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My relationship with Akufo Addo is cordial- Paul Afoko
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Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, says he has no personal grudge against former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing their relationship as cordial despite their past political differences.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda on Channel one TV yesterday, Mr Afoko said he does not hold on to bitterness and has chosen forgiveness over resentment.
“My relationship with Akufo-Addo is cordial,” he said. “It’s my nature. I don’t harbour things.”
Mr. Afoko explained that his approach to forgiveness was shaped by his past experiences, including his relationship with former President Jerry John Rawlings, under whose military administration he was imprisoned.
He recounted that years after those events, Mr. Rawlings invited him to his residence at Vume in the Volta Region, where they had a lengthy and honest discussion.
According to him, he reminded the late former President of a meeting they had while he was in detention, when he was brought from prison to the Castle.
Mr Afoko said Mr Rawlings recognised him after he reminded him of the incident and recalled describing him as a courageous young man. He added that the former President had even offered him an opportunity to join a group travelling to Cuba for training, but he declined.
He said he later told Mr Rawlings that although he disagreed with some actions carried out during his administration, he had never blamed him personally.
“I’ve never blamed you. I have blamed the things that you did, but not you as a person. Some of the things were done in your name, even without your knowledge,” Mr Afoko recalled telling the late President.
Drawing a comparison with his relationship with former President Akufo-Addo, Mr Afoko said he applies the same principle of forgiveness to everyone.
“It’s my nature. I don’t harbour things. Long gone,” he said.
He added that he deliberately avoids dwelling on negative experiences because he prefers to focus on positive things in life.
“The space in my head is not for rent to negativity. There’s not enough space. I don’t rent it out to negative things. I want it to be kept for positive things,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Education has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region.
The ministry, in a statement issued on August 20, 2026, indicated that two watchmen employed by the school are alleged to have sexually abused the student.
It described the incident as unacceptable and stressed that schools must protect and care for students, particularly children who are vulnerable.
The ministry made it clear that the student cannot be blamed for the alleged abuse.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” it stated.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the matter and submit a report immediately.
He has directed the GES to ensure that the student receives the necessary medical care and counselling to support her recovery.
The ministry further directed that the student’s boarding status at BOGISS be restored immediately.
It assured the student’s family and the public that it would work to ensure that justice is served.
The ministry described the incident as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of students in schools across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former Deputy Minister for Local Government and NDC aspiring national chairman, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has apologised to GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over comments he made during a discussion on Channel one TV.
In a statement dated August 20, 2026, Mr Vanderpuye acknowledged that his comments during the programme did not properly communicate his intended position.
He explained that he had no intention of undermining Mr Gyamfi or supporting criticisms being directed at him and GoldBod by the opposition.
According to him, his intention was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of its CEO, but he expressed himself in a way that created a different impression.
“For that error of judgement and communication, I am sincerely sorry,” Mr Vanderpuye stated.
He particularly apologised to Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated member of the NDC who has served the party with courage and commitment.
Mr Vanderpuye also apologised to the leadership, members and grassroots of the NDC who may have been disappointed or hurt by his comments.
He acknowledged that party members expect leaders and those seeking greater responsibility within the NDC to show solidarity, good judgement and loyalty, especially when members and institutions led by them face political attacks.
Mr Vanderpuye further stressed that he has spent a significant part of his political life supporting and fighting for the NDC, including during difficult personal and political periods.
He reaffirmed that the NDC remains his political home and that his loyalty and commitment to the party remain unwavering.
The issue started after the Minority in Parliament, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin, accused GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi of being responsible for an alleged GH¢22 billion loss at the institution.
Mr Gyamfi later responded to the allegations during the government’s accountability series, defending GoldBod and its work.
However, during a discussion on channel one TV, Nii Lante Vanderpuye made some comments that were understood by some people as being critical of Mr Gyamfi and GoldBod.
His comments sparked concerns among some NDC supporters, leading him to apologise to Mr Gyamfi, the party leadership and its members.
By: Jacob Aggrey
