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Poets celebrate Ama Ata-Aidoo’s legacy with “Voice On Words” Spoken Word Competition

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The All African Women Poetry Festival (AAWPF) recently held its highly anticipated “Voice on Words” Spoken Word Competition at the prestigious British Council in Accra, Ghana.

The event showcased the exceptional talent of young poets from three renowned schools who battled it out for the coveted title. Among the participating schools were Holy Trinity Catholic Senior High School, La Presby Senior High School, and the outstanding representatives from Osu Salem Senior High School, led by the remarkable Ella Ahondo, who emerged as the winner.

The competition, divided into three exhilarating rounds, aimed to celebrate the power of spoken word poetry while honouring the legacy of renowned Ghanaian author Ama Ata-Aidoo.

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Rhymesonny, a prolific poet known for his impactful performances and works as a poet and entrepreneur, and Dr. Ekua Kumah from the University of Ghana, served as esteemed judges for the competition.

In the first round, the students showcased their deep appreciation for Ama Ata-Aidoo’s works as they selected poems from her collection.

This segment not only paid tribute to the legendary writer but also demonstrated the participants’ understanding of her profound literary contributions.

The second round posed an exciting challenge, requiring the students to select and perform poems written by female African writers. This segment aimed to highlight the immense talent and diversity present within the African literary landscape, showcasing the voices of accomplished women poets.

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The climax of the competition was the final round, where the young poets presented their own original compositions. This round offered a platform for the students to express their unique perspectives, experiences, and creativity through powerful spoken word performances.

The success of the Voice on Words Spoken Word Competition would not have been possible without the generous support of various organizations and institutions.

The KGL Foundation, FanMilk, National Theatre, Ghana Education Service, British Council, and the Black Women Rise Poetry initiative in the USA all playing crucial roles in making this event a resounding success. Their commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting poetry in Ghana is commendable and greatly appreciated.

The AAWPF’s Voice on Words Spoken Word Competition not only showcased the exceptional talent of these young poets but also provided them with a platform to express themselves, raise their voices, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana and Africa as a whole.

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It is through such initiatives that a new generation of writers, artists, and creative thinkers could be shaped for the future.

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NPP stages massive “Democracy Under Attack” Demo In Accra

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.

The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.

Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.

Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.

The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.

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He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.

At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.

However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.

Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.

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“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.

According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”

Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.

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“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.

One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.

The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.

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Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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GACL introduces hotline and “mystery shopping” to fight airport extortion

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The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.

The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.

According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.

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GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.

The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.

The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.

GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.

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The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.

It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.

GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.

The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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