School Placement Travails

The hassle associated with this year’s school placement has been nightmarish.

Although the picture of a smooth exercise is being painted, we can simply conclude that it is just part of a choreographed propaganda.

Indeed, the best persons to give a true picture of the situation on the ground are parents.

Parents who do not have the means to influence those in charge of the placement centres have to cope with the complaints of their wards at home, especially those who did so well and are expecting to be placed in schools of their choices. Some of such students, and they are many, have ended up being placed outside their places of residence and as day students.

Boarding status has been denied many prospective students, a situation which has led to speculations that it is part of a deliberate scheme to reduce the number of boarders in public schools. If you do not want to be openly scrapping the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme and earn the wrath of the people, simply reduce the numbers going to the boarding schools. That is what government is subtly doing, according to political gossips.

As usual when people are pressed, they fall victims to corrupt officers in charge of the school placement activities.

Some parents are paying good money for their kids to have their schools changed, and it is happening. The more popular the school is, the more parents have to pay to have admissions for their wards. The amount being paid of course without receipts vary between two thousand and fifteen thousand Ghana Cedis. That is the story, and those who dispute this can go to the field for verification.

There is no convincing explanation about students gaining aggregate 9 being denied their first choices.

A young girl who did very well, aggregate 9, was given O’Reilly Senior High School and as day student. The father of the young girl was so incensed that he simply did not know what to do. He ruled out bribing to have his daughter gain admission to Achimota or Accra Girls’ Senior High School.

His last resort – seeking the intervention of politically connected persons some of whom might not pick his calls. What if he does not have such links?

Perhaps it is time to rethink the system, especially given the rising number of pupils qualifying to proceed to SHS across the country.

We progressed from the initial first and second school choices and a region for the third to the current computer placement, which over time has posted challenges as being witnessed in this year’s chapter.

Parents and pupils too should be blamed for some of the challenges being witnessed. With schools categorised and for that matter having varying grades for admissions, yet some pupils who do not meet the grades insist on being posted to such schools.

This is where the corruption sets in, and those who benefit from it are exploiting the once-in-a-year opportunity to the detriment of financially stressed parents.

We are looking at a future where challenges as aforementioned do not feature in the school placement system. It can be done when stakeholders brainstorm on the subject so they can come out with effective interventions.

President Petitioned To Remove Justice Kulendi

A petition has been sent to President John Dramani Mahama calling for the removal of Supreme Court judge, Justice Yonny Kulendi, for alleged judicial misconduct.

The petition, presented by Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta on September 30, 2025 to the Office of the President, is accusing Justice Kulendi of improper interference in the trial of now Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, Director of Operations at the National Security Council.

Citi News reported that the petitioner argues that the alleged actions of Justice Kulendi contravene provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates.

He further contends that such conduct undermines judicial independence and erodes public trust in the judiciary.

There is no official communication from the Office of the President regarding the petition, and any action taken by the office must be in strict compliance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which deals with the removal of justices of the Superior Courts.

CID Probe

Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta has also petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate Justice Yonny Kulendi and Richard Jakpa for allegedly conspiring to interfere with the administration of justice in the ambulance trial.

According to him, Jakpa right from the beginning of the trial in January 2022, allegedly deployed the highly influential Justice Kulendi ‘to obstruct the course of justice in the case with the ultimate object of ensuring that the prosecution of Richard Jakpa was either abated by the then Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, or he (Jakpa) was acquitted.’

It indicates that the acts of Justice Kulendi and Richard Jakpa border on the commission of crimes relating to interference with legal proceedings.

He detailed court proceedings capturing Jakpa telling the court under cross-examination how he contacted Justice Kulendi, who is his cousin, to assist him in the ongoing trial.

For instance, the petition points out that on January 18, 2022, after Richard Jakpa had been arraigned in court, he solicited the help of Justice Kulendi, to procure the assistance of the then Attorney General ‘to facilitate the release of Richard Jakpa when he had not satisfied the conditions of the bail granted to him.’

‘Justice Kulendi actually went to the office of the former Attorney General, Godfred Dame, to request that his cousin be permitted to go home,’ the petition indicated.

It also pointed a proceeding where Richard Jakpa ‘confessed’ to obtaining the telephone number of Mr. Dame from Justice Kulendi, after which he confidently attempted to meet with Mr. Dame and inundated him with many WhatsApp messages.

‘The evidence shows that from the time Richard Jakpa first got in touch with Attorney General Godfred Dame via WhatsApp, he sent in all sixty-eight (68) WhatsApp messages to him, in reply to which the then Attorney General sent only two (2). Richard Jakpa confirmed this under cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Yvonne Atakora-Obuobisa,’ the petition noted.

Again, the petition alleges that Justice Kulendi ‘lured’ Mr. Dame into a meeting at his (Justice Kulendi’s) home to meet Jakpa, after Jakpa’s several attempts to get the former Attorney General to meet him in person failed.

‘Indeed, the record showed that apart from inside the courtroom and the house of Justice Yonny Kulendi, Mr. Godfred Dame has never met Mr. Richard Jakpa,’ the petition disclosed.

He urged the CID to commence investigations into the conduct of Justice Yonny Kulendi and his cousin, Richard Jakpa, to unravel all acts of criminality disclosed by their conduct, and take such prosecutorial action as is consistent with law.

Prudential Bank Supports 2025 Teacher Prize With Pickup

Prudential Bank Limited (PBL) has donated a Nissan Navara 4×4 pickup truck for the sixth consecutive year to support the Ghana Teacher Prize.

The vehicle will be presented to the first runner-up at the upcoming awards ceremony, scheduled for October 5, 2025, at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Cedi Auditorium in Ho.

At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Executive Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at PBL, Edward Commey, handed over the vehicle to the National Teaching Council (NTC) on behalf of the Bank.

He expressed pride in the partnership with the Ministry of Education, the NTC, and the Ghana Teacher Prize, saying the initiative continues to inspire teachers nationwide.

‘Quality education is fundamental to societal advancement. Education equips individuals, fuels economic progress, and strengthens community bonds,’ Mr. Commey noted.

He was accompanied by the Bank’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Akosua A. Boahen.

Receiving the vehicle, NTC Registrar Dr. Christian Addai-Poku commended Prudential Bank for its sustained contribution toward improving teacher motivation and performance.

He stressed that recognising excellence in education aligns with national development goals and urged other corporate institutions to emulate PBL’s commitment.

The 2025 Ghana Teacher Prize, now in its seventh year since its rebranding from the Best Teacher Awards, marks 31 years of celebrating exceptional educators.

Since 1994, teachers have been honoured with houses, vehicles, and monetary awards to motivate excellence and dedication to service.

This year’s celebrations will kick off with a two-day symposium and exhibition at the Volta Serene Hotel from October 3 to 4, before culminating in the grand ceremony on World Teachers’ Day, October 5.

President John Dramani Mahama will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

Odo Broni Drags Oheneba Media To Court Over Marriage Claims

The Accra High Court has granted a temporary injunction in favour of Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, and her mother, Cecilia Minta, restraining Oheneba Media and two of its presenters from making further publications about them.

Justice Forson Agyapong Baah delivered the ruling on September 26, 2025, following an application filed earlier on September 15. The order, which surfaced online via Ayisha Modi’s Instagram page, specifically bars Oheneba Media, Oheneba Agyei Nimako, and Oheneba Serwaa Bonsu from continuing their commentary on Odo Broni.

The legal action comes after several weeks of heated criticism against Odo Broni since the passing of her partner, Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, on July 26, 2025. In a series of broadcasts, Oheneba Media presenters challenged her legitimacy as Lumba’s wife, insisting that his first wife, Akosua Serwaa, based in Germany, remains the only lawful spouse.

Presenter Oheneba Serwaa repeatedly referred to Odo Broni as merely a ‘baby mama’ and dismissed claims by Lumba’s family head that both women should be allowed to perform widowhood rites. The attacks extended to her mother, who was accused of pushing her daughter to replace Akosua Serwaa in the late musician’s family.

GHS To Roll Out HPV Vaccination

Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years nationwide.

The HPV Vaccination is to fight against cervical cancer, particularly in girls starting from October 7, 2025.

Speaking at a media training, the country representative for WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka explained that cervical cancer is among top most cancers that affect women globally.

She stated that about 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily globally, with about 50% losing their lives due to this illness.

She stressed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana, adding that about 3,000 new cases and about 1,700 deaths are recorded every year.

According to Dr. Braka, about 70% of the cases are detected late, emphasising that the cost of treatment contributes to the devastation that affects women.

She stated that HPV affects 80% of sexually active individuals by the age of 45, noting that the HPV vaccines offer protection against the disease.

She lauded Ghana for introducing the vaccines, add that the HPV vaccines will join the list of immunsations in the country in order to support the global and national goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Dr. Fiona highlighted that the strategy recommended by WHO to tackle the disease is the 90-70-90 strategy ? 90% of the girls will be vaccinated by the age of 15 with 70% of the women screened for cervical cancer by age of 35 and 45 and the other 90% of women who will be found with precancerous lesions will receive timely treatment which will eliminate the disease by the said time.

She stressed that the HPV vaccine is not new since it has been in use globally since 2006 with over 140 countries around the world using it, including 28 African countries.

She stated that WHO is remains committed help the country in the fight against cervical cancer.

Extended Programme on Immunisation Manager of GHS, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, xplained that HPV is the necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer, stating that about 99% of the cases are caused by the high-risk HPV.

She emphasised that the early age of cervical cancer is quite asymptomatic thus women do not develop symptoms at all but will have signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, weight loss, increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge and tiredness at the advanced stage.

She urged the media to educate the public and counter misinformation and disinformation regarding the HPV vaccination.

’Revamp Western Rail Line’

The President of Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has called on the government to prioritise revamping the Western Rail Line.

He mentioned that investing in the Boankra Inland Port in the Ashanti Region is not a bad idea but ‘The government should first revamp the Western Rail Line’.

The Regional House of Chiefs’ President who is also the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area was addressing stakeholders at the Western Regional Development Retreat in Takoradi.

The Regional Development Retreat, an initiative of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, was to facilitate dialogues on solutions that will address the numerous developmental challenges facing the Western Region.

He said developing the Western Rail Line would not only boost the economy but also create jobs and enhance food security in communities along the rail lines.

‘The initiative will also facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs to Sekondi-Takoradi and beyond’, he added.

He bemoaned the fact that successive governments have failed to honour their promises of developing the rail sector.

‘We were promised railway development using oil revenues, but later, nothing materialized,’ he said.

The Western Region Minister, Joseph Nelson noted that the challenges confronting the rail sector would not only affect the region’s transportation network but also hinder community development and deprive residents of livelihoods.

He assured that the government would redevelop the rail sector to aid in the transportation of bulk goods such as bauxite, timber, cocoa, manganese, among others.

The Minister appealed to traditional leaders to prioritise conflict resolution on pending chieftaincy disputes.

‘I am appealing to you Nananom to prioritise peace. I am concerned about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in our region’.

‘Please utilise the judicial committees of traditional councils and the Chieftaincy Act to resolve the conflicts’, he added.

He said he envisioned a region free of chieftaincy disputes, to enable the government revamp industries, promote sustainable mining, create jobs, and preserve cultural heritage.

Bryan Could Force Runoff In NPP Primaries – Group

A recent survey by the Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) suggests that Dr. Bryan Acheampong could trigger a runoff in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries if the election were held today.

The report, presented by Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) Convener, Nana Abeiku Baiden, said 34,736 delegates were from all 16 regions of the country.

According to the group, the findings indicate a closely contested race, with none of the leading candidates poised to secure the required 50% majority to win outright in the first round.

It stated, ‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, leads with support from 10,901 delegates 31%, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, follows with 8,091 delegates 23%. Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, secured 5,569 votes 16%. Former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was backed by 390 delegates (1.1%).

The rest are former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum garnered 128 votes 0.3%. A significant number of delegates 9,657, representing 28% of the total sample, remain undecided.

The IMCD noted that the large undecided bloc and the relatively even distribution of support among the top aspirants indicate a likely second-round vote unless a major shift occurs.

Ghana-US Deepen Ties Ahead Of World Cup 2026

As the days to the 2026 World Cup get closer, the Ghana and the United States are exploring various fora of mutual benefits as the two nations take steps to foster and strengthen existing relationships.

As part of measures, the National Sports Authority and the US Embassy in Ghana have engaged journalists and stakeholders in sports as the days to the World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico draw nearer.

Held under the theme ‘Countdown to World Cup 26: ‘Bridging the Cap: Fostering Connections between the United States and Ghana through Soccer Culture,’ the programme highlighted opportunities available through sports.

It also highlighted rivalries between the Ghana Black Stars and the US Men Soccer team which have faced each other in three successive Worl Cup tournaments-2006, 2010 and 2014, with Ghana winning the first two and the US winning the third meeting.

Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in a presentation highlighted various collaborations between the two nations and how various Ghanaians have benefited and continue to benefit from these programmes.

He was hopeful that Ghana will qualify for next year’s World Cup thereby providing an opportunity for Ghanaians to experience the US as well explore opportunities for themselves.

Mr. Ampofo also disclosed that the NSA is putting in place measures to unearth talents across the country – not just in football but in various sporting fields.

He also indicated that despite financial challenges, the NSA is doing its best and pointed to government’s commitment to national development through sports.

Mathew Asada, Press Attachè at the US Embassy in Ghana said the US is ready to welcome people from all over the world ‘for this mega sporting event.’

He hoped that Ghana will qualify for the tournament, nothing that ‘once it does qualify, we can think about what we can do together.

He also pointed out that the Donald Trump administration is interested in ensuring that anyone that visits the United States abides by the US immigration laws, describing it as something that is ‘common sense.’

‘Each country has the ability to control who enters and stays and leaves that country,’ he said. ‘So, the United States right now, we want to ensure that we are facilitating that legitimate trade and travel and that people are abiding by the terms of their visa,’ Mr. Asada added.

Simeone Gets One Match Ban For Liverpool Fans Clash

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been given a one-match ban for ‘unsporting conduct’ by UEFA following his clash with Liverpool supporters at Anfield earlier this month.

After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat, Simeone reacted after he appeared to be goaded by a small number of home fans.

The Argentine complained to the fourth official with a number of stewards positioned between him and the Liverpool supporters.

Simeone had to be dragged away from the scene and continued his protests before he was sent off and walked down the tunnel.

His ban lasts for one competitive UEFA fixture, meaning he will miss his side’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Speaking in the news conference after the Liverpool match, the 55-year-old said: ‘Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.’

Simone said he ‘could not remember exactly’ what had been, but he took issue with the ‘insults throughout the whole game’ from the home supporters.

‘We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.

‘It’s not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I’m a person.’

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been fined 4,000 euros for the throwing of objects.

Guide Radio’s ‘Beer and Grillz’ Ignites East Legon Nightlife

East Legon’s AandC Corner turned into a hub of music, laughter, and sizzling grills on Sunday as Guide Radio’s much-anticipated Beer and Grillz event delivered a night to remember.

What was billed as a casual weekend hangout quickly transformed into a full-blown festival of sound, flavour, and celebration.

From the moment the grills fired up, the air buzzed with excitement. Guests were treated to an irresistible blend of free-flowing beer and mouthwatering cuts of meat, which many enthusiastically grilled themselves as part of the interactive theme.

The do-it-yourself barbecue vibe, paired with endless drinks, set the stage for an atmosphere that felt like the ultimate backyard party, intimate yet electrifying.

The music, however, was the true showstopper. Rising twin sensations Lali and Lola lit up the stage with a high-energy set that had the crowd singing along and dancing without pause.

Just when the energy seemed at its peak, highlife star Molly raised it another notch with her powerhouse performance. Her hit Shake It to the Max brought the entire venue to its feet, creating a euphoric wave of movement and joy.

Adding to the spectacle was the strong presence of Guide Radio’s own community, including its popular salsa teams, who dazzled the audience with their polished moves and infectious energy.

By the end of the night, it was clear that Beer and Grillz had surpassed expectations. More than just a party, it became a celebration of music, food, and community that set a new benchmark for Sunday nightlife in Accra.

As the last song faded and the grills cooled, one question lingered in the minds of attendees: where will Guide Radio take the next Beer and Grillz?