In a heartwarming display of community support, the Women's Network for Peace Ghana (WNPG) has made a generous donation of educational items to Icon International School, ahead of the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The donation, which included mathematical sets, pens, pencils, sharpeners, erasers, long rulers, whiteboard markers, A4 sheets and more was presented to the school's headmaster, Mr. Vitus Naako, at a special ceremony held in Accra in the Adenta municipality. The initiative, spearheaded by the President of WNPG, Ms. Diana Oppong Mensah, aims to support the students of Icon International School as they prepare to take on the BECE examinations, a crucial milestone in their academic journey. "As an organization committed to promoting peace and empowering communities, we believe that education is the foundation for a brighter future," said Ms. Oppong Mensah. "By providing these essential educational materials, we hope to alleviate the burden on both the students and the school, and give them the tools they need to excel in their exams." Mr. Naako, the grateful headmaster of Icon International School, expressed his appreciation for the timely gesture. "We are truly grateful to the Women's Network for Peace Ghana for this generous donation. These items will go a long way in supporting our students as they prepare for the BECE examinations. It is heartening to see the community come together to invest in the education of our young people." The BECE examinations, scheduled to commence in July, are a crucial stepping stone for Ghanaian students, as they transition from primary to secondary education. The examinations test students' knowledge and skills in core subjects, laying the foundation for their future academic and professional pursuits. The donation from the Women's Network for Peace Ghana is a testament to the organization's commitment to empowering communities and making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. By providing the necessary educational resources, they are not only supporting the students of Icon International School but also contributing to the broader goal of improving educational outcomes in Ghana. As the students of Icon International School embark on their BECE examinations, they can take comfort in the knowledge that they have the support of the local community, represented by the Women's Network for Peace Ghana. This act of generosity is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can positively influence the educational landscape and create a brighter future for all. Story by: Thinknewsonline

President Akufo-Addo has appointed his Executive Secretary, Nana Bediatuo Asante, as an Ambassador-at-Large. Nana Bediatuo Asante, who has served as the President’s Executive Secretary since 2017, received his new appointment during a ceremony held at the Jubilee House. At this event, President Akufo-Addo also presented credentials to nine newly appointed diplomats, urging them to actively promote Ghana’s image and interests abroad. The group of appointees includes three High Commissioners and five Ambassadors, all entrusted with the critical task of representing Ghana in various countries and international organizations. The newly appointed envoys include Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria; Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun, High Commissioner-designate to South Africa; Mr Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner-designate to Rwanda; Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Ambassador-designate to Türkiye; Mr Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the EU; Mrs Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador-designate to Morocco; Ms Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi, Ambassador-designate to Norway; Dr Robert Afriyie, Ambassador-designate to Ethiopia and the African Union; and Nana Bediatuo Asante, Ambassador-at-Large. In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the critical role these diplomats will play in advancing Ghana’s interests and enhancing its international reputation. “Your primary responsibility is to promote the image of Ghana as a stable, peaceful, and forward-looking country,” he stated. “This entails engaging with your host nations to foster strong bilateral relationships, attract investments, and advocate for the interests of Ghana.” The President highlighted the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering international cooperation, particularly in light of the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He underscored the need for Ghana to build robust relationships with other nations to navigate these challenges effectively. “High Commissioners-designate and Ambassadors-designate, your postings have come at a particularly critical juncture not only in global affairs but also in the journey of our nation’s development,” President Akufo-Addo noted. "The world is gradually emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a profound impact on all facets of life.” The President also stressed the importance of engaging actively with Ghanaian communities abroad and leveraging their potential to contribute to the country’s development. “Our diaspora is a vital component of the Ghanaian fabric, contributing considerably to our economy and cultural heritage,” he said. “By developing a strong bond with them, you will not only provide them with a sense of belonging but also harness their potential to contribute to Ghana’s development.” In addition to promoting Ghana’s economic agenda, the new envoys have been tasked with addressing global issues such as armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle these challenges effectively. “Part of your responsibilities, at the multilateral level, is to work with the governments of your accreditation to assist in the prosecution of our common agenda in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, the threats of climate change, and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa,” the President stated. As the new envoys embark on their missions, they carry the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian people. Their success in representing Ghana on the global stage will significantly influence the nation’s international reputation and contribute to its development. The President concluded his address with a call for integrity and professionalism, urging the diplomats to carry out their duties with dedication and to enhance Ghana’s reputation internationally. “In executing your duties, it is imperative that you cultivate and maintain cordial working relationships with the professional Foreign Service officers who will be your colleagues in the high commissions and embassies,” he said. “Their support and collaboration will be essential in achieving your objectives and ensuring the success of your missions.” The ceremony marks a significant step in Ghana’s diplomatic efforts, reflecting the nation’s commitment to global engagement and cooperation. The new envoys are expected to play a crucial role in promoting Ghana’s interests and contributing to its development on the international stage. Credit: Citinewsroom

President Akufo-Addo has appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria. Amoama is among nine individuals who received their credentials, marking a significant development in Ghana’s diplomatic corps. During a ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo presented credentials to the newly appointed diplomats, including Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh and seven others. The President expressed his gratitude for Amoama and Andoh’s outstanding service to Ghana’s military, praising their leadership, dedication, and contributions to the country’s security and development. “Their meritorious service has been instrumental in safeguarding the sovereignty and stability of our nation, and maintaining the integrity of our armed forces,” he said. The nine newly appointed diplomats, consisting of three High Commissioners, five Ambassadors, and one Ambassador-at-Large, Nana Asante Bediatuo, have been charged with the vital responsibility of representing Ghana’s interests abroad. They will serve as the country’s official representatives in various nations and international organisations, fostering diplomatic relations, promoting economic cooperation, and enhancing Ghana’s global presence. The rest include Mrs Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun, High Commissioner-designate to South Africa; Mr Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner-designate to Rwanda; Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Ambassador-designate to Türkiye; Mr Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the EU; Mrs Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador-designate to Morocco; Ms Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi, Ambassador-designate to Norway; Dr Robert Afriyie, Ambassador-designate to Ethiopia and the African Union; and Nana Bediatuo Asante, Ambassador-at-Large. President Akufo-Addo charged the new envoys to promote Ghana’s image and interests abroad. He emphasised the critical role these diplomats will play in advancing Ghana’s interests and enhancing its international reputation. “Your primary responsibility is to promote the image of Ghana as a stable, peaceful, and forward-looking country,” he stated. “This entails engaging with your host nations to foster strong bilateral relationships, attract investments, and advocate for the interests of Ghana.” The President highlighted the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering international cooperation, particularly in light of the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He underscored the need for Ghana to build robust relationships with other nations to navigate these challenges effectively. “High Commissioners-designate and Ambassadors-designate, your postings have come at a particularly critical juncture not only in global affairs but also in the journey of our nation’s development,” President Akufo-Addo noted. “The world is gradually emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a profound impact on all facets of life.” President Akufo-Addo urged the new envoys to familiarize themselves with the Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme, which outlines the roadmap for revitalizing the Ghanaian economy. This ambitious programme focuses on supporting commercial farming, building the light manufacturing sector, developing engineering and ICT industries, fast-tracking digitalization, and creating jobs for young people. The President also stressed the importance of engaging actively with Ghanaian communities abroad and leveraging their potential to contribute to the country’s development. “Our diaspora is a vital component of the Ghanaian fabric, contributing considerably to our economy and cultural heritage,” he said. “By developing a strong bond with them, you will not only provide them with a sense of belonging but also harness their potential to contribute to Ghana’s development.” In addition to promoting Ghana’s economic agenda, the new envoys have been tasked with addressing global issues such as armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle these challenges effectively. “Part of your responsibilities, at the multilateral level, is to work with the governments of your accreditation to assist in the prosecution of our common agenda in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, the threats of climate change, and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa,” the President stated. “In executing your duties, it is imperative that you cultivate and maintain cordial working relationships with the professional Foreign Service officers who will be your colleagues in the high commissions and embassies,” he said. Credit: Citinewsroom

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana's Minister of Communication and Digitalization, has refuted claims that MTN, one of the nation's leading telecommunications providers, was deliberately excluded from the plans for the introduction of 5G technology. Concerns about MTN's exclusion from the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) consortium emerged following the government’s announcement on May 30 regarding its ambitious plan to roll out 5G within the next six months. Industry experts voiced their concerns, highlighting the absence of MTN in the consortium tasked with executing the 5G network. Addressing these concerns on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 24, Owusu-Ekuful assured host Bernard Avle that MTN would eventually be involved in the 5G rollout. LShe emphasized that the allegations of MTN being purposefully sidelined were unfounded and stemmed from misinformation. "I don’t know who created that impression. Somebody threw it out there, and nobody spoke to me or any of those involved in putting this consortium together before spreading this false alarm. It is not true,” Owusu-Ekuful stated. The minister explained that discussions were ongoing and that all network operators in the country, including MTN, were being offered the opportunity to take up equity in the Next-Gen InfraCo. The NGIC consortium currently includes two telecom companies, AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, along with several technology partners: Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra. Madam Owusu-Ekuful reassured that the inclusion process for other operators, such as MTN, is underway and that no operator is being intentionally excluded. The government’s 5G initiative aims to enhance digital connectivity and foster technological advancement in Ghana. The Minister’s comments are intended to quell the speculation and assure the public and industry stakeholders of a fair and inclusive process. As the rollout progresses, the involvement of all major telecom players, including MTN, is anticipated to ensure a comprehensive and robust 5G network for Ghana. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a significant policy announcement, Mr. Alan Kyerematen, leader of the Movement for Change, has pledged to abolish the Council of State and establish a second parliamentary chamber if elected. Speaking at the unveiling of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP), Mr. Kyerematen outlined his vision for a more inclusive and effective governance structure. The proposed second chamber would comprise representatives from faith-based organizations, professional groups, artisans, and civil society organizations (CSOs). Mr. Kyerematen argued that this new body would enhance the governance system's value beyond the current arrangements provided by the Council of State, though he did not detail the specific reasons for its abolition. The former Trade Minister's GTP is built on six thematic areas, including the ambitious "Enterprise Economy of Ghana," which Kyerematen claims will drive the nation towards economic independence. Key policies under this plan include the introduction of a streamlined unity government with only 40 ministers and the elimination of sole sourcing practices, which he criticized as breeding grounds for corruption. Mr. Kyerematen did not mince words regarding the current administration, attributing Ghana's economic challenges to the "bad policies" of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. He emphasized the crucial role of governance in policy-making, arguing that sound policies naturally generate revenue, reducing the need for borrowing. Highlighting the pervasive issue of corruption, Kyerematen stated, "The level of corruption alone can turn around the country if we do the right thing. You need to demonstrate a leadership of personal integrity and political will. It is not enough to say I’m not corrupt but the people who surround you are corrupt." Mr. Kyerematen's vision for Ghana's future hinges on robust leadership and a commitment to integrity, aiming to foster an environment where good governance and effective policies lead to sustainable economic growth. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The funeral plans for the celebrated Ghanaian artist Kofi Dua Anto, known widely by his stage name KODA, have been rescheduled. Initially set for July 5, 2024, the date has now been moved to September 20, 2024, as announced by the KODA family in a recent Facebook post. “We would want to let everyone know that the date of the celebration of life for our beloved brother Kofi Dua Anto has been rescheduled from July 5, 2024, to September 20, 2024,” the family stated. The revised funeral service will be held at the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) Dominion Centre on Spintex Road in Accra. Following the service, a private burial ceremony will take place. KODA, a prominent figure in the Ghanaian music scene, passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2024, at the age of 45, following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and three children. KODA was renowned for his contributions to Ghanaian music, both as a singer and a producer. His notable songs, such as “Nsempii,” “Nkwa Abodoo,” “Yapai,” and “Adorso,” have left a lasting legacy in the industry. His passing has been a significant loss to the music community and his fans. The family’s announcement has been met with an outpouring of support and condolences from fans and fellow musicians alike, who remember KODA not only for his musical talents but also for his influence and mentorship within the industry. The rescheduled funeral service is expected to draw a large gathering of mourners, reflecting the widespread impact KODA had during his career. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In an inspiring show of support for education, Gabriel Appiah, an aspirant for the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) Secretary for Education, has made a significant contribution to the winners of the maiden NUGS quiz competition. At the grand finale, held at SDA Senior High School in the Afigya Sekyere East District, Ashanti Region, Mr. Appiah donated a brand-new Dell desktop computer worth GHc8,000.00 to the victorious school. This quiz competition, a brainchild of the incumbent NUGS Secretary for Education, Asare Bediako, brought together bright minds from basic schools across the district. Gabriel Appiah, currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Cape Coast University, seized the moment to encourage students to engage actively in educational programs, emphasizing the potential these activities have to uncover and nurture their talents. Applauding the NUGS leadership, Mr. Appiah remarked, “This initiative by the current administration to bring intellectual competitions to basic schools is a commendable step towards developing and showcasing young talents. I salute President Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel and Asare Bediako for their visionary and impactful program.” Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to education, Gabriel Appiah recently visited the Bitim-Chinderi community in the Krachi Nchumuru district, Oti region. Here, he witnessed the relentless efforts of teachers and students striving for excellence. To aid their mission, he donated bags of cement to support the construction of a new classroom unit, a project spearheaded by the 57th NUGS administration. Expressing his dedication, Mr .Appiah stated, “My pledge to ‘transform to develop’ goes beyond rhetoric. I will persistently advocate for the resources and initiatives needed to improve the educational landscape in the Oti region and throughout Ghana.” In his closing remarks, Mr. Appiah highlighted the critical role of education in national development, saying, “Education transforms minds and harnesses human resources into social, political, and economic capital. It is essential for meeting our developmental goals.” Gabriel Appiah's contributions and advocacy underscore his unwavering commitment to elevating Ghana's educational standards and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Black Queens striker, Doris Boaduwaa has officially joined Israeli Women’s Premier League outfit Hapoel Jerusalem FC on a two-year contract. The 21-year-old forward signed with Hapoel following her departure from Serbian club Spartak Subotica at the end of the 2023/24 season. Boaduwaa’s new agreement will see her stay in Israel until the end of the 2025/26 season. Her move marks another significant step in her promising career, showcasing her talent on a new stage. Last season, Boaduwaa made a notable impact in Europe while playing for Spartak Subotica. She scored three goals in the Champions League qualifiers and played a pivotal role in the club’s league campaign. Her performance in Europe followed an impressive stint with Ghana’s Women’s Premier League champions, Hasaacas Ladies, where she honed her skills and developed into a formidable striker. The move to Hapoel Jerusalem FC will reunite Boaduwaa with former Hasaacas Ladies teammate, Janet Egyir, providing a familiar and supportive dynamic to her transition to the Israeli Women’s Premier League. “I’m very excited to join Hapoel and start a new chapter in my career, with the goal of winning the championship. Looking forward to meeting you all at the field,” Boaduwaa said upon completing the deal. Doris Boaduwaa is also a key member of the Ghana national team, the Black Queens, playing a crucial role in their return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team was also close to qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris but narrowly missed out after losing to Zambia in the final qualification round. Boaduwaa’s move to Hapoel Jerusalem FC is expected to further elevate her career as she continues to make her mark in international women’s football. Credit: 3news

