News
NPP mourns Ambassador Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced with profound sorrow the passing of Ambassador Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes, describing him as an eminent statesman, distinguished patriot, and one of the founding pillars of the party.
In a statement issued by the party, Ambassador Odoi-Sykes was eulogized for dedicating several decades of his life to the service of Ghana and the cause of democratic governance.
“His constant dedication to public service, constitutional democracy, and principled political leadership earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues across the political divide,” the statement said.
Ambassador Odoi-Sykes served as Member of Parliament for Ashiedu Keteke, now Odododiodio, during the Third Republic, where he rose to become Minority Leader of Parliament. He was noted for his exemplary parliamentary leadership and advocacy for democratic ideals.
As a founding father of the NPP, he played a pivotal role in laying the institutional and ideological foundations of the party.
His leadership as National Chairman from 1998 to 2001 was instrumental in uniting and strengthening the NPP, culminating in its historic electoral victory in the year 2000 and the first democratic transfer of power between political parties under the Fourth Republic.
Following that landmark achievement, he continued his service to the Republic as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada from 2001 to 2006, where he represented the nation with distinction and enhanced Ghana’s diplomatic relations abroad.
The party noted that throughout his lifetime, Ambassador Odoi-Sykes served on numerous national and party committees, offering wise counsel, strategic leadership and invaluable institutional memory.
“His integrity, humility, intellect, and constant commitment to Ghana’s democratic development will remain an enduring source of inspiration for present and future generations,” the NPP said.
“His passing marks the end of an illustrious chapter in Ghana’s political history. The nation has lost a distinguished public servant, while the New Patriotic Party has lost one of its most respected elder statesmen and steadfast architects.”
The party extended its deepest condolences to his wife, children, the entire Odoi-Sykes family, friends, and associates.
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life exceptionally lived in faithful service to God, country, and the Party. Ambassador Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes has indeed paid his dues, and his legacy of principled leadership, patriotism, and selfless service will forever remain etched in the annals of Ghana’s democratic history.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his memory keep inspiring generations yet unborn,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
News
eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, accompanied Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on a successful working visit to Shanghai, China, from 15th to 19th October 2026, at the invitation of the East China Normal University (ECNU).
The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.
On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.
On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.
Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
