Rashid Isah, an aspiring Deputy Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra Region, has outlined a youth-focused agenda centred on empowerment, self-reliance and greater opportunities for young people.

In an interaction at Ghana Institute of Management and Professional Studies Accra’s (GIMPA) Tertiary Education Institutional Network (TEIN) handover ceremony, he outlined his vision ahead of the November 13, 2026 regional elections, saying, his experience in party activities had strengthened his commitment to advocating for the youth.

He noted that although he had not served as a Regional Youth Organiser, he had “duly served the youth within the NDC and was part of those who worked to secure victory for the party during the 2024 general elections.

Mr Isah said his campaign would focus on mobilising dynamics, resources and connections to help young people move away from dependency and become self-sufficient.
“I will not promise to give physical cash to anyone but would create opportunities for the youth to help themselves,” he stated.

He also expressed concern about what he described as the difficulties faced by members of the party’s TEIN fraternity in accessing opportunities within government.
According to him, his ambition is to create opportunities that enable young people to build sustainable livelihoods and secure their future. Mr. Isah further pledged to promote the intellectual side of the NDC among Ghanaians so they can better understand and appreciate the work of the NDC government.

His name is not new to NDC electoral contests. He previously contested the NDC parliamentary primary in Tema West Constituency, where he was listed among the aspirants. In the 2023 primary, he polled 43 votes, representing 1.96 percent of votes cast in the constituency.

The aspiring regional executive is now appealing to NDC members across the Greater Accra Region to support his bid for Deputy Regional Youth Organiser when delegates go to the polls on November 13, 2026.

By Maurice Otoo

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West in the Ashanti Region, Abubakar Sedik, has died suddenly after attending official engagements in Kumasi.

Sedik reportedly passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after returning to Mankranso following a series of meetings involving Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga.

Final official engagements in Kumasi

The late DCE was among officials who met Minister Mahama Ayariga at the Kejetia Phase II project site as part of stakeholder engagements concerning the completion of the project.

The group subsequently held discussions with trader unions at the Kumasi Central Market. The meeting ended at about 5:00 p.m., after which Sedik and some other DCEs proceeded to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council for another engagement with the minister.

Sudden illness after returning to Mankranso

Reports indicate that Sedik fell ill after returning to the district capital.

According to reports, he complained of body pains and was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he died.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, described the death as a sudden loss following a brief illness and extended condolences to Sedik’s family, colleagues, constituents and the people of the Ashanti Region.

Some reports have referred to a possible heart-related condition, but official medical confirmation of the precise cause of death had not been made public at the time of reporting.

District plunged into mourning

News of the DCE’s death has sent shockwaves through Ahafo Ano South West, with residents, political supporters and local officials expressing grief.

The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly described Sedik as a hardworking public servant who served the people of the district with commitment and a good heart.

Residents and NDC supporters reportedly gathered at the party office in Mankranso after news of his passing emerged.

From parliamentary candidate to DCE

Before becoming DCE, Abubakar Sedik served as the NDC parliamentary candidate for Ahafo Ano South West in the 2024 elections.

He was subsequently appointed to lead the district assembly and had been involved in a number of development initiatives in the area.

His recent public activities included work connected to the proposed 24-hour economy market at Mankranso, a project that had generated public discussion in the district.

His death comes amid recent public attention

Sedik had recently been in the news over controversy surrounding plans for the proposed 24-hour economy market and the future of a school facility at Mankranso.

He had denied allegations that he was spearheading an attempt to demolish the school facility, with recent reports indicating that he had participated in a site inspection concerning the project shortly before his death.

Ashanti Region mourns

The sudden death of the serving DCE has left the Ahafo Ano South West District without one of its key local government officials and has triggered an outpouring of condolences.

Further details concerning funeral arrangements and burial rites are expected to be announced by his family and the relevant authorities.

For now, the district, colleagues and residents are mourning a public official whose final known day involved official duties in Kumasi before his sudden illness and death later that evening.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticised the continued detention of Techiman-based principal nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh, raising questions about the circumstances of her arrest, the allegations against her and the decision by the Adenta Circuit Court to remand her for two weeks.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026, the party called for an immediate review of Bafoh’s detention and urged that she be admitted to reasonable bail.

Bafoh, 40, was arrested at her home in Hansua near Techiman on September 13 and subsequently appeared before the Adenta Circuit Court, where she pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime relating to the alleged publication and circulation of false news.

NPP questions continued detention

The NPP said it was concerned that Bafoh had already spent several days in custody before being brought before the court and was subsequently remanded for another two weeks while investigations continued.

The party argued that pre-trial detention should not become a substitute for investigation or punishment before conviction.

It therefore called for the circumstances surrounding her continued detention to be reviewed, stressing the importance of her constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.

Questions over changing allegations

The NPP also raised concerns about what it described as changes in the allegations presented by the prosecution.

According to the party, when Bafoh first appeared in court, the prosecution reportedly linked the case to an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

The charge subsequently before the court, however, relates to alleged abetment of the publication of false news under Sections 20(1) and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The NPP said the difference raises questions about the legal basis for keeping Bafoh in custody.

The prosecution’s case remains an allegation and has not been established by the court.

NPP challenges Adenta court’s territorial jurisdiction

Another major issue raised by the opposition party concerns the territorial jurisdiction of the Adenta Circuit Court.

The NPP pointed out that Bafoh resides in Techiman in the Bono East Region and said the prosecution should demonstrate what specific act allegedly constituting the offence occurred within the jurisdiction of the Adenta court.

The party said this question requires clarification as the case proceeds.

What the prosecution alleges

According to the prosecution, Bafoh allegedly acted as a liaison for UK-based TikTok user Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”.

Investigators allege that Bafoh helped disseminate videos produced by Kodua by recruiting other individuals to redistribute the content on social media platforms.

The prosecution has also alleged that Kodua transferred money from the United Kingdom to Bafoh to support the distribution activities, with portions of the money allegedly passed on to others involved in circulating the videos.

Kodua is currently at large and has been declared wanted by the Police.

Allegations involving national security

The prosecution has told the court that some of the videos under investigation contained offensive and inflammatory statements allegedly capable of provoking violence.

One of the videos allegedly contained threats to overthrow the government and burn Ghana.

These claims remain part of the prosecution’s case and have not been proven in court.

The prosecution opposed Bafoh’s bail application, citing ongoing investigations and the national security dimension of the allegations.

The court subsequently refused bail and remanded her for two weeks. She is expected to reappear on September 30, 2026.

NPP calls for reasonable bail

The NPP is now calling for an immediate review of the decision to keep Bafoh in custody.

The party said her constitutional protections must be respected and urged the court to consider granting her reasonable bail while the investigations continue.

The call comes amid growing attention to the case, with the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association also confirming that it is exploring legal avenues to support efforts for Bafoh’s early release.

Case draws growing attention

The case has attracted political and professional attention following Bafoh’s arrest and subsequent remand.

NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has separately described the circumstances surrounding her arrest and detention as “very worrying” and called for her release, while also stressing the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

For now, the legal proceedings remain ongoing, with the prosecution expected to continue its investigations.

As the case heads back to court, the key issues now under scrutiny include the allegations against Bafoh, the basis for her continued detention and the NPP’s questions about the territorial jurisdiction of the Adenta Circuit Court.

The Ashanti Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cautioned party members against putting pressure on the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, over his choice of running mate for the 2028 presidential election.

The regional party leadership says the decision on who should partner Dr Bawumia should be left to him, urging members to refrain from turning the selection process into an internal contest.

The call comes as discussions intensify within the NPP over the potential qualities and background of the person who could eventually be selected to join Dr Bawumia on the party’s presidential ticket.

Ashanti NPP warns against pressure

The Ashanti Regional NPP leadership has appealed to members to allow Dr Bawumia the necessary space to make the decision without undue influence.

According to the regional branch, party members may have their own preferences, but such views should not translate into pressure on the flagbearer.

The leadership believes the running mate selection is an important decision that requires careful consideration and should be handled through the appropriate party processes.

Running mate debate gains momentum

The issue of who could partner Dr Bawumia has increasingly become a subject of discussion among NPP supporters and political observers.

Various names and considerations have emerged in public conversations, with supporters expressing different views about the characteristics they believe a potential running mate should possess.

However, the Ashanti Regional leadership is urging members not to allow those discussions to create unnecessary divisions within the party.

‘Let Bawumia decide’

The regional party’s position is that Dr Bawumia, as the NPP’s flagbearer, should be given the room to make the decision.

Rather than campaigning openly for particular individuals, party members have been encouraged to focus on strengthening the party and maintaining unity.

The call is also intended to discourage an early contest among party supporters over a position that has not yet been formally settled.

Unity takes centre stage

The intervention comes as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general election and seeks to consolidate its internal structures following its selection of Dr Bawumia as presidential candidate.

For the Ashanti Regional branch, maintaining cohesion within the party is important as preparations for the next election continue.

The leadership therefore wants members to avoid actions or statements that could create divisions around the running mate issue.

Focus shifts to 2028

With Dr Bawumia already leading the NPP’s presidential ticket, attention has naturally shifted towards the composition of the eventual campaign team and presidential ticket.

The choice of running mate will therefore remain a major subject of interest within the party as the 2028 election approaches.

For now, however, the Ashanti Regional NPP leadership wants party members to exercise restraint and allow the flagbearer to make the decision.

The message from the Ashanti NPP is clear: supporters can have their preferences, but the final choice of running mate should not become a source of pressure or internal division.

United Party (UP) founder Alan Kyerematen has made a fresh claim about some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), saying their continued interest in his political activities shows that his departure from the party remains significant to them.

According to Mr Kyerematen, some NPP members have continued to monitor his activities and mention his name even after his exit from the party.

He made the remarks in an interview on Adom FM, where he reflected on his decision to leave the NPP and his subsequent political journey outside the party.

‘They are ready to join me’

Mr Kyerematen claimed that some NPP members who continue to talk about him are doing so because they are interested in joining his political movement.

“Although I have left the NPP, they are monitoring my activities,” he said, arguing that the continued attention demonstrates that his political relevance remains.

He further claimed that some NPP members “can’t seem to forget” him because they are prepared to join his movement.

The former Trade Minister did not, however, provide a specific number of NPP members he believes are considering such a move.

Kyerematen links exit to NPP’s 2024 performance

Mr Kyerematen also revisited the NPP’s performance in the 2024 presidential election, arguing that his departure from the party contributed to the decline in its support.

He was careful to say he could not personally claim that he was responsible for the entire 2.1 million-vote decline he referenced.

Instead, he said some NPP stalwarts had told him that his exit contributed to the party’s electoral performance.

“I cannot say that I was the reason 2.1 million people didn’t vote for NPP. But from what some NPP stalwarts are saying, my exit contributed in a way,” he said.

‘Some members did not vote because I left’

In another interview, Mr Kyerematen said some NPP members had personally told him that they did not vote in the 2024 election because he had left the party.

He questioned how approximately 2.1 million NPP sympathisers could have stayed away from the polls, linking that figure to the political consequences of his departure.

His comments represent his own explanation of the NPP’s electoral performance and should not be treated as proof that his exit was the cause of the party’s decline in votes.

From NPP presidential race to independent candidate

Mr Kyerematen withdrew from the NPP’s presidential primary race in September 2023 before formally resigning from the party later that month.

He subsequently contested the 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate, using the Movement for Change as his political vehicle.

His departure marked a major change in his political career after several years of seeking the NPP’s presidential nomination.

His political journey continues outside NPP

Since leaving the NPP, Mr Kyerematen has continued to advocate for an alternative political force outside the traditional NPP-NDC contest.

He has repeatedly argued that Ghana needs to move beyond the political duopoly that has dominated the Fourth Republic.

In recent comments, he said he remains determined to break the dominance of the two parties, pointing to persistent challenges in infrastructure, electricity and development as reasons for his position.

Fresh attention on Kyerematen’s NPP relationship

The latest comments have once again brought Mr Kyerematen’s relationship with his former party into the political spotlight.

While he insists that some NPP members continue to identify with or monitor his political activities, there are also former allies who have publicly criticised his decision to leave the party.

For instance, former Kyerematen ally Vera Oye Bram-Larbi recently said she regretted considering leaving the NPP to follow him and criticised his political leadership.

The contrasting positions underline the differing views among former allies and NPP members about Kyerematen’s decision to leave.

For Alan Kyerematen, however, his message remains clear: despite leaving the NPP, he believes some members of his former political home are still watching his movement — and some, he claims, may eventually join him.