In a heart-wrenching ceremony filled with sorrow and reflection, 12-year-old Justine Agbenu, one of the victims of the recent tragic accident which occured at East Legon, has been laid to rest. The funeral service, held at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Cantonments, Accra on Wednesday, drew a large crowd of mourners who gathered to pay their last respects to the young girl. Late Justine, described by those who knew her as a kind and selfless child, had a deep love for God and was known for her generosity. Her family recalled how years ago, she brought home a banner inscribed with the words "I love Jesus" and requested that it be displayed in her room, a testament to her faith and devotion. Until her untimely death, Late Justine was said to have been a beacon of love and sharing, teaching both family and friends the importance of giving and kindness. Her loss has left an immense void in the hearts of those who knew her. The tragic accident occurred a few days ago when a car driven by the son of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako collided with the vehicle Late Justine was in at East Legon. Late Justine and another passenger died instantly, while several others remain hospitalized, fighting for their lives. As her family, friends, and loved ones mourn, they hold on to the memories of a young girl whose short life was marked by love, faith, and a spirit of sharing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially commissioned the second phase of the Tsatsadu Hydro-Power Plant, a 75-kilowatt mini-hydro project, at Alavanyo-Abehenease in the Volta Region. The project, undertaken by the Bui Power Authority, was completed using wholly Ghanaian expertise and internally generated funds. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bawumia praised the efforts of the Bui Power Authority, particularly commending its CEO, Kofi Jamesi, for successfully overseeing the project. He also acknowledged the former Minister for Energy, John Peter Amewu, for initiating the project during his tenure. "This is a significant addition to Ghana's power generation capacity. With expanding economic activities and job creation, the cost of electricity is crucial" "High electricity costs hinder companies from expanding, which in turn affects job creation" "Therefore, we must prioritize renewable energy sources like hydro, solar, and wind to reduce electricity costs for both businesses and households," Dr. Bawumia said. In addition to the hydro project, the Vice President also commissioned the Tsatsadu Center of Excellence, further enhancing the region's developmental infrastructure. During the event, Dr. Bawumia fulfilled a promise made during the 60th anniversary celebration of Hohoe EP Senior High School, where he was impressed by the school's cadet corps' performance. He presented uniforms, boots, and equipment to the cadet corps, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to deliver on his pledge. The Vice President emphasized the importance of renewable energy for Ghana's economic future and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting projects that would lower the cost of power and promote environmental sustainability. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, on Thursday, October 22, adjourned the sitting of Parliament indefinitely, citing a lack of quorum and ongoing legal issues regarding the status of four Members of Parliament. Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin referenced a ruling from the Supreme Court which directed Parliament to recognise the four affected MPs and allow them to perform their duties, pending the final determination of a suit filed by Honourable Alexander Afenyo-Markin. However, despite the court’s directive, the Speaker highlighted that the current composition of Parliament did not meet the constitutional requirements for decision-making. "By Article 104.1 of the Constitution, we need at least half of all Members of Parliament present to take decisions," Rt. Hon. Bagbin explained. "We do not have that today." Quoting the Standing Orders of Parliament, particularly Order 59, the Speaker informed the House that after consulting leadership, he had decided to adjourn the meeting of Parliament indefinitely, or "sine die," until further notice. "The House is accordingly adjourned sine die," he concluded. This decision follows the Speaker’s earlier announcement of vacancies in the House pursuant to Standing Order 18, which affected the quorum needed for Parliamentary decision-making. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

ByteDance, the Chinese tech giant behind the popular social media platform TikTok, has dismissed an intern for "maliciously interfering" with one of its internal AI projects. The incident, which surfaced on Chinese social media over the weekend, has drawn significant public attention and fueled speculation about the company’s internal operations. In response to the widespread rumors, ByteDance issued a statement downplaying the situation, clarifying that some of the claims had been exaggerated. "The individual was an intern with the advertising technology team and has no experience with the AI Lab," ByteDance said. "Their social media profile and some media reports contain inaccuracies. Despite public speculation about potential damage to the company’s AI systems, ByteDance emphasized that its core AI projects, including the Doubao chatbot—a ChatGPT-like model that is China's most popular AI chatbot—remained unaffected. The company added that its commercial AI models and online operations were not disrupted by the intern’s actions. ByteDance also denied reports that the interference caused over $10 million in damage by disrupting an AI training system made up of thousands of high-powered graphics processing units (GPUs). In addition to terminating the intern, ByteDance informed the individual’s university and relevant industry associations about the misconduct. ByteDance is known for its cutting-edge algorithm development and significant investments in artificial intelligence. Along with the Doubao chatbot, it has rolled out other AI-powered tools such as Jimeng, a text-to-video generator. The company remains a leader in leveraging AI across its various platforms, including TikTok and its Chinese counterpart, Douyin. This incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding AI projects within major tech companies as they continue to develop and refine these critical technologies. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

An Accra Circuit Court has discharged seven out of the nine Democracy Hub protesters who were arraigned on Tuesday, October 22. The protesters had been arrested in connection with a recent demonstration organized by Democracy Hub, a civic group advocating for democratic reforms. State Attorney Amanda Awadi, representing the prosecution, informed the court that the Republic had decided to discontinue the case against seven of the protesters. Those discharged include Kingsley Asiedu, Seth Cofie, Vera Gloria Louis, Nii Quaye Hammond, Manuel Biney, Dorsese Joseph, and Ernest Acheampong. However, the State Attorney noted that new charges would be filed against the remaining two accused persons in the group. The case has been adjourned to November 21, 2024, when the new charge sheet is expected to be presented before the court. The protest by Democracy Hub has drawn significant attention, as the group continues to push for greater accountability and transparency in Ghana’s political system. The discharge of the seven protesters is seen as a partial victory for the activists, though the remaining two still face legal challenges. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a media briefing on Tuesday, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Leader of the NPP Caucus in Parliament has addressed growing tensions in Parliament following a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the status of four MPs. The ruling nullified the earlier decision by the Speaker of Parliament, which defended that the MPs for Fomena, Agona West, Suhum, and Amenfi Central had vacated their seats. Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted that the Speaker had acknowledged the existence of a pending suit at the Supreme Court seeking an interpretation of Article 97. The NPP Leader stated that the majority caucus had expressed its disagreement with the Speaker's earlier interpretation and had vowed to pursue the matter in court, which led to the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in their favor. "The Supreme Court ruled that the Speaker’s interpretation was wrongful," Afenyo-Markin stated, emphasizing that the court had essentially nullified the Speaker’s decision pending the final determination of the case. Responding to comments made by members of the minority, including the recent press conference led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin called for restraint and respect for the rule of law. He expressed disappointment in the use of harsh language by some members of the opposition against the Supreme Court, urging a more civil approach to resolving parliamentary disputes. "We are a law-abiding tradition. Our forebears have always used the courts to correct wrongs, and today, we continue to do the same for the peace and stability of our nation," he remarked. Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged the minority caucus to allow the Speaker to handle the matter in accordance with the law. "The ruling was directed at Parliament and the Speaker, not any individual MP. We will not give in to any lawless platform that disrupts democracy or peace," he added. He further reassured the public that the NPP remains committed to maintaining peace and order in the country, calling on the media to advocate for respect for the law. "Our tradition has always upheld the rule of law, and we expect our colleagues on the NDC side to do the same. Ghana is bigger than any political party, and we will not allow anyone to disturb the peace of this country." The NPP Caucus Leader concluded by expressing his hope that Speaker Alban Bagbin, a senior legal figure and long-time politician, would handle the situation appropriately and preserve the peace and stability of the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has raised serious concerns about the packaging and distribution of a product labeled as 'galamsey water' linked to illegal mining activities, commonly known as 'galamsey'. The authority has issued a stern warning that the packaging of such contaminated water poses a severe threat to public health and safety. In a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, the authority emphasized that sachet water production facilities licensed by the FDA are prohibited from using their facilities to produce any product that does not meet public health standards. Any violation of this regulation constitutes a breach of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) and puts the health of consumers at significant risk. “The FDA will not tolerate practices that endanger public health. Individuals and entities involved in the packaging or distribution of ‘galamsey water’ or any other unwholesome water will face strict sanctions,” Dr. Darko stated. The FDA, in collaboration with security agencies, is actively working to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the illegal packaging and distribution of this harmful product. The authority has urged the public to avoid any involvement in these dangerous practices and to report any incidents of contaminated water packaging to the FDA for immediate action. Dr. Darko reiterated the FDA’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health, stating, “We will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with all relevant health and safety standards to ensure the well-being of all Ghanaians.” This warning comes as part of the FDA’s broader efforts to combat the public health risks associated with illegal mining and contaminated water sources across the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as she contests for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Speaking to journalists in Accra on Friday, October 19, Madam Abubakar highlighted Botchwey's outstanding contributions to the country and her track record on various international platforms, positioning her as a formidable candidate for the prestigious role. “The 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, scheduled for October 21 to 26 in Samoa, is a significant opportunity for Ghana. Our Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, is contesting for the office of Commonwealth Secretary General, and we are confident she will bring it home as the first African female to hold that position,” Hon. Abubakar stated. She emphasized Ghana’s influential role within the Commonwealth, which comprises 56 independent nations, mostly former British colonies, united by a shared history and a commitment to development across both industrialized and developing countries. “Ghana has always been a formidable member of the Commonwealth, especially on the African continent, and Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has distinguished herself in service to our country and on the international diplomatic stage,” she added. Madam Abubakar also noted that Botchwey’s candidacy is supported by her vision to address key global challenges such as health, climate resilience, economic transformation through increased trade and investment, and leveraging technology to create opportunities for youth. “Her vision is clear, and there is no better candidate to champion these causes at the Commonwealth level than Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey,” she said. The Minister of Information further revealed that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo departed Ghana on Friday to attend the Commonwealth meeting in Samoa, where he will actively support Botchwey’s campaign. “The entire government machinery is behind her, and we are proud to have our President leading the charge in supporting her bid,” she stated. Reflecting on the significance of this opportunity, Abubakar expressed her excitement about the potential of having a Ghanaian serve as Secretary General of one of the most respected international organizations, after the United Nations. “This opportunity means a lot not only to Ghana but to the entire African continent. It will inspire young women, especially in Ghana, to believe that their dreams are valid and that with hard work, they too can hold significant positions on the global stage.” She also mentioned that she, along with other government officials, will be attending various meetings at the Commonwealth event. “I will participate in a breakfast meeting focused on youth and sports, as well as other sectoral discussions, to ensure that we build strong networks and relationships that will benefit Ghana,” she said. She stressed the importance of Botchwey’s candidacy for enhancing diplomatic relations and facilitating trade among Commonwealth nations. “Having a Ghanaian leader at the helm of the Commonwealth will go a long way in advancing our international networks and strengthening ties with other member countries, whether in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, or elsewhere.” The election of the Commonwealth Secretary General will be conducted by the heads of state during the meeting in Samoa. "We are hopeful that Ghana will achieve this milestone with the election of Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and it will be a proud moment for the country," she remarked. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana has taken a major step towards addressing climate change and boosting sustainable development with the inauguration of the Climate Financing Division under the Ministry of Finance. This new division, which aims to streamline and enhance the country’s access to climate finance, was officially launched by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, at a ceremony in Accra. In his keynote address, Dr. Adam emphasized the growing importance of climate finance in global economic management, citing recent climate disasters such as hurricanes in Florida and China, and the food insecurity crisis in Eastern Africa as reminders of the critical link between the environment and economic stability. "The reality is that green and climate finance is the finance of the future," Dr. Adam noted. "Our establishment of the Climate Financing Division signals our preparedness to adapt to the changing global finance landscape and secure the necessary funding to drive climate-resilient growth." The Minister highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change in Ghana, including the Akosombo Dam spillage in 2023 and dry spells affecting the Northern and Middle Belt regions. In response, the Ministry of Finance mobilized GHC 2 billion, including GHC 500 million from the Contingency Fund, to address the crises. Dr. Adam stressed the growing demand for climate-related funding, with Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) requiring an estimated $9.3 to $15.5 billion over the next decade. He pointed to the global rise in green bonds, which raised $351 billion in 2022, as a clear indication of the financing opportunities available for countries that are prepared to act. The Climate Financing Division, formed from the existing Natural, Resource Environment and Climate Change Unit, will serve as a central hub to attract international funding, forge partnerships with private sector investors, and implement green projects that promote sustainable development. Dr. Adam expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, and other stakeholders for their roles in establishing the division. He also urged the division’s team to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s quest for climate resilience. “As we embark on this new journey, let us renew our commitment to climate action and sustainable development. Together, we can ensure that Ghana emerges as a leader in climate financing and a champion of a sustainable future,” Dr. Adam concluded. The establishment of the Climate Financing Division is seen as a critical move in positioning Ghana as a key player in the global climate finance arena, helping the country mitigate the effects of climate change while fostering long-term economic prosperity. Eva Esselba Mends, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, on her part, emphasized that the inauguration marks the realization of a long-held vision to reposition the Ministry in the climate finance space. This step is part of a broader strategy to respond to the evolving global financing landscape and the growing opportunities within climate finance. “Today represents the culmination of a vision—a vision to reposition our Ministry to respond to opportunities in climate finance to better serve our mandate of strategically mobilizing and allocating resources,” said Madam Mends. She highlighted the Ministry’s history of adapting to changing financial landscapes, referencing several reforms over the years. These include the restructuring of various divisions to improve resource mobilization, transparency in revenue reporting, and engagement with external partners. Madam Mends also noted the Ministry's efforts in managing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) through the Public Investment and Asset Division, which has improved oversight and private sector collaboration under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Ms. Mends praised the leadership of Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam for his consistent advocacy for climate financing at both national and global levels. She expressed confidence that the new Climate Financing Division will serve as a practical tool to drive positive change and facilitate green growth, in line with the government's goals. “This division will not only be a symbol of our commitment to building a climate-resilient economy but also a practical instrument to drive positive change and facilitate green growth,” she stated. The division is expected to serve as a hub for collaboration with other divisions within the Ministry, as well as with various government agencies and international partners, to maximize resource mobilization and promote climate action across the country. The launch of the Climate Financing Division signals Ghana’s commitment to aligning its financial strategies with sustainable development goals, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of climate finance in the region. “With the combined efforts of the Ministry of Finance, our partners, and stakeholders, we can create a future where climate finance and sustainable development are complementary in our national development aspirations,” Well-wishers and stakeholders who spoke at the launch expressed confidence that the division will be a game-changer, positioning Ghana to better access global climate finance and drive sustainable development. The division, which aims to streamline resource mobilization for green growth, was praised for its potential to catalyze climate resilience projects and foster collaboration with international partners. Speakers commended the Ministry of Finance for its foresight and leadership in establishing the division, predicting it will become a success story in the country’s economic and environmental landscape. The launch signifies Ghana’s strengthened commitment to addressing climate change while driving economic prosperity through sustainable financing. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the National Nephrology and Urology Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. The ultra-modern facility, the first of its kind in West Africa, is poised to enhance Ghana’s capacity in treating kidney and urinary-related conditions. During the commissioning ceremony, President Akufo-Addo described the centre as a milestone in the nation’s healthcare system. He highlighted that the facility will reduce the need for Ghanaians to travel abroad for specialized care, which will save lives and cut down on healthcare costs. “This new centre underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the country. With this facility, Ghanaians will now have access to world-class treatment for nephrology and urology right here at home,” the President said. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the National Nephrology and Urology Centre offers services such as kidney transplants, dialysis, and various urological surgeries. President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism that the facility will position Ghana as a hub for specialized healthcare in West Africa, attracting medical professionals from across the continent. The President also extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the successful completion of the project, including the Ministry of Health, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital management, and international partners. The facility is expected to address the increasing demand for treatments related to chronic kidney disease and other urological disorders. It will also ease the burden on patients in need of life-saving interventions such as dialysis and transplants. In addition to its clinical services, the centre will serve as a hub for training and research, allowing health professionals to further develop their skills in nephrology and urology. Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, urged the management of Korle Bu to ensure the facility is well-maintained. He assured the President and the public that patients visiting the centre will receive top-tier medical care. “This facility is a beacon of hope for many, and we are committed to providing the best possible healthcare services to all patients who pass through its doors,” Dr. Okoe-Boye stated. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has launched a fierce attack on the Electoral Commission (EC), accusing the body of waging war against the NDC through unjust actions aimed at undermining the party's chances in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Kwetey denounced the disqualification of Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central, as a “blatant miscarriage of justice” orchestrated by the Jean Mensa-led EC. According to the NDC General Secretary, the decision to disqualify Joana Gyan Cudjoe based on a court order tied to an annulled election reflects the EC’s intent to disenfranchise voters in the constituency and diminish the credibility of the electoral process. “The Electoral Commission must explain to Ghanaians how they can justify such a blatant miscarriage of justice,” Mr. Kwetey stated. "They must explain how they can disenfranchise thousands of voters based on a court order tied to an election that no longer exists. The NDC will not accept this decision. We will fight it in the courts, in the public arena, and in every forum available to us.” Mr. Kwetey went on to accuse the EC of a deliberate pattern of misconduct, recalling the infamous Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (SALL) incident from the 2020 elections, where the EC allegedly disenfranchised an entire constituency. “The disqualification of Madam Joana Gyan Cudjoe is part of a broader pattern of misconduct by an Electoral Commission that has shown time and again that it is unfit to referee the democratic process,” he charged. The NDC’s top official emphasized that the party views the EC’s actions as an effort to unfairly tip the scales in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing the Commission of seeking to hand the Amenfi Central parliamentary seat to the NPP. He drew parallels between the situation in Amenfi Central and the NPP’s victory in Hohoe, where Peter Amewu won under controversial circumstances in the 2020 elections. “This is not mere incompetence,” Fifi Kwetey stressed. "This is deliberate, premeditated, and unlawful conduct. Jean Mensa and her cronies believe they can act with impunity because of their ties to the NPP. But we are here to tell them they are wrong.” In a direct message to the NDC supporters, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey announced that the party’s legal team, under the instruction of NDC Flagbearer John Dramani Mahama, had filed court documents to challenge the disqualification. He confirmed that an interlocutory injunction had been secured to stop the EC from moving forward with any actions, including printing ballot papers, until the matter is fully resolved in court. “The EC is at war with the NDC,” Kwetey declared. “This is a war we did not choose, but one we will fight to the bitter end. We are not just fighting for a parliamentary seat. We are fighting for the soul of our democracy. The people of Amenfi Central deserve fair representation, and we will not let Jean Mensa and the EC trample on their rights.” Mr. Kwetey called on all Ghanaians who value democracy and fairness to stand up against what he termed the “corruption and incompetence” of the Electoral Commission under Jean Mensa. He urged civil society organizations and defenders of democracy to condemn the EC’s actions and join the NDC in fighting for electoral integrity. “We must not allow a compromised institution like the EC to dictate the outcomes of elections through underhanded and unlawful tactics,” he said. “The NDC will not rest until justice is served for the people of Amenfi Central, and until the EC is held fully accountable for this disgraceful abuse of power.” The press conference concluded with a strong warning to the EC and its leadership, with Mr. Kwetey reiterating the NDC’s determination to pursue every legal and political avenue to protect the rights of their candidate and the people of Amenfi Central. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President and NPP flagbearer hopeful, has met with key players in Ghana's creative industry at the Alisa Hotel as part of his ongoing campaign efforts. The event was graced by top industry figures such as Shattawale, Samini, and Kwame Eugene, among others, who engaged in fruitful discussions about the future of Ghana's creative sector. During the meeting, Shattawale raised a pertinent question, asking Dr. Bawumia to specifically address what his campaign promises for the street boys, a group that represents the underprivileged yet talented youth in the country. Shattawale's inquiry underscored the need for concrete plans to support the creative and informal sectors that many youths rely on for their livelihoods. Although many prominent figures attended the event, notable musician Sarkodie was absent, raising questions about his non-participation in the gathering. The event highlighted Bawumia's commitment to engaging all sectors of society as part of his broader political campaign. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith