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Isaac Amoah

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NTK Ventures CEO rallies support for promotion of parasports…as he sponsors the maiden Ashanti multi-sports event

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By: tntnewspapergh.com

There was big jubilation and excitement on Saturday, 13th December, 2025, at NTK luxury apartments at Ejisu in the Ashanti region, when Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), mainly from the Ashanti region and other parts of the country, came together to celebrate this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

NTK

This year’s celebration was taken to a different level courtesy of the Chief Chief Officer (CEO) for NTK Ventures, who doubles as the Ashanti Regional patron of the Parasports Association, Mr Ntim Kwaku Twumasi, as he collaborates with the Ashanti Regional Parasports Association committee to mobilise PWDs for multi-sports event.

NTK speaking to the media

Among the activities undertaken to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities include a public float and a press briefing on the International Day of PWDs preceding the multi-sports event on Saturday, 13th December, 2025.

Some of the sporting disciplines undertaken were; wheelchair basketball, skate soccer, goalball, powerlifting, badminton, table tennis, and amputee football.

NTK (first from left)presenting certificate to some of the best athletes

The event enables the athletes to display their skills in various sport disciplines.2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was on the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”

.According to experts, this year’s theme emphasised that true social development requires the full participation of people with disabilities, addressing barriers in work, poverty, and care systems to build a just world.

The event was spiced up by the musical performance by Blind Shatta.In an interview with journalists, Mr Ntim Twumasi Kwaku(NTK) said there was an urgent need for all hands to be on deck to promote the talents of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

He said he decided to collaborate with the Ashanti Regional Para Sports Committee to hold the maiden para sports event.According to him, the day’s multi-sport event was organised as part of activities marking the International Day of PWDs.

The event sought to promote inclusion, empower PWDs through sports, and showcase the talents of para-athletes across various disciplines in the Ashanti region.

He said even though they sent invitation letters across for support for the event, only Ejisu Municipal Assembly Presiding Member (PM) Helena Mensah and the Member of Parliament (MP), Lawyer Kwabena Boateng, donated One thousand Ghana cedis each; the others didn’t honour their invitation letters.He gave assurance that the event was not going to be a nine-day wonder.

“God willing, NTK Luxury Apartments is going to sponsor the event annually, but we’re extending an invitation to corporate institutions, individuals and the government to join hands to promote parasports.He cautioned against the continued discrimination by a section of Ghanaians against PWDs.

Stressing that, “Let’s desist from discrimination and disrespect against persons with disabilities because disability is not inability.”

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Redirect your investment into Parasports; we’ve been sidelined for far too long. Benjamin Annor begs President Mahama

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By: tntnewspapergh.com

The Ashanti Regional president for the Parasports Association, Mr Benjamin Annor, has made a passionate appeal to the President John Mahama-led administration to redirect his investments in sporting activities into parasports for positive returns.

According to him, despite the lack of equipment and financial support, the Parasports team has won several international medals for the nation.It’s, therefore, prudent and urgent for the government, through the Ministry of Sports and other sponsors, to redirect their investments into parasports for positive impact.

Mr.Benjamin Annor speaking at the event

Speaking to journalists on Saturday, 13th December, 2025, during a multi-sports event held at NTK apartments at Ejisu in the Ashanti region,Mr Benjamin Annor expressed worry that for far too long, parasports have been sidelined.”If you look at the national budgets, about 80 to 85% of the sports budget is allocated to Black Stars, but what results or returns does the nation get?

Some scenes from the multi-sports event

However, Parasports athletes have been winning several international medals for the nation without getting the needed sports. As I speak now, our major challenge is lack of equipment and our athletes’ welfare. I am, therefore, making a passionate appeal to the current government led by President Mahana to redirect their investments to parasports.

Mr.Benjamin Annor,NTK and Coach Sowah in a group photograph with the Parasports athletes

I wish the Parasports athletes were put on payroll to boost their morale. Yes, it is true the equivalent for parasports is high, but once the nation stands to get returns from any involvement made on them, government and sports lovers should redirect their sponsorship to parasports.

Mr Benjamin Annor was very grateful to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTK Ventures, Mr Ntim Kwaku Twumasi, who is popularly known as NTK, for sponsoring the multi-sports event.

According to him,The Ashanti Regional Para Sports Committee in collaboration with NTK Ventures held a para sports event to climax this year’s International Day of PWDs.

The day’s multi-sport event was organised as part of activities marking the International Day of PWDs.

The event sought to promote inclusion, empower PWDs through sports, and showcase the talents of para-athletes across various disciplines in the Ashanti region.2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was under the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

Activities undertaken include wheelchair basketball, skate soccer, goalball, powerlifting, badminton, amputee football, table tennis, ludo, etc.

On his part,Supt Emmanuel Sowah, National Parasports Coach, expressed concern about the continued neglect of parasports. He revealed that the athletes continue to win many medals in various international competitions, but the welfare of the Para sports athletes is not to write home about. Sadly, the team don’t have equipment to train on, let alone to talk about the athletes’ welfare.

He, therefore, added his voice to the call on government, corporate institutions and individuals to take interest in parasports to motivate the athletes, some of whom are abandoned on the streets but are making Ghana proud through parasports.

The coach revealed that, in a recent tournament in Nigeria, the Parasports team returned with 64 medals.

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Accra High court clears way for Daddy Lumba’s funeral on December 13 after applicants fail to meet GH¢2m payment deadline

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What was expected to be a major setback for the wider family of highlife legend Daddy Lumba has been resolved after the Accra High Court lifted an injunction on his funeral arrangements, paving the way for the ceremony to go ahead tomorrow.

In a ruling delivered earlier today, the court said affidavits before it suggested the immediate family had been sidelined in the funeral planning and stressed that the merits of the case must be properly considered.

Lawyers for both parties were recalled to court and the judge ordered the applicants to appear before 2:00pm today and defray costs incurred in the funeral preparation process by paying GH¢2 million into court.

The applicants failed to meet the deadline and their plea was struck out, removing the legal hurdle and allowing the funeral activities to continue as scheduled.

Counsel for the family head, Thomas Kwadwo Osei, described the court’s decision as a huge relief to the family, adding that they can now proceed with final preparations.

The court’s earlier injunction had briefly halted planned events, raising concerns among relatives and fans who were already in Kumasi and getting ready for the solemn event. With the applicants’ request dismissed, tomorrow’s funeral arrangements will resume.

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AI, cheating, and collapsing reading habits: Ghana’s education system @ a crossroads

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Ghana’s education sector is facing a mounting crisis as the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools, rampant exam malpractice, and a sharp decline in reading culture converge to threaten learning outcomes nationwide. Experts warn that without urgent reforms, the country risks producing a generation of students who hold certificates but lack fundamental skills.

Professor Stephen Adei, a prominent Ghanaian educationist, has described the situation as a reflection of a “moral decay that is eating into the fabric of our nation.” Speaking earlier this year, he noted that exam malpractice has become so normalised that many no longer see it as wrong.

WAEC Results Expose Systemic Weaknesses

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) cancelled over 7,000 results for the 2025 exams, due to malpractice, one of the highest numbers in recent years.The cancellations involved impersonation, leaked papers, and the use of unauthorised digital devices.Executive Director of civil society watchdog Africa Education Watch,Kofi Asare, emphasised that the focus should be on systemic reform rather than politicising the issue.“The real issue is not politics; it is the weakness of our education system. We cannot fix learning by shouting at WAEC. We must fix the system itself,” he said.

AI in Universities: A Double-Edged Sword

At the tertiary level, Ghanaian universities are grappling with a new challenge: AI-generated assignments. Lecturers struggle to determine whether essays are genuinely written by students or produced by tools like ChatGPT. Veteran English teacher, Casey Cuny, described the phenomenon as “the worst I’ve seen in my career,” echoing concerns shared by Ghanaian faculty.Internationally, similar trends are emerging. French teachers, Aude Paul and Marie Perret, warn that AI has made homework “dead” and effortless to generate, providing complete essays with arguments, examples, and references in minutes.“This is a global trend, but in Ghana, where reading and critical thinking skills are already weak, it exacerbates the problem,” noted a senior lecturer at a local university.

The Reading Crisis

Compounding exam malpractice and AI dependence is a collapse in reading culture. The 2025 National Literacy Trust survey in the UK revealed that, only 32.7% of children aged 8–18 enjoy reading, and only 18.7% read daily in their free time. Ghanaian educators say the trend is worse locally, with students preferring TikTok videos, gossip blogs, and AI summaries over books.A basic school teacher lamented during a PTA meeting: “Most children cannot read a simple paragraph without struggling. But they can spend hours scrolling on their phones. How do we expect them to write essays without copying from AI?”

A Dangerous Combination

The intersection of AI dependence, exam dishonesty, and declining reading habits forms a dangerous cocktail. Professor Adei warns that Ghana risks producing graduates with certificates but lacking competence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.“The future workforce will be underprepared. If students rely on AI for thinking and avoid reading, we are setting ourselves up for failure,” he said. 

Towards a Solution

Experts call for urgent reforms:Greater emphasis on in-class writing, oral exams, and supervised research projects.Equip students to use AI as a learning tool, not a shortcut.

Community libraries, school reading clubs, and competitions can instil reading habits.Biometric registration, stricter supervision, and prosecuting organised cheating

Looking Ahead

Ghana stands at a critical juncture. Without systemic change, the combination of AI misuse, cheating, and weak literacy could compromise the nation’s long-term human capital., “If we allow AI to think for our students, we will pay for it in the next decade.” A lecturer warned.

For policymakers, educators, and parents alike, the message is clear: protecting learning, fostering curiosity, and promoting critical thinking are no longer optional—they are essential to securing Ghana’s future.Source : Geoffrey Azure

 

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Accra High court stops Daddy Lumba’s funeral

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The Accra High Court has granted an injunction filed by the maternal family of the late musician Daddy Lumba, restraining the first respondent, Kofi Owusu, the family head (Abusuapanyin), from organising his burial.

The court also barred the third respondent, Transitions Funeral Home, from releasing the body until the substantive matter is resolved.

In its ruling, the court noted that affidavits before it suggested the immediate family had been sidelined in funeral arrangements and stressed the need to consider the merits of the case.

Daddy Lumba

The judge acknowledged that delaying the burial could lead to increased costs but emphasised that due process and proper family involvement must be respected.

While affirming that the family head has the authority to lead funeral preparations, the court held that such authority must be exercised in consultation with the immediate family.

The court subsequently directed the first respondent to convene a stakeholder meeting within three weeks to agree on a new burial date.

It further ordered that all funds raised for the funeral be separated from accounts belonging to the Daddy Lumba Memorial Foundation. The applicants were instructed to file an affidavit with the court registrar.

The case stems from disagreements following Daddy Lumba’s death on July 26, 2025, at age 60. A dispute between his maternal relatives and the family head over who should lead the funeral and how funds should be managed escalated, reflecting long-standing Akan customs that grant significant authority to the maternal lineage in burial matters.Source:Samuel Ackom

 

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NPP has always voted on competence & ability, not where one comes from- Bawumia declares

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Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reminded individuals within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who promote divisive sentiments for their personal interests that the party and its founding tradition have never used tribal or religious considerations in choosing leaders.
Speaking in Wa during his ongoing campaign tour of the Upper West Region, Dr. Bawumia emphasised that the NPP has always prioritised competence, loyalty, and electability when selecting its leadership.
He cited historical examples to reinforce his point.
“When you look at our party, we have never voted on tribal lines. We always vote on the basis of competence, capacity, and who can win power for us,” Dr. Bawumia said, explaining how the North has historically supported leaders from other parts of the country and how he, too, enjoys support nationwide.
“That is how it started with our forefathers—S.D. Dombo, Abayifa Karbo and others—when the leadership was ceded to Busia. If it was on tribal lines, the Northern People’s Party would have kept the leadership within the United Party,” he said.
“The North also supported Kufuor and did not support Malik in 1998. The North supported Akufo-Addo and did not support Aliu Mahama in 2007. That is how it is in our party.”
Dr. Bawumia added that those accusing northerners of tribalism because they support his candidacy do not appreciate the party’s history and fail to recognise that his support base extends far beyond the northern regions.
“Simply because the North is supporting me doesn’t mean it is being tribalistic. There are 15 other regions that are supporting Dr. Bawumia, so it is not about tribalism.”
“This party doesn’t vote on tribalism. We vote on competence and on who can help us win power.”
“And so all those people in our party making tribal and bigoted statements should desist, because their comments are not harming Dr. Bawumia—they are harming the image of the party.”Source:Myjoyonline.com

 

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ECOWAS Council of Ministers endorse Prez Mahama’s candidacy for 2027 AU Chair role

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The ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting at meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana as the sole candidate from ECOWAS for chairperson of the African Union when the rotating chairmanship gets to West Africa’s turn in 2027.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who announced this on Facebook on Friday, December 12, said the Authority of Heads of State and government of ECOWAS is expected to adopt this declaration on Sunday.

He extended Ghana’s appreciation to the ECOWAS ministers for this decision.

“Ghana is exceedingly grateful to ECOWAS for the confidence and support for our beloved visionary and Pan-African President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama”, he posted.

The AU Chairmanship involves two main roles: the Chairperson of the AU (rotating Head of State) for a year, focusing on high-level leadership, and the Chairperson of the AU Commission (CEO/Administrator), elected for four years to run daily operations, with elections requiring a two-thirds majority vote from member states.

The Chairperson of the Commission, elected by the Assembly, acts as the AU’s CEO, legal representative, manages finances, implements policies, and reports to the Executive Council, driving the continental agenda

The Election process

The election of the AU Commission Chairperson follows a structured and competitive process. Candidates are first pre-screened by a Panel of Eminent Africans, which assesses their skills, experience, and overall suitability for the role.

From there, the various regional blocs nominate their preferred contenders — for instance, the Eastern Region was responsible for submitting candidates for the 2025 cycle.

In recent years, aspirants have also taken part in televised debates, using the platform to outline their vision for the continent and engage the wider African public.

The final decision, however, rests with the AU Assembly, which elects the Chairperson through a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority.

Ultimately, while the rotating AU Chairperson provides broad political leadership, the AUC Chairperson serves as the organisation’s operational head, driving the implementation of the AU’s vision across Africa.Source: myjoyonline.com

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Parliament passes bill to back free tertiary for PWDs, persons with special needs

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Parliament has unanimously passed the landmark Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Amendment Bill, 2025, cementing legal backing for several key educational policies, most notably the provision of Free Tertiary Education for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Free Education for Persons with Special Needs.

The passage of the bill today, Thursday, December 11, 2025, marks a significant legislative victory for social inclusion and access to education in Ghana, transforming long-standing policy commitments into legally protected entitlements.

The bill also backs the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

GETFund Act Amended for Inclusive Education

The primary objective of the GETFund Amendment Bill, 2025, is to adjust the original GETFund Act (2000, Act 581) to align the Fund’s legal mandate with current government educational policies.

Key provisions now embedded in the law include:

  • Free SHS Funding: The amendment ensures that the immensely popular Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy receives continuous and sustainable funding support directly from the GETFund.
  • Tertiary Education for PWDs: This provision formally mandates the state to bear the full cost of tertiary education for all eligible Persons With Disabilities, eliminating a major financial barrier to higher learning for this demographic.
  • Special Needs Education: The law now guarantees Free Education for Persons with Special Needs across all levels, ensuring that specialized institutions and supportive learning environments are adequately resourced to serve this vulnerable group.

The Socio-Economic Impact

The legislative change is expected to have a profound socio-economic impact, particularly for PWDs.

Data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that while PWDs constitute a significant portion of the population, their educational attainment levels remain disproportionately low compared to the general populace, often due to high costs and lack of accessible infrastructure.

The guaranteed funding from GETFund—which is sourced from a 2.5% value-added tax (VAT) component—is crucial for ensuring the durability of these social interventions, insulating them from annual budgetary uncertainties.

The commitment to PWDs and Special Needs persons aligns with Ghana’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4), which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education.

Focus on Implementation and Resource Allocation

While the passage of the bill is celebrated, attention now shifts to the effective implementation and transparent allocation of resources. Educational institutions, especially tertiary facilities and special schools, will require significant investment to upgrade infrastructure, procure necessary assistive technology, and train staff to accommodate the influx of students benefiting from the free education policies.

Stakeholders, including disability rights advocates and educational sector unions, are expected to closely monitor the Ministry of Education and the GETFund Secretariat to ensure that the allocated funds directly translate into quality, accessible learning environments for all beneficiaries.Source: David Apinga

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