Hot!
President Mahama introduces Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers

- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-12.38.52.jpeg&description=President Mahama introduces Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WhatsApp-Image-2025-08-04-at-12.38.52.jpeg&description=President Mahama introduces Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The Minister for Finance, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that the President, His Excellency (H.E) John Dramani Mahama, has introduced a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers.
As a result, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will, during the 2025/26 cocoa season, develop the necessary guidelines and begin implementing the Cocoa Tertiary Scholarship Scheme.
The programme is expected to officially take off from the 2026/27 academic year.
Mr. Ato Forson made this revelation on Monday in a Facebook post, noting that the initiative forms part of government’s efforts to support farming families and promote access to higher education.
In addition to the scholarship scheme, the Finance Minister announced the reintroduction of the free cocoa fertiliser programme as further support to Ghanaian cocoa farmers, beginning the 2025/2026 crop year.
According to him, President Mahama’s administration will this year supply farmers with free cocoa fertilisers, both liquid and granular, along with free insecticides, free spraying machines, free fungicides, and free flower inducers.
He said government was therefore strongly advising cocoa farmers to apply these inputs solely for the purpose of improving their cocoa yield and increasing their income.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey




