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NPP ready for 2024 IEA presidential debate – Kodua Frimpong
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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its readiness to participate in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary debates organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), as stated by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
On Thursday, August 22, the IEA inaugurated a 9-member Presidential Debate Committee tasked with coordinating engagements with political parties ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Justice Sophia Akuffo, the committee’s chairperson, emphasized their commitment to fostering a debate process that encourages participation and focuses on issue-based, people-centred discussions.
In an interview on Eyewitness News, Justin Kodua underscored the importance of these debates in providing a platform for political parties to present their visions and policies to the electorate.
He noted that while the NPP had opted out of similar debates in 2014 and 2016, the party is now eager to highlight its achievements and give voters a clear comparison of what each party offers.
“The reason why we are interested in this debate is for us to be able to espouse what our flagbearer has been going around the country and talking about in terms of his vision for the country in the next four years. So, if for instance in 2014 and 2016, there were reasons why the party didn’t attend but this time around the party is ready for any debate because we feel that as a nation we have made progress and also the election between the NPP and the other political parties, Ghanaians need to know what each political parties offer the best and credible manifesto,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed reluctance to participate, citing dissatisfaction with the IEA’s approach.
The Mahama 2024 campaign team criticized the IEA for not consulting the NDC before announcing the debates, calling the move unacceptable.
Despite this, the IEA remains committed to continuing the debate process, even if the NDC opts out. Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, a member of the Presidential Debate Committee, underscored the IEA’s history of successfully organizing debates, regardless of non-participation by some parties.
He emphasized the importance of engaging with the electorate and reaffirmed the IEA’s openness to further dialogue with all political parties.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
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
