Jabari Floors Incumbent, Warns NPP

Solomon Reuben Jabari has defeated incumbent Simon Alonga by a wide margin to become the new Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), polling 1,319 votes against his rival’s 263 in Saturday’s constituency executive elections at Twedie Technical Institute in the Ashanti Region.

Mr. Jabari, after his emphatic victory on October 24, warned the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prepare for a tough contest in the constituency in the 2028 general election, citing the youthful composition of the new executive team as a major strength.

He also used the opportunity to apologise to the Electoral Commission (EC) over his earlier allegation that its officials were working for their ‘paymasters’ during the electoral process.

Speaking to the media after the elections, the chairman-elect commended the EC officials and the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism in ensuring a peaceful and orderly exercise despite some misunderstandings at the voting centre.

‘I commend the police and the EC for their professionalism because everything was done in the right direction. This was an election, and there wouldn’t be everything that you might get perfect, but I admit that the police and the EC did what was expected of them,’ he said.

Mr. Jabari explained that his earlier accusations were made in the heat of the contest, adding that he was prepared to learn from his mistakes.

He also praised the police commander for the efforts made to maintain peace and order throughout the exercise.

Unity Agenda

The chairman-elect has pledged to unite the various factions within the constituency and bring all defeated aspirants on board to strengthen the party ahead of the 2028 general election.

He maintained that the internal contest should not be seen as a battle between winners and losers, insisting that all aspirants belonged to the same political family.

Mr. Jabari disclosed that he would engage the party’s elders, imams and pastors in communities across the constituency to help reconcile members and promote lasting unity.

He expressed confidence that the new executive team would work collectively to strengthen the NDC’s grassroots support and improve its performance in the constituency.

NPP Warning

Mr. Jabari warned the NPP not to underestimate the NDC in Atwima Kwanwoma ahead of the 2028 general election, insisting that the new executives were prepared to intensify grassroots mobilisation.

He said the youthful composition of the team would bring renewed energy to the party’s campaign efforts and help increase its electoral margins.

‘To have a solid team like this in Atwima Kwanwoma, trust me, the NPP will not have it easy. We are all young, and when we go down to campaign, the youth in the constituency are going to support us,’ he declared.

Drawing on his military background, Mr. Jabari said he was ready to work with the constituency secretary, communications officer and other executives to strengthen the party’s structures and prepare for the next general elections.

He, however, acknowledged that addressing the development challenges confronting the constituency would be crucial to the party’s electoral ambitions.

He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to fix what he estimated to be 40 per cent of the roads in the constituency, arguing that addressing the road challenges would help the NDC’s efforts to secure the parliamentary seat in 2028.

Other Winners

In the other contests, Lawrence Obiri Yeboah won the vice-chairmanship position with 1,081 votes.

Lukman Mumuni retained the constituency secretary position, while his closest rival, Kingston Opoku Bediako, polled 523 votes.

Appiah Augustine won the deputy secretary position with 1,176 votes, while Appiah Isaac secured the deputy organiser position with 916 votes.

Daniel Basepwah won the treasurer position with 974 votes, while Desmond Aziwini secured the deputy treasurer position with 1,276 votes.

Frank Kwame Agyekum was elected constituency communications officer with 1,100 votes, while Blessing Nti Fordjour won the deputy communications officer position with 1,030 votes.

Osman Mohamed won the Zongo caucus position with 961 votes.

Isaac Painstil and Rosemary Adjei secured the youth organiser and deputy youth organiser positions with 97 and 67 votes respectively.

Barikisu Musah won the women’s organiser position with 144 votes, while Ellen Owusu secured the deputy women’s organiser position with 107 votes.

Ledzi Ekpen won the other youth organiser position with 97 votes.

The eight additional constituency executive positions went to Rita Prempeh, Asamoah Emmanuel, Matthew Mensah, Osei Bonsu, Adwoa Konadu, Monica Tosu, Edawanim Justice Osei and Matilda Kandibiga, who were elected from a field of 19 aspirants.

Mr. Jabari expressed gratitude to party members who participated in the elections and pledged to work with all stakeholders to build a united constituency executive team focused on the party’s future.

Ashie-Moore Preaches Unity In NDC

The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Emmanuel Nii Ashie-Moore, has congratulated members who emerged victorious in the party’s constituency elections, urging them to promote unity and strengthen the party’s structures ahead of the 2028 general election.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Regional Executives and the entire membership of the party, Mr. Ashie-Moore described the victories as a testament to their commitment, dedication and hard work.

He said the outcome reflects the confidence party members have reposed in their leadership.

‘Your victories are a testament to your commitment, dedication, hard work and the confidence that the party members have reposed in your leadership. I commend you for your determination, the sacrifices you have made and your willingness to serve both the NDC as a party and the people of mother Ghana,’ the statement said.

Mr. Ashie-Moore urged the newly elected executives to remain humble, united and committed to the ideals and principles of the party, stressing that their election is a call to responsibility.

He said they must work to strengthen party structures, promote unity and advance the collective vision of the NDC.

To unsuccessful aspirants, the Regional Chairman called for steadfastness and continued contribution to the growth of the party.

‘Every member has a valuable role to play, and our collective strength lies in our ability to work together despite our differences,’ he said, urging members to put the contest behind them and reconcile where necessary.

He said the party must work together to realise its vision for 2028 and to advance the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.

Mr. Ashie-Moore also called for the same unity and sense of purpose ahead of the upcoming regional elections.

‘Let us put our hands to the task ahead and achieve victory for our great party,’ he stated, wishing the elected executives wisdom and success in their new roles.

Rescued Fishermen Break Silence

The seven fishermen who went missing at sea and later rescued have narrated the terrifying ordeal they went through within the 12 days they were declared missing.

The fishermen, from Ngyiresia, a suburb of Sekondi, departed the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on Friday, October 9 for a fishing expedition offshore Axim, but failed to return.

They were later found on October 21, 2026 at about 10:00 p.m. in Benin territorial waters by some local fishermen.

The seven rescued fishermen include Stephen Quansah, Kobena Kum, Uncle Amoah, Kwasi Emmanuel, Kwame Abedu, Kwamena Komfo and Kwamena Akyem.

Speaking to journalists after they were reunited with their families, the fishermen revealed that they experienced a drift at sea after their canoe’s outboard motor failed.

‘Our outboard motor broke down at sea and left us at the mercy of winds and currents,’ they explained.

They said the high current at sea carried them from Ghana through Togo into Benin waters.

Stephen Quansah, also known as Kwabena Awil, said the crew’s first desperate memory was the silence of nearby vessels.

‘Ships were not responding to our distress calls. We wept throughout.

‘With the engine dead and distress calls unanswered, we struggled to steer clear of an approaching storm.

‘We manoeuvred to get out of the storm, then we got in touch with a vessel,’ Mr. Quansah recalled.

According to him, those aboard the vessel urged them to leave the area immediately, describing it as dangerous and claiming that people there were cannibals.

Night was closing in when, Mr. Quansah said, the crew faced the most frightening moment of the ordeal.

‘Suddenly, a huge dark figure rose above us. By the time we realised, we have been carried back into the deep sea.

‘As the canoe drifted along the coastline, we turned to prayer. We were praying relentlessly. Later we realised we have been drifted into Togo waters,’ Kwabena Awil indicated.

‘The drift continued until the canoe crossed into Benin’s territorial waters, where we finally picked up a mobile phone signal.

‘It was at that moment we got a mobile signal to place a call home, leading to our rescue,’ he pointed out.

He indicated that the rescue involved cooperation among the Navies of Ghana, Togo and Benin, alongside local fishermen from Benin.

Two days later, on Friday, October 23, the crew reunited with their families after nearly two weeks of uncertainty at sea.

MUSIGA Cautions Artistes Against Glorifying Internet Fraud

glorify internet fraud, warning that their influence could encourage young people to engage in criminal activities.

In a statement reportedly signed by its President, Bessa Simons, the Union said musicians had the right to comment on governance, unemployment, corruption and justice but must not use such concerns to justify unlawful conduct.

‘No grievance against public institutions justifies statements that may appear to normalise fraud, portray suspected offenders as heroes, or discourage cooperation with lawful investigations,’ Myjoyonline quoted him as saying in the statement.

The warning follows comments by dancehall artiste Shatta Wale at ShattaFest in Accra on October 17, 2026, where he said he had friends involved in fraud but would not expose them.

‘The country no good so if you go fraud, fraud,’ he said in Pidgin English, remarks that triggered public debate over the influence of celebrities on young people.

MUSIGA warned that cybercrime caused financial losses to victims, damaged Ghana’s international reputation and threatened legitimate digital businesses.

It urged artistes to avoid statements, performances and social media posts that could be interpreted as promoting internet fraud, money laundering, romance scams, identity theft and other cyber-related offences.

The Union encouraged musicians to use their platforms to advocate employment opportunities, digital-skills training, financial literacy and entrepreneurship as alternatives to criminal activities.

It also cautioned that comments appearing to encourage unlawful conduct could expose musicians to legal, professional and reputational consequences.

MUSIGA maintained that criticism of public institutions and calls for accountability were legitimate but should not be used to justify crime.

‘Fame does not place them above the law, and artistic freedom does not include the freedom to encourage unlawful conduct,’ the statement added.

The Union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting musicians’ rights and welfare, urging industry players to inspire young people to pursue success through lawful and productive means.

KotokuD’Mentor Captures Hustle Spirit On New Single

Afro-fusion artiste,KotokuD’Mentor, is back with a brand new single titled ‘L’argent’- a smooth blend of Afrobeats and Pop that pays tribute to the everyday hustle.

The artiste, who has made a name for himself with well-received singles like ‘No More Sad Days’and ‘If I Tell You’, returns with an even more captivating sound.

French word for money, ‘L’argent’ explores themes of ambition, success and the relentless grind that defines the modern African experience. Where many of his contemporaries would opt for a hard-hitting beat, co-producers Jxrry B and Keymix take a more laid-back approach.

The duo create the perfect ambience for KotokuD’Mentor to shine – a mellow base that merges traditional African pulses with the upbeat synths of the Pop classic ‘Axel F.’

While the production is where the magic lies, it is the crooner’s melodic vocals that give the song its soul, further cementing his knack for pushing the sonic boundaries of Afro-fusion. By the time ‘L’argent’ ends, one thing is clear: the record is a work of art that will leave you eager to hit replay. It is anthemic, yet soothing enough to make the quiet moments between the grind a bit more interesting.

Known for his unique blend of Afro and traditional Ghanaian sounds, KotokuD’Mentor is showing no signs of slowing down. ‘L’argent’ suggests there is more to come before the year ends. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Prof. Mensah Warns Against Toxic Workplace Culture

Prof. Christopher Mensah, Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University (HTU), has cautioned that Ghana’s universities risk reproducing the same workplace abuses they should be helping students to challenge.

Delivering his Inaugural Lecture on the theme ‘Hidden Curriculum: Toxic Socialisation in Ghana’s Higher Education and Hospitality Sector,’ Prof. Mensah revealed that mistreatment and harassment remain widespread in both higher education and the hospitality industry, undermining academic progress, professional development, and psychological well-being.

Findings from his studies showed that 92.2 per cent of students at a Ghanaian technical university had experienced at least one form of mistreatment, with hospitality students reporting the highest levels, mainly from lecturers. Another study found that 93.5 per cent of students had suffered lecturer bullying. In Accra’s hotels, nearly half of employees surveyed admitted experiencing harassment, most commonly from guests.

With more than 65 peer-reviewed publications, Prof. Mensah has conducted research in tourism development, hospitality management, human resource management, destination marketing, sustainable tourism, academic integrity, service quality, employee well-being, and student development.

He stated that toxic socialisation manifests through behaviours such as humiliation, intimidation, discrimination, exclusion, bullying, and sexual harassment. He identified quid pro quo harassment and hostile-environment harassment as major forms, stressing that harassment is often used to assert power, reinforce gender stereotypes, and discourage women from pursuing certain academic programmes and careers.

Prof. Mensah warned that institutions often teach ‘silence, obedience, and endurance’ not through the curriculum but by what they allow. He therefore urged lecturers, administrators, hotels, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and students themselves to help dismantle toxic cultures by creating safer, more respectful environments.

‘Students and employees must be equipped with the confidence to challenge abuses of power rather than accept mistreatment as an unavoidable part of education or professional life,’ he declared.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, who chaired the ceremony, commended Prof. Mensah for his dedication to scholarship and for advancing HTU’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence.

He urged faculty and students to draw inspiration from such milestones and to deepen their commitment to research, innovation and professional development.

The colourful ceremony featured the donning of the professorial gown by Prof. Mensah and the presentation of various gifts from stakeholders and family members in celebration of his achievement.

The event brought together management, faculty, staff and students of HTU, as well as family members and invited guests, including the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Member of Parliament for Ketu South Constituency, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

Prof. Mensah’s call to action places responsibility on both institutions and individuals to ensure that Ghana’s universities and hospitality organisations nurture environments where students and employees can thrive without fear of humiliation, discrimination, or harassment.

Damang Gold Excites Residents

The chiefs and people of Damang in the Western Region have publicly commended Damang Gold Company for the fast spate with which it is implementing local development initiatives.

The people claimed that they are excited about the fact that since the mine transitioned to indigenous ownership about six months ago, it has started fulfilling its major promises to the people.

They said apart from retaining the workers under the previous regime, the owner has employed a number of the qualified local youth.

This came to light at a durbar organised by the chiefs and people which was broadcast live on the ‘Ekosii Sen’ radio programme of Asempa FM.

Some assembly members, opinion leaders as well as traditional leaders took turns to commend the company and its hard working CEO, Ibrahim Mahama.

The Gyaasehene of Damang, Nana Kofi Nyam, mentioned the construction of the Damang-Subri road and the concrete highway linking Damang directly to Cape Coast.

He expressed excitement about the construction of a modern airstrip to handle direct flights between Damang and Accra.

Other opinion leaders also applauded the commitment to build modern health facilities and to upgrade some existing ones.

The youth also expressed excitement about the construction of new AstroTurf facilities to boost recreation and sports in the area.

During the open forum, some of the residents insisted that the company should continue to employ not only those with the requisite qualifications but also those who could be trained on the job.

Ghana U-15 Boys Depart For FIFA World Cup In Azerbaijan

Ghana’s U-15 boys’ team departed Accra on Wednesday for Azerbaijan to participate in the FIFA U-15 Boys World Cup and Festival.

The contingent, comprising players and technical staff, will represent the country at the international youth event, which brings together emerging talents from across the world for competitive matches and developmental activities.

The festival forms part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme, which seeks to provide young footballers with early international exposure and opportunities to develop their skills against their peers from different countries.

Ghana have been drawn in Group W alongside Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Guam, the Bahamas and Kazakhstan.

The team will begin their campaign against Uzbekistan on Saturday, October 24, before facing Myanmar and Guam in two matches on Sunday.

They will conclude the group stage with fixtures against the Bahamas and Kazakhstan on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The format requires Ghana to play five group-stage matches over three days, offering the young players valuable international experience as they seek to make a strong impression at the festival.

Obuasi SHTS Sexual Assault: Police Forward Docket For Legal Advice

THE ASHANTI South Regional Police Command has forwarded a rape case involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Zakaria Abdulai, to the Attorney General’s Office for study and advice.

The case follows allegations by a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official bungalow on the school’s campus on July 25, 2026.

The police, in a press release dated October 16, 2026, said the student, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint with the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Obuasi on August 4, 2026.

According to the police statement, the complainant alleged that she had gone to a spot near the headmaster’s official residence, where students dried their clothes, to remove her dresses when the suspect allegedly asked her to enter his residence to undertake an errand for him.

The statement said the headmaster allegedly began caressing and fondling the student against her will after she entered the residence.

When she resisted his advances, he allegedly dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

The police further disclosed that the suspect allegedly gave the student GHS100 after the incident to keep her silent.

Investigations

The police said investigations had been completed, including medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photographs and the collection of witness statements.

The case docket has since been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for legal advice and the necessary action.

The referral marks the next stage in the handling of the allegations, although the police have not announced any court proceedings in the case.

The Ashanti South Regional Police Command assured the public that it was committed to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security within its jurisdiction.

The allegations against the headmaster have yet to be tested in court.

FHU Swears In Board Of Trustees

Family Health University (FHU) has sworn in a new seven-member Board of Trustees for its Endowment Fund, to help provide strategic leadership, mobilise resources and strengthen financial support for brilliant but needy students pursuing healthcare education.

The new Board is chaired by Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, with Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, Dr. James Duah, Mrs. Lawrencia Adams Simpson, Mr. Kwabena Osei-Boateng and Mrs. Reeta Auguste as members, and Mrs. Lily Konadu Ocran serving as Secretary.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, urged the new Trustees to demonstrate prudent stewardship, transparency and accountability in managing the Fund.

He emphasised the importance of expanding resource mobilisation efforts to ensure that more deserving students who face financial challenges can access and complete their healthcare education, while acknowledging the contributions of the previous Trustees. Prof. Kwawukume expressed confidence that the new Board would build on the foundation established to strengthen the Fund’s sustainability and impact.

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Nicholas Smart-Yeboah, expressed appreciation to the university for the confidence reposed in the Trustees, and pledged the Board’s commitment to achieving the Fund’s objectives.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and constructive engagement among members, noting that their work would directly influence opportunities for financially disadvantaged students.

Council Chairman of FHU, Brigadier General Daniel Kwadjo Frimpong (Rtd.), also urged the Trustees to begin mobilising resources to support students from less privileged backgrounds, while commending the Board members for accepting the responsibility.

Launched on March 23, 2023, the FHU Endowment Fund seeks to provide sustainable financial assistance to students with academic potential who face financial difficulties.

The swearing-in marks a new chapter for the Fund as the university strengthens its commitment to expanding access to healthcare education and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals in Ghana.