UER: Youth Groomed for District-Level Leadership under Youth Leadership Fellowship Programme
The National Youth Authority is intensifying efforts to train a new generation of ethical, innovative and community-focused young leaders through its Youth Leadership Fellowship Programme. The initiative selects one youth leader from each of Ghana’s 261 districts and takes them through a structured year-long process—including bootcamps, mentorship, community project implementation and policy dialogue. In the Upper East Region, 21 fellows have been trained in leadership, ethics, digital innovation and civic responsibility, with the National Youth Authority urging them to build emotional intelligence, consult community opinion leaders, and remain committed to solving local development challenges. The programme aims to support 261 district-level projects nationwide while building a lasting network of young leaders. Ghana continues to face complex development challenges that require informed, ethical and innovative leadership. The Youth Leadership Fellowship—run by the National Youth Authority—responds directly to this need. The programme builds a pipeline of young leaders by offering practical skills, mentorship and support for the design and implementation of 261 district-level community projects. Its overall goal is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can drive community transformation and contribute to national development. The fellowship also aims to train 261 youth in leadership and civic engagement, foster a national network of young leaders involved in policy dialogue, and establish a sustainable alumni network committed to long-term impact. The Head of Programmes at the NAtional Youth Authority, Appiah Kubi noted that beyond technical skills, leadership also required emotional intelligence — the ability to understand oneself, relate to others, and work effectively with people — which he described as the foundation of impactful leadership. The programme is structured into five phases—from induction and residential bootcamps to mentorship, district projects, policy engagements and finally, graduation into the alumni network. The Upper East Regional Director for the National Youth Authority, Francis Takyi-Koranteng urged the fellows to engage their chiefs, queen mothers, Opinion Leaders, assembly members and youth groups when they returned to their districts, saying that effective consultation would ensure their projects addressed real community needs. The current training in the Upper East Region includes sessions led by consultant Dr. Daniel Ampofo on leadership, ethics, governance, innovation and communication. He explained that they were developing ethical, forward-thinking leaders who could solve problems in their communities and contribute meaningfully to the country. For many participants, the fellowship is both transformative and empowering. A participant, Madam Angelina from the Kassena Nankana West District said that the programme had expanded her confidence and understanding of leadership, and that she was grateful to the NYA for the opportunity. Hon Michael Ayine from the Bolgatanga Municipality said that the training was practical and inspiring, and that he now felt well-prepared to start a community project that would create real impact. With mentorship, ongoing guidance, and a focus on community-based solutions, the NYA believes these fellows will become part of a strong national network driving development across Ghana. As the one-year fellowship progresses, each of the 261 fellows will be expected to deliver a project that responds directly to local challenges—from sanitation to education, youth employment and digital inclusion. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Concerned Krobo Youth Group Applauds President Mahama for Extending IGP Yohuno’s Tenure
The Concerned Krobo Youth Group in the Greater Accra Region has publicly commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Police Council for their decision to extend the term of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, by an additional two years. In a statement signed by Yakubu Ibrahim on behalf of the group, the youth hailed the move as a well-deserved acknowledgment of IGP Yohuno’s outstanding leadership and steadfast service to the Ghana Police Service. Mr. Yohuno’s career spans several high-profile roles, including Divisional Commander for Accra Central, Accra Regional Operations Commander, Deputy Accra Regional Commander, and Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD). His exemplary contributions to law enforcement have earned him numerous accolades, notably the Grand Medal for his distinguished efforts against armed robbery and other crimes. The group highlighted that the extension of his tenure is a testament to his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order nationwide. They expressed confidence that IGP Yohuno’s ongoing leadership will continue to strengthen the police force and positively impact public safety. On behalf of the Ga-Adangme people and all Ghanaians, the Concerned Krobo Youth Group extended heartfelt congratulations to IGP Yohuno, celebrating his dedication and the trust placed in him for the continued stability and security of the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Education Minister Announces Ambitious Funding Reforms for Special Needs Education in Ghana
The Minister for Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has unveiled plans for a sweeping reform of special needs education funding in Ghana, promising enhanced financial support and better learning conditions for students with disabilities. During a meeting with heads of special needs and integrated schools, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized the urgent need for a more robust and dependable funding framework tailored specifically to children with disabilities. “We are preparing a Cabinet Memo for the attention of the President and my colleagues in Cabinet to take a major decision on the future of special needs education in Ghana,” he announced. The Minister revealed that the government is considering an annual allocation of between GHS 65 million and GHS 100 million for special needs education, with funding expected from the Ghana Free Education Fund (GFAN). As part of the reforms, he proposed doubling the unfeeder grant from GHS 8 to GHS 15 per student per day to address rising costs and ensure adequate support for learners with disabilities. Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Ghana’s free education policy fully inclusive for all special needs learners. He highlighted the necessity of investing in critical infrastructure, increasing accessibility in schools, and providing modern assistive devices to foster a more supportive learning environment. Attendees were also briefed that the amended GFAN Act will include a provision for free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, widening access to education at all levels. Encouraging open discussion, the Minister urged participants to speak candidly, saying, “Be as brutally frank as possible,” before leaving for a parliamentary committee meeting. The proposed reforms mark one of the most ambitious efforts in recent years to transform special needs education and promote equity in Ghana’s educational system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Legal Director and Advocacy Groups Intensify Calls for Religious Freedom in Ghana’s Mission Schools
The Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Godwin Tameklo, has joined the growing chorus advocating for Muslim students in mission schools to be allowed to freely practice their faith. Mr. Tameklo, reflecting on the issue, argued that making room for religious expression should be a straightforward matter within school communities. Using a practical example, he noted that if a school with 2,000 students can find space for about 100 Muslim students to break their fast or pray, it should be possible to accommodate their needs “without animosity.” He questioned why simple acts like wearing a hijab should be contentious in institutions meant to foster tolerance and unity. Mr. Tameklo further emphasised that small accommodations can significantly promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, which are essential for national harmony and an inclusive educational environment. Meanwhile, the Patriotic Muslim Front (PMF) and LeadGate Foundation have sharply criticised the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, over his official submission in the high-profile case of Shafic Osman v. The Board of Governors of Wesley Girls SHS, the Ghana Education Service & the Attorney-General. In a joint statement, the organisations expressed “profound disappointment and utter dismay” at the Deputy A-G’s call for dismissal of a suit seeking constitutional protection for Muslim students at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School. The lawsuit, brought by Shafic Osman, seeks a Supreme Court declaration that a school policy restricting Muslim students from fulfilling key religious duties is unconstitutional. The PMF and LeadGate Foundation described the state’s legal stance as “a shocking abdication” of its constitutional role to guarantee religious freedom. The case highlights longstanding complaints that Wesley Girls’ SHS prohibits Muslim students from daily prayers, Friday congregational prayers, fasting during Ramadan, wearing religious attire, and celebrating Islamic festivals. The advocacy groups allege that students are even required to participate in Methodist worship services, in violation of their religious rights. Osman’s suit asks the Supreme Court to rule that these restrictions amount to religious discrimination, violating several provisions of the 1992 Constitution. PMF and LeadGate Foundation outlined four major concerns with the A-G’s legal approach: mischaracterising Wesley Girls’ SHS as a private institution, selectively applying constitutional rights, abdicating the state’s duty to prevent discrimination, and risking a dangerous precedent that could marginalise minority religious groups in public schools. The groups have called on the Attorney-General to withdraw what they deem a “prejudiced” submission and file a revised case that upholds constitutional guarantees. They also urged religious leaders, civil society, and human rights advocates to speak out in defense of religious freedom in Ghana’s schools. “The soul of our nation’s democracy is at stake,” the joint statement concluded, calling on all Ghanaians to support the protection of religious rights for every student. The statement was signed by Alhaj Mohammed Haruna and Sheikh Iddrisu Abdullai Alhassan for the Patriotic Muslim Front and LeadGate Foundation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Honoured in Suriname at Historic National Assembly Gathering
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, received a ceremonial welcome of the highest order at the Onafhankelijkheidsplein in Paramaribo as he participated in an Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly of Suriname. This landmark event brought together an impressive assembly of leaders from the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, reflecting the gathering’s global significance. Among those in attendance were Suriname’s President, H.E. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Ir. Michael A. Adhin; the Prime Minister of Guyana; the Prime Minister of the Netherlands; and the Secretary-General of Caribbean States. The distinguished guest list also included former Surinamese Vice President and ABOP faction leader Ronnie Brunswijk, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, and other notable dignitaries. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s presence underscored the deepening ties between Ghana and Suriname, reinforcing ongoing cultural, diplomatic, and economic exchanges between the two nations and their regions. His participation at the Extraordinary Session highlighted the growing. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Faces Alarming Decline in Maternal and Child Health Despite More Trained Health Workers
Ghana is grappling with a troubling drop in maternal and child health outcomes, even as the number of trained health workers continues to rise. This was the stark message delivered by Dr. Kennedy Brightson, Director for Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, during the 5th Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Conference in Accra. Dr. Brightson revealed that between 2022 and 2024, major health indicators—including skilled delivery coverage, adolescent antenatal attendance, and child immunisation- have all witnessed steady declines. Most alarming, he said, is the increase in maternal deaths: 806 in 2022, 861 in 2023, and 819 in 2024. “Eight hundred maternal deaths a year is not something we should ever accept,” Dr. Brightson stressed to conference participants. The conference, themed “Strengthening Free Primary Health Care – Accelerating Equity and Access to Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Nutrition Services towards attainment of the SDG 2030,” brought health experts together to call for urgent investments in primary health care, nutrition, and improved quality of care. These measures, they agreed, are critical to preventing avoidable deaths and curbing rising complications among women and children. A growing concern is the incidence of Visico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a debilitating childbirth injury that leaves women incontinent. While specialists repair some cases, limited funding means only 80 fistula repairs are targeted for 2025, leaving many women without help. Dr. Brightson called for stronger health financing, more robust supply chains, better coordination among government agencies, and expanded community health systems. “Primary health care is the backbone of our health system. If it fails, mothers, newborns, children, adolescents, and the elderly will pay the price,” he warned. Other conference speakers highlighted a silent nutrition crisis, pointing to the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and unhealthy dietary habits, which are fueling high rates of micronutrient deficiencies among women and children. Dr. Maxwell Bisala Konla, a dietitian at the University of Ghana Hospital, urged the government to make healthy diets more affordable and to integrate nutrition services into every primary health care encounter. Meanwhile, Dr. Promise Sefogah, General Secretary of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG), pressed for urgent policy action to support women during the menopausal transition and for universal access to respectful, quality obstetric care. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Calls for Stronger, Balanced Africa-Europe Partnership at AU–EU Summit
Ghana’s Vice President, Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for a revitalised and equitable partnership between Africa and Europe, urging leaders to build on shared values and mutual respect as she addressed the Seventh AU–EU Summit in Luanda, Angola. Speaking before an audience of Heads of State, government leaders, and senior officials from both continents, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang delivered warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and extended congratulations to Angola as it celebrates its 50th Independence anniversary. She described the Summit as unfolding during a period of “profound global transformation,” stressing the need for Africa and Europe to chart a path guided by sustainable development, partnership, and mutual benefit. Reflecting on progress since the landmark Cairo Summit in 2000, the Vice President noted significant achievements in peace, security, and governance, commending the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as a milestone. Yet, she cautioned that persistent challenges, climate shocks, geopolitical tensions, piracy, and ongoing humanitarian crises, require urgent and coordinated action. Turning to Ghana’s own trajectory, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the country’s 2026 budget as evidence of a renewed commitment to economic stabilisation and growth. She cited falling inflation, a stabilised cedi, and strengthened fiscal governance as indicators of resilience. Ghana’s economic strategy, she explained, is anchored on restoring stability, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, and prioritising job creation and human capital, pillars that align with the AU–EU Vision 2030 and position Ghana to contribute to Africa’s ongoing transformation. On matters of peace and security, the Vice President described West Africa as a region of vibrant economies and energetic youth, while warning of rising threats from extremist groups exploiting poverty and environmental challenges. She announced Ghana’s intention to convene a regional meeting to address violent extremism and called for greater support, financial, technical, and logistical, for APSA, the African Governance Architecture, and Regional Economic Communities. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang welcomed the European Union’s €150 billion Global Gateway Initiative, especially its focus on green energy and digital transformation. She expressed Ghana’s hope for further EU assistance with offshore patrol waivers, repairs to the Kpone hydroelectric dam, and improvements to the Damongo water facility. As Ghana continues its leadership on the African Union’s Year of Reparations, the Vice President revealed the country’s intent to present a UN resolution recognising the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade as a grave crime against humanity, urging European partners to join as co-sponsors. She also praised Africa-Europe cooperation at the UN Human Rights Council and encouraged continued momentum toward justice and equity. Concluding her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang invoked the legacy of Kofi Annan, emphasising the inseparability of development, security, and human rights. She urged leaders to forge a partnership that transforms these principles into action, expanding opportunity through peace, and achieving development through stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Breaking News: Bolgatanga Technical Institute Recalls Students After Campus Unrest, Imposes Damage Fee
The management of Bolgatanga Technical Institute has ordered all second- and third-year students to return to campus immediately following recent disturbances that resulted in extensive property damage. According to school authorities, each male student must pay a GH¢1,000 damage fee before resuming classes. This directive comes after an assessment of destruction linked to a violent student riot that occurred from Thursday, August 14, to Friday, August 15, 2025, which saw several parts of the school, including the senior headmaster’s office and the library, set ablaze. School officials explained that the decision is aimed at restoring discipline and ensuring a smooth resumption of academic activities. Management has also indicated that additional measures will be put in place to maintain order and prevent similar incidents in the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com