President John Dramani Mahama has charged three newly sworn-in Justices of the Supreme Court to protect public confidence in Ghana’s justice system and uphold the highest standards of judicial independence.

Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony at Jubilee House on Thursday, September 10, 2026, President Mahama stressed that the authority of the Supreme Court ultimately depends on the confidence and trust of the Ghanaian people.

The new Justices are Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr.

‘The authority of the Court rests on public trust’

President Mahama described the Supreme Court as a critical institution in Ghana’s constitutional democracy, noting that its decisions have far-reaching implications for the country.

He said the Court’s rulings give meaning to the Constitution, settle matters of national importance and contribute to the development of Ghanaian law.

According to him, the legitimacy of the apex court must not be derived from political power or influence, but from the confidence citizens have in its ability to administer justice fairly and independently.

“The authority of the Court does not rest on force or political power. It rests on the confidence and trust of the people.”

The President therefore urged the new justices to ensure that every case brought before them is determined independently, impartially and strictly according to the law.

Mahama demands clarity in judgments

President Mahama also emphasised the importance of clear and well-reasoned judgments, saying judicial independence must be accompanied by clarity in the delivery of decisions.

He explained that well-reasoned judgments provide dependable guidance to lower courts, public institutions, legal practitioners and citizens while strengthening respect for the judicial process.

He reminded the justices that their responsibilities go beyond legal expertise and require sound judgment, personal integrity, intellectual courage, patience and a deep commitment to justice.

Protect citizens and uphold the Constitution

The President further charged the new members of the apex court to protect citizens’ rights and uphold the principle that no individual or institution is above the law.

He stressed that judicial independence is not a privilege for judges but an important safeguard for citizens, particularly when courts are called upon to determine difficult, unpopular or politically sensitive cases.

The new appointments, he said, bring diverse judicial and professional experiences that should enrich the deliberations of the Supreme Court and contribute to the continued development of Ghanaian jurisprudence.

President Mahama’s message was ultimately a call for the new justices to see their elevation not simply as a professional achievement, but as a solemn responsibility to the Ghanaian people.

For the President, preserving public trust, defending the Constitution and delivering justice without fear or favour must remain at the heart of their new roles.

For many men, prostate health is a subject they would rather not discuss until a serious problem develops. But when it comes to prostate cancer, waiting for symptoms may mean missing an opportunity to detect the disease early.

Prostate cancer is one of the major health concerns affecting men, and men of African ancestry are considered to have a higher risk of developing the disease. Age and family history can also significantly increase the risk.

For Ghanaian men, understanding the warning signs, risk factors and screening options can therefore be an important step towards protecting their health.

What exactly is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It forms part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause serious problems, while others can be more aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.

That difference is important because an early diagnosis does not automatically mean a man needs immediate aggressive treatment. Doctors consider the type and stage of the cancer when deciding what treatment or monitoring is appropriate.

The silent danger: early prostate cancer may have no symptoms

One of the biggest challenges with prostate cancer is that early-stage disease often produces no noticeable symptoms.

A man may therefore feel perfectly healthy while cancer is developing in the prostate. This is one reason discussions about screening can be important, particularly for men at higher risk.

As the disease progresses, however, symptoms can include:

• Difficulty starting urination
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Difficulty completely emptying the bladder
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis
• Erectile difficulties

But these symptoms do not automatically mean a man has prostate cancer. Other prostate and urinary conditions can cause similar problems, so medical evaluation is important rather than self-diagnosis.

Why Ghanaian men should pay attention

Race and ancestry are among the factors associated with prostate cancer risk. The American Cancer Society specifically identifies Black men as being at higher risk and recommends that they discuss the potential benefits and risks of screening with a healthcare provider from an earlier age than men at average risk.

Family history matters too.

A man whose father or brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 may have a higher risk and should discuss screening earlier with a healthcare professional. Men with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age may warrant an even earlier discussion.

What is the PSA test?

One of the most commonly used tests for prostate cancer screening is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

PSA is produced by the prostate. An elevated PSA level can be associated with prostate cancer, but it can also occur because of an enlarged prostate, prostate infection and other conditions. Therefore, a high PSA result does not by itself prove that a man has cancer.

Depending on the circumstances, a doctor may recommend additional tests, and a biopsy may ultimately be needed to determine whether cancer is present.

At what age should men consider screening?

There is no single screening schedule that is right for every man.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk begin a discussion with their healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of screening at age 50.

For men at higher risk — including Black men and men with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 — that discussion is recommended from age 45.

For men at particularly high risk because they have more than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age, the discussion may begin at age 40.

These are guidelines for a discussion with a healthcare professional, not a command that every man must undergo testing at exactly those ages.

Don’t wait until you have serious symptoms

A common mistake is to assume that a prostate problem will always announce itself through difficulty urinating.

That is not necessarily the case.

Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which means men who are concerned about their risk should speak to a qualified healthcare professional about whether screening is appropriate rather than waiting for serious symptoms to appear.

Can prostate cancer be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer.

However, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and following a healthy eating pattern rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help lower cancer risk generally and may also help reduce prostate cancer risk.

Men should also avoid tobacco and discuss their individual health risks with healthcare professionals.

The message for Ghanaian men

Prostate cancer should not be a taboo subject.

For Ghanaian men, particularly those who are older or have a family history of prostate cancer, knowing their risk and discussing screening with a healthcare professional can be an important part of taking control of their health.

Most importantly, do not interpret urinary symptoms or a PSA result on your own. A healthcare professional can determine whether further examination or testing is necessary.

Early detection can provide more options for managing prostate cancer, while informed screening decisions can help balance the potential benefits against the possible harms of unnecessary testing and treatment.

If you are concerned about prostate cancer or have symptoms, speak to a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on self-medication or online advice.

President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly appointed Supreme Court justices to make the Constitution their ultimate guide and defend it at all times as they discharge their judicial responsibilities.

The President made the call on Thursday, September 10, 2026, when he swore in three new Justices of the Supreme Court — Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jnr.

‘Your oath is consequential, not ceremonial’

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Mahama stressed that the Supreme Court occupies a critical position in Ghana’s constitutional democracy as the country’s highest judicial authority.

He said decisions of the Court have far-reaching consequences because they give meaning to the Constitution, settle matters of national importance and contribute to the development of Ghana’s laws.

President Mahama therefore urged the new justices to approach their duties with integrity, sound judgment, intellectual courage, patience and an unwavering commitment to justice.

He emphasised that the oath taken by the justices was not merely a formality but a solemn commitment to the people of Ghana.

“The oath you have taken today is consequential, not ceremonial. It is a solemn covenant with the people of Ghana.”

He further reminded them of their responsibility to administer justice without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, while defending the Constitution at all times.

Mahama stresses judicial independence

The President also underscored the importance of judicial independence, insisting that Ghanaians must have confidence that cases brought before the Supreme Court will be determined fairly, independently and strictly according to the law.

According to him, the legitimacy and authority of the Supreme Court should derive from public confidence and trust rather than political influence or the exercise of power.

“The authority of the Court does not rest on force or political power. It rests on the confidence and trust of the people,” President Mahama said.

He said this confidence can only be sustained when citizens are assured that their cases will be handled without political interference or external influence.

Constitution must remain the compass

President Mahama’s charge is consistent with the judicial oath prescribed under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which requires Supreme Court justices to perform their functions without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and to uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of Ghana.

He consequently urged the newly sworn-in justices to let the Constitution guide their decisions and to carry out their duties with humility, courage and fairness.

The President also called on the Judiciary to continue pursuing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, embracing appropriate technology and making justice more accessible to ordinary Ghanaians.

The appointment of the three justices comes at a time when public confidence, judicial independence and constitutional governance remain central to discussions about Ghana’s democracy.

For President Mahama, the message to the new members of the apex court is clear: the Constitution must come first, and justice must be administered without fear or favour.

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 11, 2026

Yemen’s Houthi movement has reportedly taken control of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha (Mocha), in a major escalation of the country’s long-running conflict and a development that could have serious implications for shipping through the Red Sea.

Houthi forces entered Mokha on Thursday after intense fighting with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Multiple Yemeni government sources and regional media reported that the city and its port had fallen to the Houthis, although the Yemeni government had not immediately issued a formal confirmation.

Mokha is strategically important because of its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The waterway is a major route for international trade, including energy shipments travelling between Asia, Europe and the Suez Canal.

The reported takeover comes after days of intensified fighting along Yemen’s western coast. Houthi forces have also been pushing toward other strategic locations near the strait, including Dhubab and Perim Island, raising concerns that the group could seek greater control over maritime traffic in the area.

Regional tensions escalate

The development has heightened tensions between the Houthis, Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia. Saudi forces have carried out repeated airstrikes against Houthi positions in several Yemeni provinces, while the Houthis have launched attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia.

The conflict also has an international dimension. Reuters reported that Iranian arms and strategic advice allegedly assisted the Houthi offensive, while Tehran has denied directing the group’s military operations.

Possible impact on global shipping

The capture of Mokha has raised fresh concerns over the security of commercial vessels using the Red Sea. Any sustained disruption around Bab el-Mandeb could force shipping companies to consider longer alternative routes, potentially increasing transportation costs, delivery times and pressure on global energy markets.

Oil prices have already risen amid wider disruptions to Middle Eastern shipping and energy supplies, with Brent crude moving above $100 per barrel during the latest escalation.

Analysts warn that further Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline could increase the group’s ability to threaten or monitor one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

For civilians in Yemen, the renewed fighting threatens to deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis, while internationally, the fall of Mokha adds another layer of uncertainty to an increasingly volatile Middle East.

KPD Online will continue to monitor developments in Yemen and the security situation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

It was a night of high drama, tension and overwhelming emotions as Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon) once again etched its name into Ghana’s academic history by winning the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) for a record ninth time.

The fiercely contested grand finale brought together three academic giants — PRESEC, St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) and the ‘Bl3oo Boys’ — in a battle that kept students, old boys, teachers and supporters on the edge of their seats.

PRESEC rises to the occasion

With the coveted trophy at stake, PRESEC entered the final determined to reclaim its position at the summit of Ghana’s most prestigious academic quiz competition.

The Legon-based school delivered a composed and calculated performance, navigating difficult questions and intense competition from its two formidable rivals.

When the final scores were announced, jubilation erupted among the PRESEC camp as supporters celebrated another historic triumph.

Augusco and Bl3oo Boys put up fierce resistance

The victory did not come easily.

AUGUSCO brought its usual competitive spirit to the contest, while the Bl3oo Boys also fought fiercely throughout the competition, ensuring that PRESEC had to dig deep to secure the title.

The three schools repeatedly traded points as the tension inside the auditorium continued to rise.

Every correct answer triggered loud celebrations, while missed opportunities were met with visible disappointment from the respective supporters.

Tears, screams and celebrations

As the result became clear, emotions spilled over.

PRESEC supporters erupted in celebration, with students and old boys embracing one another, while others could not hold back tears of joy.

The victory represented more than just another trophy. It was another moment of pride for a school that has built a formidable reputation in the NSMQ over the years.

Ninth title cements PRESEC’s dominance

The latest triumph takes PRESEC’s NSMQ title tally to nine, further strengthening its status as the most successful school in the history of the competition.

The achievement adds another remarkable chapter to the school’s long-standing rivalry with some of Ghana’s strongest academic institutions.

For the PRESEC community, the night will be remembered not only for the questions answered but also for the tension, passion and emotional scenes that accompanied the historic victory.

Another chapter in NSMQ history

The latest final once again demonstrated why the NSMQ has become one of Ghana’s biggest academic events.

Beyond the trophy, the competition continues to showcase the intellectual ability, quick thinking and determination of students from across the country.

And on this occasion, PRESEC stood tallest once again — emerging from a fierce battle with AUGUSCO and the Bl3oo Boys to claim its ninth NSMQ crown.