Former National Youth Organizer for CPP Osei Kofi Acquah writes
THE DECISION TO BECOME AND REMAIN REPUBLIC WAS A COLLECTIVE ONE, RESPECT IT- OSEI KOFI ACQUAH
On 1st July 1960, Ghana a former Colony of the British Empire, decided to attain “full Liberation” by declaring itself a Republic.
What this meant was that all puppeteering strings that connected our country to the colonial masters and systems had to be cut.
OSEI KOFI ACQUAH
Our prime minister who was just the head of government business after 6th March 1957 became the first President and exercised the first executive powers.
Our Legislative Council, which was just playing advisory Role, with the Governor General holding most of the power, evolved with increased Ghanaian representation and the ability to make its own laws and decisions in the interest of the people.
For the first time
The Ministry of Defence was fully Ghanaian-controlled with Ghanaians being high ranking commanding officers and exercising commanding roles.
This led to our security Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force consolidating and expanding.
Our Educational institutions like the University of Ghana transitioned from University College of the Gold Coast shedding off all the controls from the University of London.
This gave vision to the establishment of the University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Cape Coast, the Ghana School of Law, and the University of Ghana Medical School etc.
It is important to note Henceforth that a National referendum held on 27th April 1960 sought and received the full support of the people of Ghana to become a Republic.
No future government therefore has the right to amend this significant Date.
Happy Republic Day Ghanafoɔ!
GBC’s Rebecca Ekpe elected Vice President of GJA
By Rebecca Ampah
Rebecca Ekpe, Editor-in-Chief of GBC Online, has been elected Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the Association’s national executive elections held at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) premises in Accra and other regional polling stations.
She contested the position against Mary Tawiah Mensah, the Foreign Editor of the Daily Graphic and a former Public Affairs Officer of the Association. The all-female contest was closely watched, with both candidates bringing years of experience and service to the journalism profession.
Rebecca Ekpe
Out of a total of 686 valid votes cast, Rebecca Ekpe secured 414 votes, representing 60.35%, while Mary Tawiah Mensah received 272 votes, representing 39.65%.
The GJA election, which drew participation from media professionals across the country, was conducted under the supervision of the GJA Elections Committee. Voting proceeded smoothly, with ballots cast and counted at the various polling stations.
Rebecca Ekpe is known for her contributions to ethical journalism and media development. In 2017, she was honoured as the GJA Human Rights Journalist of the Year for her impactful reporting on child protection and social issues.
The final results were declared by the Elections Committee shortly after counting at the Press Center, with Ekpe emerging victorious in the race for the Vice President position.
Albert Dwumfour receives overwhelming endorsement for re-election as GJA president
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has been re-elected as President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), securing a decisive mandate to lead the association for another term.
The election saw Mr Dwumfour triumph over his challengers with an overwhelming majority, reaffirming the confidence of the media fraternity in his leadership.
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour
His 445 votes, representing 64.49% of the total valid votes, was enough to beat competition from Charles Yao Mawusi, who polled 245 votes (35.51%).
Albert Dwumfuor first assumed the presidency in 2022.
Mr Dwumfour’s re-election comes after a tenure marked by vigorous advocacy for press freedom, improved welfare for journalists, and stronger engagement with stakeholders in Ghana’s media landscape.
His campaign emphasised continuity, with pledges to further enhance journalists’ working conditions, push for better remuneration, and uphold media professionalism in the face of growing challenges.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Kofi Adu Domfeh beats competitor with one vote to become Ashanti Regional GJA chairperson
Senior News Editor at the Kumasi unit of The Multimedia Group, Kofi Adu Domfeh, has been elected as the new Ashanti Regional chairperson of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
Kofi Adu Domfeh
His victory came after a keenly contested election held across the country to choose new regional and national executives for the association.
Mr Domfeh, who is known for his strong advocacy for ethical journalism and climate change, will now lead the Ashanti Regional chapter of the GJA after winning with 16 votes, while his opponent pulled 15 votes.
In his campaign, Mr Domfeh outlined a three-point vision focusing on continuous professional integrity, dignity in ethical practice, and accountability within the media fraternity in the region.
He pledged to restore the association’s credibility and build a more vibrant and inclusive media community in Ashanti.
Speaking after his election, Domfeh expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and promised to work tirelessly to uplift the standards of journalism in the region.
“I am humbled by the support and trust. Together, we will raise the bar of professionalism, protect the integrity of our work, and ensure the welfare of every journalist is prioritized,” he said.
He will serve in the administration with GBC’s Nicholas Osei-Wusu as Regional Vice President, Media General’s Beatrice Spio Gabbrah as General Secretary and Dr. Neta Kris Abiana Pasram as Treasurer.
Adu Domfeh’s election has been widely welcomed by journalists and stakeholders within the region, with many expressing optimism about the future of the association under his leadership.Source: Nana Boakye Yiadom
The elections were part of a nationwide exercise by the GJA to usher in a new crop of leaders at both national and regional levels to steer the affairs of the association for the next term.
KNUST law students honour COKA as a “benevolent pillar of support”
The Law Students’ Union (LSU) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has honoured Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, with a Citation of appreciation as part of the Union’s 20th anniversary celebration, held at the esteemed Longford Event Centre.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah aka COKA displaying the citation
The citation commends Chairman COKA as “an extraordinary statesman, a consummate leader, and a benevolent pillar of support,” recognising his outstanding leadership, unwavering generosity, and deep commitment to the advancement of Ghana’s youth, particularly aspiring legal professionals.
It further highlights his significant contributions to the student body, including financial sponsorship, mentorship, and strategic guidance, which have played a vital role in empowering the next generation of legal minds.
“You saw in us not just students, but the promise of a brighter Ghana. With a father’s heart and a statesman’s foresight, you chose to invest in that promise. For this, we are eternally grateful,” the citation reads.
President of the Law Students’ Union, Evans Osei Bonsu, formally presented the framed citation to Chairman COKA, noting that the honour extends beyond the occasion itself.
“This is more than a gesture; it is a modest symbol of the deep respect, appreciation, and admiration we hold for you. Your impact resonates across generations,” he remarked.
Chairman COKA, largely respected for his community leadership and political involvement, has consistently championed education and youth empowerment initiatives across Ghana. This latest recognition further cements his reputation as a role model, one whose impactful actions continue to inspire and shape the next generation of Ghanaian leaders.
The program constituted part of a more extensive celebration commemorating 20 years of the KNUST Law Students’ Union’s dedication to legal education, student advocacy, and professional development.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
Dozens injured, 7 reported dead following anti-government protests in Togo
Dozens of people have been injured and at least three have been reported dead following a series of anti-government demonstrations in Togo, which were violently suppressed by law enforcement agencies over the weekend.
The protests, organised by online activists and youth-led civic movements, called for the release of political detainees and the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, now President of the Council of State Ministers.
What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly descended into chaos as clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in the capital, Lomé.
A scene from the violent
Security personnel used tear gas to disperse crowds, while protesters retaliated by hurling stones and other projectiles. The confrontations, particularly fierce on Friday and Saturday, turned parts of Lomé, especially opposition strongholds such as Bè, into virtual war zones.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of running battles, with security forces chasing demonstrators into homes and neighbourhoods.
Though Togolese authorities have not officially disclosed casualty figures, local media and human rights organisations report that at least seven people were killed, with dozens more sustaining injuries, some of them serious.
On Sunday, a coalition of 23 civil society organisations operating under the banner of the National Platform for Civic Space and Development Effectiveness issued a statement condemning what they described as the “disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators.”
The coalition has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the violent police crackdown.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, recognised both by the Togolese Constitution and by international instruments ratified by our country,” the coalition emphasised.
In response, the Togolese government released a statement late on 29th June, accusing the protest organisers, particularly those based abroad, of orchestrating a “campaign of disinformation, hatred, violence, incivility, and civil disobedience.”
The government vowed to take legal action against those behind the three-day demonstration.
Authorities also reiterated the national ban on public demonstrations, which has been in effect since 2022 due to what officials describe as “security concerns”.
By Sunday, a tense calm had returned to the capital. Commercial activity resumed at key locations such as the Assigamé Central Market, with many shops reopening after days of disruption.
Some Togolese nationals living in Ghana have also condemned the recent developments in their home country, accusing the Faure family of maintaining autocratic rule in Togo for the past 50 years.
Jonas Bogavi, a Togolese resident of Ho in the Volta Region, expressed his frustration after receiving a call from his mother on Saturday, 28th June, informing him of the passing of his grandmother and the immediate plans for her burial.
However, he says the current unrest has made it impossible for him to travel.
“I had planned to ride my motorbike to attend my grandmother’s funeral over the weekend, but I’m afraid to enter Togo because of what I’m seeing on social media,” he lamented.
President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005 following the death of his father, the late President Eyadéma Gnassingbé, was sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers in May.
His current position carries no official term limits, a point that continues to fuel public frustration and allegations of authoritarian entrenchment.
Adding to the public discontent was the controversial arrest and psychiatric detention of Togolese rapper Narcisse Essowè Tchalla, also known as Aamron, in May.
The incident is widely seen as a catalyst for the recent surge in protests.
Over 50 people were arrested during demonstrations held on 6 June in response to his detention. While the majority have since been released, at least three individuals reportedly remain in custody.
The situation in Togo remains volatile, with growing calls for political reform, accountability, and respect for civil liberties.Source: Blamé Ekoué, Lomé and Albert Kuzor
Virologist warns of widespread COVID-19 resurgence amid rainy season
Head of Virology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Professor Kofi Bonnie, has cautioned that the recent resurgence of COVID-19 is not confined to a single area but is being reported across several regions of the country.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Ultimate Health, he urged the nation to renew its commitment to public health measures as the rainy season brings an increase in influenza-like illnesses.
Responding to a recent circular issued by the University of Ghana Health Directorate warning its community and surrounding areas, Professor Bonnie emphasised that the alert is not only relevant to the university but to the entire nation.
“It is not a localised resurgence. In fact, we have other regions reporting,” he said.
“So, if the university has come out with a circular cautioning the community in the university and its environs, it’s not just for us. I think the nation should take it up, everybody, especially during this time of the year,” he said.
He highlighted the seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses that typically accompany the rainy period, urging people to return to familiar and effective preventative measures.
“Why don’t we go back to what we know best? These protocols we got so much addicted to, wearing masks, staying away from large gatherings unless absolutely necessary, and making sure that when someone is sneezing or coughing, we keep our distance,” Prof Bonnie advised.
The University of Ghana Health Directorate issued a fresh COVID-19 resurgence alert, signalling concerning cases and a need for precautionary measures.
The notice was issued on Monday, June 23, as the tertiary institution braces to forestall any escalation, indicating “a few suspected and confirmed cases reported in our immediate vicinity”.
The directive, aimed at students, faculty, staff, and visitors, urges heightened vigilance and adherence to public health protocols to curb a potential spread that could disrupt academic and social life.Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
Ashanti NPP Organizer condemns arrest of Maxwell Kofi Jumah by NIB
My attention has been drawn to another kangaroo arrest made by the National Security in the person of Hon. Maxwell Kofi Jumah, former GIHOC boss under the immediate past administration.
National Security, as an institution mandated by law to carry out such exercises, should follow due processes in discharging their duties.
Maxwell Kofi Jumah, former GIHOC
As the Regional Organizer of the NPP in the Ashanti, I strongly condemn the modus operandi by National Security in arresting some Ghanaians within the NPP.
Their activities, which are supposed to strengthen our institutions, rather appears to be mere political witch hunting, frustrating members of the strongest opposition party and causing fear and panic without basis.
As responsible citizens, we would not sit aloof for a state institution, which is established to safeguard the integrity of the nation, rather be used as a political tool in disturbing the peace of the country.
Francis Adomako aka Francois
The National Security should therefore do the needful to avert any future unfortunate happenings.
Dr. Francis Adomako
NPP Ashanti Regional Organizer
Godfred Osei Bimpong to contest Oforikrom NPP Youth Organizer post
Dear Patriots and Delegates of Oforikrom Constituency,
I am excited to officially declare my intention to contest for the position of Youth Organizer in our great constituency. This is not just about holding a title, it’s about uniting, energizing, and mobilizing our youth to secure victory in 2028.
Godfred Osei Bimpong
The NDC must hear our footsteps because we are not just coming for positions, we are coming for POWER! it takes courage, bravery, strategy, and dedication to snatch power from our opponents, and I am ready to lead that charge.
As your Youth Organizer, I will:
✅ Empower and organize our youth with skills, resources, and unwavering motivation.
✅ Strengthen our grassroots to ensure every young voice is heard and every vote counts.
✅ *Foster unity and innovation to outwork, outsmart, and outpace the NDC.
Together, we are not just a force we are *THE FORCE that will bring the NPP back to power in 2028. Let’s rise, fight, and win together!!
#Youth4Power2028
#OforikromRises
Source: Godfred Osei Bimpong
