It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we have received the news of the passing of Ambassador Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes, an eminent statesman, distinguished patriot, accomplished diplomat, and one of the founding pillars of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Ambassador Odoi-Sykes devoted several decades of his life to the service of Ghana and the cause of democratic governance. His constant dedication to public service, constitutional democracy, and principled political leadership earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues across the political divide.

His remarkable record of national and party service speaks to a life dedicated to duty and excellence.

He served as a Member of Parliament for Ashiedu Keteke (now Odododiodoo) during the Third Republic and subsequently rose to become Minority Leader of Parliament, where he distinguished himself through exemplary parliamentary leadership and advocacy for democratic ideals.

As a founding father of the New Patriotic Party, Ambassador Odoi-Sykes played a pivotal role in laying the institutional and ideological foundations of the Party.

His leadership as National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (1998–2001) was instrumental in uniting and strengthening the Party, culminating in its historic electoral victory in the year 2000 and the first democratic transfer of power between political parties under the Fourth Republic.

Following this landmark achievement, he continued his distinguished service to the Republic as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada from 2001 to 2006, where he represented the nation with distinction and further enhanced Ghana’s diplomatic relations abroad.

Throughout his lifetime, Ambassador Odoi-Sykes served on numerous national and party committees, offering wise counsel, strategic leadership, and invaluable institutional memory. His integrity, humility, intellect, and constant commitment to Ghana’s democratic development will remain an enduring source of inspiration for present and future generations.

His passing marks the end of an illustrious chapter in Ghana’s political history. The nation has lost a distinguished public servant, while the New Patriotic Party has lost one of its most respected elder statesmen and steadfast architects.

On behalf of the Party, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, the entire Odoi-Sykes family, friends, associates, and all who mourn this great loss. We pray that the Almighty God grants them strength, comfort, and fortitude during this difficult period.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life exceptionally lived in faithful service to God, country, and the Party. Ambassador Samuel Arthur Odoi-Sykes has indeed paid his dues, and his legacy of principled leadership, patriotism, and selfless service will forever remain etched in the annals of Ghana’s democratic history.

Former First Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Smith Danquah Butey, has threatened legal action against the party if any official proceeds to sign a proposed constitutional amendment.

According to him, he is prepared to challenge the move in court should the amendment be signed, signalling strong opposition to the proposed changes to the party’s constitution.

“If anyone signs the constitutional amendment, I will take the NPP party to court,” Mr Butey stated.

His comments come amid discussions within the NPP over proposed amendments to its constitution and the processes surrounding their adoption.

Mr Butey, who previously served as the party’s First Vice Chairman, has raised concerns about the proposed changes and appears determined to pursue legal avenues if the process proceeds in a manner he considers unacceptable.

The former party executive did not, in the statement, provide details on the specific provisions of the amendment he intends to challenge or the particular legal grounds on which he would base his case.

The threat of legal action could add another layer to ongoing discussions within the NPP as the party works to address internal matters and reorganise its structures.

The proposed constitutional amendments are expected to remain a subject of discussion among party members, with attention focused on the processes being followed to effect the changes.

Mr Butey’s position suggests that internal disagreements over the amendments could potentially extend beyond the party’s structures and into the courts.

Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Felicia Dzifa Tegah, has explained why she and some members of her team left the party’s delegates conference before proceedings began.

According to her, they were present at the venue and ready to participate in the conference but decided to leave after repeated delays and the lack of clear communication about when the programme would commence.

“We were at the NPP delegates conference, but we left because the proceedings kept getting delayed and there was no clear communication about when the event would begin,” she said.

Her comments come amid discussions surrounding the organisation of the NPP’s delegates conference, which brought together party delegates and officials for an important gathering.

Madam Tegah indicated that the decision to leave was influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the start of proceedings, rather than a deliberate attempt to boycott the event.

She stressed that they had made themselves available for the programme but became frustrated by the prolonged delays and the absence of timely information.

Her remarks are likely to fuel discussions about the organisation and communication of major party activities, particularly when such events involve delegates and senior party officials travelling from different parts of the country.

The NPP has been undertaking a series of activities aimed at strengthening its structures and repositioning the party ahead of future political contests.

Madam Tegah remains a key figure within the party’s Women’s Wing and has been involved in activities aimed at mobilising women and strengthening grassroots participation.

Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Felicia Dzifa Tegah, has congratulated Hawa Koomson on her election as the party’s new National Women’s Organiser.

In a statement following the election, Madam Tegah said she was not intimidated by the outcome and expressed confidence in the experience and track record of the newly elected women’s organiser.

“I’m not afraid. Hawa Koomson has been elected as the NPP Women’s Organiser. We all know her record, and I congratulate her and wish her well in her new role,” she said.

Her comments come after the former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development emerged as the winner of the contest for the position.

Madam Tegah’s remarks signal her willingness to work with the newly elected national women’s organiser as the NPP seeks to strengthen its women’s wing and prepare for its future political activities.

Hawa Koomson, who has served the NPP in various capacities, brings considerable political experience to the position.

Her election is expected to usher in a new phase for the party’s Women’s Wing, with attention likely to focus on mobilising women, strengthening grassroots structures and increasing the participation of women in the party’s activities.

Meanwhile, Felicia Dzifa Tegah has wished Madam Koomson well and expressed hope that she will succeed in her new role.

The election forms part of the NPP’s ongoing efforts to reorganise and reposition the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Former Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), George Krobea Asante, has raised concerns over delays in the voting process, alleging that the situation was deliberately engineered to frustrate delegates.

In a statement, Mr. Krobea Asante said the voting process was “intentionally and artificially delayed,” describing the development as disappointing.

According to him, the delay created unnecessary difficulties for delegates who had gathered to participate in the exercise. His comments come amid concerns about the organisation and management of the voting process at the event.

“The voting process was intentionally and artificially delayed to frustrate the delegates which is so disappointing,” Mr. Krobea Asante said.

His remarks suggest concerns over whether the delays were merely administrative or formed part of a deliberate attempt to inconvenience participants. However, he did not provide specific evidence or identify individuals or groups he believes were responsible for the alleged delay.

The claim is expected to draw attention to the conduct of the voting exercise and the measures put in place to ensure an efficient process for delegates.

As of the time of publication, there was no response from the organisers addressing the allegation or providing an explanation for the reported delays.

Mr. Krobea Asante is a former Deputy Communications Director of the NPP and remains a commentator on political developments within the party.