Honourable Joan Gyan Cudjoe, member of Parliament for Amenfi-Central, has been named as a recipient of the World Diplomatic Federation’s prestigious Pillar of Community Development Honour at the upcoming Blackstar Acclamation Honorary Award Summit 25/26, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to community development, public service, and social empowerment.

The award, one of the summit’s most revered distinctions, celebrates individuals whose leadership and service have produced lasting impact at the grassroots and national levels. Hon. Joan Gyan Cudjoe’s selection reflects years of dedicated advocacy, people-centred governance, and a consistent drive to uplift communities through inclusive development initiatives.

Known for her unwavering dedication to social progress, Hon. Cudjoe has distinguished herself as a leader who places community welfare at the heart of governance. Her work has touched critical areas such as youth empowerment, women’s advancement, education advocacy, and community cohesion, earning her respect across political, civic, and traditional spheres.

The Blackstar Acclamation Honorary Award Summit 25/26 seek to spotlight exemplary leaders whose contributions align with nation-building, ethical leadership, and sustainable development. Hon. Cudjoe’s recognition as a Pillar of Community Development underscores her role as a bridge between policy and people, one who understands that meaningful leadership is measured by lives improved, not titles held.

World Diplomatic Federation, organisers of the award summit, emphasised that the Pillar of Community Development Honour is reserved for individuals whose influence inspires collective responsibility and positive social change. Hon. Cudjoe’s leadership journey, marked by accessibility, integrity, and purposeful action, aligns seamlessly with these values.

Beyond formal leadership, Hon. Joan Gyan Cudjoe has remained deeply rooted in community engagement, championing initiatives that promote unity, opportunity, and resilience. Her approach continues to inspire emerging leaders and reaffirm the importance of service-driven leadership in Ghana’s democratic and developmental landscape.

The Blackstar Acclamation Honorary Award Summit 25/26 on the theme “Rebuilding Trust, restoring Hope: A New Era of Governance in Ghana, ‘‘focusing on President John Dramani Mahama’s extraordinary performance and commitment to public service and also recognizing the entirety of the fourth Republic of Ghana are expected to bring together policymakers, traditional authorities, diplomats, creatives, entrepreneurs, and development stakeholders to celebrate excellence and discuss pathways for Africa’s growth. Hon. Cudjoe’s recognition will stand as a defining highlight of the summit, an affirmation that community-focused leadership remains central to national progress.

As Ghana and Africa continue to shape narratives of excellence on the global stage, the honour bestowed on Hon. Joan Gyan Cudjoe serves as both recognition and reminder: that enduring impact begins with service, and true leadership is built on community.

The Blackstar Acclamation Honorary Award ceremony will take place on Friday, 27th March, 2026, at the luxurious Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, starting at 9 pm.

President Recalls Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Over Alleged Vote Inducement

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, popularly known as Baba Jamal.

The directive follows allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Sunday in the Ayawaso East Constituency, in which Mr Baba Jamal contested as a candidate.

In a letter addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, President Mahama explained that although allegations of vote-buying were levelled against several aspirants in the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among the candidates. The President stressed that this distinction necessitated swift executive action.

President Mahama also took note of a public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC, confirming that the party has initiated its own internal investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries.

According to the statement, the recall decision is not intended to prejudice the outcome of the party’s internal processes. Rather, it is based strictly on the standards of conduct expected of public office holders and the need to safeguard the integrity of public office.

The President stated that the action was necessary to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, especially given the sensitive nature of the allegations.

The recall takes effect immediately. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take all required administrative and diplomatic steps to implement the President’s directive.

The statement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament and Spokesperson to the President, who also serves as Minister for Government Communications.

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Minority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to overcome internal divisions, describing disunity as a persistent “slow poison” that threatens the party’s electoral prospects.

Speaking at a convention of NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency following the party’s flagbearer contest, Afenyo-Markin warned that history shows the party often suffers electoral defeat whenever internal cracks emerge, regardless of the strength of its policies or leadership.

He called on party members to rally behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasizing the importance of a shared vision, consistent messaging, and a unified approach from the national level to grassroots structures.

“History teaches us the cost of fragmentation,” he said, recalling how divisions within the Danquah-Busia tradition in 1979 led to the formation of the UNC and PFP, paving the way for the PNP under Hilla Limann to assume power. Similar rifts, he added, contributed to the NPP’s losses in 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012.

Afenyo-Markin contrasted these defeats with periods of unity, noting the party’s victories in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020, attributing success to discipline and cohesion. He cautioned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, where “skirt and blouse” voting weakened the party at the polls.

“We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself. If Dr Bawumia fails, it is we who have failed him. Let us not fail him. Let us work for him, work for the party, and work for our country,” he urged.

The Minority Leader’s remarks highlight the NPP’s ongoing challenge of maintaining unity as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

If you want, I can also make an even shorter, punchier version suitable for social media or online news, keeping the key points clear and sharp. Do you want me to do that?