Peace Expert Urges Media to Amplify Peacebuilding Efforts Across Upper East
A peacebuilding expert and former Regional Secretary of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, Mr. Ali Anankpang, has urged journalists to dig deeper into conflict-related issues and provide the public with a balanced understanding of both the causes of conflicts and ongoing efforts to promote peace. He said the media had a critical responsibility to amplify peacebuilding initiatives across the Upper East Region, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Bolgatanga, Doba-Kandiga and Bawku. Mr. Anankpang made the call on Tuesday during a media training engagement organised by the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocesan Development Organisation (NABOCADO) under the Integrated Peace Building for Improved Food and Nutrition Supply (INPEACE) Project. According to him, several peacebuilding interventions were ongoing across the region, but many of them were not receiving the level of media attention needed to inform the wider population. He therefore encouraged journalists to interview individuals and organisations involved in peace promotion to understand their perspectives and communicate their efforts to the public. “There are efforts in building peace in the region across the various conflicts, Bolgatanga, Doba-Kandiga and Bawku and all these efforts are being made, but they need to be amplified. And who can do that better than the media?” Mr. Anankpang asked. He stressed that while violent incidents often dominated news coverage, peacebuilding activities were also taking place and deserved equal attention. “Without the media, there is no way people really know what is happening, except that all we hear is about violence. But while the violence is taking place, we also know that peace efforts are going on,” he noted. Mr. Anankpang said journalists could help bring these efforts to the attention of the public by engaging peace actors, understanding their interventions and reporting on how communities and other stakeholders were working to prevent conflicts. The peacebuilding expert also acknowledged improvements in conflict-sensitive reporting in the region, saying some journalists had moved beyond reporting incidents to examining the historical, social and economic contexts surrounding conflicts. He cited reports that had explored the historical origins of settlements, including engagements by ApexnewsGh with experts on history, as examples of journalism that could help audiences better understand the underlying issues. He also mentioned reports and interviews conducted around the Bongo area, as well as extensive coverage of the Bawku conflict and its effects on education and the local economy. According to him, such reporting was important because it helped the public understand that, despite the challenges in conflict-affected areas, efforts were being made to restore peace and normalcy. He cautioned journalists against amplifying only conflict and violence, warning that such reporting could create fear and discourage people from returning to affected communities. “When we amplify only the conflict, then it will continue to scare people away. But when you begin to talk about peace, like some of you have done, then people will begin to have confidence to return to their place, and that is how communities are developed,” he said. Mr. Anankpang, however, urged journalists not to become complacent with the progress made so far but to continue strengthening their coverage of peacebuilding initiatives. He encouraged the media to maintain professional and responsible reporting that would help the public appreciate the progress being made in peacebuilding across the region. “You need to do more. What you do is so important that you cannot rest on what you have done so far. Continue to add your voice to what is happening in terms of peace promotion,” he urged. He added that responsible and comprehensive reporting would help showcase the Upper East Region not only as an area experiencing conflicts but also as a region where significant efforts were being made to promote peace, stability and development. Meanwhile, Mr. Anthony Adongo Apubeo, Upper East Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has commended NABOCADO for its continued support towards strengthening journalists’ capacity in conflict-sensitive reporting. Speaking on behalf of the GJA, Mr. Apubeo expressed appreciation to NABOCADO for consistently organising training programmes aimed at equipping journalists with the skills needed to report responsibly on conflict-related issues. He described the initiative as a step in the right direction, stressing the important role the media plays in society, particularly in promoting peace, educating the public and shaping public discourse. He encouraged continued collaboration between media organisations and peacebuilding institutions to ensure that journalists are adequately equipped to report conflict-sensitive issues in a manner that promotes peace and social cohesion. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Akanbange Nsobila Nelson ‘Brainbox’ Officially Declares Intent to Contest NDC Deputy Communication Officer Position
