News
UG former leaders share valuable insight …as part of 75th anniversary activities

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The panelists during the conversation.
The University of Ghana (UG), Legon, as part of its 75th anniversary activities has held an interactive event with former leaders of the institution to reflect on the University’s historical trajectory by retracing steps to its very beginnings.
The event titled ‘Back to the Future: Conversations with UG Captains on Wear UG Day,’ brought together some alumni of the university and stakeholders cladded in the university’s 75th cloth to grace the occasion.
Ace Journalist, Bernard Avle, who moderated the discussion, led the panellists to share some valuable insights about the remarkable journey chalked by the university, regarding their time at the university both as students and leaders.
The members included Former Vice-Chancellor (1996 – 2002), Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah; former Registrar (2013 – 2021), Mrs Mercy Haizel-Ashia; Vice-Chancellor from 2010 to 2016, Professor Ernest Aryeetey and former student leader, Mrs Carlotta Bannerman Amande.
Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, expressed his eagerness in seeing a Nobel Prize laureate emerge from the university, believing it would bestow immeasurable benefits upon the institution and elevate its prestige.
“We are not there yet, but I would like to see a future in this university where a young man or young woman at WACCI, or at WACBIP, or at Noguchi or ISSER can think and dream about a Nobel Prize,” Prof. Aryeetey stated.
He therefore urged the university community to foster a culture of competitiveness and strive for international recognition, moving beyond being ‘local champions.’
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo stated that “the Wear UG Day” was not a day about identity for its members only, but a day meant to reflect on the giant strides made over the past 75 years.
Professor Appiah Amfo announced that proceeds from the upcoming fundraising dinner, scheduled for December 22, 2023, would be used for the construction of the 75th anniversary legacy project.
The project will be a student experience centre project meant to change the face of student services at the university.
By Yunusah Essandoh
News
I don’t take NPP for granted— Afenyo Markin insists

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, stressing that he does not take the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granted.
He made the remarks during a media briefing, where he also dismissed claims that there are compromising videos or audio recordings of him that could embarrass him, his family or the party.
Mr Afenyo Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but insisted that he would not act recklessly, particularly given the responsibility attached to his position as Minority Leader.
“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless,” he stated.
He said he was conscious of the history of the position he occupies, noting that it had previously been held by senior members of the NPP, including J.B. Danquah, J.H. Mensah and Busia, Dumbo.
According to him, the party’s elders did not entrust him with the leadership of the parliamentary caucus without considering the responsibility involved.
“I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect. The elders of this party, they don’t just get up to say, ‘Our son, lead the caucus.’ From day one, they entrusted me with this position,” he stated.
Mr Afenyo Markin said he has always recognised the weight of the party’s history and the need to conduct himself in a manner that protects the image of the NPP.
He rejected claims that individuals have videos or audio recordings of him engaging in activities that could be used to embarrass him.
“Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family and the party,” he insisted.
He described the claims as part of the challenges politicians face in the era of social media, where allegations and rumours can spread quickly.
Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that despite such claims, he would continue to carry out his responsibilities with caution and respect for the office he occupies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
GoldBod concerns are about implementation, not individuals- Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has denied that his concerns over the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme are aimed at any particular individual.
He explained that his criticism has always been directed at the institution and the way the programme is being implemented, rather than at any person.

“I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution,” Mr Afenyo Markin stated.
He made these remarks today during a press briefing August 31, 2026,Speaking to when cultural troupes from Winneba visited his residence in Accra
the Minority’s position is that although the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is a good initiative, its implementation has created challenges that need to be examined.
He described the programme as an initiative introduced under former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to use Ghana’s gold resources to help stabilise the economy.
Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that the Minority supports the idea but is concerned about what he described as losses arising from its implementation.
He referenced concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding losses associated with the programme, arguing that such issues should be properly investigated.
He therefore rejected suggestions that the matter had become a personal attack.
“We need to elevate the conversation so that it doesn’t become a personality contest,” he added.
Responding to arguments that the reported losses could instead be exchange rate losses on the Bank of Ghana’s own accounts and that the central bank was following international best practices, Mr Afenyo Markin called for patience.
He indicated that the planned parliamentary probe would provide an opportunity for all sides to present their positions and establish the facts.
“When October comes and we start the discussion, wherever the truth is, we will all get to know,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey




