A Message of Caution and Reflection to the NPP Delegates Across Ghana by Alhaji Dr Hafiz Bin Salih.
As voting day approaches on Saturday, 15th August 2026, our party faces an important choice. The decisions we make in these internal elections will shape the strength, unity, and future of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). As campaigns have intensified, we have heard many lofty promises from candidates across all regions. While hope is important in politics, we should let experience guide us. History shows that promises made during campaigns are rarely kept after the votes are counted. The Unspoken Cost of Broken Promises We need to be honest about the challenges our party still faces. In the past, delegates were promised important support, such as motorbikes, to help them work in their communities, but those motorbikes never arrived. In some regions, there were promises to build party offices in every constituency and region, but those offices were never built. These broken promises are not just empty campaign talk; they have serious consequences: • Fractured Unity: When promises are broken, resentment grows, and divisions form within our group, making it harder to work together and win important elections. • Eroded Trust: When leaders do not keep their word, the important trust between the grassroots and leadership is badly hurt. • Dampened Spirit: Nothing discourages loyal party members more than feeling used during elections and then forgotten afterwards. If a candidate truly wants to support you, they should show it before you vote, not just make empty promises after the election. Real commitment is proven by real actions, not just words. Delegates Deserve Respect, Not Deception Delegates are the heart of the New Patriotic Party. You give your time, resources, and energy to keep the party strong in every part of the country. You deserve respect, honesty, and dignity—not empty promises or dishonesty. To keep our party strong, candidates must be held to a higher standard of honesty. Leadership is not just about saying whatever it takes to win votes; it is about character, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others. Our True Focus: Victory in 2028 Let’s learn from our past. Instead of listening to empty talk, let’s judge candidates by their actions, their humility, and their real dedication to our party. We must win the 2028 general elections for the NPP. To do this, we cannot trust our party to people who make empty promises. We need leaders who are ready to work hard with the grassroots and build a strong team. When you vote, remember our past challenges, keep your dignity, and choose those who will respect you and work hard for our shared success. Development in Freedom! Long live the New Patriotic Party! God bless our homeland, Ghana! Dr Hafiz Bin Salih Member, National Council of NPP Former Regional Minister (Upper West/East) Former Upper West Regional 1st Vice Chairman Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom Road Remains Top Priority in Government’s Regional Connectivity Drive—Pres. John Mahama
The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom Road is once again in the spotlight as President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed its importance during his recent ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper East Region. Recognized as a cornerstone in the government’s strategy to improve road connectivity, this major infrastructure project is set to transform travel across the region and provide a vital alternative route to Accra. During his inspection of the ongoing works, President Mahama highlighted how the road will seamlessly connect the eastern and western parts of the Upper East Region, fostering greater integration and economic activity. “The Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom Road will not only serve as a direct link between communities here and the capital, but it will also open up the region for trade and development,” he remarked. To allay concerns from stakeholders and contractors, President Mahama gave assurances that the government is committed to making timely payments to ensure the project stays on track and is completed within the stipulated timeframe. He also pointed to the strategic significance of the road within the broader network, noting that the Eastern Corridor connects directly with the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom stretch. The government is currently scoping the Nakpanduri-Garu-Kulungungu route, which will further reinforce the region’s transport links and strengthen the national road system. With these efforts, the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Polimakom Road stands as a symbol of the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure and linking communities across the Upper East Region with the rest of Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
BEWDA Launches Advocacy Project to Empower Journalists and Communities on Climate Justice
The Belim Wusa Development Agency (BEWDA) has set a new course for climate advocacy in Ghana’s Upper East Region, unveiling a pioneering project aimed at strengthening civil society and amplifying grassroots voices. At the heart of this initiative is the training of 30 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) journalists on climate change reporting, a programme developed in partnership with WaterAid Ghana under the SIDA CLIMB Better WASH Partnership. Speaking at the launch, BEWDA’s Executive Director, Peter Asaal, explained that the project. formally titled “Civil Society Leadership Mobilization for Better Wards”, is designed to support community mobilization and empower residents to address climate justice violations in their districts. “Our role is to see how we can mobilize communities and engage stakeholders and duty bearers in assemblies, making sure their voices are heard and their rights protected,” Asaal said. The project’s roots lie in extensive climate vulnerability assessments across Upper East, where BEWDA identified mounting challenges impacting local communities. The pilot phase in Boko West revealed the urgency for a broader response, prompting WaterAid to support an expansion to four more districts: Nabdam, Bongo, Kassena Nankana Municipal, and Kassena Nankana West, alongside Bawku West. Over three days, journalists have participated in intensive training, gaining deeper understanding of climate change impacts on water and sanitation infrastructure. The goal is to equip them to report accurately and compellingly on climate justice violations, ensuring that the lived experiences of affected communities are brought to light. “We want journalists to amplify the voices of those affected and hold duty bearers accountable,” Asaal emphasized. By empowering journalists with knowledge and storytelling skills, BEWDA aims to foster greater accountability from duty bearers to right holders, those whose lives are most affected by climate change. The project also seeks to influence policy at district, regional, and national levels, ensuring that grassroots realities shape decision-making and resource allocation. Running through March 2028, the project aspires to see a wave of impactful stories published, broadcast, and shared around the world. As these narratives reach wider audiences, BEWDA hopes to catalyze meaningful change, making climate justice a central part of policy and practice, not just in the Upper East, but across Ghana and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Promises Upper East Airport Within 24 Months, Envisions Economic Boom
President John Dramani Mahama has rekindled hope for the people of the Upper East Region, pledging that the region’s long-awaited, and often politicized, airport project will finally become a reality within 24 months. Addressing chiefs and residents at the future airport site on Thursday, August 13, 2026, President Mahama vowed that construction would not only deliver a modern airport but would also spark the development of a vibrant city around it. “We want to open up the country to air travel,” President Mahama declared, highlighting the burdensome journey residents currently endure. For too long, travelers from Upper East have had to drive 160 kilometers to Tamale just to catch a flight to Accra, and repeat the journey on their return. “That will be a thing of the past. You’ll be able to fly directly to Accra without driving to Tamale,” he announced, promising a transformative change for the region. Beyond convenience for passengers, the President pointed to the airport’s economic potential. With Upper East home to thriving gold mines and growing businesses, the new facility will make it easier for companies to transport goods securely and efficiently. “This is going to be an important enabler of economic activity,” he said, noting that gold bullion could soon be flown directly from Upper East to Accra. President Mahama assured the crowd that the procurement process was on track, and that groundbreaking would take place by the end of the year. He revealed that Upper East is not alone: new airports are also planned for Wa and Sunyani. He expressed confidence in the contractors’ ability to deliver the project, even suggesting that completion could come sooner than the promised 24 months. “This airport will be a game changer,” President Mahama said, urging residents to embrace the project and envision its growth. Designed to handle 100,000 passengers initially, the scalable airport is expected to expand rapidly as demand increases. “I look forward to seeing passenger numbers climb and this airport grow phenomenally.” With gratitude for the donation of land and the region’s support, President Mahama pledged to return soon for the formal groundbreaking. “Very soon, you’ll see contractors on site working seriously to bring this project to fruition,” he concluded, signaling the dawn of a new era for the Upper East Region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
President Mahama Sets 2028 Target for Completion of Chuchuliga-Tumu Road
President John Mahama has pledged a brighter future for commuters in northern Ghana, announcing that the long-awaited road linking Chuchuliga to Tumu is expected to be completed by 2028. The President shared his vision for a smoother, safer journey between the two regional capitals, bringing hope to residents and motorists who have long endured challenging travel conditions. “It is my hope that by 2028, the entire stretch from here to Wa will have been completed,” President Mahama declared, outlining the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across the country. The President explained that the ultimate goal is to establish reliable road links between all regional capitals, while also upgrading major roads in selected districts. He reassured the people of the Upper East Region that the current road projects under the first phase of the ‘Big Push’ initiative are just the beginning. “We are already scoping a second phase of the Big Push,” he announced, emphasizing that the government is actively preparing to extend the programme. President Mahama acknowledged the concerns of communities whose roads were not included in the initial phase, stressing that further phases are on the horizon. “We are going to have a second phase and even a third phase of the Big Push,” he said, underscoring the government’s intention to address road needs across Ghana. Expressing confidence in the ambitious programme, President Mahama stated, “By the time we complete the entire Big Push programme in five years, I am sure everybody will be satisfied and everybody’s road will have been captured.” As communities along the Chuchuliga-Tumu corridor look forward to better connectivity, the President’s assurance signals a new chapter of development and accessibility for the Upper East and Upper West regions, and for all Ghanaians awaiting improved roads. source: Apexnewsgh.com
Upper East Region Grapples with Layered Climate Threats as Journalists Spotlight WASH Crisis
Once celebrated for its resilient communities, Ghana’s Upper East Region now stands as a stark example of climate change’s mounting toll. At the center of this unfolding story, thirty journalists recently convened in Bolgatanga for an intensive three-day training designed not only to strengthen climate change reporting, but also to shine a spotlight on the critical intersections of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) justice. The training, spearheaded by the Belim Wusa Development Agency (BEWDA) in partnership with WaterAid Ghana and the SIDA CLIMB Better WASH Partnership, offered a sobering look at the obstacles facing the region. Project Lead Mr. Sebastian Mbabugri Agumah painted a detailed picture for the assembled journalists: over the past decade, the Upper East has suffered a 10 to 15 percent decline in rainfall. What was once a predictable five- to six-month wet season has shrunk to just three or four months in many areas, stretching the dry season to six months and leaving wells empty and fields barren. Yet drought is only part of the crisis. Rising temperatures have ushered in more frequent and intense heat waves, raising average temperatures by up to 1 degree Celsius, with the specter of a 2-degree increase by 2050 looming ever closer. These heat waves bring not only discomfort but also heightened health risks and disease, compounding the region’s daily hardships. Extreme weather is now an annual ordeal. The Bagre Dam’s controlled spillage and the recent overflow of the Tono Irrigation Dam have both caused devastating floods, sweeping away roads and farmland. In the district of Binduri, fierce windstorms have ripped roofs from homes and schools, including structures. Wildfires and violent rainstorms, too, have become regular threats, stoking fresh anxieties each season. Across the five hardest-hit districts, Bawku West, Nabdam, Bongo, Kassena Nankana West, and Kassena Nankana Municipal, communities face at least three of these climate hazards simultaneously. As drought, flood, heatwave, windstorm, and wildfire layer one upon the next, the result is a compounding crisis that imperils the region’s WASH infrastructure. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Water Is Not a Donation: Advocates Call for Climate-Resilient WASH Services
A group of thirty journalists have gathered for a transformative three-day training, focused not just on climate change reporting, but on the deeper issues of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) justice. Spearheaded by the Belim Wusa Development Agency (BEWDA) in partnership with WaterAid Ghana and under the SIDA CLIMB Better WASH Partnership, the event became a platform for frank conversations about the responsibilities of duty-bearers and the rights of community members. Richard Ntibrey, Program Manager for WASH and Climate Change at WaterAid Ghana, did not mince words. “Water is not a donation. It is the duty of duty-bearers to provide it,” he declared, challenging the common misconception that access to clean water is something to be gifted rather than guaranteed. Ntibrey’s message struck a chord among the journalists: “Most times, community members are not aware that it is the duty of the duty-bearers to provide good sources of water in our various communities. We don’t want to see duty-bearers providing water as a donation. It is the duty of the duty-bearers to provide water.” The training, held in Bolgatanga, was more than a lecture, it was a call to action. Ntibrey emphasized the power of advocacy, urging journalists to tell the stories of both duty-bearers and right-holders. “Advocacy and influencing will allow you to reach more people, to target those responsible for providing water, sanitation, and hygiene, and to ensure systemic change. The focus here is on climate justice.” The project, currently running in five climate-vulnerable districts, Bawku West, Nabdam, Bongo, Kassena Nankana West, and Kassena Nankana Municipal, was born out of a climate vulnerability and risk assessment. Data revealed declining rainfall by as much as 15%, decreased borehole yields, and excessive heat, particularly in Nabdam. These findings, coupled with high poverty rates, made the districts a priority for climate-resilient WASH interventions. Ntibrey explained the role of NGOs like WaterAid Ghana: “Our work is to support government in delivering its mandates. But ultimately, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that communities have sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, especially in the face of climate change.” He called for leadership and collaboration from local and national governments, journalists, development organizations, and the communities themselves. “Most importantly, we want governments to invest more in sustainable WASH services that consider the impact of climate change. Beyond climate events, these systems must endure.” The stories journalists uncover, about water scarcity, declining sanitation, and the daily struggles of communities, are key to understanding the true impact of climate change. “Change starts with water,” Ntibrey affirmed. “If you enter a community and see them struggling for water, you know that agriculture, household nutrition, and sanitation are all affected.” The advocacy, he concluded, is about more than infrastructure. It’s about justice. “Wherever you are, you are either a duty-bearer or a right-holder. Duty-bearers must provide; right-holders must demand. Even in the face of climate change, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene is a right, not a privilege.” He stressed Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
Spillage of Bagré Dam Postponed: WRC Issues Fresh Update
Communities living downstream of Burkina Faso’s Bagré Dam have received a temporary reprieve as the Water Resources Commission (WRC) announced the postponement of a planned controlled spillage. The decision, shared in a press release on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, follows new data from SONABEL, the dam’s operator, showing that the reservoir level remains below the critical threshold for water release. According to the WRC, the Bagré Dam’s reservoir currently stands at 233.08 metres, accounting for 75.40 percent of its capacity. This measurement leaves the water level 1.92 metres shy of the dam’s normal level of 235.00 metres, and still 1.42 metres below the 234.50-metre mark required to trigger the controlled spillage. The news comes after the WRC’s earlier warning on August 4, which cautioned farmers and residents along vulnerable waterways, especially those near the Kubore River in northern Ghana, to prepare for possible flooding. With the latest update, those communities have gained extra time to brace for any eventuality, though the risk remains should water levels rise further due to rainfall or increased inflows. SONABEL, tasked with managing the dam, has opted to continue monitoring the situation, delaying the commencement of spillage until the required reservoir level is reached. The WRC has assured the public that it will relay any significant developments, including the exact date and time of water release, as soon as SONABEL confirms the need for action. The Commission emphasized the importance of continued vigilance among stakeholders and residents in potentially affected areas. While the postponement offers some relief, the WRC reiterated that the situation could change rapidly, urging everyone to stay alert for further updates and official advisories. For now, the threat of immediate flooding from the Bagré Dam has been postponed, but the WRC continues its close watch over the reservoir, promising timely communication should conditions warrant a controlled spillage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
IGP Promotes 25 Police Officers for Exceptional Crime-Fighting Achievements
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted 25 police personnel in recognition of their outstanding performance and significant contributions to the fight against crime in Ghana. The officers were honored for their roles in a series of successful operations across the Bono East, Tema, and Western Central Police Regions. Their actions included the arrest of high-profile robbery suspects and the interception of suspected cocaine at the Tema Harbour. Among their notable achievements was the arrest of six suspects linked to a major robbery, in which GH¢300,000 was allegedly stolen from a victim along the Portor-Kawempe stretch of the Kintampo-Buipe Highway on July 19, 2026. Several of the promoted officers were also recognised for apprehending four suspected members of a violent robbery syndicate at Wassa Akropong in the Tarkwa area, as well as for their involvement in the recent interception of 866 parcels of suspected cocaine at the Tema Harbour. The promoted personnel include Chief Inspectors Bede Nwinbomeh and Joe Tetteh; General Sergeants Elijah Ndaga Yinimi and Kaifan Sulemanna; General Corporals Owusu Ansah Evans and Tansang Jonathan; and General Lance Corporals Osei Christopher Bonny, Kyei Francis, Ofori Francis, Anim Dominic, and Asante Isaac. Others are General Constables Adam Bakari Alhassan and Bakai Mark; Detective Chief Inspector Frank Dzah; Detective Inspectors Edem Ametowoga, Abroso, and Vincent Dankwah; and Detective Sergeants Salifu Yakubu and Samuel Mordzifa. The IGP praised the officers for their bravery, diligence, and commitment to upholding law and order. He encouraged all personnel to emulate these exemplary standards as the police service intensifies efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety nationwide. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Reflects on Ayariga’s Departure, Praises His Candid and Easygoing Nature
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has paid tribute to the outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, describing him as a candid and easygoing colleague he will miss following Ayariga’s appointment as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Reflecting on their years of working together across the political aisle, Mr Afenyo-Markin spoke warmly of Mr Ayariga’s straightforward approach and affable personality. “I miss him. He has his strengths. He has things that I like about him. You know, he’s an affable, easygoing character,” the Effutu MP said during an appearance on Metro TV on Monday, August 10, 2026. Mr Ayariga, having been nominated to his new ministerial role, left the Majority Leader position to be succeeded by James Agalga. Mr Afenyo-Markin noted that what set Mr Ayariga apart was his willingness to speak his mind and his aversion to holding grudges, even when political disagreements arose. “Ayariga will not hide his feelings. At least I could easily predict him on what he likes and what he doesn’t like. And he doesn’t hold grudges. That is one strength I would miss,” he remarked. The Minority Leader explained that Mr Ayariga preferred to address conflicts directly. “If he’s not happy with you, he will call as a leader. This one, I’m not happy with you,” he said, adding that this candour helped prevent tensions from festering. Mr Afenyo-Markin also recalled that, despite the occasional political surprise in Parliament, both men maintained a healthy respect for each other’s roles and responsibilities. “There were times that he would surprise me. There were times that I also spring surprises on him. No politician likes surprises. But in the end, you are leading a side. You have a party interest to defend,” he reflected. Despite their different political affiliations, Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that their differences never stood in the way of effective collaboration. “But all in all, I think we’ve worked well, and I wish him well in his new portfolio,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com