No Fees Stress Programme Delivers Major Relief to Tertiary Students-Over 120,000 Reimbursed So Far
The government’s flagship ‘No Fees Stress’ programme is making waves across the nation’s tertiary institutions, bringing tangible relief to thousands of students burdened by the cost of higher education. In a recent update, the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Mr. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, shared the latest milestones of the initiative, painting a picture of significant progress and hope. As of the 7th August 2025 application deadline, the numbers tell a compelling story: a remarkable 207,087 applications poured in from students eager to benefit from the financial support. Of these, public tertiary institutions officially enrolled 178,745 students, forwarding their details for further processing. The next hurdle, validation, was met with determination. So far, 142,089 applicants have been successfully validated, clearing the way for reimbursement. Most notably, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye revealed that 120,222 students have already received reimbursement under the scheme, directly easing the financial pressures on their academic journeys. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr. Bawumia Sets the Tone for NPP Leadership Race, Urges Rivals to Focus on Vision and Policies
Former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has challenged his rivals in the party’s upcoming leadership race to shift their focus from divisive rhetoric to vision, policies, and proven achievements. Addressing the NPP New York 33rd Anniversary celebration on Sunday, August 24, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for leadership defined by integrity and competence, rather than tribal or religious propaganda. Dr. Bawumia’s message was clear: he wants the party’s internal contest to be about ideas, track records, and integrity, rather than identity politics. “If you want to contest me, come with a vision, come with your ideas, come with your track record, come with your integrity and let us decide,” he told the gathering. The former Vice President dismissed attempts to discredit him based on his northern roots or Islamic faith, describing such propaganda as false, dangerous, and unworthy of the NPP’s democratic tradition. He reminded his critics of his faithful service to the party, including defending the NPP in court during the 2013 election petition and advancing major national reforms such as digitalization. Dr. Bawumia stressed that the NPP had historically thrived on inclusivity, bringing together diverse traditions and communities under its tent. He noted that past victories had been built not on sectionalism but on a collective vision for Ghana’s progress. He urged the party to focus its internal contest on leadership qualities such as humility, incorruptibility, steadiness, and competence. In a warning to his party colleagues, Dr. Bawumia cautioned that succumbing to tribal or religious bigotry would endanger the very survival of the party. “The NPP has always been the party that embraces all Ghanaians, regardless of where they come from or what religion they practise. That is our heritage and our strength. If we stay true to this and focus on ideas, we will be well-positioned to win the 2028 elections,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Ashanti Region
The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force has impounded two excavators in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. Led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, a 37-member team supported by six service vehicles descended upon the Dwendwenase Forest Reserve on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at around 1:30 p.m. The operation was prompted by intelligence reports that Chinese nationals had invaded parts of the forest reserve, engaging in illegal mining activities. When the task force stormed the area, the suspected miners fled, leaving behind two excavators. One of the machines was faulty and couldn’t be moved, but the other was successfully loaded onto a low-bed carrier. The task force didn’t stop there. Fresh intelligence led them to a nearby village, Atta Ne Atta, where another excavator was hidden in a cocoa farm. Although the machine’s operator had disconnected some components to prevent its use, the technical team managed to start it and load it onto the carrier. Both excavators were later transported to the task force’s base at Patase for safekeeping and further action. This operation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, which poses a significant threat to Ghana’s forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies. The task force’s success is a testament to their dedication and the effectiveness of their strategies. As the government continues to crack down on illegal mining, it’s clear that the fight against galamsey will remain a top priority. Source: Apexnewsgh.com