It was the dream that first ignited my passion and gave me purpose, the lens through which I first saw the world as a place to explore, question, and chronicle. But like many first loves, our relationship was complicated.

The Beginning of the Affair

I fell in love with Journalism when I was young and wide-eyed, eager to uncover the stories that shape our world. The allure was irresistible—the power to inform, inspire, and hold power accountable. I was drawn to the adrenaline of chasing leads, the satisfaction of seeing my byline, and the pride in serving the public good.

I then enrolled to the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ0 now University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAG) in 2005 to start my journey. My graduation in 2007 was the gateway to my journalism profession.

My internship at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was a turning point. In those early days, I found myself in the thick of it, covering stories that ranged from small-town council meetings to larger societal issues.

During my National Service days at Happy FM, broadcast journalism taught me to observe deeply, to listen intently, and to write with purpose. Each story felt like a chance to make a difference, a thread in the vast tapestry of truth-telling.

The Honeymoon Phase

After about two years at Happy FM, online journalism had started and as usual I wanted to give it a shot.

As someone who always want to be with the best, I joined the Multimedia Group Limited in 2009 as an intern. I was with Myjoyonline.com and had an amazing boss, Isaac Yeboah and lovely colleagues who made me feel a home and helped me learn very fast.

The early years were intoxicating. Deadlines were tight, but the sense of accomplishment after filing a piece made every sleepless night worth it. I worked with colleagues [Nathan, Malik, Dorcas, Dela, Romeo] who shared my fervor and pushed me to be better. The newsroom buzz was electrifying—a chaotic symphony of clacking keyboards, ringing phones, and the palpable pulse of news breaking in real-time.

Every interview, every headline felt like a step closer to becoming the journalist I dreamed of being. The work was hard, but it was meaningful. I was part of something larger than myself, and that sense of purpose was exhilarating.

Then to a more challenging task when I was moved to Adomonline.com. As the pioneer staff, I needed to set a good example to attract competent people to the brand. Working with my boss Frank Agyei-Twum under the supervision of late Elvis Quarshie inspired me to give off my best to achieve a great feat.

Over the years, Mr. Agyei-Twum move on to a greater heights and in-comes the ever smiling Joshua Tigo. Great leaders they say leave an indelible mark not just on the work we do but on the people we become.

Then I was made the Assisting editor, a feat in my career I never took for granted. I discharged my duties to the best of ability and the results spoke for itself.

My colleagues, Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy, Dennis Adu, Gertrude Otchere, Abigail Bonney, Samuel Kow Appiah, Joseph Odotei and Farida Seidu made my work very easy and enjoyable.

The Cracks Begin to Show

But like any love story, the rose-tinted glasses eventually came off. The industry I loved was changing. The rise of digital media brought new opportunities but also unprecedented challenges—shrinking newsrooms, clickbait culture, and the relentless 24/7 news cycle.

I began to feel the weight of an industry that seemed to value speed over depth, sensationalism over substance. Stories I once pursued with vigor were now filtered through algorithms, competing for likes and shares rather than impact and accuracy. The financial strain on journalism as a business model also meant fewer resources, more pressure, and a growing sense of burnout.

The Breaking Point

For years, I tried to adapt, believing that my love for the craft would sustain me. But slowly, I started to realize that my passion for Journalism wasn’t enough to withstand the erosion of what I once cherished about it. The work became less about storytelling and more about survival—chasing numbers instead of truth, rushing to publish instead of taking the time to dig deeper.

The day I decided to leave was both heartbreaking and liberating. I knew I had given Journalism my best, and in return, it had given me invaluable skills, unforgettable experiences, and a lifetime of memories. But it was no longer the relationship I wanted.

Moving On

Walking away wasn’t easy. Journalism shaped so much of who I am—the curiosity, the commitment to ethics, the drive to make a difference. But leaving opened doors I hadn’t even realized were there. I’ve since found new ways to tell stories and make an impact, though the form and medium have changed.

Sometimes, I catch myself reminiscing about the days in the newsroom, the thrill of seeing my name in print, or the satisfaction of a well-told story. And while I may no longer call myself a journalist, I carry the lessons and love from that time with me every day.

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

Leaving Journalism doesn’t mean abandoning everything it stood for in my life. It’s a chapter that’s ended, but its influence lingers in the way I approach the world—with curiosity, integrity, and a hunger for truth. First loves never really leave you; they stay in your heart, shaping who you are and who you’ll become.

For me, Journalism will always be my first love—a love that taught me to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be.

A Heartfelt Appreciation to Multimedia Group Limited

Gratitude is a sentiment best expressed with sincerity, and today, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Multimedia Group Limited for the invaluable role it has played in shaping my professional journey and enriching my personal growth.

A Legacy of Excellence

Multimedia Group Limited is not just a media conglomerate; it’s an institution synonymous with excellence, innovation, and integrity. For years, it has been a beacon in the media landscape, championing quality journalism, creative storytelling, and impactful broadcasting. Its platforms—spanning television, radio, and digital media—have consistently informed, educated, and entertained audiences across Ghana and beyond.

Being a part of this distinguished organization was both an honor and a privilege. Multimedia’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in media production and its unwavering focus on social impact made it more than just a workplace—it was a community united by purpose.

A Platform for Growth

My time at Multimedia Group Limited was transformative. It wasn’t just a job; it was a learning experience, a challenge, and a journey of discovery. The organization offered me a platform to hone my skills, broaden my perspectives, and embrace the ever-evolving nature of media and communication.

From engaging with colleagues whose expertise and passion inspired me daily, to having the opportunity to contribute to projects that truly mattered, Multimedia provided an environment where I could thrive. The leadership’s vision and the team’s camaraderie created a culture that encouraged creativity, resilience, and excellence.

I cannot forget the contribution and the impact the Chief Executive Officer of the Multimedia Group, Kwasi Twum has had on my life and my career. He was not only my boss but a father. His daily emails of Bibile quotations always set a lovely tone for my day. I pray for love life and prosperity for Mr. Twum for giving me the opportunity to shine.

Lifelong Lessons

Working with Multimedia taught me the essence of storytelling—the power of words and visuals to inform, influence, and inspire. It instilled in me a deep respect for the responsibility that comes with wielding the media’s influence and a commitment to always uphold ethical standards.

Beyond the technical skills, Multimedia instilled in me the values of teamwork, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of quality. These lessons continue to guide me in all my endeavors, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

A Continued Connection

Even as I move on to explore new horizons, my connection to Multimedia Group Limited remains strong. It’s a bond forged by shared experiences, mutual respect, and the enduring impact of being part of something bigger than myself. I continue to be a proud supporter of the incredible work the organization does and look forward to witnessing its continued growth and success.

Thank You, Multimedia Group Limited

To the leadership lead by Chief Operating Officer, Ken Ansah and colleagues at Multimedia Group Limited—thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for challenging me, and for giving me the opportunity to contribute to your mission. You have left an indelible mark on my career and my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Here’s to the stories told, the memories made, and the bright future ahead for Multimedia Group Limited. May it continue to illuminate minds, inspire hearts, and redefine excellence in media for generations to come.

Thank you to Adom Brands

A special mention of Adom Brands and the hard working leadership. Shoutout to the vibrant General Manager, Abdulai Awudu.

Abu as he is affectionately called will always say Editor! Editor! when he sees me with smiles. This actually boosted my moral and gave me an assurance that, I have his full support. Thank you for your encouragement my boss.

Appreciation for a Great Leader: My Boss, Josuah Tigo

I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for my boss, Joshua Tigo—a leader whose guidance, support, and mentorship have been nothing short of transformative.

From the first day we worked together, it was evident that Tigo was not just about results but about people. Their ability to create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and motivated is a rare gift. Under Tigo’s leadership, I’ve learned that success is not just about achieving goals but about the journey of growth, collaboration, and resilience.

Tigo’s mentorship has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional development. One of the things I admire most about Tigo is his approachability.

Despite the demands of their role, they always make time to listen, offer guidance, and celebrate the successes of the team. It’s this combination of professionalism and genuine care that sets Tigo apart as a truly exceptional leader.

Tigo, thank you for being more than just a boss. Your guidance has been a beacon in my career, and I will carry the lessons you’ve taught me wherever I go.

To my Adomonline colleagues, thank you for being more than just teammates. Thank you for your encouragement, your collaboration, and your friendship. You’ve made this chapter of my life truly unforgettable, and I am forever grateful for the experiences we’ve shared.

As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and relationships that have made my time here so meaningful. While our paths may diverge, the connection we’ve built remains a source of strength and pride. You will always have a special place in my heart.

I rest my case!!!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The author, Adwoa Gyasiwaa Agyeman is a former Assisting Editor of Adomonline.com. She is also a global citizen who writes on socio-political issues of grave concern to Ghanaians. You can reach her at adwoa1000@yahoo.com or Linkedin Adwoa Agyeman.

In the view of Honourable Appoh, Mr. Asare Obeng popularly known as Kwame A-Plus must not only concentrate on his party members but rather on the general development of Gomoa Central Constituency.

The first female Gomoa Central MP urged Kwame A-Plus to utilize the MP’s share of the Common Fund across the constituency.

“As an independent candidate who won with such a margin, I expect him to use the Common Fund across the Constituency”, Honourable Appoh stated at an election victory dinner.

The former deputy Gender Minister indicated that, in the lead up to the December general elections, there was no way she could have campaigned for A-Plus although he had been a brother from the same media house.

She explained “NDC made me, I was a student leader groomed by the party and the NDC supported me in my first election. I would forever be grateful and loyal to the NDC:”

Madam Appoh however indicated her resolve to support Kwame A-Plus in all his endeavours to the greater good of the Constituents.

“I would support him in everything he does with my experience, energy and resources…” she maintained.

Earlier, the entertainer and politician recounted how Madam Appoh had campaigned for the NDC, giving him a run for his money.

Kwame A-Plus recalled that although the NDC’s Regional Chairman and Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia campaigned for the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate in the Constituency, Madam Appoh was the fiercest campaigner in the polls.

He said he expected Honourable Appoh to be lenient with him due to their common place of work but that was not to be.

Carved from Gomoa East, Kwame A-Plus is the first independent candidate to win the Gomoa Central seat.

Former US President Jimmy Carter has died aged 100, the centre he founded has confirmed.

The former peanut farmer lived longer than any President in history and celebrated his 100th birthday in October.

The Carter Center, which advocates for democracy and human rights around the world, said he died on Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, his home town.

The Democrat served as President from 1977 to 1981, a period beset by economic and diplomatic crises.

After leaving the White House with low approval ratings, his reputation was restored through humanitarian work which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

In an interview with JoyNews, Mr. Aboagye noted that while his constituency was not specifically mentioned in the ruling, he views the judgment as a critical affirmation of electoral processes and legal oversight.

“I was at the Supreme Court to observe the case, and I saw everything that happened. While the application by the NPP did not mention Obuasi East, the Electoral Commission included my constituency in the re-collation process. The decision to quash these re-collations highlights the importance of sticking to due process,” he stated.

Mr. Aboagye added that, the EC had initially declared him the winner on Election Day, a decision he insists was lawful and backed by all necessary documentation, including signed agreements from candidates and agents.

“The EC collated and declared me as the winner on Election Day. I have video evidence to support that both candidates signed, and the returning officer declared as mandated by law,” he explained.

While acknowledging that the Supreme Court’s ruling may have implications for his re-collation results, Mr. Aboagye remains optimistic.

The Supreme Court’s decision has been widely regarded as a pivotal moment in ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s electoral process, with many stakeholders, including Mr. Aboagye, commending the ruling for upholding the rule of law.

The event, presented by Kay Pee New Era Production in collaboration with Gold Coast Bar & Restaurant, promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment at the Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant in Cantonments, Accra, behind the Police Headquarters.

The show will feature an impressive lineup of performers, including Okyeame Kwame, Ras Kuuku, and Camidoh.

With VIP tickets priced at GH₵300 and regular tickets at GH₵200, fans can secure their seats by dialing #71459 or purchasing online through www.Veetickets.

The concert will kick off at 8:00 PM sharp and is sponsored by Ghana Gas, Toniperf, Darling Lemon Drink, and others.

Media coverage will be provided by leading platforms such as Multimedia, Kasapa 102.5 FM, and Kingdom FM.

She said women are passionate for development and appointing many of them would benefit the nation.

Nana Brayie II made the call when the national chairman of the NDC, Mr Asiedu Nketiah, paid a courtesy on the Sunyani Traditional Council in Sunyani to express the party’s appreciation to the chiefs and queens for the NDC’s electoral victory in the 2024 General Elections.

The Paramount Queenmother entreated Mr Mahama to remain humble and serve the people with high integrity, asking the NDC next government to guard against pride.

Mr Nketiah said the NDC remained grateful to the chiefs and queens for their support that contributed to the party’s landslide victory in the elections, saying, though the NDC anticipated that, the electoral victory was beyond expectations.

He said securing 27 parliamentary seats out of 29 constituencies in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions was a testament that Ghanaians truly desired a change in government, and gave the assurance that NDC would also fulfil its electioneering promises to the people.

Nana Kwaku Sabeng, the Akwamuhene (sub chief) and the Acting President of the Sunyani Traditional Council lauded the previous NDC government for the development project they implemented in the Sunyani Municipality.

He said he was hopeful that Mr Mahama’s next administration would also work hard to the satisfaction of the electorate who gave the NDC the mandate to govern the nation again.

This statement was issued in response to a viral video showing individuals allegedly protesting the Electoral Commission’s (EC) re-collation exercise on December 21, 2024, blocking roads and setting fires.

In a statement released on December 21, the Police described the allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the events depicted in the video do not correspond with the re-collation exercise, which took place in Accra on the same day.

The Police urged the public to disregard the video and refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite unnecessary panic or tension.

A statement signed by party National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu charged the EC to allow aggrieved candidates seek redress in court.

“We called upon the Electoral Commission to desist from meddling in the already declared constituency elections and allow the aggrieved candidates to seek their own redress in the court of law” the statement added.

Below is the full statement

Mr Mahama cautioned them to prepare for the challenges ahead.

He said this during a Thanksgiving Service held in his honour at the Ringway Gospel Church in Accra on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

“I have been receiving calls and knocks on my door, and text messages from people who are considering themselves for various positions. And I just want to warn them, it’s not going to be a walk in the park.

“If you’re not preparing to work and serve the people of Ghana diligently, modestly and with humility, then don’t come. Just stay where you are.”

The service was attended by his family, close friends, and members of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Reflecting on his political journey, Mr Mahama described it as divinely inspired, acknowledging God’s guidance at every step.

While expressing gratitude for the election triumph, the President-elect was quick to highlight the immense work ahead.

The Thanksgiving Service was filled with prayers and hymns as the congregation came together to celebrate Mahama’s victory and seek God’s continued guidance for his presidency.

Residents are expending productive hours in search of the commodity for their domestic and commercial chores.

The Ghana Water Limited in the Ashanti region shut down operations on Friday in protest of the demolition of residences and property in the Ridge Residential Area they claim to own.

In the last three days, residents who solely rely on water supply from Ghana water in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis have been in a desperate search for water.

Taps in their various homes have stopped flowing.

JoyNews checks at some vicinities including the Atonsu enclave in Kumasi saw many residents resorting to wells and other underground water sources for their daily chores.

“I went to fetch water from a well which is a bit far from my home. It hasn’t been easy searching for water in the last few days,” Akwasi Addai told the news team.

As the dry season sets in, water is now more essential for various home and industrial chores.

But the scarcity of it is presenting a daunting task for food vendors.

“We need the water for washing the yams before we fry them. We need it for a whole of things when cooking for outsiders. It makes our work neat,” Sarah, a yam vendor, said.

Background

Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti halted their operations in protest of what they describe as “unlawful” demolition of a property they claim to own.

The fences of two residences occupied by their top managers were pulled down by a private developer.

“Recently, we witnessed the unnecessary demolition of two Directors’ fence walls of their Bungalows and Boys quarters, which raises serious questions about the procedures and respect that should govern our operations. These properties are not merely structures; they represent the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our leadership to this organization,” Vice Chair of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti, Emmanuel Okpoti said.

But JoyNews checks revealed occupants of 200 bungalows on the 400 acres of land retained by the Asantehene were to be relocated into newly constructed ones.

The property, we are told was given as collateral to private developers tasked to construct bungalows for government agencies affected by the retainment.

Mr. Okpoti says the affected houses are a crucial component for effective water distribution in the metropolis.

He says they are not relenting on their demands.

“What is happening now—if we give in—it means they will simply take away all of our facilities. How can we supply water when we don’t have the opportunity to expand?” he said.

The water shortage is affecting the majority of homes in the Ashanti region.

But the innocent water users want an amicable resolution to the impasse to relieve them of the burden.

“We are pleading with them to resolve their issues, so we can get access to water for our chores,” Derrick, a barber at Atonsu, said.

Until then, they must endure the daily struggle for water ,especially with the dry season setting in.

In a press release, ADB categorically dismissed the claims as false and defamatory, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to professionalism, transparency, and adherence to regulations.

According to the Bank, the recent termination of employment for certain staff members, which has fueled these allegations, was a decision made by the Board of Directors during a duly convened regular meeting.

ADB clarified that, all decisions within the institution are governed by strict compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies.

Mrs. Eno Ofori-Atta, the Deputy Managing Director, was lauded for her high standards of professionalism and exemplary performance since joining the Bank.

“She has consistently upheld the principles of integrity and diligence, which are central to the Bank’s operations,” the statement affirmed.

The Bank further assured stakeholders of its resolve to drive economic growth through agriculture and other developmental initiatives.

It urged the public to disregard the circulating falsehoods, labelling them as malicious attempts to undermine the Bank’s reputation.

“ADB remains focused on its core mission and will not allow baseless accusations to distract from its goals.

“The Bank will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or entities propagating these falsehoods,” the statement concluded.

Stakeholders have been encouraged to treat the misinformation with the contempt it deserves. ADB reaffirms its commitment to fostering economic growth and maintaining the trust of its clients and partners.

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama emphasized that these assertions, primarily propagated by New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials during the election campaign, were unfounded political propaganda.

“Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere,” Mahama stated. “Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said was political talk and gimmickry. We are going to maintain it, What we are going to do is get dedicated funding for it.”

The Free SHS Policy

Introduced in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo administration, the Free SHS programme provides free tuition, boarding, and meals for students in public senior high schools. It has enabled hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian youth, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to access secondary education.

However, the policy has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delayed release of funds, which have affected its quality and implementation.

Mahama’s stance is to preserve the core benefits of the programme while addressing these challenges. His vision includes securing a reliable funding mechanism to alleviate financial constraints and improve the quality of education under the scheme.

Mahama’s Resounding Victory

John Mahama’s commitment to Free SHS was a key part of his campaign message, resonating with many Ghanaians concerned about education access and equity. His victory in the December 7 elections was decisive.

The Electoral Commission declared him the winner with 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast. He defeated his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, who garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).

This victory marks a return to the presidency for Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s leader from 2012 to 2017. His campaign focused on themes of economic restoration, addressing corruption, and improving social programmes like education and healthcare.

The Free SHS policy was a contentious issue during the elections, with the NPP warning that Mahama would dismantle it if elected. Mahama’s firm rebuttal seeks to reassure Ghanaians, especially parents and students who have benefited from the programme.

The President-elect has pledged to work with education stakeholders to review and refine the policy, ensuring sustainable and efficient implementation.

Before the election, Mr Bentil was vocal in his support for Dr Bawumia across several social media platforms, urging Ghanaians to choose him over former President John Mahama.

Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile on Saturday, a week after Dr Bawumia’s presidential bid was truncated by Mr Mahama, Bentil reaffirmed his support for Dr Bawumia, stating that he remains the better candidate than the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama.

“I still believe that Dr Bawumia is the better candidate. He [John Mahama] disagreed with me, but he has won fair and square. I wish President Mahama well. If he succeeds, he succeeds for all of us, but for me, Dr Bawumia was the better candidate,” he told Samson Lardy on the show.

According to Bentil, his belief is supported by research conducted by IMANI in February 2024, ten months before the December 7 polls.

He explained the outcome of the research, saying, “I took a principled position. What you see here is a research we did in February, which showed us that it looked like President Mahama would win, but this was driven by the anger of the Ghanaian people. What I did was to say, ‘Drop your anger and look at the candidates’, and I still believe Dr Bawumia was the better candidate.”

However, NDC’s Kofi Adams, Member of Parliament (MP) for Buem Constituency in the Oti Region, disagreed with Mr Bentil during the show.

For Adams, Bentil and IMANI should have focused more on the arrogance of the NPP government and other social issues affecting the country, rather than debating who was the better candidate for Ghana.

Without allowing Mr Bentil to elaborate on his point, the MP quickly countered, saying, “They ignored the economy, ignored the arrogance, ignored the environmental destruction that was going on, and were just looking at strains.”

Meanwhile, some NPP members have argued that Dr Bawumia was punished for sins he did not commit and that the NPP lost because their members did not turn out to vote in their numbers.

In a Facebook post made on Saturday, December 14, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation wrote, “Next chapter in my life unfolding, so let’s see what He (God) has in store for me.”

In the post, the outgoing minister also thanked God for the opportunity to serve the country over the past eight years. “Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to her constituents, saying, “Thank you, Ablekuma West!! Sayonara.” The MP emphasized that she is looking “into the future with confidence.”

Many Facebook users who reacted to the post praised her for being a good leader, with others thanking her for her contributions to the constituency and the country at large.

“Great woman by all standards. God bless you abundantly. We love you,” commented one of her followers.

Another said, “You have done your best. God bless you,” while one person urged her to “be humble in your next chapter,” describing her as an arrogant person.

The Communications Minister was defeated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Rev. Kweku Addo, in last Saturday’s polls.

Rev. Addo won the parliamentary election with 31,866 votes, while Mrs Owusu-Ekuful trailed with 26,575.

Dr Armah, the current Deputy Minister for Works and Housing who once served as the Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), polled 13, 317 votes as against Mr Fiifi Buckman’s 15,927 votes.

An independent parliamentary candidate polled 1,835 votes. The total valid votes cast is 31,079 with 219 rejected ballots.

Mr Fiifi Buckman, a private legal practitioner has previously contested the seat and lost. He was first an independent candidate before he later joined the NDC to contest on the party’s ticket.

On June 20, 2020, he defeated then incumbent Member of Parliament, Mr Joe Mensah in the NPP’s parliamentary primary, and went ahead to defeat two other challengers to retain the Kwesimintsim seat for the New Patriotic Party with 24,759 votes, ahead of his closest contender, who polled 13,385.

He is currently Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and a member of the House Committee.

Kwesimintsim now becomes one of the constituencies in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to fall to the NDC after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also lost Sekondi.

In a social media post shared as election results continue to trickle in, the former President condemned the supposed violent actions attributed to “unscrupulous military personnel” deployed to certain areas.

He described their activities as attempts to cause mayhem and interfere with the electoral process.

“This is to caution the personnel involved that they will be held individually liable and responsible for their actions,” Mahama stated.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions in some constituencies, where incidents of violence and alleged interference by security forces have raised concerns among stakeholders and observers.

Meanwhile, the EC says it has no hand in military deployment as the security issues are handled by the Election Security Task Force.

Observers are closely monitoring the situation as the collation of results continues nationwide.

From the photos shared on social media, Mr Mahama has 5,959,345 votes while Vice President, Dr Bawumia has 4,347,594 votes.

The figures from the NDC’s collation centre shows results from 37,200 polling stations out of the total 40,976.

It indicates that, Mr. Mahama is leading with 56.45 per cent of the votes from polling stations with the New Patriotic Party’s Dr Mahamudu Bawumia following with 41.19 percent.

Egyapa Mercer, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 11,084 votes, representing 42.94% of the total valid votes, while Blay Nyameke Armah secured 14,558 votes, corresponding to 56.40%.

Out of the 25,813 votes cast, 171 ballots were rejected.

This marks a significant shift in the Sekondi parliamentary seat, as Egyapa Mercer had previously dominated in the 2016 elections.

During that election, he won decisively, polling 16,839 votes, or 59.47% of the total valid votes, against Emmanuel Assifuah of the NDC and candidates from the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) and Convention People’s Party (CPP).

Blay Nyameke Armah’s victory signals a strong showing for the NDC in the constituency and reflects a broader trend of keenly contested parliamentary races in the 2024 elections.

The incumbent Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong did not contest the seat after serving the constituency for several years.

But the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Gofred Nti Anewu could not retain the seat for the ruling party.

The incident is said to have occurred at the collation center at Krachie Senior High School (SHS).

According to Adom News’ Nasteen Ibn Saliu, some supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) claimed the EC official had stolen a ballot box.

“They pulled him out of the car with the ballot box and subjected him to severe beatings” he added.

Ibn Saliu said the Police intervened and whisked the EC official away from the scene.

She faced threats from a group of voters after filming them destroying ballot papers being transported to the collation centre.

Recalling the incident Natalia said: “I was threatened by some individuals who were tearing up ballot papers meant for the collation centre. They took issue with me recording their actions, forcing me to report the incident to the police commander present. Eventually, the police had to escort me and other journalists to safety.”

She said the threats continued with the group directly targeting her life.

“It was terrifying to have someone look me in the eye and say, ‘We’re going to cut off your head and leave your lifeless body here. Nobody can do anything about it. We know you’re a Joy News reporter, and if this coverage goes out, you won’t leave here alive,’” she recounted.

“At one point, I was in tears. My colleagues saw the threats directed at me, and it was traumatic for everyone. We had to make our way down from the church building, weaving through ballot boxes that had been packed and went straight to the police for help.”

What made it worse was remembering how chaotic they were four years ago and seeing them today, beating security officers, tearing the clothes of fire service personnel, and even ripping up pink sheets at the collation centre.”

Thanks to the swift intervention of the police, Natalia and her colleagues were safely escorted home, but the traumatic incident has left a lasting impression.

Authorities are yet to confirm if any arrests have been made in connection with the threats and destruction of election materials.

In a press release issued on December 7, 2024, the NPC expressed concern about reports of party supporters converging at collation centres under the guise of protecting ballots, Electoral Commission officials, and security personnel.

The Election Situation Room, established to monitor electoral proceedings, described this development as regrettable and warned that it could impede the work of electoral officers, delay the announcement of results, and escalate tensions.

The NPC urged political parties to adhere to electoral rules and allow only accredited agents to observe the collation process.

“It is essential that political parties exercise restraint by withdrawing their supporters from the collation centres and allow Electoral Commission personnel to carry out their duties with professionalism and integrity,” the statement emphasized.

The NPC also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a free, fair, and transparent election and appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace during this critical period.

This has left a lot of voters especially supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) sitting on tenterhooks.

The EC had earlier announced that the collation of both presidential and parliamentary results was underway at all 276 constituency collation centres.

According to the Commission, about 60 per cent of polling station results had been received at the constituency collation centres by the time of their update.

However, results are yet to be processed in many areas despite polls closing at 5:00 PM on Saturday.

The delays are attributed to incidents of chaos and confusion at various polling stations nationwide regarding the transportation of ballots to collation centres.

Meanwhile, presiding officers from various polling stations are reportedly queuing to have their results validated for the collation and declaration of results.

According to Aboagye, the polling stations have already determined the election results, and each political party has received copies of the pink sheets.

“Every political party has copies of the pink sheet, they know it, they know very well they are losing this election and that is why they will call for havoc,” he asserted.

His comments came shortly after the NDC held a press conference urging its supporters to head to collation centres across the country, advising them to remain calm and vigilant and avoid early celebrations of election results.

Mr. Aboagye expressed confidence that the NPP would emerge victorious following the Electoral Commission’s final declaration of the results. He refuted the NDC’s allegations regarding the NPP’s potential to rig the election.

He drew a parallel between the current situation and the biblical story of two women who took a dispute over a lost child to King Solomon for judgment.

“That is exactly what the NDC are doing. They know they’ve lost, they know they are nowhere near victory in this election and that is why they will irresponsibly call on their supporters to move towards the collation centres to disrupt the collation process,” he lamented.

Mr. Aboagye further challenged the NDC to explain why they were instructing their supporters to move to the collation centres if they truly believed they were on track for victory.

“Why would any political party that is very, very clear in its mind that it has won this election want to disrupt these electoral processes? We will not allow that,” he said.

In response to the NDC’s call for supporters to assist in protecting the collation centres, Aboagye urged the NPP’s supporters to do the same, asking them to help the police safeguard the EC’s operations.

After casting his ballots at the Presby Polling Centre 1A, 1B, and 2 in the Ayawaso West Wuogun Constituency, Mr Kyerematen encouraged all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights.

He was accompanied by his wife, Patricia. He emphasized that voting was a crucial aspect of shaping the country’s future and a civic duty that every citizen should fulfill.

“For those who haven’t voted yet, the message is clear: come out and exercise your democratic right. Voting is a crucial part of shaping the country’s future, and by participating, you are putting yourself at the centre of Ghana’s national development agenda.

“As the Electoral Commission of Ghana emphasizes, voting is a civic duty, and every eligible citizen should make their voice heard. So, if you haven’t voted yet, take this opportunity to make a difference. Remember, every vote counts, and it’s good for Ghana and your own future,” he said.

Mr Kyerematen, an independent presidential candidate, is a renowned Ghanaian politician, corporate executive, and former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has had a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

Born on October 3, 1955, Mr Kyerematen has held various high-profile positions, including the Minister of Trade and Industry from 2017 to 2023.

Mr Kyerematen’s impressive resume comprises serving as Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States from 2001 to 2003.

He also worked as the minister of Trade and Industry; Private Sector Development (PSD), and Presidential Special Initiatives (PSI) during former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration.

He had worked as a trade advisor at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he coordinated the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC).

In September 2023, Mr Kyerematen founded the Movement for Change (M4C) as a political group after withdrawing from the NPP’s flagbearership race, in a bid to contest as an independent candidate in the 2024 general election.

The Movement for Change seeks to promote national unity, economic growth, and social development.

Mr Kyerematen has received several awards and recognition for his contributions to Ghana’s economic development. He was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 global leaders for the new millennium in 1994.

With his vast experience and achievements, Mr Alan Kyerematen is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in Ghanaian politics.

The 2024 General Election took place across 276 constituencies in Ghana, with 18.8 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots.

Out of the 18.8 million registered voters, 459,291 represent four per cent of the voter population. The voter population is split into 48 per cent male and 52 per cent female.

There are 13 presidential candidates in the running, with some representing political parties and four being independent candidates.

However, at the parliamentary level, 111 candidates are contesting as independents.

Ghana’s Electoral System is such that the President of Ghana is elected using the two-round system, while members of Parliament are elected in single-member constituencies.

Dubbed the “Final Mega Rally”, the event drew thousands of supporters who chanted appellations and slogans of Lawyer Abu Jinapor and the New Patriotic Party to indicate their appreciation for the unprecedented development the constituency has enjoyed under the NPP government.

The constituents in their singing, chanting and dancing placards display did not only represent their gratitude but also expressed their belief in the Honorable Abu Jinapor as their preferred candidate in the 2024 elections and their hopes in Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to be an extension of the able leadership they have experienced under President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

At the sight of Hon. Abu Jinapor who had risen up to address the enthusiastic crowd who had been waiting with baited breath to hear the good news of NPP one final time before they go to the polls on Saturday, the already charged atmosphere went up a notch with the MC having to plead with the excited crowd to down their noise and hear from the man whose able and sound leadership has seen the transformation of not just the Damongo Constituency but also Ghana’s land and natural resources sectors.

Hon. Abu Jinapor fed into the charged crowd, feeding them with information about the achievements of the NPP in the area which cuts across all sectors including agriculture, education, health, road, sports, among others.

With two days left for them to vote, Hon. Abu Jinapor urged the constituents to vote massively for him and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who is the NPP’s presidential candidate, assuring them of more developmental project should he and Dr Bawumia win.

He stated that the NPP will make history in the Damongo constituency and the entire country and cement their status as the party of choice in the country.

Hon. Abu Jinapor is convinced beyond equivocation that the transformative leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo coupled with promises by Dr Bawumia would see the NPP make history as the first political party under the fourth republic to govern the country for three consecutive terms.

He stated that the impact of his leadership can be felt across the nook and cranny of the constituency with almost every town receiving some developmental projects.

He also urged the constituents to conduct themselves properly and ensure that peace prevails at the end of the polls.

“It is left with only two days for us to vote Saturday. We will emerge winners. Humans as we are, I might have offended some people so I’m pleading with you to forgive me and consider the future of our beloved constituency and vote for me and the NPP.

“It’s God who knows the one will be MP and President come Saturday. He knows that Saturday lawyer Abu Jinapor and Bawumia will be the MP and the President.

“ All the people from Damongo are my people. Those voting for NPP , I don’t give them guns and those voting for NDC , I don’t give them sticks”, he said.

“Over the past four years, we have provided so many job opportunities such as the construction of schools, Astroturfs, maternity blocks , community centers among others and I believe you can show me love and appreciation by voting for me and Dr Bawumia”, he added.

“In almost every town, you will see footprints of Lawyer Jinapor and the NPP so show your devotion by voting for us”, he charged the crowd.

“If Dr Bawumia comes free SHS , No School fees . Our parents will not pay school fees. Next term I will build Gonja hospital, Catholic Church.

“Through the help of people of Damongo we are going to build a regional hospital for Damongo . We will build university here in Damongo

Saturday is a fight between your son and your in law and others. On Saturday in the name of God, Insha Allah “ Abu Jinapor will maintain the Damongo seat,” he said.

The Savanah Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibril, stated that the NPP have by virtue of their works in their constituency banned the ghost of the NDC from the constituency forever.

He cautioned the voters against “skirt and blouse” voting, appealing to them to vote Honorable Abu Jinapor in the parliamentary race and vote for Dr Bawumia in the presidential race.

The constituency Chairman of the NPP stated with confidence that the NPP will win comfortably in the Damongo Constituency.

He was buoyant about the chances of the NPP, stating that the has done outstanding works to sell the achievements and policies of the party in the area.

In his first term as MP, Honorable Abu Jinapor has exceeded expectations with most credible polls predicting a landslide victory for him and Dr Bawumia in the December 7 elections.

The Deputy National Womens Organizer of the NPP, Hajia Safia Mohammed called on the electorate to vote massively for Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor for continued development in the Damongo Contituency whiles describing Hon. Jinapor as a Unifier who brings progress and development at all levels”.

Will Ghanaians Reset Ghana as it is being champions by the presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama or make Breaking the 8 Possible for the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

These slogans are most topical in the country even though there are 10 other candidates vying for the presidency.

The Ghanaian voter is now sophisticated and is demanding more from politicians than falling for their flowery words and utopian promises.

Therefore, any political party which falls short of this and fails to put out policies to solve the bread and butter issues would be found wanting.

This situation is even worst given the unemployment rate in the country due to crippling economy.

Unemployment will be one of the deciding factors, especially for the youth of Ghana.

Former President Mahama has proposed juicy employment opportunities should he be given the nod.

Government on the otherhand is justifying why it must remain in power to continue the policies which will provide jobs.

Vice President and NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Bawumia believes digitalization is the only way to solve the employment situation in the country.

He said he has the magic wand to turn the economy around to make life better for Ghanaians.

However, people are questioning why the Vice President has failed to do magic now and is waiting to the President.

This has left a lot of doubts in the minds of Ghanaians about the feasibility of Dr. Bawumia’s policies since his government has failed to solve the unemployment situation in the country.

The 24-Hour Economy promise by Mr. Mahama has gained some prominence among the youth.

But critics have described it as vague because they claimed the former President has failed to outline a concrete plan for the policy’s implementation and explain how it would address Ghana’s pressing economic challenges.

This notwithstanding, the NDC is certain the 24-Hour Economy policy is a game-changer is Reset Ghana’s economy.

Victory for NDC, they say is the emancipation of Ghana and victory for NPP is the beginning of Ghana’s digital drive.

Today, December 5, 2024, the NPP will hold its “Possibilities Victory Rally” at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon.

The NPP will use the platform to showcase the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration and reinforce its vision under the presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The opposition NDC takes place at Zurak Park in Madina for the rally, themed “Resetting Ghana – Let’s Finish Strong!”.

The party will showcase a message of renewal and forward momentum with two days to the general election.

As the political parties put finishing touches to their campaigns, the end will definitely justify the means.

I rest my case!!!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The author, Adwoa Gyasiwaa Agyeman is an Assisting Editor of Adomonline.com. She is also a global citizen who writes on socio-political issues of grave concern. You can reach her at adwoa1000@yahoo.com or Linkedin Adwoa Agyeman.

The company said the parcel of land known as Plot No 50 measuring 4.04 acres was acquired from Crystal City Limited in 2019 and obtained a land title certificate in respect of it.

“The company applied to the Lands Commission to regularize its stay on the parcel of land and was issued with a new lease from the Government on 26^th March 2024” the statement said.

It entered into an agreement with Sofaamy Glass Processing Limited to assign its interest in the parcel of land to it.

However, a statement from BCM Company said landguards allegedly hired by the complainant have taken over the land.

“The company entered into an agreement with Sofaamy Glass Processing Limited (Sofaamy) to assign its interest in the parcel of land to it.  Sofaamy has been in possession of the parcel of land till it was taken over by land guards allegedly working for Angela List with the aid of the Ghana Police Service” it claimed.

Even more serious, the company said is the assault of the site supervisor on November 15, 2024.

“On the said day the police officers scaled the walls of the property in Rambo style and entered into the property. In addition, the police beat the site supervisor Isaac Oteng with iron rods to which he sustained a deep gash on his forearms. As soon as the Police took this action, armed land guards made their way onto the property and have remained there” the statement said.

The basis of these acts, managment of BCM Ghana said was an alleged complaint by Angela List, who claimed to own the property.

This actions by the police, BCM Ghana said gives undue advantage to the complainant.

The statement said though the police has had meeting with BCM and Sofaamy, the complainant has failed to attend any of these meetings which makes it abundantly clear that the police are being used to frustrate BCM Ghana.

This is a platform to meet the financial needs of youth between the ages of one and 29.

The initiative comes in two forms – the BluFirst Account and the GenBlu Account, both aiming to support the financial journey of young people from early childhood through to the career stages.

The BluFirst Account is an interest-bearing account for customers aged zero to 17, allowing the young customers to begin their financial journey with support from a parent or guardian until they reach legal adulthood before the account transitions to the control of the youth themselves.

On the other hand, the GenBlu Account offers support to young adults aged 18 to 25, to help them navigate the path of student life to their first professional roles.

The proposition formed part of the bank’s commitment to drive Africa’s growth by empowering young citizens with financial literacy, banking access and mentorship across every stage of life.

The bank also launched the Ohemaa Eva Chatbot on WhatsApp as an interactive assistant to provide answers to customer questions and also enable the young clients to explore banking solutions with ease and convenience.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive of the bank, Kwamina Asomaning, said the initiative was driven by the bank’s mission of positioning Africa as a hub of growth and establishing lifelong banking relationships with the youth.

“Our purpose at Stanbic Bank is rooted in the idea that Africa is our home and driving her growth is essential,” he said.

Mr Asomaning said by targeting young individuals and building relationships with them from childhood, “we are not only securing our future customers, but also investing in the financial foundations of the continent’s next generation”.

He said that Africa’s future rested on its large number of young people, hence the need for the bank to explore ways to drive their growth.

The chatbot, the CEO said, was designed to meet the growing digital preferences of young people, adding “we recognise that today’s youth prefer online interactions, so we designed the chatbot to offer round-the-clock assistance, providing answers to frequently asked questions and introducing users to products that align with their financial needs”.

Mr Asomaning further said that the bank was committed to fostering financial literacy by engaging young people on campuses across the country and providing guidance on savings, investments and basic financial management.

He said the platform would also include a learning hub where young customers could access resources to improve their financial acumen and connect with like-minded individuals.

Mr Asomaning said the bank had invested in cybersecurity and data protection measures to ensure the safety of all customer information, and added that the bank was dedicated to maintaining strict controls and continually updating its technology to defend it against any cyber threats.

He said the bank had partnered several financial technology (Fintech) companies and telecommunication service providers to ensure it extended its services to the youth in rural areas.

Mr Asomaning said the bank was now on a positive growth trajectory. “The past two years have tested the resilience of the banking sector, but we are proud to have resumed growth and plan to introduce new products to meet customer needs and create value for both the bank and its customers,” he said.

For his part, Head, Personal and Private Banking of the bank, Benjamin Mensah, also said that his outfit had invested significantly in youth development over the years, including training young entrepreneurs, promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills, donating computers to universities, refurbishing schools and supporting medical exchange programmes with a long-term view of fostering future leaders.

Mr Mensah also said that the proposition was designed to meet specific needs of the youth, empower them to make informed decisions about their personal finances, and create environments where they could connect and thrive.

They also quoted him as saying Ashanti and Eastern region will do that magic.

According to Mr. Awuku, the story is just a political tactics by their opponents just to secure votes thus Ghanaians should ignore it and look at the good policies by the NPP and vote them again.

Under Mr. Awuku’s visionary leadership, the National Lottery Authority has gained recognition in the sub- region and among lottery bodies, where he serves as the first ever elected Anglophone Vice President of the African Lotteries Association (ALA).

Mr. Awuku is the parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party ( NPP) in the Akuapem North constituency in the Eastern region where he is targeting 70 percent of the total votes in the parliamentary elections on December 7.

Source: Alex Treve Quarshie

The directive, issued during a meeting at the State House in Entebbe, enables the Ghana-based company, known for its expertise in waste and landfill management, to begin decommissioning work at the landfill site.

Speaking to a delegation from the Jospong Group, led by Executive Chairman Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, President Museveni expressed confidence in the Jospong brand and praised its capabilities in waste management, especially in recycling and composting.

He stated that Jospong’s integrated recycling and composting initiatives represent a bold, much-needed approach to Africa’s waste management challenges.

President Museveni also called for African nations to unify in pursuit of self-sufficiency, declaring, “Africa must be a unified force, building its capabilities and not relying on others for its development. Our self-reliance will drive our success.”

The meeting was attended by several key officials from Jospong Group, including Florence Larbi, Chief Operating Officer of Jospong’s Environment and Sanitation (E&S) cluster, Haidar Said, Executive Director of E&S, and Peter Dagadu, Project Lead for Zoomlion Uganda.

Ugandan officials present included Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala Joseph Kyofatogabye Kabuye, and acting KCCA Executive Director Frank Rusa.

The President’s directive follows reports of delays from KCCA officials over legal concerns regarding the landfill handover.

Earlier in the week, Minister Kabanda urged city authorities to proceed with the site transfer to Jospong, stressing the need to engage the surrounding community and commence operations by March 2024.

Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong expressed gratitude for the President’s support, noting that the partnership “signals Uganda’s commitment to addressing waste management challenges through strategic partnerships with African enterprises.”

The Jospong Group’s involvement is seen as a pivotal step in Uganda’s efforts to modernize its waste infrastructure, given its successful track record in waste management across the continent.

This collaboration reflects a broader Pan-African vision, placing African companies at the forefront of solving the continent’s environmental and developmental challenges, and creating a future where African ingenuity drives sustainable progress.

The longstanding chieftaincy conflict, which had recently appeared to calm, escalated after the return of a rival chief to the area.

Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who had been in exile since his installation in February 2023 in Nalerigu, returned to Bawku after a Kumasi High Court quashed his arrest warrant on October 17, 2024.

Tensions flared upon his return, reigniting the dispute and resulting in gunfire exchanges on the night of Saturday, October 26.

The incident claimed two lives and left numerous others injured.

The assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons, reportedly stopped vehicles in search of passengers from Bawku, a report by Accra-based Citi FM said.

This escalation is linked to the recent resurgence of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict, which has escalated since Saturday, October 26.

The armed men have reportedly burnt one vehicle and attacked several passengers.

One survivor recounted the incident: “I went to Tamale airport this morning to drop someone. On my way back, at Gbimsi, I saw people holding guns and blocking the road. They were burning tyres and said they were looking for Kusasis. They screened me, and I was allowed to pass when I indicated I am not a Kusasi. I saw them beating someone but couldn’t see how it ended.”

Gbimsi, a predominantly Mamprusi community, has been affected by the tensions from the ongoing Bawku clashes.

Efforts to reach the North East Regional Police Command for comment have so far been unsuccessful.

He encouraged them to put their trust in John Dramani Mahama and the parliamentary candidates for both Jaman North and Banda constituencies by voting for them in large numbers.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasized that, the NDC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to cohesion and inclusion, regardless of religious or other considerations.

He assured the constituents that with John Mahama, they would have a leader with the conviction to guide Ghana into its next phase of development.

According to Mr. Asiedu Nketia, despite these two constituencies being considered as NDC for having been neglected under Akufo-Addo Bawumia’s government, the party has not brought any significant development to the people since voted into power for eight years.

He highlighted that the Akufo-Addo Bawumia-led government hasn’t performed in promoting the growth and development of the two constituencies and the country at large.

Jaman North and Banda constituencies are noted to be the most deprived constituencies in the Bono region.

Roads in the area are in bad state and commuters find it difficult to ply on. Since the areas are noted to be farming communities especially cash crops like cashew and foodstuffs, farmers find it difficult to access the road to the market, most of their farming produce rotten in the bushes.

Mr. Asiedu Nketia also urged the constituents to vote for the NDC Parliamentary candidate for Jaman North, Yaw Ahenkroah, and Banda NDC parliamentary candidates Ahmed Ibrahim.

He was speaking during a durbar and community engagement with chiefs and people in both Jaman North and Banda constituencies as part of his retail campaign tour in the Bono region.

Source: Christian Ofori Kumah

The attack occurred on Sunday, October 20 as the journalists documented environmental destruction attributed to Edelmetallum Mining Resources Limited.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Donkor urged authorities to ensure justice and recover essential items confiscated by their assailants.

“We are looking for justice. Secondly, we want our items returned,” he said.

“Those drone batteries, the tablets, are very expensive for common journalists like us. We bought them with our own money, and we need them back,” he told the host, Samson Lardy Anyenini.

According to him, the team was confronted by armed men while filming farmlands and water bodies ravaged by illegal mining.

The attackers, allegedly protecting Edelmetallum Mining’s operations, seized the journalists and their equipment at gunpoint, before transporting them to a remote forest location.

There, the journalists endured a violent assault, sustaining injuries, including swollen eyes and ear trauma, before the assailants deleted all collected footage and abandoned the team.

The journalists later reported the incident at the Manso Edubia Police Station and sought medical treatment at Agroyesum Hospital.

Their attackers claimed to be acting on orders from the mining company’s owner, according to the team’s report.

Despite the ordeal, Mr Donkor emphasised his team’s commitment to reporting on critical environmental issues, acknowledging the high costs of equipment such as drones, which they currently rent.

He stressed the need for strengthened security measures, stating, “We only have to be more careful… but definitely, it’s not a job that we intend to quit.” Meanwhile, the case is currently under police investigation after three people were arrested.

This review could result in the release of $360 million to the Bank of Ghana to support the Government’s budget and balance of payment needs.

The anticipated board meeting follows a staff-level agreement reached with the government earlier this month, after the IMF’s visit to review data up to June 2024.

“This disbursement by the IMF Board will bring the total funds received since Ghana signed up for the IMF programme to $1.92 billion,” Dr. Amin Adam noted.

Dr. Amin Adam announced this at a press briefing in Washington, DC, during the Annual IMF/World Bank Meetings.

He stated that Ghana has met all requirements for approvals and disbursements under the IMF programme.

Impact on the Economy

The Finance Minister expressed optimism that the anticipated $360 million from the IMF and an additional $300 million from the World Bank would strengthen Ghana’s reserves, helping stabilise the Ghanaian cedi going into the next year.

“We must remember that the Bank of Ghana already has strong reserves, and these additional inflows will put the Central Bank in a solid position to stabilize the Ghana cedi,” Dr Amin Adam added.

“There is no need for businesses to panic regarding the availability of foreign exchange to meet their demands.”

“For us, it’s not just about the funds coming from the IMF, but rather the signal it sends to investors that the government has taken the necessary steps to stabilize the economy,” the Minister explained.

Investor Confidence and Economic Recovery

Dr Amin Adam also revealed that investor meetings held in Washington, DC, during the IMF/World Bank meetings indicated a positive response from investors, who are encouraged by Ghana’s economic reforms.

“Some investors are considering re-entering the domestic bond market, but we are still reviewing those requests,” he noted.

Addressing concerns about the government’s economic management over the past four years, the Finance Minister asserted, “Ghana’s economy has strongly recovered compared to two years ago. We’ve seen tremendous progress in growth, exchange rate stability, and inflation.”

He added, “We have performed exceptionally well in managing the economy.”

IMF’s Growth Outlook on Ghana

The Finance Minister welcomed the IMF’s revised growth projection for Ghana, adjusting the target for 2024 from 3 per cent to 4 per cent.

“We appreciate the IMF’s explanation that their latest World Economic Outlook was based on data as of mid-April 2024, and they expect improvements by the end of the year,” he remarked.

Dr Amin Adam was confident, saying, “We believe Ghana will outperform the revised 4 per cent target based on recent investments that are starting to yield results.”

He added, however, that the government would maintain the original 3 per cent growth projection in the 2024 Budget for now.

According to a press release signed by the Acting Chief Director, Paul Siameh, the event will be held in the Greater Accra Region, with the main celebration at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

This year, the Ministry has decided against regional-level celebrations. Instead, each region is permitted to nominate winners for ten regional award categories.

These awardees will travel to Accra, where they will be honored at the national Awards Night Ceremony.

Regional Ministers will present awards to honorees from their respective regions during the ceremony.

The Ministry has directed that all expenses related to the participation of regional award winners, including travel, accommodation, and meals, be covered by their respective Regional Coordinating Councils.

Additionally, Regional Ministers and Regional Directors of Agriculture are expected to attend the Awards Night Ceremony, with their participation costs also borne by their councils.

The Ministry emphasised the importance of the event, describing the role of regional representatives in celebrating and acknowledging the vital contributions of Ghanaian farmers to national development.

The walk, which started from the Obra spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended at the headquarters of NAS in Accra was attended by over 300 staff of NAS including management and other security services like Ghana Police Service, Immigration Service and Ghana National Fire Service.

The aim of the walk is to improve cardiovascular fitness, raise awareness, support those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and teach on how to prevent it.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer for the Service, Professor Ahmed Nuhu Zakariah thanked all EMTs and urged them to continue with their dedication.

“We have visited other jurisdictions, and what you are doing is the same your counterpart out there are doing to save lives, continue to persevere and you won’t regret, even in retirement you can still practice it” he said

The Deputy Director of Operations for the Service, Dr. Foster Ansong Bridjan also encouraged the EMTs to participate in the breast screening exercise, towards early detection to save lives.

Sophia Darkoa Boakye from the Family Medicine Department of the Korle Bu Teaching hospital urged all women to know the breast self-examination by examining their breast every month and annually do the mammogram, a scan done to detect any abnormality in the cells of the breast.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked in countries across the world, and helps to increase attention and support for awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment as well as palliative care for women facing this disease.

There are about 1.7 million new cases and 522,000 deaths from breast cancer each year.

Source: Alex Treve Quarshie

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant said she is the best bet to change the fortunates of Amenfi Central.

“I will fight with my last blood for the people of Amenfi Central. The youth need job, old people need proper health care, children need good education, we need good road network, women need loan for their business, communities need good clear water. The people deserve nothing but the best” Gyan Cudjoe said in a statement.

As a dedicated advocate for her constituents, Joana Gyan Cudjoe recognizes the pressing needs of the community and is determined to address them head-on.

She said the youth of Amenfi Central deserve access to meaningful employment opportunities, empowering them to build a brighter future. The elderly require quality healthcare services, ensuring their golden years are filled with dignity and comfort.

For the children, Joana envisions a robust education system that equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

Moreover, she acknowledges the urgency of upgrading the road network, facilitating seamless connectivity and economic growth.

Women, the backbone of the community, will receive the support they need to thrive in business, through accessible loan initiatives. Additionally, Joana is committed to ensuring that all communities have access to clean, potable water – a fundamental human right.

Joana’s battle cry is clear: the people of Amenfi Central deserve better. With unrelenting passion and dedication, she will continue to champion their causes, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of a prosperous and vibrant community.

The MOUs aim to:
1. Actualize Africa’s growth potential through strategic partnerships, including technical and capacity building towards industrial development, and infrastructure development to unlock Africa’s economic potential and drive growth while expanding markets for China and Africa.
2. Establish a joint venture to promote trade and investment between China and Ghana, fostering economic cooperation and bilateral relations.
This groundbreaking initiative seeks to:
1. Identify and develop opportunities in key sectors, including infrastructure ( energy, roads, transport, water, telecommunications), agriculture, health, and education.
2. Provide capacity-building programs for African businesses
3. Facilitate knowledge and technology transfer.
4. Enhance trade volumes and investment flows between China and African countries.

Akwasi Opong-Fosu, President of AGS also noted that “They are excited to partner with the China-Africa Commercial Affairs Centre to unlock Africa’s growth potential and drive growth. Equally thrilling is the commitment to move forward with the decision to implement the initiative in Ghana, and roll it over in other countries”.

Jack Chan, Director of China-Africa Commercial Affairs Centre said “The MOUs mark a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Sino-African relations and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. We look forward to working together to achieve sustainable economic growth and development “.

Seeking to create new opportunities in tech, fintech and smart cities in Africa is the founder of Kludjeson International Group used the occasion to open investors to new economic opportunities in Ghana, especially in the ICT and networks sectors.

The lawsuit also highlights potential conflicts of interest, as several executives from Fidelity Bank hold positions on ECG’s Board, further clouding decision-making processes.

But Fidelity Bank in a rejoinder copied to Adomonline.com said it has not been served with any court process and will respond accordingly if served with the writ.

Below is the rejoinder

In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 26, Mr Nkansah expressed disappointment with party representatives who seem to lack faith in the NPP’s chances of victory.

Mr Nkansah pointed out that the party’s MPs and parliamentary candidates are not showing the necessary seriousness in their campaigns, which he believes could negatively impact the NPP’s overall performance.

He urged them to re-evaluate their approach and show greater enthusiasm and determination, as the election outcome depends heavily on the collective effort of all party members.

Expressing his confidence in the NPP’s prospects, Mr Nkansah stated that he is convinced the party will secure victory in the upcoming polls.

He emphasised that a win would serve as a lesson to those within the party who may be doubting its strength and ability to win the support of Ghanaians.

“You are MP/PC and you are telling people we will not win the election. No wonder, you are not showing any seriousness in campaigning. You do this and blame others for your issues.”

“BTW, we are winning this election to shame people like you. Meanwhile, when we win, such People will go lobbying for positions.”

This assurance follows the indefinite adjournment of Parliament on Tuesday, October 22, after a contentious session between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over which party holds the majority in the House.

Speaking during an interview on Citi FM, Mr Ayariga emphasised the NDC’s readiness to respond immediately to the Speaker’s call.

He highlighted that NDC MPs are committed to fulfilling their legislative responsibilities despite the ongoing political tensions and divisions between the two parties.

Mr Ayariga noted that, the willingness of NDC MPs to return to the Chamber reflects their dedication to ensuring the continuity of Ghana’s governance process.

He stressed that, regardless of the standoff, they would promptly resume their duties when directed by the Speaker, demonstrating their commitment to serving the nation.

The adjournment of Parliament came after sharp disagreements between the NDC and NPP over who occupies the majority side of the Chamber.

According to Mr Ayariga, the NPP was significantly underrepresented during the session, with fewer than 30 members present.

He accused the NPP of not taking parliamentary business seriously and lacking the necessary preparedness.

Additionally, Mr Ayariga criticised the actions of NPP MPs, suggesting that their disruption of proceedings was part of a broader plan led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

He implied that Afenyo-Markin, the former Majority Leader, was attempting to maintain his position and influence within the House by creating confusion during the session.

Despite the political standoff, Ayariga reaffirmed that the NDC MPs are prepared to return to the Chamber when the Speaker recalls them.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring the smooth running of parliamentary business and fulfilling their legislative responsibilities for the benefit of the country.

“Many of them [the NPP MPs] are in their constituencies campaigning and so anytime the Speaker calls us, we will come and anytime the Speaker says we are the Minority, we will listen to him, but he hasn’t said that,” Mr Ayariga said.

Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps moments after the adjournment of the House, Dr Forson said: “We want to make something very clear, the NDC members of parliament are in the Majority in Ghana’s parliament. We’ve made our position, and it’s so clear.”

“We are not changing our positions. We see ourselves as the Majority. We are fortified by the Constitution and the Standing Orders of this House, and we see ourselves as the Majority.”

Dr Forson said the NDC Caucus were grateful to the Speaker for the right directive he had given and that they respected his decision.

“We hope that the time will come that this House will be recalled, and we take our position as the Majority Caucus,” Dr Forson said.

The Speaker’s decision to adjourn the House indefinitely follows a ruling from the Supreme Court, under an ex parte application, directing Parliament to recognise and allow the four Members of Parliament, whose seats the Speaker had declared vacant, to duly represent their constituents and conduct full scope of duties of their offices as Members of Parliament, pending the final determination of a suit filed by Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Caucus Leader.

The four Parliamentary seats declared vacant by the Speaker on Thursday, October 17, are Amenfi Central, Fomena, Agona West and Suhum Constituencies, for breaches of Article 9(1)(g) and (h) of the 1992 Constitution by the Members of Parliament (MPs).

Article 97(1) states: “A member of Parliament shall vacate his seat in Parliament — (g) if he leaves the party of which he was a member at the time of his election to Parliament to join another party or seeks to remain in Parliament as an independent member; or (h) if he was elected a member of Parliament as an independent candidate and joins a political party.”

The Speaker’s ruling on Thursday, October 17, was a formal response to the House to a matter of significant parliamentary and constitutional importance, which was brought to the attention of the House on Tuesday, October 15, by Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader and NDC MP for Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam, according to Order 93 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

This development has left the NPP Caucus with 135 MPs and the NDC Caucus with 136 MPs.

However, the Supreme Court on Friday, October 18, set aside the Speaker’s ruling and directed him to allow the four affected MPs to participate in the business of the House.

On Tuesday, October 22, Speaker Bagbin made the adjournment of House in formal communication to the House, during which the NDC Caucus occupied the Majority side of the Chamber, while the NPP Caucus retreated to their offices in the Job Six Hundred Building Block of Parliament House.

Before adjourning the House, the Speaker said, although the House on Tuesday had the numbers to conduct business, they were definitely far above one-third of the Members of Parliament, but the numbers were not sufficient for them to make decisions.

The Speaker noted that he had consulted leadership, and that he was exercising his discretion to decide to suspend the meeting of the House indefinitely.

In a Facebook post on Monday, October 21, Hosi emphasized that Napo, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2024 election, is simply passionate about his views and not arrogant.

Hosi highlighted that, while Napo may come across as strong and firm in his opinions, he is not inflexible or unyielding.

Instead, he is open to acknowledging when he is wrong, which, according to Hosi, is a sign of humility and personal growth.

He further explained that Napo’s assertiveness should not be mistaken for arrogance, noting that having strong convictions is a common trait among individuals who are deeply committed to their beliefs and responsibilities.

Napo’s willingness to engage in dialogue and admit mistakes makes him an effective leader, Mr Hosi suggested.

“I am in no position to judge others and their experiences with Napo but I can only speak of mine. Working with Napo was demanding. He took nothing on the face of it and will interrogate everything.”

“Your being an expert at anything never cowed him. You simply had to make sense and that made two of us. Spurred by his broad and deep reading in pursuit of authority on any subject matter he is responsible for, he nurtures strong opinions but welcomes any debate to assure himself of an optimal opinion.”

“In summary, Napo is different, passionate about his opinions and may seem intimidating in his debating style. But for me, I DO NOT KNOW HIM AS ARROGANT.”

“There is no doubt that there is a thin line between Confidence and Hubris, but that thinness may blur your judgement of what is or may be,” he posted.

Addressing a gathering of constituency executives, polling station executives, and members of the party in the constituency, Rachel Appoh decried what she observes to be acts of intimidation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and musician Kwame Asare Obeng, known widely as A-Plus.

The former Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection noted that, the NDC has consistently refrained from responding to acts of violence as the party believes in the rule of law.

She, however, sounded a caution to the opponents and security agencies that the party and its members will be forced to take measures to protect themselves if steps are not taken to address the problem.

Rachel Appoh charged the NDC members not to be scared by the actions of their opponents and to go all out and campaign for John Dramani Mahama and Kwame Deen Yawson, who is the parliamentary candidate.

Rachel Appoh reaffirmed her commitment to the protection of peace but warned that the NDC will not shy away from protecting their rights in the face of intimidation and violence.

“Every election we suffer intimidation and violence and we don’t respond because we want to protect the peace being enjoyed in the constituency. This year I have seen and heard of the acts of violence being perpetrated by our opponents, but I want to assure you all to remain steadfast and continue the campaign for Kwame Yawson and John Mahama.

“I want to warn the NPP and Kwame A-Plus that we are not afraid of anybody. If they bring violence, we will match them boot for boot. We are not going to allow them to intimidate us again. We will fight to protect our rights and the constitution of Ghana. The will of the people must prevail in the elections and we know that the will of Ghanaians is to see John Mahama at the presidency and Kwame Yawson in Parliament,” Rachel Appoh said amid claps and cheers from the crowd.

Rachel Appoh encouraged the gathering to go all out and sell the good policies of the NDC, which is headlined by the 24-hour economy.

She explained that, the policy will be the panacea for the high unemployment rate in the country and urged Ghanaians to trust the NDC.