Dr. Francis Adomako, the Ashanti Regional Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who doubles as the Dean of all Regional Organisers, has called on President John Mahama and the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to render an unqualified apology to Ghanaians, especially parents and students, for deceiving them that they will abolish the Free Senior High School (FSHS) double track system when voted into power.
President John Mahama
Mr.Haruna Iddrisu, Education Minister
According to him, prior to the 2024 general election, the then candidate
Mahama and the NDC condemned the double track system.
Dr. Adomako, who is popularly known as Francois in the political space, recalled that they (NDC leadership) said it was not right for all forms of SHS students to be in school at different times.
“They said it was like a traffic light. They said they would even extend FSHS to private schools to ease congestion in various schools so as to do away with double track,” he recalled.
Dr. Adomako’s demand follows the revelation by the current Education Minister, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, that government plans to abolish double track by 2027.
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper on Friday, 11th April 2025, the Ashanti Regional NPP Organiser, who is also an educationist, recalled that the NDC members said they would complete all 200 community schools in order to do away with the double track system.
“Now that Ghanaians have voted for them, the Minister says it can be done only in 2027. What a great deceit!” he pointed out.
“I’m calling on President John Mahama and the NDC leadership to do the honourable thing by apologising to Ghanaians for deceiving them on the abolition of double track,” he demanded.
Some aggrieved supporters of the National Democratic Congress in the Asante Mampong Constituency of the Ashanti Region stormed the party’s office on Thursday, April 10, vandalizing property and setting some items ablaze outside the premises.
The youth claimed they had received information that one Esther Dwomoh had been nominated for the Municipal Chief Executive position, although there has been no official communication from the Presidency.
Some scenes from the incident
According to them, three individuals, the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate Yakubu Yakubu, the current Constituency Chairman Mohammed Kamil, and Imoro Iddrisu, were shortlisted after the vetting, and they insist one of them must be nominated.Police officers were deployed to the scene, but no arrests have been made.Fire officers were also dispatched to douse the flames set to one of the properties.
The Asante Mampong Constituency Communications Officer for the NDC, Kwaku Bernasko, confirmed the incident.
“It’s a group of the youth who are agitating about a rumour that is moving around that the Mampong MCE nominee had been given to a lady called Esther Dwomoh. They came to the party office to express their displeasure to the party executives who were around.
“We couldn’t control the crowd; party properties like chairs and tables were broken and set ablaze at the forecourt of the party office,” he narrated.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that the government is taking steps to phase out the Double-Track system at the Senior High School level by 2027.
He made this known during an engagement with members of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) at a meeting held in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
Haruna Iddrisu,Education Minister
Haruna Iddrisu explained that the government will undertake key reforms, including curriculum revisions and restructuring of the administration of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), to facilitate the process.
Ghanaian fashion
“We are working to revise the curriculum…If the government is to succeed in ending the double-track system, not later than Monday, you should have a board so that all expenditures are properly approved by the board.
“We expect that by the year 2027, the double-track system will be a thing of the past,” he stated.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in education and human capital development, noting that the GETFund will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing school infrastructure nationwide.
To the extent that some NDC supporters who are not happy with the MCE nomination openly threatening not to allow any Asanteman to be MCE in the area is a problem.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah aka COKA
Dear NDC chairman, I respectfully request that you publicly disassociate yourself from the recent tribal comment made by those NDC members in the Mampong constituency.
You should know that in Ashanti region, the ashantis have the numbers ( Assembly members) and if you don’t retract the tribal comment, we will advise our members on any D/MCE nominee. I believe it’s essential for leaders to promote unity and inclusivity.
Nana Akwasi,Ashanti NDC Chairman A scene of the incident
The most annoying part is that the guy is not a native of Mampong. Ashanti, never again. Coka, I care.
Accra, Ghana, 10 April 2025 The Africa Prosperity Network (APN), in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, yesterday hosted a critical post Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2025 webinar examining how Africa can effectively fund and build the infrastructure necessary to support trade, people movement, and continental prosperity.
The virtual event, titled “The Africa We Want: How Should Africa Fund and Build the infrastructure for Trade, People Movement and Prosperity?”, was moderated by Nana Yaa Mensah and Kojo Mensah of Asaase Radio. It brought together key stakeholders from financial institutions, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, engineering, and development sectors to discuss transformative solutions to Africa’s infrastructure challenges.
Addressing the webinar, Mr Sidig Eltoum, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Prosperity Network, highlighted the fundamental infrastructure gaps hindering
Africa’s economic integration.
“Africa’s infrastructure deficit is mainly caused by fragmented road, air transport, and rail networks, unreliable energy supply, inefficient logistics systems and limited digital connectivity,” said Mr Eltoum. “Infrastructure is not only a commercial opportunity but also a vehicle for long-term prosperity for Africa.”
Mr Rui Pedro Afonso Livramento, Chief of Staff at the AfCFTA Secretariat, underscored the urgency of action. “The time to build infrastructure is now; we need more actions that can translate into plans”, said Mr Livramento.
GROUNDBREAKING “ONE DOLLAR A DAY” INITIATIVE UNVEILED
A highlight of the session was the detailed presentation of the Integrated Africa infrastructure Growth Fund also known as the “One Dollar A Day” campaign revolutionary crowdfunding initiative that emerged post-APD 2025.
Mr Eric Otoo, a finance expert from Ghana who is spearheading the initiative, provided comprehensive details about this innovative funding approach.
“The One Dollar A Day project will have two parts: the commercial aspect and the social aspect,” explained Mr Otoo. “The commercial aspect will target institutions, especially multilateral organisations, while the social aspect will take the form of donations from individuals and organisations to finance selected infrastructure
projects in Africa,”
Mr Otoo emphasised the importance of immediate action: “Africa Infrastructure Development Funding: We have started, and we have to start somewhere. Let’s be unified and take the steps now.” The two-hour session examined how colonial-era infrastructure systems designed primarily for resource extraction continue to impede intra-African trade and economic integration.
Participants explored how the “One Dollar A Day” initiative could harness support from both Africans and the Global African diaspora to create a sustainable funding model for the continent’s infrastructure needs.
INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
World Bank estimates suggest full realisation of an integrated African market could increase continental income by $450 billion by 2035 and potentially lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. However, Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing gap of approximately S130-170 billion, well beyond what governments can shoulder alone.
Currently, substandard transport infrastructure inflates intra-African trade costs by 30% to 40%, with intra-A frican trade remaining low at just 30-40% compared to other regions.
Mr Ziad Hamoui, President of Borderless Alliance (Ghana), addressed these challenges directly: “Africa’s Infrastructure Development Funding: We need to understand what the problem is, so that we can come up with a pragmatic solution.”
Mr Hamoui called for transformative vision: “True African integration requires us to reimagine our borders not as barriers but as bridges points of connection rather than division. A fundamental shift in mindset is required where we see seamless movement of goods and people as an cconomic multiplier to unleash.”
INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
The webinar explored multiple financing approaches, with Mr Emeka Uzomba, Director of Banking & Special Initiatives at the Office of the President, Afreximbank, detailing three revolutionary approaches:
Infrastructure bonds with Afreximbank guarantees offering 8-10% returns
A proposed Pan-African Infrastructure Credit Rating system to de-risk projects
Blended finance facilities where multilateral institutions absorb first-loss portions
“As a bank, we have funded many infrastructure projects across the continent to help with the connectivity of goods and services on the continent,” Mr Uzomba said, adding that Afreximbank has carmarked $5 billion for corridor projects meeting specific integration criteria, with disbursements beginning Q3 2025.
Mr James Amoo-Gottfried, Director of Urban Roads at Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways, shared Ghana’s innovative Road Fund model, which combines fuel levies
(6% of pump price), toll revenues, and digital road tolling to create sustainable financing. “The Africa We Want should be deliberately crafted for our purposes,” he said.
Mr Pierre Coussey, a businessman from Ghana, highlighted the critical link between infrastructure investment and profitability. “We need to align profitability to our
development,” he stated. “For someone to invest in infrastructure, we must show profitability.”
Ms Serwaa Agyemang-Botchey from Microsoft London advocated for an incremental approach: “Africa’s Infrastructure Development Funding: We need to start small with a couple of principles, then over time, we can scale up. We need to get something done.”
ADDRESSING MOVEMENT AND CONNECTIVITY BARRIERS
The webinar tackled challenges related to visa restrictions and border complexities that impede the free movement of people and goods across Africa.
Mr Gideon Asare, Chief Executive Officer of Adansi Travels, highlighted stark statistics: “Only 25% of intra-African air routes are served directly, while visa-on-arrival policies cover just 549% of the continent. A simple business trip between Accra and Nairobi typically costs 40% more and takes twice as long as traveling to Dubai as a result of tough visa processes, lack of integrated transport systems, and protectionist aviation policies.”
He also said that the challenges we face at the borders are so huge; the documentation is not harmonised, and the travel requirements across borders is problematic. Visa restriction is something we need to look at across Africa; there should be easy movement of goods and services across the continent.”
Mr Anthony Pile, Chairman of Blue Skies Holdings, directly addressed the issue: “We do not need to be stuck in borders to limit our trade.”
THE ACCRA COMPACT 2025 FRAMEWORK
The webinar built on the recent Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025 in Accra, which culminated in the APD 2025 Compacta clear framework of commitments among business leaders, heads of state, and development partners.
This compact centres on commitments from governments, the private sector, and multilateral institutions. The private sector has pledged to invest in transformative
projects such as regional railways, renewable energy, and digital systems via public-private partnerships.
Governments, in turn, have committed to enabling environments through policy reform, regulatory streamlining, and project delivery, especially in coridors like Lagos-Abidjan and the Lobito Corridor. Multilateral institutions, including the AfDB and Africa50, have vowed to mobilise up to $2 trillion in domestic capital, leveraging blended finance and de-risking instruments.
Ms Tshegofatso Motaung, Founder of CedarLeb (South Africa), noted that “MSMEs can benefit and scale up businesses to expand their markets when critical infrastructure is put in place.”
BACKGROUND
The webinar built on discussions from the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, held in Accra from 30 January to 1 February, which produced the Accra Compact 2025 with 44 recommendations for action by African Union member states.
Africa’s infrastructure challenges are particularly pressing given demographic trends: over the past three decades, 28 African nations have doubled their populations, with another 26 expected to do so within the next three decades.
The operationalisation of the AfCFTA in 2021 created the world’s largest single market, encompassing over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, further highlighting the critical need for infrastructure investment.
“The New Trust” newspaper has gathered that there is an uneasy tension brewing at the Sekyere Kumawu district in the Ashanti Region, especially between the supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over a potential District Chief Executive (DCE) nominee for the area.
As of press time, the NDC Constituency Chairman for Kumawu, Hamidu Issakah, had taken cover outside the community to prevent physical attacks on him.
Credible information also indicates that the chairman and his family are currently living in fear of attack of his properties following a warning notice pasted on his house and vehicle by a group calling itself “Concern Youth of Kumawu Zongo”.
Some scenes from last week’s destruction of Kumawu NDC office by the angry Zongo Youth
An unedited notice which has gone viral on social media and sparked fresh tension to the already misunderstanding between the NDC supporters is reproduced below:
CONCERN YOUTH OF KUMAWU –ZONGO TO THE CONSTITUENCY PARTY CHAIRMAN (HAMIDU ISSAKA).
We write to you (Hamidu Issaka) chairman of the constituency to kindly desist from engaging yourself in anything that has to do with NDC in the constituency, regional and national. We the youth are sending you strong warning that we don’t ever want to see or hear you involve yourself in anything related to NDC. However, we advice you to stay/distance yourself from such activities. Do not blame us should in case something happen to you. If you think this is a joke, kindly check around your car tires and around your house, a copy of this statement is placed somewhere around. Our next move is to burn your car or any of your properties around. CONCERN YOUTH CHAIRMAN!!! KUMAWU ZONGO”.
The warning notice
Following the current development, some peace-loving residents of Sekyere Kumawu are calling on the Ghana Police Service to beef up security to avert any imminent confusion and bloodshed.
The appeal follows a warning notice issued to the Kumawu NDC chairman and other party leaders as a result of various insults on the Zongo community.
Screenshot of Frank Basoah counter press conference
The notice is said to have been pasted on the Kumawu NDC chairman’s residence after a counter press conference by another group by name “Ashantii Regional Youth Caucus of NDC”. It was addressed by Frank Basoah in reaction to the Kumawu Zongo youth allegations against Dr. Kwabena Duffour over a potential nominee for the area.
It would be recalled that a few days ago, this paper published the current misunderstanding between the rank and file of NDC Kumawu Zongo community. The youth have maintained their position that until their preferred choice is nominated as DCE for the area, there wouldn’t be a DCE for Kumawu because the Zongo community has been denied opportunities for such positions for far too long despite their efforts and contributions to the victory of the NDC.
Press Release
NPP UK
Communication Directorate
United Kingdom
Communications@nppuk.org
NPP UK Backs Minority’s Call for Probe into Cocaine Cargo Plane and Condemns Government’s Muddled Handling of the Matter*
The New Patriotic Party UK expresses deep concern over the unfolding developments surrounding two foreign aircraft that recently landed at Kotoka International Airport: AirMed Flight N823AM and Cavok Air’s Antonov An-12B under circumstances that continue to raise serious national security and governance questions.
We align fully with the Minority Caucus in Parliament in their demand for a full-scale, transparent investigation into the circumstances, cargo, and official clearances associated with these aircraft. The facts emerging around these flights are too concerning to ignore, and Ghanaians deserve full disclosure not silence, half-truths, or diversionary tactics.
The timeline alone raises red flags:
• AirMed Flight N823AM landed in Accra on March 20, 2025, and departed on March 25, 2025.
• Cavok Air Antonov An-12B landed earlier, on March 12, 2025, but also departed on March 25, 2025.
While each aircraft had separate arrival dates, they both departed Ghana on the same day, a highly suspicious coincidence that cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, both planes arrived from Gran Canaria, Spain, a location increasingly associated with transnational trafficking routes.
Equally troubling is the conflicting and incoherent account given by the government. According to statements made by government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the AirMed aircraft arrived from Luanda, Angola. However, flight tracking data contradicts this: the aircraft in question flew directly from Gran Canaria to Accra, with no record of passing through Luanda.
This glaring inconsistency only reinforces the public’s doubts and gives the unfortunate impression that the government is either not being forthright or does not have control over the full picture. This is unacceptable. Matters of national security must be addressed with clarity, accuracy, and urgency, not confusion and contradiction.
Even more disturbing is the unwarranted attempted arrest and detention of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, who simply sought to draw attention to this matter. His legitimate concerns raised in the public interest should have been met with transparency, not intimidation. The high-handed approach taken by security agencies against a sitting Member of Parliament is not just disproportionate, it is a direct attack on free speech, parliamentary democracy, and political dissent.
We wish to state unequivocally: We stand with Rev. Ntim Fordjour. His courage in speaking truth to power in these trying times reflects the kind of leadership Ghana needs. The attempt to silence him is a dangerous precedent, and we urge all well-meaning Ghanaians regardless of political affiliation to speak out against this.
In view of all the above, we respectfully but firmly demand:
1. An independent and time-bound public inquiry into both aircraft, their cargo, origin, handlers, and purpose for being in Ghana.
2. Full publication of official records: landing permits, clearance documents, cargo manifests, and communications between aviation and national security agencies.
3. A correction and clarification from the government regarding the false Luanda route claim.
4. A formal apology and assurances of non-recurrence over the mistreatment of Rev. Ntim Fordjour.
5. An inter-agency national strategy to protect Ghana from becoming a safe haven for illicit transnational operations.
This matter is not a partisan issue it is a Ghana issue. It touches on our sovereignty, our safety, and our global reputation.
The NPP UK will continue to advocate for truth, accountability, and democratic freedoms, no matter who is in power.
…..Signed…..
Communication Directorate
New Patriotic Party
United Kingdom Branch
April 2025
The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and a key member of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has responded to the ongoing standoff between Rev Ntim Fordjour, the Minority spokesperson, and the government.
Speaking on JoyNews Desk, Mr. Awuah clarified that the issue at hand is not Rev. Fordjour’s actions, but the government’s reaction to his calls for transparency and answers.
He stressed that Rev Fordjour’s intention was never to accuse the government but to seek clarification on essential matters.
“Rev Ntim Fordjour is not the problem. He only demanded answers; he never accused the government,” Mr Awuah explained, defending Fordjour’s position.
He continued, stating that Rev Fordjour, speaking on behalf of the Minority, raised concerns about the government’s inconsistent responses to his legitimate questions.
Mr Awuah emphasised that the press conference held by Rev Fordjour was not meant to accuse the government but to seek clarity.
“The press conference was to seek clarity, not to accuse anyone,” he said. Despite Fordjour’s reasonable approach, the government’s responses were inconsistent, which led to increased frustration and confusion.
“Do you think it’s appropriate to put everything out in the public domain? Is that what you want us to do?” he asked, highlighting the importance of responsible management, especially when dealing with national security issues.
While Mr Awuah acknowledged that the government had initially shown some willingness to cooperate, he expressed disappointment at the subsequent dismissal of the issue by government spokespersons.
“The government showed some initial intention to cooperate, which was commendable. However, when a government spokesperson dismissed the entire issue, it raised questions about their sincerity,” he said.
Mr Awuah continued to criticise the government’s lack of cooperation and its apparent disinterest in resolving the matter.
“The very people who should be interested in this have acted in bad faith. The government has shown a clear intention not to cooperate,” he remarked, suggesting that the government’s failure to engage only exacerbated the problem.
He also explained that the Minority had hoped to address the issue through the Parliamentary Select Committee on Interior and Defence, which he described as the most appropriate, trusted, and secure forum for handling such sensitive matters.
“These matters need to be handled in a trusted and secure forum, not just aired in the public domain,” Mr Awuah added.
In defence of Rev Fordjour’s cautious approach, Mr Awuah pointed to his extensive experience in government and security matters.
“Don’t forget, Rev Fordjour has been a Minister of State before. He is a ranking member of the Interior and Defence Committee. He understands the importance of security and how to handle sensitive matters carefully,” he said.
Mr Awuah made it clear that the issue does not lie with Rev Fordjour’s actions but with the government’s failure to engage responsibly with the concerns raised.
“Rev Ntim Fordjour is just being cautious. He is acting in the best interest of national security, something the government is failing to provide,” he concluded.Source: Kareen Tei
In a remarkable show of confidence and unity, Richard Ofori Agyeman, popularly known as King Zuba, has been overwhelmingly elected as the new Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), securing 55 out of 56 votes in a decisive election held at the Miklin Hotel in Kumasi.
This landslide victory, representing a 98.2% approval rate, underscores King Zuba’s wide-reaching influence, strategic vision, and deep-rooted ties within the Ashanti Region.
King Zuba takes oath of Office
The election followed his nomination by President John Dramani Mahama, who highlighted King Zuba’s proven leadership and public service record, particularly his tenure as the former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi. During his time in Obuasi, King Zuba was credited with championing infrastructural development, streamlining local governance, and fostering community engagement.
Strong Royal and Regional Backing
A key element of King Zuba’s rise has been his unwavering loyalty to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Golden Stool—an allegiance that has earned him strong support from the Manhyia Palace. His nomination was publicly endorsed by notable traditional authorities including the Saamanhene of Otumfuo, Nana Offinsohene, and respected business leader Dr. Sam Jonah, solidifying his position as a unifier with cross-sector appeal.
A New Era for Kumasi
The newly elected Mayor has promised transformative leadership aimed at revitalizing Kumasi’s central business district, addressing urban congestion, and restoring the Garden City’s historical vibrancy. His vision includes modernizing city infrastructure, improving sanitation, and fostering a conducive environment for business and tourism.
Assembly members praised his hands-on experience, pragmatic leadership style, and ability to work with both political figures and traditional rulers. “This is the leadership Kumasi needs,” remarked one assembly member. “He bridges the gap between modern governance and our cherished traditional values.”
Looking Ahead
King Zuba is expected to be officially sworn in next week, after which he will unveil his strategic agenda for Kumasi. Residents, business leaders, and traditional authorities alike have expressed optimism that his tenure will usher in a new chapter of progress and development for Ghana’s second-largest city.
As Kumasi prepares for this new era, all eyes will be on King Zuba to deliver on his promises and guide the ancient city towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
