The paramount chief of the Atebubu Traditional Area in the Bono East region, Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah, has reminded traditional leaders that they are there to serve their subjects but not to be served, as some of them (traditional leaders) think.
For this reason, traditional leaders are to use their positions to improve upon the wellbeing of their people so that they (traditional leaders) will be remembered after their tenure. Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah stated this at a durbar organised to climax the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Atebubu Sumankwaahemaa, Nana Akua Forsuaa Sika futuro.
Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah heaped praises on Nana Akua Forsuaa Sika Futuro for her commitment toward the development of Atebubu Traditional AreaNana Akua Forsuaa Sika Futuro pledged to prioritise the health of the people of Atebubu by introducing telemedicine to allow patients to consult with doctors via video calls, phone calls, or secure online portals.
Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah
Hon Thomas Masud Musah Ayarba, the MCE for Atebubu Amantin hailed the paramount chief of Atebubu and his elders for taking steps to resolve the perennial water problem in the area and pledged government’s support for them.
The former British military officer, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NTK Ventures at Ejisu in the Ashanti region, Mr Ntim Twumasi Kwaku, has advised the families of the six young ladies killed during the EL-Wak military recruitment stampede
to sue the Ministry of Defence and the State for adequate compensation.
In a statement dated 13th November, 2025, and copied to “The New Trust” newspaper, NTK, as he is affectionately called in the political space, said, “I wonder if our leaders delight in seeing our young ones struggle under the scorching sun, knowing very well that only a handful will be selected whilst the privileged ones sit at home awaiting to be recruited via the protocol route.
I think the families of the departed young ladies should go to every length to sue the state for a substantial amount by way of compensation. Although this will not bring their beloved ones back to life, it will go a long way to relieve them of some financial difficulties facing them as families.
Ntim Twumasi Kwaku
To some of the immediate families, this may be their gateway out of poverty,” he added.The full statement is attached below.It’s simply a waste of the precious and budding lives of 6 pretty young ladies. What was their crime? …seeking for voluntary army jobs to defend the state with their lives. How on earth will you bring 21000 young men and women to a single venue all in the name of selection into the army? …knowing very well that there could be a potential heatwave under the scorching sun as a result of overcrowding?. Couldn’t we have allocated different dates of selection for these young men and women?. Why do we keep doing the same thing over and over? Do we cherish lives at all as a nation? .
I think it’s about time people test the law by suing the Ministry of Defence to serve as a precedent as well as a lesson to the ministry in order to avert future occurrences. This is a clear case of negligence on the part of the ministry and its employees.
They were fully responsible for the safety and security of all the applicants who were called to the various venues across the country. A simple recruitment of our own youths, and yet we always make a public spectacle of it. I wonder if our leaders delight in seeing our young ones struggle under the scorching sun, knowing very well that only a handful will be selected whilst the privileged ones sit at home awaiting to be recruited via the protocol route. I think the families of the departed young ladies should go to every length to sue the state for a substantial amount by way of compensation.
Although this will not bring their beloved ones back to life, it will go a long way to relieve them of some financial difficulties facing them as families. To some of the immediate families, this may be their gateway out of poverty. May the souls of the departed ladies rest well.
Parliament has approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the new Chief Justice of Ghana, following a heated vetting and debate on the Appointments Committee’s report.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s vetting on Monday, November 10, was marked by a dramatic walkout from Minority Members of Parliament, who rejected his nomination.
The Minority cited ongoing court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as grounds for their boycott, describing the process as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Despite their objections, the Majority side proceeded with the approval process. On Thursday, November 13, Parliament adopted the Appointments Committee’s report by majority decision, officially endorsing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as the next Chief Justice.Presenting the Committee’s report, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, said Paul Baffoe-Bonnie had demonstrated exceptional competence and integrity, making him deserving of the position.
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
The minority, however, rejected the voice vote and demanded a head count which ended with Majority recording 169 members while the Minority recorded 63 members.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who has served on the Supreme Court since 2008, is one of Ghana’s longest-serving justices and has contributed to several landmark rulings.
His appointment is expected to bring continuity and stability to the judiciary at a time when the nation is navigating key legal and constitutional challenges.
He is expected to be sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama in the coming days at the Jubilee House.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic stampede at the El-Wak Stadium during a Ghana Armed Forces recruitment exercise, which claimed the lives of six young Ghanaians and left several others injured.
In a heartfelt statement, she extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishing the injured a spurring speedy and full recovery.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
Describing the incident as “heartbreaking”, Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that the victims were aspiring young individuals eager to serve their country.
She urged the public to remain calm as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Vice President assured families of the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and improving safety measures at public recruitment and national events. She called for swift and decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future.
President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the recruitment exercise in Accra pending an investigation, while the Acting Defence Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced an internal inquiry into the incident.
The Ashanti regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) wishes to update our members and the general public on the condition of colleagues who were involved in the recent accident while covering an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assignment on illegal mining activities on Thursday 6th November, 2025 at Afari near Nkawie.
We are pleased to report that all but ONE of our colleagues, have been discharged and are recovering steadily.
Ibrahim Abubakar (TV3/Akoma FM), Doris Lonta (Channel 1 TV), Nana Yaw Gyimah (Luv FM/JoyNews), and Joseph Obeng (Nhyira FM/Adom News) are doing well.
Our colleague, Akwasi Adomako, a Camera Technician with JoyNews, underwent a successful surgery on his right thigh on Saturday 9th November and is currently in recovery at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. We continue to wish him a speedy and full recovery.
The GJA expresses profound appreciation to journalists across the country, members of the public, and particularly the EPA, for their solidarity, care, and cooperation during this challenging period.
As we collectively pursue environmental protection and public interest journalism, we must also prioritize our own safety and security in the line of duty. Covering illegal mining (galamsey) operations poses significant risks. Our field monitoring confirms that many of these sites in the Ashanti Region are volatile, with illegal miners often armed and prone to violence against anyone perceived as a threat to their activities.
We therefore urge journalists to always assess and clarify the level of risk before undertaking such assignments, including those in collaboration with anti-galamsey taskforces. It is imperative that adequate security and safety measures are guaranteed before venturing into high-risk zones.
Let us remain vigilant. Let us demand protection. And above all, let us stay alive to continue telling the stories that matter.
The Presiding Member (PM) for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, who is also the longest-serving Assembly member for the Krofrom East electoral area, Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, has been honored in Kenya by Bloomberg Philanthropies for usually talking about road safety, fire safety, and other social issues that are beneficial to the venerable people in Ghana.Mr. Frimpong, who doubles as the dean for the Association of Presiding Members (PMs) for the Ashanti region and the national vice chairman of NALAG, received the recognition at the Global Road Safety Leadership Course organized by Bloomberg Philanthropies in Kenya on Tuesday, 3rd and Wednesday, 4th November, 2025.
Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong was part of the participants at the just-ended Global Road Safety Leadership Course in Mombasa, Kenya, organized and sponsored by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health, International Injury Research Unit, Initiative for Global Road Safety, and Global Road Safety Partnership.
Mr Patrick Kwame Frimpong displaying his award
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper, Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Safe Journey Foundation, a non-governmental organization specialized in road safety advocacy, said he was grateful for the recognition by Bloomberg Philanthropies for honoring him as a former unit committee member for Krofofrom Elect Area, assembly member for Krofofrom East Elect Area from 2006 to date, the presiding member for Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), and the 1st vice president of the National Association of Local Authority Ghana (NALAG).The recognition was also to recognize me for always talking about road safety, fire, and other social issues that benefit vulnerable people.Some of the topics and speakers at the training sessions were “Building national-level road safety performance:
Applying the safe system approach to road safety strategy and monitoring,” which was presented by Carly Koinange, UNEP, and “The challenge of translating gains into sustained action.” Preparing for multsectoral collaboration—Morisela Ponce De Leon Vades, SSATP, etc.
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged that his administration will not condone any acts of intimidation, interference, or attacks on journalists under his leadership.
President John Mahama and GJA President, Albert K.Dwomfour presenting award to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on Saturday, November 8, the President stated that his government is firmly committed to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the safety of media professionals.
“Let me be unequivocal: under my leadership, this government will neither sanction nor tolerate any form of intimidation, interference, or attacks on journalists.”
He added that his administration had already begun taking practical steps to strengthen relations between journalists and the country’s security agencies.
President John Mahama and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
“I have directed the Minister responsible for Government Communications and the Minister for National Security to create a permanent forum for constructive engagement between the security services and the media. This will foster mutual respect and prevent such future incidents,” the President said.
President Mahama, who spoke under the theme “Self-Guarding Ghana: The Role of the Media in Promoting Security and Peace,” reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the atmosphere of media freedom that characterised Ghana’s democracy prior to 2017.
“My administration has chosen the path of restoring the spirit of pre-2017 Ghana, when freedom of expression, institutional respect, and journalistic safety defined our democratic experience,” he said.
He also provided an update on investigations into acts of violence against journalists and citizens during the 2020 and 2024 elections, which resulted in injuries and loss of life.
“I’m pleased to report that the investigations are complete. A total of 21 individuals have been identified. Four have been arrested and released on bail, five remain on remand, and warrants have been issued for the remaining suspects.
“The Attorney General is currently reviewing the reports to determine appropriate legal action and compensation for victims or their families,” he announced.
The President assured that justice would be pursued in accordance with the law, saying, “The victims deserve closure, and the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions.”
While reiterating his commitment to media freedom, President Mahama also urged journalists to exercise their rights responsibly.
“Freedom must be balanced with responsibility. The credibility of journalism depends on integrity, accuracy, and fairness. Too often, the rush to break a story first results in unverified publications that damage reputations,” the President said.Source: Clara Seshie
The Africa Prosperity Network (APN), with the support of KPMG, has opened nominations for the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards (APCA) 2026, which will be presented at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards & Presidential Gala Dinner on 6 February 2026 at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra, Ghana, as part of the grand finale of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2026.
The APCAs were established to honour Africans and friends of Africa whose vision, innovation, and leadership are driving the continent’s integration and prosperity. From women and youth to industrial giants and digital pioneers, the 2026 Awards will spotlight those advancing the Agenda 2063 dream of a united, thriving Africa.
Themed: “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth for Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.”, the 2026 edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues will emphasise the role of SMEs, women, and youth in Africa’s single market.
“These awards are not just about recognition. They are about celebrating those who are at the forefront of building the Africa we want, through industry, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and leadership,” said Nana Adjoa Hackman, Chair, APCA Planning Committee and Director, APN.
The Country Managing Partner for KPMG, Mr Andrew Akoto, states, “KPMG is proud to partner with the Africa Prosperity Network in recognising the visionaries who are shaping Africa’s economic future. These awards shine a light on the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders whose work is essential to unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA and building a more integrated, prosperous continent.”
About the APCA Academy
The Africa Prosperity Champions Awards Academy serves as the governing body responsible for managing, overseeing, and selecting the APCAs. Comprising eight distinct groups, including the APN Advisory Council and Board of Directors, legal and administrative teams, past APCA winners, independent auditors (KPMG), representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat, nominees from the Office of the President of Ghana, and APN’s strategic institutional partners, the Academy ensures rigorous standards of excellence and integrity.
The Academy’s vision is to provide a living blueprint of leadership for a prosperous Africa, showcasing the values, excellence, and enterprise that drive the continent’s unity, dignity, and progress. Its mission is to recognise, honour, and celebrate individuals and organisations whose outstanding achievements exemplify African excellence and strengthen the bonds of unity, shared growth, and pride among all people of African descent.
Nominees are assessed based on their demonstrated excellence, integrity, measurable impact, innovation, leadership, and commitment to sustainable growth that contributes to regional integration and Africa’s collective progress.
Nomination Process
Nominations will open to the public worldwide on Monday, 10 November 2025. Individuals, businesses, and organisations may be nominated for up to three categories. Entries must include the nominee’s details, the award category, and a short justification (maximum 500 words).
Submissions can be made via WhatsApp at +233 536 098 325, by email at apca2026@africaprosperity.network, or by visiting our website to nominate at www.africaprosperitynetwork.com. The deadline for submitting nominations is November 30, 2025.
Selection
The APCA Academy will review nominations with support from KPMG. Shortlisted candidates will be assessed based on their impact, innovation, pan-African relevance, sustainability, and alignment with the APN’s mission of promoting shared prosperity. Winners will be unveiled at the Gala Dinner on 6 February 2026.
Award Categories
Woman of the Year Award – Celebrating African women breaking barriers and driving prosperity.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – Honouring under-35 trailblazers leveraging AfCFTA to reshape Africa’s business landscape.
SME Champion of the Year Award – Spotlighting SMEs as the backbone of Africa’s economies and drivers of intra-African trade.
Industrialist of the Year Award– Recognising leaders powering Africa’s industrialisation.
Excellence in Digital Innovation Award – For pioneers transforming Africa through digital solutions.
Financial Leadership in SMEs Award – Celebrating financial institutions enabling SMEs, especially women, youth, and start-ups.
Global Soft Power Award – Honouring those projecting Africa’s image and influence worldwide.
Green Africa Award – Recognising champions proving Africa can be both sustainable and prosperous.
Global African Leadership Award – Celebrating the diaspora’s global contributions and leadership.
Transformational Infrastructure Award – Honouring major projects driving transformation, connectivity, and integration.
By nominating, you help celebrate the champions of Africa’s prosperity story. Together, we can inspire a new generation to innovate, collaborate, and trade across Africa. Join us in writing Africa’s prosperity story.
The leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the Ashanti Region has intensified its engagement with top security officers in the region to deepen cooperation on matters of public safety and mutual concern.
Led by the Regional Chairman, Kofi Adu Domfeh, the delegation – including Vice-Chairman Nicholas Osei-Wusu and Secretary Beatrice Spio-Garbrah – paid a courtesy call on the newly-appointed Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto.
Mr. Domfeh underscored the association’s commitment to fostering constructive media-security relations, stressing that both institutions share a common mandate to promote peace, safety, and accountability.
“The media will continue to partner the police in safeguarding our communities while ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged in security matters,” he affirmed.
The executives also visited the Ashanti Regional Prisons Command, where they held discussions with the Regional Commander, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) James B. Mwinyelle (Ing).
The dialogue focused on advancing prison reforms and enhancing public understanding of correctional initiatives.
The GJA pledged its support for the ‘Think Prisons 360°’ initiative, describing it as a progressive step toward reshaping perceptions about the country’s prison system and promoting humane standards of rehabilitation.
These engagements, according to the Ashanti GJA, form part of a broader effort to strengthen institutional partnerships and champion responsible journalism in addressing the region’s social and security challenges.
The Ashanti Regional Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, paid a familiarization visit to Mr. Nathaniel Nana Kwabena Nkrumah, the FDA Ashanti Regional Head.
Mr Kofi Adu Donfeh(1st from right),Mr Nathaniel Nana Kwabena Nkrumah,FDA head, Beatrice Spio Gabarah and Mr.Nicolas Osei-Wusu in group photograph
Mr. Nathaniel N.K. Nkrumah thanked them for their immense support for the Authority and for the CEO, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni.
He emphasized his commitment to intensifying collaborative efforts to ensure public health and safety.
The Regional GJA Chairman, Kofi Adu Domfeh, assured Mr. Nkrumah of their cooperation with the Authority to sensitize the public and help achieve its mandate. He also took the opportunity to invite the Regional Head to the upcoming GJA 2025 Awards in the Ashanti Region.
