NPP Committee Chairmen Call for Retention of Current Leadership in Opposition
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) transitions to the Minority in the 9th Parliament, chairmen of various parliamentary committees are urging the party to retain its current leadership. Apexnewsgh reports The MPs believe that maintaining experienced leaders like Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader will strengthen the party’s position in Parliament and ensure effective representation. Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah, MP for Fanteakwa North, emphasized the need for continuity in the party’s parliamentary leadership, citing the reduced numbers following the recent elections. “Our numbers have drained, and for that matter, we need a front that is experienced to face the enormity of members on the other side,” he said. Asiamah praised Afenyo-Markin’s leadership qualities and noted that the current leadership has gained valuable experience from their tenure in the Majority. This experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of opposition. However, Asiamah acknowledged the need to fill a vacancy left by Hon. Alex Tetteh, who will not return to Parliament. The call to retain the current leadership comes after a significant number of NPP MPs lost their seats in the recent elections. Notably, 40 NPP MPs, including chairmen and vice-chairmen of various select committees, will not return to Parliament.¹ Despite this setback, the party is seeking stability and continuity in its leadership. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP Yendi Constituency Break Record, Suspends 184 Members for Constitutional Breaches
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Yendi Constituency Chairman, Nashiru Abdul Karim, has announced the suspension of 184 members for breaching the party’s constitution. Apexnewsgh reports This decision comes after a series of complaints and investigations into misconduct during the recent elections. According to Chairman Karim, the suspensions were made in accordance with Article 3 Clause (9)(1), Clause (7)(1), and Clause (8)(1) of the 2017 amended NPP constitution. The decision was unanimous, with the expanded Constituency Executive Committee meeting on December 23, 2024, concluding that the 184 members had indeed breached the party’s constitution. The allegations against the suspended members included standing as independent candidates against the NPP’s officially elected parliamentary candidate, joining or declaring support for another political party, and supporting an independent candidate in the just-ended December 7 parliamentary election in the constituency. Chairman Karim emphasized that the suspension was necessary to ensure accountability and protect the party’s principles. “I write to humbly notify the National and Regional leadership of the party, as well as the general public, that the following members of the party have forfeited their membership or have been summarily suspended with effect from 26th December 2024,” he stated. This move sends a strong message about the importance of adhering to the party’s rules and regulations. The NPP has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its constitution and maintaining discipline among its members. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ensign Global College Receives Presidential Charter, Now a Full-Fledged University
In a historic moment, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo conferred a Presidential Charter on Ensign Global College, transforming it into a fully-fledged university. Apexnewsgh reports This milestone, achieved on December 19, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and nation-building. Established in 2014, Ensign Global College has been a renowned institution for training global leaders in public health. With its innovative academic programs, the college has addressed rapidly evolving health challenges in Ghana. The Presidential Charter grants the institution autonomy to award its own degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marking the end of its affiliating relationship with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Professor Stephen C. Alder, President of Ensign Global College, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, reiterating the institution’s vision to be a world-class academic institution promoting prosperity and growth in Africa. “This charter ushers in a new era of growth and impact for our beloved institution,” he said. As Ensign Global University, the institution plans to expand its work in public health, introduce new programmatic areas, and tackle emerging threats such as environmental degradation and human trafficking. The university will also facilitate the Master of Business Creation program in partnership with the University of Utah. With its newfound status, Ensign Global University is poised to make a significant impact in Ghana, Africa, and the world. As Professor Alder emphasized, “We will do this through graduates who are highly competent and innovative leaders, research and knowledge curation that leads to groundbreaking solutions, and engaged service with people, communities, and institutions around the world.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Bawumia Receives Heartwarming Christmas Gift from Leprosy Survivor
