Features
The outcome of the NPP National Executives Election and the daunting or difficult task ahead of the party
As a normal routine, every Tuesday of the week which is a market day at the Korle-Gonno Tuesday Market in Accra in my vicinity, I never missed going there myself as a bachelor to buy my assorted fruits such as oranges, water melon, pineapples, sugarcane, apples, mangoes among others which I normally relied upon to keep my body fresh, lively and active. Trust me, ever since I started consuming these fruits, I hardly complained of sickness, even though I regularly visited my health providers for routine check-ups.
SHORTAGE OF FOOD ITEMS AND WHAT IT MEANS TO GHANAIANS
The last time I went to this market to buy my fruits, I had the shock of my life, as this market which was normally booming with fruits, foodstuffs and other assorted wares, was completely short of these items with some market women around, complaining bitterly about how things were negatively going on in this country and how their families were affected in their daily living conditions.
Being a senior and experienced journalist who was curious to know more, I spoke to a few of them around to know what had necessitated the shortage of these items on the market this time round. As if they were trained economists, they told me bluntly that the general bad economic conditions that had affected petroleum products, had prevented most of the people who transported these foodstuffs and other food items from the hinterland to the marketing centres for sale to consumers. It will interest my readers to know that I spent thrice more than what I normally used, to purchase these fruits which were dear to me in my routine daily meal. I can tell you that the situation I met at the Korle-Gonno Tuesday Market, will definitely cut across the various markets in most cities of the country.
RELATING THE EMPTY MARKET TO THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
Such is the terrible economic challenges in which Ghanaians find themselves at the moment with the terrible high cost of living, shortage of goods, services and food items, constant depreciation of the cedi against the dollar, high inflation, excessive borrowing and spending, debt ratio escalating, opulence and extravagant way of living by government appointees among others. No doubt we are in difficult times in the history of our country and we have to run to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek a bailout. But all is not lost yet, with the Almighty God on our side, we have to fight and extricate ourselves from these economic challenges and together, help build our dear nation into a formidable force for generation unborn.
I have decided to deviate a bit from the topic I have chosen to write on just to let my readers understand the arduous task ahead of the new national executives elected by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are expected to be in office for the next four years to help the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo/Alhaji Mahammadu Bawumia administration to move the country out of the present economic challenges in order to position the party to fight for the next election to fulfil the party’s much touted agenda, “Breaking the Eight”.
The NPP on Saturday, July 16, 2022. came out from a successful National Delegates Conference at the Accra Sports Stadium which saw the party electing a new crop of officers to steer it affairs for the next four years. God being so good, there was no nasty incident to mar the beauty of the conference which was attended by delegates drawn from all over the 16 regions of the country. It was a nice display of party paraphernalia with President Akufo-Addo and his Vice, Alhaji Bawumia in attendance.
NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVES OF NPP
By midnight, the over 6,000 delegates had cast their ballots to elect new executives they think can help propel the party to greater heights. Those elected are, Mr Stephen Ntim, National Chairman, Mr Danquah Smith Buttey, First Vice Chairman, Madam Rita Asobayire, Second Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Third Vice Chairman, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah, General Secretary, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), National Organizer, Ms Kate Gyamfua, Women Organiser, Abdul Aziz Haruna Futah, Nasara Coordinator, Mr Salam Mohammed Mustafa, Youth Organizer and Dr. Charles Dwamena, Treasurer.
It was a tough contest, especially, in the case of the national chairman and the general secretary positions. Mr. Stephen Ntim, after five attempts within 20 years has finally won the chairmanship, having defeated strong contenders such as Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Mr Kwabena Abankwa-Yeboah among others. The former General Secretary, Mr John Buadu, who was tipped to retain his position, lost painfully to Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah.
AMENDING THE CRACKS AND DIVISIONS WITHIN THE PARTY
Now that the elections are over and the executives have been sworn-in, it is the wish and desire of many Ghanaians and, indeed, the ardent supporters of the NPP that the cracks and divisions that have been created as a result of the elections which did not favour supporters of some of the contestants, will be amended to unite the rank and file of members to prosecute the agenda the party has set for itself. It is so painful to lose your candidate considering the amount of campaign you have put in for that person. However, in every election, there is bound to be a winner and a loser and that has been the beauty of the game. No one can cry over spilt milk and in every human institution, there are some of these infractions that is why the losers must quickly put the past behind them and team up with the winners for the progress of the party.
It is a fact that the new executives have a difficult task of healing the wounds created as a result of this election by uniting the rank and file of the party members and supporters alike. They have to support the government to put in place sound and pragmatic economic policies within the shortest possible time to restore the loss of confidence most Ghanaians have developed for the Akufo-Addo- led administration as the country prepare for the 2024 general election. The government is also expected to open its doors to the new executives for dialogue and consultation because they are on the ground and, therefore, feel the pulses of the grassroots who will in the future, determine the fate of the party come 2024.
ENSURING THAT THE RIGHT LEADER IS CHOSEN
It is also a paramount duty of the new executives to ensure that the right of person is chosen to lead the party in the 2024 presidential election. Already, names are being bandied around for the leadership position. That is very important because any attempt to compromise their position on the flagbearer, will deepen the woes of the party and affect it badly in the next election. They have to ensure a fair playing ground in the parliamentary primaries to choose competent and well- groomed candidates for the general election in 2024.
The year 2024, is a bit far from now to assess the chances of any political party in the upcoming election, but the various afrobarometer surveys by research institutions and pollsters so far conducted across the country, indicated that the majority of Ghanaians were not comfortable with the ruling NPP when it came to the next election. According to findings from some of these researches, “the economy is not moving in the right direction, hence the high cost of living and general economic hardships among the people.” They claimed the fact that we had run to the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, clearly indicated that the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia-led administration had disappointed Ghanaians and that they could not manage the country well. To the majority of Ghanaians, if election is to be conducted today or anytime soon, the NPP will lose massively.
AFROBAROMETER REPORT AND REACTION FROM PRESIDENT
However, President Akufo-Addo in his address to the NPP National Delegates Conference, dispelled the claim that the party was not doing well. According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine accounted for the present economic challenges in the country. He said the party was going to negotiate a good deal with the IMF,a deal that would allow the government to build a sound economy that would take the country out of the difficult economic challenges.
Time is, indeed, running fast and we are just a little over two years to our next general election to elect a new President since the mandate of President Akufo-Addo is coming to an end. He has a difficult task to leave a good and sound legacy to his successor in view of the present state of the economy. However, we hope that things will change rapidly in the shortest possible time.
BY CHARLES NEEQUAYE
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
0277753946/0248933366
Today, I focus on the Apostolic Church International in Finland, as I continue with my description of institutions and personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The Apostolic Church International, Finland (or, Apostolic International Association Ry) was established in October 9, 2023. The Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments within the short time that it has been established in Finland, which must be highlighted.
History of the Church in Ghana
The Apostolic Church Ghana originated from the 1904–1905 Welsh revival, officially established in Ghana (then called Gold Coast) in 1935 following connections between a local prayer group in Asamankese (a town in southern Ghana), led by Peter Newman Anim, and the Apostolic Church, UK. There were historical splits in 1939 and 1953, but the Apostolic Church attained autonomy in 1985.
Today, the Church is headquartered in Accra. Last year (2025), it dedicated its new 10-storey headquarters, “The Apostolic Church Tower,” in Frafraha, Adenta West in Accra.
Activities of the Apostolic Church in Finland
The Apostolic Church in Finland conducts church service on Sundays. The service starts at 11a.m. in the morning and closes by 1 p.m. in the afternoon. There are no other activities during other days for now.
The Minister in charge of the church in Finland is also the Area Head of Italy Area. He is Pastor Daniel Kofi Addison who is the new Italy Area Head, and has just been transferred from UK South Area to Italy Area during the just-ended Council Meeting in March this year. Italy Area comprises Italy, which has 13 Assemblies, Germany, one Assembly, and Finland, one Assembly.
Elder Ebenezer Amoaning-Coffie is the Presiding Elder in charge of the Assembly in Finland. A Presiding Elder is responsible for day to day activities of the church (Assembly) and reports to the District Pastor, or in the absence of the District Pastor, reports to the Area Head.
Achievements
The Apostolic Church International, Finland was officially registered under the Finnish Law, guaranteeing freedom of worship and providing legal foundation for future growth. The church service is conducted in both English and Twi.
The church opens its doors to all people of every nation, especially Ghanaians who are in Finland and other African nationals. Now, the membership comprises Ghanaians, Nigerians and Sierra Leoneans.
The Church and the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland
The Apostolic Church in Finland plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the Apostolic Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
Elder Amoaning-Coffie said that the main and primary aim of the church is to bring people closer to God. “We aim to win souls for Christ. We aim to preach the gospel to the world. By propagating the gospel to the people, we are hopeful that they will turn away from any ungodly ways and be good individuals in the community and in society in general”, he stated.
He said that everything is going well so far. A key challenge, however, is how to get more members especially the youth. As a new Assembly, we are in need of instrumentalists, for example. We pray to God Almighty to help us do His work, the Elder disclosed.
Integration
By its activities, the Apostolic Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society. This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process in Finland.
As I mentioned some time ago, the role of migrant associations and groups such as the Apostolic Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
The landscape of the Ghanaian palate is shifting, and not necessarily for the better. In our bustling urban centres, from the streets of Accra to the suburbs of Kumasi, a quiet culinary revolution is taking place; one where the mortar and pestle are being replaced by the pizza oven and the deep fryer. This transition from traditional staple foods like fufu, banku, akple, kenkey, tuo zaafi, and ampesi toward “continental” dishes is more than just a change in appetite; it is a reflection of a deeper social struggle with identity and prestige.
The illusion of modernity
For many, “stepping out” for a meal has become synonymous with consuming foreign cuisine. There is an unspoken social hierarchy where a bowl of Abunuabunu is relegated to the village category, while burgers, pizzas are branded as prestigious choices. We have reached a stage where we equate foreign with modern and local with primitive.
This perception is a dangerous illusion. Our traditional dishes are marvels of culinary engineering complex, nutrient-dense, and deeply rooted in our history. When we choose a processed foreign import over a meal made from local tubers or fermented maize, we are not just changing our lunch; we are eroding the indigenous knowledge attached to our local ingredients and foods.
We need to turn the consumption of indigenous grains and tubers like millet, sorghum, and plantain into a statement of self-worth and national pride.
The cultural and health erosion
Every time a local dish disappears from a restaurant menu to make room for foreign fast food, we lose a piece of our cultural fabric. Traditional Ghanaian cooking is an art that requires patience and skill. By choosing the convenience of foreign fast food, we are raising a generation that may know the taste of a pepperoni pizza but cannot identify the rich, earthy profile of Prekese or the subtle tang of well-fermented dough dishes like corn porridge, banku, etew, abolo, agidi or kamfa, and kenkey.
Furthermore, we are at the crossroads of a nutrition transition. Replacing high-fiber, indigenous crops with calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foreign fast foods is driving a rise in lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and liver disease. We are trading our longevity for 15-minutes convenience or unhealthy diet.
A call for culinary patriotism
It is time for us to appreciate, preserve, and promote our indigenous foods and culinary traditions. We need to be proud of our local dishes, ingredients and cooking methods, rather than relying heavily on foreign or imported foods. We must stop viewing our local delicacies as low-class and start treating our culinary heritage as the high-end gastronomy it truly is.
True sophistication does not come from imitating Western fast food; it comes from innovation and adding values to our own resources. We see glimpses of this potential in the rise of branded Sobolo and the creative use of gluten-free plantain flour in modern baking of flour-based dishes such as bread, cakes, biscuits and others. This is the path forward. We must elevate our local dishes, making them as accessible, affordable, presentable and trendy as any foreign alternative.
To the hospitality industry: Innovate or stagnate
Our hotels and high-end restaurants must lead the charge. They must stop relegating local dishes to the “traditional corner” of the buffet, and apply the same culinary finesse given to imported dishes to our Fante Fante, apapransa, aborbi tadi, fetritoto, akple, abolo, yakayeke, fufu, ampesi, kokonte, wasawasa, tubani, apapransa, mpotompoto, kelewele, aliha, brukutu, pito, and other local dishes. The industry must enhance customer experiences making eating local dishes the ultimate luxury experience for both tourists and residents alike. We must elevate the presentation of our foods by using modern plating techniques to show that a bowl of light soup can be as visually stunning as a French consommé. We need to reclaim our Ghanaian plate before it is too late.
To the policy makers: Let us encourage buying of local ingredients to promote the local food industry and economy. There should be educational programmes and talks about the nutritional and cultural benefits of local foods so that people understand their value.
We need to encourage serving traditional dishes at school programmes, parties, and celebrations instead of only fast foods,
To the Youth: Let us value and appreciate our traditional dishes instead of always choosing foreign foods. There must be balance in our choice of local and foreign dishes. Confidence in our culture encourages others to respect it too. Our local dishes can also be promoted by sharing pictures, recipes, and videos on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp to make them attractive and trendy.
Young citizens must learn from their parents and elders how to prepare local meals to keep the knowledge and cultural relevance alive. Local dishes can be modernised to appeal to younger generations and tourists.
Conclusion
We cannot afford to trade our heritage for foreign cuisines which are gaining grounds across the country at an alarming rate. We must disabuse our minds of the perception that anything foreign or imported is better than those locally made. Our health, economy, and identity are tied to the soil. It is time to stop apologising for our local flavours and start celebrating them. It is possible to embrace modernity without losing ourselves and our cultural identity. Let us make the Ghanaian kitchen the heart of our modern identity once again.
By: Marilyn Gadogbe
