Hot!
NPP holds balloting for Presidential Primaries
Balloting of presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday took place at a closed door meeting with officials of the Electoral Commission (EC), and the NPP Election Committee, at the party’s headquarters in Accra.
All the 10 presidential aspirants, who were recently approved by the National Council, following the recommendation of the Vetting Committee of the party, were present to participate in the exercise.
This is ahead of voting by the special delegate, on August 26, 2023, to elect five of the 10 aspirants to contest the NPP flagbarareship for Election 2024.
Ballot papers would be printed by the EC, and supervised by nominees of the aspirants.
Mr Kennedy Agyapong, MP, Assin Central, picked the first (1) position, followed by Mr Alan Kyerematen, Mr Joe Ghartey, Mr Kwadwo Poku, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Mr Addai Nimo, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Mr Kyerematen Agyarko, while Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia picked the last position.
Addressing journalists after the balloting, spokesperson for the NPP Election Committee, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markins, said the exercise was successful and all aspirants were excited about the process and arrangement towards the election.
He said the elections would be conducted by the EC, and as well takes the responsibility of printing of the ballot papers and all security arrangement during the voting exercise.
Mr Afentyo-Markins, Deputy Minority Leader, and MP Awutu Senya, said the committee took the opportunity to engage the aspirants on matters of concern, and build consensus on the nagging issues raised by some of presidential aspirants.
He stressed that the ballot papers would not be printed by the party, but the EC with the representative of the aspirants, who would supervise the whole process of the elections.
Mr Afentyo-Markins said the aspirants had been briefed on the type of pictures needed by the EC for printing the ballot papers, while the notice of polls would be communicated to party members in due time.
He said the party had also agreed to do proxy voting, which had been accepted by the aspirants, stressing that, deadline for proxy is September 2, 2023, while the lists of delegates would be given to the aspirants in due time.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
The Dzidula Pink Foundation, a new organisation dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support, has been officially launched in Accra, with a passionate call for national commitment to fighting the disease. The launch event, held last week Friday, carried the theme: “Beyond the diagnosis: A future of restoration, care and courage.”
Speaking at the event, Madam Abena Brigidi, founder and CEO of Nimed Capital Limited, emphasised that cancer remains one of the most devastating health challenges facing families across the country. “Cancer does not discriminate—it affects mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. It drains families emotionally and financially, and behind every statistic is a human story and a future suddenly thrown into uncertainty,” she said.
Sharing her personal encounters with cancer, having lost both her husband and father to the disease, Madam Brigidi highlighted the emotional, financial, and physical scars left behind. “I stand here not just as a speaker, but as a witness to what cancer can take away,” she stated. “I have watched loved ones fight bravely, and I have felt the deep pain that loss leaves behind.”
She stressed that awareness and early detection are critical to reducing deaths, noting that many Ghanaians still lack access to proper screening, reliable information, and adequate treatment. She appealed to healthcare professionals, corporate institutions, policymakers, the media, and the general public to join hands in the fight. “Early detection saves lives. Your support today can lead to someone’s healing tomorrow,” she said.
Madam Brigidi further called for collective responsibility to sustain the foundation’s mission. “To our medical professionals, we need your expertise. To corporate partners, your resources. To the media, your voice. To policymakers, your support. And to the public, your compassion,” she urged. She also insisted that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to annual campaigns, saying, “Breast cancer awareness must not be seasonal.”
Mrs Diana Fafa Gozo, founder of the Dzidula Pink Foundation, shared her own cancer journey, describing the shock of diagnosis, the fear that followed, and the difficult path through treatment. Her experience transformed her pain into purpose and inspired her to create a foundation to ensure no cancer patient walks alone.
Mrs Gozo explained that many patients struggle not only with treatment costs but also with emotional resilience. She outlined the foundation’s initiatives, which include awareness and early detection campaigns, patient support funds, community outreach, and survival support circles. “This foundation is my offering of gratitude, courage, and compassion and a reminder that no one should walk the cancer journey alone,” she concluded.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) says it will deploy teams of Public Health Officers, members of its Sanitation Taskforce, and labourers, including sweepers and janitors, across all sub-metros to support the third National Sanitation Day exercise.
It explained that these teams will be equipped with waste collection trucks, tippers, and other tools to help with desilting, refuse collection, and transporting waste to approved disposal sites.
The AMA reminded residents that failing to comply with the sanitation directive or refusing to participate in communal labour is an offence.
It said offenders risk a fine of up to 100 penalty units, imprisonment between 30 days and six months, or both, with repeat offenders liable to additional daily penalties.
It urged all residents, traders, transport operators, market women, shop owners, landlords, tenants, and businesses to actively participate in the exercise.
The AMA said it counts on everyone’s collective responsibility to keep Accra clean, liveable, and resilient, especially as the city approaches Christmas and the New Year.
By: Jacob Aggrey