Akanbange Nsobila Nelson, popularly known as “Brainbox,” has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency. In his declaration, Mr. Nsobila appealed to Electoral Area Coordinators, Polling Station Executives, party elders, youth and women’s wings, communicators, constituency executives and the entire NDC rank and file for their support. According to him, his decision is driven by his commitment to the party and years of experience serving at various levels of the NDC. He highlighted his previous roles, including serving as TEIN Deputy Secretary at St. John Bosco’s College of Education, Navrongo, during the 2015/16 academic year, and as a two-term Branch Secretary since 2018. Mr. Nsobila also noted that he has been a member of the Constituency Communication Team since 2017, a member of the Regional Communication Team since 2019, and a member of the Regional Youth Working Committee since 2023. He further served as a party agent at Pobaga Tua No. 1 during the 2016, 2020 and 2024 general elections, experiences he says have given him a strong understanding of grassroots party organisation and communication. Explaining his motivation, Mr. Nsobila said he intends to bring experience, fresh ideas and modern communication skills to the constituency’s communication structures. He pledged to help strengthen the party’s communication systems, counter misinformation, engage effectively with the rank and file and contribute to the NDC’s efforts toward securing victory in the 2028 general elections. Mr. Nsobila concluded by humbly appealing to party members for their blessings, support and votes as he seeks to serve the party in the capacity of Deputy Communication Officer. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Nabdam Health Summit Targets 2,000 Residents for Free Eye Screening, Surgeries
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam Constituency, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, has spearheaded a major health outreach programme aimed at improving access to healthcare and eye treatment for residents of the Nabdam District. The initiative, dubbed “Health Summit 2026,” was organised in partnership with the Heaven of Love Children’s Foundation and seeks to provide free health screening and specialised eye care to thousands of people across communities in the district. Speaking at the opening of the summit, Dr. Nawaane said the initiative builds on previous interventions he had undertaken in the constituency to address common medical conditions. According to him, he had returned to Nabdam on about three or four occasions to perform surgeries for hernias, hydroceles and other minor ailments, resulting in approximately 900 operations over three visits. “Through these interventions, we have practically eliminated hernias and hydroceles in Nabdam. While isolated cases may still exist, reports of these conditions have dwindled to the point where no one comes forward to complain about them anymore,” he said. With significant progress made in addressing those conditions, Dr. Nawaane said the focus had now shifted to primary healthcare, eye diseases and other conditions that contribute to vision loss. He explained that participants would be screened for diabetes, hypertension and eye-related conditions, which are often interconnected and can contribute to serious vision problems. “Our goal now is to screen residents for diabetes, hypertension, and eye diseases, conditions that commonly cause vision problems in our part of the country,” Dr. Nawaane said. He added that the exercise would enable health professionals to identify people requiring specialised treatment and subsequently bring ophthalmologists and other specialists to provide the necessary care. Dr. Nawaane expressed the hope that by November, at least 300 residents of Nabdam would benefit from eye surgeries conducted by medical teams from Accra, Kumasi and the United States. He said the mass approach was adopted after years of encountering constituents seeking financial assistance to travel to health facilities for eye treatment. “Over the past decade as MP, I have often encountered people seeking help for eye problems, many requesting funds to visit clinics. This time, we decided to organise and appeal to NGOs and non-state actors to address the problem collectively, rather than helping individuals one at a time,” he explained. The MP thanked the Haven of Love Students Foundation, as well as the District and Regional Health Directorates, for supporting the initiative. The CEO and Founder of the Haven of Love Students Foundation, Samuel Nana Bekai Djirackor, said the foundation’s intervention was motivated by the healthcare challenges confronting rural communities in northern Ghana. He said the foundation deliberately focuses on rural communities because of limited access to specialised healthcare and the shortage of medical professionals in some parts of the country. “Our foundation is rural-centred because we understand the unique challenges of healthcare in the Upper East and the northern parts of Ghana,” Mr. Djirackor said. He noted that in some areas, the doctor-to-patient ratio could be as high as one doctor to 30,000 people, making access to quality healthcare particularly difficult. The foundation has therefore partnered with ophthalmic nurses, health professionals from district hospitals and specialists from major teaching hospitals, including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, to extend healthcare services to underserved communities. Mr. Djirackor said the partnership with Dr. Nawaane had allowed the foundation to expand the exercise from a single-community intervention to a wider six-community programme over six days. The exercise began at Sakoti and is expected to end at Pelingu, with the organisers targeting more than 2,000 people for screening. Beyond eye examinations, participants are also being screened for underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which can contribute to vision impairment. The organisers intend to compile a list of people requiring specialised eye treatment and subsequently organise free cataract and other eye surgeries later in the year. Mr. Djirackor said the Nabdam outreach was part of a broader commitment by the Haven of Love Students Foundation to improve healthcare delivery in rural Ghana. Since 2017, he said, the foundation had organised similar programmes across the Upper East Region, providing screening and treatment for conditions including eye diseases, hernias, post-polio paralysis, cancer and dental problems. He cited a recent intervention in the Bawku West District, where the foundation screened about 1,500 people, with 300 subsequently receiving cataract surgeries. According to Mr. Djirackor, the foundation’s volunteers and medical professionals offer their services without financial compensation, driven by patriotism and their desire to support vulnerable communities. “Our volunteers and doctors serve without pay, motivated by patriotism and the love of Christ. We want to be a blessing to these communities,” he said. The programme, he added, is not restricted to residents of Nabdam. Ghanaians from other parts of the country, as well as people from neighbouring Burkina Faso who can access the designated screening centres, are also welcome to participate. The initiative underscores the growing importance of collaboration between political leadership, health institutions, civil society organisations and medical professionals in tackling healthcare challenges in underserved communities. Through the Health Summit 2026, organisers hope to identify and treat residents suffering from preventable or treatable conditions while creating a pathway for sustained access to specialised healthcare in Nabdam and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Importers and Exporters Association Applauds GoldBod and Bank of Ghana for Enhancing Forex Stability
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has lauded the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for their significant roles in stabilising the country’s foreign exchange market and promoting economic resilience. At a press conference, IEAG Executive Director Samson Asaki Awingobit highlighted the benefits that a steady foreign exchange environment brings to Ghana’s business community. He explained that the recent stability in the forex market had made it easier for importers and exporters to plan ahead, manage risks, and engage in international trade with greater certainty. Awingobit credited GoldBod’s trading policies for bolstering Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and improving legitimate businesses’ access to hard currency. He also praised the Bank of Ghana for its commitment to macroeconomic and financial stability, singling out the recent reduction in interest rates as a welcome relief for businesses that rely on credit to fund their operations. Quoting the Bank of Ghana’s Financial Stability Review, Awingobit noted that the average lending rate fell from 30.3 percent in December 2024 to 20.5 percent by the end of 2025, a development he described as a “major boost” for importers and exporters in need of working capital. He urged both GoldBod and the BoG to maintain and expand their efforts to sustain foreign exchange stability and lower borrowing costs, particularly as the festive season approaches, a time when demand for foreign currency, credit, and imported goods typically rises. The IEAG emphasised that ongoing monetary and regulatory support would be critical in helping businesses navigate seasonal trade pressures and foster long-term economic growth. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Urges Swift Action on AU Peace Fund for Sustainable Conflict Response
Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for urgent action to speed up the African Union Peace Fund’s resource mobilisation strategy, emphasizing the need for the effective implementation of the 0.2% import levy. According to President Mahama, this is crucial to securing sustainable and predictable financing for Africa’s peace and security initiatives. He made the call while addressing the 21st Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, August 30. President Mahama highlighted the persistent and evolving nature of conflicts across the continent, noting that these challenges demand stronger enforcement of existing peace and security mechanisms. “The effectiveness of our peace architecture will depend not only on better coordination but also on reliable and predictable resources to support timely interventions,” President Mahama stated. He underscored that early warning systems must be matched by early action, which in turn requires that resources be available when needed. President Mahama welcomed the progress made in operationalising the AU Peace Fund and reaffirmed his support for its continued capitalisation towards the $1 billion target. He also advocated for greater resource mobilisation from within Africa, including financial institutions, the private sector, and other indigenous sources, to reduce dependence on external funding and enhance the continent’s capacity to manage conflicts. With his remarks, President Mahama urged African leaders to prioritise the Peace Fund’s full implementation to strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to security challenges on its own terms. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Disregard The Reported 8pm Deadline On Events–Bolgatanga Assembly
The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly has dismissed reports suggesting that it has imposed an 8pm deadline on events and ceremonies held within the municipality. The clarification follows a report by local radio station Dreamz FM claiming that the Assembly had introduced an 8pm cut-off time for activities including passing-out ceremonies and launching events. The publication subsequently gained widespread attention on social media and was attributed to the Assembly’s Presiding Member. However, in a statement issued on Sunday, August 30, 2026, the Management of the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly said the report does not represent its official position. According to the Assembly, although it has an existing by-law concerning nocturnal ceremonies, an amendment made in September 2024 was aimed specifically at restricting persons below 18 years from attending social gatherings beyond midnight. The Assembly further explained that its regulations must align with prevailing government policies, including the 24-Hour Economy initiative, and therefore cannot introduce by-laws or resolutions that contradict such policies. Management consequently urged the public to disregard the reported 8pm deadline, stressing that there is no blanket 8pm restriction on events and ceremonies within the Bolgatanga Municipality. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Aggrieved Talensi Youth Question NDC Communication Officer Over Road Project Materials
Talensi, Upper East Region, Some outspoken youth in the Talensi Constituency have expressed concern over the progress of the Tongo-Sheaga-Duusi Road project, questioning an earlier communication by the NDC Constituency Communication Officer, Mr. Michael Nangena, regarding the arrival of construction materials. The youth’s concerns followed a video shared by Mr. Nangena showing a long vehicle loaded with what was described as formwork materials intended for the road project. According to the youth, the communication created the impression that the materials would soon arrive in Talensi and facilitate the commencement of construction activities. However, after about a week, some of the youth took to social media to question the whereabouts of the vehicle and the apparent lack of visible construction activity at the project site. They argued that the situation raised concerns about whether political leaders were prioritising publicity over tangible development, particularly regarding the constituency’s long-standing road challenges. “It is becoming painfully clear that our leaders are playing political games with the development of Talensi,” some of the youth stated in their social media reactions. The youth also recalled concerns they had previously raised following the sod-cutting ceremony for the Tongo-Sheaga-Duusi Road. They claimed that weeks after the ceremony, the project site appeared deserted, with little visible activity at the contractor’s camp. They maintained that residents were looking beyond ceremonial events, photographs and political statements and wanted to see sustained construction work leading to the completion of the road. The youth further cautioned political leaders against taking the constituency’s electoral support for granted, pointing to Talensi’s long-standing support for the National Democratic Congress since 1992. “If these roads are not fully tarred before 2028, consider your time in office over,” the youth warned, stressing that their concerns were centred on development rather than partisan politics. They added that residents would ultimately use their votes to assess the performance of political leaders and determine who deserves their support in future elections. However, responding to the concerns when contacted by ApexnewsGh, Mr. Michael Nangena, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Talensi Constituency Communication Officer disputed the youth’s claims, explaining that the materials in question had already arrived. According to him, the materials were not meant to be permanently stored at the contractor’s camp because they were specifically intended for the construction of culverts. He explained that transporting the materials to the camp and subsequently moving them back to the work location would serve no practical purpose. “The equipment has since arrived, but it seems people didn’t notice,” Mr. Nangena said. He added that the materials were being used for the construction of culverts and therefore did not necessarily have to be moved to or stored at the contractor’s camp. “There’s no logic in moving them to and from the camp unnecessarily,” he explained. Mr. Nangena further urged those questioning the development to verify the situation directly with the contractor, Araco, before drawing conclusions or publishing claims on social media. He accused the aggrieved youth of failing to make the necessary enquiries before taking their concerns to social media, saying their approach could lead to misinformation being circulated among residents. The differing accounts have now generated renewed debate among residents over the progress of the Tongo-Sheaga-Duusi Road project, with the youth demanding visible development while the constituency communication officer insists that work-related materials have arrived and are being deployed for construction purposes. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nearly 30 Years of Service Drive Yaa Amponsah Frimpong’s NPP First Vice Chair Bid
In politics, some journeys are built on loud declarations and dramatic moments. Others are forged quietly, through years of commitment, sacrifice, organisation and an unwavering belief in a cause. For Mrs. Yaa Amponsah Frimpong, popularly known as Obaa Yaa, the journey has been one of the latter. The current Chairperson of the NPP-USA Branch has formally declared her intention to contest the position of National First Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the party’s forthcoming National Executive Officers Elections scheduled for October 3, 2026. Her decision, she says, is not one born out of political convenience or sudden ambition. Rather, it represents the culmination of nearly three decades of active engagement with the party and a period of deliberate preparation for greater responsibility. “I make this declaration with full understanding of the weight of the office I seek, the sacred trust it demands of its occupant, and the depth of service it requires of anyone who dares to hold it.” For Obaa Yaa, leadership is not simply about occupying an influential position. It is about offering service, stability and direction at a time when she believes the party needs to rediscover its identity, strengthen its structures and prepare strategically for the future. A Childhood Experience That Shaped a Political Conviction Her political story began long before she became a party executive. Born Yaa Amponsah Gyamerah (Frimpong) in Obuasi, Ghana, she grew up in a community shaped by mining, industry and the everyday realities of Ghanaian society. But it was growing up during the PNDC era that left perhaps the deepest political impression on her. She witnessed neighbours and members of the wider community experience what she describes as public humiliation, kangaroo tribunals and exile, with families left behind to bear the consequences. For a young Yaa, these were not distant political stories appearing in newspapers. They involved people she knew and communities she belonged to. Those experiences helped shape a conviction that would eventually guide her political life: that politics must ultimately be about protecting people, defending justice and building a society where citizens can live with dignity. “Justice was denied them… These injustices were the driving force of my interest in politics. I was determined not to let that happen without a fight,” she recalls. Interestingly, she narrowly missed the 1992 voter registration exercise, having turned 18 shortly after the deadline. Rather than allowing that missed opportunity to discourage her, it strengthened her determination to participate in Ghana’s democratic process. In 1996, she cast her first vote for the NPP. That first vote would become the beginning of a political commitment that has now stretched across almost three decades. Nearly 30 Years of Showing Up From her early involvement to leadership at the international branch level, Obaa Yaa’s political career has been defined by progression through party structures. Her record includes serving as Chapter Secretary, Second Vice Chairperson, Acting Chairperson, and eventually Chairperson of NPP-USA, a position she has held for two terms since 2018. She has also served at the Colorado Chapter level for three terms and participated as a delegate in the party’s National Flagbearer Elections in 2014, 2024 and 2026. Beyond internal party administration, her political engagement has included leading NPP-USA ground campaigns in Ghana during four general elections and contributing more than US$1 million, according to her campaign profile, towards the party’s electoral mission. For her, these experiences provide more than credentials. They represent years of learning about party organisation, mobilisation, fundraising, campaign strategy and the responsibilities that come with leadership. Beyond Politics: Service Through Healthcare Perhaps one of the less conventional aspects of Obaa Yaa’s political journey is her interest in healthcare and community service. She is the founder of the NPP Global Medical Team, an initiative focused on providing healthcare support to communities across Ghana. The initiative, according to her profile, reflects her broader understanding of political service: that party leadership should ultimately translate into tangible benefits for communities and ordinary citizens. It is a philosophy that appears to underpin her campaign for national office. Four Pillars for a Renewed NPP At the heart of Obaa Yaa’s campaign is a four-point agenda built around Identity, Structures, Direction and Resources. Rediscovering the NPP’s Identity She wants the party to reclaim what she describes as its identity as a centre-right political organisation, firmly rooted in the traditions and philosophies associated with Danquah, Busia and Dombo. For her, rediscovering that identity is essential to giving members and supporters a clear understanding of what the NPP stands for and where it is headed. Rebuilding Party Structures Obaa Yaa believes a strong national party must begin at the grassroots. Her vision therefore places emphasis on rebuilding robust structures from the polling station to the national level, ensuring that the party’s foundation remains strong enough to support its national ambitions. Providing Clear and Data-Driven Direction In an increasingly sophisticated political environment, she argues that the NPP must evolve into a modern, 21st-century political organisation. That, she says, requires clear direction informed by data, research and evidence rather than assumptions. Building Sustainable Resources No political organisation can function effectively without resources. Obaa Yaa’s approach, however, calls for resource mobilisation that is democratic, transparent and dignified, while resisting what she describes as the corrosive culture of monetisation. Her message is clear: the party must develop sustainable mechanisms for financing its activities without compromising its values or internal democracy. A Candidate Promising Calm Rather Than Conflict Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Obaa Yaa’s declaration is the tone. She does not present herself as a candidate coming to disrupt the party or compete with its leadership. Instead, she describes herself as a potential “pillar of comfort”—someone prepared to complement the party’s leadership with steadiness, wisdom and calm purpose. “I present myself to you not as a voice of discord, but as a pillar of comfort. Not to compete with the bold vision of our party’s leader, but to complement that vision with steadiness, wisdom, and calm purpose.” That
Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih Joins Shaykh Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid in Historic NPP Nomination Walk
In a momentous show of unity and party spirit, Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, Former Regional Minister (Upper West/East) and Former Upper West Regional 1st Vice Chairman, has recounted his distinct honour of walking alongside Shaykh Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and other patriots from Nima Roundabout to the National Headquarters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The occasion marked Shaykh Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid’s official filing of nomination forms to contest for the position of National 1st Vice Chairman in the upcoming NPP national executive elections. Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih described Shaykh Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid as the very embodiment of a Scholar, Statesman, and Servant. Having observed his commitment and dedication firsthand, Dr Salih expressed unwavering confidence in Shaykh Dr Abdul-Hamid’s leadership, capability, and vision for the party. “When I believe in a cause, I go all out to ensure success, and supporting a leader of his integrity and proven track record is a conviction I hold wholeheartedly,” Dr Salih affirmed. He concluded with a heartfelt prayer, hoping that Allah would crown their collective dedication with a resounding victory, rewarding the efforts of all involved. The walk and nomination filing stand as a testament to the party’s unity and the enduring spirit of service among its leaders. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Accra High Court Denies Adjournment Request Tied to Appeal, Grants Delay on Health Grounds
In a dramatic turn at the Accra High Court, a plea by lawyers representing Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba to postpone his trial until October 19 was turned down. The request was based on a pending application for a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal. However, the High Court made it clear that simply applying for a stay does not mean the trial must pause. Despite this, the court showed compassion when counsel for the accused presented medical reports detailing health concerns. Accepting these reports, the judge agreed to adjourn the case, but not as long as initially requested. The new dates set for the trial are September 29 and 30, 2026. Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, are currently facing 11 serious charges, including causing financial loss to the state and money laundering. The legal battle continues, with the next chapter scheduled for late September. Source: Apexnewsgh.com