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described a visit from Priscilla, a four-year-old leprosy survivor, as his “best Christmas gift. Apexnewsgh reports ” Priscilla, who was cured of leprosy and now walks with a prosthetic leg, visited Dr. Bawumia at his home to express her gratitude. Priscilla’s journey began at the Weija Leprosarium, where she was under the care of Father Andrew Campbell. Abandoned by her parents at birth due to her condition, Priscilla underwent numerous failed treatments for her severely affected legs, ultimately leading to amputation in Ghana. Dr. Bawumia, a patron of Lepers Aid Ghana and regular visitor to the Weija Leprosarium, was moved by Priscilla’s story and sponsored her trip to Italy for specialized treatment. After five months of recovery, Priscilla returned to Ghana, now able to walk independently with her new prosthetic leg. Upon her arrival, Priscilla, accompanied by Father Andrew Campbell and Weija Leprosarium officials, visited Dr. Bawumia’s residence to thank him for his kindness. The Vice President was visibly moved by the visit, taking to social media to share the heartwarming moment. “I got my best Christmas gift yesterday when Priscilla… returned to Ghana and paid me a visit at home to thank me and show that she can now walk with her new leg,” he wrote. “To God be the glory.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Takes Lead in African Integration with Visa-Free Travel Policy
Ghana is set to become the fifth African country to implement a visa-free travel policy for all African citizens, following President Nana Akufo-Addo’s executive approval on December 18, 2024. Apexnewsgh reports This move has been hailed as a significant step towards creating a single African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). According to Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development Trade Tourism Industry and Minerals at the AfCFTA secretariat, this policy is “a move in the right direction” and removes a major non-tariff barrier to intra-African trade. President Akufo-Addo had promised to implement the visa-free travel policy during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2024, held in January. The policy is expected to take effect on January 1, 2025. Ghana’s decision is seen as a major boost to the African Union’s efforts to promote free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent. Currently, only Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin offer visa-free entry to all African citizens. The move has been welcomed by business leaders, including Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, who has spoken about the frustrations of traveling across Africa due to restrictive visa policies. As Ghana takes the lead in promoting African integration, other countries are expected to follow suit. The AfCFTA secretariat has expressed optimism that the policy will contribute to the growth of intra-African trade and the creation of a single African market. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Russia Accuses US of Biological Warfare Activities in Africa
Russia has made a startling accusation against the United States, claiming that the US is engaging in increased biological warfare activities in several African countries, including Ghana. This accusation was posted on DW Africa’s Facebook Wall on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. According to the post, Russia alleges that the US is conducting research in Ghana and Djibouti on natural disease outbreaks, pathogen isolation, and sequencing. Additionally, the US has established a military medical center in Kenya to monitor infectious disease spread in Central Africa. In Nigeria, a joint medical research center and military medical laboratory were established in 2024, staffed by 10 specialists from the US Department of Defence. Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Alexey Shevtsov, had earlier claimed that the US is developing biological weapons, including some aimed at certain ethnic groups. These accusations are particularly concerning, given the US’s history of conducting biological research in Africa.¹ The US has been involved in various biological research projects in Africa, including a program in West Africa that aimed to detect and prevent the use of fever-viruses as bioweapons.² However, some have raised concerns that these projects may be used as a cover for more sinister activities, such as the development of biological weapons. The relationship between the US and Russia has been strained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite their shared interests in areas such as nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation, and counterterrorism, the two nations have been at odds over various issues. The accusations made by Russia against the US are serious and warrant further investigation. As the world watches, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what implications it may have for global relations.
Japan and China Seek to Improve Ties Amid US-China Tensions
As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, Japan and China are making efforts to improve their relations, which have been strained due to Beijing’s aggressive military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite these efforts, analysts believe that longstanding tensions between the two nations will be difficult to overcome. According to Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, “Tokyo does want to have smoother ties with Beijing, given the likely tumultuousness of the US-China relationship and also the global situation more broadly once Trump comes into office.” However, Chong notes that the basic positions of both countries are too far apart, making it challenging for them to pursue a fundamental reset in bilateral relations. Recently, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. The two sides agreed to facilitate a visit by Wang to Japan in 2025 and improve relations on a basic societal level. Wang emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people exchanges and consolidating public support for China-Japan friendship. However, Iwaya also expressed Japan’s serious concerns about the increased Chinese military activities in areas near Japan and Japanese citizens’ safety in China. Despite these concerns, the two sides agreed to hold a high-level economic dialogue and organize the Japan-China Security Dialogue to improve communication over security issues. Experts believe that Japan is seeking to extract “some positive goods” from China due to Beijing’s increasing concern about the incoming Trump administration. Stephen Nagy, a professor of politics and international studies at Tokyo’s International Christian University, notes that Japan is focusing on securing short-term gains in improving ties rather than resetting the relationship. One of the main disputes between China and Japan is Tokyo’s discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. Beijing has repeatedly opposed Tokyo’s move and imposed bans on the import of Japanese seafood. Despite agreements to allow independent sampling of the treated waters, China’s import ban remains in place. While Japan seeks to improve ties with China, its relationship with the US remains a priority. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has emphasized the importance of strengthening the US-Japan alliance, and Tokyo is expected to align itself with Washington as much as possible. However, Japan will also try to influence how US-China competition develops under the second Trump administration, conveying that its relationship with China is complex and cannot be simply cut off.
Mozambique Prison Riot Claims 33 Lives Amid Post-Election Unrest
A deadly prison riot erupted in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, leaving 33 people dead and 15 injured. The violence occurred amidst ongoing civil unrest sparked by the disputed election results, which confirmed the long-ruling party Frelimo’s victory. Apexnewsgh reports The riot led to a massive prison break, with approximately 1,534 inmates escaping, although 150 have since been recaptured. Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael attributed the riot to protests outside the prison, but Justice Minister Helena Kida countered that the unrest originated within the prison itself. The incident has heightened concerns about public safety, with Rafael warning of a potential rise in crime over the next 48 hours. Mozambique’s interior minister reported that at least 21 people were killed in unrest following the top court’s decision, bringing the total death toll to over 150, according to civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide. The disputed election results have sparked nationwide protests, with opposition groups and supporters claiming the vote was rigged. The situation remains volatile, with tensions expected to persist in the coming days. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NPP’s Mike Oquaye Jnr Denies Conceding Defeat in Dome Kwabenya
Mike Oquaye Jnr, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate for Dome Kwabenya, has categorically denied conceding defeat in the recently concluded December 7th general elections. Apexnewsgh reports A video circulating on social media had led many to believe that Oquaye Jnr had conceded defeat, but he has clarified that the video was actually recorded during an interview conducted in 2020, during the NPP’s parliamentary primaries. Oquaye Jnr explained that the video had been taken out of context and misrepresented, and that he was wearing a face mask in the video because it was recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic. He emphasized that the video was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and urged everyone to disregard the false information. It’s worth noting that Oquaye Jnr lost the Dome Kwabenya seat to Faustina Elikplim Akurugu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who secured 51,634 votes to Oquaye Jnr’s 50,477 votes. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bawumia’s Bold Move: Conceding Defeat for the Sake of Peace
In a remarkable display of statesmanship, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat in the December 7 presidential election, despite opposition from his campaign team. Apexnewsgh reports This decision, made just hours after vote counting began, was driven by Bawumia’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s peace and stability. Addressing party supporters at his residence on December 26, Bawumia revealed that some members of his team had advised him to wait for the Electoral Commission’s official announcement before conceding. However, he chose to trust the data from his own system, recognizing that delaying the concession could exacerbate tensions and potentially spark violence. Bawumia’s courageous move was unprecedented, as no presidential candidate had ever conceded before the Electoral Commission’s official announcement. Yet, he stood firm in his decision, believing it was the right course of action to maintain peace and stability in Ghana. The outcome of the election saw John Dramani Mahama declared the winner by the Electoral Commission on December 9, with 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of valid ballots cast. Bawumia’s early concession has been widely praised, cementing his reputation as a leader who puts the nation’s interests above his own. Source: Apexnewsgh.com