Godwin Animli Dorghadzi-Dorani (L) and KT Hammond (R)

Former Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, KT Hammond, has warned his successor in the constituency, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmaker Godwin Animli Dorghadzi-Dorani, to desist from mentioning his name in his public comments.

According to him, the MP should focus on the development in the constituency instead of always making references to him in his public discourse.

Speaking in an interview on Oyerepa TV on October 27, 2025, Hammond stated, “I always say that about 7,000 people didn’t vote… the guy, if he is having a headache, he should keep quiet and stay away from talking about me.”

His comments follow an earlier interview on Oyerepa TV, in which Dorghadzi-Dorani accused KT Hammond of disrespecting the people of Adansi Asokwa during his tenure as MP.

‘Controversial’ KT Hammond kicked out of Parliament by NDC’s Godwin Animli

He alleged that the former MP failed to engage the community respectfully and was often dismissive of local concerns.

According to the NDC MP, Hammond had allegedly told some constituents who needed toilet facilities to visit his mother’s house if they wanted to use a restroom.

However, Hammond dismissed the current MP’s claims, asserting that he did not lose the election because of disrespect but because about 7,000 people failed to vote.

He further questioned Dorghadzi-Dorani’s past, alleging that he once worked as a teacher but was dismissed under unclear circumstances.

“Ask him what led to his dismissal as a teacher. Why did he run away from Fomso after the election?” he queried.

Hammond also threatened to take legal action against the current MP.

AM

Dr Zanetor departs Jubilee House after notifying government of mother’s passing

Scenes from Accra Ridge Hospital after news of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings’ death

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has shared a deeply personal story about how businessman and politician, Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, helped him complete secondary school through a bursary.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, the Effutu MP revealed that financial hardship nearly forced him to drop out of St. Augustine’s College in his final year, but Dr Nduom’s scholarship intervention changed the course of his life.

“I always say that, but for Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom’s bursary, I sitting here wouldn’t have completed SHS in Saint Augustine’s final year,” he recounted.

“By the way, the parents of my friends supported my fees in year one and year two, but by year three, things were bad. My mom was out of work. My stepdad had been demoted. He was at Pomaze Poultry, and they were not being paid.”

He described how his stepfather’s political demotion worsened the family’s financial situation.

“He got demoted because of politics. They said he had followed Kufuor in the 1996 election. So he was demoted and transferred, made a watchman from a missing foreman, and sent to anchor food. Pomaze Poultry business was going down, so they were not being paid,” he said.

The MP recalled how Dr Nduom introduced a competitive bursary scheme that rewarded academic excellence.

“Dr Nduom brought his bursary and said anybody who broke his record should get that bursary. It was a competition. It wasn’t even for a brilliant but poor child. And by the grace of God, I won it. I’m saying that, but for that, I would have dropped out of St. Augustine’s College,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin used the story to underscore his strong defence of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, describing it as one of Ghana’s most impactful social interventions.

“Many people today, when you look for house helps or gardeners in your home, they will tell you they have completed SHS. It wasn’t the case before. Many homes, poor and rich, have benefited,” he said.

He also rejected criticisms of the Free SHS program, arguing that education is a powerful equaliser.

“Ours is to create a platform to build the human resource capacity of the Ghanaian people. We did that successfully,” he insisted.

Reflecting on his party’s governance, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged challenges faced by the New Patriotic Party, including the economic shocks of COVID-19 and the loss of support among the middle class.

However, he maintained that the NPP’s social intervention record remains unmatched.

He cited the Free SHS, One District One Factory, school feeding, and the National Health Insurance Scheme as initiatives that changed lives and strengthened the economy.

“Tell us your NDC party a single social intervention program that, since 1992, has been initiated and implemented successfully. They have zero,” he challenged.

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.

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has admitted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the support of Ghana’s middle class due to the tough decisions it took to stabilise the economy.

Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews on October 27, the Effutu MP said the financial sector haircut and other austerity measures alienated many of the party’s core supporters, including professionals and business owners.

“We lost the middle class, our own base, the businessmen, because there was some haircut… pensioners, educated people who ordinarily would vote NPP got disappointed,” he said.

“To the extent that a former Chief Justice, appointed by our own administration, was on the streets fighting for her pension — it’s understandable.”

Afenyo-Markin explained that these difficult choices were made in the context of a global economic crisis that required Ghana to stabilise its economy at all costs.

“We were faced with some huge challenges. We tried, but we were not too successful,” he admitted. “In stabilising the economy, certain hard decisions had to be taken.”

The Effutu MP said despite the setbacks, the NPP achieved major milestones, including the introduction of Free SHS and the One District, One Factory initiative.

He argued that these interventions transformed lives and opened new opportunities across the country.

“Ours is to create a platform to build the human resource capacity of the Ghanaian people. We did that successfully,” he said.

He also defended the government’s record on social policies.

“Recently in Parliament, I challenged the Majority Leader to name a single social intervention policy the NDC has initiated and implemented successfully since 1992.

“They have zero,” he said, citing Free SHS, 1D1F, school feeding, health insurance, and the mass transport system as legacies of NPP governments.

Afenyo-Markin reflected on his own humble beginnings to underscore the value of education and social support.

He recalled nearly dropping out of St. Augustine’s College until he won a bursary introduced by Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom.

“But for that bursary, I would have dropped out,” he said, adding that policies like Free SHS have given hope to thousands of young Ghanaians.

He said, despite the economic pain and loss of political goodwill, the NPP must continue to highlight its achievements.

“In spite of all these disappointments, we should still let the Ghanaian people know the good things we did,” he said. “We shouldn’t shy away from our success stories.”

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.

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has asked the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to concentrate on developing a good curriculum for Ghanaian schools and also tackling the problems with the school placements other than concentrating on students’ hair dos.

Speaking on GHOne TV’s Morning Show, GHToday, on Monday, October 27, 2025, the former MP said that the Ministry and GES ought to focus on tackling what he described as the ‘truest’ headache of Ghana’s education.

“Our focus should be on a very good curriculum, our focus should be on a very good placement, and discipline from students to teachers to principal and to parents. Right now, our truest headache is school placement…,” he said.

Dr Adomako-Kissi’s comment was in reaction to the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu’s reaction to debates on social media about students’ hairstyles and grooming standards.

The minister while speaking at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Mawuli School stressed that schools exist to mould character, not to host beauty contests.

“There is an ongoing debate on social media about haircuts and size and lengths of hair in Secondary Schools. We’ll not tolerate today, we’ll not tolerate it tomorrow, in so long as we are moulding character. If we give in to hair today, tomorrow it will be shoes and the next day it will be the way they dress.

“Therefore, as part of our disciplinary measures, Headmasters and GES you’re accordingly empowered to take full control of how students behave on your campuses.

“So, anybody who thinks that your child will walk into any institution of learning, as if that Child was to attend a beauty contest, the school environment is not for that purpose and not cut for that purpose and will not tolerate that as an institution,” he said.

The ex-Law maker, despite believing discipline in schools ought not be compromised said the nature of hair dos of students in second cycle institutions ought not be part of the major issues of the Ministry and the Minister in particular.

“Discipline is very important in schools, and that whether nappy hair, long hair, curly hair. I don’t think is much to do about nothing…,” he said.

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says while the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) faced major challenges in office, it must not shy away from celebrating its achievements.

The Effutu MP speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, said leadership must acknowledge both failures and successes.

“Yes, we had an opportunity. We were faced with huge challenges. We tried, but we were not too successful,” he admitted.

He cited the fight against illegal mining and the global economic shocks from COVID-19 as examples of where government struggled.

“We lost the middle class, our own base, the businessmen, because there was some haircut… pensioners, educated people who ordinarily would vote NPP got disappointed,” he said, referencing the fallout from fiscal tightening measures.

According to him, the discontent even affected those closely linked to the party.

“A former Chief Justice who was appointed by our own administration… was on the streets fighting for her pension. It’s understandable,” he noted.

Despite these setbacks, Afenyo-Markin said the NPP’s record remains strong and must be defended.

“I hold the view that, despite all these disappointments, we should still let the Ghanaian people know the good things we did. It’s very important, and we shouldn’t shy away from our success stories.”

He pointed to key social intervention programs as evidence of the NPP’s transformative impact.

“If you talk about Free SHS, you talk about 1D1F for the private sector, you talk about school feeding, you talk about the mass transport system, you talk about health insurance — these are major social intervention programs that changed lives,” he stressed.

Recalling his own background, he shared how a bursary from former Minister Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom saved his education.

“But for Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom’s bursary, I wouldn’t have completed SHS in Saint Augustine’s. My mom was out of work. My stepdad had been demoted because of politics. Things were bad,” he recounted.

He said the Free SHS policy, despite its criticisms, has opened opportunities for many Ghanaian families.

“Today, you look for a house help, a gardener, and they’ll tell you they’ve completed SHS. It wasn’t the case before. Many homes, poor and rich, have benefited,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the NPP’s efforts in education, industrialisation, and social welfare have reshaped Ghana’s development story.

“We shouldn’t be shy of our weakness. You come into government, you have your success story, you have your failings. But the good must be told,” he emphasised.

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.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says he draws deep inspiration from the example of former Speaker Alban Bagbin as he leads a weakened Minority in the current Parliament.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, the Effutu MP dismissed suggestions that the minority’s reduced numbers leave him overwhelmed.

“Not at all. I’m not in any way worried about the numbers. Like I indicated in my opening remarks in Parliament, it’s about substance,” he said.

He insisted that while the Majority may hold numerical strength, real democratic progress depends on the depth of argument and conviction.

“Before the final destination, you need to demonstrate your weight. For me, that is what enriches democracy,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin said the NPP’s situation mirrors what the NDC once faced when it lost power in 2001.

“The state we find ourselves as a party, though novel in a sense in terms of the numbers, has happened before to the NDC. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Bagbin era and NDC opposition,” he said.

Recalling that period, he noted how Bagbin was brought “from obscurity” to lead a demoralised Minority.

“Kufuor enjoyed huge goodwill. In 2001, nobody wanted to hear NDC. In fact, it was difficult for them to even appear on radio programmes. But they put themselves together in the midst of confusion,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He praised the NDC’s turnaround between 2001 and 2008 as a model for resilience.

“By 2004, they had managed to snatch some of the very seats we are taking from them, like Ashaiman, La Dadekotopon and many others. They had momentum on their side because of the hard work, the determination of the Bagbin-led minority,” he explained.

According to him, that determination eventually brought the NDC back to power.

“By 2008, they surprised the nation. NPP perhaps thought all was well; we were going to have a walk in the park. Then Professor Mills, who had been written off, made a strong showing, pushed the election into round two, and then by round three, we were down,” he recounted.

For Afenyo-Markin, the lesson is clear: political strength is not static.

“It tells me a story. I’ve been reading the Hansard, watching videos, and learning how they strategised. They were collective. They were determined. And as a politician, you should not be shy of your weakness,” he said.

Reflecting on the NPP’s current struggles, he admitted that the government faced serious challenges.

“We had an opportunity. We were faced with some huge challenges. We tried, but we were not too successful. Typical example, galamsey. It was a great concern,” he said.

He pointed to global and domestic crises that hurt the party politically.

“The global crisis hit us with COVID, and then eventually we had to stabilise the economy. And in stabilising the economy, certain hard decisions had to be taken. We lost the middle class, our own base, the businessmen, because there were some haircuts,” Afenyo-Markin admitted.

He said these economic shocks alienated some of the NPP’s most loyal supporters.

“Pensioners, educated people who ordinarily will vote NPP, got disappointed to the extent that a former Chief Justice who was appointed by our own administration, who ordinarily would have her love for our party, was on the streets fighting for her pension. It’s understandable,” he said.

Still, he insists the NPP’s record remains strong in many areas.

“All these things more or less took away the shine of the Free SHS we had introduced, which had benefited many Ghanaian families. Ours is to create a platform to build the human resource capacity of the Ghanaian people. We did that successfully,” he said.

He added that the government’s industrialisation policies also left a lasting impact.

“We brought in the 1D1F, a major boost for the private sector. That 1D1F attracted a lot of companies who felt that if in Ghana you can set up your industry, have tax-free on your raw material and machinery, then they found Ghana as a great destination for business,” he said.

However, he conceded that the inability to meet public expectations cost the NPP dearly. “Eventually, all these gains, because of our inability to meet the higher expectations of the Ghanaian people, we lost out,” he concluded.

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.

Haruna Iddrisu is the Minister of Education

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu has called on parents to support the Ghana Education Service (GES) in implementing its directive on approved hairstyles for Senior High School students across the country.

Addressing a stakeholder meeting organised by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) in Accra on Monday, October 27, 2025, Haruna Iddrisu stressed that students at the basic and secondary levels must comply with the rule until they reach tertiary education, where they have greater personal freedom.

We will not tolerate students with longer hairstyles – Haruna Iddrisu warns

“At a certain stage in life, particularly at the tertiary level, they can decide on any hairstyle of their choice. But at the basic and secondary levels, discipline and conformity must prevail.

“I am appealing to parents to cooperate with the GES in ensuring this directive is observed. If we compromise on hairstyles today, tomorrow it will be shoes which kind to wear or not to wear”, he noted.

Watch as education minister directs GES to make ‘mother-tongue’ instruction compulsory at basic level

Watch the video below:

Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, is appealing to parents to support the Ghana Education Service in enforcing its directive on approved hairstyles for senior high school students.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment… pic.twitter.com/tRq7wNQr0Y

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) October 27, 2025

JKB/AM

Short hair won’t stop double-salary scandals’ – Ras Mubarak fires back at Haruna Iddrisu

Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says he is unfazed by the numerical disadvantage of his caucus in Parliament.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, he said his leadership will be defined by substance, not numbers.

“I’m not in any way worried about the numbers. Like I indicated in my opening remarks in Parliament, it’s about substance,” he said.

Responding to suggestions that power in Parliament lies in numbers, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that influence is earned through strategy and conviction.

“Before the final destination, you need to demonstrate your weight. And for me, that is what enriches democracy,” he said.

He drew inspiration from how the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led in Parliament by Alban Bagbin in opposition, recovered from its first major defeat in 2000.

“The situation has happened before to the NDC. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Bagbin era and NDC opposition,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin recalled how the NDC, after its PNDC roots, struggled for relevance when it lost power.

“Kufuor enjoyed huge goodwill. In 2001, nobody wanted to hear NDC. In fact, it was difficult for them to even appear on radio programmes. But they put themselves together in the midst of the confusion,” he recounted.

According to him, the Bagbin-led Minority’s hard work and determination eventually paid off.

“By 2004, they had momentum on their side. Then by 2008, they surprised the nation,” he said.

He stressed the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

“As a politician, you should not be shy of your weakness. You come into government, you have your success story, you have your failings,” he noted.

Reflecting on the government’s record, Mr Afenyo-Markin admitted challenges in tackling illegal mining, stabilising the economy, and managing public discontent.

“We were faced with huge challenges. We tried, but we were not too successful. Typical example, galamsey,” he said.

He said tough economic measures taken during the post-COVID period alienated key sections of the party’s base.

“We lost the middle class, the businessmen. There were haircuts, pensioners, educated people who ordinarily would vote NPP got disappointed,” he said.

Despite this, he maintained that the government achieved significant milestones in education and industrialisation.

“We introduced Free SHS, which benefited many families. We brought in 1D1F, a major boost for the private sector. It attracted a lot of companies that saw Ghana as a great destination for business,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin concluded that although expectations were high and the party lost ground, the experience has strengthened his resolve.

“Eventually, all these gains, because of our inability to meet the higher expectations of the Ghanaian people, we lost out,” he said.

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.

The Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Canada Branch, Samuel Yaw Asirifi, has petitioned the Chairman of the NPP 2026 Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, alleging a fraudulent inclusion of unqualified names in the branch’s voter register for the January 31, 2026, presidential primaries.

In a petition dated September 30, 2025, he raised concerns about the Chairperson’s alleged unilateral actions in registering individuals who are not legitimate members of the NPP Canada Branch.

NPP elders call for decorum in 2028 flagbearer campaign

“I wish to bring your attention to the inclusion of past Chapter Executives and other individuals occupying no Branch positions in the registration of additional delegates for the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries, orchestrated by the Chairperson of the NPP Canada Branch, executed by the appointed Officer in Charge of Research and Elections directed by the Chairperson to enter the data on the Party’s platform earmarked for this registration exercise,” part of the petition said.

The secretary explained that on September 9, 2025, the Branch Chairperson announced the formation of a four-member committee to compile a list of former branch executives without consulting the elected steering committee.

The petition noted that the committee consisted of individuals openly supporting one presidential aspirant, a matter that was challenged by some executives but not addressed.

Following an emergency executive meeting held on September 13, 2025, the list presented contained 34 names.

After verification, only 14 were found to be legitimate past branch executives who served between 2014 and 2022, and they were unanimously approved.

Flagbearer Race: NPP’s final five slug it out for the top spot

However, the Secretary revealed that 20 other names, identified as past executives of the Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver Chapters, were also added to the register.

These individuals, he said, served before the official establishment of the NPP Canada Branch in 2014 and therefore do not qualify under the current constitutional provisions.

He argued that their inclusion “Contravenes Article 13 (1)(11) of the NPP Constitution and the motion on transitional provisions recently adopted at the National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on July 19, 2025.”

The petition further mentioned the addition of two individual, Vanessa Otuo-Acheampong and Mohammed Tofik Issah, listed as Deputy Youth Organisers and Deputy Nasara Coordinator, respectively.

According to the Secretary, these positions do not exist within the branch structure.

“It is therefore fraudulent to see such positions being filled with individuals who have not been appointed to occupy such positions,” he wrote.

The Secretary emphasised that, according to guidelines issued by the NPP’s Director of IT on September 6, 2025, all delegate inclusion forms must be endorsed by both the Branch Chairperson and Secretary before being uploaded to the registration platform.

He confirmed that only 14 forms were duly signed, questioning how the additional names were approved without authorization.

He also disclosed being denied access to the registration portal until September 26, 2025, “After the intervention of our Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong-Kodua and William Yamoah, Secretary to the Presidential Election Committee.”

“As the Branch Administrator and the Custodian of the Branch Records, it is my considered opinion that there is a deliberate orchestration by some Executives to rig the process by including former Chapter Executives and other illegitimate individuals who do not occupy any current positions in the Branch,” the petition noted.

The NPP Canada Branch Secretary appealed to the Presidential Elections Committee to delete the names of the 20 past chapter executives and the two unrecognized individuals from the voter register.

“I hereby pray your esteemed Presidential Election Committee to resolve this by removing the names of past Chapter Executives as captured in item (4) as well as Vanessa Otuo-Acheampong and Mohammed Tofik Issah in item (9), who have been fraudulently captured as Deputy Youth Organizer and Deputy Nasara Coordinators respectively. This I believe will ensure the compilation of free, fair and credible electoral register for the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries.”

Read the full petition below:

JKB/AM

Short hair won’t stop double-salary scandals’ – Ras Mubarak fires back at Haruna Iddrisu

A collage of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Kwabena Agyapong and Dr Yaw Adutwum

The Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Canada Branch, Samuel Yaw Asirifi, has petitioned the Chairman of the NPP 2026 Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, alleging a fraudulent inclusion of unqualified names in the branch’s voter register for the January 31, 2026, presidential primaries.

In a petition dated September 30, 2025, he raised concerns about the Chairperson’s alleged unilateral actions in registering individuals who are not legitimate members of the NPP Canada Branch.

NPP elders call for decorum in 2028 flagbearer campaign

“I wish to bring your attention to the inclusion of past Chapter Executives and other individuals occupying no Branch positions in the registration of additional delegates for the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries, orchestrated by the Chairperson of the NPP Canada Branch, executed by the appointed Officer in Charge of Research and Elections directed by the Chairperson to enter the data on the Party’s platform earmarked for this registration exercise,” part of the petition said.

The secretary explained that on September 9, 2025, the Branch Chairperson announced the formation of a four-member committee to compile a list of former branch executives without consulting the elected steering committee.

The petition noted that the committee consisted of individuals openly supporting one presidential aspirant, a matter that was challenged by some executives but not addressed.

Following an emergency executive meeting held on September 13, 2025, the list presented contained 34 names.

After verification, only 14 were found to be legitimate past branch executives who served between 2014 and 2022, and they were unanimously approved.

Flagbearer Race: NPP’s final five slug it out for the top spot

However, the Secretary revealed that 20 other names, identified as past executives of the Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver Chapters, were also added to the register.

These individuals, he said, served before the official establishment of the NPP Canada Branch in 2014 and therefore do not qualify under the current constitutional provisions.

He argued that their inclusion “Contravenes Article 13 (1)(11) of the NPP Constitution and the motion on transitional provisions recently adopted at the National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on July 19, 2025.”

The petition further mentioned the addition of two individual, Vanessa Otuo-Acheampong and Mohammed Tofik Issah, listed as Deputy Youth Organisers and Deputy Nasara Coordinator, respectively.

According to the Secretary, these positions do not exist within the branch structure.

“It is therefore fraudulent to see such positions being filled with individuals who have not been appointed to occupy such positions,” he wrote.

The Secretary emphasised that, according to guidelines issued by the NPP’s Director of IT on September 6, 2025, all delegate inclusion forms must be endorsed by both the Branch Chairperson and Secretary before being uploaded to the registration platform.

He confirmed that only 14 forms were duly signed, questioning how the additional names were approved without authorization.

He also disclosed being denied access to the registration portal until September 26, 2025, “After the intervention of our Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong-Kodua and William Yamoah, Secretary to the Presidential Election Committee.”

“As the Branch Administrator and the Custodian of the Branch Records, it is my considered opinion that there is a deliberate orchestration by some Executives to rig the process by including former Chapter Executives and other illegitimate individuals who do not occupy any current positions in the Branch,” the petition noted.

The NPP Canada Branch Secretary appealed to the Presidential Elections Committee to delete the names of the 20 past chapter executives and the two unrecognized individuals from the voter register.

“I hereby pray your esteemed Presidential Election Committee to resolve this by removing the names of past Chapter Executives as captured in item (4) as well as Vanessa Otuo-Acheampong and Mohammed Tofik Issah in item (9), who have been fraudulently captured as Deputy Youth Organizer and Deputy Nasara Coordinators respectively. This I believe will ensure the compilation of free, fair and credible electoral register for the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries.”

Read the full petition below:

JKB/AM

Short hair won’t stop double-salary scandals’ – Ras Mubarak fires back at Haruna Iddrisu

A collage of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Kwabena Agyapong and Dr Yaw Adutwum

The Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Canada Branch, Samuel Yaw Asirifi, has petitioned the Chairman of the NPP 2026 Presidential Elections Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu, alleging a fraudulent inclusion of unqualified names in the branch’s voter register for the January 31, 2026, presidential primaries.

In a petition dated September 30, 2025, he raised concerns about the Chairperson’s alleged unilateral actions in registering individuals who are not legitimate members of the NPP Canada Branch.

NPP elders call for decorum in 2028 flagbearer campaign

“I wish to bring your attention to the inclusion of past Chapter Executives and other individuals occupying no Branch positions in the registration of additional delegates for the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries, orchestrated by the Chairperson of the NPP Canada Branch, executed by the appointed Officer in Charge of Research and Elections directed by the Chairperson to enter the data on the Party’s platform earmarked for this registration exercise,” part of the petition said.

The secretary explained that on September 9, 2025, the Branch Chairperson announced the formation of a four-member committee to compile a list of former branch executives without consulting the elected steering committee.

The petition noted that the committee consisted of individuals openly supporting one presidential aspirant, a matter that was challenged by some executives but not addressed.

Following an emergency executive meeting held on September 13, 2025, the list presented contained 34 names.

After verification, only 14 were found to be legitimate past branch executives who served between 2014 and 2022, and they were unanimously approved.

Flagbearer Race: NPP’s final five slug it out for the top spot

However, the Secretary revealed that 20 other names, identified as past executives of the Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver Chapters, were also added to the register.

These individuals, he said, served before the official establishment of the NPP Canada Branch in 2014 and therefore do not qualify under the current constitutional provisions.

He argued that their inclusion “Contravenes Article 13 (1)(11) of the NPP Constitution and the motion on transitional provisions recently adopted at the National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on July 19, 2025.”

The petition further mentioned the addition of two individual, Vanessa Otuo-Acheampong and Mohammed Tofik Issah, listed as Deputy Youth Organisers and Deputy Nasara Coordinator, respectively.

According to the Secretary, these positions do not exist within the branch structure.

“It is therefore fraudulent to see such positions being filled with individuals who have not been appointed to occupy such positions,” he wrote.

The Secretary emphasised that, according to guidelines issued by the NPP’s Director of IT on September 6, 2025, all delegate inclusion forms must be endorsed by both the Branch Chairperson and Secretary before being uploaded to the registration platform.

He confirmed that only 14 forms were duly signed, questioning how the additional names were approved without authorization.

He also disclosed being denied access to the registration portal until September 26, 2025, “After the intervention of our Party General Secretary, Justin Frimpong-Kodua and William Yamoah, Secretary to the Presidential Election Committee.”

“As the Branch Administrator and the Custodian of the Branch Records, it is my considered opinion that there is a deliberate orchestration by some Executives to rig the process by including former Chapter Executives and other illegitimate individuals who do not occupy any current positions in the Branch,” the petition noted.

The NPP Canada Branch Secretary appealed to the Presidential Elections Committee to delete the names of the 20 past chapter executives and the two unrecognized individuals from the voter register.

“I hereby pray your esteemed Presidential Election Committee to resolve this by removing the names of past Chapter Executives as captured in item (4) as well as Vanessa Otuo-Acheampong and Mohammed Tofik Issah in item (9), who have been fraudulently captured as Deputy Youth Organizer and Deputy Nasara Coordinators respectively. This I believe will ensure the compilation of free, fair and credible electoral register for the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries.”

Read the full petition below:

JKB/AM

Short hair won’t stop double-salary scandals’ – Ras Mubarak fires back at Haruna Iddrisu

Presidential Staffer, Beatrice Annan

Presidential Staffer, Beatrice Annan, has strongly refuted claims that President John Dramani Mahama shields corrupt officials, stressing that he is not a “clearing agent” as alleged by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to her, President Mahama is not a leader who tolerates wrongdoing or protects appointees found culpable of corrupt practices.

Speaking on Angel FM in an interview with Sports Obama on Friday morning, she noted that, unlike the previous government, which she said only paid lip service to the fight against illegal mining, the current administration has demonstrated clear commitment and action.

She argued that it was never true that the NPP was committed to ending galamsey, adding that some of its flagship campaigns, such as Agenda 111, largely “existed only on paper.”

Beatrice Annan revealed that the NDC government has already repossessed all nine forest reserves that were taken over by illegal miners under the Akufo-Addo administration.

She added that no government official or appointee under the current regime is permitted to engage in any form of mining, stressing that leadership by example is essential if the illegal mining menace is to be defeated.

She further dismissed suggestions for a state of emergency as a solution to galamsey, stating that such a move is merely populist and does not address the root of the problem.

She also disclosed that the NDC government remains hopeful of revoking the controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) that gave legal cover to certain mining activities by the end of the year.

On matters of public accountability, Beatrice Annan explained that the government has taken concrete steps to halt financial leakages and irregularities captured in the recent ORAL report, insisting that “we have stopped the bleeding in the system in terms of corruption,” and that the government is “not sleeping on issues captured in the ORAL findings.”

Touching on the economy, she revealed that the 24-hour economy policy is already operational in several institutions across the country, demonstrating the practicality and seriousness of the initiative.

She maintained that President Mahama and the NDC administration remain deeply committed to environmental protection, accountability in public office, and responsible governance.

Government has hinted at “a gun amnesty in the coming days or weeks,” which will allow possessors of illegal firearms to hand them over to the authorities without consequences.

The move has been necessitated because government “is deeply concerned about the increasing proliferatior of illicit firearms and the high incidence of gun related violence in the country,” and in view of “a number of policy actions proposed by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons”.

This was communicated via a National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons statement dated Monday, October 27, 2025, and signed by Dr Adam A.A. Bonaa, Executive Secretary of the commission.

“For some time now, illicit firearms have crept quietly into our homes, markets, streets, social gatherings and traditional celebrations.

“They have turned small quarrels into funerals, land disputes into wars, misunderstandings into gun fights, and traditional celebrations into mourning. These illicit firearms are gradually writing stories of fear, death, crime, sorrow and regret in our societies. It is, therefore, time for our collective action to end these sad stories,” the statement noted.

In June, Ghanaian social media influencer Hayford ‘GH Kobby’ Boateng was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend who was widely known as Philipa Yaa Baby or Shuga. GH Kobby is said to have taken a firearm from his luxury car while they were in Seker, a suburb of Yeji, Pru East District, Bono East Region, intending to fire celebratory shots into the air. When the firearm went off, however, it struck Philipa in her left arm. The incident was widely reported as an accidential shooting.

See the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons statement in its entirety below:

GUN AMNESTY IS COMING

The Government of Ghana and the Minister for the Interior is deeply concerned about the increasing proliferatior of illicit firearms and the high incidence of gun related violence in the country.

To fight this growing canker, the Minister for the Interior is considering a number of policy actions proposed by the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons which includes the declaration of a gun amnesty in the coming days or weeks.

For some time now, illicit firearms have crept quietly into our homes, markets, streets, social gatherings and traditional celebrations. They have turned small quarrels into funerals, land disputes into wars, misunderstandings into gun fights, and traditional celebrations into mourning. These illicit firearms are gradually writing stories of fear, death, crime, sorrow and regret in our societies. It is, therefore, time for our collective action to end these sad stories.

Under the Ileadership of the Hon. Minister for the Interior, and with support from the Ghana Police Service, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons as well as the allied Security Agencies, the Governmens of Ghana will soon declare a Gun Amnesty Programme for any person in possession of an unregistered or illicit firearm to surrender it without facing arrest, interrogation, or prosecution. No que stions vill be asked, no charges will be pressed during the period; just freedom and peace offered to all,

This w ill be a chance for every citizen in possession of an unregistered or illicit firearm to surrender it, walk free and help make Ghana safer for all. This is not a witch hunt, neither is it focused on prosecution. It is simply about saving lives, preventing tragedy, and giving every Ghanaian the chance to choose peace over violence.

We are, therefore, caling on all Ghanaians who have illicit firearms whether hidden at home, buried on a farm, or kept “just in case” to prepare now. Get ready to hand it in when the time comes. Each weapon surrendered will bes one less instrument of fear, one less threat to our children’s safety, and one more step toward a peaceful Ghana.

When you surrender your gun, you are not giving up power: you are reclaiming peace. You are protecting lives, including your own. You are saying “No” to gun crime, “No to gun violence”, and “Yes” to Ghana,

Talk to your families, talk to your neighbours and tell your ftiends that a Gun Amnesty is coming. Let’s act together when the amnesty is finally declared. Let’s show the world that Ghana chooses peace, freedom, unity and hope over gun violence.

Gun amnesty is coming, so get ready to surrender your firearm to secure your own future!

By Hafsa Obeng/Munira Akweley Issah

Accra, Oct. 27, GNA – The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, on behalf of the President and Government, Monday led a high-powered delegation to pay a courtesy call on the family of the late former First Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to offer their condolences.

Senior government officials, ministers and deputy ministers of state went with the Vice President.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said she received news of the passing of Nana Kunadu while out of the country and deemed it important to join the family to mourn Ghana,’ longest serving First Lady.

“On behalf of His Excellency the President and the entire Government, we are here to express our deepest condolences to the family. We have been well briefed on everything that has transpired and we console the family, especially the children, on the loss of their mother,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang assured the family of government’s continuous support in this difficult time.

“Let us all remain calm so we can give our mother the befitting burial she deserves. We all can attest to the kind of life she lived, and we pray that God grants her eternal rest. Let us also continue the good works she was known for,” she said.

The Vice President explained that the President could have personally led the delegation, but an emergency had taken him outside the country. 

“So, he asked that we come and engage with the family on his behalf. When he returns, he will continue from there,” she noted.

Briefing the delegation on the circumstances surrounding the passing of the former First Lady, Oheneba Akwesi Abeyie, the family head, said Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings had been in good health until Thursday morning when she suddenly fell ill.

“She was rushed to the Ridge Hospital, where she, unfortunately, took her last breath,” he said.

Oheneba Prempeh added that the family had officially informed the Presidency of her passing and subsequently held a press conference to announce her death. 

“Since then, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the caliber of people and groups who have trooped in to express their condolences,” he said.

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle and daughter of the former First Lady, expressed profound gratitude to the government for its show of support and solidarity.

“On behalf of my family and siblings, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your love and support today. This came as a shock to all of us, but as we say, God knows best,” she said.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings reflected on her mother’s life and legacy, describing her as a dedicated servant of the nation who lived with dignity and purpose.

“She lived a good, long life and served her country with diligence, dignity, and dedication. The outpouring of love from across the nation, the continent, and the world has been overwhelming. We feel privileged to have been part of her story,” she said.

Many Ghanaians, she noted, had shared personal stories about her mother, highlighting the profound impact she had on their lives.

“As you rightly said, perhaps this is not the place to tell all these stories, but one day Ghana will hear more about the woman she truly was. We are honored by your presence and deeply touched by your words of comfort. May God richly bless you.”

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the widow of former President Jerry John Rawlings, served as Ghana’s First Lady from 1981 to 2001. She was a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and the founder of the 31^stDecember Women’s Movement.

GNA

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe

3 people have reportedly been killed by gunmen at Sakpari in the Binduri District

Three people, including two children, were shot and killed on Sunday, October 27, 2025, during an attack in Sakpari, a community in the Binduri District of the Upper East Region.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the incident also left George Bukari, Manager of Maxx Empire FM, a local radio station in Binduri, injured in the hand.

Recounting the incident, residents said the gunmen invaded Bukari’s family compound and opened fire on those inside.

Watch as gunmen engage in shootout at Celebrity Golf Club

“George had gone with the children to the bathhouse but returned briefly to pick up his sandals. It was at that moment that the gunmen began shooting, killing his uncle and the two children,” a resident said.

He explained that Bukari narrowly escaped death after a bullet aimed at him struck a cow instead, killing the animal and causing his hand injury.

The deceased were identified as an adult male and two children, one about 14 years old and the other, about five, who was the son of the radio station manager.

Salam added that the assailants, believed to be from a rival community, were two men on foot.

“They were not in any vehicle, and the people nearby could not retaliate because they were unarmed,” he recounted.

Upper East: 3 shot dead, 2 injured as gunmen allegedly storm Binduri township

The report noted that, in what appeared to be a retaliatory act, a house belonging to the Member of Parliament for Binduri, Issifu Mahmoud, at Aniisim, was torched at dawn on Monday, October 27, 2025.

“This morning, we discovered that the MP’s house had been set ablaze. It may not have been the same people who carried out the shooting, but rather others who were angered by the attack,” Salam explained.

No casualties were recorded in the fire incident, though the property suffered significant damage.

JKB/MA

Short hair won’t stop double-salary scandals’ – Ras Mubarak fires back at Haruna Iddrisu