News
NDC will not withdraw from Election 2020–Ofosu Ampofo clarifies
The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ofosu Ampofo, has affirmed that the party will not withdraw from the 2020 general election despite the ‘belligerence’ of the Electoral Commission (EC).
However, he noted that the leadership of the party would not look on unconcerned to be cheated by the commission and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr Ampofo explained that the party was going to apply all means possible to prevent the EC from going ahead with the compilation of a new voters’ register and insisted that “the National Democratic Congress will not withdraw from the 2020 general elections, we will take part in the elections and we are also going to ensure our smooth victory.
“There’s no iota of truth in the EC’s statement in response to our press conference,
we have engaged the Electoral Commission and they are deliberately planning to disenfranchise eligible voters, anyone calling on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to boycott the December polls is a nation wrecker,” he posited and indicated that “having been part of the nation’s democratic dispensation, it will be a sacrilege for them to boycott any election”.
Reinforcing the NDC’s position against the compilation of a new voters’ register, Mr Ampofo stressed that “the ‘noise’ being made by the NDC against the compilation of a new voters’ register is for the protection of lives and property.
“The peace, unity, stability, national cohesion and tranquility of Ghana is important to us, so the Election Management Board should reflect and listen to voice of reason, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, there are fears Ghana’s case count may rise astronomically if the Electoral Commission is allowed to have its way.
“Why is the EC running away from its own document it used for the 2016 elections? They want to endanger the lives of the citizenry to satisfy their pay masters, this notwithstanding, if the EC ignores all our warning and goes ahead to compile a new voters’ register, the NDC will not boycott the elections.
“We are a democratic party so we won’t do what the New Patriotic Party did when it boycotted the 1992 parliamentary elections which affected the country’s body politic,” Mr Ampofo said. -adomonline.com
News
Gaming Commission warns operators against underage betting
The Gaming Commission of Ghana has warned gaming operators involved in underage betting to desist from it.
The Commission also said such facilities will be closed down if it continues in the illegality.
“There is the need to pay attention to underage gambling because the children are our future,” he added.
Acting Gaming Commissioner of Ghana, Emmanuel Quainoo said this in Accra when he paid a courtesy call on the Editor and Acting Editor of The Spectator and Ghanaian Times newspapers, respectively.
The call was part of the Acting Commissioner’s familiarisation tour to some media houses and to build partnerships with them.
He said the mandate of the commission was to regulate the activities of game operators and ensure they conform to the law.
The Acting Gaming Commissioner said the commission has been receiving calls on illegal and underage gambling, a situation he said will need the assistance of the media in clamping down such operators.
He mentioned that the commission has so far licensed 55 gaming operators across the country.
He explained that as of January 2025 to date, 23 casinos, 15 Sport betting, two route operators and five remote interactive games have been licensed.
He mentioned that other operators have put in applications while the rest have paid part of their license fees.
He said the commission was hoping to expand their operations and be visible in all regions across the country.
The Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahman said the rate at which the youth in the Zongo community are involved in betting was alarming.
Alhaji Abdul-Rahman called on the Gaming Commission to intensify their education in schools, especially in the zongo communities while urging them to clamp down on illegal operators.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M. Quaittoo thanked the Commission for the visit, saying “we are willing to partner and support you.”
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Director, Human Resource and Administration, Ms Jennifer Puplampu, Deputy Director, Finance Mr Nana Kwame Sekyi Dadzie and Head of Corporate Affairs Ms Beatrice Baiden.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
KNUST mourns death of 3 students
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is grappling with the devastating loss of two students, Akosuah Owusuaa and Bertha Kookale Hammond, who passed away in separate incidents on March 9, 2025.
The university community is still reeling in shock as details of the incidents are scarce, leaving many to read meanings into the loss of these young lives.
Akosuah, a third-year Forest Resource Technology student, was said to have fallen ill before her passing.
Bertha, a final-year English student, also passed away on the same day, with the cause of her death still unknown.
The Association of Students of English, KNUST, released a statement announcing Bertha’s passing, describing her as a “dedicated and talented student” who will be deeply missed.
“It is with great sorrow that we write to you regarding the devastating loss of one of our very own, Bertha Kookale Hammond, a final-year student of English who has passed away, leaving behind a gaping void that cannot be filled.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Bertha’s family, her friends, and loved ones during this agonising moment. May we find comfort in the memories of her bright smile and sheer enthusiasm.”
These recent deaths come on the heels of a similar incident involving a final-year Biological Sciences student, Joana Deladem Yabani, whose lifeless body was found near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre on February 27, 2025.
The cause of death is still under investigation, with initial police examination revealing marks of violence on her body.
CCTV footage analysis led to the arrest of a suspect, Daniel Tuffuor, a 21-year-old fellow student, and reportedly Joana’s boyfriend, the same day.
Tuffuor was remanded and is set to appear in court again on March 17, 2025.
The KNUST community is mourning the loss of these young lives, and the university is working closely with the authorities to ensure that justice was served.
From Kingsley E.Hope,
Kumasi