The family of Abraham Sambou, a final-year student at Labone Senior High School in Accra have petitioned the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate an alleged physical assault on their ward. The student was reportedly slapped by the senior housemaster, Eric Agyemang, known as 'Power,' following a false accusation by the school prefect of using a mobile phone. In the petition sighted by Accra based GhanaWeb, Sambou was allgedly detained without food or water and subsequently expelled from the boarding house without due process, requiring him to commute from Kasoa to Accra for classes. "This wrongful undocumented expulsion without recourse to due process poses a significant problem to the entire family since Master Sambou would have to commute daily from Kasoa in the Central Region to Labone, Accra. "The family expressed deep concerned about the mistreatment of our ward, Master Samboum, and the conduct of the school authorities, particularly Mr. Agyeman, who has admitted to slapping this vulnerable final year student - a student who needs all the psychological help he can get as the WASSCE approaches," portions of the petition said. The family expressed concern over the mistreatment and the senior housemaster's conduct, which was reportedly supported by the headmistress, Rejoice Acorlor. The family has called for a full investigation, the revocation of Sambou's expulsion, and accountability for the involved school officials. "Mr. Agyemang justified his actions by claiming Master Sambou lied about his father's availability when asked to provide his father's phone number. Later, it was confirmed that Master Sambou's father was indeed unavailable as the call was eventually answered by the boy's mother. "When we visited the school to address the issue, Mr. Agyemang admitted to slapping Master Sambou. The headmistress, Mrs Rejoice Acorlor, brazenly supported Mr. Agyemang's actions and stated that she would have acted even more harshly by slapping my ward and hitting him with her shoes. She also mentioned that if the incident had occurred before the resignation for the WASSCE, she would have ensured Master Sambou was not registered for the exam," the petition added. Additionally, they raised concerns about a photograph on Agyemang's WhatsApp profile showing him holding a gun, questioning his suitability as a role model for students. Credit: Pulse GH

A man affected by the scorching heat is helped by another Muslim pilgrim and a police officer during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mina on June 16. The Hajj is a journey of sacrifice that able Muslims are required to take once in their life. But as temperatures around Mecca this past week soared above 115 degrees, people collapsed, hundreds died and many were treated for heat exhaustion. Saudi officials confirmed on Sunday that the death toll had topped 1,300. The Hajj follows a lunar calendar so it will not always occur during such heat. Still, one study shows Saudi Arabia is heating up much more quickly than other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. A British imam and Hajj guide with Bilal Tours, Ather Hussain, says everywhere he looked, people were struggling or fainting from the heat. He’s been to Mecca many times, but says this year it was different. “It’s just really, really hard. I’ve never seen so many people struggle collectively at the same time, but at the same time, I saw people doing whatever they could to help,” he told NPR from Saudi Arabia this week. Saudi Arabia says more than 1.8 million Muslims from around the world converged in and around Mecca for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage that concluded Wednesday. The Hajj is performed over about five days, but can include weeks of travel, as well as long distances of walking, physical exertion and intense prayer. Images from the Hajj show many pilgrims carrying umbrellas for shade. Saudi Hajj authorities advised people to drink lots of water and avoid going outside certain times of day. They also said people did not need to walk to Mecca’s Grand Mosque, housing Islam’s holiest site — the cube-shaped Kaaba — for every prayer. The heat affected everyone Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed on Sunday that 1,301 people died at this year’s Hajj. Eighty-three percent of those who died were "unauthorized to perform Hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight without adequate shelter or comfort. Among the deceased were several elderly and chronically ill individuals," the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported. About "1.3 million preventive services were delivered, including early detection, vaccinations, and medical care upon arrival," the agency added, without specifying which services were for issues related to extreme heat. Saudi Arabia, which provides free health care for pilgrims, earlier said that nearly 3,000 people sought treatment for heat during the Hajj. One of them was Taha Assayid, a 40-year-old from Egypt. He says he was hospitalized last weekend after spending a few hours in the sun trying to make it into the mosque where it's believed Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon nearly 1,400 years ago. “I am a young man and was hospitalized, so just imagine what it was like for people in their 60s and over 70 years old,” Assayid says. People push themselves during the Hajj, often beyond what’s required. Many have saved up money their entire lives for the chance to experience these ancient rites. The pilgrimage is a key pillar of Islam, but the faith doesn’t require people to sacrifice their lives for the Hajj. Hussain, the imam and writer from Leicester, England, says he helped lead a group of about 140 pilgrims this year. He says some of the older people in the group were insistent on walking long distances to perform some of the rituals, but he had this advice for them: "You can always delegate. You can give that responsibility to someone else," he says. "That education ... is definitely something we need to do more. We need to explain to our people that, 'look, you don't need to go to extreme circumstances.' " Still, he says the weather was extremely hot for everyone, young and old. "Even the locals, you know, it hit them as well. And if the locals are telling you that the Mecca is hot, then you know it's hot," he says. Even under the hot sun, prayers at the Kaaba and on the Day of Arafat can offer moments of reflection and inner peace amid the bustling crowd. The kingdom's ruling Al Saud family takes pride in the prestige and stature that hosting the Hajj and managing Islam's holiest site brings. They’ve drawn criticism in the past over mismanagement of the Hajj after a stampede in 2015 and crane collapse killed thousands, but the kingdom took measures that have prevented such accidents since then. The heat, however, presents its own challenges. Temperatures are increasing around the world, driven in part by burning the kinds of fossil fuels of which Saudi Arabia is a top exporter. A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine in March by the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia found that during a hot summer in 1987, around 1,000 people died during the Hajj. The study found that temperatures have gone up in Mecca since then, outpacing warming in other parts of the word. To mitigate this, the Saudi government is planting more trees around Hajj sites and has coated the ground in heat-reflective pavement. Volunteers hand out water, juice and umbrellas to pilgrims who walk under misting systems to keep cool. Egyptian pilgrim Ibrahim Omran says he has been to Mecca more than 20 times. This was the hottest he's ever seen it, he says. Despite crackdowns by Saudi police, Omran says many Egyptians on the Hajj this year walked everywhere on foot and had no hotels to cool off in because they were there on tourist visas, not the proper Hajj visas. He says this is a consequence of Egypt's currency plummeting and companies operating the Hajj in Egypt jacking up prices. Omran says he keeps returning to Mecca for the spiritual pull it has on him, but he says there are limits to everything. “I am not going to take risks and kill myself to perform the Hajj. I will do it legally and find the best official way to reach Saudi Arabia so I can find health care, and not expose myself to misery and suffering,” he says. The Hajj is costly, physically demanding, and tiring. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a sea of people from across the world wearing simple white terry cloth robes, their hands extended in repentance and weeping in humility and prayer, it’s an unparalleled experience for many. "I saw adversity, but I also saw the best of humanity," Hussain says. "And I think that is the message of the Hajj: Help one another.” Credit: NPR News

The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Former President John Dramani Mahama will hold a media encounter on Sunday, July 7, 2024. A statement issued by his spokesperson Joyce Bawah Mogtari, on Monday, June 24 said that this major engagement with journalists is the first in a series of similar encounters that Mr Mahama will have with the media before the December elections. It is an opportunity for him to share his vision for Ghana’s future and address important national interest issues, the statement said. “The forthcoming media encounter, a testament to Mahama’s unwavering commitment to transparency and dialogue with the people of Ghana, recognizes the crucial role of the media. He firmly believes that an open and interactive conversation with the media is vital in equipping the Ghanaian people with the information they need to make informed decisions. “Media houses interested in attending to cover the encounter are invited to send details of the reporter and video operator, where applicable, to office@johnmahama.org,” the statement added. Credit: 3news

Abdulai Nene Tei, popularly known as Olembe, the Assembly member for the Oblogo Electoral Area, has partnered with The Rotary Club, a renowned Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), to address pressing needs at the Oblogo M/A School. During a visit to the school a few months ago, Hon. Olembe identified several critical challenges, including a lack of teaching and learning materials, poor sanitation facilities, the need for a perimeter wall, and insufficient shade in the school's environment. In response, he reached out to The Rotary Club for assistance. The Rotary Club's executive officers recently visited Oblogo M/A School to assess the situation first-hand, following a detailed report submitted by Mr. Olembe. Impressed by the initiative, the Club has committed to donating most of the necessary items on July 23, 2024. Expressing gratitude, the Assembly man along a Unit Committee Member, Mr. Abeiku and the school heads, thanked The Rotary Club for their generosity and support. This collaborative effort is part of Mr. Olembe's broader strategy to enhance the Oblogo Electoral Area's infrastructure and educational facilities. The community is however invited to attend the donation event on July 23, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uplift the educational standards in Oblogo. Under Mr. Olembe's leadership, the Oblogo Electoral Area is on a path to substantial improvement, promising a brighter future for its students and residents. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith