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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.

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.

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.

The Paramount Chief of Kome-Shime Traditional Area, in the Volta Region, Togbi Amey Zegu II, has made a passionate call for a united front against rising youth drug abuse.

Togbe Amey Zegu was speaking at 2025 Klefe Yam Festival packed durbar attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia.

Togbi Zegu blended the festival’s cultural celebration with an urgent message of collective responsibility.

He warned that substance abuse threatens the very future of the region’s young people.

‘The same spirit of togetherness that sustained our ancestors must guide us in overcoming today’s challenges invoking the Ewe people’s historic migration from Notsie to the Volta plains,’ he said.

He pointed out that ‘Unity is our greatest inheritance and our greatest weapon.’

Togbi Zegu underscored the pivotal role of the younger generation, describing them as ‘today’s energy, innovation, and hope.’

He commended community projects such as the construction of dormitories at the Klefe Technical Institute, calling vocational education ‘the cornerstone of independence and entrepreneurship.’

Citing recent surveys, the chief revealed alarming statistics: more than half of secondary school students admit to drinking alcohol, nearly one in five report using marijuana, and more than five percent have experimented with amphetamines.

Cases of tramadol and opioid abuse, he warned, are steadily climbing.

‘These are our sons and daughters. If we lose them to drugs, we lose our future,’ he warmed.

To counter the crisis, Togbi Zegu outlined an ambitious response, urging a regional alliance of traditional leaders, parents, educators, and law enforcement to confront the menace through education, family mentorship, counselling and rehabilitation, tighter controls on illicit substances, and expanded opportunities for youth employment and skills training.

He called on the people of Volta to draw strength from their shared history, envisioning future festivals that celebrate not only rich harvests but also the triumphs of empowered, drug-free youth. ‘Let us stand united in history, purpose, and action.’

The 2025 Klefe Yam Festival was on the theme ‘Youth Empowerment: The Future of Our Community.’

Ghanaian socialite, media personality, and actress Adu Safowah, known for her outspoken nature and involvement in controversies, has declared that her love for Dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, outweighs that of her own family.

Her public display of affection, which has sparked mixed reactions on social media, comes days after Shatta Wale’s star-studded performance at the Rapperholic Homecoming concert at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Adu Safowah shared a photo of Shatta Wale on Instagram with the caption: ‘All I do is to pray for you, you will live long Shatta in good health. I love you than my own family members and they know #Iloveyou.’

Responding to a fan who questioned her declaration, she replied, ‘Listen to nobody bigger than God and you will understand my post better. His music keeps some of us going. Street crown oooo mine, I love Shatta.’

Her connection with Shatta Wale appears to stem from admiration rather than romance. She has previously described him as ‘the best’ following his performance at the 2025 President’s Cup, praising his originality and impact on Ghana’s music industry.

The much-anticipated ‘Tidal Rave Festival’ is set to take over the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on November 14 and 15, promising an electrifying celebration of music, culture, and community.

Now in its 13th edition, the festival has grown into one of the country’s premier youth-driven experiences, built on strategic partnerships that continue to elevate both the event and the country’s creative industry.

Speaking at the official launch, the Event Director, Awo Ampadu Somuah, said this year marks a bold reimagining of the festival’s identity.

‘Over the years, Tidal Rave has been known for delivering the ultimate rave experience. But this year, for the first time ever, the spotlight shifts to the Culture Currents, a carefully selected team of top industry specialists.’

The Culture Currents – comprising some of the nation’s most exciting creative voices, including Lisa Quama, Ato Sekyi, Rev Erskine, Samuella Graham, Ellen Osabutey, Makafui Awuku, Kojo Junior, and Joewackle – have been tasked with shaping the festival from within.

Their role is to bring diverse perspectives that reimagine what raving looks and feels like in 2025, weaving together fashion, food, culture, dance, storytelling, and sustainability into the two-day celebration.

‘With fresh energy and fearless perspectives, the Culture Currents are ready to spark a wave that will ripple far beyond the coastline,’ Mr. Ampadu noted.

This year’s festival also features a landmark two-year partnership with the Black Star Experience (BSE), an initiative under the Office of the President that seeks to promote Ghanaian tourism and the creative arts.

Explaining the collaboration, Rex Owusu Marfo, Presidential Staffer and Coordinator of the BSE, said the partnership was an investment in the country’s cultural future.

‘We are not forcing young people to come to our museum; we are bringing the museum to their festival. We are creating living, breathing, pulsing cultural moments. This collaboration is a direct investment in our future, ensuring our culture not only survives but thrives for generations to come,’ he said.

The CEO of EchoHouse Africa, Beryl Agyekum Ayaaba, curators of Tidal Rave, described the partnership as a powerful step forward.

‘Tidal Rave has always been more than just an event; it is a platform to empower and showcase incredible Ghanaian talent. Partnering with the Black Star Experience is a strong affirmation of that mission and will help us project Ghana’s creative energy to the international stage, driving both cultural and economic value for the nation,’ she said.

According to her, with music at its heart but culture at its core, this year’s Tidal Rave Festival promises not just a weekend of entertainment but a once-in-a-lifetime experience designed to leave lasting ripples across the country’s creative scene.

The McDan Teshie Sports Complex will come alive on Saturday, October 18, 2025, when Police Ladies face Faith Ladies in the Women’s Champion of Champions clash. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

The encounter pits two of Ghana’s standout women’s football clubs against each other in a battle for silverware and bragging rights.

Police Ladies, famed for their discipline and resilience, will be eager to crown their campaign with a trophy.

Faith Ladies, despite suffering relegation, see the tie as an opportunity to make a bold statement and reaffirm their pedigree.

The Champion of Champions fixture not only crowns excellence in the women’s game but also serves as the curtain-raiser to the new season.

Supporters can look forward to tactical battles, flashes of brilliance, and the fierce competitiveness that has defined meetings between the two sides.

Fans are urged to turn up in their numbers at the McDan Teshie Sports Complex to witness what promises to be a captivating start to the women’s football season.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured private universities of government’s readiness to consider measures that will improve their operations and contribution to higher education in Ghana.

This assurance was given when a delegation from the Christian Service University (CSU) in Kumasi, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sam Afrane, paid a courtesy call on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

Prof. Afrane, speaking on behalf of the delegation, urged the government to extend the Stress-free Fee Programme for first-year students in private universities, arguing that the initiative should not only benefit students in public institutions.

He also appealed for scholarships to be made available to lecturers in private tertiary institutions to enable them pursue Doctoral programmes, thereby improving faculty capacity.

President Mahama, in his response, welcomed the delegation warmly and expressed appreciation for their support and prayers. He emphasised that private universities play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and deserve attention from the government.

To demonstrate his commitment, the President tasked the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who was present at the meeting, to study the issues raised and make recommendations.

The CSU delegation included the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Stephen Banahene; the Registrar, Mr. Andrews K. Doku; the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Dr. Cynthia Akuoko; and the University Chaplain, Rev. Anthony Boateng Agyenim. Before their departure, they prayed for the President, his government, and the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Christian Service University, located in the Ashanti Region, is a leading private institution offering programmes in theology, business, health sciences, and applied sciences. Its call for support highlights broader challenges facing private universities across Ghana, particularly in the areas of funding, staffing, and student access.

Ghanaian gospel artist and public servant, Daniel Asamoah, popularly known as ‘The Singing Prophet’, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health from the Livingstone International University of Tourism Excellence and Business Management (LIUTEBM) in Lusaka, Zambia.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, September, 19, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Dr. Asamoah’s dissertation, titled, ‘Healthcare Facilities Regulations in Ghana: Compliance and Challenges’, highlights his expertise and innovative approach to addressing key issues in Ghana’s health sector.

His research is expected to contribute significantly to healthcare regulations and public health policy in Ghana and beyond.

Beyond his role as a gospel artist best known for the hit song ‘Di Yen Anim’, the musician has built a reputation as a respected professional in health regulation, healthcare facility establishment, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures.

His academic achievement reflects his dedication to advancing healthcare regulation and public health policy.

Eleven other Ghanaians who were also awarded PhDs in various disciplines such as Public Health include Dr. Jennifer Andoh, Dr. Mabel Afi Togbe, Dr. Catherine Armah, Dr. Gifty Dede Mateko Angmor, Dr. Augustina Ampah, and Dr. Hafez Adam Taher.

The rest are Dr. Felix Ahima-Adonteng, Dr. Raphael John Marfo, Project Dr. Joseph Okine and Dr. Isaac Setordzi.

The Anala family has organised a memorial mass for the late Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala and his late siblings Fr. Tony Anala and Grace Anala at OLA Catholic Cathedral Parish in Tamale in the Northern region.

The memorial mass was graced by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, the Clergy, Ghana Airforce, St. James Old Boys Association, Catholic Church groups, family members, sympathisers among others.

Leticia Anala, who read a tribute on behalf of the family, expressed their gratitude to the entire nation for their support and wished the late family members farewell.

‘Though we part for now, we await the day we will be united again in God’s kingdom,’ she stated.

Frank Hanson (Ltd), Ghana Airforce, described the late Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala as a dedicated, intelligent and welcoming officer who served the nation diligently.

Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, tragically lost his life with seven others in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash near Adansi Brofoyedru in the Ashanti Region.

He was born on November 2, 1989 in Tamale.

He hailed from Siniensi, in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region, and was the youngest child of Honorable Oscar Anala, former Member of Parliament for Builsa and Lucy Apung Anala, a retired educationist.

Peter began his primary and junior secondary education at Barwah Barracks, home to the Air Force Base in Tamale.

He later attended St James Seminary/Secondary School, where his discipline and academic excellence flourished.

Upon graduating from St James, Peter pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) graduating in 2012.

He went on to obtain a Master of Science in Air Transport and Aviation Management from the same institution in 2023.

At the time of his passing, he was pursuing postgraduate studies in Safety and Accident Investigation in the United Kingdom.