News

Rigging Election 2020 for NPP impossible – Sammy Awuku

The New Patriotic Party’s National Organiser, Sammy Awuku, has refuted claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Identification Authority (NIA) are scheming to rig the elections in favour of the ruling government.

To him, it will be impossible for such an action to succeed.

“We have never relied on the Electoral Commission since 1992. In today’s Ghana, it will be a miracle and an accident in history for the Chairperson of the EC and her commissioners to rig the elections for a political party; it will be difficult,” he said while contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM in Accra recently.

The NDC, at two press conferences recently, said activities being undertaken by the NIA and the EC ahead of the 2020 polls were all geared towards rigging the elections for the governing party.

The opposition party had earlier posited that the use of the Ghana Card and passport as evidence of identification during registration despite the limited number of Ghanaians who have these requirements, was unfortunate.

National Chairman of the NDC, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and NDC’s Director of Elections, Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, at two separate media briefings, said the EC Chairperson and Executive Director of NIA intended to rig the elections by denying about 11 million Ghanaians- majority of them are from the stronghold of the NDC– the Ghana Card which would enable them to take part in the EC’s planned compilation of new voters register.

They contend that the decision by the EC to use the Ghana Card and passport as the only required documents to get registered as voters was a calculated plan as part of the rigging process as many people would be disenfranchised.

“As we predicted, the Ghana Card registration process by the NIA has been very slow such that till date, the process which commenced with a pilot in late 2017 and was supposed to be completed in one year, has been able to register only 11,062,055 out of about 19 million Ghanaians (15 years and above) who are eligible to be registered.”

“Even more bizarre is the fact that out of this 11 million Ghanaians who have been registered, only 7,074,048 have been issued with cards (per NIA’s own website https:nia.gov.gh) as at May 2, 2020,” Samuel Ofosu Ampofo explained.

Mr Awuku, has however, disagreed with the opposition NDC’s assertion.

He pointed out that under no circumstance would the ruling party even consider the idea.

“NDC should not think the EC can rig the election. The NPP rejects the NDC’s accusation that we are in active connivance with the Commission and the NIA,” he said.

Sammy Awuku urged the opposition party to rather focus on how to be vigilant at the polling stations instead of making unfounded allegations.

“The NDC failed to be vigilant in 2016 and that led to their defeat. NDC, I can confidently tell you; they couldn’t collate their results in 2016. They did not even know where they lost and where they won,” Mr Awuku said, adding that, “You can’t blame the EC for your inability to open your eyes”.

citifmonline.com

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Avonsige: The intersection of fashion and culture

As I speak to Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina, the visionary CEO and Creative Director of AVONSIGE, she passionately shares her journey with me.

Her voice carries both confidence and warmth, mirroring the essence of her designs yet deeply rooted in culture.

“Fashion for me, is more than just clothing,” she told me. “It is a language, a way of expressing identity, and a bridge that connects our past, present, and future. Every piece I create tells a story, and that story begins with Ghana.”

Her love affair with fashion began as a teenager when she was captivated by an avant-garde show that left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.

“I knew then that I wanted to design unforgettable pieces of garments that leave an impact long after they are worn,” she added.

Encouraged by her supportive parents, she pursued visual arts and textiles, laying the foundation for AVONSIGE, a brand that has since become synonymous with elegance, cultural appreciation, and innovation.

She explains that, AVONSIGE is not just about garments, but rather a gateway into Ghanaian culture, with a signature aesthetic that merges pristine whites with rich indigenous textiles.

Again, she said that people have to see Ghanaian smock and kente, fabric and wear them with pride, knowing that each weave carries centuries of history.

She beams as she described her mission of creating a safe space to understand and appreciate the Ghanaian lifestyle and traditions as the country celebrate Ghanaian heritage month.

Fashion should be a conversation starter, a way to carry our history with us. When you wear AVONSIGE, you are not just wearing fabric; you are wearing the soul of Ghana.”

She paused, then added, “To know our attire is to know our worth.”

Avonsige takes immense pride in sourcing authentic fabrics from the Upper East Region of Ghana. “Our styles and textiles are deeply rooted in the craftsmanship of northern Ghana,” she told me. “From the intricate handwoven smocks to the vibrant kente, each fabric carries the legacy of our ancestors, and we ensure that authenticity is preserved in every piece,” she indicated.

Avonsige’s passion for storytelling is evident in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to push beyond the runway,” she said, eyes alight with excitement.

Her commitment to preserving Ghanaian narratives through fashion is unwavering. “Every stitch, every pattern has meaning,” she noted. “That’s the beauty of our craft – it is a living, breathing testament to who we are.”

Beyond luxury and aesthetics, AVONSIGE is deeply rooted in philanthropy. “Fashion should not only inspire but also uplift,” she tells me. Through her annual initiative, AVONSIGE Runway for a Cause, she recreated original designs into Christmas outfits for orphans and underprivileged children in northern Ghana.

“This is something very close to my heart,” she said with a softening voice. “It is my way of giving back, of ensuring that every child feels valued and beautiful.”

As our conversation draws to a close, Avonsige leaves me with a profound thought: “Fashion is not just about what we wear – it is about the stories we carry, the heritage we embrace, and the future we envision.”

Through her passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication, Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina has turned AVONSIGE into more than just a brand. It is a movement, a celebration of culture, elegance, and purpose.

Join her on this extraordinary journey where fashion is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle, a cultural bridge, and a force for change.

By Geoffrey Buta

News

Who wears the crown? …as 13 contestants mount stage in 2025 Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant tonight

Thirteen young and vibrant ladies selected across the regions of Ghana will vie for the prestigious 2025 Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant crown as the event is held today at the Avenue Event Center in Accra.

Each contestant will rep¬resent their respective regions as they compete for the prestigious crown.

The contestants have gone through the weekly tasks ahead of the highly anticipated grand finale.

According to the organisers, this year’s winner will not only represent Ghana on the global stage at Miss World but also lead charitable initiatives under the Miss Ghana Foundation, focusing on support¬ing vulnerable communities.

Below are briefs about the contestants.

Deborah Fidelia Naa Ayeley

Deborah Fidelia Naa Ayeley, is a 25- year old Christian and hails from the Greater Accra Region. She loves watching movies, reading, listening to music and volunteering.

Nana Adjoa Enninful

Nana Adjoa is an 18-year old lady shaped by the values and culture of her hometown, Winneba in the Central Region. My hobbies include playing basketball, engaging in arts and listening to music.
These activities do not only provide entertainment but also contribute to her

Nutornutsi Priscilla Megblemdio

Nutornutsi Priscilla Megblemdio is a 22-year old from Tadzewu in the Volta Region of Ghana.
She is a proud fashion designer and a model who loves cooking, listening to music and watching movies. She finds passion in team work and always learns something new.

Priscilla Ayeley Kwablah

Priscilla Ayeley Kwablah 23, is a Christian
who loves reading and listening to
music representing the Western North
Region of Ghana.
She believes every lady should be
determined and have the zeal to attain
every height in life.

Stella Afua Sakaa Sak

Stella Afua Sakaa Sak is a graduate of the University of Education, Winneba. She is representing the Western Region proudly.
She is a teacher by profession and an entrepreneur who loves to model and paint in her free time.

Thelma Dzifa Sallah

Thelma is a 22-year old spoken word artist
and a student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
She hails from the Upper West Region of Ghana.
Her hobbies are reading and writing and
listening to good music.
The Miss Ghana project has always been a
dream she harboured since she was a little
girl but growing up, she realised it is not
just about the crown, the glitter and the
sash.
She now sees the crown as a symbol of
change in the lives of not only the ladies
participating but also a change in the lives
of the marginalised group of people in the
country.

Theresa Weyerane Adiali

Theresa Weyerane Adiali, 28, is a journalist with the Media Foundation for West Africa as an Investigative Journalism Fellow with a background in communication, and a passion for impactful storytelling.
Theresa has been a force in driving change for the marginalised communities
through humanitarian work with
UNICEF Ghana, and as a radio and TV news broadcaster.
Theresa envisions Miss Ghana as a platform to empower rural women and children in climate displaced communities in Ghana.

Angelina Elikplim Quason-Coffie

Angelina Elikplim Quason-Coffie is a final year student Physician Assistant.
Crocheting and reading are the hobbies she enjoy. Combining beauty, intellect and a deep commitment to societal impact, she aims to use the platform to advocate better
healthcare and welfare of aged men and women.
Her project focuses on improving access to quality healthcare while providing essential support and care for the elderly in communities.

Emmanuella Kudjordji

Emmanuella Kudjordji is a 24-year old professional teacher and a model from Denu in the Volta Region of Ghana.
She loves to promote girls education hence, her project titled, ‘Empowering girls, empowering the nation.’
She loves to model, listen to music and dance.

Jutta Ama Pokuah Addo

Jutta Ama Pokuah Addo is a 20-yearold
Christian from the Central Region
who loves golf and painting.
She is a dual student at the University
of Professional Studies, Accra and Wisconsin International University.
She sees herself as a young woman
with a bold spirit with a bright future
ahead of her.

Maud-Gail Cindy Nuworgah

Maud-Gail Cindy Nuworgah is a proud Voltarian and recently graduated from the University of Cape Coast, where she developed
a strong foundation in her chosen field of study.
Driven by a passion for self-improvement and community impact, she aims to use her
skills and experiences to contribute positively to society.
She values hard work, resilience, and cultural pride, to shape her outlook on life and aspirations.

Oduro Maud Anti

Oduro Maud Anti is honoured to represent the Ashanti Region as a delegate for Miss Ghana 2025.
She is a 22-year-old student of the Krobo Girls’ Senior High School who progressed to read Bsc. Information Technology at the
University of Ghana.
She is passionate about mental health awareness and girls’ education and aspires to inspire young girls to dream big and
pursue their goals with determination. She is driven by Ghana’s rich culture and resilience.

Melissa Mintah

Melissa Mintah is a 26 years old graduate from the Central University. She is an ambitious young woman pursuing a dream to become a lawyer.
With a passion for justice and a heart for advocacy, she balances her rigorous studies in law with grace and poise on the pageant stage.
Her dedication to education is matched by a commitment to empower others, using the platform to promote important social causes and ending poverty.
In addition to her academic and pageant
pursuits, she loves to cook and find
joy in creating delicious meals for family
and friends.