Kenya’s opposition leaders have called out President William Ruto over his handling of the problems facing the country and urged him to emulate President Mwai Kibaki in steering the country forward.

During a memorial lecture in honour of the late President Kibaki, who died in April 2022, impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka praised the former Head of State as Kenya’s best leader with an incomparable legacy.

Mr Gachagua was especially vocal, praising Kibaki’s exemplary development record, which he described as a benchmark of sound economic management.

He criticised the current government’s approach, calling it a “massive downgrade” from the Kibaki era between 2003 and 2013.

In particular, Mr Gachagua said the government’s brutal reaction targeting students and journalists following the controversy surrounding Buteres High School play, Echoes of War, written by former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala that was meant to be performed at the National Schools Drama and Films Festival in Nakuru.

“As brutal as they were, the colonial government never went for the children. We have a situation where an administration has panicked because its one term has become real. So they have gone berserk and are chasing shadows, including school girls. How fluid is your government if (you think) schoolgirls can bring you down?” Mr Gachagua said in reference to the play that eventually failed to be performed.

The former deputy president highlighted how taxes under President Kibaki’s administration were reflected in visible development projects, unlike in the current administration, which he accused of imposing exploitative taxation without corresponding public service delivery.

“Kenyans do not have a problem paying taxes, they only have a problem when they cannot see where the money is going,” Mr Gachagua said.

“We want to ask our brothers in government to know that Kenyans are not complaining about over-taxation. They have a problem paying taxes that are misappropriated,” he added.

Mr Gachagua recalled visiting the late president in his early days in university to seek funds to help start a business, but was instead handed a book to guide him in his quest.

“I had visited the President, and he asked me what I would like to do in life, and I told him business. I had expected that he would give me money to start off but instead he stood up, checked his bookshelf and handed me a book. That tells you what type of leader he was. He valued quality and economic empowerment, not issuing tokens and waiting for people to clap at him,” he said.

He also criticised President Ruto’s government for putting selfish interests first over national well-being.

“It is no secret that everybody who talks about governance always talks about Kibaki. It is because of the economic transformation he did in this country. Kenyans want to feel the growth of the economy. You do not go around telling them about numbers. The main problem we have in the country is that leaders have prioritised their selfish interests. In this government, everybody is doing business, including the National Intelligence Service that has failed in its mandate,” Mr Gachagua said.

The lecture underscored the enduring impact of President Kibaki’s leadership and reignited a nationwide conversation about the vision, priorities, and trajectory of the current administration.

His family, led by his daughter Judy Kibaki, said they will be holding the event annually to celebrate the impact that her father had on leadership and to inspire upcoming leaders.

Mr Musyoka said unlike President Ruto, the former president treated leaders with respect even after parting ways.

He recalled that during the referendum in 2005, he was fired by the former President.

“Even after he fired us from his Cabinet, he did not go around our backs saying that we are ‘incompetent’. He put in place his government and continued to serve. He was tolerant and always listened to all those who had different opinions. He did not go around asserting that he was the President. That is a self-esteem issue,” Mr Musyoka said.

He also praised the Butere Girls students over their unfettered courage during the drama festivals in Nakuru by refusing to perform the play, following claims of frustration.

The second Mwai Kibaki Memorial Lecture brought together political leaders from across the spectrum on April 11, 2025, at the Serena Hotel, in a unified tribute to his enduring legacy.

The event served not only as a solemn occasion to honour the former Head of State but also as a platform for opposition leaders to reflect on and critique the current administration’s development agenda in comparison to Kibaki s tenure.

Opposition figures pointed to Kibaki’s presidency for its notable achievements in economic growth, infrastructure development, and education reforms.

In contrast, they expressed concern over what they described as the shortcomings of President Ruto’s administration, particularly in the implementation of universal healthcare and affordable housing programmes.

Among other notable attendees at the memorial were Kibaki-era Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, Democratic Action Party of Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, Gathoni Wa Muchomba (Githunguri MP), Cate Waruguru (Former Laikipia Women Representative), and Jane Kihara (Naivasha MP).

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, a Kibaki Minister and later adviser, said the main reason why the former president’s projects were successful was his ability to put ideas into action.

“It is through him that we draw our inspiration in public service. What I learned from Mwai Kibaki is what I have carried along the way in the leadership positions that 1 have held. He focused on ideas. He was not a man of casual talk, he did not like rudderless talks, and even though he was senior, he listened and talked seeking solutions. What stood out is his ability to listen to the emerging issues from discussions and come up with a consensus and solutions,” Prof Kibwana said.

Policy adviser Peter Kagwanja said Mr Kibaki trusted him with the role of drafting Kenya’s foreign policy that was instrumental in building the country’s relationship with neighbours.

On his part, Mr Muturi called upon those serving in public offices to emulate Kibaki’s integrity.

“Mr Kibaki was the true emulation of Chapter 6 of the constitution when we talk about integrity of a leader. You cannot compare his leadership to that which we have now where everything that you do, there is always a selfish interest in it. True statesmanship demands that we rise above selfish interests,” he said.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Mohamed Salah is staying at Liverpool, bringing one of the season’s key storylines to a conclusion. At times, though, it seemed in doubt.

So what happened behind the scenes?

Was there a £500m offer from Saudi Arabia and how did the Egypt forward go from being unsure of his future to expressing delight at signing a deal that lasts until he turns 34?

The BBC’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel reports…

Deal breakthrough came at end of March

When Salah set the cat among the pigeons about his future in November by saying he was ‘more out than in’, he wasn’t being disingenuous.

Yet it was also not misleading to say the Egyptian always wanted to stay at Liverpool. The two stances weren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

It has always been Salah’s ambition to extend his eight-year stay at Anfield – and news today of his new two-year contract will bring the 32-year-old’s tenure at the club to a decade, should he see out the duration of the terms.

But the conditions – for both Salah and Liverpool – had to be right. Thankfully for the club’s supporters a middle ground was finally reached.

Sources close to the situation indicated a breakthrough in talks between Salah, his representative Ramy Abbas Issa and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was reached at the end of March, with the formalities of the deal concluded earlier this week.

Indeed, in an interview with BBC Sport, left-back Andy Robertson revealed he only found out about Salah’s new contract on Thursday.

Liverpool pushed boat out for ‘special case’

Salah is not taking a pay cut to stay at Liverpool – and will earn close to £400,000-per-week. The two-year contract offers him a level of security players of his age are not often afforded.

Liverpool have pushed the boat out, but haven’t done so on a whim. Salah is a special case.

Replacing their talismanic attacker, who has made 54 goal contributions already this season, would be vastly difficult and, more pertinently, an expensive task.

Identifying a Salah replacement would be hard enough, but finding the sort of money to pull off such a deal would enter a higher plane of difficulty.

What appears to be Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pending move to Real Madrid, when his contract expires this summer, would have provided Liverpool with greater financial leeway in their efforts to assemble financial packages to keep Salah and Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutchman expected to sign a new deal in the coming days.

Yet, while money is always a factor when it comes to contractual negotiations, it wasn’t the determining consideration for a footballer at the peak of his powers.

Salah ‘wanted elite sporting challenge’

If money was Salah’s determining consideration, he’d have left Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League who, until as recently as last week, still believed they could attract him to the Middle East.

The financial lure of a move to Saudi Arabia was clear. The ‘homecoming’ of one of the greatest and recognisable Arab footballers – and the synergy, and earning power, for all parties was inescapable.

Indeed, sources have told BBC Sport that Salah was in line to earn at least £500m in Saudi – an eye-popping figure, although still short of the 1bn euros (£859m) Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was reportedly offered.

It was said the option of exploring a Saudi move was first raised with Salah last February – and that door will likely remain open in the future.

But, right now, the forward has put sporting ambition ahead of his wallet.

Salah’s a player at the top of his game – those close to the frontman believe he has at least another three years at the highest level.

The evidence suggests as much. His physique is optimum and his levels of professionalism are obsessive.

Salah believes he still has more to accomplish in European football too, starting, of course, with winning Liverpool’s 20th league title this season.

He has ambitions on winning the Ballon d’Or too, with fifth his highest placing in both 2019 and 2022.

