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Friday Is Not a Public Holiday as Mahama Orders Nationwide Flood Clean-Up Exercise

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Friday, July 10, is not a public holiday, despite the nationwide closure of markets and shops in seven flood-affected regions as part of a two-day National General Cleaning Exercise ordered by President John Dramani Mahama.

The nationwide clean-up follows the devastating floods that struck several parts of the country, particularly the Greater Accra Region, on June 29, claiming at least 12 lives and affecting approximately 38,800 people. The floods caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses, roads, and other public infrastructure.

The government has launched the clean-up campaign to clear debris, desilt drains, and disinfect flood-affected markets and public spaces in an effort to prevent disease outbreaks and reduce the impact of future flooding.

President Directs Nationwide Participation

President Mahama declared July 10 and 11, 2026, as National General Cleaning Days and instructed ministers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), heads of public institutions, and other government officials to leave their offices and lead clean-up activities within their respective communities.

The exercise is being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee under the theme: “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods.”

The announcement was made by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu in a statement issued on July 6, 2026.

Markets and Shops to Remain Closed

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, said all markets and shops in the affected regions must remain closed throughout the two-day exercise to allow authorities to desilt drains, remove waste, and disinfect market areas.

He stressed that everyone is expected to participate and warned that traders or business owners who defy the directive by opening their shops would face sanctions.

“Everybody must be on board. All markets and shops must be closed. So if you go and open your shop, you will be on fire,” he cautioned.

Mr Ibrahim explained that the directive is legally backed and urged Ghanaians not to disregard the President’s instruction.

“If a president speaks and you want to take it for granted, the law will deal with you. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces,” he said.

According to him, the temporary closure is necessary because many markets were inundated during the floods, making proper sanitation essential before commercial activities resume.

“The floodwaters entered many markets. If we don’t clean, remove the debris and disinfect these places, people will continue buying and selling contaminated goods, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks,” he explained.

Friday Remains a Normal Working Day

Although markets and shops will be closed, Friday remains an official working day.

Speaking on Peace FM on July 8, Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarified that public sector workers are expected to dedicate the day to the clean-up exercise instead of their regular office duties.

He appealed to employers across both the public and private sectors to release their staff to participate, describing the initiative as a collective national responsibility.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu further announced that Saturday, July 11, has been designated for the general public to join the nationwide exercise in their various communities.

He added that Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah and his team have already begun preparations to ensure the successful implementation of the exercise.

The National General Cleaning Exercise will be carried out across the Greater Accra, Volta, Central, Western, Western North, Ashanti, and Eastern regions, all of which were affected by the recent floods.

source:graphic.com.gh

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NPP Leadership Holds Emergency Meeting Over Wontumi Court Judgment

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The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has convened an emergency meeting following the High Court’s judgment in the case involving the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over the Samreboi mining matter.

The meeting is being attended by the party’s national leadership, its Flagbearer, and the NPP’s legal team. According to the party, the purpose of the meeting is to conduct a thorough review of the court’s decision and determine the appropriate legal and political steps to take.

In a statement issued on behalf of the party, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the NPP is carefully assessing the judgment before announcing its official position.

“The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with our Flagbearer and the Party’s legal team, is currently in a meeting to thoroughly review the judgment delivered by the Court… and to determine the appropriate next course of action,” the statement said.

The party indicated that an official communication outlining the outcome of the meeting and any decisions taken will be released in due course.

Justin Kodua Frimpong also appealed to party supporters and members across the country to remain calm and united while the leadership completes its deliberations.

He urged members of the NPP to rally behind the party’s leadership during what he described as a challenging moment, stressing the need for calm, discipline, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the party’s values and interests.

The emergency meeting comes after the High Court delivered its judgment in Chairman Wontumi’s case relating to alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, a ruling that has generated significant political interest nationwide.

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Nana B Declares Bid for NPP National First Vice Chairman Position

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The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of National First Vice Chairman of the party ahead of its upcoming internal elections.

In a statement addressed to party executives, elders, patrons and members of the NPP, Nana B said his decision was inspired by a deep sense of duty and gratitude after serving the party for 26 years in various leadership positions.

According to him, the experience and lessons he has gained over the years have prepared him to help strengthen the party’s structures, reconnect with the grassroots and contribute significantly to the NPP’s mission of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.

Nana B highlighted his extensive political journey within the party, beginning at the polling station level where he served as a Polling Station Agent during the 2000 General Elections in the then Manhyia Constituency. He later became Polling Station Chairman in both the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Oforikrom constituencies. He also served as a member of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency Campaign Team and as Communications Officer for the Oforikrom Constituency.

At the regional and youth level, he served as TESCON President at both the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He also served as a member of the Ashanti Regional Communications Team, a member of the 2016 Ashanti Regional Campaign Team, Director of Events and Programmes for the National Youth Wing, National Youth Organiser, and Vice Chairman of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU).

At the national level, Nana B has served in several strategic roles, including Member of the NPP National Communications Team, Member of the 2020 Presidential Election Petition Legal Team, Member of the 2020 and 2024 National Campaign Teams, National Organiser, Vice Chairman of the 2025 National Delegates Conference Planning Committee, Member of the National Steering Committee, National Executive Committee and National Council.

He stated that his ambition is rooted in the belief that unity, renewed determination and effective leadership will reposition the New Patriotic Party for victory in the 2028 elections.

Nana B appealed to party faithful to support his bid with their prayers, guidance and encouragement as he embarks on what he described as an important journey for the future of the NPP.

He signed the statement as Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), Next National First Vice Chairman, NPP,” and adopted the campaign slogan Bold, Fearless and Experienced.

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Dr. Charles Dwamena Sues Hubtel for GH¢5 Million Over Alleged Campaign USSD Sabotage

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Dr. Charles Dwamena, the National Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a candidate for the party’s General Secretary position, has filed a lawsuit against Hubtel Limited at the Commercial Division of the High Court in Kumasi, seeking GH¢5 million in damages over what he describes as a breach of contract, negligence, and unlawful interference with his campaign donation platform.

According to the writ of summons and statement of claim filed in July 2026, Dr. Dwamena, a former Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to China and former Director of Finance and Administration at the NPP headquarters, alleges that Hubtel unlawfully activated a separate USSD shortcode bearing his personal name and later deactivated his official campaign donation shortcode without his knowledge or consent.

The suit states that in January 2026, Dr. Dwamena engaged Hubtel to provide a USSD-based payment platform to collect donations for his campaign for the NPP General Secretary race scheduled for September 18–20, 2026. Hubtel allegedly assigned him the shortcode 7132028#, which was configured by his campaign team and integrated into his official campaign website, www.drdwamenaelections.org.

According to the claim, Dr. Dwamena invested significant time, effort, and financial resources into developing the donation platform, including creating multiple donation categories and payment options for supporters.

The lawsuit states that Hubtel later onboarded his software developer and provided technical support through a dedicated WhatsApp group involving Hubtel officials identified as Ms. Benedicta and Mr. Makafui.

Dr. Dwamena argues that Hubtel was contractually obligated to maintain and operate the campaign shortcode, refrain from activating any other shortcode bearing his name without his approval, avoid linking his campaign platform to any other shortcode, and ensure that his campaign payment infrastructure remained operational.

However, the suit alleges that on April 21, 2026, Stephen Forson, identified as the Deputy Director of Information Technology at the NPP headquarters, requested Hubtel through a WhatsApp integration platform to activate another shortcode, 7142028#.

The plaintiff claims he immediately objected in writing, warning that activating the new shortcode would create confusion because 7132028# had already been assigned exclusively to his campaign. Despite the objection, he alleges Hubtel proceeded to activate the new shortcode.

According to the statement of claim, Hubtel also linked the newly activated shortcode to Dr. Dwamena’s existing campaign platform, causing users making payments through 7142028# to see his name as the designated beneficiary.

The court documents include allegations that payment prompts displayed messages such as “Enter Amount to pay to Dr Charles Dwamena” and payment confirmation screens identifying him as the recipient of transactions.

Dr. Dwamena further claims Hubtel subsequently deactivated his original campaign shortcode, 7132028#, without his authorization, effectively shutting down his official donation platform during a critical stage of his campaign.

He argues that Hubtel’s actions breached both contractual obligations and its duty of care as a licensed payment service provider under Ghana’s Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987).

The plaintiff also accuses Hubtel of failing to implement proper authorization procedures before activating a shortcode bearing his name and of giving priority to instructions from third parties over those of its own client.

Dr. Dwamena says the actions severely damaged his reputation after publications circulated on official NPP WhatsApp platforms and social media allegedly portrayed him as someone involved in diverting party membership dues into his personal account.

He further claims the alleged actions resulted in the loss of campaign donations, damaged his political standing ahead of the NPP National Executive elections, and negatively affected his professional reputation.

As part of the suit, Dr. Dwamena is seeking declarations that Hubtel breached its contract by activating the unauthorized shortcode and deactivating his official campaign shortcode.

He is also asking the court to order Hubtel to immediately restore shortcode 7132028# and permanently deactivate shortcode 7142028#.

Additionally, the plaintiff wants the court to compel Hubtel to provide a full account of all transactions processed through the disputed shortcode and pay over any sums found to be due.

Dr. Dwamena is seeking GH¢5 million in general damages for breach of contract and negligence, exemplary damages for what he describes as Hubtel’s reckless and high-handed conduct, special damages for lost campaign donations and other consequential losses, interest on all monetary awards at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate, and legal costs.

The case is yet to be heard, and Hubtel is expected to respond to the allegations before the court determines the merits of the claims.

Dr. Charles Dwamena

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