The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has unequivocally declared that any plot against the Ashanti Kingdom, be it from the government, politicians, or other tribes in Ghana, will ultimately fail. This strong assertion came during a durbar on Thursday, 8th February 2024, marking the culmination of the 150 years celebration of the Sagranti War, known as the Kuntunkuni festival, held in Manhyia. During the event, Otumfuo urged all Ghanaians to unite for a common purpose, emphasizing the importance of promoting national growth founded on a bedrock of peace. He highlighted the historical transformation of the Ashanti Kingdom from a separate entity to an integral part of the Gold Coast, now governed under Ghana’s 1992 constitution. Expressing concern over perceived animosity towards the Ashanti people, Otumfuo questioned the basis of any anti-Ashanti sentiments. He stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to living harmoniously within the country’s legal framework and called for an end to divisive plots. While commemorating the resilience of Asanteman, Otumfuo referenced the Golden Stool as the symbolic soul of the Kingdom, making it indestructible. He recounted the historical significance of the Sagrenti War of 1874, highlighting how the Golden Stool endured various challenges, solidifying Asanteman’s invincibility. “Asante is alive. 150 years ago, the whites destroyed this city, but the Golden Stool remained. Various kinds of guns came to Kumasi, but the Golden Stool remained untouched. So far as the Golden Stool remains, no one can touch Asanteman. It is the soul of Asanteman and Nananom used their blood to protect it.” “You will be overcome if you decide to take out Asante. All those who plot against the kingdom must stop. We live here in love…Politicians must know that power is transient. Use love to rule. If you rely on your power, remember that your time will end soon.” “The Zongos are on our land, we live in peace. Ewes are here and we have Anloga here as well as Fantes New Town for Fantes. Why is our love being reciprocated with hatred? Let’s be united. All political parties must know that without Asante, Ghana cannot stand. We are not above anyone; we are equals but I won’t allow anyone to cheat us.” Credit: Citinewsroom

The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has objected to a custodial sentence for individuals found culpable of engaging in LGBTQ+ activities. Parliament, on Thursday, February 8, approved a three-to-five-year jail term for individuals who wilfully promote or sponsor LGBTQ activities, while those caught in the act are to be sentenced to a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years. During a clause-by-clause amendment of the bill on the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that the punitive action would not aid in the rehabilitation of the culprit. The Effutu lawmaker lamented the state of the country’s prisons and argued that they would not provide the rehabilitation needed for offenders of the act. “It is my contention that given the state of our prisons, a custodial sentence will not lead to the rehabilitation of the offender if he is convicted; it cannot be an option. If indeed we are promoting Ghanaian family values, then our Ghanaian family values will not entail the consequence of those who breach them being destroyed in society.” On his part, the lead proponent of the anti-gay bill, Sam Nartey George, also explained that “what created the confusion was the establishment of advocacy for the promotion of the activities; that is what Ghanaians are against. Nobody is interested in what you do in your bedroom. And so, the punishment for one caught in the act, is to be a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years.” “However, for anyone engaging in wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of the agenda, the punitive measure for that is a minimum of 3 years, maximum of 5 years.” Credit: Citinewsroom

The Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has expressed her continued commitment to canvassing and rallying support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to achieve its goal of winning the 2024 general elections. Adwoa Safo, who faced defeat in the party’s primaries on January 27, asserts that she will do everything possible to assist the party in retaining the Dome-Kwabenya seat. Speaking to journalists in Accra, Adwoa Safo indicated that she would leverage her talent and the experience she has acquired over the years as a politician to help ensure the NPP’s success in the upcoming polls. “We need to break the 8 as a party, and so we need all hands on deck. I am committed to making sure that our vice president is elected president in 2025.  It is not only Dome-Kwabenya that I can harness my talent and experience and bring on board what I have learned over the years. I am going to put myself to use to ensure that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is elected president in 2025.” Credit: Citinewsroom

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has insisted that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia cannot absolve himself from the current debilitating economic situation in Ghana. Mr. Mahama insists that every member of the Akufo-Addo administration must be held accountable for the current state of the country’s economy. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Tamale in the Northern Region on Thursday, John Mahama said the NPP has messed up the country and must be shown the exit. “Now, all those who contributed to the mess are attempting to distance themselves as if they were not involved. People have started claiming they were not in charge and that their voices weren’t heard, but they all played a part in the crisis, and none of them can evade responsibility. They all participated in cabinet meetings and collectively made decisions.” “All of them ‘dey inside’, Jack Toronto and all his brothers, all of them are part of the mess we are going through. None of them can escape responsibility.” Credit: Citinewsroom

English born Ghanaian midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a top talent the English National Men’s Football team wants to add to its pool of players. The interest is so strong, England Manager Gareth Southgate and his staff is “seriously considering” including the 18 year old Manchester United midfielder in upcoming friendly games. This is according to English football transfer expert Graeme Bailey who reported the developing situation ahead of The Three Lions games against Brazil and Belgium in March. England has qualified to play in this year’s Euros and is in Group C with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia after losing the 2020 Euros final to Italy on penalties. Mainoo who is of Ghanaian descent through his parents has starred for Man United this season and scored a stunning winner in Man United’s 4-3 victory over Wolves in the English Premier League. Dr. Randy Abbey, a Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member, said the GFA was interested in working with him in the future. He scored his debut goal for The Red Devils this year in a 4-2 win for Man United over Newport County in the FA Cup. He is eligible to play for Ghana despite playing for England’s juvenile teams. Credit: Citinewsroom

Ghana Football Association (GFA), President Kurt Okraku has touched on the high level of capital needed to run football effectively. He pointed this as the main reason behind the GFA’s inability to meet the financial requirements of football bodies in the nation. The GFA President said this in his address at a media briefing in Kumasi held in the aftermath of Ghana’s terrible 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire where the Black Stars failed to qualify from the group stage. Wading into the issue, President Okraku voiced his desire to hand out a million dollars a season to each club in the Ghana Premier League, Division One or Women’s Premier League if he was hampered by money issues. “Funding is a big problem. Football is a capital intensive enterprise. In as much as we are doing whatever we can to have a lot of funding, it’s not been enough. If I had a way, I will give each Premier League club or Women Premier League club or DOL club a million dollar a season if I had a way, if I had the means.” “So what this means is that, we would have to continue to work towards raking in more inflows” before dispelling the notion that he interferes with the work of Black Stars head coaches. Credit: Citinewsroom

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has rubbished the notion that he interferes with the work of Black Stars head coaches. He refuted this claim in his speech delivered at a press briefing in Kumasi in the aftermath of Ghana’s disappointing run at the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. Ghana crashed out of the tournament in the first round without a win and many believe that recently sacked head coach Chris Hughton’s work was interfered with just as suggested by former Black Stars head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor in an interview after his dismissal. Under Otto Addo, Ghana crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the group stage. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Executive Board of the Ghana Music Award (GMA) –USA has appointed renowned Ghanaian entertainment journalist and showbiz critic, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo as the Chairman of the newly constituted awards board. In a press statement signed by the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of GMA-USA, the executive council noted that Arnold’s significant contributions to the creative industry, working with various brands, artists, and events align seamlessly with the vision of the awards scheme. ”With a seasoned background in public relations and communications, Mr. Asamoah-Baidoo brings valuable experience to his new role. As Chairman, Mr. Asamoah-Baidoo will lead a distinguished team overseeing the categorization and nomination process for the awards scheme,” the council stated. The press statement further disclosed other Board Members for the 5th instalment of the scheme scheduled for August 17, 2024. The list includes legendary music producers, David Kyei (Kaywa) and Kwame Micky. Media personalities, Halifax Ansah-Addo, Frank Kwabena Owusu (Franky 5) and Events aficionado, Mrs. Whitney Boakye Mensah complements the list. Other Board members include, Mike Tamakloe, Emmanuel Kusi Mensah, Nathan Pryce, Joshua Tigo, and Dennis K. Boafo – with Jeeje Hagan serving as the Secretary to the Board. Again  Nana Poku Ashis will serve as the Communications Director, Papa Bills as Country Representative and Eugene Osafo Nkansah as the official blogger for the 5th edition. The Board is mandated to oversee the categorization and nomination process for the awards, after which the official Nominees Announcement would be held on April 20, 2024. Nominees for the 5th edition of the awards would be presented with ‘Certificate of Nomination’ in a special event yet to be announced by the organizers of the scheme. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

Ghanaian singer and disc jockey (DJ), Mark Kwesi Arthur, known professionally as DJ Azonto has expressed his willingness to sell the rights to his popular track ‘Fa No Fom’ to either the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the upcoming 2024 political campaigns. According to him, he would be glad if NDC or NPP used his song for the campaign and in return for money. The catchy and energetic nature of ‘Fa No Fom’ has made it a favorite among music enthusiasts, and DJ Azonto sees its potential as a campaign anthem. Speaking with Amansan Krakye on Cape Coast-based Property FM, the crooner who doubles as a media personality, emphasized that he’s ready to sit down and negotiate with any political party that wishes to use his song this election year. He stated that most of the parliamentary aspirants who appeared last on the ballot paper used his song to campaign in the recent NPP elections and that of NDC last year. Given this, he has decided to trade off his smash monster hit song in order to use the proceeds to buy his mother a Lamborghini and a house at East Legon. ”I want to make it public that I will be glad if NPP or NDC use Fa No Fom for their campaign and give me money because most of their people have already been using it ”I will use NPP or NDC money to buy my mother a Lamborghini and a house at East Legon because my song is perfect for any candidate who falls bottom on the ballot paper,” he said. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Girls Senior High School, a cornerstone of girls’ education in Ghana has marked its 70th Anniversary in customary grand style. The week-long celebration, culminating in a grand durbar on February 3, welcomed Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of the Republic, as the special guest of honour. Themed “Reminiscing 70 Years of Holistic Catholic Education: The Role of Stakeholders in Embracing Technology and Entrepreneurship for the Future,” the celebration kicked off with a walk on January 30, with all events geared toward honouring the school’s legacy and looked towards its future. Sharing a personal connection with girls’ education, Mrs. Bawumia commended OLA Girls for its unwavering commitment to holistic education and its significant contribution to national development. She lauded the Ho-based school’s success in nurturing academic excellence while instilling enduring values in its students. However, she emphasised the urgent need to further integrate technology into all aspects of its operations, saying that it was crucial to ensure competitiveness in the future. “The impact of recent developments, including COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of technology in education. Exposing students to artificial intelligence and computer programs can equip them for future challenges while maintaining the school’s cherished values,” she stated. Headmistress Benedicta Agbezudor expressed gratitude for government support in improving the school’s infrastructure through the Ghana Education Trust Fund and the Ministry of Education. However, she highlighted critical challenges and called for further assistance saying it would help remove some stumbling blocks that were impeding academic performance. “All our existing classrooms are overcrowded and cannot adequately accommodate the over 4,000 girls. Two of our traditional dormitories need renovation, and transportation is limited as our two buses cannot travel beyond Ho. We appeal to the government through Her Excellency to prioritise OLA Girls in addressing these issues, especially the vehicles” she stated. The Headmistress, nonetheless, pledged that the school would continue to compete for top honours regionally and nationally. Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, reiterated the government’s commitment to education, technology, and entrepreneurship. He pledged collaboration with educational institutions and stakeholders to equip the region’s youth for success. “With the support of the Ghana Education Service, GETFUND, and the Ministry of Education, and the Presidency, we will address your concerns,” he assured. To ensure a seamless celebration of the big durbar, the 1998-year group led by Mrs. Gifty Mottey Gowu acquired two large sponsorships from GB Foods, producers of Ghana’s famous Gino and Pomo range of products, and Blow Chem Industries, manufacturers of Bel-Beverages and Bel Aqua Mineral Water. About OLA Senior High School OLA Senior High School was founded on February 1, 1954, at Keta by Bishop Anthony Konings, then Bishop of the Keta Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, with 35 students. Initially known as “Queen of Apostles Secondary School,” the school was later renamed “Our Lady of Apostles” (OLA) Senior High School. The school’s current population stands at over 4,097. This comprises 3,962 boarding students, with 135 day students. The establishment of the school in the region has contributed to the development of girl-child education in the country and has also brought about the situation where girls from the region had to travel over 200 miles to Cape-Coast and other places to access sister schools. Over the years, the school has achieved excellent academic records in the final examinations of the West African Senior Secondary Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Since its establishment 70 years ago, Ola Senior High School has produced some of the country’s best human resources who are serving the country in various top positions. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah

The Ministry of Health, National Health Insurance Authority and partners have launched the national non-resident visitors health insurance policy for all non-residet visitors in Accra. According to the Minister, the move is timely as his Ministry is also implementing a Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020 - 2030). He said "Ministry is currently implementing a Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020 - 2030) which defines UHC for Ghana as 'all people in Ghana have timely access to high-quality helath service irrespective of their ability to pay at the point of use" "The emphasis is on 'all people in Ghana' which includes non-resident visitors" He further explained that the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852) provides that bith residents in Ghanaust have health insurance to enhance their access to equittable health services for better quality of life. The 2022 Holistic Assessment Report, he mentioned revealed a marhinal increase in NHIAS population coverage from 54.4% in 2021 to 54.5% in 2022. "As a government, we are making significant progress in terms of coverage for residents" "The goal of the policy is to promote, provide, and maintain good healthcare for all non-resident visitors in Ghana through health insurance" The Minister hinted that the implementation of this policy wil culminate in te establishment of a National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance Scheme (HNRVHIS). He added that the scheme will be the main vehicle for the delivery of a robust healthare services to non-residents who will be traveling to Ghana. "It is worthy to note that while this policy is conceived to be standardised and comprehensive, in line with the laws and policies of the country at the time of the visit" "Let me state categorically that this policy is not merely a document but a powerful declaration of intent and clarion call for collective action to ensure the achievement of UHC come 2030" On his part, WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Prof. Francis Chisaka Kasolo said "Today, we take a steptowards addressing these challenges and promoting healthy equity for all" "This policy will provide a safety net for non-resident populations, enabling them to seek timely and appropriate healthcare services without fear of financial hardship" "The success of this great initiative however, hings on the collaboration and collective effort of all stakeholders involved" "We must work together to overcome the barriers that non-resident populations face in accessing healthcare" "This includes addressing language barriers through translation services, providing culturally sensitive care and raising awareness about the availability and benefits of the Non-resident Health Insurance Policy" "Your commitment to health equity and inclusivity is commendable, and I am confident that this policy will make a significant difference in the lives of non-resident populations" Taking his turn, Board Chairman of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Ernest Kwarko said "While the NHIA has made significant strides in expanding coverage for persons resident in the country" "There remains a gap when it comes to healthcare services for persons not resident in the country but who are on a visit to the country,as required by law" He stressed that the introduction of the mandatory scheme underscores NHIA's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status. "Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind due to lack of access to essential medical services" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a significant policy announcement, the Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has declared that National Service will no longer be mandatory under his potential presidency. This statement marks a departure from the longstanding tradition of compulsory national service in the country. He emphasized the need for a more flexible approach, citing the evolving landscape of education and employment. According to him, Ghanaian graduates will now have the freedom to choose whether to undertake national service or otherwise. Bawumia further stressed that this adjustment will facilitate easier recruitment processes for companies, as they can directly approach various tertiary institutions for hiring purposes. He made this known while speaking during a national address at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Accra, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. “Ladies and Gentlemen, to help our youth get jobs, I believe it is time to rethink the concept of our current national service scheme. My government will propose that those who after completion of their education can secure jobs would be exempted from national service,” he said. He continued by saying; “National service will no longer be mandatory, and students will have the option to decide whether to do national service. This will also encourage companies to go to campuses for recruitment annually. This shift is anticipated to generate discussions on the broader implications for national development and workforce preparedness. Credit: Ameyaw Debrah