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Stephen Amoah Denies Anti-Islamic Claims Amid Bawumia’s Warning on Religious Politics

By
Ivy Hollys
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Stephen Amoah denies Anti-Islamic claims
Stephen Amoah - Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso

Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso and former Deputy Finance Minister, Stephen Amoah, has denied making any derogatory remarks against any religion, particularly Islam, following recent debates over religion and politics within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He described the circulating claims as false and misleading, stressing that his comments have been taken out of context.

He emphasized that people are spreading false information about him, attributing to him statements he never made. According to him, it is not true that he influenced former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent warning that religious politics is dangerous.

“It’s being said everywhere that I made a statement about religion that offends Islamic people. That is never true. I have never stood anywhere and spoken against anyone,” he said.

Stephen Amoah Clarifies Comments, Urges Religious Tolerance Ahead of NPP Presidential Primaries

He expressed concern over how misinformation is being used to create division in the country.

“In this world, people act as if there is no God. They continue to destroy Ghana and later blame others, saying Ghana is not growing,” he stated.

Mr. Amoah recounted a meeting at Kumasi Technical University, saying, “Some people support Bawumia, others support aspirants like Kennedy Agyapong. They kept asking, ‘Dr. Bawumia is around, so why wasn’t he present?’”

“I explained that one reason may be connected to 2028. I believe some people, especially Christians, may not realize that Islam is also from God. Muslims trace their roots to Ishmael, Abraham’s son, and Christians to Isaac, also Abraham’s son,” he explained.

He continued, “Even God spoke well of the Islamic people. When He told Ishmael and his mother to leave, He said, ‘I will multiply your seed like the sand of the sea.’ God also said that where valuable resources lie beneath the soil, that’s where they will settle. That is even where oil and gold are found. So, no one should think Islam is not from God. We all want our religions to grow, but we serve one God. Voting should never be based on religion.”

Mr. Amoah added, “What I said at the event has been twisted. I never spoke against any religion.”

He concluded, “If my words have been misrepresented or offended anyone, I sincerely apologize. The person should forgive me. The NPP must remember that whoever wins the upcoming presidential primaries, we remain united. Whether I said something or not, if it was misunderstood, I ask for forgiveness. I can never speak against anyone,” he said.

Bawumia: Religion and Tribe Must Stay Out of NPP Politics

Amansie Rural Bank PLC  donates 100 bag of cement to Adum blue light Traders 

By
Ivy Hollys
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Amansie Rural Bank PLC Donates 100 Bags of Cement to Adum Blue Light
Amansie Rural Bank PLC

Amansie Rural Bank Public limited P-L-C  donates hundred bags of cement to support the rebuilding of the Adum Blue Light area. 

The bank’s Accountant General and Head of Business and Development Relationship Banking, Anna Adu Gyamfi, emphasized the motive behind the donation: “Our customers’ well-being is our priority. When our customers are doing well, we are also doing well. As good citizens of Ghana, we must help them rebuild.” she said.

The Chairman of the United Traders Association, Joseph Bobia Ansah, expressed his gratitude to Amansie Rural Bank PLC, saying they are impressed by the donation of 100 bags of cement. 

Owing to the recent fire outbreak, market activities have been severely impacted, and things are tough. He thanked the bank for the donation, stating that it will facilitate a speedy rebuilding of the market.

Ansah also highlighted that although many individuals have offered support, this is the first time a bank has made such a significant donation. He warmly thanked Amansie Rural Bank PLC for their generosity.

UK to Introduce DNA Testing for All Newborns Under NHS 10-Year Plan

By
Ivy Hollys
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The UK Government is set to roll out a groundbreaking plan to offer DNA testing for every newborn baby under a new 10-year strategy to transform the NHS.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, says the initiative will focus on prevention rather than treatment, using whole-genome sequencing to screen for hundreds of diseases from birth. The move is part of a broader shift towards personalized medicine and early intervention, with £650 million committed to genomics research.

Currently, babies receive a heel-prick blood test to detect nine rare conditions. Under the new plan, samples will instead be taken from the umbilical cord to allow for full genome sequencing.

Streeting, says the NHS will harness technologies like AI to predict and prevent illnesses before symptoms appear—a move he describes as helping patients “leapfrog” disease. The new Life Sciences Sector Plan, detailing this vision, will be published in early July.

This prevention-first approach will also see care shifted from hospitals to communities and services made more digital. The announcement comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledges to boost NHS funding by £29 billion annually over the next three years to tackle waiting lists.

We Record Over 200 Diabetes and Hypertension Patients Daily – Dr. Agyarko Poku, South Suntreso

By
Ivy Hollys
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lions international diabetes clinic at suntreso hospital

The medical superintendent of Suntreso Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Thomas Agyarko Poku, has revealed that the hospital records over 200 diabetes and hypertension patients every day.

According to him, for years, these patients received their treatment under a canopy and in the car park, which posed significant challenges to effective healthcare delivery.

Speaking to Orange FM correspondent Esther Amankwah during the commissioning of an ultra-modern diabetes clinic and emergency ward at the hospital by NGO Lions Club International, Dr. Agyarko Poku stated that the new facility will not only create space for medical treatment but also for education.

“In effective healthcare delivery, three things are important: human resources, a place to work, and the equipment needed to work. These are very crucial. Today, we are grateful to Lions Club International for providing two of the essential items we need,” he said.

The District Governor and President of Lions Club International, Dr. Helena Asamoah, also highlighted key features of the facility:

According to her, the OPD will be used for patient consultations and treatment. 

“We have brought in a lot of equipment, including patient monitors and ultra-modern devices to support effective treatment,” she stated.

“We spent about 1.3 million Ghana cedis to construct this facility, and around 60,000 US dollars on equipment. Our priority now is for the hospital to take very good care of the machines because they are expensive,” she added.

Background

Lions Club International commissioned an ultra-modern facility at Suntreso Government Hospital on June 21, 2025 to support patients with diabetes and promote quality healthcare. The project took six months to complete and includes a newly constructed building dedicated to treating diabetes patients.

Bawumia: Religion and Tribe Must Stay Out of NPP Politics

By
Ivy Hollys
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Bawumia Warns Against Divisive Politics in NPP Presidential Primaries
Bawumia Warns Against Divisive Politics in NPP Presidential Primaries

Following the ‘anti-Muslim’ comments made by the NPP Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso and a lead campaigner for Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Stephen Amoah, Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia addressing the NPP Constituency Chairman Caucus in Kumasi over the weekend, called on party members to reject attempts to divide the party by exploiting religious or ethnic sentiments for political gain.

He condemned efforts by some within the NPP to exploit tribal and religious sentiments in the 2028 flagbearership race, calling the move a serious threat to party cohesion and national harmony.

“We are a united party encompassing people from all ethnic groups, all religions, and we are all part of the elephant family. It is therefore very important that we do not allow people, for the sake of political advantage, to bring us apart as a party,” Dr. Bawumia said. 

“I’m saying this because recently people are going religious and tribal. That’s dangerous for the New Patriotic Party. Very dangerous for us if you go in that direction.”

Bawumia Rejects Use of Religion and Tribe in NPP Politics

Dr. Bawumia dismissed the MP’s arguments as groundless, referencing findings from the committee led by Prof. Mike Oquaye on the party’s 2024 defeat.

“What is clear, and is stated in black and white in the Oquaye report, as well as all the other surveys, is that religion and tribe were not factors in the 2024 election. So we should not try to create and say that Christians would not vote for Bawumia. My 4.7 million votes—were they all Muslims who voted for me? It is not possible. All voted for me.”

He further questioned the reasoning behind such claims by citing examples of past presidential candidates who initially lost elections but later achieved victory. “When Kufuor lost, did we say religion? When Mills lost, did we say religion? When Nana Akufo-Addo lost, did we say religion? That is not a factor, but people want to make it a factor for political reasons.”

Dr. Bawumia emphasized that if he genuinely believed religion was a barrier to his candidacy, he would have stepped aside. “If that was the case, I wouldn’t have contested at all. I would have stepped aside if that is the case, because I’m not a selfish person. I value the party. I would not jeopardize the ability of the party to win the 2028 election.”

He cautioned that leveraging religious and ethnic divisions for political gain could undermine the core values of the NPP. “People are trying to do that for their own political advantage and it is really dangerous for our party.”

Lions Club International Commissions Diabetes Facility at Suntreso Government Hospital

By
Ivy Hollys
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lions international diabetes clinic at suntreso hospital

Lions Club International has commissioned an ultra-modern facility at Suntreso Government Hospital to support patients with diabetes and promote quality healthcare. The project took six months to complete and includes a newly constructed building dedicated to treating diabetes patients.

Previously, diabetes and hypertension patients received their treatment under canopies and in the hospital’s car park—an arrangement that was not suitable for their health and posed serious challenges, especially in bad weather.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Mawerehene, healthcare workers, and the Suntreso branch of Lions Club International, as well as hospital staff.

Speaking at the event, District Governor Dr. Helena Asamoah-Hassan and the President of Lions Club International highlighted details of the facility.

“The OPD is located on the ground floor, and the emergency ward is on the top floor. The emergency ward contains 10 beds. The OPD will be used for patient consultations and treatment. We have brought in a lot of equipment, including patient monitors and ultra-modern devices to support effective treatment,” Dr. Asamoah-Hassan said.

She added that previously, patients suffered as they received treatment under canopies and in the car park—especially during rain or intense sun which is why they felt it was important to provide a lasting solution. 

“If diabetes is not well managed, it can lead to hypertension. We spent about 1.3 million Ghana cedis to construct this facility, and around 60,000 US dollars on equipment. Our priority now is for the hospital to take very good care of the machines because they are expensive,” she added.

The Medical Superintendent of Suntreso Government Hospital, Dr. Thomas Agyarko-Poku, expressed his gratitude to Lions Club International for providing two key pieces of equipment essential for patient care.

“Our focus is on diabetes. With lifestyle changes, we are seeing a rise in non-communicable diseases, one of the most common being diabetes. Each day, we receive about 200 diabetic patients at our clinic. Every patient is scheduled for follow-ups every three to four months,” he stated.

Dr. Agyarko-Poku said the new building provides not only space for treatment but also for education, which is very important in managing chronic conditions.

Report by Esther Amankwah

Ghanaians Call for Unity as NPP Sets January 31, 2026 for Presidential Primaries

By
Ivy Hollys
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Presidential Primaries
Presidential Primaries
Kennedy Agyapong and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced that its upcoming presidential primaries will be held on January 31, 2026. Following the announcement, many Ghanaians have shared their opinions and expectations.

Citizens are urging the NPP to remain united and elect a candidate who is disciplined, committed, and capable of leading Ghana to the “Promised Land.”

Supporters Emphasize Competence Ahead of Presidential Primaries

In Kumasi, Ashanti Region, some residents expressed strong support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over Kennedy Agyapong. According to them, Bawumia’s experience as a former Vice President makes him well-suited to become the next President of Ghana.

They also highlighted his contributions to the country’s digital transformation and praised his economic policies, especially his national budget proposals, which they believe were beneficial for Ghana’s development.

Many Kumasi residents have stated that they are looking forward to seeing former Vice President Dr. Bawumia lead the country, rather than Kennedy Agyapong.

Sources-Esther Amankwah

Passion Air Cuts Domestic Fares by 10% as Cedi Strengthens

By
Ivy Hollys
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Passion Air
Passion Air

Passion Air has reduced ticket prices by 10% across all domestic routes, effective June 17, 2025.

This adjustment comes as the Ghanaian cedi gains strength against major international currencies, lowering operating costs. Passion Air became the first domestic airline to respond to recent calls for pricing reviews.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe had encouraged operators to reflect the cedi’s appreciation in ticket pricing. He made this appeal during a stakeholder breakfast organized by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority on June 11. The airline described the fare cut as a direct benefit to passengers amid favorable currency conditions.

“This fare adjustment comes in response to the recent strengthening of the cedi against major foreign currencies,” Passion Air said.

Airline Commits to Affordable Travel

Passion Air noted that the change supports its broader goal of enhancing accessibility to domestic air travel. Officials say the airline remains focused on offering competitive fares while maintaining safety and service quality.

“As the domestic aviation landscape evolves, we remain focused on offering competitive fares that reflect these changes,” it stated.

The airline also reaffirmed its dedication to comfort, affordability, and high service standards for all travelers. By taking the lead on fare adjustments, Passion Air may influence pricing trends within Ghana’s aviation market.

This move is expected to offer some relief to frequent flyers and promote travel across regions. The fare cut could also boost passenger numbers during the mid-year travel period. With this initiative, Passion Air sets a precedent in linking foreign exchange trends to local fare pricing.

Industry analysts will watch closely to see if other domestic carriers follow suit.

Ken Ofori-Atta Recovering After Successful Prostate Cancer Surgery – Family

By
Ivy Hollys
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Ken Ofori-Ata

Ken Ofori-Atta, former Finance Minister of Ghana, has successfully undergone prostate cancer surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, according to a family statement.

His wife, Professor Angela Ofori-Atta, confirmed the news in a statement released on Monday, June 16. She shared that the procedure, a robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, was carried out on Friday, June 13, and lasted for more than four hours.

“The surgical team is satisfied with the outcome and has now moved him onto a post-surgery care plan,” Prof. Ofori-Atta said.

OSP Probe Casts Shadow on Prof. Ofori-Atta’s Surgery

She acknowledged that the days leading up to the operation were especially tough due to a red alert issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) about her husband, which came just before the surgery.

“Ken is a strong person, but this has been a particularly challenging time — especially with the OSP’s announcement so close to his surgery date,” she remarked.

Despite the emotional and physical toll, she said Mr. Ofori-Atta is staying positive and concentrating on his recovery.

“We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming support and prayers from friends, loved ones, and clergy,” she added.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently being investigated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor for alleged misconduct related to corruption and procurement issues during his time in office.

2015 Fumigation contract awarded to 11 Zoomlion-affiliated companies—Manasseh

By
Ivy Hollys
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zoomlion company limited logo

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure has alleged that a 2015 government fumigation contract was structured to benefit Zoomlion through 11 separate companies. Speaking in a recent presentation, he claimed all 11 entities were single-sourced and directly linked to the Jospong Group, Zoomlion’s parent company.

One of the companies, Meridian Waste Services Limited, was reportedly awarded a contract in June 2015 to fumigate the Tema area. According to Manasseh, the company was not legally registered at the time the contract was signed. 

“This company was paid about seven million cedis to fumigate the Tema area,” Manasseh stated. He added that Zoomlion was behind all 11 firms listed in the fumigation deal.

Manasseh explained that his visit to the Registrar General’s Department revealed that all 11 companies listed as part of the contract belonged to the Jospong Group. 

He explained that though they appeared to be different entities on paper, they can all be traced back to the Jospong Group.

The fumigation services were meant for districts where Zoomlion already had two existing contracts. This new contract, he noted, essentially created a third contract for the same service in the same areas.

No Evidence of Work Done by Zoomlion or Its Affiliates

Manasseh raised further concerns about the lack of evidence showing that any of the contracted work was carried out. 

He said, despite these arrangements, investigations revealed that no fumigation activity could be confirmed in the assigned districts. According to him, the assemblies had no knowledge of the contracts, nor did they witness any fumigation work.

He also noted that the Ministry of Local Government failed to provide proof that the service was delivered.

When questioned about supervision, Zoomlion, through its lawyers, reportedly claimed the contract did not require them to be monitored.

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