Energy expert Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku is upbeat about his chances in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership race. He was one of the three aspirants vetted by the party’s Vetting Committee on Monday, July 3. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen were also vetted. Interacting with journalists after his vetting, Mr Poku said the process was smooth and he had the subtle endorsement of the Committee’s members. “Everything went well, the conversation was smooth,” he said. “I answered all the questions they asked to the best of my ability.” He said he received applause from committee members and that to him is an appreciation of his performance at the vetting. “When you finish speaking and people are able to clap for you then it means they are impressed with what you said you have told them and after the end I got a clap.” Mr Poku is the only aspirant not served publicly for an NPP government as the rest are past and present members of Parliament (MPs) or ministers of state. One is the Vice President. Assin North by-election: EC dismisses NDC's allegation of inserting illegal names into voters’ register. Results of the vetting are set to be released on Friday, July 21 with balloting scheduled for Monday, July 24. Credit: 3news.com

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister of Trade and Industry Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and energy expert Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku are set to face the Vetting Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as preparations to elect a 2024 flagbearer heat up. After nominations closed on Saturday, June 24, vetting is set to begin today, Monday, July 3. The three aspirants – mentioned above – have been scheduled to appear before the committee on the first day of vetting. On Tuesday, former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, former General Secretary of the party Kwabena Agyei Agyepong and Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong will appear before the committee. Former Offinso South MP Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, former Agric Minister Dr Owusu Afriyei Akoto, and Essikado-Ketan MP Joe Ghartey will appear on Wednesday, July 5 while former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh takes his turn on Thursday, July 6. Per the NPP timetable, results of the vetting will be published on Friday, July 21 with balloting scheduled for Monday, July 24. Pensioner bondholders resume picketing at Finance Ministry If more than five candidates qualify after facing the Prof Mike Oquaye-led committee, a National Congress by a Special Electoral College will be held Saturday, August 26 to whittle down the number to five. The party intends to elect its flagbearer on Saturday, November 4. Credit: 3news.com

A resident of Bawku, the capital of the Bawku Municipal District, district in the Upper East region of north Ghana, Owula Mangortey has described the year's Eid ul-Adha celebration as peaceful. According to him, although it is not always gloomy in Bawku, they manged to enjoyed some peace and tranquility before and during this year’s celebration. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he said "It is not always gloomy in Bawku, as we enjoyed some peace and tranquility before and during the Eid ul-Adha festival" "Ah! 28th June, 2023, was a nice and tranquil day of prayers and celebration - of the Eid ul-Adha festival - in Bawku. So nice! If you don't live in Bawku with us, you can't imagine the sense of confidence, resilience, hope and joy with which our Muslim relatives and neighbours went to the various prayer centres to pray - solemnly and peacefully - with no outward show of fear of any gun attacks" "If you don't live in Bawku with us, you can't imagine the relative huge numbers of Muslim faithfuls who thronged the prayer centres - as compared to attendances at other Muslim festivities - since Bawku became insecure from November/December, 2021" "If you don't live with us in Bawku, you can't imagine the joy of celebrants in their white - and other brightly coloured - clothings and attires, as they strode - and some drove in cars and buses - along the main streets of Sabon Zongo, Daduri, Azanga, and on the road from Sabongari to the Central market area, and from the Total fuel station area towards the ADB bank area" "If you don't live with us in Bawku, you can't imagine our thanks and gratitude to the Security Operatives for facilitating and making our Muslim relatives and neighbours' Eid ul-Adha celebration on 28th June, 2023, a memorable, peaceful, joyful and tranquil day" He also noted that citizens of Bawku refused to bow to the obstreperous and mercurial freelance warlords who turned to their bully pulpit "We continue to pray and work hard for peace, progress and prosperity in Bawku. One day, workers on government pay roll will beg to be transferred to a commercially vibrant and prosperous Bawku - to work and live with us! Insha Allah!" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

For disrespecting womanhood, Blakk Rasta would have taken drastic actions against Sarkodie, including stripping the rapper off all his ambassadorial deals if he had his way, the radio personality has said without equivocation. In his submission on UTV’s United Showbiz hosted by MzGee and monitored by GhanaWeb, Blakk Rasta said it was repugnant for Sarkodie to have released a song punctuated with vulgar lyrics to respond to Yvonne Nelson’s claim that the rapper impregnated her in 2010, drove her to have an abortion and left her to her fate. The media personality, without mincing words, described Sarkodie as immature as he questioned who counsels the musician, suggesting that the rapper would not have released ‘Try Me’ if he were mature and had good counsel. “For Yvonne, she wrote a masterpiece. I feel so good when I read this book," said Blakk Rasta. "I wish she mentioned some names she hid in the book but Sarkodie’s response is nothing. And if I had my own way, I’d strip him off all his ambassadorial deals and ban his music for a certain period for looking down on womanhood.” On June 18, 2023, Yvonne Nelson released a memoir titled ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ which detailed some life experiences including her encounter with Sarkodie and her search for her father. She stated how she had to abort the pregnancy because Sarkodie was not in support of keeping the pregnancy and how she thought of saving the child the pain she (Yvonne) has been through having grown up without a father. Sarkodie responded with a song explaining that Yvonne should not make it seem as though he “was the one pushing for abortion” because the actress, among others, rejected the idea of his doctor attending to her; instead, opted for a doctor her friend suggested, claiming “he is the best”. He rapped that Yvonne should not claim to be a good girl because she is for the streets, adding that if she wants to talk, she should list the men she has slept with because he thought she "was cool” until he “had a hint” about her sexual escapes at the time. For Blakk Rasta, the response is in bad taste, especially coming from Sarkodie. “Sarkodie refused to see that this is a woman who was born without a father; she’s still looking for her father,” Blakk Rasta argued. “This is a woman who has gone through hell. So, I don’t expect the corporate Sarkodie who wants everybody to see that he is the industry darling boy to come out with this vulgarity. You’re immature. You never look down on people like that. Who advises Sarkodie" Source: Ghanaweb

Aspiring Member of Parliament (MP), for Abuakwa North Constituency, Palgrave Boakye Danquah has been honoured with Excellence Communicator on Governance at the Sustainable Development Excellence Award (SDEA). The Sustainable Development Excellence Award (SDEA), an annual programme was aimed at honouring people, groups, and companies which have made remarkable contributions to sustainable development as well as committed to improving the world and building a more sustainable future. The prize honours outstanding efforts to advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability via practices and initiatives in sustainable development. This year’s awards was celebrated on the theme 'nnovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future' SDEA reflected on the urgent need for new ideas and strategies to address the problems we confront. Leadership and successful government was said to depend on having strong communication skills entails the capacity to persuade multiple stakeholders, including constituents, coworkers, government officials, and the media, about facts, ideas, and policies in a clear, succinct, and convincing manne Palgrave Boakye-Danquah was honoured on openness ans honesty. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah recognised the significance of establishing trusting connections with media, keeping lines of communication open, and offering factual information. Assistant Commissioner and Head of Audit at the Ghana Revenue Authority's Large Taxpayers Office, Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, assumed the chairmanship of the awards ceremony. Dr. Yamborigya emphasised the need of praising and honouring people who have shown extraordinary commitment to sustainable development. The head of the legal division of the Food and Drug Authority, William Agbevitor was the guest speaker for the event. The Awards Night of the Sustainable Development Excellence Awards was hosted by African Youth for Sustainable Development. Some categories at the awards night were Sustainable Development Excellence male personality, Sustainable Development Excellence female personality, Sustainable Development Excellence SRC executive of the year, Sustainable Development Excellence teacher of the year and Sustainable Development Excellence fashion icon of the year. Other categories include; Sustainable Development Excellence sports personality of the year, Sustainable Development Excellence environmental award, Sustainable Development Excellence NGO of the year, Sustainable Development Excellence entrepreneur of the year and Sustainable Development Excellence CEO Of the year. Others are Sustainable Development Excellence blogger of the year, Sustainable Development Excellence  public servant of the year, Sustainable Development Excellence in leadership award, Sustainable Development Excellence in Governance award and Sustainable Development Excellence rising star of the year. Sustainable Development excellence in literary arts, Sustainable Development Excellence SRC president of the year, Sustainable Development excellence special award and Overall winner award were other categories. On honourary awards, some categories include; Excellence in youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship, Excellence in youth empowerment and cultural advocacy, Excellent in global green champion, Excellent in public service and leadership, Excellence municipal Chief executive and change maker, Excellence philanthropist, Excellence communicator on governance likewise Excellence politician and humanitarian Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources in collaboration with Ghana Gold Expo Foundation and the Western Regional Coordinating Council has officially announced the date for this year’s Ghana Mining Expo slated for 13th – 15th of July, 2023 at the Takoradi Club House (Western Region). Ghana, a country whose gold and minerals industry dates back centuries is becoming the leading producer of gold in the world. This was a result of lower-cost mines, friendlier policies, and new development projects. Amidst Ghana being a top leader in Africa in the Gold Mining industry, the entire mining industry is faced with enormous challenges and opportunities for new entrants. As the world of mining is embracing new modes of responsible mining, and ESG best practices, the continent is faced with illegal mining activities, high taxes, and high cost of exploration for both large and small-scale companies which tends to be a hindrance to the growth of the sector. ABOUT GHANA MINING EXPO The EXPO provides a multi-sectoral platform for the sharing and exchange of ideas, opinions, and thoughts on the investment opportunities and challenges in the Africa Gold sector, aimed at implementing strategies for accelerated growth in mining in addition to assuring resilience on all fronts and at all times as Africa's economic bedrock. The Forum will afford a formal dialogue among accredited representatives of stakeholders (Government, both local, national and international) on the most critical environmental issues, Investment Capital, Intelligence and Investment Ideas, Indicators to Measure Well – being in Mining communities, ASM Gold Formalization and Central Bank Domestic Purchase Program in Africa, Mining Investment and the challenges of raising ESG Standards in Ghana, CSR and the Finance Master class for Small Scale and Community Mining and collate views and produce action plans to drive a regional-based commitment towards an accelerated mine tailing development (mining) by mitigating risks and turning challenges into opportunities. The 3-day conference will Investment Capital, Intelligence and Investment Ideas, Indicators to Measure Well – being in Mining regions, ASM Gold Formalization and Central Bank Domestic Purchase Program in Africa, Mining Investment and the challenges of raising ESG Standards in Ghana, CSR and ESG legal framework and lastly The Trade and Finance Master class for Small Scale and Community Mining. At the Ghana Mining Expo, the President's keynote address will highlight on 'Sustainable mineral resource development and well-being of mining communities'. Ghana is endowed with immense economic mineral resources, some of these mineral resources not limited to GREEN MINERALS to be highlighted includes; Gold, Diamond, Manganese, Bauxite, Clay, Kaolin, Mica, Columbite-tantalite, Feldspar, Chrome, Silica sand, Quartz, Salt, Iron ore, Copper and the newly discovery of Lithium that the government is considering to produce and commercial quantities. The aim of sustainable minerals development is to ensure mineral use is kept to minimum amount without creating negative impact of economic growth but however ensure best mining practices. The mining sector in Ghana seek to identify green mineral resources that will intend impact the economy, society, safe environment, job creation and providing raw materials essential to every sector of the economy. This year’s 2023 Ghana Mining Expo is pleased to host the South African Minister for Mines and Energy Honorable Gwede Mantashe as the special guest of honor. The sector Minister Honorable Samuel A Jinapor – Mp – Damongo and the Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah are expected to host over 1,500 attendees. According to the Executive Director of Ghana Gold Expo Foundation, Dr. Steven Blessing Ackah, he stated that this cooperation with the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources has come to stay and also at the right time as mining activities are the bedrock of our society, a requisite for Ghana’s development and also the need to have the national framework to the well – being of mining communities. Story by: Nadia Aidoo

Presidential Hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Konadu Apraku has emphasized the importance of having an experienced and visionary leader in Ghana’s current situation to help revive its economic standing. Dr. Apraku argues that despite the passage of various policies, their implementation has often fallen short, leading to failures in financial management and the enactment of effective policies. Drawing from his own experience, he asserts that he understands how the political system operates and has been a successful policy maker, making him one of Ghana’s most accomplished leaders in that regard. “I have been involved in bringing back economies,” he emphasized. He firmly believes that he can make a significant contribution towards building a stronger nation by introducing the right policies that will improve the country’s overall welfare. Dr. Apraku further emphasized that political competition is centered around ideas and intellectual discourse rather than physical rivalry. He believes that the strength of a leader lies in their ability to present and implement effective policies that address the needs and aspirations of the nation. “I believe in competition of ideas. Let the best ideas work and that is what is driving my life wherever I have been,” he added. Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku confidently asserted that he is the one who can lead the NPP to break the eight-year cycle of political power" Story by: Beatrice Enyonam

BIDI Group, a leading provider of cleaning services for oil marketing companies, has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against harmful pathogens with the introduction of BioBlast Disinfectant and BioBlast HD Cleaner to the Ghanaian market. These innovative products have received certifications for human exposure safety from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States and the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) in Ghana. BioBlast Disinfectant, a groundbreaking solution for killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, uses activated aqueous solution of Hypochlorous acid produced using Electro-chemical Activation (ECA) Technology. This revolutionary disinfectant offers a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative for both domestic and commercial use, prioritizing health and safety without compromising effectiveness. Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Benjamin Armstrong, CEO of BIDI Group, expressed his excitement about the new products. He said, "We are proud to introduce BioBlast Disinfectant and BioBlast HD Cleaner to the Ghanaian market. These products represent a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide safe and effective cleaning solutions. We believe that the non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature of BioBlast will revolutionize the field of disinfection in Ghana and beyond." Highlighting the importance of these products in the current global health crisis, Mr. Armstrong added, "In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for effective pathogen elimination has become more evident than ever. Traditional cleaning agents often contain harmful chemicals that pose risks to human health. With BioBlast Disinfectant and BioBlast HD Cleaner, we offer a breakthrough solution that prioritizes health and safety without compromising on effectiveness." BioBlast HD Cleaner, another product introduced by BIDI Group, is produced through Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) technology, transforming weak salt brine into a powerful cleaning agent. This all-purpose cleaner is non-toxic, chemical-free, and easy to use. It can be sprayed, wiped, dipped, or misted, making it suitable for institutional, industrial, and commercial applications. Previously, BIDI Group faced challenges in cleaning tanks due to regulations prohibiting the use of chemicals in these environments. To overcome this obstacle, the company conducted extensive research and developed the locally manufactured product called BioBlast. This alternative product not only resolved the cleaning challenges but also created job opportunities, employing approximately 200 workers. The manufacturing plant has a production capacity of 6,000 to 20,000 liters of the BioBlast product, allowing for continuous 24-hour production. With the success of BioBlast in Ghana, BIDI Group plans to expand its market to other West African countries, starting with Côte d'Ivoire, where the company already has an office. Additionally, the company is in talks with partners in Nigeria to distribute the product there. What sets BioBlast apart from its competitors is its non-chemical nature, making it safe for humans, animals, and the environment. Unlike cleaners that contain alcohol, benzene, or harmful acids, BioBlast is biodegradable and does not harm the ecosystem. T This unique product has positioned BIDI Group as a leader in tank cleaning services, particularly in the downstream petroleum sector, in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. The BioBlast Disinfectant is effective and efficient against a wide range of pathogens. What sets BioBlast Disinfectant apart is that hypochlorous acid is naturally produced by our bodies as part of our immune system's defense mechanism, making it inherently harmless to humans and animals. By converting the solution into a fine mist, BioBlast Disinfectant can be easily dispersed throughout an entire room, saturating surfaces and eliminating pathogens within a short period. Its versatility allows for application in various settings, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, universities, airports, restaurants, and homes. Extensive testing has proven its high efficacy against a wide range of pathogens, including those causing MRSA, HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Norovirus, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and the virus responsible for COVID-19, for which it has received approval from the USA EPA. BioBlast HD Cleaner, on the other hand, uses Electro-Chemical Activation (ECA) technology to transform salt brine into a powerful cleaning agent. It is a versatile degreaser and cleaner, effectively dissolving fat, grease, oil, stains, and protein-based deposits without leaving any residue. Suitable for various surfaces, including tiles, floors, appliances, sinks, countertops, bathrooms, and more, BioBlast HD Cleaner is people, pet, and planet-friendly. The introduction of BioBlast Disinfectant and BioBlast HD Cleaner marks a significant milestone in Ghana's fight against harmful pathogens. With its non-toxic, environmentally friendly properties, these products offer a safer and more effective solution for pathogen elimination. BIDI Group's commitment to developing innovative cleaning solutions has not only revolutionized the industry but has also created employment opportunities and paved the way for further expansion in the West African region. Story by: Think News Online

A parliamentary aspirant of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Abuakwa North constituency, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has renovated the New Tafo Islamic basic school. Speaking to Asaase News, Boakye-Danquah said that he intends to construct a public toilet facility for the constituency soon. “They told me about their challenges, that they need a public toilet which I’m going to do for them. They told me about their Islamic school. “Tuesday was the first day at school. They told me the rains had destroyed their roof. I paid for that and got it renovated,” Boakye-Danquah said. Since Eid-ul-Adha is known to be a “festival of sacrifice”, Boakye-Danquah donated six sheep to the Muslim community in the constituency to symbolise the sacrifice of Abraham (Ibrahim). Credit: Asaase Radio

The Akyem municipality has announced a ban on drumming and noise-making, effective June 20 to July 4, 2023. The ban on noise making in the Akyem Municipality commenced on June 20 to mark the celebration of Ohum Kan Festival. During this period churches are expected to carry out their activities within their premises and refrain from the use of musical instruments and the positioning of loudspeakers, mosques and pubs are also banned from using sounds. Funerals and other related activities are also banned till July 4. By this notice, each and everyone is to comply with the directive accordingly during this period. Credit: Asaase Radio

Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has received prayers from the Muslim community in Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern Region. The special time of prayers was organised for him on Tuesday, June 27. It was led by the Chief Imam in Abuakwa North and in the presence of Zongo chiefs. Mr Boakye-Danquah has served notice of vying for the parliamentary candidature of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Constituency for the 2024 elections. He has since been touring the communities in Abuakwa North and recently interacted with police chiefs in Akyem Tafo, Akyem Kukurantumi and Akyem Osiem. He is seen as the potential successor to Gifty Twum-Ampofo, the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP). Credit: 3news.com

NDC's Parliamentary Aspirant for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, John Dumelo has cautioned the incumbent NPP MP, Lydia Alhassan to take a cue from the defeat of her party in the just ended Assin North by-election. The Polician kum Entrepreneur took to his Twitter account to caution the sitting MP. In a tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, he tweeted "Lydia Seyram Alhassan, your downfall is next!!!!!" The tweet comes following NDC's victory of the Assin North by-election. The tweet has generated lots of reactions from his followers. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith