News
School building collapses on pupils
A pupil of the Sumborun Basic School in the Sissala East Municipality suffered a head injury, after a log from their classroom shed fell on them, following the collapse of the building on the children.
Checks by the GNA revealed that the affected pupil, Zaachi Hanawu, a primary one pupil, had since been treated and discharged from the community clinic.
Mr Dangor File, the Assemblyman of the Sumboru electoral area, told the GNA that the school’s structure, which had been under construction by the Northern Development Authority (NDA) had stalled for the last four years.
He said the pupils, aged between six and eight, participated in the re-construction of the classroom sheds, to save them from the harsh weather conditions, because their parents refused to participate in the constant ritual of repairs whenever school resumed from vacation, claiming they were occupied with their farming activities.
Mr Dangor stated that unfortunately, while gathering tree branches and other leaves to cover the uncompleted structure, one of the logs fell on a pupil, injuring her on the head, whilst others sustained minor injuries.
Mr Fuseini Batong Yakubu, the Sisalla East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), confirmed that he had earlier sought NDA’s assistance to complete some abandoned projects in the area, which included the three-unit classroom block in Sumborun, which was yet to be roofed and stocked for the school.
He said the uncompleted projects dotted around the Municipality included a doctor’s bungalow and maternity ward at Welembelle, the Banu Police post, Lilixia Kindergarten block, the Dangi classroom block, a three-unit classroom block at Dolunbizon, the Bujan maternity ward, Kuroboi CHIPs compound and the Challu community centre. –GNA
News
Sammy Awuku urges Fourth Estate to follow GJA Code of Ethics when holding duty bearers accountable
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has called on the Fourth Estate to strictly adhere to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics when reporting on public officials and state institutions.
In a statement issued on 25 September 2025, Mr Awuku said a recent publication by the Fourth Estate about the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Good Causes Foundation misrepresented facts about projects undertaken during his time as Director-General.
According to him, the article created the impression that funds meant for the underprivileged were diverted to “glamorous events and questionable enterprises” but ignored many life-saving projects, donations and community interventions funded by the Foundation.
He reminded journalists that Article 1 of the GJA Code of Ethics obliges them to provide factual, balanced and accurate information to the public and to cross-check their facts before publication. “For journalists of the Fourth Estate’s calibre who pride themselves in working in the public interest, it is only appropriate that their publications are factual and not misleading,” he stated.
Mr Awuku explained that the NLA Good Causes Foundation was established in October 2021 to rebrand the Authority’s corporate social responsibility arm and focus on health, education, youth and sports development, and arts and culture.
He said that during his tenure the Foundation built 20-seater toilet facilities with mechanised boreholes in several communities, funded surgery for a baby with spinal bifida, donated incubators and medical supplies to hospitals, constructed a smart laboratory for the Borstal Institute, provided scholarships to needy students, and supported football clubs and cultural festivals, among other projects.
Mr Awuku added that the Foundation was funded through the Caritas Lottery Platform, which generated about GHS11 million between October 2021 and December 2024 after its relaunch.
He dismissed claims that the Authority spent heavily on awards and luxury events, explaining that sponsorships accounted for only about five per cent of expenditure and were intended to attract corporate stakeholders and raise revenue. He also said many award nominations were turned down and that any awards received were not “bought” but recognised the work of his management and staff.
The MP expressed concern about the publication of the names of NLA staff and other beneficiaries, including patients, saying this violated their privacy.
Mr Awuku concluded that he served with integrity and helped turn the NLA’s losses into profits and urged the Fourth Estate and other media houses to present a full and balanced picture when holding duty bearers accountable.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Businessman Richard A. Jakpa has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
He is accusing former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame of trying to get him to give false evidence in court.
In his petition dated July 23, 2025, Mr. Jakpa said he is the third accused person in an ongoing trial involving former Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to Mr. Jakpa, Mr. Dame contacted him after the prosecution closed its case and allegedly urged him to cooperate and testify in a way that would implicate Dr. Forson.
He further alleged that on March 26, 2024, Mr. Dame called him and suggested how he should answer questions about Letters of Credit during cross-examination, and even advised him to seek a false medical excuse to delay proceedings.
This, Mr. Jakpa mentioned, he refused to do so.
The businessman is asking the CID to investigate what he describes as an attempt to fabricate evidence and undermine the court process.
The former Attorney-General has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
