Recent events involving the arrest, detention, and remand of citizens over things they have said or published should concern every Ghanaian, regardless of political affiliation.

Freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by a government to those who speak politely about it. It is a constitutional right, and its real test comes when the speech is offensive, irritating, unfair, or deeply critical of those who exercise power. In 2001, President John Agyekum Kufuor’s Government took the historic step of repealing Ghana’s criminal libel and seditious laws through Act 602.

That reform, championed in government by then Attorney-General Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was an important statement about the kind of Republic we wanted to build: one in which governments answered criticism rather than criminalised it. Ghana should not recreate criminal libel in substance under different statutory labels.

This does not mean that all speech is legally protected. True criminal behavior such as inciting violence or making threats must be prosecuted according to the law. Similarly, false and defamatory statements can lead to civil lawsuits. However, there is a crucial distinction between protecting the public from actual crime and using state power to punish speech that is merely offensive or inconvenient.

This responsibility does not fall on the Executive branch alone. The police and security forces must exercise their authority with restraint and remain loyal to the Constitution. Furthermore, the courts serve as the citizen’s ultimate shield against government overreach. Because of this, judges must ensure that arrests, detentions, and excessive bail requirements are not weaponized as a form of punishment before a trial even takes place.

These principles must apply whether the speaker is NPP, NDC, or belongs to no political party at all. Governments change. The precedents we create while exercising power remain for those who come after us.

Ghana travelled a long and difficult road away from the culture of silence. We should be extremely careful not to find our way back there through another door.

Our democracy is strong enough to tolerate criticism. Our institutions must be strong enough to protect the freedom to make it.

#FreeNurseSalomeyAwityBaffoe.

Source// Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East constituency-E/R. Facebook Wall.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

The  Eastern Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Osei Sarkodie, affectionately known as SOS, has held a high-profile meeting in the United States with Ghanaian international and LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil to explore sports-driven youth empowerment initiatives.

Currently in the U.S. for personal engagements, SOS attended LA Galaxy’s recent Major League Soccer match against the Seattle Sounders, which concluded in a 1-1 draw.

Following the game, he met with Paintsil to strategize on using sports as a tool to uplift and create sustainable opportunities for young people across the Eastern Region and the rest of Ghana.

The discussions gained further momentum when former Germany international and current LA Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus joined the duo.

Together, they deliberated on progressive youth development frameworks and underscored the transformative role sports can play in unlocking the potential of Ghanaian youth.

The meeting focused on collaboration, as Sarkodie and Paintsil explored leveraging their platforms to empower youth through sports. Their discussion centered on discovering, nurturing, and supporting talented young footballers across Ghana, with a specific focus on the Eastern Region.

Paintsil’s background as an international professional footballer and his ongoing work with the Black Stars offer critical insights into the pathways and obstacles for rising Ghanaian athletes. Concurrently, SOS is expanding his youth leadership footprint in the Eastern Region following his recent election as Regional Youth Organiser.

Having previously served as the New Juaben North Youth Organiser, he brings valuable experience in constituency-level youth engagement.

Both parties believe their combined expertise can drive meaningful youth development, particularly by leveraging sports to inspire talent and create new opportunities.

The meeting between SOS and Paintsil served as an excellent starting point to explore collaborative ways to support young people and advance sports development across the Eastern Region and Ghana.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Aburi Bretuohemea of the Akuapem Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Awo Afia Fiankobea Nyansa II, has publicly praised Lawrencia Adwoa Dziwornu, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem South, for her impactful investment in local education.

The MP, who founded the Adwoa Education Fund, distributed a total of GH¢500,000.00 to 1,000 students who recently completed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Each graduate received a financial package of GH¢500.00 alongside five exercise books to ease their transition into Senior High School.

The beneficiaries are scheduled to officially begin their 2026 academic year tomorrow, Friday, September 18.

Awo Afia Fiankobea Nyansa II highlighted that the donated funds will significantly relieve parents by covering the cost of required prospectus items for the beneficiary students.

She noted that this marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time a Member of Parliament for the constituency has personally committed to supporting such a large number of BECE graduates transitioning to Senior High School.

Additionally, Paul Osea Ofei, the Municipal Chief Executive of the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly, urged the students to avoid any distractions or harmful activities that could derail their education.

As they prepare to leave for school, he emphasized the importance of protecting and honoring the significant investment made in their future by the MP.

Addressing the attendees at a brief ceremony at the Aburi Methodist School on Thursday, September 17, Lawrencia Adwoa Dziwornu shared the numerous challenges she overcame during her journey through school and tertiary education.

“When I was aspiring to become a Member of Parliament for Akuapem South in 2024, I pledged that if God helped me win, I would prioritize education and support needy yet brilliant students in attending Senior High School. This gesture fulfills that promise,” she said.

Furthermore, she pledged to provide full tertiary education scholarships to any student who achieves excellent grades.

Lawrencia Dziwornu emphasized her commitment to nurturing bright minds capable of meaningfully driving development and progress in Akuapem South.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

The Member of Parliament for the Yilo Krobo constituency in the Eastern Region, Dr. Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, has distributed Senior High School (SHS) prospectus items to 550 brilliant but financially challenged students within his constituency.

The beneficiaries of this support program are graduates who recently completed the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Designed as a timely relief effort, the initiative aims to reduce the heavy financial burden placed on parents trying to secure essential school supplies. The gesture arrives just ahead of the official reopening of the academic school term on September 18, 2026.

The distributed relief packages included vital boarding and academic supplies, such as Student mattresses, Plastic chop boxes, Mathematical sets, Exercise books, and pens. While celebrating the successful execution of the donation drive, Dr. Albert Nyakotey strongly reaffirmed his long-term dedication to uplifting and investing in educational standards across the Yilo Krobo area.

Addressing a gathering at the Somanya main lorry station on Wednesday, September 16, he emphasized that education serves as the bedrock of any developed nation. Consequently, he pledged to ensure that every child within his constituency gains access to second-cycle education to secure a brighter future.

He highlighted that since its launch in 2021, this initiative has enabled numerous BECE graduates to transition into Senior High School (SHS), affirming that the program is now a permanent fixture.

According to him, the initiative supported 250 students in 2025. Following appeals from parents seeking assistance for their children, he expanded the program to support 550 students in 2026, ensuring a greater number of graduates have the chance to attend Senior High School.

Furthermore, he promised to provide full tertiary education scholarships to any student who achieves excellent grades. He emphasized his commitment to nurturing intellectuals who can meaningfully drive the growth and development of Yilo Krobo.

The Director of Education for Yilo Krobo Municipal, Peter Tekper, said they owe a debt of gratitude to the Honourable Dr. Albert Tetteh Nyakotey, MP for Yilo Krobo. His presentation equips their 2026 BECE candidates with the vital tools they need to transition into second-cycle education.

“Education is a journey fueled by preparation. Completing the BECE is a proud milestone, but it is just the beginning. It unlocks a brand-new chapter packed with potential, growth, and the promise of a successful future,” he added.

“To our students, look at these gifts as more than just physical items. They are proof of our collective belief in your talent. Let them remind you that your education matters, your goals are valid, and your community is fully invested in your success,” stated Mr. Tekper.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

Today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, marks a significant milestone in your political journey as you officially pick up your nomination forms to serve our great party, the NDC.

I have full confidence in your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision.

Your decision to step forward represents a renewed dedication to service, empowerment, and the advancement of women across the NDC.

I  wish you all a smooth and successful process. Together, let us unite, mobilize, and build a stronger, more vibrant, and victorious Women’s Wing.

The time to empower women is now. The time to build is now.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Betty Krosbi’s Facebook Wall.

Nana Osei-Adjei, the Member of Parliament for the New Juaben North constituency in the Eastern Region, has supported 120 graduates who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) by providing them with Senior High School (SHS) prospectus items.

The initiative supports brilliant but financially disadvantaged students, relieving parents who struggle to afford the necessary items before schools reopen on September 18, 2026.

The distributed relief packages included essential supplies such as student mattresses, exercise books, school bags, and food provisions.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Oyokohene’s Palace forecourt on Tuesday, September 15, Nana Osei-Adjei reminded attendees of Nelson Mandela’s famous words: education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.

“Support might open the door for you, but only your discipline will keep you in the room,” Mr. Osei-Adjei advised the students. He urged them to look beyond just getting good grades as they enter Senior High School. Instead, he challenged them to become proactive problem solvers who can meaningfully drive development in Ghana, particularly within New Juaben North.

He encouraged the youth to dream boldly, study fiercely, work humbly, and serve generously. He noted that while today is a celebration of their academic results, tomorrow will be a celebration of their lifelong achievements.

Hilda Amegatcher, the Director of Education for the New Juaben North Municipal Education Directorate, revealed that out of over 1,000 children who sat for the BECE in the municipality, only 120 were chosen for this presentation.

“As you transition into Senior High School, go out there and make us proud. Your success will inspire your younger brothers and sisters who will be writing their BECE in 2027 to excel and earn similar recognition from our Member of Parliament, Honorable Nana Osei-Adjei,” she remarked.

Nana Osei Bonsu Sempei II, the Adontenhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area and Oyokohene, highly commended the Member of Parliament for the support. He noted that this marks the first time in history that a Member of Parliament has directly eased the financial burden on parents in the constituency as their children prepare to enter Senior High School.

He extended a heartfelt thank you to the MP on behalf of all the beneficiary parents, praising the MP’s deep care and love for the children. He shared that many parents struggle financially to afford the school prospectus items, so receiving these gifts truly means the world to them.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Kyebi Akwadumhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Barima Pobi Asomaning III, has officially installed Baffuor Kwasi Boadu as the community’s new Mmrantiehene.

The installation ceremony took place at the Kyebi Akwadumhene’s Palace on Monday, September 14, 2026. In his new role, Baffuor Kwasi Boadu is tasked with leading the local youth to spearhead community infrastructure projects.

Following the event, Barima Pobi Asomaning III spoke with Kontihen Kofi Oboh, offering a strong message to the younger generation. He urged Ghanaian youth to be mindful of their choices and maintain a good lifestyle, reminding them that their future depends on the actions they take today.

He emphasized that youth who engage in social vices and lack self-discipline risk derailing their future progress. When leadership opportunities arise, poor behavior can disqualify them, underscoring the importance of maintaining good character to secure future roles.

Kyebi Akwadumhene shared that humility toward elders invites abundant divine blessings and paves the way for leadership within the family.

He further credited his own current position to the deep respect and humility he has always shown the elders in his community.

Barima Pobi Asomaning III urged the rising generation to respect community elders. He noted that through respect, God would elevate them, transform their destinies, and make them a blessing to both their families and Ghana as a whole.

Baffuor Kwasi Boadu, the newly enstooled Kyebi Akwadum Mmrantiehene, expressed his gratitude to Barima Pobi Asomaning III and his family for the honor.

He emphasized his commitment to youth development, promising to implement initiatives that will benefit the Akwadum community.

However, he also advised young people nationwide to refrain from using social media to insult and attack national leaders, warning that such behavior could damage their future career prospects.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

The Member of Parliament for the Fanteakwa North constituency in the Eastern Region, Kwame Appiah Kodua, has stepped forward with vital support for 150 local graduates who recently sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

This impactful initiative is carefully designed to ensure a smooth transition into Senior High School (SHS) by easing the financial burden on families and providing students with essential prospectus supplies.

The distribution of items was tailored to meet the specific needs of both boarding and day students.

Boarding students received a comprehensive package consisting of a plastic chop box, a durable school bag, a student mattress, and 12 exercise books.

While the Day students were equipped with a school bag and 12 exercise books to kickstart their academic year.

By empowering these youth, the MP emphasizes that investing directly in students’ basic educational needs rather than using education as a political tool is what truly secures Ghana’s future development.

Speaking at an event in Begoro-Oheneseho on Friday, August 11, Kwame Appiah Kodua reaffirmed his dedication to advancing education by promising that all children in Fanteakwa North will have access to secondary-cycle education.

He strongly cautioned against politicizing the educational sector, stating that using education for political gain hinders a nation’s development and harms the career prospects of its citizens.

To encourage academic excellence, Kodua also announced tertiary-level scholarships for students who achieve outstanding results in their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Beneficiaries were advised by Nana Ofori Ameyaw, the Begoro Apagyahen, to shun negative peer influences and drug abuse. He further charged them to study diligently and play an active role in advancing the Begoro community.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Nana Akosua Adjeibea.

The Member of Parliament for the Atiwa East constituency in the Eastern Region, Abena Osei-Asare, has expressed her sympathies to the candidates who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) but did not pass or secure placement.

She described the situation as deeply concerning, stating that the high number of failing students is unacceptable and requires urgent national attention.

Mrs. Osei-Asare called on the Government and the Ministry of Education to urgently consider the future of the 142,000 students who failed the examination, as well as the 54,985 candidates who missed out on Senior High School (SHS) placement. She urged immediate intervention to address the issue and ensure these students are successfully enrolled.

At the Anyinam Roman Catholic School on Friday, September 11,  the Atiwa East Member of Parliament (MP) announced a vital support initiative for 200 BECE graduates. To ensure a smooth transition into Senior High School, she provided the students with essential prospectus supplies.

The distributed relief packages contained key schooling items, including trunks and chop boxes, student mattresses, and essential provisions.

To further alleviate the financial burden on the parents of these brilliant but needy students, the MP also gifted GH₵1,000.00 to every student to cover their transportation costs to their respective schools.

Abena Osei Asare, who also serves as the Chairperson for the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, noted that many families are currently facing hardships due to these educational expenses.

She then questioned the ruling government’s motives, asking, “Is it because the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government wanted to abort the double-track system  in 2027, which is why they are prematurely ending the future careers of these innocent children at this stage?”

Several parents of the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their MP for her generous gesture.

They noted that the support came at the perfect time, as they were deeply concerned about how to afford sending their children back to school. They emphasized that this initiative would significantly ease their financial burdens.

“We never expected that after donating all these school items to our children, she would also add GH₵1,000.00. We pray that God continues to bless and protect her,” the parents said.

Furthermore, Madam Pearl Acquah, the District Education Director for the Atiwa East District Assembly, advised the students to steer clear of social vices that could jeopardize their future. Instead, she urged them to focus heavily on their studies and make the best use of their learning materials to build a successful life.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Akyem Apapamhene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council in the Eastern Region, Okogyeaman Apagya Ofori, has officially installed twelve new sub-divisional Chiefs and Queen Mothers.

The newly appointed leaders, consisting of six chiefs and six queen mothers, have been explicitly tasked with spearheading critical infrastructure and development projects across the community.

Speaking at a ceremony held at Okogyeaman Fie on Saturday, September 12, 2026, Osabarima Ofori urged the new leaders to ground their reigns in spiritual devotion for lasting success.

He further implored them to foster absolute unity among their people, driving Apapamman forward to become one of the most prosperous and admired communities in Okyeman.

Okogyeaman Ofori announced that he will celebrate his 10th anniversary in 2027. Ahead of this milestone, he challenged the 12 newly installed Chiefs and Queen Mothers to work diligently toward transforming the community.

To ensure the community has an official venue for hosting events, he pledged to complete the Apapam event center before next year.

Okogyeaman Apagya Ofori congratulated the new leaders on their roles. He advised them to remain humble and to serve the people of Apapam with integrity and respect.

Nana Abena Fosua  Asante, the newly installed Mawerehemaa (Queen Mother), offered words of wisdom by encouraging young people to use their hands to build meaningful lives rather than chasing fast money.

She noted a troubling shift from the long lives of their forefathers, warning that many young people today are dying prematurely due to a reckless desire to become wealthier than their parents.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.