The Second Vice Chairman for the Ejisu Constituency of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Boateng, has won the party's parliamentary primary for the area. He obtained 394 votes in today's [April 13, 2024] primary, beating his closest contender, Helena Mensah, who secured 302 votes. Yaa Akyemaa Aboagye also got 229 votes whilst former GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who had been hospitalised prior to the start of the polls, obtained 35 votes. Similarly, Dr Evans Duah managed 63 votes while Portia Acheampong Abronye secured six votes. Klinsman Karikari Mensah and Aaron Prince Duah got two votes respectively while Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey got no vote. A total of 1081 delegates took part in the primary to elect a candidate to contest on the ticket of the party in the upcoming by-election in the area, following the demise of the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, John Kumah on March 7, 2024. The party conducted the parliamentary primary following the demise of the Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Ampontuah Kumah. The Electoral Commission has set April 30, 2024, for the Ejisu by-election. Credit: Graphiconline

Former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kwasi Nyantakyi's team says despite taking ill hours to the Ejisu NPP parliamentary primary, he will be at the polling station before voting ends. The candidate was hospitalised on Friday night after complaining of dizziness. Mr Nyantakyi, according to his team, fell ill after visits to some electoral areas as part of activities to wrap up his campaign. At the start of polling, the candidate was on admission at the hospital. According to his team, health professionals have run checks on the candidate, and he is expected to be discharged before the end of the election. Earlier, members of the election committee visited the hospital where the former GFA boss was hospitalised. Nine aspirants are in a race to be elected as parliamentary candidates of the NPP for the upcoming by-election. In March, the Ejisu MP died following a short illness necessitating a by-election. Credit: Myjoyonline

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has alerted the general public of the recall of Benylin Paediatric (100MLS) Syrup, LOT No 329304 by the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC) from the Nigerian Market market. According to FDA, Benylin Paediatric (100MLS) Syrup is a cough mixture manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (Ply), South Africa. In a communique signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, she said "The recall was necessitated by the detection of an 'unacceptable high level' of diethylene glycol (DEG) in the product" She added that the DEG is a chemical substance poisonous to humans and consuming it could be injurious to health, causing headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Dr. Darko also cited paralysis, convulsion, acute kidney disease and inability to pass urine among others which may lead to death as part of the effects after consuming the product. The FDA, however, assured that the product is not available on the Ghanaian market having reviewed all the data on the importation of the product to Ghana from 2021. "The public is hereby cautioned to look out for the affected lot of the Benylin Paediatric Syrup and report to any of FDA's offices across the country", the communique added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ehiopia's first ever sexual violence registration system is in the works and set to start operations next year, the government has said. The system which aims to prevent and respond to sexual violence against women and children is hoped to make an impact in a country where prosecuting gender-based violence is a major challenge. According to a 2016 survey, 23% of Ethiopian women have experienced physical violence and 10% have experienced sexual violence. People often underreport such experiences so the true number is likely to be higher. The anticipated system will hold sex offenders accountable even after they serve time for their crimes. When it's operational, it will exclude registered sex offenders from working in schools, orphanages and other children's institutions, the women's rights and protection executive in the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs Seleshi Tadesse told BBC News Amharic. With a budget of around 10m birr ($176,000; £140,000) due to be contributed by various institutions, the national sex offence crime registry is proposed to have three types of pages, including a public page. Credit: BBC

The family of Mawuena Trebarh, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), has announced her passing. The family has requested “utmost privacy” in their time of grief. A statement signed by Prof Ernest Dumor, father of Mrs Trebarh, said, “Professor Ernest Dumor, the Dumor, Gbeho and allied families announce with deep sorrow the passing of their beloved daughter, Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh (nee Dumor).” She passed in the evening of Wednesday, 10th April 2024, after a recent period of illness, the statement said. It said, her funeral announcements would be announced in due time. After news of the passing of Mawuena Trebarh broke, many people, who expressed shock and sorry, commiserated with Prof Ernest Kwaku Dumor as he mourns the loss of his well-accomplished daughter. The trailblazing first female CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) died a day before her birthday. In a touching display of solidarity and support, scores of mourners continue to share tributes to console and empathise with Prof Dumor, renowned academic, following Mrs Trebarh’s passing. Her death comes barely a decade after her brother, Komla Dumor of the BBC, died – an agony Prof Dumor and the family are yet to recover from. “I miss you dearly Komla and I'm grateful for the times we shared together. May the Good Lord continue to bless you with the gift of fulfilment you brought to us…,” Prof Dumor said in a Facebook post on January 18, 2024. Prof Ernest Dumor revealed in an interview that he continuously mourned his late wife and son several years after their demise. “They are in the same place behind my window so, I go there and say a little prayer and commit them into the bosom of the Lord and ask them to intercede for those of us who are still alive so that the memory will still continue,” he said. There has been an outpouring of empathetic messages to console Prof Dumor after the passing of Mawuena. Mawuena Trebarh is known for her remarkable achievements in both the private and public sectors. Trebarh’s professional journey was marked by numerous milestones, including being the first female CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the first female underground exploration geologist amidst a predominantly male workforce in the Ashanti Region. Born in April 1971, in Ghana, Trebarh pursued her education at the University of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Mining. She furthered her studies with an MBA in Management and Strategic Planning at the McCallum Graduate School of Business, Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts. Throughout her career, Trebarh held key positions in various organisations, showcasing her expertise and leadership abilities. She served as the Corporate Services Executive at MTN Ghana, overseeing corporate communications, government and regulatory relations, legal matters, and company secretarial duties. Mawuena Trebarh managed communications strategies for Newmont Ghana Ltd and made significant contributions to the development of gold deposits in Ghana and other African countries. She is survived by her husband, Flt. Lt. Divine Trebarh, their daughter Katherine Joy, her father Prof Dumor and her brother Dr Korshie Dumor. Credit: GNA

Former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ejisu Constituency, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, has declared his intention to run as an independent candidat in the upcoming by-election. This announcement comes a day before the New Patriotic Party’s primary to select a candidate for the same election. A press release from the former MP’s team attributes the decision to break away from the NPP to the party leadership’s failure to address significant concerns regarding the voter roll. “In a bold move that highlights the importance of upholding democratic principles within political parties, Hon. Ing Kwabena Owusu Aduomi has announced his decision to contest the Ejisu by-elections as an independent candidate. “This decision stems from the reluctance of the National Leadership of the NPP to address crucial concerns regarding the existing delegates album, a matter that strikes at the heart of party integrity and fairness,” the statement disclosed. Below is the full statement Hon. Owusu-Aduomi to contest Ejisu by-elections as Independent Candidate: A stand against party irregularities In a bold move that highlights the importance of upholding democratic principles within political parties, Hon. Ing Kwabena Owusu Aduomi has announced his decision to contest the Ejisu by-elections as an independent candidate. This decision stems from the reluctance of the National Leadership of the NPP to address crucial concerns regarding the existing delegates album, a matter that strikes at the heart of party integrity and fairness. The genesis of this decision traces back to the tumultuous Ejisu polling station executive elections, marred by irregularities that would have been deemed unacceptable in any democratic society. Rather than adhering to the democratic process, the late MP of Ejisu, with the assistance of the Regional Executives of the NPP, arbitrarily handpicked individuals to fill key positions—a blatant disregard for the party’s constitution and its fundamental principles. Such actions have rightfully stirred vehement protests from conscientious party members and stakeholders across the nation. The issue has even found its way into the courts for adjudication, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for redress. Hon. Owusu-Aduomi’s decision to contest the by-election as an independent candidate underscores his unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency and accountability within the party. By refusing to participate in an ostensibly flawed process, he sends a clear message that integrity and fairness must prevail, even at the expense of personal political aspirations. This courageous stance serves as a beacon of hope for all those who cherish democracy and seek to safeguard the principles upon which our political institutions are built. It is a reminder that no individual or party is above the law, and that the will of the people must always be respected and upheld. As the Ejisu by-elections loom on the horizon, Hon. Owusu-Aduomi’s candidacy stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy and the enduring quest for justice and accountability within our political landscape. It is a call to action for all citizens to stand up and demand the transparency and fairness that are the bedrock of a healthy and vibrant democracy. Credit: Prime News

Nana Kwame Bediako, independent presidential candidate in Ghana's 2024 elections and leader of the New Force political movement, has warned voters about the potential consequences of not electing him. Known affectionately as Cheddar, the presidential aspirant told Accra-based TV3 that if he loses the upcoming polls, he will return in the future to 'buy' the country. He explained that he has a policy of creating one million millionaires who will pay him 10% of their earnings. According to Nana Kwame Bediako, this would make him significantly wealthier and able to buy Ghana, giving him full control even without an executive position. "If I create a million millionaires and take 10% from each, I'll definitely be richer than the country. So Ghanaians should be careful - they may not want me now, but when I return I'll be back to buy it," he stated on the TV station's Afternoon Show on April 10th. The renowned businessman believes he is destined to deliver Ghana from its recent economic challenges. Notable among his campaign pledges is dredging the sea to Kumasi to boost trade in the Ashanti region. Credit: Modern Ghana

Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky has been sentenced to six months in prison for abusing and tampering with the Naira by a Federal High Court in Lagos. In the West African country's laws, a person who tampers with the Naira note or coin is guilty of an offence, punishable by law. Vanguard Nigeria reported that the crossdresser, born Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, was not given an option of a fine during the sentencing on Friday, April 12. According to the judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, this is to set an example and deter other people from damaging the currency in any way or form going forward. Meanwhile, Bobrisky’s jail term commences from the day of his arrest, March 24, 2024. Also, the crossdresser who over the past few years has insisted on being called a woman, is expected to spend his time in the men’s prison. He reportedly told the judge he is a man when asked about his gender before sentencing. Background Bobrisky was arrested after a video surfaced showing him spraying wads of cash at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s ‘Beasts of Two Worlds’ movie on March 24, 2024. Following Bobrisky’s arrest, the EFCC revealed that aside from the March 24 incident, their investigation found that Bobrisky had tampered with the naira on several occasions in 2023. The influencer was also charged with two counts of money laundering. According to the agency, the crossdresser failed to report to appropriate institutions the activities of a company he established called the Bob Express. Bobrisky was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge, four of which pertained to abusing the Naira and two to money laundering following his arrest. However, two of the charges of money laundering were dropped. Bobrisky was convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos after pleading guilty to charges related to the abuse of the Naira. According to a report by the newspaper, Punch Nigeria on Friday, April 5, the social media influencer told the court he was unaware that tampering with the Naira note or coin is an offence punishable by law. Bobrisky told the court he was remorseful; adding that should he be given a second chance, he would take the opportunity to educate his followers against spraying money. He also promised to upload a video on the subject matter and never to repeat the mistake. Credit: Myjoyonline

Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mrs. Mawuena Adzo Trebah has passed away. The circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs Trebah, elder sister to late BBC Broadcaster Komla Dumor are unknown. Mrs. Mawuena Adzo Trebah per the information gathered died today, Thursday, April 11. She is survived with a husband, Flt LT Divine Trebah, and a daughter, Katherine Joy. She made history in 2017 when she was appointed CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre as the first female. She served in that role for four years and left the position in 2017. Mrs. Mawuena Adzo Trebah made a name for herself in the business circle. She was the founding director and Chief Business Strategist at Inspire Africa. She held other roles including head of Corporate Communications at Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN). She also held various senior executive positions, including roles at Ashanti Goldfields Company Ltd, where she began as their first female underground exploration geologist, Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd. Credit: Modern Ghana

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira Bawumia have extended their wishes to all Muslims on the occasion of this year's Eid-ul-Fitr. The NPP's 2024 flagbearer in a video shared on his social media platforms on Thursday, April 11, 2024 prayed for Allah's mercy for all Muslims in the country. "We are grateful to the Almighty Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan. On this particular day, Eid, let us pray for our families, friends, and also our nation, Ghana,'' Dr Bawumia said. Also, the wife of the Vice President, Samira Bawumia expressed her goodwill message to Muslims and asked for Allah's mercy for everyone. ''May Allah accept our prayers. May Allah's mercy be upon all of us. And may Allah's mercy be on all departed souls," she said. Eid al-Fitr [“Festival of Breaking Fast”] is a time of official receptions and private visits when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited. Credit: Myjoyonline

The Ghana Immigration Service has refute claims that one of its officers has been sacked as reported by some media outlets. According to the the Immigration Service, the reportage was untrue and thus should not be given any attention. In a communique signed by its Head, Public Relations, Supt. Michael Amoako-Atta, he said "Management categorically refutes the claim that an Officer has been summoned or sacked as suggested in the story and the headline respectively. For emphasis, nothing of the sort has happened at the Ghana Immigration Service. No Officer has been sacked from the Ghana Immigration Service for engaging in partisan politics or supporting a candidate against another" The communique added that the Code of Conduct and Reporting Mechanism of the Service bars Officers from engaging in partisan politics. This, he explained ensures strict professionalism of Officers in the discharge of their duties, which includes border and migration management, and contribution to national security. "The attention of Management of the Ghana Immigration Service has been drawn to a story alleges that an Officer of the Service has been summoned over an open support for one Mr. Moses Abor, the then contender of the Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, Hon. Henry Quartey in the National Patriotic Party’s recent primaries" He noted that the story appears to link this incident to the Minister’s recent comments during his visit to the Immigration Service Headquarters, where he cautioned Officers against partisan politics. "The Interior Minister during his visit admonished all Officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties and eschew partisan politics, especially since this is an election year" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has openly declared his stance on the controversial LGBTQ brouhaha. According to Dr. Bawumia, he, personally cannot support that which his religion, and indeed, all major religions in Ghana clearly and unequivocably forbid. Speaking at the Kumasi Central Mosque during Eid Mubarak, he said "Therefore, I personally cannot support that which my religion, and indeed, all major religions in Ghana as well as our societal norms and values, clearly and unequivocably forbid" "All the major religious traditions in Ghana (Christianity and Islam) are opposed to this practice and I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as President, Insha Allah" "On the issue of LGBTQ, first of all, it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality" "Furthermore, as a Muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith" "The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts, including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality, no 'ifs' or 'buts'. No shades of grey" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith