7(29) & 9(27) of the Constitution to allow Constituency and Regional Secretaries to present reports on the state of the Party at the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference, with the prior approval of the Constituency and Regional  Executive Committee as the case may be.

[Constituency and Regional Secretaries are the administrative heads of the Constituency and Regional Secretariats of the Party and it is appropriate that they present a report on the state of the party to the Constituency and Regional Party respectively to the Delegates  Conference with prior approval of the Constituency and Regional Executive Committee as the case may be.]

1. MOTION SIXTEEN

Articles 7(29); 9(27)

Amend articles 7(29) & 9(27) of the Constitution to require the statement of account to be presented by the Constituency and Regional Treasurers at the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference to have received prior approval of the Constituency and Regional Executive Committee as the case may be.

[This allows the Constituency and Regional Executive Committee to scrutinize and give a stamp of approval to the statements before they are presented at the Delegates Conference.]

1. MOTION SEVENTEEN

Article 7(30)

Amend article 7(30) of the Constitution to provide that the Regional Executive Committee shall appoint persons, other than Polling Station, Electoral Area and Constituency Officers,  to supervise Polling Station and Electoral Area elections.  

[Constituencies are directly involved in the compilation of the album for organising Polling Station and Constituency elections. It is therefore prudent that supervision of these elections should be taken to the Regional level to absolve it from any conflict of interest.]

1. MOTION EIGHTEEN

Article 8; Article 8(5)

Amend article 8 of the Constitution to specifically provide that the External Branches shall have three (3) representatives on the National Executive Committee and five(5) representatives on the National Council.  

[TheParty Constitution under article 8(5) grants the External Branches representation at the National Executive Committee and the National Council but does not indicate the number of representatives they should appoint to serve on these bodies. This amendment brings clarity to the number of representatives the External Branches shall have on the National Executive Committee and National Council.] 

1. MOTION NINETEEN

Articles 8; 13(11)

Amend articles 8 & 13(11) of the Constitution to specifically provide that all former and current executives of the External Branches shall have voting rights at the Presidential Primaries.

[The amendment seeks to expand the electoral college for the Presidential Primaries to promote inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

Articles 8; 10(2)(f)

Amend articles 8 & 10(2)(f) of the Constitution to specifically provide that ALL current executives of the External Branches shall have voting rights at the National Delegates Conference.

[Previously, only twelve (12) Executives of the External Branches were allowed to vote at the National Delegates Conference. This amendment, allowing all of them to vote,  promotes inclusivity and broader participation. The amendment is also in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

Article 9

Amend article 9 of the Constitution to include Regional Electoral Affairs Officer, Regional Research Officer (note: the decoupling of the two) Regional Legal Officer, Regional PWD Coordinator, and a Special Duties Officer as part of the Regional Executive Committee.

[This represents a limited expansion of the Regional Executive Committee.]

Article 9(1)

Amend article 9(1) of the Constitution to expand the composition of the Regional Executive Committee members to include Constituency Secretaries.

[Constituency Secretaries are responsible for all administrative matters at the Constituency level and it is only proper that they are part of the Regional Executive Committees.]

Article 9(1) new provision

Amend the Constitution by inserting a new provision to create a Regional Steering Committee composed of the Regional Officers, Chairman of the Regional Council of Elders and Regional Parliamentary Caucus Chair.

[The proposed amendment aligns with what pertains at the national level, where we have a National Steering Committee, which is the body in charge of the day-to-day administration of the Party at the National level. The Regional Steering Committee shall also be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Party in the Regions. The Regional Steering Committee system shall facilitate decision-making at the Regional level.]

Articles 9; 10(2); 13

Amend articles 9, 10(2) & 13 of the Constitution to grant voting rights to the Regional & National TESCON Coordinators and the TESCON President from each recognised tertiary institution in the country at the Regional and National Delegates Conference respectively.

[The Regional TESCON Coordinators are in charge of coordinating all the activities of TESCON in the various tertiary institutions within the Region. It is only proper to grant them voting rights at Conferences just like the Executives whose activities they coordinate. The same principle applies to the National TESCON Coordinators. The specificity on the TESCON President and not just any representative of TESCON avoids the usual challenge with validation of the representative from TESCON.]

Articles 9(25); 10(2); article 13(11)

Amend article 10(2) & 13(11) of the Constitution to grant voting rights to the TESCON President (and NOT a representative from TESCON) from each recognised tertiary institution in the country at the Regional and National Delegates Conference.

[The specificity on the TESCON President and not just any representative of TESCON avoids the usual challenge with validation of the representative from TESCON.]

Article 10;  new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to include the consideration of Position Papers from Sector Committees of the Party on key developments since the last National Delegates Conference at National Delegates Conference.

[The proposed amendment allows the National Delegates Conference to not only focus on speeches and election of national officers (where necessary), but to also consider and debate the Reports submitted by the Party’s Sector Committees on key national issues and to pass appropriate resolutions on same.]

Article 10; new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to modify the composition of the Sector Committees under the National Executive Committee to include both Members of Parliament and non-Members of Parliament as well as their functions.

[This allows the Party to marshal its available best brains to serve on the various Sector Committees whether or not they are Members of Parliament.]

Articles 10(2)(3)(e); 13(11); 16

Amend articles 10(2)(3)(e) & 13 of the Constitution to make all Members of the National Council of Elders delegates at the National Delegates Conference and the Presidential Primaries.

[Considering the indispensable roles played by the National Council of Elders, they deserve more representation at the party’s highest decision-making body. In any case, per Article 16, the membership of the National Council of Elders shall not exceed 30, out of which, 15 are already members/delegates to the National Annual Delegates Conference.] 

Article 10(3)

Amend article 10(3) of the Constitution to increase the representation of the National Council of Elders on the National Council from one(1) to five (5) members including the Chairman of the National Council of Elders.

[The National Council of Elders is the foremost advisory body of the Party and therefore ought to be adequately represented at the second highest decision-making body of the Party.]

Article 10(3)

Amend article 10(3) of the Constitution to provide for four (4) additional Standing Committees and enable the National Council to create new Standing Committees as and when the Council deem fit. The new four (4) Standing Committees shall be the Electoral Affairs Committee, Communications Committee, Political Strategy & Policy Committee and Security & Intelligence Committee.

[The proposed additional Standing Committees to be created are indispensable and crucial in supporting the National Council and by extension the Party to function more effectively.  The amendment also grants the National Council the mandate to create additional Standing Committees as and when necessary.]

Article 10(3)A

Amend article 10(3)(A) of the Constitution to expand the composition of the Finance Committee from six (6) to ten (10) Members in addition to the National Treasurer.

[This amendment expands the composition of the Finance Committee in order to enhance  the effectiveness of the Committee.]

Article 10(3)(2)(d)

Amend article 10(3)(2)(d) of the Constitution to expressly provide that Chairpersons of Standing Committees and Directors at the Party Headquarters shall have voting rights at the National Council and consequently vote in the Presidential Primaries.

[This amendment admits Chairmen of Standing Committees and Directors at the Party Headquarters into membership at the National Council with voting rights.]

Article 10(3)(4)

Amend article 10(3)(4) of the Constitution to include former Majority and former Minority Leaders to the composition of the National Executive Committee and National Council.

[The National Executive Committee stands to benefit immensely from the experiences ofpersons who have once led the Party’s Parliamentary Group as Majority or Minority Leaders.]

Article 10(4) new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to provide that the National Executive Committee shall, in consultation with the Presidential Candidate, develop the campaign structure and establish a Campaign Advisory Committee to oversee the Campaign Team.

[The Presidential Campaign should be a collaboration between Party and the Presidential Candidate.]

Article 10; new provision

Amend article 10 of the Constitution by inserting a new provision to specifically provide that the National Chairperson shall be the Leader of the Party.

[The proposed amendment affirms the position of the National Chairperson as the Leader of the Party.]

Article 10(5)

Amend article 10(5) of the Constitution to specifically provide that the National Chairperson shall chair the Party’s Campaign Advisory Committee.

[The National Chairperson as the Leader of the Party should chair the Party’s Campaign Advisory Committee to enhance collaborative work between the arty and Campaign.]

Article 10(4)(2)

Amend article 10(4)(2) of the Constitution to increase the representation of the Parliamentary Group on the National Executive Committee from one (1) to three(3) comprising the Leader and two (2) others, one of whom shall be a woman.

[The Parliamentary Group is a critical organ of the party. It is the Group that champions the Party’s policies and agenda in the Legislative arm. The amendment seeks to increase the representation of the Parliamentary Group on the National Executive Committee.]  

Article 10(7)(3); 10(8)

Amend articles 10(7)(3) & 10(8) of the Constitution to provide that the National Treasurer shall report to the General Secretary.

[The General Secretary is the Party’s chief administrator, and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Party and all Officers except National Chairperson and Vice Chairpersons report to him. The amendment aligns with the administrative structure of the Party.]

Article 10(10)

Amend article 10(10) of the Constitution to remove the President from the composition of the National Steering Committee of the National Executive Committee.

[TheSteering Committee is in charge of the day-to-day administration of the Party and should comprise only the ten(10) Elected Officers, the Presidential candidate, Parliamentary Leader and Chairman of the National Council of Elders.] 

Article 11

Amend article 11 of the Constitution to specifically include a provision that allows the Constituency Executive Committee to remove a Polling Station or Electoral Area Officer from office with the prior approval of the Regional Executive Committee, upon receipt of a Petition from a Member.  

[The Constitution has no provision on how Polling Station and Electoral Area Officers may be removed from office.]

Article 11

Amend article 11 of the Constitution to include a provision requiring the need for the body to be constituted by the Executive Committee, to recommend removal before the summoning of an Extraordinary Delegates Conference for the purpose of removing an Elected Officer from office, and for specified timelines for the removal process of such Elected Officer.

[The amendment brings clarity in the removal of Officers and avoids the convening of an Extraordinary Delegates Conference without recommendation from the body constituted by the Executive Committee.]

Article 11(7)

Amend article 11(7) of the Constitution to explicitly provide guidelines/procedure for the removal from office of an appointed Officer/Executive to be done by the relevant Executive Committee with prior approval of the immediately higher Executive Committee.   

[The amendment clarifies the process for removal of appointed Officers.]

Article 12; new provision

Amend the Constitution by inserting a new provision to provide that National Officers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs and other government appointees who file to contest to become a Parliamentary Candidate of the Party in a Constituency with a sitting Member of Parliament, shall resign their positions at least twelve (12) months to the National General Elections.

[This is to ensure fair competition and level playing field to all prospective aspirants for the position of Parliamentary Candidate.]

New provision; articles 12 &13

Amend articles 12 &13 of the Constitution and insert a new provision to grant voting rights to former Members of Parliament, former Parliamentary Candidates, former Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), former Ministers, former Deputy Ministers who are card bearing members of the Party at the Parliamentary and Presidential Primaries.

[The amendment seeks to expand the electoral college for the Presidential Primaries to promote inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

 New provision; articles 12 &13

Amend articles 12 & 13 of the Constitution and insert a new provision to grant voting rights to former Constituency Executives, former Regional Executives at the Parliamentary and Presidential Primaries.

[The amendment seeks to expand the electoral college for the Presidential Primaries to promote inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with the proposed limited expansion.]

Article 13 (1)(6)

Amend article 13(1)(6) of the Constitution to provide that National Officers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs and other government appointees who file to become the Presidential Candidate of the Party, shall resign their positions at least twenty-four(24) months to the National General Elections.

[This is to ensure fair competition and level playing field to all prospective aspirants for the flagbearership.]

Article 13(1)(9)

Amend article 13(1)(9) of the Constitution to completely abolish the Special Electoral College/Super Delegates System.

[The Special Electoral College system which was introduced in the 2009 constitutional amendments to shortlist aspiring Presidential Candidates, has outlived its usefulness.]

Article 13(4)

Amend article 13(4) of the Constitution to provide for the election of a Presidential Candidate when the Party is in government to a date not later than eighteen (18) months instead of eleven (11) months before the National General Elections.

[This amendment gives the party’s presidential candidate an extra seven(7) months to campaign before the general elections.]

Article 13(11)

Amend article 13(11) to grant voting rights to five(5) members of the Constituency Council of Elders and ten(10) members of the Regional Council of Elders at the Presidential Primaries.

[These Constituency and Regional Elders are members of the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference respectively. Polling Station and Electoral Area Executives, who form part of the delegates to the Constituency Conference have been given voting rights at the Presidential Primaries. The exclusion of the Elders is an omission which should be rectified.]

Article 13(11)

Amend article 13(11) of the Constitution to include thirty (30) National Patrons and all Members of the National Council of Elders to be part of the Presidential Primaries.

[The National Council of Elders is the foremost advisory body of the Party and therefore ought to be adequately represented at the second highest decision-making body of the Party. National Patrons also occupy an important position in the Party structure. The expansion of their numbers in the Presidential Primaries is appropriate.]

Article 13(11)

Amend article 13(11) to grant voting rights to five(5) Constituency Patrons and ten(10) Regional Patrons at the Presidential Primaries.

[These Constituency and Regional Patrons are members of the Constituency and Regional Delegates Conference respectively. Polling Station and Electoral Area executives, who form part of the delegates to the Constituency Conference have been given voting rights at the Presidential Primaries. The exclusion of the Patrons is an omission which should be rectified.]

Amend article 13(11) to grant voting rights to one (1) TESCON Patron from every recognised tertiary institution t the Presidential Primaries.

[This amendment allows for inclusivity and broader participation. This is in line with proposed limited expansion.]

Article 15(3)

Amend article 15(3) of the Constitution to make all female delegates at the National Delegates Conference eligible to vote for the position of National Women Organiser.

[The current regulations on the election of the National Women Organiser is not inclusive. This amendment allows all female delegates to participate in the election of the National Women’s Organiser.]

Article 15(4)

Amend article 15(4) of the Constitution by defining ‘Youth’ in the Constitution to refer to a Member of the Party who is not above the age of 35 years.

[The age limit for ‘Youth’ per all the International Conventions and National Laws shows that the highest age limit is 35 years. The UN puts the age bracket between 15 -24 years; WHO: 15-29; UNICEF: 15-24; ILO: 15-24; African Youth Charter: 15-35. In Ghana, the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939) defines a ‘Youth’ as a person between 15 -35 years.]

Article 15(4)

Amend article 15(4) of the Constitution to make all youth delegates at the National Delegates Conference eligible to vote for the position of National Youth Organiser.

[The current regulations on the election of the National Youth Organiser is not inclusive. This amendment allows all youth delegates to participate in the election of the National Youth Organiser.]

Article 15(5)(d) (e) and related provisions that refer to Nasara Coordinator at all relevant levels

Amend article 15(5)(d)(e) and related provisions of the Constitution to refer to Nasara Coordinators as Nasara Organisers.

[By the nature of their functions, Nasara Coordinators should be referred to as Nasara Organisers, just as is done with Women and Youth Organisers.]

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.