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Madam Belinda Bukari, the Acting National Director of Special Olympics Ghana (SOG), has appealed to the Ministry of Sports and government to invest and support the organisation to nurture talents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Madam Belinda Bukari made the appeal at the closing ceremony of a five-day National Advancement Special Olympics Games at Twin-City Special School, Sofokrom, near Sekondi in the Western Region. 

The event featured special teams from special schools across all 16 regions and was hosted by the Western Region under the theme: ‘Celebrating the Child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Through Sports.’ 

Madam Bukari, who is also at the Special Education Division of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Accra, said harnessing the talents of special children would contribute to national development and project Ghana’s image positively. 

“The special children are endowed with talents in football, athletics, dancing and drawing which they do with perfection,” she added. 

In this regard, she appealed to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the National Sports Authority (NSA) for financial and technical assistance for the athletes’ camping, feeding and lodging. 

According to her, eight best athletes selected from across the 16 regions would represent Ghana at the international Special Olympics Games in Santiago, Chile in 2027. 

Madam Bukari said the special children also required support to prepare well and make Ghana proud, just as the Black Stars were doing at the ongoing World Cup. 

She acknowledged Special Olympics Ghana, Ghana Education Service, UNICEF Ghana, FET Mining, ROBB Foundation and James Spare Parts for sponsoring the event. 

On unified football, Madam Bukari advised players to keep training as Ghana would feature in the international special football competition in Paraguay in 2028. 

Mr Michael Aryeh, a Board Member of Special Olympics Ghana, who chaired the event, lauded the learners and coaches for their participation and urged the selected talents to keep training. 

Mr Dennis Wise, Technical Director of Special Olympics Ghana, thanked coaches and athletes for their preparation and noted that despite vehicle challenges, all regions managed to transport learners to the event. –GNA

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Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, held the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 on June 18 and 19 through an online videoconference.

The annual conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, along with the First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries, who joined as Guests of Honour and Keynote Speakers.

First Ladies in attendance were Dr. Ana Dias Lourenço of Angola, Kaone Boko of Botswana, Dr. Débora Katisa Carvalho of Cabo Verde, Brigitte Touadera of the Central African Republic, Zita Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia, Rachel Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, Kartumu Yarta Boakai of the Republic of Liberia, Sajidha Mohamed of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Gueta Selemane Chapo of the Republic of Mozambique, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Maria de Fatima Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More Than a Mother” and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, said: “It is a great privilege to welcome our distinguished Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are the Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary.

“Together, we exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues,” Dr. Kelej said.

Dr. Rasha Kelej noted that “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.”

“Many of our Merck Foundation alumni have become the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa, Asia, and beyond, ” Dr.Kelej noted

According to her, “During our Conference, we also marked World Infertility Awareness Month, observed annually in June, through our historic ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign, dedicated to empowering infertile and childless women by providing access to information, health, education, and change of mindset.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, added, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the First Ladies of Africa and Asia who joined us as Guests of Honor, as well as to the Ministers, healthcare experts, policymakers, government officials, academia, media representatives, and all our partners for their unwavering support and collaboration.”

“At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond. Together, we will continue advancing our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life,” he said.

He further highlighted that “I am pleased to share that, of the over 2,600 scholarships provided by Merck Foundation, more than 800 scholarships have been for healthcare providers in the fields of Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine.”

“These scholarships are helping strengthen fertility care services and improving access to women’s health across 42 countries,” he revealed

During the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, two important occasions were marked;the 9th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 14 years of Merck Foundation’s development programmes that were started in 2012.

On the first day, the Inaugural Session of the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary took place, featuring a high-level panel of the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia.

Day one was attended by over 800 participants including healthcare providers, policymakers, and media from 57 English, French, and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Additionally, the conference was live streamed on social media, with over 220,000 social media viewers, further amplifying the impact and extending access to knowledge and dialogue across continents.

Day two of the conference had two parallel scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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The leader of the Igbo community in Ghana, Dr. Ambassador Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, has announced the abolition of the use of the title “King of the Igbos in Ghana,” saying the move is aimed at promoting unity, peace, and cultural respect.

In an interview with the media on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at his residence at East Legon, he explained that the decision also follows a directive from the South East Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, which discourages the use of the title “Ndebo” or “King of Igbos” by individuals residing outside Igbo land.

He said the council has instead directed that leaders of Igbo communities in the diaspora be referred to as “Onyendu Ndebo,” meaning leaders of Igbos abroad.

He noted that he has fully accepted and adopted the new title with immediate effect in Ghana.

Dr. Ihenetu added that the change reflects respect for traditional authority and a commitment to strengthening unity among Igbos living in Ghana and their host communities.

He apologized for any tensions or misunderstandings caused by earlier incidents in 2025, stressing that peace and harmony between Ghanaians and Nigerians must be protected.

“I sincerely apologise for any concerns or inconveniences caused. My respect for Ghana and its traditional authorities remains strong,” he stated.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Adentan Constituency, Akosua Manu, has urged party members to move away from what she describes as an “entitlement mentality” and focus on unity, sacrifice and hard work as the party prepares for the 2028 general election.

In a statement titled “Is Loyalty a Queue?”, and posted on facebook, Ms. Manu argued that loyalty to the NPP should not be judged by how long a person has been in the party but by their contributions and commitment to its growth.

According to her, the NPP’s history shows that many of its leaders faced significant opposition from within the party before eventually leading it to electoral success.

She cited former President John Agyekum Kufuor as an example, saying he had to overcome resistance from influential figures within the party before winning power for the NPP in 2000.

Ms. Manu noted that after the party lost power in 2008, former President Kufuor faced criticism and accusations from some party members.

However, she said supporters eventually put their differences aside and worked together to rebuild the party.

She pointed to the experience of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who, according to her, faced opposition from some factions within the NPP despite his long service to the party.

“His trials were ten times what Kufuor endured,” she stated, adding that Akufo-Addo eventually overcame the challenges and became President of Ghana.

Turning to the NPP’s current flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ms. Manu said he also faced resistance from different groups within the party while seeking leadership.

She praised Dr. Bawumia for contributing to policy-based political discussions in Ghana and for remaining composed following the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections.

According to her, party members must now rally behind him in the same way they supported former Presidents Kufuor and Akufo-Addo.

Ms. Manu, however, warned that internal divisions and a sense of entitlement remain major threats to the party’s future.

She argued that some party members place too much emphasis on how long individuals have belonged to the NPP rather than on their contributions and capabilities.

“This entitlement does not question impact. It does not ask what you sacrificed or what you built. It asks only how long have you been here,” she said.

The former parliamentary candidate cautioned that such attitudes could discourage committed members and prevent the party from selecting the best people for leadership positions.

She further called on the party’s incoming national executives to strengthen the NPP’s core values of sacrifice, honesty, integrity and dedication to national development.

Ms. Manu addressed the concerns of young party supporters, many of whom she said became discouraged following the NPP’s electoral defeat in 2024.

According to her, many young people remain eager to see the party return to power but are unwilling to support internal conflicts driven by personal ambitions.

She urged party elders to place the interests of the NPP above their individual goals and to demonstrate leadership that attracts rather than alienates members.

“The NPP is bigger than any one of us. It always has been. Our collective responsibility is to act like it,” she stated.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has called on party members to put aside their differences and unite behind the NPP’s 2028 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, Dr. Acheampong said the party’s main focus should be rebuilding and returning to power after its defeat in the 2024 general election.

He noted that he understands the disappointment that follows a closely contested primary, having also contested in the NPP’s January 2026 flagbearer race and lost.

“I speak to you today not as a bystander to our recent contest, but as one who stood in it,” he stated.

Dr. Acheampong expressed concern over recent comments made by former Assin Central MP and former NPP flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, including his threat to take action against the party and some individuals.

According to him, Mr. Agyapong remains an important figure within the NPP whose contributions, loyalty and influence cannot be questioned.

However, he appealed to him to help promote unity rather than deepen divisions within the party.

“It is for that very reason that I urge him, respectfully but firmly, to lower the temperature and to lend his considerable influence to the work of healing rather than division,” Dr. Acheampong said.

He acknowledged that some individuals associated with Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, as well as his own campaign, directed disrespectful comments and insults at Mr. Agyapong during and after the primary contest.

Dr. Acheampong said such conduct was unfortunate and should have been addressed more quickly by party elders.

However, he stressed that there is no evidence that Dr. Bawumia authorised or supported those attacks.

According to him, the individuals involved acted on personal grievances and their actions should not be attributed to the NPP flagbearer or the party as a whole.

He noted that harsh words were exchanged by people on different sides during the contest, including Mr. Agyapong and some of his supporters, but said those comments were made in the heat of the campaign.

Dr. Acheampong called on all parties to forgive one another and work towards reconciliation.

He emphasized that the focus should be on supporting Dr. Bawumia and strengthening the NPP ahead of the 2028 elections.

“Dr. Bawumia is now the candidate of all of us. He carries the mandate not only of those who voted for him, but of every member who voted for Ken, for me, and for the others who contested,” he said.

Dr. Acheampong appealed to Mr. Agyapong, their supporters and all party members to end internal disputes and work together for the party’s success.

He concluded by stating that unity remains the NPP’s best path to victory in the next general election.

“Unity is not weakness. Unity is how we win,” he said.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has vowed to challenge elements within the party in 2027, accusing some members of disrespecting him and spreading false information about his health.

Speaking in an interview on Net 2 TV yesterday, Mr. Agyapong said he continues to enjoy respect from many people both in Ghana and abroad despite what he described as efforts by some individuals within the NPP to damage his reputation.

He alleged that false claims had been made about him, including reports that he had undergone a head operation.

According to him, such comments were part of attempts to undermine him.

Mr. Agyapong warned members of the NPP to brace themselves for what he described as “action” in June or July 2027.

He said he would not be intimidated by those he believes have treated him unfairly within the party.

According to him, some people think he would return to support them despite the alleged attacks against him.

However, he maintained that he would not remain silent and would respond at the appropriate time.

“They should wait and see. I’m giving them the time that June 2027, they will see action in this country,” he said.

The former Assin Central Member of Parliament did not explain what specific action he intends to take but insisted that he is not afraid of those he believes are working against him.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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Loud boos during hydration breaks echoed around World Cup Group L matches on Wednesday as fans signalled their disdain for the innovation, first at Dallas Stadium for England’s clash with Croatia and later in Toronto where Ghana faced Panama.

FIFA’s mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, have proved controversial since ⁠being introduced for the first time at this World Cup to help players deal with the heat and humidity of the North American summer.

Critics say the breaks kill the flow of the game, while others see their introduction as a cynical ploy to split the game into four quarters and allow broadcasters more opportunities to show adverts.

England fans had said on social ​media they would signal their objection at Wednesday’s match and the boos started from ​both sets of supporters as soon as referee Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the ‌break ⁠in the 22nd minute.

The hydration break also received a cold reception in chilly Toronto for the day’s other Group L game as fans booed while players from Panama and Ghana walked toward their respective benches as a steady rain poured down.

“If you (have) a break, it’s to do corrections,” Panama coach ⁠Thomas Christiansen said after his side’s 1-0 loss to Ghana. “It was not hot, but we have to accept that the advertisers (on) television is what’s paying for all these things.”

There were also boos from the ⁠crowd when the first break started on Tuesday in Norway’s match against Iraq at Boston Stadium, where the temperature was a mild 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Iraq were holding the ⁠Norwegians at 0-0 and playing well when the break started but conceded a goal four minutes after play resumed and lost 4-1. – Reuters

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Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the squad for their second World Cup group game against Haiti in Philadelphia on ‌Friday as he continues to recover from a calf injury, the Brazilian football association said.

“He will remain in New Jersey to make the most of the final stage of his recovery, making use of ⁠the excellent facilities at The Ridge hotel and the Columbia Park training centre,” they said in a statement yesterday.

The 34-year-old was seen doing drills with the squad after warming up separately in boots and with the ball in a training session on Wednesday.

He had been limited to indoor work at the team’s training ‌centre ⁠with physiotherapists and fitness coaches, with Brazil being cautious about his return to action.

Neymar injured his right calf during Santos’ 3-0 defeat by Coritiba last month, the latest ⁠in a long run of injuries and physical setbacks for the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward, who has ⁠not played for Brazil in almost three years.

Brazil have one point after opening their World Cup ⁠campaign with a draw against Morocco while Haiti are bottom of the group after losing to Scotland. – Reuters

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Coca-Cola on Wednesday officially launched its FIFA World Cup 26™ campaign in Ghana with an electrifying Watch Party for Ghana’s opening match against Panama, at the Coca-Cola Experience Zone at the Ghud Park, Accra Mall.

Dubbed “Feel It All,” the event brought together media practitioners, influencers, Ghana Supporters Union and passionate football fans from all walks of life, creating a vibrant atmosphere of shared excitement and connection.

Through engaging brand experiences, interactive fan zones, and curated entertainment, attendees were immersed in the spirit of the world’s biggest sporting event which is currently ongoing in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking at the launch, the Director, Franchise Operations, Equatorial Africa for Coca-Cola, Mr Mensah Seneadza, said the excitement will continue throughout the group stages, with the highlight being Ghana’s highly anticipated group stage fixture against England, where Coca-Cola will bring the globally celebrated “José vs Mourinho” experience to life.

To crown the campaign, Coca-Cola will host a spectacular concert alongside the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final on July 19 at the same venue, bringing together music, football, and celebration in one unforgettable finale experience.

Mr Seneadza noted that, “in Ghana, football is more than just a game, it is a shared emotion that brings millions together, especially during the FIFA World Cup™, and Coca-Cola is proud to give the consumers an opportunity to feel it all.”

On his part, the Managing Director, West African Countries Business Unit of the ECCBC, Mr Felix Gomis, said Ghana remains one of his outfit’s most strategic markets in the region, and the passion they are seeing from fans during this campaign reflects how deeply football is ingrained in everyday life across the country

“We will continue bringing the FIFA World Cup 26™ experience closer to consumers through engaging activations that unite people and celebrate the beautiful game.”

Continuing a decades-long partnership with FIFA®, this campaign reflects Coca-Cola’s continued focus on creating unforgettable fan experiences and celebrating the spirit of football across Ghana,” he further stated.

Throughout the tournament, fans can visit the Coca-Cola Experience Zone to watch live matches, enjoy interactive experiences, and win exciting giveaways.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

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Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, to send thousands of Ghanaians in Canada into a frenzy.

In attendance was Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, to cheer on the Ghanaians.

Both sides largely struggled to generate chances in the first half after Panama striker, Cecilio Waterma’s second minute attempt was steered away by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.

The second half was played out under steady rain at the Toronto Stadium but saw more sustained attacking play.

Cristian Martinez triggered a massive roar from the loud Panamanian contingent when he lashed a shot into the side-netting in the 60th minute.

That notwithstanding, Ghana remained the better side in the half as they dominated the exchanges and created several openings in the Panama rear.

Within that spell, Jordan Ayew and Yirenkyi went close to scoring but missed chances at close range.

But the match looked headed for a scoreless draw until Yirenkyi put the Black Stars ahead as he run ahead of the Panama central defenders to slot home a Brandon Asante cross.

Ghana’s veteran coach, Carlos Queiroz, turned to his side’s fans after the goal, urging them on in celebration as Antoine Semenyo grabbed the Man-of-the-Match prize.

Wednesday’s fixture made him only the second coach to appear in five consecutive World Cups, after leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have returned to their Rhode Island base after the all-important win.

The team arrived in Massachusetts yesterday and moved straight to their team camp in Providence. 

Coach Carlos Queiroz’s men will held a recovery training session at Bryant University as preparation begins for the second Group L game against England.

Ghana will be looking to build on the momentum from the Panama win when they face the Three Lions of England.

Coach Queiroz praised his side’s fight and resilience after the Toronto victory, while Antoine Semenyo said the team was ready to “prove a point” against England.

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