Ilkay Gündogan is set to rejoin Manchester City on a contract that runs until June 2025,. This follows an agreement reached in the last 48 hours. The German midfielder, who will leave Barcelona on a free transfer, secured the move after positive discussions, with Pep Guardiola giving the final approval. This news was confirmed by renowned Sports Journalist, Fabrizio Romano via his Twitter account, where he highlighted that Gündogan’s return to the Etihad marks a significant boost for City as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming seasons. The deal comes as a surprise move after Gündogan’s recent stint in La Liga, where he joined Barcelona last summer. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is set to hold a media engagement on Sunday, August 25, 2024. The media engagement comes on the heels of what has been described as a successful unveiling of the NPP’s manifesto in Takoradi on Sunday, August, 18, a document that outlines the party’s plans and priorities for the nation’s future. Dr. Bawumia, who has been at the forefront of the NPP’s campaign, believes that the manifesto sets the stage for a broader conversation about Ghana’s direction in the coming years. In a statement signed by the Director of Communications for the Bawumia campaign, Miracles Dennis Aboagye, the engagement is also aimed at deepening “the dissemination of the 2024 Manifesto” of the NPP. Below is the full statement . DR. BAWUMIA HOSTS THE MEDIA The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will host a Media engagement on Sunday, August 25, 2024. This Engagement follows the successful launch of the 2024 Manifesto of the New Patriotic Party. Dr. Bawumia is strongly convinced, that the Ghanaian people deserve to have a complete view and proper understanding of the vision of their leaders before the 2024 December polls, and the Manifesto properly sets the context for the conversation. This very important media engagement is part of a series of activities lined up by Dr. Bawumia to deepen the dissemination of the 2024 Manifesto. All media houses interested in sending representatives to this engagement, should kindly send an email to: itispossible@bawumia.com , latest by Close of Business Thursday 22nd August 2024. TO LEAD IS TO SOLVE! IT IS POSSIBLE! SIGNED DENNIS MIRACLES ABOAGYEDIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Credit: Citinewsroom

Professor Roger Kanton, a Research Scientist at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has called on the government to prioritize the construction of a large dam at Kubore in the North East Region. This proposed dam would be specifically designed to capture and store water released annually from Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam, which has historically caused significant flooding and damage in northern Ghana. Prof. Kanton stressed that building a dam along the Kubore River would secure a reliable water supply for many communities in the Northeast and Upper East regions, particularly during the dry season. He pointed out that the construction of such a dam could transform the region's water management capabilities and boost food production, drawing parallels to Israel’s successful water storage and agricultural practices. "Israel, despite its limited rainfall, is a leading exporter of high-quality vegetables to Europe and other countries because they have invested in aquifers to store water for agriculture. Meanwhile, we continue to suffer annual destruction from the Bagre Dam spillage without taking effective action," Prof. Kanton remarked. He further proposed that a multipurpose dam at Pwalugu, complemented by a larger dam at Kubore, could significantly improve water management in the Upper East Region. Such infrastructure, he argued, would benefit not only the local region but the entire country by enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience against water-related disasters. Addressing concerns about the costs associated with setting up irrigation schemes—estimated by the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority to be around $40,000 per hectare—Prof. Kanton dismissed the financial burden as negligible in comparison to the government’s other expenditures. "The amount of money spent on frivolous expenditures by the government makes $40,000 for irrigation schemes seem like nothing but chicken change, as Kennedy Agyapong would say," Prof. Kanton asserted. He urged the government to reallocate resources towards projects that have long-term benefits for food security and regional development, underscoring the importance of proactive investment in critical infrastructure like the proposed Kubore Dam. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Popular Ghanaian Sports Journalist, John Awuah Otabil, affectionately known as Sports Cotyledon, has been reported dead. His untimely death was announced on Tuesday, August 21, by his employers, Class Media Group (CMG), in a touching tribute that captured the essence of his remarkable career. “His passion and dedication to exceptional sports coverage were truly inspiring,” CMG noted in their statement. “While we will deeply miss his insights, his legacy will continue to shine. Farewell, John. May you rest in peace.” Late John Awuah Otabil, who served as the Head of Sports at CTV, was also the beloved host of the Matured Sports Show, a program that resonated with many sports enthusiasts. His journey in sports journalism began in 2013 when he joined Obrempong FM 91.7 MHz in Agona Swedru, where his talent and dedication quickly set him apart. Over the years, Late Awuah’s career blossomed, taking him to HSTV in 2018 and later to SANKOFA TV and BASE ONE TV. In 2023, he became part of the Class Media Group, continuing to make significant strides in the industry. His excellence was recognized earlier this year when he was awarded Best Foreign Sports Presenter at the Foklex Media Awards 2024. The news of his passing has left a profound void in the world of sports journalism. Late Awuah Otabil will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to delivering insightful and passionate sports coverage. His loss is deeply felt by colleagues, viewers, and fans alike, who admired his dedication and the unique voice he brought to sports reporting. Late John Awuah Otabil’s legacy will live on, but his presence will be sorely missed. The sports journalism community has lost one of its brightest stars. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

John Dramani Mahama, Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has passionately called on Ghanaians to actively participate in the upcoming December 7 elections, emphasizing the importance of their voice and vote in bringing about the much-needed change for the nation. In a tweet ahead of the NDC's 2024 manifesto launch, which is set to take place in Winneba on Saturday, August 24, Mr. Mahama outlined the party's vision for a better Ghana under the theme "Building the Ghana We Want Together." He highlighted the pivotal role that citizens, especially the youth, play in shaping the country's future. "The change Ghana desperately needs on December 7 will only be possible if every Ghanaian recognizes the power of their voice and vote," Mahama stated. "Our youth, in particular, are the driving force of this transformative journey. It is your energy, your passion, and your commitment that will steer Ghana towards a brighter, more inclusive future." Mr. Mahama urged Ghanaians from all walks of life to unite and take an active role in the nation's democratic process, stressing that this election is not just about choosing leaders but about securing a future that works for everyone. As the NDC prepares to unveil its manifesto, Mahama encouraged the public to join the event in Winneba or follow it through various media platforms to engage with the party's vision and contribute their ideas for a better Ghana. "This is a call to action for every Ghanaian who believes in the possibility of a prosperous and equitable nation. Together, we can build the Ghana we want," Mahama concluded. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Electoral Commission (EC) is set to begin its nationwide voter exhibition exercise today, August 20, which will run until August 27. This crucial exercise is designed to assist voters in verifying their details and locating their respective polling stations ahead of the 2024 general elections. Dr. Bossman Asare, the Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, emphasized the importance of public participation during a press conference held on Monday, August 19. He explained that the exhibition exercise offers registered voters the opportunity to verify their information and make necessary corrections. This includes requesting the inclusion of omitted names, objecting to the presence of unqualified voters, and removing the names of deceased individuals from the voter register. "The Commission urges all registered voters to engage actively in this exhibition exercise. It is a critical step in ensuring that we produce a credible voter register for the upcoming elections. The exercise also allows for objections to the inclusion of minors, foreigners, and those who are not residents in the electoral areas where they registered," Dr. Bossman Asare stated. To ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, announced that police officers would be deployed at various voter exhibition centres across the country. He assured the public of their safety, encouraging citizens to participate actively and report any security concerns to the officers on duty. "We urge the public to take part in this exercise. If there are any security issues, our officers are there to address them in a fair and professional manner," Dr. Dampare said. The voter exhibition exercise is a critical component of the electoral process, as it helps to maintain the integrity of the voter register, ensuring that only eligible voters are listed for the 2024 elections. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Running Mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has criticized the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly copying the NDC’s proposal to establish a Women’s Development Bank. The NPP recently announced plans to create a Women’s Trade Empowerment Fund as part of their 2024 manifesto, aimed at supporting women-owned businesses if they secure victory in the upcoming December 7 elections. Speaking to traders at Mallam Market during her visit to various market centers in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang questioned the NPP’s sincerity in implementing this policy, pointing out that they have had ample time in office to launch such an initiative but have not done so. "The NDC was the first to propose the Women’s Development Bank. If the NPP truly intended to empower women through such initiatives, they would have done so already. No one has been stopping them from taking action," she asserted. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged voters to stay vigilant and informed as they approach the polls, emphasizing that the upcoming election should be centered on the state of the economy and which candidate is best equipped to lead the country forward. “This election is not about party loyalty; it’s about who can improve the state of our economy. Let’s vote for the candidate who will truly drive progress and development for our nation,” she advised. Her remarks come as the NDC continues to campaign on its platform of economic transformation and social development, positioning itself as the party with a genuine commitment to initiatives that empower women and drive national growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has admitted that it was caught off guard by the severity of the ongoing drought affecting northern Ghana. The drought, which has persisted for over a month and a half, has devastated farms across the region, leading farmers to urgently seek government assistance. Tanko Bagbara, Head of Public Relations at MoFA, revealed that despite the ministry’s close collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Agency, they did not anticipate the drought’s escalation to such catastrophic levels. “The Ministry [of Food and Agriculture] has worked closely with the meteorological station over the period, and we do heed their advice. However, we did not foresee this, and I do not want to blame anybody because rain-fed agriculture is inherently unpredictable,” Mr. Tanko explained. In response to the crisis, MoFA is currently compiling data on the affected farmers in anticipation of government intervention. Mr. Tanko noted that the ministry is actively gathering information from eight regions, including the Upper East and Northern regions, where the drought has been most severe. “The Ministry is still collecting data. As of now, eight regions have been affected, with the Upper East and Northern regions being the latest to experience the drought. The data we are collecting will inform the government’s decision-making process moving forward,” Mr. Tanko stated. He further mentioned that President Akufo-Addo had hinted at forthcoming government interventions to mitigate the drought’s impact. “Certainly, this situation will affect food security because many farms have been completely lost, and even if it rains today, those farms cannot be recovered. The ministry is compiling data, and the government will soon announce interventions to address the situation,” he added. The prolonged drought has raised concerns about the potential threat to food security in northern Ghana, with MoFA’s efforts now focused on coordinating an effective response to support the affected farmers and mitigate the crisis. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Banking and Finance Analyst, Dr. Richmond Atuahene has emphasized the immense economic value of remittances to Ghana, describing them as 'Super Gold'. He made these remarks while speaking at the third edition of the Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting held on Tuesday at the Labadi Beach Hotel. Dr. Atuahene revealed that Ghana has generated an impressive $28.6 billion from remittances over the past decade, surpassing the $18.7 billion earned from cocoa and $7.6 billion from gold during the same period. He further noted that even when combined, the revenue from gold and cocoa still falls short of remittances by $2.3 billion. "This is why some of us refer to remittances as gold, super gold. If properly structured, captured, and integrated into the balance sheet, remittances could significantly boost Ghana’s economy, potentially positioning the country on par with places like Dubai," Dr. Atuahene stated. He also pointed out a significant gap in the remittance figures reported by the Bank of Ghana compared to the World Bank. While the central bank captured $28 billion in remittances, the World Bank’s data suggests a total of $36 billion, indicating that $8 billion remains unaccounted for. Dr. Atuahene stressed the importance of better tracking and capturing these funds to fully realize their economic potential. The breakfast meeting, held under the theme "The Remittance Ecosystem Impact on the Economy," brought together experts to discuss the crucial role of remittances in Ghana’s economic development. The event focused on identifying practical solutions to harness the full potential of remittances as a key driver of economic growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Boakye Albert Forkuo, the former NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Asunafo South Constituency, has come out strongly to defend the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 manifesto, responding to criticisms from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mr. Forkuo refuted claims made by the NDC that the NPP had stolen their idea to train one million coders, asserting that the NPP had initiated such programs well before the NDC's 2020 manifesto. Speaking on Think TV 's political talk show, SE NO PEI, Mr. Forkuo explained, "When the NPP implemented the Zongo Development Fund, we identified the rising problem of cyber fraud in Zongo communities. "As part of our response, Mustapha Hamid, who was then the Minister of Information before moving to the Zongo Ministry, recommended that we channel internet misuse into productive skills like coding" "In 2019, we began training 60 girls in robotics and coding. If we started this in 2019 and the NDC later included it in their 2020 manifesto, how does that make them the rightful owners of the idea?" Mr. Forkuo also highlighted the NPP’s achievements in the industrial sector, particularly through the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative. "The NDC claims we have not delivered, but what about the Ekumfi Juice Factory? This project not only produces beverages but also provides jobs for young people" :While Nkrumah and successive governments established about 300 factories, the NDC sold off most of them to their associates after passing the Divestiture Bill in 1992" "President Akufo-Addo has worked tirelessly to rebuild these factories, and today, we have 321 factories, with 162 operational, employing about 160,000 youths." The NPP Communicator went on to discuss the NPP's broader contributions to Ghana’s industrial revival and economic development. "The NPP has revived numerous companies across the country, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. No one can win power based on lies" "Dr. Bawumia has openly admitted that there are hardships, and our Finance Minister has even apologized for the challenges related to the debt restructuring. "However, it's important to recognize that we missed out on the first, second, and third industrial revolutions. This fourth revolution, focused on digitalization, is our chance to catch up, and Bawumia is leading that charge." Mr. Forkuo praised Dr. Bawumia's role in advancing Ghana's digital transformation, particularly through the implementation of the Ghana Card. "Bawumia is working hard from the Jubilee House to ensure that initiatives like the Ghana Card are realized. This has made mobile money transactions more effective and ensured that every Ghanaian is identified" "Compare that to Mahama, under whom Ghanaians were left to suffer through 'dumsor.' Under President Akufo-Addo, every constituency now has an ambulance." Mr. Forkuo dismissed the NDC as a party that thrives on violence, arguing that their history and behavior remain unchanged. He expressed his satisfaction with the NPP's 2024 manifesto, stating, "I am proud of the NPP and the manifesto we launched yesterday. It is a testament to our commitment to building a better future for Ghana." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Kwabena Yeboah-Korankye, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, has fiercely criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the launch of their 2024 manifesto at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi, Western Region, over the weekend. According to Yeboah-Korankye, the event should have been a day of national apology from the ruling government rather than a platform for unveiling yet another set of promises. Speaking on Think TV ’s political talk show, SE NO PEI , Yeboah-Korankye stated, "The NPP is merely a government of slogans. They are known for making noise, but when it comes to actual delivery, they fall short. We’ve seen them brandish catchy phrases like 'one village, one dam,' but they have little to show for it." He was particularly scathing in his assessment of the manifesto itself, dismissing it as nothing more than a rehash of old promises. "You can't call what they did yesterday a manifesto. It’s just the same old lies repackaged. This can never be considered a genuine manifesto." One of the most damning points in Yeboah-Korankye’s critique was his allegation that the NPP had plagiarized ideas from former President John Mahama’s 2020 manifesto. "The shameful thing I noticed was that some of their so-called manifesto promises were actually those of John Mahama. They stole his ideas and have now decided to present them as their own." He specifically cited the NPP's promise to train one million coders as an example of this alleged plagiarism. "In 2020, we (the NDC) proposed to train about one million coders as part of our agenda. Mahama even recently reiterated his commitment to this initiative. Yet yesterday, the NPP presented this same idea as if it were theirs." Mr. Yeboah-Korankye went on to accuse the NPP of dragging Ghana back by 30 years, comparing the current economic situation to the hardships of 1983. "Our economy is in shambles, and we are drowning in debt. This government has over-borrowed to a shameful extent. In 2009, when the NDC left office, the national debt stood at 84 billion cedis. By the time the NPP is done in 2024, they will have saddled this country with a staggering 742 billion cedis in debt." He concluded by calling for the NPP to apologize to the nation for what he described as their mismanagement of the country. "This government has really messed up the citizenry. They have benefited immensely from revenue, yet they’ve failed to use it profitably. Yesterday should have been a day of national apology, not a manifesto launch." Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dr. Richmond Atuahene, a renowned Banking and Financial Analyst, has emphatically urged the Flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to prioritize agriculture in his 2024 NPP manifesto. Speaking on Think TV's political talk show , "SE NO PEI," Dr. Atuahene stressed that agriculture should be the cornerstone of the Vice President's agenda if he seeks to transform Ghana's economy and uplift the lives of its citizens. "Ghana used to be a significant exporter of agricultural products, but today, we are importing rice at a cost of $1.2 billion and cocoa at $1.3 billion annually" "Meanwhile, countries like Nigeria are growing their own rice, and it's only recently that they started importing. This is a shame," Dr. Atuahene lamented. He argued that if Dr. Bawumia's entire manifesto were centered on agriculture, it would be a significant step toward revitalizing the economy. "A hungry man does not care about digitalization. Agriculture is what will make Ghana's economy bounce back. Prioritize agriculture over digitalization," he asserted, adding that while digitalization is essential, it should not overshadow the critical role of agriculture in national development. Dr. Atuahene called for the development of value chains in agriculture, emphasizing the need to support farmers with incentives and resources to enhance production. "We should make the farmers happy. Incentives should be given to them. Our galamsey lands should be turned into agricultural lands for farming. We are even importing maize. It is a shame." He urged Dr. Bawumia to be serious about agriculture and not just make empty promises. "He has the vision, but he needs to operationalize it and ensure things work. Seek agriculture first, and all other things will be added." On the issue of Affirmative Action, Dr. Atuahene highlighted the importance of pushing more women into higher positions, noting that women and girls are vital to the nation's progress. "In Africa and Ghana, we joke with women. Women suffer but they end up making things go well. We should push more women to reach higher heights." Addressing financial matters, Dr. Atuahene suggested that the Bank of Ghana should develop software to attract fintech businesses, which could reduce reliance on external support such as the IMF. He also touched on the controversial e-levy, noting that while Dr. Bawumia had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the levy, its removal must be carefully considered given the country's debt obligations. Dr. Atuahene concluded by appealing to Dr. Bawumia to ensure that agriculture remains the focal point of his manifesto, as it holds the key to Ghana's economic revival. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith