The Abola Traditional Council and the Ga State have officially announced the passing of Naa Okaitsoe III, the Paramount Queenmother of the Abola Traditional Area. Known in private life as Mrs. Mary Hyde-Greassli, Naa Okaitsoe III passed away peacefully in 2024 at the age of 85 after serving in her esteemed role for 33 years. Enstooled in 1991, Naa Okaitsoe III was a direct descendant of the royal lineage, following in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, Naa Okaitsoe I (Klu Nye), and her aunt, Queenmother Naa Okaitsoe II. Throughout her reign, she played a pivotal role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Ga people and was deeply respected for her ability to combine traditional values with the needs of a modernizing society. Her contributions to the Abola Traditional Area and the Ga State were extensive, particularly in the areas of youth development, volunteerism, and cultural advocacy. A strong Christian, Naa Okaitsoe III was also a prominent figure in the All Saints Anglican Church in Adabraka, where she was known for her leadership and unwavering commitment to her faith. Her service and dedication over the years earned her numerous accolades, both locally and internationally. The funeral arrangements to honor the late Queenmother are as follows: Laying in State: Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Ga Traditional Council. Burial Ceremony: Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Ga Traditional Council at 10:00 AM. Thanksgiving Service: Sunday, November 3, 2024, at All Saints Anglican Church, Adabraka, at 10:00 AM. Naa Okaitsoe III’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the Ga State. Her legacy of leadership, cultural preservation, and community development will continue to be remembered and cherished by the people of Abola and beyond. Story by: Gad Thomas Nii Adotey Addo

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Central Region, has announced an improvement in water supply to Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities following enhanced efforts to address water quality challenges. In a communique signed by the management, GWCL revealed that the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, which serves the region, is currently experiencing improved water quality, with turbidity levels reduced from a previous high of 14,000 NTU to 9,000 NTU. This significant progress has been attributed to the proactive measures taken by the Central Regional Security Council, led by the Regional Minister, Hon. Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan. As a result of the improvement in raw water quality, daily production at the treatment plant has increased from 1.98 million gallons to 2.77 million gallons, allowing for better water supply to residents in the affected areas. GWCL assured customers in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities that they are making every effort to meet the growing demand for water. They also emphasized that efforts are ongoing, with the Central Regional Security Council actively working to further improve the raw water source quality. The company expressed gratitude to the Regional Security Council for their swift action and support, which has been crucial in boosting water production for the region. Customers have been advised to use water wisely as the situation continues to stabilize. GWCL has promised to keep the public informed of any significant changes to the water quality and supply in the region. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Some scores of Ghanaian youths have taken to the streets to demonstrate against the Akufo-Addo administration. According to the youths, they are saddened by the negligence of the government in the fight against illegal mining activities popularly known as galamsey. Addressing a gathering at the Accra Sports Stadium car park on Thursday, the youths chanted 'Stop Galamsey', 'Free the Citizens' among other slogans. Clad in black and red outfits, these young Ghanaians walked from Okponglo Traffic through Shiashie, AIS, Best Western Premier, National Service Secretariat through Kawukudi, Kanda Highway, Ridge, Castle Road and finally ended at the Accra Sports Stadium car park. Despite the low turn-out, leaders of the young demonstrators ensured that members did not only observe the directives given by the police but matched peacefully. The young Demonstrators charged the Office of the Attorney General to intact and implement a process that protects the rights and freedoms of protestors during and after demonstrating. They also charged the Office of the Attorney General to treat as urgent a petition they presented via its Spokesperson. Broadcast Journalist, Captain Smart who joined the protestors  at the Accra Sports Stadium car park expressed disappointment in the Ghana Police Service. He noted that instead of the police using their energy to guard or arrest protestors, they should storm galamsey sites and arrest kingpins involved in the illegal activity. Speaking to Journalists, Spokesperson of the Attorney General, Isaac Wilberforce Mensah hinted that the Attorney General cannot use his power to enter any police cell and call for the release of any of the arrested demonstrators. "When there is an order from the court, the Attorney cannot use his powers to enter any cell and call for the release of those arrested" The Spokesperson later met with the leadership of the young protestors and took their petition. He assured them that their petition will be presented to the Office of the Attorney General. "The quality of the water is something that is affecting all of us. Officers of the office of the Attorney General, we stand with you" Some social media influences who championed the demonstration also called on government to listen to the concerns of the populace. They warned that should government fail to heed to their calls, they will kick them out of office in the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Some protestors who spoke to Think News Online  expressed disappointment in the government over the economic hardships currently facing the country. Day 2 and 3 of the demonstration continues on Friday as well as Saturday respectively. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Lands Commission has initiated a comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training workshop to equip its staff with advanced conflict resolution skills. The workshop, held in Accra began on October1, was part of the Commission's commitment to improving land dispute management in the wake of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036). The Land Act mandates that parties involved in land disputes must exhaust all ADR procedures under the ADR Act, 2010 (Act 798), before turning to litigation. In line with this, the Lands Commission organized the training to ensure its staff is fully prepared to implement peaceful and cost-effective dispute resolution methods. The day one of the training covered key areas such as: The role of ADR in Lands Commission by Surv. Kofi Obeng -Ayirebi FGhIS, Effective Communication in ADR delivered by Surv. Cobbold, FGhIS and an overview of Ghana's Alternative Dispute Resolution, Act 2010 (Act 798) by Surv.Patrick Sodja BotchwayESQ, FGhIS* Facilitated by experts from the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), the workshop drew participants from different divisions of the Lands Commission. The four-day training is to provide practical knowledge in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution, essential for handling the Commission's numerous land disputes. Surv. Dr. Anthony Arko-Adjei, President of GhIS, welcomed the participants, encouraging them to actively engage and understand the appropriate ADR mechanisms for various disputes. “The skills gained from this training will enable the Commission to offer improved service to the public, ensuring faster and more efficient land dispute management,” he stated. He further commended the management of the Commission for the opportunity to showcase their expertise in these related fields. "The traditional courts are chocked with too many land dispute cases, hence, the urgent need to resort to ADR mechanisms for a faster and amicable resolution of these land disputes to ease the pressure on the courts" he noted. He added that the Lands Commission handles huge volumes of applications that may involve dispute cases and has long incorporated ADR into their conflict resolution processes to ensure smooth registration of interests. "The Land Act has come to empower the Commission to look at it more critically as it has the potential to reduce the long protracted never-ending land disputes in our courts," he remarked. Surv. Jones Ofori-Boadu, Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Corporate Services, highlighted the significance of ADR in enhancing the Commission’s capacity to resolve land disputes. “This workshop is crucial for empowering our staff to manage disputes more efficiently. ADR offers a faster, cost-effective, and peaceful alternative to court proceedings,” he said. Surv. Ofori-Boadu emphasized that the training aligns with the institution’s mission of delivering efficient and effective land administration in Ghana. The initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing the Commission’s capabilities, offering quicker, less costly, and peaceful resolutions to land disputes, ultimately benefiting the public and promoting better land administration. He revealed that the training would be replicated in other regions to ensure staff are well equipped with the requisite skills for this task. Background Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms have proven to be invaluable tools in settling conflicts without the need for court litigation. The most common methods include mediation, arbitration, customary arbitration, negotiation, collaborative law, and adjudication. These methods provide quicker, cost-effective, and peaceful alternatives to resolving disputes. Mediation, a key ADR method, involves a neutral third party helping the disputing parties reach a mutual agreement. Collaborative law, a variation of mediation, allows each party to retain their lawyer while agreeing to settle the dispute out of court. Negotiation, another method, involves direct communication between the disputing parties, often leading to faster, amicable resolutions. In more complex cases, expert witnesses—specialists with in-depth knowledge—are called upon to offer insights that facilitate early dispute resolution. Other specialized ADR methods, such as conciliation, expert determination, and reconciliation, also play essential roles in resolving disputes across various sectors, providing diverse solutions tailored to different conflict situations. Day two of the training tackled the following salient topics: The requirements of ADR by the Land Act, 2020,Act 11036and was handled by Surv. Dr.Odame-Larbi, FGhIS. The other topic was Introduction to Negotiation and was also handled by Surv. J.E.K Dadson, FGhIS (PP). Likewise, Introduction to Mediation/Mediation Agreement and was also handled by Surv. Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, FGhIS. The training offers a platform for sharing real-life experiences, knowledge transfer, and acquisition and also a sense of bonding. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A toilet waste truck created a chaotic scene at Pokuase after it broke free from its parking spot and crashed into a garbage-collecting tricycle and a nearby house. The incident, which occurred due to an apparent brake failure, resulted in the truck ramming into the tricycle before continuing on its path of destruction. It eventually collided with a house, causing severe damage as the impact led to the collapse of its walls. The force of the crash caused the truck to overturn, spilling its waste content across the street. The garbage from the tricycle also scattered, adding to the mess. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Local authorities were promptly called to the scene to manage the situation, clear the debris, and restore order to the area. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the brake failure. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, is set to lead a delegation to London on October 26, 2024, for the highly anticipated Grand Homowo United Kingdom (UK) Festival. The event is expected to unite the GaDangme family from home and abroad, while promoting the well-being of their communities and fostering growth and prosperity. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Dr. Naa Afipong Tsotsoo Soyoo, President of GaDangme UK and Ireland, emphasized that the Homowo UK Festival transcends being just a cultural event. It is a powerful movement aimed at showcasing the vibrancy of African heritage and culture on the global stage. This year’s festival theme, "Alleviating Hunger," aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. “We are committed to making Homowo a symbol of hope and a call to action to fight hunger, just as our ancestors did,” Dr. Soyoo affirmed. Upon his arrival in the UK, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II will be warmly received by the Emir of the UK. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who was originally scheduled to meet the Ga Mantse, has unfortunately had to reschedule due to an upcoming surgery. However, the Ga Mantse’s visit remains rich in activities designed to inspire unity and solidarity across different cultural and religious communities. The festival's activities will include “Noowala,” a cultural celebration, and a thanksgiving service held in collaboration with the Ga Fellowship and the Christian Council in the UK. A significant highlight of the visit will be the launch of the Ga Mantse Foundation at the House of Lords, followed by a business forum and a special reception at the House of Commons, strengthening bonds between the GaDangme people and their international counterparts. A key moment during the festival will see the Ga Mantse received by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, symbolizing a deep commitment to unity across different faiths. Set to take place at Borough Hall in Greenwich, the Grand Homowo Festival will come alive at 2 PM with the sound of traditional Ga drumming, vibrant dances, and a feast of authentic Ga cuisine. The event promises to be a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Ga people, embodying their spirit of resilience, togetherness, and celebration. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In an effort to unite the GaDangme community at home and abroad, and to uplift the quality of life within their communities, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, will lead a historic delegation to London for the Grand Hɔmɔwɔ UK Festival 2024. This unprecedented event, scheduled for October 26, 2024, will bring the heart and soul of Ga heritage to the UK in an extraordinary celebration of culture, tradition, and unity. The festival, hosted at Borough Hall, Royal Hill, Greenwich, will not only honor the rich legacy of the Ga people but also highlight the community's resilience and dedication to addressing modern-day challenges. For the first time, His Royal Majesty will grace the Hɔmɔwɔ festival in the UK, a powerful symbol of the Ga people's strength, pride, and cultural heritage. His presence is expected to elevate the event's significance as both a cultural milestone and a platform for unity. The festival will be more than a traditional celebration; it will embody a powerful movement aimed at uniting the GaDangme family and advancing social causes. This year, the Hɔmɔwɔ celebration carries an important mission, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. The theme, Hɔmɔwɔ With a Purpose: Uniting to End Hunger, serves as a call to action to combat hunger and malnutrition, particularly in communities facing poverty. Hooting at Hunger: The Story of Hɔmɔwɔ The Hɔmɔwɔ festival, rooted in the Ga words Hɔmɔ (hunger) and wɔ (to hoot at), dates back to a time when the Ga people overcame famine during their migration. Through perseverance and divine intervention, they cultivated the land, achieving an abundant harvest. In celebration of this victory over hunger, the festival was born, symbolizing resilience, courage, and survival. As part of the tradition, Ga families come together to enjoy kpokpoe (kpekple) and palm nut soup, echoing the feasts held by their ancestors. Today, Hɔmɔwɔ remains a declaration that hunger has no place in the future, inspiring strength and purpose within the community. Grand Hɔmɔwɔ UK Festival: A Call to End Hunger This year’s Grand Hɔmɔwɔ UK Festival carries an even deeper purpose—uniting the global community to help alleviate hunger. His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II will use this occasion to rally support and awareness for the ongoing fight against hunger, a cause that resonates with the very essence of the festival. “We are committed to making Hɔmɔwɔ a symbol of hope and a call to action to fight hunger, just as our ancestors did,” the King emphasized in his address. The festival will align with key initiatives such as the Launch of the Ga Mantse Foundation at the House of Lords, and will feature a special reception at the House of Commons. These events will highlight the community’s collective efforts in advancing solutions to hunger and poverty, both locally and globally. His Majesty’s Visit and Key Events Although originally scheduled to meet with His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the King’s UK visit will now include a meeting with the Emir of the UK and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in light of the spiritual leader's recent health developments. This visit exemplifies the Ga Mantse’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration with diverse communities. Leading up to the grand festival, several events will take place, including a Ŋɔɔwala with the GaDangme community, a Thanksgiving Service with the Ga Fellowship and Christian Council UK, and a Business Forum. These activities will culminate in the festival's main event on October 26, 2024, where the vibrancy of Ga culture will be on full display through drumming, traditional dances, and authentic Ga cuisine. The Grand Hɔmɔwɔ UK Festival will not only celebrate the rich history of the Ga people but also serve as a global call to action against hunger. Attendees from across the world are invited to participate in this historic event, which promises to be a significant cultural and humanitarian milestone. Organizers and Support The Grand Hɔmɔwɔ UK Festival is being organized by GaDangme UK & Ireland, led by Manyɛ Tsotsoo Sooyoo, and supported by various stakeholders committed to the festival’s mission. The event website, www.grandhomowouk.com, offers detailed information, and inquiries can be directed to homowolondon@gmail.com. As the Ga people come together to "hoot at hunger" and celebrate their resilience, the Grand Hɔmɔwɔ UK Festival 2024 will undoubtedly stand as a testament to their strength, unity, and dedication to building a brighter future free from hunger. Story by: Gad Thomas Nii Adotey Addo

Deputy Minister of Health, Adelaide Yaa Agyeiwaa Ntim has called for a concerted national effort to address the challenges of prostate cancer in Ghana. Speaking at the National Prostate Cancer Dialogue, Madam Ntim highlighted the growing burden of prostate cancer in the country and emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach to improve awareness, early detection, and treatment. "Prostate cancer remains a silent burden in Ghana, affecting thousands of our fathers, brothers, and sons," she stated. "Despite being preventable and treatable, many cases go undiagnosed until they reach advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes." According to the Deputy Minister, global statistics for 2022 recorded 1,467,054 new prostate cancer cases, making it the fourth most common cancer worldwide. In Ghana, prostate cancer ranks as one of the top two cancers reported among men. However, Hon. Ntim lamented that widespread misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the disease continue to hinder early diagnosis and treatment. "Prostate cancer is treatable when detected early, yet many men avoid seeking medical advice due to myths and stigma," she explained. "This is why public awareness campaigns are crucial in overcoming these barriers." Madam Yaa Ntim praised the Ghanaian Development Cooperation and Bayer Pharmaceuticals for their role in convening the National Prostate Cancer Dialogue and for initiating the "Piloting Prostate Cancer Intervention" project in the Greater Accra Region. The initiative is designed to raise awareness, promote early detection, and develop strategic policy recommendations to improve prostate cancer care in the country. She outlined several key challenges facing prostate cancer management in Ghana: On lack of public awareness; Hon. Ntim stressed the need for intensified education efforts to dispel myths and provide accurate information about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early screening. Touching on limited access to screening and treatment, she noted that trural areas, in particular, suffer from inadequate healthcare infrastructure, making it difficult for men to access timely screenings, innovative treatments, and affordable medication. On insufficient financing, she explained that prostate cancer diagnosis and care require substantial financial resources. Madam Ntim called for collective support to bridge funding gaps and ensure accessible healthcare for all. On the need for comprehensive data, she stressed that Ghana lacks a national cancer registry, which impedes the collection of reliable data for evidence-based decision-making. "We must invest in systems that allow for timely collation, analysis, and dissemination of prostate cancer data," To tackle these chchallenges, Hon. Ntim proposed several solutions, including establishing a national cancer registry, expanding access to diagnostic equipment, and investing in capacity-building for healthcare professionals. "By building a well-trained healthcare workforce and equipping facilities with cutting-edge tools, we can reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes," she emphasized. Madam Ntim also underscored the importance of aligning proposed interventions with national priorities to ensure streamlined implementation and avoid duplication of efforts. "Achieving universal health coverage and meeting our SDG targets requires a coordinated, multisectoral response," she stated. "I urge all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and collaborate more closely to address the prostate cancer challenge." The Deputy Minister assured participants that the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that every man in Ghana has access to the care needed to prevent, detect, and treat prostate cancer. "We will continue to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure the health and well-being of men in Ghana," Dr. Darius Osei, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Health, has called for a concerted national effort to tackle prostate cancer, which remains one of the most significant public health challenges facing men in Ghana. Dr. Osei highlighted that prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men across the country, particularly affecting those aged 40 and above. "Prostate cancer is not just a health issue; it is a burden that touches the lives of individuals, families, and our healthcare system," Dr. Osei stated. "However, with strategic action and the commitment of all stakeholders gathered here today, we can overcome this challenge." He emphasized that the dialogue offers a critical platform to mobilize collective efforts in addressing the key issues surrounding prostate cancer. He acknowledged the support of development partners such as the German Development Corporation and Biopharmaceutical companies for convening the event and for their continued support in advancing the national health agenda on prostate cancer. "In line with the implementation of the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Policy, launched by the Ministry of Health in 2022, the contributions of these partners have been invaluable," Dr. Osei said. "Their resources and dedication have played a key role in advancing awareness and action on prostate cancer." Dr. Osei further commended the efforts of health professionals, policymakers, advocates, researchers, and other key stakeholders for their tireless work in ensuring that prostate cancer is recognized as a life-threatening condition requiring urgent attention. "While we have made progress, there is still much work ahead," he noted. "Today's discussions will help us identify policy gaps, propose actionable strategies, and raise public awareness about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer." Dr. Osei stressed that tackling prostate cancer is essential for achieving the objectives of the NCD strategy and contributing to Ghana’s broader goal of attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. "By addressing the risk factors and improving public awareness, we can significantly reduce the burden of prostate cancer and improve health outcomes for men across the country," he concluded. Dr. William Ugo, Cluster Coordinator for Sustainable Economic Development with GIZ, has announced a collaborative initiative between the German Development Corporation and the government of Ghana aimed at enhancing prostate cancer awareness and early detection efforts. Dr. Ugo emphasized the importance of raising public understanding of prostate cancer and highlighted ongoing projects designed to support early diagnosis. The initiative, undertaken in partnership with Bayer Pharmaceuticals AG, is set to launch healthcare services in selected communities in the Greater Accra Region. Dr. Ugo revealed that eight health facilities have been equipped with PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing devices, and lab technicians have been trained to ensure accurate testing. "Our goal is to promote early detection and raise awareness through education, communication, and public sensibilization," Dr. Ugo said. "This collaboration between GIZ, the Ghanaian government, and private sector partners reflects our commitment to strengthening Ghana's health system." The project is expected to usher in a new era of improved prostate cancer management and increase public and professional understanding of the disease’s risks. Dr. Kuma Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has stressed the need for men in Ghana to prioritize their prostate health, citing alarming statistics and outlining key interventions to tackle prostate cancer at a national level. Dr. Aboagye emphasized that prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men in the country, with one in three men aged 40 and above at risk. "Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Ghana. The statistics are grim, and we must address this challenge with concerted national and subnational efforts," Dr. Aboagye stated. In 2022, Ghana recorded approximately 27,000 new cancer cases, with prostate cancer accounting for 2,095 of those cases, representing 21% of all male cancers. Dr. Aboagye emphasized the importance of early detection in reducing mortality rates, stating that early diagnosis increases survival chances by up to 99%. "Unfortunately, access to prostate cancer services has historically been limited to tertiary and secondary healthcare levels. Diagnosis typically involves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, digital rectal exams, and biopsies," Dr. Aboagye explained. "However, we are now shifting the focus towards prevention and early detection, with efforts being made to enhance access to these services at the primary healthcare level." Dr. Aboagye highlighted several recent interventions aimed at improving prostate cancer management across the country. The National Health and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Policy has been revised to prioritize prostate cancer awareness and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. In addition, new guidelines have been developed to standardize prostate cancer care nationwide. He also noted that primary healthcare facilities have been repurposed to focus on awareness creation, sensitization, and early detection. Secondary-level facilities are being upgraded to complement tertiary hospitals in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. "Recognizing the importance of access to care, we are elevating district hospitals to provide secondary care in areas where men are far from tertiary facilities," Dr. Aboagye said. "This will bring more advanced services closer to the people." Dr. Aboagye also mentioned that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has introduced wellness clinics that focus on preventive healthcare, including regular screenings for conditions like hypertension and diabetes. He expressed hope that these clinics would soon include prostate cancer screening as part of their services. "So far, there are around 600 active wellness clinics across the country. While not all of them offer the same services, we are committed to providing basic health checks like blood pressure, sugar, and BMI. Moving forward, we aim to include PSA assessments as part of the package." He concluded by urging men to take responsibility for their prostate health and seek regular screening, particularly PSA testing, which could significantly improve early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths. "Early detection saves lives. We must all take prostate health seriously, and with the measures being put in place, we can ensure better clinical outcomes for men across the country," Dr. Aboagye remarked. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has announced that it has put in place adequate security measures ahead of a planned demonstration by a group known as Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, slated for 3rd to 5th October 2024 in Accra. This was disclosed in a statement issued by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, on 26th September 2024. According to the statement, the protest will take the form of a procession starting from Okponglo, near the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, and will end at the Accra Sports Stadium car park. The routes for the demonstration were agreed upon following engagement between the police and the organizers. The detailed route includes moving from Okponglo Traffic Light through Shiashie/Standard Authority Traffic Light, continuing towards Shangrila to the Airport Traffic Light, then turning right towards Association International School. The procession will further pass the National Service Secretariat, merge onto Kawukudi Traffic Intersection, and proceed along the Kanda Highway to Accra High School Junction. From there, the protest will pass through the Electoral Commission Office, Ridge Hospital, the AU Roundabout, and Parliament House, before concluding at the Accra Sports Stadium. During discussions with the organizers, the police reminded them of their obligations under the Public Order Act. These responsibilities include ensuring that participants obey police directions to safeguard public safety and property, avoid causing traffic obstruction, and maintain order throughout the demonstration. The organizers were also informed that they would be held accountable for any damage to public property. ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi emphasized that the police are also bound by responsibilities under the Public Order Act, which include directing the routes of the demonstration to prevent traffic disruptions, dispersing crowds if a breach of the peace occurs, and implementing necessary road closures or barriers to maintain public order. “The Ghana Police Service wishes to assure the public that sufficient security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order and ensure peace and security during the demonstration and beyond,” the statement concluded. The police called on the general public to cooperate with them during the demonstration to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed serious concerns about irregularities in the 2024 Provisional Voters' Register, following revelations made by the Electoral Commission (EC) at a Special Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held today. The party's Functional Executive Committee (FEC) issued a statement outlining several key issues identified by the EC during the meeting, which could potentially impact the integrity of the upcoming December 7 general elections. In the press release signed by General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the NDC highlighted the following admissions by the EC: The illegal transfer of voters due to the absence of "liveliness test" technology, a lapse which affected constituencies like Pusiga. Erroneous inclusion of previous transfers in the 2024 transfer list. The discovery of corrupted files within the Provisional Voters’ Register, which the EC claims to have resolved. Deleted voters who the EC now plans to include in a separate "Missing Voters" register. A vulnerable IT system within the Electoral Commission, which is susceptible to data manipulation by individuals with access to login credentials. Despite these concerns, the NDC stated that it would accept the EC's promise to release an updated version of the Provisional Voters' Register to all political parties for review within one week. Additionally, the party welcomed the EC's decision to re-exhibit the corrected register but recommended that the re-exhibition be conducted both online and at physical exhibition centers to ensure broad accessibility. Furthermore, the NDC called for an inter-party and multi-stakeholder audit of the EC's IT system to address the vulnerabilities that have come to light. According to the NDC, these weaknesses could be exploited by malicious actors, potentially compromising the integrity of the 2024 elections. "The vulnerabilities in the IT system of the Electoral Commission can be exploited by criminals to compromise the integrity of the December 07, 2024, elections if not addressed," the statement warned. The NDC's demand for a thorough examination of the EC's systems comes amid heightened tensions and concerns over electoral transparency as Ghana approaches its next general elections. The Electoral Commission has yet to respond publicly to the NDC’s latest demands. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), has confirmed her participation in this year's Young African Women's Congress (YAWC) Annual Global Convocation. The event, set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 27 to 31, 2024, will bring together over 1,500 young women from across Africa and the diaspora. The Founder and Executive Chairperson of the YAWC Network, Mr. Daniel Osei Tuffuor, expressed excitement over the presence of Mrs. Addo-Danquah, a celebrated law enforcement officer with decades of experience in leadership, who is expected to deliver a keynote address during the congress. The congress, which focuses on empowering young African women for leadership and development, will be held under the theme "Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment through Innovation and Technology." The YAWC Network is dedicated to mobilizing women from the grassroots level, empowering them for leadership and development through advocacy, training, and various projects. The platform aims to nurture change-makers who will positively impact Africa’s future. Mrs. Addo-Danquah, who has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, with 20 of those years focused on financial crime detection and investigation, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event. As the first female Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service since its inception in 1948, she is widely respected for her groundbreaking achievements in law enforcement and leadership. In addition to her extensive law enforcement background, Mrs. Addo-Danquah is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Forensic Accountant, holding an MBA (Finance) from the University of Cape Coast. She has held various leadership roles within the Ghana Police Service, including the first Commandant of the Ghana Police Command and Staff College, and has served on international assignments, including with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). As a guest resource person at institutions such as GIMPA, the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and the University of Cape Coast, Mrs. Addo-Danquah’s contributions to law enforcement and education are widely recognized. Her participation in the YAWC Convocation is expected to inspire and empower the next generation of young African women leaders. The congress promises to be a powerful platform for discussions on innovation, technology, and women's economic empowerment, with Mrs. Addo-Danquah’s keynote address likely to be one of the highlights of the event. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has announced significant measures aimed at addressing the rising cost of grains and strengthening Ghana's food production system. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister highlighted the alarming increase in grain prices over the past year and outlined a comprehensive plan to support farmers nationwide. Dr. Acheampong noted that the price of a 100kg bag of grain, which sold for 300 Ghana cedis at the farm gate last year, has doubled to 600 Ghana cedis this year. On some markets, the grains are being sold at an average of GHc700, GHc730 and GHc1,200. To restore stability to the food supply chain and bridge the gap between Northern and Southern Ghana, Dr. Acheampong announced the commencement of a large-scale programme for the distribution of agricultural inputs. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has begun distributing 118,000 metric tons of fertilizer and 5,123 metric tons of seeds to 800,000 smallholder farmers across the country. These inputs are targeted at farmers working on two acres or less, with each receiving two bags of MPK fertilizer, one bag of urea, and the necessary seeds for their crops. In addition, 20,000 metric tons of fertilizer will be distributed to commercial farmers, with each receiving up to 50 bags of MPK and 25 bags of urea. This initiative is expected to boost production, with a projected output of approximately 360,000 metric tons of paddy rice and 770,000 metric tons of wheat in the next 120 days. “The goal is to supply these essential resources to both Southern and Northern farmers,” Dr. Acheampong said, adding that the planting season for the Southern sector has just begun, while the Northern Savannah and transition zones are already in the application phase, having planted weeks earlier. The Minister further revealed that the government is collaborating with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and GIRSAL to secure 160 million Ghana cedis in interest-free loans for commercial farmers working on more than 10 hectares. The Ministry has already secured 50 million Ghana cedis to cover the interests on these loans, ensuring that commercial farmers can access the funds without financial strain. "By the end of this week, we expect the details of the agreement with ADB and GIRSAL to be finalized, and disbursement of loans will commence next week," Dr. Acheampong stated. This comprehensive intervention, according to Dr. Acheampong, is part of the government's ongoing commitment to stabilizing food prices, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting the livelihoods of Ghanaian farmers. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith