General News
UESD Pro Vice-Chancellor Calls for Urgent Biodiversity Protection to Safeguard Africa’s Future
Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has called for urgent, science-based biodiversity conservation measures to protect Africa’s natural resources and secure sustainable development for future generations.
He made the call during his inaugural lecture held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at UESD in Somanya, Eastern Region, under the theme “Biodiversity at the Crossroads: Science, Conservation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
The event attracted members of the University Council, academics, government officials, conservation experts, development partners, students, traditional leaders, and members of the public, all of whom gathered to discuss the importance of biodiversity conservation in advancing Africa’s sustainable development agenda.
Drawing on more than 30 years of research, conservation practice, and academic leadership, Professor Wiafe Debrah outlined the growing threats confronting Africa’s biodiversity. He identified habitat destruction, climate change, illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, land degradation, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources as major challenges undermining ecosystems across the continent.
According to him, biodiversity should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue but as a critical pillar of development that supports food security, water resources, climate resilience, public health, tourism, livelihoods, and economic growth.
“Biodiversity is not a luxury. It is the foundation of sustainable development. When biodiversity declines, development itself becomes more fragile,” Professor Wiafe Debrah said.
Throughout the lecture, he explored a central question that has shaped much of his academic and professional work: “How can development proceed without destroying the ecological systems that sustain life?”
Using evidence from decades of research in primate conservation, wildlife management, forest ecology, environmental governance, ecosystem restoration, human-wildlife conflict, and community-based conservation, he demonstrated how scientific research can provide practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
A major highlight of the lecture focused on his internationally acclaimed work on endangered primates within the Upper Guinea Forest ecosystem. His research has contributed significantly to the conservation of species including the critically endangered Roloway Monkey, Lowe’s Monkey, White-thighed Colobus, and Olive Colobus.
His work has also informed conservation policies, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments, protected area management strategies, and international species recovery programmes.
Professor Wiafe Debrah stressed that conservation efforts should go beyond law enforcement and the establishment of protected areas. Instead, he advocated integrated approaches that combine scientific research, community participation, sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, and accountable governance.
He noted that local communities must be recognised as active partners and direct beneficiaries of conservation initiatives rather than passive observers.
“Conservation succeeds when science informs action, when communities are partners, and when future generations remain at the centre of our decisions,” he stated.
The inaugural lecture also highlighted Professor Wiafe Debrah’s extensive contributions to environmental impact assessment, biodiversity management planning, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation research, and international conservation policy development. His work has influenced conservation efforts not only in Ghana but across Africa and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD praised Professor Wiafe Debrah for his outstanding achievements in research, conservation practice, mentorship, and university leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor described him as an accomplished scholar whose work reflects the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and societal transformation.
The lecture concluded with a strong appeal for governments, universities, civil society organisations, development partners, local communities, and the private sector to work together in protecting biodiversity as a foundation for sustainable development across Africa.
Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah currently serves as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UESD and is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s leading experts in biodiversity conservation, primatology, forestry, wildlife ecology, environmental governance, and sustainable development.
With more than three decades of experience in research, consultancy, higher education, and conservation management, he has authored numerous scholarly publications and contributed to global conservation initiatives, including IUCN Red List assessments and international primate conservation action plans.
The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), based in Somanya in the Eastern Region, is Ghana’s premier public university dedicated to environmental sustainability. The institution focuses on teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement aimed at producing environmentally conscious leaders and practical solutions for national and global sustainable development.
General News
NPP Leadership Holds Emergency Meeting Over Wontumi Court Judgment
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.
General News
Nana B Declares Bid for NPP National First Vice Chairman Position
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.“

General News
Dr. Charles Dwamena Sues Hubtel for GH¢5 Million Over Alleged Campaign USSD Sabotage
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.
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Edward
July 4, 2026 at 6:32 am
This is impressive and important issues to consider. How can I contribute similar articles to support this in subsequent days?
KPD ADMIN
July 12, 2026 at 7:57 pm
Send articles to kpdonline.net@gmail.com or kpdonlineeditor@gmail.com. Thank you.