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Indiscipline Threatening NPP’s Survival – John Osei Bobbie Warns

Osei Bobbie

Political commentator John Osei Bobbie has warned that growing indiscipline within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is threatening its unity and long-term survival.

Speaking on Ghana Nie on Atinka TV with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Prof. Osei Bobbie stressed that no political party can survive without enforcing discipline, citing it as a major factor that contributed to the collapse of the Convention People’s Party (CPP).

“Indiscipline is destroying the NPP. Even when it’s not campaign season, some members go around attacking others and doing as they please. Any political party that fails to uphold discipline is bound to collapse,”- he said.

He commended the General Secretary for summoning party communicator Ernest Owusu Bempah over his recent public outbursts, saying it was a necessary step to restore order. “Owusu Bempah was talking too much. I support the party’s action, and honestly, I would have gone even further.”

Osei Bobbie also criticized senior party figures who formed unofficial committees and granted interviews following the NPP’s poor performance in the Ashanti Region. According to him, such actions undermined the work of the Mike Oquaye Committee set up to investigate the party’s electoral defeat.

“If the party had enforced its rules properly, some top members, including Kyei Mensah, should have been sanctioned for forming their own committees and speaking on radio and TV. That weakened the official committee’s work,”- he said.

He called for stronger internal structures to maintain discipline and unity within the party, warning that a lack of order could cost the NPP dearly in future contests.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Isaac Dadzie Annan

MTN Responds to Kobby Kyei’s Withdrawal from Heroes of Change Awards

Kobby Kyei

MTN Ghana has responded to media reports and a statement by digital media advocate Kobby Kyei regarding his withdrawal from the ongoing MTN Heroes of Change Season 7 Awards.

In a rejoinder issued by MTN on April 20, 2025, the telecom giant confirmed Kobby Kyei’s decision to exit the competition, in which he was a nominee under the Digital Heroes category. He had cited concerns over award modalities and called for greater transparency in the voting process.

MTN, however, clarified that the Heroes of Change Awards has always maintained a transparent, fair, and consistent voting and selection process. According to the organizers, all contestants are fully informed of the rules from the beginning and treated equally throughout the competition.

“For Season 7, participants were told the Digital Heroes category would be conducted exclusively on Facebook. The voting process was clearly communicated, with winners determined through a 50-50 split between public voting and an independent jury,” – MTN said.

The company noted that although Kobby Kyei initially agreed to participate, he later requested that additional voting platforms be added. MTN said it could not accommodate those demands, as doing so would affect the fairness of the competition and possibly disadvantage other contestants.

“Changing the rules midway would have cast doubt on the credibility of the process,” – the statement emphasized.

While expressing regret over Kobby Kyei’s withdrawal, MTN acknowledged his contributions to digital advocacy in Ghana and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The company reassured the public of its commitment to fairness, transparency, and celebrating impactful individuals through the Heroes of Change platform.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Nana Owoahene Acheampong

Keep Mike Oquaye Committee Report Private – John Osei Bobbie to NPP

Political commentator Prof. John Osei Bobbie has urged the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to resist calls to make the Mike Oquaye Committee’s report public, arguing that doing so could disrupt the party’s internal healing and strategic planning efforts.

Speaking on Atinka TV’s Ghana Nie with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Prof. Osei Bobbie stated that while many have called for the report’s release, it is best kept confidential until the party implements its recommendations.

“I disagree with those asking for the report to be made public. This is an internal investigation. Making it public now will only shift attention from the party’s forward movement. It should be published only after the party has acted on the recommendations,” he said.

He cited the example of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), noting that details from the Kwesi Botchwey Committee report after their 2016 defeat were leaked and widely discussed, which, in his view, did more harm than good. “Politics is like playing dame – you don’t expose your weaknesses to your opponent,” he emphasized.

He also backed the ongoing nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’ led by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, describing criticisms that it is a ploy to give Bawumia an advantage in the flagbearer race as baseless.

“People think too negatively. Dr. Bawumia led the party into the 2024 elections, so there’s nothing wrong with him leading the thank-you tour. Even if he wants to run, he’ll need support from all sides. The tour is a show of respect, just like in the palace – you thank the elders even if their decision didn’t go in your favor,” he said.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com 

South Tongu Business and Investment Forum Showcases District’s Potential

South Tongu

The South Tongu Business and Investment Forum was held on April 21, 2025, at the Shekinah Royal city in Sogakofe. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities in the district, themed “Harnessing Local and Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development in South Tongu.”

Hon. Maxwell KWAME Lukutor, Member of Parliament for South Tongu and organizer of the forum, emphasized the district’s potential for greatness, citing its rich agricultural lands, natural resources, strategic location, and cultural heritage. He urged attendees to think boldly, act decisively, and commit collectively to drive development.

South Tongu

The forum featured presentations on various sectors, including:

Tourism and Hospitality

The presentation highlighted opportunities for developing eco-tourism sites along the Volta River, investing in hotel infrastructure, promoting cultural tourism, and creating tourism packages that showcase the district’s unique attractions and experiences.

Agriculture and Agribusiness

The presentation discussed expanding the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, investing in agro-processing industries, developing agricultural infrastructure, and supporting farmer training programs.

Education and Skills Development

The presentation emphasized the need for vocational training centers, industry-specific training programs, education infrastructure development, and scholarships and mentorship programs.

Industrialization and Manufacturing

The presentation highlighted opportunities for developing industrial parks, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investing in infrastructure, and promoting local content policies.

Healthcare and Hospital Infrastructure

The presentation discussed upgrading healthcare facilities and equipment, investing in healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and implementing health insurance schemes.

IT and Digital Economy

The presentation emphasized the need for digital infrastructure development, supporting digital startups and entrepreneurship, investing in digital skills training programs, and promoting e-commerce platforms.

In a significant development, Hon. Lukutor also revealed plans for a modern stadium facility in South Tongu, courtesy of a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with The Oxygen Group Capital. This state-of-the-art facility will promote sports development in the district, providing a platform for local talent to shine and fostering a culture of excellence.

The event aimed to attract investment, spark partnerships, and create jobs for the youth. Hon. Lukutor invited local entrepreneurs, government agencies, private investors, and the diaspora to collaborate and invest in the district’s development.

The forum concluded with a call to action, emphasizing that South Tongu is open for business and ready for partnerships that can drive sustainable development and prosperity.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Christopher Pappoe

Health Minister donates to ease Tamale Hospital crisis

Tamale Hospital

Following a confrontation with the Tamale Teaching Hospital staff on Monday over the unavailability of certain medical equipment that resulted in a patient’s death, Health Minister Mintah Akando has announced that the ministry will be donating vital medical equipment to the hospital.

He made this announcement at a press conference on Thursday, April 24, in advance of the donation, which will happen on the hospital’s grounds.

“I have some equipment, some consumables, and some medicines to be donated to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. We have an EEG as part of the donation, an Enableliser set, we have a fatal heart dictator, we have an ECG machine, we have an ICU ventilator….” he said.

“There are about 35 items that we are going to donate today.

Tamale Hospital

The health sector of this country has experienced decline for the past eight years, and for that matter, I acknowledge that the health professionals have worked under challenging circumstances.” He added

Tamale Hospital

The government is dedicated to “correcting the wrong” in the health sector, Mr. Mintah emphasised. However, he has made an appeal for the facility’s striking medical staff to change their minds and meet with him.

 At the same time, the Ghana Medical Association is calling for him to apologise and for the decision to fire the Tamale Teaching Hospital’s CEO to be overturned.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Najat Adamu

Farmers applaud COCOBOD for deciding updated prices release in August

COCOBOD

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has received praise from farmers in Sehwi Aboagyekrom, Western North Region, after it was announced that a new cocoa producer price would be announced in August 2025.

The price is expected to rise above that of neighbouring Ivory Coast, which the farmers say will improve their standard of living and solve important issues facing the cocoa sector.

During a three-day working tour of the Western North and Western South Regions, COCOBOD’s CEO, Dr Ransford Abbey, made the announcement.

Speaking to a group of cocoa farmers in the Sehwi Wiawso Municipality’s Aboagyekrom, Dr. Abbey clarified that the government’s intention to support cocoa farmers and lessen the incentive to smuggle produce across borders, where prices are currently more favourable, is reflected in the planned price increase.

He underlined that the ruling is in line with a larger plan to raise farmers’ incomes, stop the smuggling of cocoa, and deter illicit mining in cocoa-growing regions.

The farmers expressed relief and excitement at the news, particularly in light of the persistent rumours that this year’s price increase would not occur.

They praised COCOBOD for responding to their appeals and demonstrating a dedication to the well-being of cocoa growers.

Several farmers told the media that once the new price is in place, it will not only spur them to boost output but also inspire more young people to start growing cocoa. Additionally, they think it will help stabilise the industry by deterring the smuggling of cocoa beans across international borders.

The farmers urged the government to make sure that the August announcement includes a significant increase that reflects the state of the market and promised to continue supporting COCOBOD.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Najat Adamu

Nyinahin Youth-Military Clash: One Dead, Another Critically Injured

Nyinahin military

One person has been shot dead, and another is in critical condition following a violent clash between military personnel and some youth at Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region.

The deceased, identified as Kushibi, a man in his 30s and father of four, was reportedly killed during a confrontation that erupted on today, 24th April 2025, while the youth were on their way to bury a deceased friend.

According to a resident who spoke to Atinka News’ reporter Sofoba Kwame Afrifah on condition of anonymity, the altercation began when the military, en route to Bibiani, confronted Kushibi for wearing a camouflage outfit resembling that of the military.

The confrontation drew attention from other youth in the community, who gathered and began pelting stones at the officers after a warning shot was fired.

In the ensuing chaos, one of the soldiers allegedly shot and killed Kushibi.

Another man, identified as Kofi Owusu Aduomi, also known as Juve — a father of three — was shot in the leg while trying to flee.

The situation has since left residents in shock and mourning, with calls for an immediate investigation into the actions of the military personnel involved.

The Ghana Armed Forces and police are yet to officially comment on the incident.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Sofoba Kwame Afrifa

Family of Slain Kumasi MoMo Agent Demands Justice

MoMo Agent

The family of a Mobile Money (MoMo) agent who was tragically killed by unknown assailants in Kwadaso, Ashanti Region, is calling for swift justice.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, April 24, the mother of the deceased, Madam Akosua Gyapomaa, said the family is trusting the legal system to deliver justice and has no intention of seeking revenge.

“We are not going to take the law into our own hands. We believe in the justice system and we want the law to deal with those involved,” – she said.

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Her call comes weeks after the Ashanti Regional Police Command arrested suspects believed to be linked to the murder of her son, Junior, who was attacked while operating as a MoMo agent between Kwadaso and Krofrom.

A relative, Bishop Peter Akwasi Waddie, also appealed for a fair and speedy trial, urging law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure that justice is served.

The case is currently in court. The family says it will continue to follow proceedings closely as they seek closure.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Sofoba Kwame Afrifa

Bantama SHS Shooting Victim’s Condition Worsens – High Tension Begs for more fund

Bantema SDA SHS

The condition of Suzzy Pinamang, the Adventist SHS student who was tragically shot in the face by a fellow student in her classroom, has worsened.
Reports indicate that she is now unable to walk without assistance, deepening concerns about the extent of her injuries and the urgency of medical intervention.

In response to the growing public concern, the Member of Parliament for Bantama, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, has pledged to fully cover the cost of Suzzy’s flight abroad for advanced medical treatment. The gesture is part of efforts to ensure she receives the necessary care to recover from the trauma.

Also joining the support efforts is Boakye Yiadom, a former National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) President, who visited Suzzy and made a donation to her family. In a Facebook post following the visit, Yiadom condemned what he described as the “disturbing silence” from the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ministry of Education.
“This is a devastating outcome for a young girl who simply showed up to learn,”- he wrote.

“When a student is within the walls of a school, they are under the direct care and protection of our educational authorities. It is, therefore, deeply disheartening that in the face of such a tragic incident, these institutions are yet to demonstrate the leadership and responsibility we expect of them.”
He called on the Ministry of Education, the GES, and state authorities to step up and take responsibility, saying: “This tragedy happened under their watch, and they cannot distance themselves from it.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Akosua High Tension Foundation, Madam Cecilia Akosua Agyeiwaa has applauded those who have contributed so far but says the battle is far from over. She is calling on philanthropists and organizations, both in Ghana and abroad, to support Suzzy’s medical treatment, which remains critical.

“We are grateful to those who have helped, but the cost of medical care is still a burden. We appeal to anyone with the means to support this young girl whose only crime was going to school to learn,” – she said.

Suzzy’s situation continues to stir emotion and outrage among the public, with many calling for urgent reforms in school safety and justice for the young girl.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu

NACOC Intercepts 89.74kg of Suspected Cocaine Bound for Netherlands

NACOC

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has intercepted a major drug shipment at the Swiss Port in Tema, seizing 73 slabs of a substance suspected to be cocaine.

The seizure, which occurred on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, involved a cargo package destined for the Netherlands. Officials from NACOC uncovered the concealed drugs during a routine inspection of outbound freight.

The suspected cocaine weighed a total of 89.74 kilograms, raising serious concerns about the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating through Ghana’s ports.

ALSO READ: Adum PZ Fire: Traders Clash with KMA Over Restrictions as Security Forces Deployed

So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the intercepted shipment.

The suspects are currently in the custody of NACOC, assisting with ongoing investigations.

NACOC has assured the public that it remains committed to disrupting the activities of drug syndicates and safeguarding Ghana’s image as a reliable trade and transit hub. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.

Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie