General News
Now Is the Time for Africa to Step Into Its Greatness — Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Africa stands at a defining moment in its history, urging leaders across the continent to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights and fully empower the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary of the African Court in Arusha, the Ghanaian leader said the continent must seize its historic opportunity to shape its own future.
“Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness,” President Mahama declared to a gathering of Heads of State, Chief Justices, diplomats and representatives of civil society.
A Call to Deepen Commitment to Justice
President Mahama emphasised that the African Court plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of African citizens beyond national borders. He called on African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol establishing the Court to do so without delay.
“To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court,” he said. “I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith.”
According to him, strengthening continental judicial mechanisms is essential if Africa is to preserve its sovereignty and uphold the ideals enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“We need an institution that serves all but is beholden to none,” he noted.
Africa’s Demographic Moment
President Mahama pointed to Africa’s rapidly growing population as both an opportunity and a responsibility. By 2050, he said, Africa’s population will reach 2.5 billion, accounting for more than a quarter of the world’s population.
“Already, the median age on the African continent is 19,” he said. “Can we imagine the power that we hold in our hands?”
He stressed that this demographic advantage would only translate into prosperity if African governments invest in their people and protect their fundamental rights.
Redefining Africa’s Path
The President also urged the continent to rethink long-standing assumptions about governance and development, warning against uncritical comparisons with other regions.
Quoting Tanzania’s founding leader Julius Nyerere, he said, “One does not judge one’s state of health by comparing it to a sick person.”
“For far too long, we have compared ourselves to the West and used what we believed were their standards as benchmarks,” Mahama stated, adding that Africa must define its own paradigm while preserving its dignity and cultural identity.
Looking to the Future
As the African Court marks two decades of operation, President Mahama expressed confidence that the institution would continue to grow in authority and relevance.
“Now is the time to deepen our commitment to the Court, so that in 20 years, when we celebrate its 40th anniversary, it will stand as the leading international judicial body and a model for others,” he said.
He officially declared the 2026 Judicial Year open, describing Arusha as “a city well known as the site where human rights are affirmed and the dignity of African people is protected.”
A new performance survey conducted across 83 constituencies in June 2026 has revealed significant differences in how Members of Parliament (MPs) are rated by their constituents.
The poll assessed MPs based on four categories: Excellent/Very Good/Good, Average, Poor/Very Poor, and No Opinion. The findings show that several MPs received overwhelming approval for their performance, while others faced strong criticism from voters.
Leading the rankings is the MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, who recorded an impressive 98% approval rating, making the constituency the highest-rated in the survey. Tolon and Tain followed closely with 94% each, while Navrongo Central secured 93%. Other constituencies that featured prominently among the top performers include Offinso North (91%), Kpando (88%), Tano North (88%), Twifo Atti Morkwa (86%), Old Tafo (85%), and Akim Oda (83%).
Several constituencies also posted strong approval ratings between 70% and 81%, including Buem (81%), Afigya Sekyere East (81%), Krowor (80%), North Tongu (79%), Asutifi South (78%), Talensi (78%), Awutu Senya West (77%), Manhyia South (77%), and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (77%).
However, the survey also identified constituencies where MPs received low approval ratings. Asene/Manso/Akroso ranked last with just 9% of respondents rating their MP as Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Takoradi followed with 13%, while Bosomtwe (15%), Achiase (16%), Bole-Bamboi (21%), Nhiaeso (23%), Juaben (25%), and Subin (29%) also recorded poor ratings. Notably, Asene/Manso/Akroso had the highest Poor/Very Poor rating of 87%, followed by Takoradi with 65%.
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.
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.“
John Dumelo Earns 59% Approval, Places 48th in 2026 MP Performance Poll
June 2026 Poll Ranks Best and Worst Performing MPs Across 83 Constituencies
“Padiki Did Everything, Yet Was Never Paid” – Derrick Manny Drops Shocking Claim
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMahama: More Funding Coming for Creative Arts in 2027
-
Entertainment1 week agoDerrick Manny Calls for Better Support for Ghanaian Creatives Following Dede Padiki’s Death
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoApostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s Reported Will: Companies, Beneficiaries and Final Wishes
-
General News2 weeks agoGhana’s Creative Industry Grieves the Loss of Renowned Visual Artist Sharon Dede Padiki Padi
-
General News2 weeks agoKwadwo Safo Kantanka’s Will Gave Akofena Control Over His Body and Funeral, Not Entire Empire – Lawyer Clarifies
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoInfluencer Kwatemaa Andoh Says She Won’t Marry a Poor Man
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoCaptain Smart defends Abu Trica interview: ‘I only acted in my role as a journalist’
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago‘What Happened?’ DKB Questions Jordan Ayew