The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) has held a workshop dubbed 'community breaking of silence' with residents of Mamprobi in Accra. The workshop gave residents (youths) the platform to share their grievances and challenges affecting them. Field Officer, PPAG, Luther Dennis Nii Antieye Addy said "The youth have spoken their minds andI think the Assembly member and those in authority ought to engage them in various conversations which will help address their challenges" "The youths spoke about the need to have a youth committee where they can channel their grievances." Mr. Addy hinted that although the project had come to an end, he was grateful to people of Mamprobi, Latebiokorshie, Zongo Communities and Sukura for their patience and cooperation. He also revealed that PPAG has a digital 'Yenkasa' platform and a toll free number, 0800202010 where the people could reach out for assistance. PPAG Project Coordinator, Antoinette Da-Rocha said "It is a big worry to know that teenage pregnancy is on the high at Mamprobi. Since there is unemployment, most girls are left vulnerable and they succumb to most offers which results in teenage pregnancy" She also cited drug abuse as one of the biggest challenges affecting most of the youths in the community. "I am so worried that drug abuse is on the high in the community. I am hoping that much education will be given to them so they stop" Madam Da-Rocha charged the Assembly man to build good relationships with the youth in other to push them ahead when there are job-openings. Mamprobi Assembly Member, Joseph Kwabena Brown thanked the PPAG for holding the workshop with the youths of the community. He added that the talk has drawn his attention to most of the challenges affecting the youths in the community. Mr Brown assured that youth committee woukd be set up where they will be able to channel their grievances or problems. He also thanked the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for funding the workshop. Resident of Mamprobi, Sylvia Kudiator thanked PPAG for the insightful workshop. She appealed to the youths of the community to do away with laziness. "The youths of this community are lazy. We don't like to work. We want things on a silverplatter. There is nothing like that in life. No matter the situation, we have to work hard so we can take care of ourselves and family" The youths were charged to stop indulging in online sports betting. A free HiV/AIDS screening was held as side attraction for participants at the workshop. The PPAG 'Community Breaking of Silence' workshop was funded by the UNFPA and implemented by the PPAG. The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) was established in 1967 to provide family planning services to the people of Ghana. UNFPA is an international development agency that works on population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Nigerian veteran singer, Lanre Dabiri popularly known as ElDee, has claimed that his father was the first person to introduce the internet to Nigeria. He said this in an interview with media personality, JOI, which went viral on Tuesday. According to the singer, his father was responsible for all internet connections in the country, and despite studying architecture, he developed himself in IT and helped train people in that career. Speaking during the interview, he said, “My dad was the person that brought the internet, the very first person that brought the internet to Nigeria. So, he set up pretty much everyone, all the companies that initially, all the first cybercafés that you know. All of those connections came through my popsy (father)" “He was an IT guy. So, naturally, by association, I dey very align to IT even though I studied architecture. So when I reach Yankee, that was the easiest thing for me to do. That's what I did as my paying job, like the way I earn money like I was still working solely on my career.” Credit: OneJoblessBoy, Twitter

News coming in indicates that a pro- Bawumia group calling itself 'Bawumia Fun Club' have been denied from picking presidential nomination form on behalf of Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by the ruling New Patriotic Party. According to sources, the pro-Bawumia group failed to go through the appropriate procedure hence the denial by the party. It is emerging that the group were expected to pay the said GHc50,000 to the bank and present a banker's draft to the party’s headquarters for the nomination forms. The group, on the other hand, rather took a cheque to the party headquarters in an attempt to pay and pick the forms. With what seems to be a backfire, Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the group has been asked to go back and return with a banker's draft for the nomination form. More to follow soon........ Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Celebrated Veteran Highlife Musician, Akosua Agyapong has charged the office of the Attorney General to shut down Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO). According to Akosua Agyapong, it is illegal for GHAMRO to operate without a licence. She said "The interim management committee, led by her former friend and band member, Rex Omar as Chairman, is functioning without legal backing as their mandate lacked support from any law" The ‘Frema’ hitmaker, hinted that GHAMRO’s license had not been renewed by the office of the Attorney General due to ongoing legal tussles. She revealed that some individuals had taken the interim management committee to court, and the judge had ruled that they step down for new elections to be conducted. “The good office of the Attorney General hasn’t renewed GHAMRO’s licence due to court issues. Some of our people actually took the interim management committee to court and the judge asked them to step down for new elections to be held,” she revealed. However, despite this, no elections have taken place, and Rex Omar and his team continue to oversee the organization without any legal authority. Akosua Agyapong argued that the interim management committee’s license was not renewed because they failed to fulfil the three requirements set by the Mediation Board, which included amending the constitution, conducting an audit of accounts, and holding elections. “But before that, a Mediation Board led by Madam Esi Sutherland-Addy was instituted and they asked us to do three things—amend our constitution, conduct an audit of our accounts and hold elections,” she noted. Adding that “However, as of this time, no elections have been held and we have Rex Omar and his team still manning affairs without any legal mandate. My argument is that the Interim Management or board’s licence was not renewed because we didn’t fulfil all the three requirements by the Mediation Board.” Akosua Agyapong expressed her disappointment at critics who reduced her stance to a personal attack against Rex Omar, emphasizing that she was merely advocating for the proper procedures to be followed. “When I talk, people think that I’m just making empty claims and unfounded allegations but they don’t know that I’m taking my information from GHAMRO’s 2021 annual report sent to members,” she highlighted. GHAMRO, as a collective management organization (CMO), is mandated by its constitution to allocate 10% of the received royalties for the welfare of musicians, although it is not a welfare group. Akosua Agyaong referred to GHAMRO’s 2021 annual report, which stated that the funds allocated for musicians’ welfare were not reaching those in dire need. She pointed out that the report revealed that the committee managing the funds received GH₵72,000 annually, while musicians in need did not receive adequate assistance. Furthermore, the same report highlighted that the interim management committee spent GH₵132,000 on refreshments and sitting allowances, despite only meeting four times a year. “At the moment, it is required that GHAMRO uses 10 per cent of its money received as royalties for the welfare of musicians. From the 2021 report, those who are managing the fund are paid GH₵72,000 annually; yet, members in dire need don’t get assistance,” she hammered. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

An Economist, Dr. Konadu Apraku has picked a nomination form from the New Patriotic Party's headquarters to contest the flagbearership race. The move by Dr. Konadu Apraku was is said to be his third for the party. Communications Director, Kwame Obiri Nkansah with some friends of Dr. Konadu Apraku, picked up the forms on his behalf on Friday. Mr. Nkansah told Journalists that his candidate is the bet to lead the party and secure victory come 2024. "We must go back to the basics if we want to address this economic crisis" "Going back to the basics means, growing what we eat and producing what we wear and this is the focus of Dr. Apraku" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has made his intentions clear to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries in the Abuakwa North Constituency. Mr Boakye-Danquah has recently gone to the aid of constituents and embarked on projects in a clear move to become the 2024 NPP Parliamentary Candidate. On Thursday, May 11, he visited Victory Preparatory School in Akyem Kukurantumi to interact with teachers and pupils. Gifty Twum-Ampofo is currently the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency. She was elected MP after the sudden murder of JB Danquah-Adu in 2016. The NPP will hold its parliamentary primaries for occupied seats in February next year. The former Executive Director of Kandifo Institute has not made his intentions unknown in becoming the next lawmaker for that constituency. Credit: 3news.com

Former Campaign manager and policy advisor, Boakye Agyarko, is the first to pick up the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential nomination forms for the party's primaries. A team led by Benjamin Armah picked the forms on behalf of the presidential hopeful at the party's headquarters in Accra, on Friday, May 26, 2023. Before picking the nomination forms, Boakye Agyarko, in previous months, met with all regional party executives during his tour. In order to participate in the New Patriotic Party's upcoming flagbearer elections, aspiring presidential aspirants will be required to obtain the nomination forms by paying a non-refundable fee of Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis, according to a press release issued on Thursday, May 25. The nominations which commences today, May 26, is set be closed for submissions on Saturday, June 24. The NPP's nomination fee requirement aims to ensure that only serious and committed candidates participate in the flagbearer elections. Profile of Boakye Agyarko Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko is a Ghanaian economist and politician. He was the vice president of the Bank of New York. He was the former Minister for Energy in Ghana. Agyarko in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to Kwasi Agyarko. His father was a merchant and United Party activist from Jamase, Ashanti Region and his mother was Jane Ladze Padi from Krobo Odumase in the Eastern Region. Agyarko attended the K. O. Methodist Primary School in Ashtown and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Primary School in Kumasi. He then proceeded to Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast for his secondary education from where he had both his GCE Ordinary Level and GCE Advanced Level certified. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon. He immigrated to the United States of America as a political refugee. While there he obtained an Advanced Professional Certificate in Banking from the American Institute of Banking and a Master of Business Administration in Financial Economics from Pace University, New York. After graduating from the University of Ghana in 1980, Agyarko did his mandatory national service at the Ghana Union Nation of Students as the National Coordinator. When the national service ended in 1981, he was employed as a junior economist with Management and Investment Consultants in Accra. He worked there till 1984 where he was forced to flee Ghana due to an attempt on his life. After graduating from the University of Ghana in 1980, Agyarko did his mandatory national service at the Ghana Union Nation of Students as the National Coordinator. When the national service ended in 1981, he was employed as a junior economist with Management and Investment Consultants in Accra. He worked there till 1984 where he was forced to flee Ghana due to an attempt on his life. After a failed coup d'etat led by Lance Corporal Halidu Giwa and Sergeant Abdul Malik, the military high command assumed that he was part of coup plotters. This was due to his high political activism and criticism of the economic policies adopted by the country's military leaders led by Jerry John Rawlings. He was arrested by men from the Ghana Armed Forces who took him to the Air Force Base at Burma Camp in Accra.He was shot at the base and sent to the 37 Military Hospital morgue. At the morgue, a nurse realized that he was not dead and rushed him to the emergency services where he was operated upon by Henry Koku Akpalu. After the surgery, he fled the country through the help of a friend, Monsieur Le Veloire, and his two sisters. Agyarko emigrated to the United States as a political refugee and enrolled at Pace University. After graduating from Pace University, he was employed by the Bank of New York, the oldest bank in the United States. He spent over twenty years at the bank and worked at senior levels in various departments of the Bank. The positions he held included Operations Management and Analysis, Product Development, Global Network Managements, International Banking and Asset Management, and the Year 2000 (Y2K) Management Group. He had oversight responsibilities of various sectors and departments notably in Trade, Finance, Loan Syndications, Asset Securitization, and Structured Finance. He was the principal negotiator on the setting up of the Bank of New York in Mexico. While working in New York he became a member of the American Economic Association and an Associate Member of the American Institute of Bankers. He rose through the ranks of the bank and became Vice President and Head of Global Network Management for the Americans in the Investment Management and Services Division. He left the bank after 22 years so he could contest elections in Ghana. While in the US he wrote a weekly column in The Statesman Newspaper titled Letter from America from 1993 through 1998. Agyarko entered politics at an early age and was the National Coordinator for the Ghana Union of Students and Youth Associations from 1979 to 1980. He was a founding member of the New Patriotic Party in 1992. Within the party, he has held several positions including chairman of The Danquah Busia Club of North America, and briefly served as a Trustee of the Busia Foundation. He was elected the coordinator for the New Patriotic Party in North America. Agyarko was appointed National Campaign manager of the New Patriotic Party in the 2012 Presidential election. He was appointed the Policy Adviser to the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party during the 2016 election. In January 2017, Agyarko was appointed the minister of energy in the Akufo-Addo administration. He was approved by parliament in February 2017. As the Energy Minister, Agyarko has supervisory responsibility for fifteen major agencies under the ministry. Prior to Agyarko's ministerial confirmation in February 2017, he was accused by Mahama Ayariga of the parliamentary appointment committee of bribing members of the minority to facilitate his approval as a Minister of energy. Ayariga reported on Radio Gold, that Agyarko through Muntaka Mubarak, the minority chief whip, had tried to influence the decision of the Appointments Committee of Parliament by giving each minority member a bribe. The Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye set up an ad-hoc parliamentary committee to investigate the matter After the investigation, the Joe Ghartey committee exonerated Agyarko but cited and found Ayariga guilty of being in contempt of parliament for making false allegations against a colleague and bringing the parliament into disrepute. Ayariga was made to render an apology on the floor of parliament and warned to be mindful of his actions in the future. After his ministerial appointment was approved, Ayariga publicly praised Agyarko for his track record asserting that his nomination was approved on merit. in May 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo named Boakye Agyarko as part of nineteen ministers who would form his cabinet. The names of the 19 ministers have been submitted to the Parliament of Ghana and announced by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Prof. Mike Ocquaye. As a Cabinet minister, Agyarko is part of the inner circle of the president and is to aid in key decision-making activities in the country. Source: ghanaweb

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor (MP) on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 commissioned an ultra-modern office complex for the Eastern Regional Forestry Commission. The facility, comprises of thirteen offices, a conference room, kitchenette and reception will help the Regional Forestry Commission execute its mandate in the seven forest districts in the region. Addressing the gathering at the event in Koforidua, the Hon. Minister touched on the impact of climate change on the country and the world at large. He said government, aware of the dire consequences of climate change has taken decisive and far-reaching forest-protection policies which are anchored on two important pillars – aggressive afforestation and reforestation and protection of the existing forest cover of the country. A feature of the aggressive afforestation module, Hon. Jinapor explained is the Green Ghana project which is the flagship afforestation program of the government. With the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Project set for June 9, the Lands Minister leveraged on the opportunity to rally Ghanaians towards the event. Laying emphasis on the grave situation the world finds itself in with respect to the impact of climate change, the Minister appealed to Ghanaians to participate in the event which he is certain will enable the country recover a significant size of its lost forestry cover and contribute to global efforts towards reducing climate change. “Government’s policy in respect of the forestry sector of the country is anchored on two main pillars. The first one is our strategy of aggressive afforestation and reforestation. By this, we are talking about restoring the forest cover of our country" The statistics tell us that from 1902 till date, we’ve lost some 80% of our forest cover of our country and therefore it is the policy and strategy of government to be involved in reafforestation and reforestation which is why several initiatives have been put in place including several interventions in forestry areas in our country to ensure that we plant more trees. That is why on June 9, 2023 we are going to have the President lead the country to plan 10million trees which will take us to 30million plus trees since 2021”, he stated. “The second strategy is to protect the existing forest cover of our country. Whiles we are planting the trees, we need to have a policy and program which will ensure that existing forests are well-protected. That is why I want to believe that the intervention by government to provide office spaces for the forestry commission of Eastern Region will aid and help protect the 48 forest reserves in the region,” he added. Whiles commending the Forestry Commission of the Eastern Region for the magnificent edifice, Hon. Jinapor assured them of the support of government to fight all forms of illegalities in the forest reserves without fear or favor. He tasked them to execute their mandate with the confidence and zeal that they have the utmost backing of President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the office of the Minister of Lands and the government at large. The Minister disclosed that government will continue to provide support in the areas of logistics, welfare, equipment, personnel, capacity building, among others to enable the commission discharge its duties to perfection. “Officials of the Forestry Commission have the support of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to discharge your mandate without fear or favor. Protect the forest reserves of our country, protect them from all intruders, be it illegal miners, cocoa farmers or illegal loggers,” he said. Mr. John Allotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission revealed some major details about the building which was constructed by Bonzies Construction Limited. He expressed with optimism that the new office will enable the management and staff in the region provide adequate protection of the forest reserves in the region. Mr Allotey also provided update on preparations for the Green Ghana Day, explaining that all seedlings needed for the project have been acquired. He made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to turn up in their numbers on the day and help the government achieve its target of 10million trees. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti has heartily commended management and staff of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, for their exceptional performance and the holding in high esteem of the company that has brought about the prestigious image for the company over the years. "Today marks the legendary celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU) and this 60th anniversary is being celebrated over the continent under the slogan: 'Our Africa Our Future". We at Zoomlion Ghana Limited have always used this day to celebrate and appreciate our staff for the wonderful performance chalked over the years. In line with this, the month of May has been slated to celebrate our staff in diverse ways and it is termed, Jospong Employee Month. She proceeded to state that "After the Launch of the 'Jospong Employee Month” Celebrations on Friday 5th May 2023, the Human Resource Department has organized series of exciting employee engagement activities. The essence of these activities is to bring us together as one family to celebrate our diversity. Notable amongst them she said, are the Time with HR (Kenkey Party with our junior staff), Breakfast Spread with Management, Zoomlion Goes Old School and Career day. She stated that staff fully participated in these activities and she therefore commended them for that. She said, these activities were also used to organize medical Screening and wellbeing for staff and also used the opportunity to update their files. Even though the general atmosphere of our country indicates that morale is down, these employee engagement activities has brought some excitement on the faces of our staff. " She explained that, the institutionalisation of the Breakfast Spread for instance by management was one event that brought all of the staff on stage to eat, dance and share some cherished moments." These memories will leave with me forever and I know it will be the same with most of you all" she alluded. Mrs. Anti said as this year's slogan for the AU celebration states, “Our Africa Our Future” there are great learnings for all Ghanaians and Africans largely including staff of her company. She noted "We need to create the future we so desire and as the Managing Director of our organization I would like to encourage all of us to continue to work together to celebrate the unity, strength, and progress of our beloved Company, Country - Ghana and Africa as a whole". Let us draw strength from our diverse background to achieve so much for our company, country and continent, she urged. Our staff are coming from different regions and different parts of our continent but this does not in any way divide us as a company and it is in this light that I urge you all to continue to live and work in harmony for a better Africa tomorrow, the MD said. The Zoomlion Managing Director said as we reflect on the journey of the African Union and the milestones chalked thus far, we are reminded of the remarkable strides we have made as a united force and as a Company, we need to draw strength and inspiration from each other. Mrs. Anti added that, the legacy of the great men and women serves as a reminder that unity is the key to our collective success as a company. She said, in sync with the slogan for the commemoration of this year’s African Union Day i.e “Our Africa Our Future” I so much agree with Peter Drucker who puts it beautifully that ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it”. On this tangent, Zoomlion Ghana Limited as an organization, is deeply committed to the development and progress of our staff, she assured the staff. "We recognize that our success as a company is intricately linked to the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve. It is our belief that sustainable development can only be achieved through collaborative efforts, where governments, businesses, and workers prosecute a hand in hand agenda towards our shared vision" said Mrs. Anti. She urged the staff to foster an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment can flourish, creating opportunities for our youth and future generations. "Today, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead of us as a Company. Our continent faces pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and inadequate healthcare systems. However, in the face of these challenges, we must remember that Africa has always been a continent of resilience and resourcefulness. We possess the talent, the creativity, and the determination to overcome any obstacle that stands in our way so Zoomlion Ghana Limited will stand the test of time", she assured. Mrs. Anti also mentioned that a Junior Staff Welfare fund had been approved for implementation and gave the assurance that the company was ready to extend support to the cherished junior staff. The Zoomlion commemoration of African Union Day was used by the management and staff to remember the African traditional way of dressing and also to eat the traditional foods and dishes in order to promote good health among staff. She used the opportunity to convey to express to the staff her her sincere gratitude and thanks for their unflinching support so far. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The re-engineering of the Kpone landfill site into a recreational centre is more than 90% complete. According to the Project Manager for Jospong Group Ing. Kwadwo Osei, the project will be completed on schedule. This was made known when the Sector Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah paid a working visit to the Kpone Landfill site on Tuesday May 24, 2023. The visit was to inspect on-going works on the decommissioning and re-engineering of the 35 hector landfill site. "The project is expected to be completed by August 2023," Ign. Osei explained to dignitaries and the media the stages as well as the extent of work done, and also the resolve to turn the site into a recreational park for tourism and its related purposes" The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah indicated her pleasure with the work done thus far and urged the consultant to meet the project schedule. She assured her ministry's commitment to periodically maintain the facility to ensure longevity. "The ministry will do its part to ensure maintenance of the facility," she assured. She urged the general public to be responsible and stop indiscriminate disposal of waste, adding that the ministry has a zero tolerance policy for landfills. "We do not have any excuse to be creating landfills, creating mess and dumbing indiscriminately," she stressed. Ign. Osei hinted that they have moved over a million cubic of waste from the site for effective drainage and landscaping. They have also drilled gas wells to vent or flare the gas depending on the cubic volumes that will be emanating from the field. What is left to be done is the completion of access roads and converts for effective drainage as well as improving on the green vegetation for the site. Background Work on the Kpone landfill site which started eight years ago, with the initial intention to process waste generated by the then Tema Metropolis (now sub-divided into Tema Metro and Kpone Municipality) was receiving much more waste than was expected and thus escalated into an unpleasant situation that needed urgent response. The Sector Minister, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah upon her visit to the site, and assessing the difficulties that the community had had to face in dealing with smoke, fire and the leakage of poisonous liquid and polluted air into their water bodies from the site, pushed for the award of the contract to be re-engineered and de-commission the Kpone Sanitary landfill site to help overturn the problems the community had to endure. The contract was eventually awarded to Zoomlion Ghana (a Ghanaian based company) and work commenced on 1st June 2020. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The National Women’s Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed their warmest congratulations to Mr Ernest Yaw Anim for his resounding victory in the Kumawu by-election held on Tuesday. The NPP National Women’s Wing highlighted the active participation of women in the by-election, emphasizing their vital role in shaping Ghana’s political landscape. The press release acknowledged the increasing number of women who exercised their democratic right to vote and contribute to the decision-making process. This rising participation is seen as a testament to the growing recognition of the invaluable perspectives and contributions that women bring to the table in politics and governance. The NPP National Women’s Wing extended their unwavering support and congratulations to Mr Ernest Yaw Anim, recognizing his dedication, vision, and commitment to serving the people of Kumawu. His message resonated strongly with both men and women in the constituency, and they believe that under his leadership, Kumawu will experience significant growth and development. Commendation The NPP National Women’s Wing also commended the entire NPP family for their collective efforts and commitment, attributing the remarkable victory to the unity and solidarity displayed by party members. They expressed pride in the hard work put in by their party faithful, particularly the women who tirelessly campaigned, rallied support, and demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the NPP’s ideals. The NPP National Women’s Wing also extended heartfelt appreciation to the people of Kumawu, the security agencies, and all stakeholders for their peaceful conduct throughout the by-election. They reiterated their commitment to advocating for women’s empowerment, equal participation, and continued support for the NPP’s vision of transforming Ghana into a prosperous nation. Assin North Looking ahead, the NPP National Women’s Wing assured all their members and supporters of their readiness and preparedness for the upcoming Assin North by-election. They pledged to continue working diligently, mobilizing resources, and rallying behind the party’s candidate to secure another remarkable victory. Signed by Kate Gyamfua, National Women Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the statement highlighted the party’s dedication to inclusivity and the important role of women in Ghana’s political landscape. The NPP National Women’s Wing’s press release serves as a testament to the growing recognition and appreciation of women’s contributions in the country’s democratic process. Credit: Eveningmail.com

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened nominations for the election of its presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections. In a statement, the party indicated that aspiring presidential candidates can pick up nomination forms from Friday, May 26, 2023. Nominations will be open for nearly a month and close on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Meanwhile, the aspirants are directed to pick up nomination forms at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday to Friday. NPP presidential primaries calendar Friday, May 26, 2023 – Opening of Nominations Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Closing of Nominations Saturday, August 26, 2023 – Special Electoral College Elections (if any) Saturday, November 4, 2023 – National Congress Prior to picking the forms, aspirants are expected to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of GHȼ50,000. “The Party is determined to hold a free, fair, transparent and a peaceful presidential primary election, and urges all stakeholders to help make this a reality,” part of the statement read. The party says when nomination closes, the national congress will be held on November 4, 2023, as agreed during its National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council meetings. Already, some members of the NPP have declared their intention to contest in the flagbearership race. Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen resigned as the Minister of Trade and Industry, earlier in the year to begin a nationwide campaign ahead of the race. Former Agric Minister Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto also declared his interest in the race and resigned from his post. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has also declared his interest. Also, Mr Kwabena Agyapong, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, Mr Joe Ghartey and Mr Boakye Agyarko have all declared their intentions to contest the flagbearership of the NPP. Credit: Myjoyonline.com