LATEST ARTICLES

Journalist David Tamakloe, Ketu South NADMO donate relief items to 125 flood victims at Agbozume-Ahorkpoe

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Philanthropist, journalist and native of Klikor-Kpordoave in the Ketu South Municipality, Mr. David Sitsofe Tamakloe, in collaboration with the Ketu South office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has donated relief items to 125 flood victims at Agbozume-Ahorkpoe to support families affected by the recent floods.

The donation exercise, held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the AME Zion JHS School in Agbozume-Ahorkpoe, forms part of efforts to ease the hardships faced by residents whose homes and livelihoods were impacted by the floods.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Tamakloe disclosed that the intervention was made possible through the generous support of several private individuals, including Mrs. Veronica Debrah, wife of Ghana’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, as well as other benevolent partners.

He said the initiative was his way of giving back to the community while complementing government’s efforts to provide relief to affected residents.

Mr. Tamakloe assured the victims of his continued commitment to community development but stressed that residents also have a responsibility to help prevent future flooding. He urged community members to actively participate in communal labour by keeping drains and waterways clean, explaining that although floods may not always render people homeless, they often create conditions that lead to disease outbreaks.

He also expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to making the donation successful.

The Ketu South Municipal Director of NADMO, Mr. Ferguson Ahorlu, expressed gratitude to Mr. Tamakloe and his team for their timely intervention on behalf of the municipality.

Mr. Ahorlu urged residents living in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas whenever the rainy season approaches to protect lives and property. He further disclosed that the Ketu South Municipal Assembly would soon begin demolishing structures built on waterways across the municipality as part of measures to reduce flooding.

Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Assembly Member for the Ahorkpoe Electoral Area, Mr. Saviour Agbeko Awoye, thanked the donors for their generosity and assured them that the items would be distributed fairly to all beneficiaries.

He also reminded residents to participate in the community’s monthly communal labour exercise, warning that those who fail to do so would face sanctions in accordance with the law.

Some of the 125 beneficiaries described the support as timely and expressed appreciation to Mr. Tamakloe, NADMO and all the donors, promising to make good use of the items received.

The relief package included 30 boxes of Kleesoft bar soap, 30 boxes of Athena bath soap, 30 sacks of powdered soap, 30 boxes of sanitary pads, 10 large packs of toilet rolls, four large packs of table tissue, 20 bags of rice, 10 boxes of cooking oil, 20 boxes of Indomie noodles, 10 packs of sachet water (ball type), 15 packs of long sachet water, and 30 packs of X-Cola.

Following the donation, Mr. Tamakloe, in a statement shared on his social media platforms, expressed solidarity with affected residents, saying, “We feel your pain.” He noted that the support was intended to complement government’s relief efforts and appealed to more private individuals and organisations to partner in reaching every flood-affected community in the municipality.

He further announced that the relief exercise would continue with the distribution of government relief items to affected residents in Blekusu, Klikor, Akame, Kpodzi and the remaining communities in Aflao, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across Ketu South.

“Reset. Yes We Can,” the statement concluded. “Wodorwornawo; Adzeyowome.”

Experience Niche Perfumery Like Never Before in Accra

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Maison Yusif Fragrance is proud to announce the official launch of Africa’s first-ever perfume store on wheels, a groundbreaking retail concept designed to bring the world of luxury niche perfumery closer to people than ever before.

Now permanently stationed at our Tseaddo Branch, the perfume truck is more than just a mobile retail space—it is a fully immersive fragrance boutique where visitors can discover, experience, and purchase our handcrafted collections in an entirely new way.

The launch welcomed fragrance lovers, loyal Maisoners, curious first-time visitors, and members of the public, all eager to witness this milestone. The excitement, conversations, and overwhelming support reminded us why we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for African luxury.

As Ghana’s pioneering niche fragrance house, Maison Yusif Fragrance has always believed that Africa deserves to lead through creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. The launch of this perfume truck is another step in that journey—redefining how luxury fragrance is experienced while creating a destination that is uniquely African.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who visited on launch day and to everyone who has supported our vision over the years. Your belief in our dream continues to inspire every milestone we achieve.

If you haven’t visited yet, we invite you to stop by our Maison Yusif Fragrance Tseaddo Branch, home to Africa’s first perfume store on wheels, and experience the artistry of African niche perfumery for yourself.

Maison Yusif Fragrance

Crafting fragrances from the Motherland. Inspiring the world.

 

Ayikai Doblo Zonal Council Stinks As Bat Infestation Forces Workers Out

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The Ayikai Doblo Zonal Council office under the Ga West Municipality has been taken over by bats, leaving the facility in a dilapidated state and unusable for staff.

The office has also commented on the police station, fire service and the bad road in the area.

Workers from NADMO, the Community Health Nurse, and the main administrative staff
are uncomfortable working in the building due to the unbearable stench, droppings, and health risks caused by the bat colony.

A visit by Ghone Banahene Agyekum to the facility on Tuesday 14-july-2026 revealed heaps of bat droppings on desks, floors, and files.

The ceiling is broken in parts, windows are without louvers, and the walls are stained — the leaving conditions have persisted for years without repairs

The SMC chairperson whko double as a stakeholder in the community said the smell hits you as soon as you enter .he told Ghonenews.

He said several reports have been sent to the Ga West Municipal Assembly, but no action has been taken.

He said the situation is not only affecting service delivery but also portraying the community badly.

Recounting the danger ,he said a young lady near lost her life after falling into a septic tank belonging to the council with full of faeces, adding that the cover of the tank had broken for years and nobody has repair.

ORC Pays Courtesy Call On Her Excellency The Vice President Of The Republic Of Ghana

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The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) led by the Registrar, Mrs. Maame Samma Peprah Esq., paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on Thursday, 16th July, 2026 at the Office of the Vice President in Accra. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration towards deepening business formalization and expanding company registration across the country.

The meeting afforded the Registrar the opportunity to brief the Vice President on its mandate, ongoing reforms, and strategic initiatives aimed at bringing business registration services closer to citizens and investors.

During the engagement, Mrs. Peprah outlined the core functions of the Office by highlighting the nationwide business registration and sensitization clinics being undertaken to promote formalization of businesses, particularly within the informal sector.

She explained that the initiative was designed to improve access to registration services, educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of formalizing their businesses, and increase compliance with Ghana’s business registration laws.

The Registrar reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to supporting the Government’s reset agenda of creating a more inclusive, transparent, and vibrant business environment by ensuring that entrepreneurs and businesses across the country have easier access to business registration services.

Welcoming the delegation, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commended the Office for its dedication to improving Ghana’s business environment through innovative outreach programmes and public education initiatives.

She encouraged the Office to continue implementing initiatives that would simplify business registration processes and make its services more accessible to entrepreneurs and businesses nationwide. She further urged the Office to strengthen its public communication and engagement efforts by consistently showcasing its achievements, reforms, and outreach activities.

Her Excellency the Vice President noted that, keeping citizens well informed about the work of the Office would strengthen public confidence, encourage voluntary compliance with business registration requirements, and enable more entrepreneurs to benefit from the services provided by the institution.

Present during the meeting at the Office of the Vice President were Mr. Alex Percival Segbefia, Esq., Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President; Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Adviser (Political); Professor Theresah Ennin, Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice President; Ms. Maame Ama Pratt, Press Secretary; and other staff at the Office of the Vice President.

The Registrar at ORC was accompanied by her Deputy Registrar, Mr. Benjamin Zigorsh-Nyankpenu; Mr. Kwesi Owusu-Abrokwa, Head of General Administration Directorate; Mrs. Rebecca Aryeetey Smith, Head of the Legal Directorate; Mrs. Love Kessewaa Yeboah, Head of Planning, Policy, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPRME) Directorate; and other officials from ORC.

The meeting with Her Excellency the Vice President reaffirmed the shared commitment between the Government and the ORC in promoting business formalization, improving the ease of doing business, and creating an enabling environment for the growth of enterprises and national economic development.

 

EDEM to Headline GhanaFest New York @17 SummerStage as Big Twins Africa Lead Event

The National Ghana Parade Council (NGPC) is pleased to announce that award-winning Ghanaian music star EDEM will headline the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage concert during GhanaFest New York @17 on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 1700 Crotona Avenue, Bronx, New York 10457.

For several years, the Big Twins — Alhassan Mohammed and Fuseini Mohammed. — have played a key leadership role in coordinating and organizing the GhanaFest New York SummerStage program, helping to build the event into one of the most anticipated celebrations of Ghanaian music and culture in the United States. Through their dedication, vision, and commitment to promoting Ghanaian talent, the Big Twins have contributed significantly to the continued success and growth of the program.

The SummerStage concert, presented under the auspices of the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations in New York, has become one of New York City’s premier platforms for showcasing Ghanaian music, heritage, and community. Through its partnership with Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage, the National Ghana Parade Council has consistently brought Ghana’s biggest musical talents to perform before diverse audiences across New York.

Over the years, the SummerStage platform has featured headline performances by some of Ghana’s most celebrated artists, including Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Wiyaala, and many others. This year’s edition proudly continues that tradition with EDEM, one of Ghana’s most accomplished and dynamic performers, whose energetic live performances and extensive catalogue of hit songs have earned him international recognition.

EDEM’s appearance is expected to be one of the major highlights of GhanaFest New York @17, promising an unforgettable celebration of Ghanaian music, culture, and community.

With the continued leadership and coordination of the Big Twins, GhanaFest New York @17 is set to deliver another memorable experience that brings together Ghanaians, Africans, and friends of Ghana from across New York and beyond.

The public is invited to join this exciting cultural celebration and experience one of Ghana’s finest artists live on the SummerStage platform.

Building Leaders, Not Followers: Dr. Ernest Ofori-Sarpong on Mentorship and Nation Building

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Story by: Muhammad Faisal Mustapha…

Success is often measured by financial prosperity, corporate growth and public recognition, but Dr. Ernest Ofori-Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer of Special Ice Mineral Water, believes those achievements tell only a small part of a meaningful life. In an exclusive interview, the respected entrepreneur shared a philosophy rooted not in wealth, but in discipline, resilience, honesty and service to humanity principles he believes can transform individuals, businesses and nations alike.

Speaking with remarkable candour, Dr. Ofori-Sarpong observed that many young people fail long before opportunity ever arrives because they surrender to fear, impatience and self doubt. He argued that the greatest barriers are rarely external but internal, insisting that success begins with the courage to believe in possibilities before circumstances change. “Your greatest limitation is never where you were born,” he declared. “It is believing that where you started is where you must remain.”

Rather than glorifying talent, he championed discipline as the defining ingredient of sustainable achievement. While talent may attract admiration, he said, disciplined people consistently outperform gifted individuals who lack commitment and self control. “Talent can introduce you to the world,” he remarked, “but only discipline will keep you relevant when the applause becomes silent.”

Reflecting on the habits that transformed his own life, Dr. Ofori-Sarpong credited consistency, humility, punctuality, lifelong learning and respect for people at every level. According to him, extraordinary lives are built through ordinary habits repeated faithfully over many years, not through occasional moments of brilliance or luck.

The conversation turned naturally to failure, a subject he addressed with refreshing honesty. Every accomplished leader, he noted, has endured disappointment, rejection and difficult seasons. What separates achievers from dreamers is the determination to learn, adapt and continue moving forward. “Failure is not your enemy,” he said. “It is the classroom where resilience, wisdom and character are developed.”

He encouraged young entrepreneurs never to allow rejection to define their future. Every closed door, he believes, carries valuable lessons that prepare individuals for greater responsibilities. “Never let one person’s ‘no’ become your life’s conclusion,” he advised. “Persistence has opened more doors than talent ever will.”

Integrity emerged as one of the strongest themes throughout the interview. Dr. Ofori-Sarpong maintained that honesty remains the greatest currency in business because trust cannot be manufactured or purchased. “Money can build a company,” he observed, “but only integrity can build a reputation that survives generations.”

Beyond commercial achievement, he believes every successful business has a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to national development. Creating employment, paying taxes responsibly, supporting communities and operating ethically, he argued, are essential contributions to building a prosperous Ghana. “A business succeeds completely only when the community around it succeeds as well.”

Dr. Ofori-Sarpong also reflected on philanthropy, describing generosity not as an act of publicity but as an expression of gratitude. Whether supporting education, healthcare or vulnerable families, he believes giving back strengthens society while inspiring hope among future generations. “The richest life,” he said, “is measured by the number of people who rise because you chose to help them.”

Mentorship, he added, remains one of the most powerful investments experienced leaders can make. Ghana and Africa possess abundant talent, he noted, but many promising young entrepreneurs simply need guidance, encouragement and practical wisdom. Sharing knowledge, he believes, creates a multiplier effect that no financial investment can equal.

Another issue close to his heart is succession planning. True leadership, he insisted, is demonstrated not by holding power indefinitely but by preparing capable successors who can sustain an institution’s vision. “If your organisation cannot survive without you,” he reflected, “then you have built dependence instead of leadership.”

He expressed concern about the growing culture of instant gratification, cautioning young people against pursuing shortcuts to success. Sustainable prosperity, he argued, demands patience, ethical decision making, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace gradual progress rather than overnight fame.

Citizens, entrepreneurs, professionals and institutions all share responsibility for creating a nation defined by integrity, productivity and mutual respect. Every honest action, he said, contributes to the country’s long term development.

“Build your character before you build your fortune. Wealth may open doors, but character determines whether those doors remain open.”

As the interview concluded, one message stood above every business lesson: true success is ultimately measured by the lives transformed, the values preserved and the legacy left behind. Financial achievements may fluctuate, but integrity, compassion, discipline and service remain timeless foundations for enduring leadership.

For young people across Ghana, Africa and the wider world, Dr. Ernest Ofori-Sarpong’s reflections serve as more than entrepreneurial advice they offer a blueprint for purposeful living. His enduring message is both simple and profound: “Do not chase success; pursue excellence, protect your integrity, invest in people, and build a legacy that continues serving humanity long after your name has left the boardroom.”

The Legacy That Lives Forever: Dr. Osei Kwame Despite Speaks to the Future

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Story by: Felix Ernest Odamtten…

For millions across Ghana and beyond, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite embodies one of Africa’s most extraordinary entrepreneurial journeys. From modest beginnings to building one of Ghana’s most influential business empires, his name has become synonymous with perseverance, innovation and vision. Yet beyond the impressive portfolio of companies, media enterprises and investments lies a far more profound ambition: to create a legacy that will continue inspiring and transforming lives long after his lifetime.

In an era where wealth is often celebrated as the ultimate measure of success, Dr. Despite offers a different perspective. Sitting down for an exclusive conversation, he speaks less about profits and balance sheets than about purpose, responsibility and the enduring impact of investing in people. For him, true greatness is measured not by what one accumulates but by what one leaves behind for future generations.

“Money has its place in society,” he reflects thoughtfully, “but the greatest investment any human being can ever make is in another person. Wealth can improve living conditions, but values, integrity and opportunity have the power to transform generations.”

His own journey stands as compelling evidence of resilience. Every obstacle encountered along the way, he says, became another lesson in perseverance. Rather than fearing failure, he learned to embrace it as part of leadership. “Your greatest disappointments often become your greatest preparation. If you remain faithful to your purpose, setbacks eventually become stepping stones to success.”

Those experiences have shaped a philosophy that extends well beyond entrepreneurship. Dr. Despite believes every successful business should become an institution that creates jobs, nurtures innovation, strengthens communities and contributes meaningfully to national development. Commercial success, he argues, carries an equally important social responsibility.

Among the issues he speaks about most passionately is succession planning an area he believes remains one of Africa’s greatest corporate challenges. Too many successful enterprises disappear after the departure of their founders because leadership transitions were never adequately prepared. “A business built around one individual is vulnerable,” he observes. “A business built on values, systems and capable people becomes an institution that survives generations.”

He insists that succession is not an event reserved for retirement but a continuous process of developing future leaders, strengthening governance structures, documenting institutional knowledge and building a culture that transcends personalities. “Leadership is temporary,” he says. “Character, systems and vision are what truly preserve institutions.”

“The true measure of success is not what you own, but how many people become successful because you chose to invest in them.”

Philanthropy also occupies a central place in his vision of leadership. Rather than viewing charitable giving as an occasional gesture, he believes successful individuals have a lasting obligation to invest in education, healthcare, youth empowerment and community development. These, he argues, are investments that generate returns measured in human dignity rather than financial profit.

Equally important, he believes, is mentorship. Across Africa, countless talented young entrepreneurs possess creativity and determination but lack experienced guidance. “Many young people do not need someone to carry them,” he explains. “They simply need someone willing to believe in their potential before the rest of the world recognises it.”

His advice to Africa’s youth is refreshingly direct. He cautions against the growing culture of instant success, reminding aspiring entrepreneurs that genuine achievement demands patience, discipline, consistency and ethical conduct. “Never compare your beginning to someone else’s destination. Every lasting success story is built quietly through years of sacrifice that the public rarely sees.”

“Success should never end with you. It should become a bridge that allows countless others to cross into opportunity.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Despite remains deeply optimistic about Ghana and Africa’s future. With one of the world’s youngest populations, expanding technological innovation and growing entrepreneurial ambition, he believes the continent possesses every ingredient required for global economic leadership. What remains essential, he says, is leadership rooted in integrity, accountability and long term thinking.

Throughout the conversation, one message emerges with remarkable consistency: lasting legacy is fundamentally about people. Buildings may eventually be replaced, businesses may evolve and markets may fluctuate, but the values, opportunities and confidence instilled in others possess extraordinary permanence. Every entrepreneur, he believes, should aspire to become a builder of people before becoming a builder of wealth.

His reflections also offer an important challenge to governments, educational institutions and the private sector. Sustainable national transformation requires collaborative investment in ethical leadership, skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation. Economic progress cannot rely solely on infrastructure or financial capital; it must also cultivate principled citizens capable of leading future generations.

As Ghana strengthens its position within Africa’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, voices like Dr. Despite’s provide a timely reminder that prosperity must be anchored in responsibility, mentorship, service and compassion. His philosophy demonstrates that business leadership and nation building are not competing ambitions but complementary responsibilities.

Ultimately, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite’s enduring message reaches far beyond entrepreneurship. Legacy, he concludes, is neither measured by personal wealth nor by the number of companies bearing one’s name. It is measured by the lives transformed, the dreams awakened and the opportunities created for others. “When history remembers you,” he says, “let it remember not only the businesses you built, but the people you inspired to build their own. That is the only legacy that truly lives beyond a lifetime.”

MMDCEs Must Be Empowered to Lead Ghana’s Sanitation Revolution – Prof. Kofi Anokye

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Story By: Felix Ernest Odamtten & Muhammed Faisal Mustapha.

Ghana’s recurring floods and mounting sanitation crisis have reignited a national conversation on the effectiveness of local governance, with environmental specialist and Chief Executive Officer of Koans Estate, Prof. Kofi Anokye, urging the Government to fundamentally rethink the country’s sanitation management structure. He argues that empowering Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) with greater authority could transform environmental governance and significantly reduce the devastating impact of annual flooding.

Prof. Anokye believes Ghana’s highly centralised sanitation system has outlived its usefulness, leaving Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with responsibility but without the authority required to solve pressing environmental challenges. While local authorities remain the first point of contact for residents, critical decisions on sanitation funding, procurement and contractor supervision continue to be controlled from the national level.

According to him, this disconnect has created an accountability gap that undermines service delivery and slows timely interventions. Communities continue to grapple with overflowing drains, indiscriminate waste disposal and deteriorating environmental conditions, while local authorities often lack the powers needed to act decisively.

He stressed that assemblies possess an intimate understanding of the environmental realities within their jurisdictions and are therefore best positioned to oversee sanitation operations. Giving them direct control over sanitation management, he said, would result in faster responses, stronger oversight and more efficient service delivery.

“The assemblies understand the sanitation challenges within their communities better than anyone. They must be empowered to appoint contractors, supervise their work, review performance and ensure value for every public cedi invested.”

Prof. Anokye proposed that MMDAs should be granted the authority to procure sanitation service providers, monitor operational standards, enforce contractual obligations and terminate underperforming contracts where necessary. Such reforms, he noted, would establish clearer lines of accountability while improving operational efficiency.

He argued that contractors perform better when they are directly answerable to local authorities that regularly monitor their activities. Under the current arrangement, where supervision is largely coordinated from the centre, maintaining consistent standards across the country has become increasingly difficult.

The environmental expert observed that ineffective monitoring has contributed to blocked drainage systems, poor waste collection and environmental degradation, all of which continue to intensify flooding during the rainy season. He maintained that addressing these structural weaknesses requires bold decentralisation rather than temporary emergency interventions.

Beyond environmental protection, Prof. Anokye believes decentralised sanitation management would stimulate local economic development by creating employment opportunities for community based sanitation enterprises while strengthening institutional accountability within local government structures.

Drawing lessons from international best practices, he noted that many successful countries entrust waste management and sanitation services to municipal and city authorities instead of central governments. This model, he explained, enables quicker decision making, greater responsiveness and stronger community participation in environmental governance.

As Ghana’s urban population continues to expand rapidly, Prof. Anokye warned that existing governance arrangements may struggle to meet growing sanitation demands. He therefore called for reforms capable of equipping local authorities with the financial resources, administrative flexibility and technical capacity required to manage increasingly complex urban environments.

The environmental specialist also renewed his long standing advocacy for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives. He argued that elected local leaders would be directly accountable to the citizens they serve, encouraging stronger performance in sanitation, environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

“When local leaders are elected, residents gain the power to measure their performance on sanitation, flooding and environmental management. Accountability becomes immediate because leadership is directly linked to the people’s verdict.”

According to Prof. Anokye, excessive concentration of authority within central government institutions continues to slow local development and limits innovation at the grassroots. Empowering local governments, he said, is essential for building resilient communities capable of responding swiftly to environmental emergencies.

He concluded that meaningful decentralisation should extend beyond policy declarations to include genuine transfer of administrative authority, financial autonomy and operational responsibility to MMDAs. Such reforms, he believes, would strengthen environmental governance while protecting public health and improving the quality of life for millions of Ghanaians.

As climate change intensifies extreme weather events across Africa, Prof. Anokye’s recommendations present a timely policy blueprint for sustainable urban management. His call for stronger local leadership reflects a growing consensus that solving Ghana’s sanitation and flooding challenges will require empowered local institutions, accountable governance and decisive national commitment to decentralisation.

ECOWAS Backs Ghana’s Renewed AU Xenophobia Push

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ECOWAS foreign ministers meeting in Sierra Leone backed Ghana’s push to get the African Union to formally address xenophobic attacks in South Africa, a request first made in May.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, first petitioned the African Union Commission in a letter dated May 6, asking that the recurring attacks on African migrants in South Africa be placed on the agenda of the AU’s Eighth Mid Year Coordination Meeting in Egypt later that June, and calling for a fact finding mission into the violence. Whether that debate actually took place as requested has remained unclear. The backing announced this week effectively renews the push, this time aimed at getting the issue formally onto the agenda of the AU’s next full Heads of State summit.

The numbers behind the diplomatic push are concrete. Ghana has repatriated at least 926 of its nationals from South Africa, while Nigeria has evacuated roughly 1,490 of its own citizens, according to figures cited at the same ECOWAS meeting, where Ablakwa and Nigeria’s Sola Enikanolaiye jointly called for coordinated regional and continental responses to the underlying causes of the attacks. The diplomatic strain has already shown up elsewhere: a planned visit to Accra by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was postponed earlier this month.

Ablakwa welcomed the Council’s position and tied it to a broader continental vision. “We shall keep working tirelessly towards the attainment of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s dream,” he said, referring to Ghana’s founding president and his vision of a united Africa.

The Council’s second endorsement, of what Ghana calls the Accra Next Steps Commitments on Reparatory Justice, refers to outcomes from a conference Ghana hosted in Accra from June 17 to 19, which drew participation from more than 80 countries, a virtual address from French President Emmanuel Macron, and commitments from several European governments on cultural restitution and historical acknowledgment. Ghana has positioned the Accra meeting as a milestone in the global reparatory justice movement.

Both endorsements came out of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting that preceded the Authority of Heads of State and Government summit, where regional leaders are expected to take up the xenophobia issue alongside other political, economic and security matters facing the sub-region.

Afoko’s Bawumia Defense Meets Real Blame Data

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Paul Afoko’s call not to blame one person for the NPP’s 2024 defeat lands against a documented reality: a 2025 poll found more Ghanaians blamed Bawumia than anyone else.

A Global InfoAnalytics survey conducted last year found 37 percent of respondents held Mahamudu Bawumia most responsible for the party’s loss, ahead of his running mate Matthew Opoku Prempeh at 33 percent, while only 9 percent blamed Kennedy Agyapong despite his public remarks having drawn heavy attention at the time. Respondents also pointed to former President Nana Akufo-Addo at 68 percent and then Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta at 40 percent, figures that suggest many blamed more than one person rather than settling on a single culprit. Bawumia’s own account, drawn from the party’s internal Mike Oquaye Committee review, attributed the defeat instead to public anger over the National Cathedral project’s 58 million dollar cost and a late fuel price increase.

It is against that backdrop that Afoko, declaring his bid for NPP National Chairman at a press conference in Accra on July 14, argued against pinning the loss on any one figure. “The duty before us now is not to blame,” he said, listing organization, communication, economic conditions, parliamentary dynamics, grassroots morale, public trust and the national mood as the real drivers of the outcome. He argued that no presidential candidate can win without a united party, a disciplined organization, motivated grassroots supporters and a parliamentary strategy built constituency by constituency, framing Bawumia’s path to 2028 as a collective project rather than a personal one.

Not everyone accepts that framing. Outside the party, National Democratic Congress figure Edward Omane Boamah has separately accused Bawumia of avoiding responsibility altogether, arguing on social media that he was “blaming everything and everybody” but himself for the economic conditions that contributed to the loss. That criticism sits alongside, rather than inside, the polling data, but it illustrates that the debate Afoko is trying to close within the NPP remains very much open beyond it.