Salah also wants to win the Champions League again, and ensure Liverpool remain at the pinnacle of English football.

Interestingly, it is said another one of the key factors in his decision to re-sign was a desire to compete among the elite to help prepare for Egypt’s forthcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

It’s the sporting challenge that has driven his decision for Salah, although the fact his wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan are enjoying life on Merseyside has also been described as a key factor too.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has issued a call for the country’s youth, particularly those in conflict-prone areas, to lay down their arms and take part in the recruitment process for the police force.

Mr Yohuno reassured young people in Bawku that they would have a chance to join the service, provided they meet the necessary requirements, after putting aside their weapons and embracing peace.

IGP clears the air on Bawku youth recruitment into the police service, says his comments were taken out of context.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/YUZdBniq0M

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) April 11, 2025

Addressing the press, Mr Yohuno noted the difficulties of achieving regional balance in the recruitment process, which has often been centralised at the national headquarters in Accra.

He expressed a desire to ensure that people from all parts of the country, including remote regions, are given the opportunity to apply for police service roles.

“I want to give the people the assurance that they can be recruited into the police service,” Mr Yohuno said.

“They should lay down their weapons, and once they do, they will have the opportunity to go through the normal recruitment process, just like anyone else.”

He acknowledged that many areas of the country, such as Bawku, had been historically underrepresented in the recruitment process, leaving the country’s security services with a skewed regional composition.

Mr Yohuno explained that efforts would now be made to take recruitment beyond the major cities of Accra and Kumasi, extending it to more remote areas, where qualified candidates can be found.

“Many times, recruitment has been centralised in Accra, and as a result, we have not been able to achieve the full benefit of regional balance,” he said. “We want to ensure that recruitment now takes place in the remotest areas of the country, so everyone who qualifies will have the opportunity to join the service, regardless of where they come from.”

Mr Yohuno shared the example of a policewoman from Bawku, who was selected for recruitment after demonstrating her abilities, including riding a motorbike.

He highlighted that the recruitment process focuses on merit and the ability to serve effectively, rather than on geographic location or past circumstances.

“There was no need to check whether she was capable of being recruited or not. She was chosen based on her abilities,” Yohuno remarked. “This is what we want for all youth in the country: an equal opportunity to serve, provided they meet the basic recruitment requirements.”

The assurance to lay down arms is part of a wider effort to reduce conflict and create a stable environment in areas that have experienced security challenges.

Mr Yohuno emphasised that the success of this initiative would not only provide recruitment opportunities but also create a more peaceful environment conducive to development.

“We will be monitoring the situation for three days and nights to see if there are any instances of gunfire,” Mr Yohuno explained.

“If we don’t hear any, it means they have listened to our request, and it will signal that they are ready to welcome development and investment into their communities.”

He further stressed that if the youth in conflict areas could demonstrate a commitment to peace, it would create a safer environment that would attract more NGOs, businesses, and international investors.

“The moment they put down their weapons, the doors will open for the development of their communities. When NGOs or embassies come to assess security and development in these areas, they will be able to say that the youth have laid down their arms and are ready to receive development,” he said.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Medeama SC delivered a ruthless performance on Friday evening, thrashing Dreams FC 4-0 at the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium, with Kingsley Braye stealing the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick.

The forward was unplayable on the night, heading home twice in the first half before calmly converting a second-half penalty to complete his first-ever Premier League treble. The result ended Dreams FC’s five-game unbeaten streak and breathed new life into Medeama’s title charge.

Braye opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a powerful header and doubled Medeama’s lead in first-half stoppage time with another towering finish. His third came in the 74th minute after confidently dispatching a spot-kick, putting the game out of reach for the visitors.

Mubarik Yussif added further gloss to the scoreline with a second penalty in the 88th minute, capping off a dominant display by the Mauve and Yellow.

Braye’s hat-trick marks the first at the newly renovated Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium and underlines his growing influence in Medeama’s campaign.

The win lifts Medeama to fifth on the Premier League table with 41 points, just five behind leaders Asante Kotoko with eight matches remaining. Dreams FC, meanwhile, slip to mid-table as their impressive recent run comes to a crashing halt.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Ibrahim Iddrisu, Bawku youth president [L] with family members of the victims

Victims of the recent violence between some youth groups of Bawku and the police have expressed immense appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno for taking the pains to visit Bawku.

The victims who had sustained gunshot wounds and receiving medical attention, urged the IGP to continue in his efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace at Bawku.

Ibrahim Iddrisu, the youth president, also expressed his appreciation to the IGP and his team and assured him of their commitment to cooperate with the Police.

“We are pleased with your coming and your words of peace and unity. We are encouraged by your hands on approach and the attempt to pull everyone together for peace,” Ibrahim Iddrisu said.

KA

 The  Member of Parliament (MP) for Salaga North in the Savannah Region, Alhaji Alhassan Mumuni, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritising girls’ education in his constituency.

Describing himself as a feminist, he emphasised the need to break barriers that hinder young girls from accessing quality education.

In an interview with The Gha­naian Times yesterday, he stated that during his previous tenure as MP, he collaborated with another MP to establish the KM Model Girls’ Junior High School to pro­mote female education.

“We started with seven girls, but today, the enrollment has grown to over 100,” he mentioned.

To support students from distant communities, he said he provided bicycles to ease their dai­ly commute, adding that he intends to expand the school into a senior high institution.

Alhaji Mumuni, who was re-elected to Parliament after los­ing his seat in the 8th Parliament, emphasised that he was deter­mined to implement key educa­tional and infrastructural projects that were abandoned over the past four years.

He promised that every basic school in his constituency would have at least a three-unit classroom block to improve learning condi­tions.

“I will establish an educational endowment fund to support needy but brilliant students, and mobilise resources to ensure its success,” he assured.

He lamented the lack of a senior high school in the constituency and pledged to revive an aban­doned E-Block project that began in 2016 but was left incomplete under the previous administration.

The MP also stated that the con­tractor had vacated the site, leaving the community without access to secondary education.

Beyond education, Alhaji Mumuni stressed the need for improved road infrastructure in his constituency.

He acknowledged the difficulties residents faced due to poor roads and assured them of his commit­ment to lobbying for significant developments in that sector.

On health, he vowed to com­plete stalled projects and improve healthcare delivery.

He expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, citing his ability to take decisive actions that will benefit the people.

Alhaji Mumuni, a grassroots politician, revealed that he first entered Parliament in the Sixth Parliament and was the maiden MP for the Salaga North Constit­uency.

He noted that he previously served as a District Chief Execu­tive (DCE), a period during which he spearheaded several develop­mental projects.

According to him, his defeat in the previous parliamentary elec­tions gave him time to reflect and strategise on how best to serve his people.

“The people of Salaga North see me as someone who has liber­ated them. My tenure as DCE and MP brought significant develop­ment, and after four years under my successor, they have given me another opportunity to continue what I started,” he indicated.

With renewed motivation, he pledged to work tirelessly to uplift his constituency and contribute to the success of the Mahama-led government.

BY RAISSA SAMBOU

Victims of the recent clashes between youth groups and police in Bawku have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for personally visiting the area and showing concern for those affected.

Many of the victims, currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, described the IGP’s visit as a gesture of compassion and leadership in a time of crisis. They urged him to sustain efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace in the troubled area.

“We are deeply touched by the IGP’s presence and concern. It gives us hope that peace is possible,” said a victim undergoing treatment at a local facility.

Mr. Ibrahim Iddrisu, Youth President of the area, also commended the IGP and his delegation for engaging directly with residents.

“We are grateful to the IGP and his team. His visit shows we are not forgotten. We pledge to cooperate fully with the Police to help bring peace back to Bawku,” he said.

The IGP’s visit follows a series of violent confrontations in the area, sparking calls for urgent and lasting interventions to end the conflict.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward adjustment in the average end-user tariff for electricity by 14.75%, and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs across the board for all categories of consumers.

In a statement, the Commission justified the decision, stating that the adjustment is in line with its quarterly tariff review mechanism, as outlined in its rate-setting guidelines for the periodic adjustment of natural gas, electricity, and water tariffs.

According to the Commission, the adjustments are driven by four key variables: the Cedi/US dollar exchange rate, inflation, electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel (mainly natural gas) in electricity production.

The move, the Commission explained, is intended to avoid both over-recovery and under-recovery of revenues.

In July last year, the Commission increased utility tariffs, raising electricity by 4.22% and water by 1.18%.

Today’s announcement of another upward adjustment means that, in less than one year, the average Ghanaian consumer has cumulatively borne an 18.97% increase in electricity tariffs and a 5.20% increase in water tariffs — a situation that adds further strain to already fragile economic conditions.

The Commission further justified the increment by pointing to the under-recovery of revenue by utility companies, a situation it described as causing serious “bleeding” in those entities. It warned that failure to increase tariffs could potentially push the utility companies out of business.

The statement also highlighted the Commission’s restraint in the adjustments, arguing that the increments could have been more severe had it opted to recoup 100% of the outstanding debts from previous quarters.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

• WhatsApp will discontinue support for several iPhone and Android models in less than a month, affecting users worldwide.
• Owners of affected devices will need to upgrade their smartphones to maintain WhatsApp connectivity with friends and family.
• As the world’s most popular messaging platform with about 2 billion monthly active users, this change will have a significant impact.

Starting Monday, May 5, 2025, owners of certain older Android and iPhone models will no longer be able to use WhatsApp, as Meta implements changes to the app’s operating system compatibility requirements.

The messaging platform, which is owned by Meta, has announced that devices unable to meet the new minimum operating system requirements will lose support, rendering the app unusable on these older smartphones.

The announcement, as reported by Metro UK, read:

“Currently, we provide support for and recommend using devices that run Android OS 5.0 or newer, as well as iPhones running iOS 12 or newer. However, starting May 5, 2025, only iOS versions 15.1 and newer will be supported.”

It added that affected users will receive several notifications to upgrade before the due date.

“Before we stop supporting your operating system, you’ll receive notifications in WhatsApp and be reminded several times to upgrade. We’ll continue to update this page regularly to ensure that the latest supported operating systems are listed.”

The Meta-owned company explained that the changes were part of regular updates designed to maintain the app’s security and functionality while optimizing performance for newer devices.

Phones that won’t have WhatsApp from May

Among the affected models are iPhones released in 2013 and 2014, Android phones that cannot update to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) – This includes Samsung, LG, HTC, and Sony phones, and KaiOs feature phones.

See the full list of affected phones below:

iPHONE	SAMSUNG	LG	SONY	MOTOROLA	HTC	KAiOS	NOKIA
iPhone 5s	Galaxy S3	OptimusG	Xperia Z	Moto G (1st Gen)	One X	JioPhone	800 Tough
iPhone 6	Galaxy Note 2	Nexus 4	Xperia SP	Razr HD	One X+	JioPhone2	2720 Flip
iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy Ace 3	G2 Mini	Xperia T	Moto E 2014	Desire 500		2760 Flip
	Galaxy S4 Mini	L90	Xperia V		Desire 601		2780 Flip
							6300 4G
							8000 4G
							8110 4G

Many of the above-listed Android phones are KitKat (Android 4.4) versions, which became outdated for WhatsApp in an earlier update on January 1, 2025.

However, some of them models can be updated to Lollilop (Android 5.0) or a newer operating system.

How to check your device’s compatibility

Users with affected phones who wish to upgrade may have to check their operating systems.

• On an iPhone: Go to Settings, tap ‘General,’ then ‘Information,’ and select ‘iOS Version.’
• On an Android phone: Open Settings, go to ‘About phone,’ and tap ‘Android Version.’

Sam George meets iPhone technician Kwame Lighter

Meanwhile, an iPhone repair specialist who recently went viral has met Sam Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation.

As previously reported by YEN.com.gh, the Kumasi-based technician was privileged as the NDC politician hailed and introduced him to his powerful colleagues.

A video of the interaction between the iPhone specialist and Sam George has stoked a frenzy on social media.

The minister later announced a collaboration between the government and Lighter to train other youths in the field.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Africa’s wealth boom attracts global attention

The Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) has expressed concern over what it describes as an escalating wave of indiscipline within the country’s pre-tertiary education system.

GNECC has warned that a growing trend of violence, brutality, and even murder in senior high schools threatens the core foundation of Ghana’s educational system.

In a statement on April 11, 2025, the coalition described these disturbing incidents as a reflection of systemic breakdowns within schools—spaces that are meant to nurture character, knowledge, and safety.

“Schools are increasingly becoming environments of fear and unrest,” GNECC stated.

“We must ask: What has gone wrong? Is it the erosion of values, the weakening of disciplinary structures, or the breakdown in the school-home-community relationship?”

GNECC believes the consequences of this rising indiscipline are far-reaching and require urgent, collaborative action among all stakeholders in education.

The group called on the government, parents, teachers, and religious institutions to address the crisis holistically.

To that end, GNECC has proposed a number of interventions, including:

Regular counseling services in schools to tackle emotional and psychological challenges faced by students.

Monthly counseling sessions to provide structured support systems for students.

Stronger parent-teacher partnerships to monitor and correct student behavior.

Surprise inspections and mandatory searches to deter the smuggling of prohibited items onto school premises.

Mental health awareness campaigns to support students’ psychological well-being.

The coalition also recommended the reintroduction of traditional disciplinary tools, such as Saturday inspections, which they believe were effective in maintaining order and discipline in past years.

Furthermore, GNECC urged the government to consider a collaborative management model with religious bodies that run faith-based schools.

Under this approach, the government would focus on infrastructure, salaries, and resources, while religious institutions would oversee moral instruction, discipline, and teaching standards.

“This division of labor has the potential to create a safer and more productive learning environment,” the coalition noted.

These concerns follow a tragic incident involving a student at Adventist Senior High School in Bantama, Ashanti Region—Suzie Adwoa Pinamang—who was shot in the eye by a fellow student.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

Some of the group members at the press conference

A coalition of grassroots organizations within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has heaped praise on President John Dramani Mahama for what they describe as the “brilliant appointment” of lawyer Martin Kwaku Ayisi as Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission.

According to the coalition—comprising National Soldiers for John Mahama, Election Has Consequences Movement, and Ghetto for John Mahama—President Mahama’s decision to retain Ayisi in office reflects wise leadership and a commitment to rewarding competence and loyalty within the party.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on April 11, 2025, Joshua Sika Nartey, leader of the coalition, expressed profound appreciation to President Mahama, noting that Ayisi’s performance since assuming office has been “nothing short of transformative” for both the Minerals Commission and the NDC grassroots.

“President Mahama’s appointment of Lawyer Ayisi is one of the best decisions of this administration. It reflects his values and experience, and he is clearly committed to the real reset agenda,” Nartey said.

The group outlined a number of achievements under Ayisi’s leadership, including:

The soon-to-be-completed Kumasi office of the Minerals Commission, scheduled for completion in June 2025.

State-of-the-art office complexes in Akim Oda, Bibiani, Bole, Damang, Kyebi, and Tamale.

Renovated staff residences in Bolgatanga, Tarkwa, Prestea, and Wa.

The training of 50 grassroots mine inspectors at top global institutions, such as the Colorado School of Mines and Curtin University.

They described Ayisi as a CEO who is not only results-oriented but also deeply attuned to the needs of the NDC’s grassroots members.

“He listens, he delivers, and he uplifts,” Nartey stated.

“His commitment to job creation and support for the underprivileged within the party cannot be overlooked.”

The coalition also warned against internal calls for Ayisi’s removal, calling such moves divisive and counterproductive.

“Anyone plotting against him is plotting against progress,” Nartey declared, urging the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to maintain confidence in Ayisi’s leadership.”

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

The Member of Parliament for Zebilla, Ebenezer Alumire Ndebilla, has refuted claims that the Bawku conflict worsened under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

This follows the Minority New Patriotic Party’s assertion that the Bawku conflict had deteriorated under the current administration, with rising fatalities and widespread destruction of property.

This followed the recent violent clash between police and youth in the area, which reportedly resulted in deaths and injuries. Reports also indicate that the private residences of Bawku MP Mahama Ayariga and Pusiga MP Lardi Ayii Ayamba were set ablaze during the unrest.

But speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Friday April 11, Ndebilla described such assertions as misleading and deceptive to the public.

He argued that the escalation of the conflict in recent years occurred under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regime, pointing to significant developments that have intensified tensions in the area.

“In the last three to four years under the NPP regime, the issue has escalated to a very high extent, to the extent that a lot of things happened during that period which have exacerbated the issues in the catchment area,” Ndebilla stated.

The Zebilla MP emphasised that peace-building is a gradual process and cannot be expected to resolve longstanding issues within a short timeframe.

“You do not expect a problem that has existed for eight years, four years, to just be solved in three years. Peace-building is a process, and we really are hoping that we will be able to find lasting solutions to the problem,” he added.

Ndebilla reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Bawku and called for a collective approach to address the challenges.

Read also…

Bawku: Recruits will go through standard procedure – IGP clarifies

Imagine walking into a room with two light switches: one controls a single-phase system, while the other controls a two-phase system.

If the single-phase system fails, the lights go out, leaving the room in darkness. But with the two-phase system, even if one phase fails, the other keeps the lights on.

For Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, a renowned pathologist, academic, and social commentator, this analogy perfectly captures the state of intellectual engagement in Ghana.

“Most Ghanaians are like single-phase wires,” Prof. Akosa told the audience during his address at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Public Lecture Series on April 11.

His words were simple but powerful: many in Ghana, he argued, are trapped in one-dimensional thinking, unable to engage with the complexities of the world around them.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Akosa emphasized that the reason for this limited thinking lies in the country’s educational approach.

He compared the narrow, linear thinking to a single-phase electrical system: once one thought process or idea fails, there’s nothing to fall back on.

He challenged the audience to think critically about the current educational structure that keeps Ghanaians intellectually constrained and unable to process the complexities of modern life.

The heart of Prof. Akosa’s message focused on reforming Ghana’s education system to nurture multidimensional thinking, beginning with early childhood education.

He firmly believes that the foundation of critical thinking and intellectual engagement must be laid early in a child’s life.

“If we want to change the way people think, we need to start by changing how we teach our children,” he said.

Prof. Akosa criticized traditional methods that promote linear learning.

“Teaching children ‘A is for Apple, B is for Ball’ might seem harmless, but it doesn’t encourage critical thinking,” he explained.

These methods, while foundational, do not provide children with the tools to analyze, critique, or question.

Instead, he called for a shift to an educational approach that encourages children to explore multiple ideas and perspectives.

For him, a key aspect of this change would involve a bilingual education system. He proposed that children be taught primarily in their mother tongue until the age of eight.

This approach, he argued, would enable children to understand the world in a language that resonates with them on a deep level.

English, as a second language, would then be introduced later at around Primary 3 when children are more capable of processing and translating concepts from their native language into English.

“If we adopt this method,” he said, “by the time these children are nine, their vocabulary and cognitive skills will amaze us.”

Prof. Akosa believes that by empowering children to think in both their native language and English, we can help them develop the intellectual flexibility needed to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.

Beyond language, Prof. Akosa’s vision calls for a fundamental shift in the way Ghanaians view education.

He believes that every child has the potential to be a prodigy, but that potential can only be realized if the education system encourages them to think critically and engage with complex ideas from an early age.

“Our children are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge; they are thinkers, but they need the right system to unlock their full potential,” he stressed.

This, according to Prof. Akosa, is the key to moving Ghana from a “single-phase” mentality to a more dynamic, complex way of thinking.

He called on institutions like the University of Education, Winneba, to lead the charge in this educational revolution.

“UEW has the power to become the birthplace of this change,” he said, urging the university community to take the initiative in rethinking how education is delivered across the country.

Prof. Akosa’s plea for change was clear: Ghana cannot continue with an educational system that limits its children’s intellectual growth.

The current system, he argued, does not prepare children for the future one that demands critical thinkers capable of understanding and engaging with diverse perspectives.

Instead, Ghana needs a generation of learners who are not confined by “single-phase” thinking but are empowered to think in multiple dimensions, analyzing the world from different angles.

Prof. Akosa’s words echoed i: “The future of Ghana depends on how we educate our children today.”

His vision of a bilingual, multidimensional education system is not just about language or academic achievement it’s about giving Ghana’s future leaders the tools to think beyond the ordinary, to break free from narrow, limited perspectives, and to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow.

The path to transforming Ghana’s education system, he argued, must start now beginning with the youngest minds.

“The change starts with us, here at UEW,” Prof. Akosa said, concluding his lecture with a call to action for educators, policymakers, and the Ghanaian public.

The intellectual future of the nation, he stressed, depends on moving beyond the limitations of single-phase thinking and embracing a more complex, multifaceted approach to education.

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The City of Memphis, in collaboration with GUBA (Grow, Unite, Build Africa), has successfully hosted a high-level delegation from Ghana as part of the recently concluded Memphis-Ghana Trade Mission—a powerful initiative aimed at fostering collaboration, attracting investment, and strengthening cultural and tourism ties between Memphis and Ghana.

The delegation was led by Ghana’s Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Ben Anane Nsiah, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Paul Cudjoe, Head of Mission from Washington D.C.; Mr. George Bright; Annabelle McKenzie Director, International Affairs Secretariat GTA and Chief Moomen, Ghanaian poet and playwright, along with representatives from various Ghanaian businesses across key sectors. Over several days, the group engaged with public and private institutions, identifying opportunities to build sustainable partnerships and promote bilateral growth.

This landmark mission was coordinated by Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President and CEO of GUBA Enterprise, and Augustine Boateng, Deputy Chief Information Officer at the City of Memphis, in partnership with the Mayor’s office.

The Trade Mission featured high-level engagements with:
• The Greater Memphis Chamber
• Memphis Tourism
• Memphis Black Chamber
• The Entrepreneurs Network Center
• The City of Memphis Office of Contract Compliance
• The Ghanaian Association in Memphis
• University of Memphis – Ghanaian student community

Beyond business, the delegation experienced Memphis’ cultural richness, including visits to Bass Pro Pyramid and the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, underscoring the shared heritage and cultural synergies that exist between the two regions.

A special highlight was the delegation’s visit to the University of Memphis, where they met Ghanaian students currently studying in the city.

This session created a heartfelt connection, sparking discussions on exchange programs, scholarships, and staying connected to one’s roots—paving the way for educational bridges between Ghana and Memphis.

A pivotal moment of the mission was a formal meeting with the Honorable Mayor Paul Young. In a high-level dialogue with the delegation, Mayor Young reaffirmed Memphis’ commitment to building a meaningful and enduring relationship with Ghana.

“This Trade Mission lays the foundation for ongoing collaboration that can benefit our people economically, culturally, and educationally,” said Mayor Young.

Among the significant topics discussed was the potential for bilateral cooperation in public safety and emergency response.

Both parties explored plans to initiate training programs for Ghanaian police and fire service personnel in partnership with Memphis’ emergency services departments.

This initiative would enable Ghana’s public safety officials to benefit from Memphis’ expertise in community policing, fire safety, and emergency response systems, fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening institutional capacity on both sides.

The Memphis-Ghana Trade Mission marks a significant step toward building a lasting bridge between Memphis and Ghana.

From policy dialogues and business networking to cultural appreciation and educational engagement, the visit opened doors to joint projects, tourism campaigns, investment pipelines, and knowledge exchange.

Discussions also explored the potential for a Sister City relationship between Memphis and Accra, and Mayor Young was officially invited to Ghana to lead a reciprocal delegation.

As the Ghanaian delegation returns home, both sides are energized by the momentum built and are committed to nurturing the partnerships established. GUBA is proud to have collaborated with the City of Memphis to bring this historic mission to life and remains focused on strengthening bonds between Africa and the diaspora.

About GUBA

The Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Enterprise is a social enterprise dedicated to diaspora engagement, African excellence, and global collaboration. With a strong record of building cross-continental partnerships, GUBA creates platforms that amplify African voices, empower entrepreneurs, and drive social and economic impact.

Through initiatives like the Memphis-Ghana Trade Mission, GUBA continues to serve as a powerful bridge between Africa and its global diaspora, fostering sustainable development and inspiring unity around the world.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.