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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.

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.

CEO of Popout / Esports Academy, Maximus Ametorgoh, has called on the investment community to support Electronic Sports as it presents huge prospects for economic development.

Speaking during a panel discussion at MTN DigiFest 2025 Gaming Focused Group and Closing ceremony in Accra, Maximus labeled Saudi Arabia as the country investing heavily in the global gaming and esports industry, through strategic acquisitions and initiatives like the Savvy Games Group and the Esports World Cup, which offers record prize pools.

These investments by the Saudi government, according to him, aim to establish the Kingdom as a major global gaming hub by 2030, stating that with the right investment and policy from the government of Ghana, the country will lead the sector.

He added that with the right investment, organisations can train and tool gamers, develop video games, create job opportunities, organise Esports events, and promote responsible gaming and skill development in Ghana.

Maximus added that investing in Esports is a smart move for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to tap into a young, engaged, and tech-savvy audience.

Speaking about government engagement in boosting Esports in the country, he mentioned that the National Sport Authority, in consultation with stakeholders, is working on developing esports policies.

Manager, Video and Gaming at MTN Ghana, Yaw Antwi Boadu, said the telecommunication company is supporting the industry in various areas to promote its activities in the country.

He said MTN is committed to supporting the gaming society, saying,’ MTN is looking to the future. We see the value that we can generate and also the value we will generate for the community, and we are willing to step out and work with the esports community to ensure that this is achieved.’

When asked about the need for MTN to curate a data package for gamers, Antwi Boadu said, ‘Without internet, customers will not be able to take advantage of these sports, so the next level is to design a data package for the gaming society to take advantage of.’

GHANAIAN CONTENT Creator, Deaconess Abokomah, known in real life as Ebenezer Arthur, has grabbed a nomination for this year’s West African Citizens Awards (WAFRICAwards) themed, ‘The Rebirth Edition’.

Deaconess Abokomah is competing against twenty West African content creators in the Social Media Influencer of the Year category.

The nominees include Young 15 (Liberia), Ben South (Ghana), Ameyaw Debrah (Ghana), Enioluwa Adeoluwa (Nigeria), Veekee James (Nigeria), Hilda Baci (Nigeria), The Real Adebayor (Togo), Deaconess Abokomah (Ghana), Veralyn Vonleh (Liberia) and Boss Grl (Liberia)

The rest are Elzo JamDong (Senegal), Dulcie Boateng (Ghana), Wode Maya (Ghana), Aisha Salaudeen (Nigeria), Seyram Abdallah (Ghana), Hilda Savage (Gambia), Mankajang Daily (Gambia), Tida Jobe (Gambia), Quecy Official (Ghana), Fatou Jupiter (Senegal), and Tayo Aina (Nigeria).

In a post on social media, Deaconess Abokomah called for support from followers to emerge as the winner of the category.

Currently in its fourth year, the theme, ‘Rebirth,’ celebrates the resilient spirit of the region – stories of innovation, perseverance, and transformation that are reshaping West Africa for the better.

Since opening nominations in July, the organisers say they have received an overwhelming wave of submissions from across the sub-region, highlighting unsung heroes, trailblazing entrepreneurs, creative visionaries, and community champions.

The selection process was rigorous, guided by esteemed panel of judges, ensuring that only the most impactful contributions were selected. The awards ceremony is set for December in Nigeria.

The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike, which began on September 19, 2025.

The suspension took effect yesterday, October 1, following what the union described as ‘very constructive dialogue’ with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and other employer institutions.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, King James Azortibah, TEWU said the discussions had created a pathway toward an amicable resolution of its long-standing demands, particularly the conclusion and signing of Conditions of Service for its members.

The union added that it was adopting a strategic pause to allow room for further negotiations and implementation of the agreed terms.

All TEWU members within the Ghana Education Service, public and technical universities, the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, and the Ghana Library Authority have been directed to resume work immediately.

However, members who travelled outside their duty stations during the strike have until Monday, October 6, to return.

A crucial follow-up meeting has also been scheduled with the FWSC on Tuesday, October 7, to advance negotiations and finalise the agreements.

TEWU warned against any victimisation of its members for participating in the industrial action, pledging to defend all who face unfair treatment.

At the same time, the union expressed appreciation to management and school authorities who cooperated during the strike.

The indefinite strike, which the union described as ‘very impactful,’ drew the involvement of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Jobs, the National Labour Commission, and the FWSC.

TEWU’s leadership praised the solidarity of its National Executive Council, regional officers, and grassroots members for sustaining the industrial action, affirming that ‘there is power in our collective action.’

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has pledged that during his tenure as minister, he will ensure that the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Bill is passed into law.

He made this assertion during the PR knowledge-sharing conference in Accra on October 1, 2025.

‘Under my leadership as minister, we will ensure that the IPR Bill is passed into law. I can confirm that substantial work has been done regarding the passage of the bill. It is currently with the Attorney General, who is studying it, and will, in due course, make appropriate recommendations for us to move the process forward,’ he said.

According to him, bringing together professionals from across the world is a reminder that effective communication is essential and should be rooted in the principles of truth, trust, and professionalism.

‘By bringing together professionals from across our continent and beyond, you remind us that communication has two bodies. And that the principles of true communications, has no borders, and that’s the principles of truth, trust, and professionalism are universal,’ he stated.

He added that despite the ever changing landscape of our current dispensation, where technology is rewriting the rules, geopolitical shifts are redefining alliances, and environmental and social challenges are demanding new approaches, the world’s reliance on communicators and public relations professionals to navigate uncertainty, build bridges, and drive positive change has remained the same.

‘We are living through an extraordinary period of change. Technology is writing the rules of engagement, geopolitical shifts are redefining alliances and priorities, and environmental and social challenges are demanding new approaches to problem-solving. In all of this, one thing remains constant. The world looks to communicators and public relations professionals to help navigate uncertainty, bridge gaps, and inspire collective action,’ he stressed.

The Director and Global Head of Trust and Safety for Wikimedia, Jan Eissfeldt, disclosed that, ‘In the current way we train artificial intelligence foundational models, right, stacked up, middle-aged white dudes, most of the context that’s relevant to Africa is mostly invisible because the data is not accessible on the internet to view.’

‘Communications professionals have a vital role in making African contacts and African problems in African solutions, most importantly, actually visible to the training of these foreign models,’ he added.

French tennis star Gaël Monfils has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a 21-year professional career marked by flair, athleticism, and unforgettable entertainment on court.

The 39-year-old has won 13 ATP Tour titles, most recently making history as the oldest champion on tour when he lifted the Auckland Open trophy in January 2025 at 38 years and four months.

Currently ranked world number 53, Monfils has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years, including an ankle problem that forced him to withdraw from the Chengdu Open earlier this month.

Reflecting on his career, Monfils expressed gratitude for having competed in tennis’ most celebrated era.

‘Life is too short. Believe me when I say that I have no regrets,’ Monfils wrote on Instagram. ‘What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky. I’ve had the chance to play during a golden age of tennis, alongside Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray. The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment.’

Monfils’ peak came in the mid-2010s, highlighted by reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 6 in 2016 after a run to the US Open semi-finals, where he fell to Novak Djokovic. He also reached the last four at Roland Garros in 2008, losing to Roger Federer.

Although he never captured a Grand Slam title, Monfils remained a crowd favourite for his acrobatics, charisma, and fearless shot-making. His career featured standout wins, including a shock victory over world number one Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Cincinnati Open.

Monfils acknowledged the dominance of tennis’ rising generation, led by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have won nine of the last 10 majors.

‘While I came close, I never did win a Grand Slam during my career. I won’t pretend that I expect to do so during the next year. But an exciting new generation is already here, and I hope they’ll enjoy their time on court as much as I have for the last two decades.’

The Frenchman’s retirement will mark the end of one of tennis’ most entertaining chapters, defined by his athletic brilliance and enduring connection with fans worldwide.

Fifteen (15) Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Eastern Region on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have strongly dismissed claims made by Dr. Bryan Acheampong suggesting that they privately apologised to him after endorsing former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the most capable candidate for the party’s flagbearership.

In a statement issued and signed by the MPs on Tuesday, September 30, they described the claims as false, divisive, and damaging to party unity.

‘There is absolutely no truth in Hon. Bryan Acheampong’s assertion that some of us privately called him after our press conference to downplay our declaration,’ the MPs said.

‘We challenge him, in the spirit of truth and accountability, to publicly name the MPs he alleges contacted him. Until he does so, his claim remains nothing but a fabrication intended to discredit our genuine and resolute support for Dr. Bawumia,’ the statement noted.

The MPs listed include Nana Ampaw Kwame Addo Frempong, Kingsley Agyemang, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Sammi Awuku, Ida Adjoa Asiedu, Kwame Appiah Kodua, Laurette Korkor Asante, and Duke Ofori-Atta.

The others are Alexander Agyare, Michael Okyere Baafi, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, and Charles Asuako Owiredu.

They accused Dr. Acheampong and his campaign team of deliberately spreading falsehoods to create disaffection within the constituencies.

According to them, threats had earlier been issued by his team that MPs who failed to support his candidature would face sabotage in their constituencies.

The statement further dismissed claims that campaign funds for the 2024 elections in the Eastern Region came from Dr. Acheampong’s personal resources.

The MPs explained that the funds were contributions from party financiers and businessmen supporting Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, which Dr. Acheampong only facilitated as Regional Campaign Coordinator.

‘This is a calculated attempt to sow division among the rank and file of the party. For the avoidance of doubt: campaign funds disbursed in the Eastern Region during the 2024 elections did not come from the personal resources of Hon. Bryan Acheampong,’ the statement added.

The MPs explained that the funds had specific instructions attached and were not intended for direct payments to polling station executives.

They noted that, in many cases, they had to supplement campaign expenses with their own resources due to discrepancies between what was promised and what was received.

‘It is therefore misleading and self-serving for Hon. Bryan Acheampong to now portray himself as the personal benefactor of the Eastern Region campaign effort,’ they stated, calling for transparency from the central campaign leadership on the actual disbursement.

The group reaffirmed their commitment to Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy and urged Dr. Acheampong to immediately retract what they described as ‘baseless and divisive’ allegations.

‘We, the undersigned Eastern Regional MPs, remain firm, united, and unwavering in our support for Dr. Bawumia,’ the statement concluded.

A NUMBER of TikTokers have applauded members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament for their thorough investigation of some public servants in government agencies in recent times.

A video excerpt of the PAC sitting to scrutinise the audited accounts of some government institutions have sparked conversations on social media.

In its recent sitting, PAC raised serious concerns about financial irregularities at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), after the latest Auditor-General’s report revealed the payment of unearned salaries amounting to GHS1,449,000 to a deceased staff member for 26 months.

This made TikTok sensation, Prisy1, to question the nature of corruption embed in state institutions, hence commending PAC for their investigations into the audited accounts of government agencies and public servants.

‘Tamale Teaching Hospital what a shame, what a disgrace, 26 good months of paying a dead person, and there are newly posted teachers who for 13 good months are not been paid, I saw it on Twitter (X) that they are demonstrating to be paid for 13 good months.

‘Public Accounts Committee, I commend you for the good work. You have done so well, I’m urging the committee to take a second look at other institutions, because there are other places you are to also look at where corruption is ongoing. Scrutinise them and bring them to book,’ she stated.

Similarly, another TikToker, Quecy Official, commented on the directive by the PAC to recover over GHS17,000 in physically challenged allowance wrongly paid to an able-bodied teacher.

He said, ‘The Public Accounts Committee audit is a step in the right direction; you need to continue with it. If we are able to name and shame, Ghana will be a better place for us all. How can you wrongfully pay GHS17,000 to someone who is not disabled? So you can imagine how many people are receiving salaries who are not working.’

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has approved a budget of $1,120,000 to support the Black Stars in their final two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ghana will face the Central African Republic (CAR) and Comoros next month as they aim to secure a spot at the global showpiece.

The team opens against CAR on October 8 in Casablanca, Morocco, before returning home to host Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Addressing the press on Monday, September 29, Sports Ministry spokesperson Kofi Adams confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) submitted its budget on September 18, which was subsequently forwarded to the Office of the President for approval the next day.

‘The FA submitted a budget within an acceptable range, and the Ministry did not need to add any comments,’ Adams explained. ‘The two-match engagement carries a total estimated cost of $1.12 million-$733,000 for the away game in Casablanca and $387,000 for the home fixture in Accra.’

The approved funding is expected to cover all expenses for the qualifiers as the Black Stars bid to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.