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From church to beach parties: How 2023 was welcomed
New Year celebrations always come with a mix of activities and this year’s celebration was no exception. Many Christians had ushered in year 2023 at watch night services across the country and Monday January 2, was another opportunity to ‘let the hair down’.
As it was a public holiday, revellers found their preferred locations to ‘cool off’.
From the streets, to beaches and pubs, some residents in Accra stepped out in their numbers to take part in the fun as some jammed to records or live band music at various entertainment spots in the city.
Our Photographer, Lizzy Okai, was also out and about capturing sights and scenes at church services and selected beaches in the capital.
It was all praise singing at the Church of Pentecost, Kpobiman Assembly in the Greater Accra Region, with celebrants dressed in colourful traditional clothes or already made dresses. The sermons projected a positive outlook for the year as worshippers rededicated themselves to starting the year on sound footing.
Tambourine
Patrons at the beaches were from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Singles, couples and individual families were engaged in variety of fun throughout the day or for as long as their energy levels would permit.
The depth of the celebrations, to some extent, made some people doubt there was any form of economic hardship in the country. These notwithstanding, the happy moments spent in the Church or at the beaches clearly had a therapeutic effect as it bonded lovers, individuals, and families.
It is said that Ghanaians do not take their holidays for granted and, indeed, this buttresses the merrymaking as captured at various locations in Accra and beyond
By Serwaa Marfo
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
