The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially released the timetable for its 2026 Constituency, Regional and National Executive Elections, setting the stage for the party’s internal electoral process ahead of the 2028 General Elections

In a press statement dated August 5, 2026, the party announced that the decision was taken by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) during its meeting held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
According to the statement, the timetable provides a comprehensive roadmap for the conduct of the elections, covering key stages such as the opening of nominations, filing of nomination forms, vetting of aspirants, appeals, balloting, and elections at the constituency, regional and national levels

The NDC stated that the release of the timetable demonstrates its commitment to conducting transparent, credible and well-organized internal elections in accordance with the party’s constitution and approved election guidelines

The party has urged all regional and constituency executives, aspirants and members to carefully study the attached timetable and strictly adhere to all stipulated procedures, timelines and deadlines to ensure a smooth and successful electoral process

The statement also expressed appreciation to party members, executives and stakeholders for their continued dedication, discipline and commitment to the ideals of the NDC.
The party further expressed confidence that the unity and collective spirit demonstrated throughout the reorganization process would strengthen the NDC as it prepares to secure victory in the 2028 General Elections.
The press statement was signed by Barbara Serwaa Asamoah, Deputy General Secretary, for the General Secretary, with the detailed election timetable attached for the guidance of all stakeholders

Timetable attached

The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has announced that Burkina Faso’s power utility, SONABEL, is expected to commence a controlled water spillage from the Bagre Dam on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, if the reservoir reaches the critical water level of 234.00 metres

In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the WRC said the update was received from SONABEL, the operator of the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso

According to the Commission, the planned spillage is a precautionary measure aimed at maintaining the structural safety of the dam should water levels continue to rise due to increased inflows

The WRC indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant authorities and will continue to provide timely updates to the public

Communities along the White Volta and other downstream areas have been advised to remain vigilant and pay close attention to official announcements from the Water Resources Commission, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other relevant agencies

The Commission assured the public that further information would be communicated as the situation develops and urged residents in flood-prone communities to take all necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, on Saturday led a clean-up exercise in the Bolgatanga municipality as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation in the regional capital.

The exercise was conducted alongside the Municipal Chief Executive for Bolgatanga, Hon. Roland Ayoo, and the National Youth Authority (NYA), which participated as part of activities marking its week-long National Youth Day celebrations.

Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces also joined the exercise, working alongside government officials, youth groups and residents to desilt drains, clear refuse from public spaces and improve sanitation across parts of the municipality.

The initiative underscored the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment and highlighted the commitment of the Regional Coordinating Council and its partners to promoting environmental cleanliness and public health.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with World Vision Ghana to accelerate development across the region.

The assurance came when a delegation from World Vision Ghana, led by Joshua Baido, paid a courtesy call on the Minister at the Regional Coordinating Council in Bolgatanga.

The visit formed part of World Vision’s routine stakeholder engagements to monitor and assess the impact of its interventions in the Upper East Region. The delegation explained that the courtesy call was also a reciprocal visit following the Minister’s earlier engagement with the organization this year and an opportunity to express appreciation for the support the Regional Coordinating Council has provided to its programmes.

Mr. Baido thanked the Minister for his continued support and collaboration, which he said had contributed to the successful implementation of World Vision’s interventions in the region.

In his remarks, Hon. Akamugri acknowledged the significant impact World Vision has made in the Upper East Region, describing the organization’s interventions as transformative for many communities.

The Minister recounted his 16 years of service as an Assembly Member in the Bongo District, where he witnessed the establishment of a World Vision Resource Centre. He noted that before the facility was built, the district lacked a suitable venue for meetings, adding that the resource centre gave the district a facelift and remains an important community asset. He also said he had personally benefited from the facility as a resident of the area.

Hon. Akamugri further praised World Vision’s investment in education, noting that many students who benefited from the organization’s support have grown into responsible and accomplished members of society. He stressed that institutions such as World Vision should be encouraged and their partnerships valued because of their contribution to improving livelihoods.

The Minister, however, observed that despite the organization’s interventions, the region continues to face significant development challenges, particularly in education. He pointed to the persistent shortage of educational infrastructure, revealing that many schools in the Upper East Region still operate under trees, exposing pupils to the region’s harsh weather conditions.

He disclosed that he had submitted a list of schools requiring support to World Vision and welcomed the organization’s decision to refer the request to partner non-governmental organizations working in the education sector.

Hon. Akamugri also highlighted the high poverty levels in the region, attributing them to limited economic opportunities. He proposed all-year-round farming as one of the practical solutions to improving household incomes and appealed for support towards initiatives such as mechanized boreholes to enable women engage in year-round agricultural activities.

The Minister further briefed the delegation on the outcome of the recently concluded PEARL (Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods) consultation forum, describing the resulting document as a blueprint for the development of the Upper East Region. He indicated that the Regional Coordinating Council would share the document with World Vision to identify areas where the organization could align its interventions with the region’s development priorities.

He assured the delegation of the Regional Coordinating Council’s continued support and collaboration with World Vision to improve the lives of people in the Upper East Region.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

Our Lady of Lourdes (OLL) Girls’ SHS has been Crowned Champions of the Inaugural Agri-Genius Challenge under the Women in Agriculture held at the Bolgatanga Girls’ senior High School. The Programme was Organised in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry for Food and Agriculture.

OLL Girls SHS Won GH¢5,000 Cash Prize as Overall Champions of the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture)

OLL Girls SHS secures a 3-acre farm sponsorship and an educational trip from FarmYield Africa as part of the overall winners’ package of Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture Challenge (Women in Agriculture)

OLL Girls SHS defeated Bawku SHS and Zebilla SHTS to progress to the next round of Queen Asakia’s Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture) initiative. Navrongo SHS Receives GH₵2,000 Cash Prize as Runner-Up in the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture). They also won a 2- acre farm sponsorship and an educational trip from Farmyield Africa as part of their award

Navrongo SHS defeated Kongo SHS to advance to the next round of Queen Asakia’s Agri-Genius Challenge, a Women in Agriculture initiative. Gowrie SHS placed third in the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture).

Gowrie Senior High School defeated Bolgatanga Senior High School and Zuarungu Senior High School to progress to the next round of the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture) initiative in Bolgatanga. Sirigu SHS placed fourth in the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture).

Sirigu Integrated Senior High School defeated Sandema Senior High School and Fumbisi SHS/Agric School to advance to the next round of the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture) initiative.

The representative of the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service commended the organisers for a successful programme and lauded the participating schools for the level competition.

The Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, Fawzia Yakubu Abagnamah who was one of the Guest Speaker at the Agri-Genius Challenge (Women in Agriculture) initiative, pledge support for the initiative targeting widows in vulnerable communities.

The Chief Executive Officer of Petasco Ghana Limited Peter Adongo who was sponsor for the programme urged the Ghana Education Service to discourage the practice of sending students to weed on the farm as a punishment. This he noted will encourage the youth to see Agriculture as lucrative business venture.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The Widows and Orphans Movement, WOM, is participating in the Fifth West African Caravan on Land, Water and Peasant Seeds, joining farmers’ organisations, civil society groups, women leaders, youth movements and community activists from across the sub-region to advocate food sovereignty, agroecology, climate justice and women’s land rights.

The West African Caravan is a regional advocacy initiative of the Convergence of Struggles for Land, Water and Peasant Seeds. Since its launch in 2016, the caravan has brought together social movements across West Africa to campaign against land grabbing, promote sustainable management of natural resources and defend the rights of smallholder farmers and rural communities.

This year’s fifth edition is travelling through several West African countries ahead of the 2026 World Social Forum in Cotonou, Benin, where participants are expected to present joint proposals on land governance, climate resilience and food systems.

The Ghana delegation began its journey from Accra on July 28 and made a stop at Agavedzi in the Keta South Municipality to express solidarity with families displaced by recurring tidal waves. Members of the delegation described the visit as a reminder that climate change continues to threaten the livelihoods of vulnerable coastal communities, underscoring the need for greater investment in adaptation and resilience. From Ghana, the caravan proceeded to Togo, where delegates participated in a two-day forum at the University of Lomé on July 30 and 31. Discussions centred on land governance, the protection of water resources, agroecology, food sovereignty and the preservation of indigenous peasant seeds, which campaigners describe as vital to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

On August 1, participants visited the historic House of Slaves at Agbodrafo, where they reflected on the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and reaffirmed their commitment to justice, human dignity and the protection of natural resources for future generations. The Widows and Orphans Movement says it remains committed to amplifying the voices of women smallholder farmers and advocating secure access to land, sustainable livelihoods and resilient food systems across West Africa. Organisers say the caravan will conclude in Cotonou, Benin, where delegates from across Africa will converge for the World Social Forum to advance policy recommendations on land rights, environmental justice and community-led development.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The National Youth Authority (NYA) in the Upper East Region has launched a month-long programme of activities to commemorate Youth Month, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and responsible digital citizenship. Observed throughout August, Youth Month is Ghana’s national observance aligned with International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12. The initiative provides a platform for young people to engage policymakers, share experiences, discuss national development issues, and contribute to policies affecting their future. Speaking to GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Francis Takyi-Koranteng, explained that the celebration recognises the invaluable contribution of young people to national development while creating opportunities for dialogue, networking, and learning. According to him, this year’s activities commenced with a regional clean-up exercise held in collaboration with stakeholders under the National Sanitation Day initiative. The exercise brought together more than 200 participants, including personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Commission, NADMO, Environmental Health officers, local government authorities, and youth groups. The participants cleaned sections of Bolgatanga’s principal streets, the main lorry station, and other public spaces, with the Upper East Regional Minister and the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive joining the exercise.

Mr. Takyi-Koranteng said another major component of the celebration is engaging religious leaders to help amplify messages on youth development, moral responsibility, and peaceful coexistence. He expressed concern over increasing cases of substance abuse, violence, and the misuse of social media by some young people. He urged the youth to use digital platforms responsibly by promoting positive conversations instead of spreading misinformation, engaging in cyberbullying, or attacking the reputations of others. The Regional Director also challenged young people to shift their mindset from relying solely on white-collar employment to embracing entrepreneurship and self-employment. He noted that many successful businesses were established by young entrepreneurs who identified opportunities, took calculated risks, and built sustainable enterprises.

As part of the Youth Month celebration, the Authority will continue its engagement with the Islamic community at the Bolgatanga Central Mosque before selecting delegates from the region to participate in the National Youth Conference scheduled for August 10 to 13 at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. The conference is expected to attract about 5,000 participants from Ghana and beyond to deliberate on youth development, innovation, and national progress. The Authority will also organise regional Youth Parliament sessions, an Intergenerational Dialogue to foster stronger collaboration between young people and experienced leaders, and conclude the month with an anti-substance abuse campaign dubbed “Red Means Talk.” Mr. Takyi-Koranteng said the campaign seeks to educate young people on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and encourage them to make healthy choices that will positively shape their future. He called on young people across the Upper East Region to actively participate in the Youth Month activities, describing the celebration as an opportunity to inspire leadership, innovation, volunteerism, and responsible citizenship among Ghana’s youth.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

For six days in Bolgatanga, a classroom became the launchpad for a new generation of entrepreneurs. Young people gathered not simply to learn how to install satellite television systems, but to acquire the business knowledge, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial confidence needed to transform those skills into sustainable enterprises.

That vision lies at the heart of GrowAfrica For Me’s SkillBuilders Program – Satellite Installation Cohort, an initiative designed to address youth unemployment by combining Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with entrepreneurship. Through the organization’s Skills-to-Enterprise (S2E) Model, participants are equipped with market-relevant technical skills while developing the mindset and practical business competencies required to establish and grow successful enterprises.

The one-week programme, held from 20th to 25th July 2026, attracted strong interest from aspiring entrepreneurs across the region. Out of 58 applications, 33 participants were selected through a rigorous screening process, with 24 completing the programme and graduating with practical skills in satellite installation and business management.

Unlike conventional vocational programmes that focus exclusively on technical instruction, GrowAfrica For Me’s approach integrates enterprise development into every stage of learning. Participants completed modules in entrepreneurship and small business start-up, financial literacy and record keeping, marketing, branding and sales management, and business development and market access before progressing to intensive practical training in Multi TV and DStv satellite installation, system configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The result is a programme that prepares participants not only to perform technical work but also to build businesses capable of generating income, creating jobs, and contributing to local economic development. For participant Georgina Akariyanebire, the programme fundamentally changed her outlook.

“This training has completely changed the way I see business and my future. I have gained practical knowledge in financial literacy, bookkeeping, branding, packaging, and installing both Multi TV and DStv systems. I now understand the importance of separating personal and business finances, and I am inspired to establish my own satellite installation business while empowering others by sharing the skills I have acquired.”

Her reflection illustrates the practical impact of GrowAfrica For Me’s integrated training model. By combining technical instruction with entrepreneurship education, the programme equips participants with the confidence to move beyond employment and begin building enterprises of their own.
That transformation was echoed by Adda Jeffrey, another graduate of the programme.

“The SkillBuilders Program has equipped me with practical skills in entrepreneurship, small business management, financial literacy, bookkeeping, marketing, customer service, and hands-on Multi TV and DStv installation. I am now confident and prepared to start my own satellite installation business and build a sustainable livelihood.”

Stories like these reflect GrowAfrica For Me’s broader mission of empowering youth, women, persons with disabilities, informal traders, and smallholder farmers through practical skills development and enterprise support. Rather than treating vocational education as an endpoint, the organization views technical skills as the foundation upon which sustainable businesses can be built.

The programme’s impact extends well beyond the 24 graduates. Every participant committed to training at least one other person free of charge, creating opportunities for skills transfer within their communities and expanding the programme’s reach beyond the classroom. It is projects the creation of 24 or more new enterprises and employment opportunities as graduates establish their own satellite installation businesses.

This work was made possible through collaboration with Little Drops Academy, Richmanda Hotel, Young Dreams Enterprise, and Seek God First, whose partnership strengthened the delivery of both the entrepreneurship and technical components of the programme.

As GrowAfrica For Me continues to expand its Skills-to-Enterprise Model across Northern Ghana, the Satellite Installation Cohort demonstrates what can be achieved when technical education is intentionally linked to entrepreneurship. By equipping young people with both practical skills and business knowledge, the organization is nurturing entrepreneurs who are prepared to build sustainable businesses, create employment, and contribute to inclusive economic growth in their communities.

For the 24 graduates who walked away with certificates at the end of the programme, the real achievement is not the qualification itself. It is the opportunity to transform newly acquired skills into thriving satellite installation businesses that can support their families, strengthen local economies, and inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The Upper East Regional Communications Directorate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the exclusion of the Upper East Region from the US$500 million World Bank International Development Association (IDA) Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP), describing the decision as unfair and inconsistent with the project’s objectives

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 28, and signed by the Upper East Regional Communications Director, Ayinbisah Ayamga Peter, the Directorate expressed concern over the omission of the region from the list of beneficiaries despite its significant contribution to Ghana’s agricultural sector

The statement follows the request by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for parliamentary approval under Article 181 of the 1992 Constitution for the World Bank-funded facility, which is intended to rehabilitate about 1,050 kilometres of climate-resilient feeder roads to improve farm-to-market access, reduce post-harvest losses, lower transportation costs, increase rural incomes, and create jobs

According to the NPP, the project will benefit the Upper West, Northern, Savannah, Oti, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Western North, Western, Central, and Ahafo Regions, while the Upper East, North East, and Greater Accra Regions have been left out

The Directorate argued that the exclusion of the Upper East Region is difficult to justify, given its status as one of Ghana’s major food-producing regions. It highlighted the poor condition of feeder roads in farming communities across the Builsa South, Bongo, Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Binduri, Garu, and Pusiga areas, where farmers produce rice, maize, onions, tomatoes, pepper, millet, sorghum, and other crops

According to the statement, inadequate road infrastructure continues to hinder the transportation of farm produce, particularly during the rainy season, leading to high transport costs, post-harvest losses, reduced farm-gate prices, and lower incomes for farmers

The Regional Communications Directorate questioned the criteria used in selecting the beneficiary regions and called on the Upper East Caucus in Parliament to explain the efforts made to secure the region’s inclusion in the project

It also appealed to the Upper East Regional Minister, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional authorities, civil society organizations, the media, youth groups, and all stakeholders to unite in advocating for the inclusion of the region

The statement emphasized that the development of the Upper East Region should transcend partisan politics and urged both the Government of Ghana and the World Bank to review the beneficiary list before implementation begins

“The Upper East Region has contributed immensely to Ghana’s agricultural economy for decades. Our farmers deserve fairness, and our communities deserve equal access to national development opportunities,” the statement concluded

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The first twenty two cohort of the GrowAfrica For Me SkillBuilders Programme in Tote Bag Production has successfully completed an intensive two-week training programme designed to equip participants with both technical and entrepreneurial skills to build sustainable businesses.

The training combined practical craftsmanship with business development, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to transforming skills into viable enterprises through its innovative Skill-to-Enterprise (S2E) Module.

The programme concluded with an engaging session on Business Development and Market Access, where participants were introduced to practical strategies for identifying market opportunities, developing sustainable business growth plans, building strategic partnerships, and connecting their products to profitable markets.

According to GrowAfrica For Me, the initiative is not simply about teaching vocational skills but empowering participants to become entrepreneurs, job creators, and agents of economic transformation within their communities.

During the second week of training, participants moved from classroom instruction to hands-on production, creating school bags and handbags while applying the technical knowledge they had acquired. The practical sessions highlighted participants’ growing confidence, creativity, and craftsmanship, producing market-ready products with significant commercial potential.

Programme facilitators noted that every product completed during the training represented more than a finished item. Each bag symbolised a journey of empowerment, self-confidence, and the beginning of an entrepreneurial career.

Beyond technical production, participants received comprehensive training in entrepreneurship, financial management, customer relations, marketing, product packaging, and trade fair participation. The organisers stressed that combining Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with entrepreneurship remains a powerful strategy for promoting inclusive economic development, creating employment opportunities, and increasing household incomes.

GrowAfrica For Me says its success is measured not by the number of people trained but by the number of sustainable enterprises established and supported through the programme.

One of the participants, Mary Naakpi Assumpta Nwintere, a fashion designer, described the programme as life-changing.

She said the training had broadened her understanding of entrepreneurship beyond production, equipping her with practical knowledge in marketing, customer relationship management, financial management, product packaging, and business growth.

“The Skills Builders Programme has equipped me with practical skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, customer relationship management, product packaging, trade fair participation and financial management. One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of separating personal finances from business finances. Going forward, I will reinvest 40 percent of my profits into my business, pay myself 40 percent as the business owner, and save the remaining 20 percent as an emergency fund to ensure sustainable growth,” she said.

As the first cohort concludes, GrowAfrica For Me says the journey has only just begun. The organisation remains committed to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs by ensuring participants move beyond acquiring skills to building resilient businesses capable of creating jobs and driving local economic development.

Source – gbcuraonline.com