Bolgatanga MCE Highlights Health and Development Achievements During NDC Chairman’s Visit
When the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, arrived in Bolgatanga for his Thank You Tour, he was greeted not just with applause, but with stories of transformation and hope. The gathering was more than ceremonial; it was a celebration of hard-won progress and a recommitment to the municipality’s future. Taking center stage, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive Roland Atanga Ayoo welcomed the party chairman and supporters with pride. He noted that the visit underscored the NDC’s dedication to building strong grassroots networks and staying deeply engaged with the people, the foundation of the party’s strength. “Bolgatanga Municipality,” Mr. Ayoo proclaimed, “has always played a strategic role in the Upper East Region’s socio-economic and political growth. Our people are resilient and united by a shared pursuit of development, democracy, and progress.” Mr. Ayoo then shared the results of months of dedicated effort. Since taking office in April 2025, he had vowed to work side by side with stakeholders to uplift the municipality. And true to his word, achievements could be seen across education, health, agriculture, social welfare, and sanitation. Education, he said, was witnessing a renaissance: New classroom blocks were springing up in Dorongo Aperiga, Yorogo Gaabisi, and Kologu Aguusi. The Anateem Kindergarten block had been completed, and the Nyariga classroom block renovated. With 1,200 dual desks and nearly 12,000 textbooks distributed, and over 600 teachers trained, the path was set for better learning outcomes, especially for girls, as hundreds received support for their BECE exams. But it was in healthcare that the MCE’s pride shone brightest. According to Mr. Ayoo, the Yipaala Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound had been handed over to the Ghana Health Service, while other facilities in Zaare East, Kulbia, and Sawaba were also completed. Ongoing construction and renovations at Waribisi, Sumbrungu Anateem, and Daporetindongo promised even greater access to healthcare in the near future. Public health campaigns and strong partnerships were raising awareness and improving services, especially for mothers and children. Agriculture, the backbone of the local economy, was thriving. Over 800 groups, nearly 20,000 farmers, joined the Feed Ghana Program, while women food processors received essential startup kits. Training and business support empowered local artisans and entrepreneurs, with carpenters, hairdressers, and dressmakers benefiting from the National Apprenticeship Programme. Social protection initiatives were also bearing fruit. Through the LEAP program, more than 1,100 households received over 3.1 million Ghana Cedis in grants, with further expansion on the horizon. Persons with Disabilities were supported with funds, equipment, and stipends, helping transform lives and livelihoods. The MCE also highlighted the municipality’s push for environmental cleanliness, with intensified clean-up campaigns and improved waste management. Public education, radio outreach, and collaboration with security agencies were key to fostering a healthy, peaceful community. Yet, challenges remained. Mr. Ayoo called for support to complete unfinished dormitories at ZAMSTECH, finish the abandoned polyclinic, elevate Bolgatanga to metropolitan status, and resolve the Bolgatanga Skin dispute for lasting peace and future development. Expressing gratitude to the NDC’s national leadership, the hardworking Member of Parliament, and the people of Bolgatanga, Mr. Ayoo closed with a warm invitation to Mr. Nketia. “Feel at home,” he said. “The people of Bolgatanga are renowned for their hospitality, and we are honored to host you.” With these words, the MCE brought his address to an end, leaving the assembly with a sense of pride in their achievements and hope for even greater progress as a united community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bongo Beo Tankoo Assembly Member Issues Caution and Encouragement Ahead of 2026 BECE
The Assembly Member for Beo Tankoo Electoral Area in the Bongo District, Upper East Region, Hon. Akolgo Emmanuel, has delivered a heartfelt message to candidates, parents, and the community ahead of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). In his statement, Hon. Emmanuel described the examination season as a significant milestone marked by both anticipation and concern. He stressed the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for candidates, urging organizers and communities to refrain from hosting “pens down” parties, street jams, or alcohol-related celebrations . “Such unsupervised and inappropriate gatherings expose our children to considerable risk,” he cautioned, referencing a tragic incident in the district last year when two candidates lost their lives in a motor accident en route to a celebration. “No celebration is worth the life of a child,” he emphasized. Addressing parents and guardians, Hon. Emmanuel strongly advised against providing mobile phones to candidates, warning that it facilitates examination malpractice and undermines the integrity of the educational system. “Let us instill confidence and courage in our children to give their best effort, and desist from aiding them to engage in dishonest acts,” he urged. He also encouraged families to celebrate responsibly, suggesting modest family gatherings and moments of prayer over risky outings or alcohol-fueled parties. To the BECE candidates themselves, Hon. Emmanuel reminded them of the value of their lives and the years of effort they have invested in their education. “Say no to alcohol, reckless riding, and examination malpractice. Your true ‘pens down’ celebration will be receiving your results and progressing to Senior High School with dignity and pride,” he stated. He extended condolences to the families in Balungo who lost loved ones after last year’s final paper, hoping such a tragedy would never be repeated. Hon. Emmanuel concluded his message by wishing all 2026 BECE candidates in Beo and across the Bongo District the very best, urging them to write with integrity, remain safe, and make their families and the nation proud. “Your future begins now, protect it,” he affirmed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Police Dismantle Alleged Robbery Gang In Upper East Region; Four In Custody, Two Dead During Operation
A special intelligence team of the Ghana Police Service has allegedly dismantled a robbery gang responsible for a series of violent attacks in the Upper East region, following an intelligence-led operation on 29th April 2026. The suspects, Awudu Kasim, Malik Baako, Mohammed Amidu, and Wadud Abdul were arrested at their hideout at Zuarungu. A search at the location led to the retrieval of a G3 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition which had been concealed in the storage compartment of a motorbike that suspect Samsudeen Mohammed and an accomplice known as “DJ”, currently at large, had robbed from a victim. Police also retrieved seven (7) other motorbikes believed to be stolen. During interrogation, the suspects admitted involvement in a series of robbery attacks across the region. These include an attack on 4th February 2026 along the Zuarungu–Kongo road, during which a bus driver, Ussif Abdul Razak, sustained gunshot injuries and lost three fingers, and a separate attack on a cargo truck driver, Mohammed Ibrahim, on the same stretch. They also admitted to a robbery at the Kejetia mining site at Gbane on 28th March 2026, where a miner, Atani Mark, was robbed of cash and gold, as well as other incidents in the area. Two suspects, Samsudeen Mohammed and Seidu Safianu, now deceased, sustained gunshot injuries during the operation. Their bodies have been transported to the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy. All four suspects are in custody assisting investigations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other accomplices, including one identified as “DJ”, who is at large. The Ghana Police Service assures the public that all those at large will be arrested to face the full rigours of the law. Source: UER Police
Alagumgube Calls for Timely Sod-Cutting of Upper East Airport as Workers Mark May Day
A diaspora-based language and development association, Alagumgube, has used this year’s May Day celebration to renew its call for the swift sod cutting of a proposed airport in the Upper East Region. In a press statement issued during the 2026 May Day observances, the association, founded in New Jersey, USA, by indigenes of the Upper East Region, said it proudly joined workers across Ghana and beyond to commemorate the day. Alagumgube, which has seven active branches and a growing footprint in Africa, noted its continued commitment to advocating for the socio‑economic development of the Upper East Region. The group said its efforts have already contributed to key milestones, including the establishment of a Passport Office in the region. Currently, the association’s major focus is the development and sod‑cutting of an airport in the Upper East Region. Through sustained advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with government, the project has gained national attention, according to the statement. Technical teams have assessed the proposed site, and significant preparatory work has been undertaken. On the other hand, Alagumgube is appealing for a bypass to ease traffic flow through Bolgatanga, citing the heavy trucks that pass through the city en route to other neighbouring countries. “As we participate in the May Day march, we reaffirm our call for the timely sod cutting of the Upper East Airport, which we believe will enhance connectivity, create jobs, and accelerate regional development,” the statement read. Alagumgube said it stands united in purpose, both in the diaspora and at home, working together to build a stronger and more prosperous Upper East Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GES Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Examination Malpractices
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has launched a nationwide campaign to combat examination malpractices, recognizing the growing threat such acts pose to national development and the integrity of the country’s education system. Mr. Richard Ayitey, National Examination Coordinator at the GES Headquarters, underscored the seriousness of the issue, noting a disturbing increase in incidents of cheating and fraud during examinations. “Examination malpractice is a criminal act, and this year, we will not spare anyone, be it a teacher, non-teacher, or any individual, who tries to undermine the examination process. It’s affecting our quality of education and drastically impacting student performance,” Mr. Ayitey asserted. He further explained that the prevalence of exam fraud has encouraged students to become complacent and less motivated to study. “When students believe they can rely on malpractice, it makes them lazy and less likely to develop the skills to become future writers or thinkers. This year, we want students to prepare properly and take their studies seriously.” To address the problem, GES is enforcing strict measures at examination centers. Only supervisors will be permitted on the premises, minimizing the risk of external influence or assistance to candidates. Supervisors and invigilators have also been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance to ensure incident-free and malpractice-free examinations. Razak Z. Abdul-Korah, Upper East Regional Education Director, described a recent stakeholder forum as part of the nationwide effort to raise public awareness and build consensus on solutions. “As of yesterday, eight regions had completed similar forums, and the rest will soon follow. This initiative is meant to mobilize collective action against exam malpractices,” he explained. The Regional Director emphasized that robust material and security arrangements are in place for upcoming examinations. He called on teachers, school leaders, and the wider community to take the campaign seriously and to help spread the message. “Certifying students whose integrity is in doubt undermines our entire education system. We must all play our part to tackle this menace.” The forum also featured collaboration with the police, who shared strategies to deter and detect malpractices. A multi-level monitoring team, including national and regional officials, will oversee the conduct of exams across the country. “Today’s engagement was impactful and has given us hope. However, it is crucial that the message reaches every educator and student. The media’s role in amplifying this campaign is vital,” Abdul-Korah added. Other educational stakeholders from both private and public schools also contributed ideas and pledged their support for the crackdown. With concerted effort from all parties, GES hopes to restore integrity and excellence to Ghana’s examination process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
TEWU Urges Government to Address Security Staff Concerns at Upper East Workshop
Mr. Matthew Abeaba Abereniya, Principal Industrial Relations Officer (IRO) of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) in the Upper East Region, shared insights at a recent workshop organized for educational sector staff, including new recruits. Mr. Abereniya explained that the workshop was designed to refresh participants on security matters and update them on new security issues affecting educational institutions. “This workshop is an opportunity for our members to cross-fertilize ideas, share security tactics, and discuss ways to manage their various associations more effectively,” he said. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, particularly in addressing challenges such as kidnapping, student abscondment, and unauthorized intrusions on school campuses. The TEWU officer highlighted that the union includes a diverse range of professionals, metrons, accountants, security personnel, supply chain officers, administrators, and others, who all benefit from such knowledge sharing. “From time to time, these groups come together to share ideas to improve their work and ensure the safety of students, staff, and property,” Mr. Abereniya noted. Representing the General Secretary and National Officers, Mr. Abereniya said his presence was meant to motivate and encourage participants, reinforcing the union’s commitment to their welfare. However, he drew attention to a pressing issue: overtime allowances. “The government has denied our members their overtime allowance for some time now, and they are becoming increasingly agitated. Their salaries are already meagre, and yet they risk their lives, sometimes braving harsh conditions, to protect school property and ensure safety.” Mr. Abereniya called on the media to help amplify the union’s concerns, urging the government to address the matter urgently. “We expect the government to expedite action. Our members deserve to be compensated fairly for their dedication and sacrifices,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Asiedu Nketiah Urges Delegates to Replace Branch Leaders Who Undermined Party in 2024
The National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called on party delegates in the Upper East Region to support him by electing or re-electing loyal members in the upcoming branch elections. During his two-day Thank You Tour of the region, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah addressed party members, expressing concern over the actions of some individuals during the 2024 campaign season. He lamented that certain members had undermined the party by campaigning against their own candidates, an act he strongly condemned. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah advocated for those who worked against the party to be retired from leadership roles. “We are going for a branch election; there are people who will work for NDC in the daytime and work for NPP at night. If you notice such people, retire them,” he urged. He stressed the importance of rewarding loyalty and commitment: “If a vehicle did not spoil, you don’t take it to a workshop.” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah encouraged delegates to maintain those who have served the party diligently and contributed positively to its progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam’s Loyalty Deserves More–Chief Naab Bileehsong Lagwonht Tells NDC Leadership
Chief Naab Bileehsong Lagwonht of Kontibtaabig, under the Sakote Traditional Area, delivered a powerful and unvarnished message to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the party’s Thank You Tour, led by National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah on Monday. Addressing the crowd, Chief Lagwonht emphasized Nabdam’s decades-long support for the NDC, stating, “The people of Nabdam have sacrificed for the governing party for 26 years, yet there is little to show for our loyalty.” With remarkable candor, the Chief highlighted how close the NDC came to losing the Nabdam parliamentary seat to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and singled out Honorable Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane for special recognition. “He used his own resources to repair our broken roads, like the Yakuti Road, which we now enjoy. Snatching the seat from the NPP and winning by 3,000 votes deserves commendation,” he noted. Drawing wisdom from a local bishop, Chief Lagwonht remarked, “If you walk in the light, everything will be in your glory. Nabdam has walked in the light of the NDC for almost 26 years, but what we are receiving is not what we envisioned.” The Chief did not shy away from pointing out unfulfilled promises, such as the poor state of the Assamese Road. He also praised Honorable Asiedu Nketiah as a true grassroots leader: “I admire you from afar. You are the one who took the floor yesterday. Nabdam deserves more because we have always voted for you.” Chief Lagwonht reminded the NDC of repeated, unanswered appeals for development: “Even when you visited to support another party, our advice was not heeded. I trust your next minister will consider Nabdam.” He drew attention to the abandoned Agenda 111 hospital project and the struggles of local farmers. “Our people are mostly farmers. The NPP promised One Village One Dam, but did you see it? We ask for at least three major dams for dry-season farming, so our people have opportunities and won’t be forced into other things.” Water scarcity remains a serious concern. “While the DCE and Regional Minister have made efforts, like providing 74 boreholes, it is not enough. Water is life. We need more,” the Chief stressed. In closing, Chief Naab Bileehsong Lagwonht challenged the NDC to take concrete action. “Analyze our situation and address our issues. These are the challenges confronting us. Nabdam deserves more for our loyalty. Trust us and keep us in your good books.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam DCE Shares Projects Shaping the District’s Future
When the General Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, arrived in Nabdam District on his Thank You Tour, the atmosphere was charged with pride and anticipation. The people gathered not just to welcome a leader, but to reflect on a journey, one shaped by unity, resilience, and a shared vision for a better future. Standing before the crowd, the District Chief Executive, Mr. Francis Tobig Yenwona, spoke with conviction. He reminded the people that the strides made in Nabdam were no coincidence. They were, he emphasized, the direct result of collective discipline, focused leadership, and the guiding vision of John Dramani Mahama. For him, unity was not just a word, it was the backbone of the district’s transformation. He painted a vivid picture of progress, beginning with healthcare. At Soaliga, a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound was steadily taking shape, promising to bring essential medical care closer to the people. In Gundork, a newly completed maternity ward stood ready to serve mothers and newborns, a symbol of life and hope. The crowd responded with applause as Mr. Francis highlighted these milestones, describing them as proof of meaningful, people-centered governance. Beyond healthcare, development stretched into sanitation and infrastructure. In Pelingu, a modern toilet facility with an attached shower system had been completed, while similar projects were underway in Kongo and Nangode. Cleanliness, he reminded them, was not just a necessity but a reflection of dignity and public health. Education, too, remained a pillar of the district’s growth. A kindergarten block in Nkunziese had been completed, while a junior high school in Damulogo neared completion. Quoting Nelson Mandela, Mr. Francis reaffirmed that education was the most powerful tool for change, an investment Nabdam was determined to make for its future generations. Development efforts extended to solving local challenges as well. To address the issue of stray livestock, a dedicated animal farm had been completed and was ready for commissioning. Water access had improved significantly, with fifteen boreholes drilled and five mechanized systems constructed, bringing relief to many communities. Meanwhile, a modern slaughterhouse in Kongo stood as a beacon of innovation, combining hygienic food processing with environmental sustainability through the use of a biodigester. Yet, amid the celebration of achievements, Mr. Francis did not ignore the district’s struggles. He spoke candidly about the growing number of unemployed graduates and called for urgent interventions to create opportunities for the youth. He also highlighted the poor condition of key roads, particularly the stretch from Gane-Asongin through Pelingu to Sakoti, urging swift government action. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of agriculture, calling for the establishment of a Famine Service Centre as the farming season approached. He also pointed to the need for expanded rural electrification, expressing confidence that every community would soon be connected. As his speech drew to a close, Mr. Francis left the crowd with a powerful message. Nabdam, he declared, remained steadfast, committed, loyal, and ready to contribute massively to the progress of both party and nation. The Thank You Tour, in that moment, became more than a political event. It was a living story of a district in motion, honest about its challenges, proud of its progress, and united in its pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UER: NDC National Chairman Declares NPP Dead in Upper East Region as He Launches Thank You Tour
On a bright Monday morning, the man they call “General Mosquito” touched down in the heart of NDC territory with a message of gratitude, unity, and political finality. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress, swept through Talensi, Nabdam, Bongo, and Bolgatanga East on his Thank You Tour, where he delivered a blunt verdict to cheering party faithful: the New Patriotic Party has been erased from the region. “15 out of 15 seats,” Nketiah declared, his voice carrying the weight of a landslide. “The opposition is gone forever from this region.” But the chairman’s address was far more than a victory lap. Standing before passionate supporters, he urged them not to rest on their laurels, and not to lose themselves in the pursuit of power. “Unity is not a destination,” he told the crowd, his tone shifting from celebratory to reflective. “It is an ongoing process.” He reminded them that disagreements and arguments are not signs of weakness but the very fabric of a healthy democracy, provided they remain constructive. “If we keep working at it,” he assured them, “our divisions will not destroy us. They will strengthen our democracy.” Mr. Nketiah then turned to the opposition’s failed strategy, revealing what he called their desperate gamble in Bolgatanga East. “They poured money into this constituency, not by accident, but because they feared Dr. Dominic Ayine’s return to parliament,” he said. “They failed.” The chairman was careful, however, to deflect personal credit. “No matter how wise or strategic you are, you cannot win elections alone,” he said, pointing instead to the foot soldiers who “climbed poles to hang flags, pasted posters, rode to remote villages, endured insults and rain, all for the love of the party.” Yet even in triumph, Nketiah warned of a dangerous temptation: the instinct to reward only loyalists. He cautioned that the NDC must not follow the path of “exclusive rewards” that led to the downfall of previous NPP administrations. “If we act like our opponents and only serve our own, we risk the same fate. Our promise is to do things differently, to reset the country and win the lasting trust of all Ghanaians.” He urged party members to resist the lure of opposition tactics, even in moments of personal disappointment. “Ask yourself: if I cannot find what I want in my own party, will I get it in the rival’s?” The chairman also struck a somber note, addressing economic uncertainty and what he described as emerging threats, including recent fires and damage to power infrastructure. “Let us keep our eyes open and report anything suspicious,” he said, calling for prayer and vigilance. “Only through diligence and unity will we protect our gains.” And then, in a moment of raw humility, Nketiah explained why he had embarked on the cross-country tour in the first place. “Some people work, but credit goes to others. I could not rest without traveling across the country to thank each branch, to let you know I appreciate what you have done. Even if not everyone’s expectations are met after an election, a word of thanks costs nothing and means everything.” He closed with a prayer for continued strength and wisdom, and a promise that the NDC would build “a future of hope and progress together.” “Some rewards come today,” he told the faithful. “Others tomorrow. And some may be for the next generation. But let us always give thanks, remain united, and keep building.” With that, the man who declared the NPP extinct in the Upper East Region mounted his vehicle and moved on to the next stop, leaving behind a crowd convinced that, for now, General Mosquito’s arithmetic was beyond dispute. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen