By Linda Naa Deide Aryeetey 

Accra, May 23, GNA – Dr Dennis Odai Laryea, Deputy Director, Public Health Division, Ghana Health Service (GHS), has urged the public to maintain hygiene and monitor food and water intake as rains and floods increase health risks.  

“Whether rain or shine, contracting cholera simply means you have eaten food or drunk water contaminated with faeces,” he said.  

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Dr Laryea noted that the cholera outbreak from last year remained active, with sporadic suspected cases still being recorded. 

Between October 2024 and May 2025, a total of 612 confirmed cholera cases were reported across five regions.  

The Central Region recorded the highest number with 270 cases, followed by Greater Accra with 200, Western Region with 135, Ashanti with five, and Eastern Region with two. 

A total of 51 deaths were recorded during the period, though none occurred in May. 

Dr Laryea said the number of suspected cases had dropped significantly in recent months. 

“Since the beginning of May, the service has recorded six suspected cases of cholera with one confirmed, and no death recorded,” he stated. 

He advised the public to wash hands with soap under running water regularly, eat warm food, drink clean water, and use hand sanitiser frequently as preventive measures. 

Earlier this year, Ghana commenced its first oral cholera vaccination campaign, targeting 150,634 people in the most affected districts.  

The campaign focused on individuals aged two years and above in parts of the Greater Accra, Central, Western, and Eastern regions. 

The sub-national campaign in Awutu Senya East exceeded its target of 150,000 people, while the campaign in the Western Region aimed to reach 600,000 residents. 

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is a global public health threat, indicating inequity and a lack of social and economic development. 

Access to safe water, basic sanitation, and hygiene is essential to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases. In 2023, WHO recorded 535,321 cases and 4,007 deaths from 45 countries. 

Cholera is often linked to limited access to clean water, poor sanitation facilities, and inadequate hygiene, which may result from conflict, displacement, climate-related events such as floods or drought, and insufficient investment in water and sanitation infrastructure. 

Most people infected with cholera experience mild or moderate diarrhoea and can be treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS). However, the disease can progress rapidly, making early treatment critical. Severe cases require intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics. 

Effective prevention and control require a combination of enhanced surveillance, improved water and sanitation, risk communication, community engagement, access to treatment, and oral cholera vaccination campaigns. 

GNA 

Edited by Kenneth Sackey 

Legal practitioner, Thaddeus Sory, has expressed his disapproval of former Attorney-General, Godfred Dame’s recent public statements, labelling the individual as a “cry baby” and accusing them of hypocrisy.

In a Facebook post titled “AND STILL CRYING INCONGRUOUSLY – PART ONE,” Sory addresses the lawyer’s response to his previous criticisms, which included allegations of obsession and unethical conduct.

Mr Sory refutes these claims, stating that his actions are motivated by two primary reasons:

1. Signs that the individual is learning and may eventually change their behaviour.
2. A commitment to not tolerating spoiled individuals.

He further critiqued the lawyer’s response, highlighting contradictions and inconsistencies in their arguments.

He pointed out the individual’s admission of representing clients affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) yet claiming that a petition they filed against the Chief Justice is driven by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr Sory describes this as “incongruous logic.”

Additionally, Sory accuses the lawyer of hypocrisy, referencing instances where the individual publicly criticised judicial decisions, yet now decries similar criticisms from others.

He questions the ethical consistency of a lawyer who publicly denigrates judges while simultaneously seeking to represent clients in court.

The post concludes with Mr Sory expressing regret for having to address the matter publicly.

“Once again, friends and family, sorry I had to do this. Please forgive me. It is just me being silly, but not in a hard way.”

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.

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams (L) and President John Dramani Mahama (R)

The General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has praised President John Dramani Mahama, commending his statesmanship and gracious character.

According to him, the President, unlike many typical politicians, embodies a spirit of humility and is not inclined to be vindictive or seek retaliation against those who offend him, a trait he deeply admires and considers worthy of emulation.

Speaking to his congregation during a Sunday service, Archbishop Duncan-Williams also reflected on certain actions taken by individuals against the President.

He noted that, despite these challenges, the President continued to persevere and maintained cordial and open relations with such individuals, demonstrating a level of forgiveness and grace that stands in contrast to how others might have responded with vindictiveness.

“President John Dramani Mahama is a very humble man. The man is not an arrogant person neither is he vindictive. If you know what certain people did to this guy, sometimes it breaks my heart. He has proven evidence but he’s gone past it and acts like nothing has happened,” he said.

To reinforce his point, the revered preacher shared a personal account involving an individual who had previously launched verbal attacks and insults at the President while he was in opposition.

According to him, the President responded to this individual not with resentment, but with a warm embrace, an act that left the individual deeply astonished.

He further revealed that the individual later contacted him to share the encounter, expressing surprise and seeking insight into the meaning behind the President’s gracious gesture.

To him, true statesmen are those who do not hold grudges and who extend kindness even to their adversaries, regardless of their actions.

“There was a meeting the other day where I met him and somebody. This was someone who insulted this man [Mahama] when he was in opposition. He and I had spoken about it when he was in opposition. He met this guy and the guy wasn’t sure what he would do and so, he tried to dodge him.

“But he called him and gave him a hug and when I saw it I said ‘papa wei nso’ (meaning this man).

“Then later the guy said to me that he was called and given a hug asking me what the act meant. I told him ‘it’s a sign of a statesman and that he is bigger and better than you’,” he added.

Watch the video below:

More fire 🔥 H.E John Mahama @JDMahama is not vindictive but a true statesman, if you know what CERTAIN people did to HIM – Bishop Duncan Williams on how some people tried to destroy and tarnish the image of Jm. pic.twitter.com/GyX0sDBKUD

— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) May 25, 2025

MAG/MA

The Director of Legal Services for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo, who doubles as the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has criticised Ghana’s legal and judicial institutions for what he described as selective enforcement, double standards, and complicity in undermining public trust in the rule of law, amid the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Mr Tameklo described the situation as a clear case of institutional failure.

He accused the General Legal Council (GLC), the Chief Justice, and the immediate past Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame of applying the law inconsistently depending on who is involved.

Mr Tamaklo questioned the GLC’s failure to take action against Mr Dame after the release of a widely circulated recording in which the Attorney-General is alleged to be coaching an accused person on how to shape their testimony.

“The General Legal Council doesn’t need a petition to act,” he said. “Under Section 18 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), they can summon any lawyer on their own motion. In 2021, they acted against Dr Dominic Ayine without a petition. So why didn’t they act on Dame? Simple. He was untouchable.”

He claimed that at the last Bar Conference in Kumasi, the controversy had become so intense that some GLC members insisted Mr Dame should apologise before addressing the gathering.

“You heard the tape yourself, a sitting Attorney-General telling an accused person how to frame testimony. That’s a violation of Rule 54 of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020,” he said.

Commenting on the Chief Justice’s legal challenge seeking to disqualify Justice Gabriel Pwamang and others from sitting on the committee investigating her conduct, Mr Tamaklo said the move lacked merit and showed inconsistency in the application of legal standards.

“She’s claiming bias because Justice Pwamang ruled in favour of a petitioner. But in Daniel Ofori v. ECG (2023), the Supreme Court removed her from a case for the same reason, conflict of interest. That was a unanimous decision,” he said. “Now she’s doing exactly what she was once disqualified for. That’s not law, it’s desperation.”

Mr Tamaklo also questioned the attempt to remove Justice Adibu-Asiedu from the committee, noting that the Chief Justice herself empaneled him. “This is not how judicial independence works,” he said.

He also pushed back against claims that the Chief Justice could waive her right to a private hearing and opt for public proceedings, describing such arguments as flawed.

“Article 146(8) says all proceedings shall be in-camera. It doesn’t say ‘may be.’ Unlike Article 18(2), which explicitly allows a person to waive privacy rights, the framers of the Constitution deliberately left out that option in Article 146,” he said. “You can’t waive what the Constitution doesn’t permit.”

Turning to the recent police action against Alfred Kumi, the man whose petition touched on a said meeting between some members of the committee and lawyer Thaddeus Sory, Mr Tamaklo described the National Intelligence Bureau’s response as reckless and excessive.

“Kumi exaggerated claims about a so-called ‘secret dinner’ between judges. But even if his claims were untrue, does that justify 15 armed officers storming his house at dawn? This is not how you treat a citizen with a political grievance. A phone call would have sufficed,” he said.

He added that CCTV footage later showed judges and lawyers seated at separate tables in a restaurant, which he said undermined the suggestion of a planned meeting.

Mr Tamaklo concluded that the situation reflects deeper problems in the justice system that go beyond individual misconduct.

“This is why Ghanaians don’t trust the judiciary,” he said. “When a Chief Justice hires an Attorney-General caught on tape encouraging perjury, and judges apply different rules to themselves, we erode public confidence. The law must be no respecter of persons, whether you’re the Chief Justice or a market trader.”

He warned that unless legal institutions consistently follow the Constitution and their own rules, the justice system could lose its legitimacy in the eyes of the public.

“We are watching the slow corrosion of judicial credibility,” he said. “The public sees the silence, the shifting standards, and they stop believing in justice. That is the real danger.”

play videoFormer Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has explained the rationale behind his administration’s decision to implement the gold purchase programme.

According to him, the policy led to an increase in Ghana’s gold reserves from 8.7 tonnes to 30 tonnes.

He noted that rather than relying solely on loans, his government opted for gold, a natural resource that could be acquired with the local currency, resulting in the purchase of gold worth $5 billion within two years.

Speaking to members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF) during his Thank You Tour of the UK, the former Vice President said the move was a deliberate choice between economic sovereignty and dependency.

“$5 billion in gold or $3 billion in loans, we chose sovereignty. In two years, the Bank of Ghana had bought $5 billion worth of gold. Remember, we were going to the IMF just for $3 billion and going through all sorts of hoops. But in two years, we had bought $5 billion,” Dr Bawumia said.

He attributed the cedi’s relative stability to the gold reserves his government secured.

“We increased the gold reserves in Ghana from 8.7 tonnes to 30 tonnes. So, 65 years after independence, we only had 8.7 tonnes, but in just two years, we moved to 30. That is a big backing for the currency.

“Why I went for gold is that you don’t need to export to get gold. You need to export cocoa, timber, and oil to earn foreign exchange. But with gold, you just need to dig it out or pay for it with cedis. So it was a much easier way to do it,” he explained.

Dr Bawumia also criticised the current NDC administration, claiming they have failed to build on the gold reserves.

“People, after all the noise of the election, are paying attention to our reserves. That is one thing we built up to 30 tonnes. They have been in office so far, and they haven’t even increased it by one tonne, not a single one,” he said.

SSD/MA

BoG confirms Gold-for-Oil program has been reviewed

Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (L) and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (R)

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a new bilateral partnership that will allow Ghanaian teachers and nurses to work in Jamaica.

In a post shared on X on May 24, 2025, Ablakwa noted that the agreement was reached following diplomatic discussions with Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, during the recent Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) summit in Brussels.

He explained that the Jamaican government is ready to welcome professional teachers and nurses from Ghana.

“Jamaica is ready to receive nurses and teachers from Ghana under a special bilateral partnership.

“An immensely successful meeting with my counterpart, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith (MP), when we met on the margins of the OACPS summit in Brussels. Ghana and Jamaica are set to expand the frontiers of our inseparable historical relations,” he said.

Ablakwa further noted that both countries have agreed to hold high-level political consultations to foster collaboration across multiple sectors.

“Ghana and Jamaica have also agreed to hold high-level political consultations to deepen our cooperation in trade, education, agribusiness, tourism, cultural and sports exchange,” he added.

Read the post below:

Jamaica is ready to receive nurses and teachers from Ghana under a special bilateral partnership.

Ghana and Jamaica have also agreed to hold high level political consultations to deepen our cooperation in trade, education, agribusiness, tourism, cultural and sports exchange.… pic.twitter.com/SdLTqfzpLO

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 24, 2025

JHM/MA

Also, watch an exclusive interview with Ayisi on the latest edition of Talkertainment below:

Former Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia A. B. Akuffo, has issued a clarion call for a return to moral values, a pursuit of excellence, and a renewed spirit of service as the foundation for sustainable democratic governance.

Speaking at the Methodist University of Ghana to commemorate the institution’s 25th anniversary, Justice Akuffo delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the theme “Morality, Excellence and Service in Sustainable Democratic Governance.”

Drawing on decades of legal and civic experience, Justice Akuffo emphasized that democracy must be more than elections and institutions—it must be rooted in ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and national character.

“We must breathe moral life into our Constitution,” she urged, warning that without a steadfast moral compass, governance risks becoming transactional, complacent, and disconnected from the people it serves.

In a wide-ranging and introspective address, the former Chief Justice challenged both citizens and leaders to reject mediocrity, corruption, and impunity, and instead build a democratic culture defined by integrity, discipline, and accountability.

Read Also: ‘When I cough, you and the NDC catch a cold’ – Godfred Dame responds to Thaddeus Sory

She called on Ghana’s youth to take up the mantle of transformation, insisting that “leadership is stewardship, not ownership,” and that every public role must be measured by its service to the common good.

Read Justice Sophia Akuffo’s full speech below:

Download PDF

Transport fares to go down by 15%

Passengers and drivers at the Tema Station in Accra have expressed different opinions about the 15 per cent public transport fare reduction, which will be implemented nationwide on Saturday, May 24.

The directive aims to reflect recent reductions in fuel prices and the strengthening of the cedi, but has drawn varied responses from stakeholders.

Frederick Boakye Gyimah, the Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Burma Camp Branch, said that while drivers were informed of the directive, many were unhappy about it.

He noted that fare reductions based solely on fuel prices ignored persistent increases in spare parts and maintenance costs.

Gyimah observed that due to the low patronage at the terminal, vehicles frequently departed without being fully loaded, and feared that a full implementation of the directive would affect earnings.

He said the new fares -GH¢6.80 down to GH¢6.50 -would be applied from Monday, with passenger consultation to allow them (drivers) to maintain the partial loading of their vehicles at the terminal.

However, if passengers resisted, the full 15 per cent cut would be enforced, even if it delayed departures.

Okpoti Sowah, a driver and former union executive at La-Tema Station, echoed Gyimah’s views.

He said though, that new fares were being charged, the lack of corresponding reductions in goods and services created an imbalance.

He said notices and updated fare lists had been posted to avoid conflict with passengers.

Comfort Tackie, a trader in bags, told the Ghana News Agency that her fare from Caprice to Accra had dropped from GH¢6.00 to GH¢5.00, saying that would ease her financial burden.

She urged the government to intensify interventions in addressing Ghana’s broader economic challenges.

Samuel Okyere, a dealer in phone accessories, said that though his fare was yet to be reduced, he was pleased with the government’s decision, anticipating relief in subsequent trips.

He expressed the belief that the change would support his savings.

Solomon Boateng, a trader in sunglasses, was less optimistic, saying the impact on his finances would be negligible.

He, however, acknowledged a fare drop from GH¢7.80 to GH¢7.00 from his Dansoman, Gleeferesidence to Accra Tema Station.

Sarah Doku, a fruit and vegetable seller who commutes from Agege to Tema Station, has yet to benefit from the reduction.

As of Saturday morning, she said there was no reduction in the GH¢7.00 fare, which resulted in confrontations between passengers and drivers and their “mates”.

Although she expected traders to reduce prices to correspond to the fare reduction, she noted that any benefit from transport savings would be neutralised by lowering prices of her goods.

A joint statement by the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) announced the nationwide fare reduction, urging all commercial operators to comply and display revised fares at the terminals.

The statement, signed by Godfred Abulbire and Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretaries of the GPRTU and GRTCC, respectively, called on commuters and drivers to cooperate for a smooth implementation of the directive.

You can also watch the latest news on GhanaWeb TV below:

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized quantities of illicit tobac­co and related products during a swoop at several targeted locations in Accra.

The operation, carried out on yesterday, was aimed at clamping down on shops known for the ille­gal sale and distribution of tobacco products, particularly those consid­ered attractive to the youth.

During the operation, the FDA confiscated a wide range of unap­proved products from five shops.

These included shisha flavors, cigarettes, vapes, cigars, nitrous oxide canisters, and tobacco wraps.

All the products seized were either unregistered or had expired registrations, making their sale illegal under Ghanaian law.

Speaking to the media after the exercise, the Head of the Tobacco Products Department at the FDA, Mrs Jemima Odonko, underlined that the swoop formed part of activities lined up to commemorate this year’s World No Tobacco Day.

She explained that the FDA reg­ularly undertakes such enforcement activities, but this particular one was special because of its connection to the international anti-tobacco campaign observed every year on May 31.

Mrs Odonko further empha­sised the dangers of tobacco and related products, pointing out that there was no safe form of tobacco.

She warned that even synthetic alternatives, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and flavoured vapes, are equally harmful.

According to her, these prod­ucts are often presented as safer options, especially to young people, but in reality, they are toxic and not approved for sale in Ghana.

Additionally, she explained that many of the products seized during the swoop had been smuggled into the country through illegal means.

“These items are often mar­keted in attractive packaging and with sweet flavours to appeal to young consumers, creating the false impression that they are harmless,” she stressed.

Mrs Odonko stated that the theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day is ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’

Moreover, she mentioned that this theme highlights how the tobacco industry continues to use deceptive tactics to promote their products, especially among the youth.

She then urged the public to be aware of these tactics and to avoid such products.

As part of the campaign, she said, the FDA also undertaking education programmes in schools to sensitise students on the dangers of tobacco and synthetic nicotine products.

By Jerry Azanduna 
 
Techiman (Bono East) May, 24 GNA- Oheneba Antwi-Bosiako II, the Chief of Kenten in the Techiman Traditional Area of the Bono East Region, has urged families to instill in children indigenous traditional norms and culture values in their upbringing and development. 
 
He said that would encourage the younger generation to embrace, accept, revere, promote and preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage. 
 
Oheneba Antwi-Boasiako, also the Coordinator of the Techiman Metropolitan Directorate of Education gave the advice when speaking at this year’s Basic School Arts and Culture Festival, organised by the Directorate in Techiman. 
 
He observed that culture and tradition instilled a sense of discipline in children and facilitated proper upbringing and development, saying that, as “a way of life, culture and tradition binds us together too”. 
 
Nana Daasebre Kwarteng Amaniampong, the Chief of Buoyem who presided encouraged the school children to observe their diverse cultural heritage, saying with that they would grow to become responsible. 
 
Some of the school children who spoke with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview said they were highly excited and had learnt a lot from the celebration. 
 
Dressed in locally woven kente fabric and smock, hundreds of Basic School children drawn from various circuits of the directorate participated in the festival. 
 
Some of them displayed unique cultural performances and dances, drum language, and choral music as well as poetry recitals to spice the celebration of the festival. 

GNA 

Edited by Dennis Peprah/Benjamin Mensah 

Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin, an economist and finance lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, has said Ghana’s economic recovery will only be meaningful if the country maintains fiscal discipline after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme ends in 2026.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday [May 24, 2025], Prof. Bokpin said that meeting IMF targets in the short term is not enough.

According to him, the real test of Ghana’s progress will come in the years after the programme ends, when external oversight is no longer in place.

“The real test is not whether we meet the IMF targets this year or next,” he said. “The real test is whether, in 2027 and 2028, when the IMF is no longer watching, we will uphold the same standards. That is what determines whether the progress is real or temporary.”

Ghana is currently implementing a US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility with the IMF. The three-year programme began in 2023 and is aimed at stabilising the economy following a period of high inflation, rising debt levels, and sharp depreciation of the cedi. It is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026.

Prof Bokpin noted that past experience suggests Ghana often loses discipline shortly after exiting IMF support, particularly in election years. He said the temptation to overspend ahead of the 2028 general elections could once again undo hard-won progress unless safeguards are put in place.

“When the IMF is here, we follow the rules. But when they leave, we tend to abandon them—especially in election years,” he said. “If we don’t build in protection against political interference, we’ll end up where we started.”

Prof Bokpin acknowledged that the 2025 budget contains signs of recovery, including a projected turnaround from a primary deficit of 3 per cent in 2024 to a surplus of 1.5 per cent. But he warned that these gains are not guaranteed to last.

“These numbers are promising, but they don’t guarantee anything,” he said. “The real issue is whether we can keep it up when the Fund is no longer around. That’s where we usually fall short.”

On the performance of the cedi, Dr. Bokpin observed that recent improvements may be temporary, driven largely by short-term interventions. “A $20 million forex demand can swing the market,” he said. “We can’t mistake temporary stability for long-term recovery.”

He maintained that without long-lasting reforms that withstand political pressure, the country risks falling back into economic distress once the IMF’s supervision ends.

Professor Godfred Bokpin is an Economist

An economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has noted that the current government has demonstrated a commendable level of fiscal discipline in its first few months in office.

According to him, this is evident in the recent appreciation of the local currency against major foreign currencies on the market.

He observed that the previous NPP administration engaged in excessive spending, which contributed to the collapse of the economy.

Professor Bokpin stated that the NDC’s fiscal discipline has resulted in a GH¢10 billion reduction in national expenditure compared to 2024.

The cedi has been appreciating against major foreign currencies in recent weeks, trading below GH¢11 as of May 23, 2025.

“If you look at what the economy has been through in the last three years, the excess liquidity injection came from high expenditure. We have seen this government do within five months what we’ve been calling for since COVID-19 (2020–2025). Since COVID, we’ve said we need to cut wasteful spending and pursue gradual fiscal consolidation to ease the pain, but that didn’t happen,” he said as quoted by 3news.com

The economist attributed the recent gains to effective leadership by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama.

“You can see leadership at the highest level. These are painful choices, but they are producing results,” Professor Bokpin added.

SSD/MA

Bank of Ghana to release audited financial statement soon – Governor

The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, is expanding the frontiers of his transformative educational initiative aimed at equipping young learners with a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The annual Kingsley Maths and Science Quiz, now a flagship academic competition within the constituency, brings together all Junior High Schools (JHS) in the area to compete in a spirited display of intellect and innovation.

Now in its sixth year, the competition continues to positively impact thousands of pupils across 78 Junior High Schools and 92 primary schools, spanning both public and private institutions and school for the deaf within the constituency.

Since its inception six years ago, the competition has significantly improved learning outcomes across the constituency specifically in Maths, Science and spelling for primary school pupils.

Municipal Director of education for the Abuakwa South Municipality Comfort Ofori Appiah, hailed the initiative as a powerful catalyst for driving positive learning outcomes across the municipality.

According to her, the competition is having a direct and measurable impact on Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.

“In our 2024 BECE results, all our top performers for the municipality were contestants from the quarter-finals to the finals. They all performed excellently. The same can be said for the years before. This shows there is a direct correlation between the quizzes and learning outcomes,” she revealed.

Madam Ofori Appiah expressed particular satisfaction at seeing schools like Asiakwa R/C Primary School and Apedwa Presby JHS rise to the top and emerge as champions.

She explained that, “These were not schools that made it to the top in the past, and for these schools to start making it to the top means the impact is reaching the grassroots, and now, every school wants to be part of it.”

It came to light that some of the early participants have advanced to represent their schools in the prestigious National Science and Maths Quiz at the secondary level. Their academic excellence has even earned a few of them admission into top-tier universities in the United States, including Memphis University.

According to Dr. Agyemang, the competition is designed to give students an early head start in STEM education, a field he believes is key to Ghana’s future.

“The world is moving towards STEM. For the next generation to actually become useful in this space and contribute meaningfully to our country’s development, they need preparation that goes beyond normal classroom tuition,” he said.

“Through this competition, students enhance their understanding of core concepts in maths and science”, Dr. Kinglsey Agyemang explained.

The MP added that his vision is to build the capacity of young students in the constituency so they can confidently compete with peers from top-tier institutions both locally and internationally.

Over the years, Dr. Agyemang has consistently funded the competition in partnership with the Abuakwa South Municipal Education Office, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability. Beyond financial support, he has also consistently provided essential learning materials to help participating schools adequately prepare for the challenge.

This year’s 2025 edition of the competition ended on a high note with Asiakwa R/C Primary School and Apedwa Presby JHS emerging as champions of the Kingsley Spelling Challenge and Kingsley Maths and Science Quiz, respectively.

Addressing the finalists at the closing ceremony, Dr. Agyemang applauded their determination and excellence.

He noted, “We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the spirit of excellence you have displayed throughout the competition. Keep soaring higher.”

The impact of the initiative is already being felt by students, parents, and educators alike. One contestant shared how the competition has transformed her confidence and academic approach.

“This competition has helped build my confidence level to speak publicly and also confront difficult topics with a lot of flair. I know that others like me, who couldn’t stand to speak in front of people, are getting a lot from this competition and I can only thank our MP for starting this.”

A parent also praised the initiative, saying,

“Since my son started participating in the quiz, I can see a real change in his appreciation of what he is being taught in school. This is what we need for our kids in the Abuakwa South Constituency.”

Municipal Director of Education, Madam Comfort Ofori Appiah, also appealed to other benevolent organizations to come on board and partner with the initiative to expand its reach, ensuring the next generation of thinkers is adequately prepared for the future of both the municipality and the country at large.

“I must commend the MP for starting this initiative. It is a laudable one, but of course, others can still come on board to support the initiative in any way to help us enroll more schools so that every child can benefit.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Agyemang revealed that more educational interventions are in the pipeline to boost literacy levels across the constituency. He also announced plans to collaborate with international investors, particularly from Hollywood, to establish Africa’s biggest movie studio and AI centre in Abuakwa South, a move he believes will open up even more opportunities for the youth.

Through this bold and consistent investment in education, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang believes he is nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders, sowing good seeds today for a brighter tomorrow.

A battling Novak Djokovic made another bit of tennis history as he clinched his 100th ATP singles title with a comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in Geneva.

Serbia’s Djokovic, who has won almost all there is in tennis, is just the third man in the Open era to achieve the feat after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

The 38-year-old had won all seven of his previous matches against Poland’s Hurkacz but had to grind out victory this time around, coming from a break down in the third set to win 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-2).

Djokovic’s children ran onto the court afterwards to congratulate their father, with wife Jelena watching in the stands.

“I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” he admitted. “Hubi was probably closer to the victory the entire match than I was.

“An incredible match with a full stadium, a beautiful atmosphere. I’m just grateful to clinch the 100th here.”

Victory also gave Djokovic some welcome time on the clay, with the French Open beginning on Sunday.

He arrived in Geneva without a win on the surface, having lost his first match in four of his past five tournaments.

A relieved Djokovic now travels to Paris – where he will face American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round – with his bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title firmly on track.

However, it remains to be seen how quickly he will recover from a final lasting three hours and eight minutes.

This is Djokovic’s first title since Olympic gold in Paris last year – and marks a high point in a difficult year for the tennis great.

His run to the Australian Open semi-finals was ended by injury before his first attempt to claim his 100th title was ended by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open showpiece.

The clay season has been particularly tricky as Djokovic lost his opening matches in Monte Carlo and Madrid in straight sets before opting out of the Italian Open.

A split with coach Andy Murray followed, but deciding to take a wildcard to Geneva has paid off as Djokovic has improved in each match, with his serving and returning in particular going up a notch.

Much of the packed crowd in Geneva were on his side and it was the Serb who had the first break opportunities at 2-2.

But Hurkacz, a big server making his way back to form after a serious knee injury at Wimbledon last year, produced aces and service winners at the crucial times to keep him at bay.

In truth, it was Djokovic’s errors, rather than excellent play from his opponent, that decided the first set. Serving to force a tie-break, an unfortunate net cord gave Hurkacz his first break point of the set – and a dreadful double fault from Djokovic handed it over.

Every Hurkacz service game of the second set seemed to go to deuce, with Djokovic constantly pushing for an opening, but his uncharacteristic errors allowed his 28-year-old opponent to wriggle free – much to Djokovic’s wry amusement.

The Serb upped his level in the tie-break, smashing a winner to force a deciding set, but it was Hurkacz who broke at the start of the third.

Service games rattled by from both players before the Pole played a dreadful game at 4-3 up. With Hurkacz’s body tight and arm full of tension, an error handed Djokovic the break back, with the world number six shaking his racquet in celebration.

A tie-break felt almost inevitable and once again, Djokovic ran away with it, before sealing the success with an ace.

The two shared a warm hug at the net before a visibly upset Hurkacz covered his head with his towel as the victor thanked the crowd.

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The meeting provided a platform to update stakeholders on ongoing improvements

The Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, has reiterated the Authority’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business at Ghana’s ports.

Addressing a section of port stakeholders during an engagement session, Brigadier General Tanye Kulono emphasized GPHA’s resolve to make port operations more efficient, less cumbersome, and cost-effective for the trading community.

The meeting provided a platform to update stakeholders on ongoing improvements, exchange ideas on trade facilitation, and gather feedback aimed at enhancing service delivery across the ports.

As part of infrastructure upgrades, the Director-General announced plans to dredge the Port of Tema by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This, he explained, would significantly improve vessel turnaround time.

He also disclosed that GPHA has taken delivery of 15 out of 30 trucks acquired to assist in evacuating containers from MPS Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. This intervention, he noted, has already reduced container backlog from nearly 5,000 to 993 as of last week.

He expressed optimism that all backlogs would be cleared by the end of the month, and assured that going forward, importers can expect container transfers from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 to be completed within three days.

Brigadier General Tanye Kulono urged the trading community to cooperate by clearing their goods promptly to sustain the gains being made.

On infrastructure challenges, he acknowledged the poor state of roads leading to the port and assured stakeholders that reconstruction works would commence soon. He appealed for patience and understanding during the period of construction and any inconvenience it may cause.

The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng, commended the Director-General for engaging stakeholders and pledged GUTA’s unwavering support towards GPHA’s ongoing efforts.

“Business thrives on trade facilitation, and the Port Authority plays a pivotal role in that. It’s about reducing time, cost, and bottlenecks in port operations. The trading community stands ready to support you fully in this mission,” Dr. Obeng stated.