Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the current Member of Parliament for the Walewale constituency has formally withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary re-run.
Hajia Lariba presented a letter to General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua, announcing her decision to step down from the contest which ended undetermined on Monday September 9, 2024, as the electoral process was interrupted by some unscrupulous individuals.
The High Court in Tamale declared the results of the January 27, 2024, preliminary election invalid and ordered the NPP to rerun the elections.
Subsequently, the party in a statement announced timelines of the re-run, which was earlier scheduled on Sunday, September 8 but was later postponed to Monday due to a funeral rite of a local chief in the constituency.
The conduct of the re-run primary between the present MP, Lariba Zuweira Abudu and Dr. Kabiru Tia Mahama was supervised by the Electoral Commission surrounded by heavy security.
Even so, the process was disrupted during the sorting process after voting had ended.
Gabriel Manu, the North East Regional Director in a media interview made noted that the winner of the election was not determined.
The EC stated that some of the ballot papers were damaged in a way that it could not determine the candidate who had won the polls.
In this regard, the Walewale MP Lariba decided to withdraw to keep the peace and unity in the Walewale constituency.
By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng, Student, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU)
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has disclosed a plan to hold a nationwide protest on September 17, 2024 if the Electoral Commission (EC) does not address issues of irregularities in the voters register before the December 7 general election.
The party made this remarks after the submission of the presidential nomination forms of John Dramani Mahama, the party’s flag bearer on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia pointed out what he said was “several discrepancies” identified in the register.
He mentioned that the party had purposefully petitioned the EC to rectify the issues earlier, notwithstanding assurances from the commission, no concrete action had been taken.
Mr. Nketia raised the alarm that the integrity of the upcoming elections could be at risk if the EC fails to resolve the matter.
“Is it possible for a district officer anywhere to transfer names of voters to places they didn’t choose? And they are saying it is possible. If it is possible, then we are not safe,” he remarked.
He added that there should be a full audit of the EC’s IT systems, saying that the NDC has reached out to international development partners who are ready to provide funding for such an audit.
“We want an independent audit of the system,” he added.
Referring to the submission of the flag bearer’s nomination forms, Mr. Nketia said they have met all requirements and are hopeful that their candidate will go through the process easily.
“We are very confident of the eligibility of our candidate,” he said.
So far, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the governing New Patriotic Party has submitted his forms as well as Nana Kwame Bediako, an independent aspirant and Kofi Akpaloo of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).
All forms submitted were received by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensah.
By Nelly Takyiwa Boateng- Student, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU)
President Akufo-Addo has reiterated his support for the free SHS policy, advising wealthy families to consider enrolling their children in private institutions.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Kumasi, the President noted that the policy is aimed at providing equal access to quality education for those who cannot afford secondary school fees.
“People who can afford to pay fees for the education of their wards should send them to fee-paying private schools,” the President affirmed.
“Public schools that are funded by the taxpayer should be free to all who will otherwise be unable to pay for their education,” he added.
Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the association, suggested that affluent parents contribute to the cost of the policy to alleviate the burden on the national budget, allowing the government to allocate more resources to those in need.
President Akufo-Addo commended the success of the Free SHS policy, noting a significant increase in the number of students enrolling in senior high schools since its inception, with approximately 5.7 million beneficiaries to date.
He expressed the importance of affluent families paying fees to ease the strain on the national budget.
The President expressed satisfaction with the continuous growth of the Free SHS policy, which has seen a steady rise in enrollment numbers each academic year compared to previous years.
Source: Osei -Tutu Esther Kumah, Student, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU).
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has expressed complete disproval of assaults on its personnel, promising to pursue strict legal actions against perpetrators.
According to the service, fire fighters have been physically and verbally assaulted while going about their work.
In a statement released by GNFS on Tuesday, September 10, it explained how ADO II Abdul Aziz Annor, a fire fighters from the Ministries Fire Station on September 3, 2024, sustained a fractured ankle after being assaulted by a driver and his mate in Accra.
This happened while Annor was refilling the station’s truck at the La Palm T-junction.
The perpetrators were arrested and granted bail on September 9, 2024, with court hearing scheduled for October 24.
Fire fighters from the Dansoman Fire Station also faced a similar situation two days after the incident.
Residents of Dansoman Roundabout verbally and physically attacked the fire fighters who were responding to a fire in their vicinity.
The fire fighters amist the attack, were able to sustain the fire with the help of additional fire trucks.
The GNFS has stressed that assaulting fire fighters is a crime and perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly.
The service has guaranteed that it will provide the needed care for the injured fire fighter and take all required legal steps to ensure justice for all affected personnel.
Nonetheless, there is an ongoing investigation by the Dansoman Police on the matter in order to bring the culprits to justice.
The GNFS urged the public to support and accord all respect to its personnel, who risk their lives daily to protect the people and their community.
Source: Obikyere Abigail Seyram, Media and Communication Studies Student, KNUST.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has admonished political parties to lessen their mistrust of the Electoral Commission and contribute to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
While recognising the need for increased vigilance by political parties, he stated the importance of restoring confidence between the Electoral Commission, the contesting parties and candidates.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his view during a dinner with members of the Ghana Bar Association at the Manhyia Palace as part of the Association’s Annual General Conference.
The Asantehene stressed on the need to protect Ghana’s democratic values and urged citizens to place peace above violence during elections.
He said that he feels confident about the outcome of the elections for two main reasons, stating that Ghanaians have come a long way not by chance, but through the forces of history.
The King further stated that in the first quarter of a century of existence as an independent nation, the country has tried almost every system of governance envisioned by man.
“We have had a one-party state. We have had military rule of three different types and we have experienced democracy with the power of the people to choose their government through the ballot box.”
“However discreditable one may think of the people, I can see no circumstances in which Ghanaians will sacrifice the freedom of today, the prospect of changing their government by power of their thumb, for any other alternative.”
Source: Nelly Takyiwa Boateng, Student, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU)
PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), a leading professional services firm, has projected that it will take over five years for Ghanaian banks to fully transition into the digital space. Despite the increasing shift toward digital banking, PWC believes many customers still prefer face-to-face interactions with bank staff, slowing down the adoption of digital services.
Speaking after a meeting with key stakeholders in the banking sector, Vish Ashiagbor, the Country Senior Partner for PwC Ghana, highlighted the challenges. He pointed out that achieving a 95% digital penetration rate in the near term is unlikely due to several factors.
“The demographics of Ghana show that a significant portion of the population is still adjusting to the digital narrative,” Ashiagbor explained. “Beyond that, there’s the issue of network reach. While urban areas have better connectivity, many banking activities occur in agricultural, cocoa-producing, and mining communities where connectivity is less reliable. Digital banking depends heavily on infrastructure, and without improvements in education and network access, hitting that 95% mark will be difficult.”
During the meeting, PwC shared insights from its Banking Customer Experience (CX) survey and launched the first edition of the Ghana Banking Sentiment Index (GBSI). The survey, which gathered responses from over 4,700 banking customers, emphasized the need for banks to invest in technology that ensures 24/7 availability and seamless digital services. Additionally, customers stressed the importance of courteous, friendly employees in enhancing their banking experiences.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa landed in Beijing on Monday, ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), marking a significant moment in China-Africa relations. As part of China’s largest diplomatic event since the pandemic, the red carpet was rolled out for Ramaphosa and other African leaders, who are expected to discuss deepening ties between China and the resource-rich continent.
China has invested billions in Africa, funding massive infrastructure projects while tapping into the continent’s abundant natural resources, such as copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth minerals. This partnership has made China Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade reaching $167.8 billion in the first half of 2023. However, China’s vast loans to African countries have sparked debates, as they have led to heavy debts for some nations.
During his four-day visit, Ramaphosa will attend a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and pay tribute to Chinese revolutionaries in Tiananmen Square. His visit will also include a trip to Shenzhen, China’s tech hub, as the two nations plan to sign agreements to strengthen economic and technical cooperation. Trade between China and South Africa soared to $38.8 billion in 2023.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also met with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi to discuss China’s interests in the DRC’s natural resources, despite security challenges in the region.
Several other African leaders from Djibouti, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, and more arrived in Beijing to take part in the summit. The gathering comes at a time of increasing global competition between the US and China for influence in Africa, with Washington frequently criticizing Beijing’s influence on the continent.
As African leaders look to balance their relationships with the world’s superpowers, this forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering deeper cooperation and navigating the complexities of global politics.
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The devastating effects of an El Niño-induced drought are causing havoc across Southern Africa, with 68 million people—17% of the region’s population—in desperate need of aid, according to the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Elias Magosi, SADC’s executive secretary, shared this alarming figure during a meeting of heads of state in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, where leaders gathered to address the crisis and broader regional concerns.
Magosi highlighted that the 2024 rainy season has been particularly challenging, with delayed and insufficient rainfall exacerbating the situation. Countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have declared a hunger crisis, calling it a state of disaster, while Lesotho and Namibia have appealed for urgent humanitarian support. Earlier in the year, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that Southern Africa experienced its driest February in 40 years, placing as many as 50 million people at risk of food insecurity.
This drought, one of the worst in recent years, is a result of the natural El Niño phenomenon combined with the rising temperatures caused by climate change. The warming waters of the eastern Pacific have disrupted global weather patterns, significantly reducing crop and livestock production throughout the region and triggering food shortages that threaten entire economies.
In response to the worsening situation, SADC launched a $5.5 billion humanitarian appeal in May, yet the amount raised has fallen drastically short of the region’s needs. Angola’s President, Joao Lourenco, SADC’s outgoing chair, urged regional and international partners to increase their efforts to provide much-needed support.
As the drought continues to ravage Southern Africa, the call for global solidarity grows louder, as millions struggle to survive in the face of severe food insecurity and economic hardship.
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Nana Kwame Bediako, leader of the New Force Movement, has reveiled an ambitious infrastructure plan that could revolutionize Ghana’s transportation and logistics sectors. At the launch of his party’s manifesto, Bediako detailed a vision to construct an 8,000-kilometer railway network, positioning it as a cornerstone of the party’s agenda.
“Our goal is to build a railway network that spans over 8,000 kilometres, requiring 1.5 million tons of steel,” Bediako stated, emphasizing the significance of tapping into Ghana’s iron ore reserves to support the project. He highlighted that Ghana can reduce dependence on imported materials by using domestic resources and boost its industrial capabilities.
The proposed railway network, estimated to cost billions, would connect vital corridors like the Eastern and Western routes, extending to Ghana’s borders with Togo, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. “We are not just relying on colonial-era roads; we are creating new pathways to distribute our goods,” Bediako said, signalling a shift in how Ghana will approach trade and transport.
Like Europe’s cross-border rail systems, Bediako hinted at the potential for Ghanaian companies to expand the railway system into neighbouring countries. “With steel, skills, and industrial power, Ghana can lead the way,” he remarked, drawing comparisons to historical European infrastructure projects.
This railway project is part of the New Force Movement’s “Pillar 2,” which focuses on connectivity, particularly in transportation by water and rail, to fuel Ghana’s future growth. “The moon needs the sun to shine,” Bediako said, underscoring the interconnectedness of his vision for the nation.
As the manifesto launch sets the stage for the upcoming elections, Bediako’s transformative railway plan is expected to be a major talking point. Like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, successes and mistakes. While we all make mistakes, there are some that cut deeper, leaving lessons we wish we had learned earlier. These are the lessons that, if you’re mindful of them, can save you heartache and help you live a life with more purpose, fulfillment, and peace. Let’s get into 9 key life lessons that you should never forget—because making these mistakes once is enough!
1. Trusting the Wrong People
We’ve all been there — trusting someone who later betrays us. It’s painful and can shake your ability to trust others again. But here’s the thing: it’s not about closing yourself off completely. Instead, it’s about learning to be more discerning. Look for actions over words and trust slowly. Not everyone deserves a seat at your table, and that’s okay. Learn from past experiences to make better judgments moving forward.
2. Settling for Less Than You Deserve
Ever stayed in a relationship, job, or situation that didn’t serve you? Settling for less than you deserve can lead to dissatisfaction and regrets. You are worthy of more — in your career, your relationships, and your personal goals. Stop accepting less, and start striving for what truly aligns with your values and aspirations. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
3. Ignoring Personal Boundaries
How often do you say “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Neglecting personal boundaries leads to resentment, burnout, and feeling taken advantage of. You have the right to set clear, firm boundaries that protect your well-being. Communicate them confidently, and don’t be afraid to enforce them. You deserve a healthy balance between your needs and the needs of others.
4. Neglecting Self-Care and Well-Being
In a world that glorifies hustle, it’s easy to put yourself last. But neglecting your self-care — whether it’s your physical health, mental well-being, or simply taking time for yourself — leads to burnout and diminished happiness. Make yourself a priority. Whether it’s taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or just getting enough sleep, investing in your well-being is one of the most important commitments you can make.
5. Not Pursuing Your Passions or Dreams
How many times have you let fear or doubt hold you back from chasing your dreams? It’s easy to let societal expectations or self-doubt get in the way. But when you look back on your life, do you want to feel regret for the things you didn’t do? Take the risk. Pursue your passions. Even if it’s scary, the personal fulfillment that comes from following your dreams is worth it.
6. Taking People for Granted
We’ve all taken someone for granted at some point in our lives. It’s easy to assume that people will always be there — until they’re not. When you start to feel what it’s like to be taken for granted, you realize just how hurtful it can be. Make it a point to appreciate the people in your life. Show them they matter to you before it’s too late.
7. Lying to Fit In
Remember that time you pretended to be someone you weren’t, just to fit in? Maybe you lied or put on a facade just to gain acceptance. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the truth: wearing a mask is exhausting, and being someone you’re not is never worth it. Be your authentic self. The right people will accept you for who you are — no lies necessary.
8. Hurting Someone Who Can’t Defend Themselves
Hurting someone who can’t defend themselves is something that sticks with you. It might have happened long ago, but the memory lingers. I still remember being rude to a girl in my class simply because she was different. That was the first and last time I intentionally hurt someone. It’s a painful lesson, but one that reminds us to be kind, especially to those who are vulnerable.
9. People Pleasing
Here’s the thing about people-pleasing — everyone does it to some extent, but it’s draining and unsustainable. You shouldn’t have to wear a mask or change who you are just to make others like you. Stop hiding behind what you think others want you to be. Be kind, yes, but most importantly, be yourself. The right people will appreciate the real you.
Each person’s journey is unique, and the mistakes we make along the way are part of what shapes us. The key is to learn from these experiences and grow, making sure that you don’t repeat the same mistakes over and over again.
If you resonate with any of these lessons, make today the day you start doing things differently. Tune in to Orange Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong for more discussions on personal growth, life lessons, and how you can make positive changes in your life. Share your experiences with us, and let’s learn from each other! Join the conversation, call in, and let us know — what life lesson did you have to learn the hard way?
