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Hindsight: Why Samartex felt at home on their big CAF debut

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Emmanuel Keyekeh (extreme right in the standing row) enjoyed a distinguished 2 year spell with Samartex

Emmanuel who? That is the response you would have if you asked anyone about Emmanuel Mamah before Sunday’s heroics in Cameroun.

Not anymore. Thanks to his match-winner, there is a bit more interest in his stocks. Perhaps we should have seen this coming. Before Sunday’s game, Mamah appeared quite confident.

“I am seriously putting in the work here to continue from where I ended the season. Scoring in the last three games of the season was great and I am determined and focused on building on that momentum.”

This was after he had scored twice in pre-season, in what was a foreshadowing of what was to come.

Mamah’s goal in his debut Champions League match was no surprise. In his debut Ghana Premier League season, he scored six goals for Samartex. From his days at Tema Youth, his quality has not been in doubt. For a man of his height, he is deceptively nifty with decent associative play to go with.

His partner on Sunday, Baba “Amando” Hamadu Musah, is another smart signing. He, like the club’s Business Development Manager, Paul Akwasi Anyaba, was poached from Skyy FC. In his last season at Skyy, Amando scored 20 league goals, as the Daboase side narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion.

Paula Anyaba, who had joined Samartex a year before their promotion to the Ghana Premier League, recommended the signing of the striker. Amando repaid that faith with an impressive 10 goals as Samartex made history by winning the league.

Musah is one of two Western-bred players Samartex fielded on Sunday. The other was Francis Gyetsuah, who was born and bred in Samreboi. The pair reflect a club policy to sign the best players from the Western region. In the past, talents like them would have ended up at Medeama, or before their transfer to Tamale, Karela United.

In keeping with the mother company’s commitment to local content,  Samartex has three players from the community on the team. One of the three; Francis Gyetsuah, featured 26 times in the league last season. Up to seven of the 23 first-team players from last season were born and bred in the Western region. Signings like Ebenezer Ocran, a popular figure in the region, have advanced the club’s agenda in communities far and near.

Typically, Ghanaian clubs splash the cash ahead of Champions League or Confederation Cup campaigns. It would have been on brand for Samartex to have disturbed the chemistry in the name of signing “experienced” players. If they wanted to, they could have gone for Abednego Tetteh. Two-time FA Cup winner, a former top scorer, and a league winner. Or Steven Mukwala who just left Asante Kotoko. And why not? Samartex has the money. But what they also have, are smart bold executives who are not afraid to go against the grain and appreciate continuity.

A cursory look at their numbers will show that their decision to stick with what worked was backed by science and data.

Regarding goals, Kotoko (34 goals in 2007/08) is the only title winner to score more at home than Samartex (31). For context, that was a Kotoko team with Kwadwo Poku, and Eric Bekoe leading the attack, with Daniel Nii Adjei, Jordan Opoku, and Stephen Oduro as feeders, flanked by Harrison Afful and Samuel Inkoom.

They scored only three more goals than Samartex did at home. Those are the levels the Timber boys reached last term. So per Premier League standards, that was very impressive. Since the 2007/08 season.

In the end, they won 45 out of 48 home matches in the league, a first in the competition since 2005.

Samartex mercurial pair of Evans Osei-Wusu ‘Capito’ and Baba Musah ‘Armando’

The team has also made a habit of making sensible additions. It is easy to sign a good player. If the talent is obvious, all it takes is money – especially in these parts, and Samartex has a lot of it, to make deals happen. However, creating the right tactical context for each part without disturbing the balance of the team.

That is where the best coaches and administrators – when it comes to creating a culture of adaptation and an enabling environment – earn their money. This is where Samartex has been successful.

Three of their marquee signings combined to deliver the league title last season; Evans Osei-Wusu (11 goals), Baba (Amando) Hamidu Musah (10 goals), and Emannuel Mamah (6 goals).

The season before that, Samartex signed Emmanuel Keyekeh from Asante Kotoko, and James Sewornu from Hearts Oak. In June Keyekeh was voted the best player at the Ghana Football Awards after a dominant season.

On Sunday, James Sewornu produced perhaps his best performance yet for Samartex. If you ask Hearts of Oak fans, Sewornu is either error-prone or a gifted center-back who was hurriedly hounded out. He divided opinion not long ago.

But here, in the biggest match in the club’s history, there were no doubts about his value.

In the second half especially, he was a one-man-wall as Victoria United poured forward in droves in search of the elusive leveler.

Beyond Sewornu and the established front pair, there were other brilliant performers.

Lord Hillary Adabo and Baba Kushibo in particular, were heartwarming storylines. Beyond the invention and craft they provided, the pair covered their bases well. At other clubs, the pair’s association with relegated Real Tamale United would have been a reason not to make the deals. Not Samartex.

They have made a habit of identifying ready-made players at very reasonable fees. Essentially, Sunday’s performance reflects the clever recruitment undertaken by the club.

Whatever happens next, Samartex are well placed to build on their on-field success.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Henry steps down as France Under-21s boss

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Thierry Henry resign as France Under-21s manager

Thierry Henry has resigned from his position as France Under-21s manager after leading his country to a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics.

The 47-year-old signed a two-year deal to manage the side in 2023.

Henry lead an under-23 side on home turf at the Paris Games, where France lost the final 5-3 to Spain in extra time.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker’s contract had been due to run until after next year’s European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia, but Henry has decided to step away from the role.

“Winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games for my country will remain one of the greatest prides of my life,” said Henry in a statement.

“I am incredibly grateful to the federation, the players, the staff and the supporters who allowed me to live a magical experience.”

The France Football Federation said it “obviously regrets” Henry’s decision, adding that he had “achieved the objectives set for him”.

Henry won four of his six matches in charge of the under-21s, winning eight of his 11 games in charge of the Olympic team – which included strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Jean-Philippe Mateta as overage players.

France finished top of their group following wins over the USA, Guinea and New Zealand, beating Argentina and Egypt in the knockout stages before their final defeat by Spain.

Henry won 123 caps for France during his playing career, scoring 51 times.

Credit: bbc.com

Leicester sign midfielder Skipp from Tottenham

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Oliver Skipp

Leicester have signed midfielder Oliver Skipp from Tottenham on a five-year deal for a fee in excess of £20m.

The 23-year-old, who came through Spurs’ academy, made 77 Premier League appearances for the club, including 21 last season.

He will not feature when Leicester and Tottenham open their 2024-25 Premier League campaigns against each other on Monday at 20:00 BST.

“I’m really excited to sign. I’ve got the feeling that it’s a good group of people and a good group of players.” Skipp said.

“I’m sure that we’ve got a squad capable of challenging in every game. You look around the squad and there’s lots of exciting players who have played in the Premier League and I’m really excited to see what this group can achieve.”

Skipp, who will link up with former Spurs team-mate Harry Winks, is Leicester’s fifth summer signing after returning to the top flight.

Leicester said the former England Under-21 international would be available to make his debut on Saturday when they travel to Fulham.

Credit: bbc.com

Mbappe slammed by fans for his ‘stinker’ on LaLiga debut

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Kylian Mbappe

A camera dedicated to Kylian Mbappe came back to bite as football fans took note of the Frenchman’s lapse in concentration proved costly in Real Madrid‘s La Liga opener.

Madrid drew 1-1 in their La Liga opener away to Mallorca, with Mbappe tasked with leading the team’s three-pronged attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

The contest marked Mbappe’s La Liga debut and such was the intrigue in how he’d perform, fans were able to watch every move of his via a dedicated ‘Mbappe Cam’.

However, the stream only served to highlight a moment Mbappe would rather forget.

Mallorca equalised from a corner in the 53rd minute via a bullet header from Kosovan striker Vedat Muriqu.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Chelsea reach agreement to re-sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid

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Joao Felix

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

As reported by The Athletic, Felix is set to join on a six year contract with the option for a further year. 

The forward is eager to return to Stamford Bridge following his loan spell in 2023 and has already agreed personal terms.

Felix has been named in Atletico’s squad for their LaLiga opener away to Villarreal on Monday but it is expected that he will depart before the closure of the transfer window.

Chelsea have been discussing a fee of £40million plus add-ons for Felix.

Felix, 24, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, for whom he scored ten goals in 44 appearances.

During his previous spell at Chelsea, Felix scored four times in 20 games. New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca could soon have Felix to add to his attacking options.

Conor Gallagher has faced an uncertain future this summer, with the midfielder having been close to joining Atletico from Chelsea before then having to fly back to England.

It remains to be seen if Gallagher’s move to Atletico could be back on if Felix heads to Chelsea.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Man City explore shock reunion with Gundogan, after been frozen out at Barcelona

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Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan is being allowed to explore options to leave Barcelona this summer.

The 33-year-old has only been at the Catalan club for one full season after opting to leave Manchester City on a free transfer.

Despite being under contract for two more years, Gundogan has been told Barcelona will not stand in his way if he finds a suitable move.

Clubs in England, Spain and Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in the midfielder, who made 51 appearances across all competitions last season as Barcelona finished second in La Liga. Manchester City are exploring the possibility of a blockbuster reunion with Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan.

Barca boss Hansi Flick addressed speculation after Gundogan missed the team’s season-opening win against Valencia because of concussion on Saturday.

Flick, who previously managed Gundogan with the Germany national team, said: “I know him very well. I appreciate the player and the person he is.

“We spoke about everything, but it will stay between us. It’s not for you to know. I have a feeling he will stay.”

Flick is keen to keep Gundogan, but the situation may be influenced by the complicated financial position at Barcelona.

They have reportedly been unable yet to register new £51m signing Dani Olmo because of the Spanish league’s squad cost control rules.

Credit: bbc.com

Work Harder To Win Customers’ Trust …Energy Minister Urges ECG

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MAXWELL OFORI
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The Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa,speaking with the media after his visit

The Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa, has urged the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to strive harder to win back the trust of the customers they serve.

According to him, winning back the trust of the customers of the company is not a mere goal but a necessity for the growth of the company.

In the wake of growing discontent among electricity consumers, the Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa, in the company of high-ranking officials of the ministry, paid a visit to the ECG Customer Service Center in Accra on Friday, August 16, 2024.

The visit was prompted by numerous complaints from the public regarding ECG’s services, particularly around inconsistent billing, delayed responses to faults, and the challenging process of obtaining meters.

“The trust that once existed between ECG and the people has significantly eroded,” the minister stated, adding that “winning back that trust is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for the future of this organization.”

CONSISTENT

Outlining the need for meeting the expectations of customers, Minister Krapa noted that trust is built through consistent, transparent communication and efficient service delivery.

He recommended to the ECG management to prioritise customer satisfaction by ensuring that all interactions with customers are handled promptly and professionally.

He opined that every promise made to the customer must be fulfilled, citing that when a customer is told that an issue will be resolved within 24 hours, ECG must make every effort to honour that commitment.

“The current turnaround time for resolving issues is simply unacceptable,” the official said.

“We need to see a significant improvement where customer complaints are addressed within hours, not days. This is not just about fixing faults; it’s about restoring confidence in ECG’s ability to serve the public efficiently. Trust is built on reliability,” he remarked.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

The Minister for Energy, Herbert Krapa, called on the ECG to enhance its public education efforts, ensuring that customers are aware of how to access services and what to expect. He said that transparency in communication, coupled with a genuine effort to meet customer needs, will go a long way in rebuilding the trust that has been lost.

FIELDTEAMS

Recognising the pressing need to improve customer service, the management of the ECG was urged to take immediate and concrete actions to address customer concerns.

The minister pointed out the need for ECG to deploy more technical teams on the ground to ensure faster response times.

“The technical capacity is there, but the teams are overstretched. We need to increase the number of field teams, especially in areas where complaints are most frequent. This will not only reduce response times but also improve the quality of service.”

METER INSTALLATION

Another critical issue addressed was the backlog of meter installations. With over a million meters needed to be deployed, the minister stressed the urgency of accelerating this process.

“Meters are the lifeline of ECG’s revenue collection, and without them, the entire system suffers. It’s imperative that we speed up the deployment process to meet the growing demand and reduce the backlog,” he said.

The minister ended the visit with a strong reminder to ECG’s leadership that “the success of this organization lies in its ability to listen to its customers and respond swiftly and effectively.

“Every complaint that goes unresolved is a missed opportunity to build trust. Let’s work together to fix these concerns and make ECG a service provider that Ghanaians can rely on.”

PRESENTATION

The Head of the ECG Customer Service Directorate, Dr. Belinda Yeboah Dwamena, made a presentation on the customer service at ECG.

According to her, though the process of acquiring meters has been simplified, “customers still find it difficult coming to us.”

She blamed the work of middlemen and urged the public to contact them directly through their official social media handles or by walking to their offices.

She took the minister and his delegation through the processes of acquiring meters and how complaints are also dealt with.

She mentioned that the major problem of the customer service is illegality, explaining that people find ways to steal power, while others scam customers in the name of helping them to acquire meters.

CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS

The Minister for Energy asked for the medium through which they receive customer complaints. The Head of the ECG Customer Service, Dr. Belinda Yeboah Dwamena, mentioned the processes, including using social media or customer walk-ins.

Responding to the average timelines for solving customer complaints, she mentioned 24 hours, 48 hours, and more depending on the customer’s complaints.

The minister asked for a report on the digital application process to secure a meter or other services. He was taken through the step-by-step process on the ECG Power App.

A test call was placed during the meeting for the minister to experience live how the call service agents handle customers who call to lodge complaints.

Gladly, the gentleman who received the call at the Achimota service station handled the caller professionally, to the admiration of all.

Bawumia Outdoors Manifesto of Hope

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MAXWELL OFORI
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Dr. Bawumia delivering his bold solutions

The flag bearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched the manifesto of the party for the 2024 general elections.

According to the NPP presidential candidate, the manifesto launched on Sunday, August 18, 2024 is one of the bold solutions, hope and possibilities for the continuous growth of the nation.

Launching the document at the Ghana Secondary Technical School in Takoradi, Western Region, Dr. Bawumia said that he had clarity of thought on what to do from day one of his presidency.

Dr. Bawumia said that the manifesto, the contractual pact with Ghanaians, contains policies and programmes his government will implement for the transformation of Ghana.

It was observed that several of the policies the flag bearer had announced in his engagements before the manifesto launch found expression in his presentation yesterday.

BOLD SOLUTIONS

Describing the manifesto as hope and bold solution, Dr. Bawumia stated that “Ghana needs bold solutions to deal with the current challenges we are facing and that is what I am offering myself in asking for the mandate of Ghanaians.

“This Manifesto lays out our comprehensive plan to take Ghana to the next level of growth and prosperity, under a selfless leader with bold solutions for jobs and business.”

He said the manifesto is largely focused on jobs and business and outlined programmes and incentives to strengthen the private sector and businesses, including a new friendly tax regime, considerable cuts on import duties, and the abolition of unfriendly taxes to businesses, including the controversial e-levy tax.

DIGITAL LITERACY

Dr. Bawumia also reiterated his quest to turn many Ghanaian youth into digital literates and create job opportunities for them, both locally and internationally, by training about one million youth in coding and other tech-related skills.

This, he believed, in addition to enhanced focus on TVET, will help create more sustainable jobs for the teeming youth of the country, alongside other programmes in different sectors.

“It offers the opportunity to create a new generation of entrepreneurs through my business support initiatives. It strives to make Ghana a fully digitized nation in which you are able to access public services with ease,” Dr. Bawumia said of the Manifesto.

ECONOMY

On governance and the economy, Dr. Bawumia showed a strong desire for economic transformation anchored on fiscal discipline. He announced the policy he had mentioned months before the manifesto not having more than 50 ministers in his government.

In furtherance, Dr. Bawumia also announced plans to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act to ensure stricter compliance clauses.

In every sector, from agriculture, health and education to tourism, creative arts and sports, Dr. Bawumia outlined versions of his ‘bold solutions’ for the sectors, which he said would be beneficial to all, regardless of political, ethnic and religious affiliations.

“My vision is to create a tent big enough to accommodate all our people, to tap into the resourcefulness and talents of our people, irrespective of our different ethnic, political and religious backgrounds, to channel our energies into building the kind of country that assures a food self-sufficiency, safe, prosperous and dignified future for all Ghanaians, to create sustainable jobs with meaningful pay for all and for Ghana to participate fully in the fourth industrial revolution using systems and data,” he said.

APPEAL

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a brief remark, appealed to Ghanaians to give Dr. Bawumia and Matthew Opoku Prempeh the nod to lead the country for the next eight years.

Testifying on the commitment of his vice president, President Akufo-Addo stated that “Dr. Bawumia breathes Ghana” and will deliver on every promise.

“This is a man who has respect for Ghana. He is not the type who will say to the Ghanaian people that you have a short memory,” he said.

GROWTH PATH

The National Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ayensu Ntim, stated in his remarks that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government took over an economy in tatters from the previous government and met the global crisis of Covid-19 pandemic, but has set the country on the path of growth.

He said that continuing from where the Akufo-Addo government will end its mandate, the next NPP government, led by Dr. Bawumia, will lead with bold solutions, adding that that it was what the manifesto was about.

PACE SETTER

Addressing the gathering, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, indicated that the party was setting the pace by being the first to launch its 2024 manifesto, after being the first to elect a Muslim as the flagbearer.

He said he trusted “Dr. Bawumia and I know he will be a good leader for us (Ghana).” Highlighting some qualities of a good leader, Justin Kodua Frimpong intimated that Dr. Bawumia fits the criteria.

In a video played at the auditorium, former President John Agyekum Kufuor called for unity, going into the elections.

He reiterated his conviction that Dr. Bawumia was “the man of the moment”, arguing that the world was moving digital, which is what the NPP presidential candidate is championing.

He said the NPP was presenting “a candidate that will digitalize the economy” and a candidate that understands geo-politics and thus urged Ghanaians to receive Dr. Bawumia, who “is “insightful and respectful.”

Ghana will come out of 2024 elections united -Okyenhene

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Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin

Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin says despite the warmongering by politicians, ahead of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary election, he is convinced that Ghana will exhibit her civility before, during and after the election.

He said Ghana has seen several successful elections under the Fourth Republic with higher stakes from 1992 till date, and have gone through successfully.

He added that the December 2024 election will not be any different from what we have witnessed since 1992.

Okyenhene made the comments at the Okyeman Nifa Royal Durbar in his honour as part of activities ongoing to commemorate the King’s 25th anniversary celebration.

He advised the youth and all voters to exercise their rights responsibly in the 2024 election.

‘We have done it before. Since 1992, Ghana remains stronger and together. On December 7, go to the polling center and vote for a candidate who can bring development to you.

“Go home after voting; you may decide to come and witness the counting process in the evening or stay home and listen to the results from the media. At the end of the day, one will emerge as the winner. If you lose the election, take a chilled drink; the sun shall set and rise again”, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin advised.

He said the democratic gains made by Ghana can’t be eroded in the 2024 election but will continue to blossom in its democratic sphere.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin charged his subjects and Ghanaians to inculcate the heart of forgiveness and love for each other.

‘The musician, King Paluta, has lyrics on forgiveness. I think the song title is Aseda and it says, forgive me if I have wronged you; I have forgiven your sins. We must learn to forgive each other. There is no issue that can’t be resolved by dialogue.

In Akan, the difficult sin to forgive and forget is when your brother has an affair with your wife and vice versa; even with that, we still deal with the issue. During my 25th anniversary celebration, I have cancelled every grudge in Jesus name. Let’s love ourselves and help each other,’ Osagyefuo said.

He called on Ghanaians to exhibit the spirit of patriotism and selflessness, especially those in public service.

Adding that while stakeholders continue to advocate for better conditions of service for teachers, teachers must also reciprocate the gesture by executing their duty diligently and in love since the societal fibre rests on the output of teachers.

He said our educational system must place emphasis on skills development and entrepreneurship. In order to create jobs for the youth.

Osagyefuo applauded government’s investments in education over the years and called on the state to create the enabling environment for job creation in order to reduce unemployment.

Akufo-Addo will hand over sword to Bawumia -NAPO

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh

The running mate of the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has expressed strong confidence that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will hand over the reins of power to his vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on January 7, 2025.

“No legacy would ever pass the fact that on 7th January, your sword (a symbol of state authority) will be handed over to your Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia,” he said.

Speaking at the launch of the NPP Manifesto for the 2024 general election on Sunday, August 18, 2024 in Takoradi, Western Region, Dr. Prempeh emphasised the NPP’s track record of delivering on its promises and assured supporters that the party is poised to secure victory in the December 2024 elections.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who has served as the Minister of Education and Energy under Akufo-Addo’s administration, highlighted the significant achievements of the NPP government, particularly in education and energy.

He lauded President Akufo-Addo’s leadership and credited Dr. Bawumia for his instrumental role in driving the government’s vision and ensuring the successful implementation of its policies.

“Mr. President, what you did in education has not even been demonstrated here. In 2016, it was a contest of ideas. When you talked about free SHS and free T-VET, you didn’t stop there. You made sure that in the era of IT, every school gets a school laboratory and it is in progress. You made sure every teacher gets a laptop for IT and it is in progress. You made sure every student in secondary school gets a laptop and it is in progress,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh recounted.

In addition to education, Dr. Opoku Prempeh highlighted the NPP government’s success in addressing the energy crisis that plagued Ghana prior to 2017.

“Under your watch, Mr. President, we said no longer will Ghana have DUMSOR. In fact, by 2017, when you got into office, it had been five years of DUMSOR. Not only have we kept the lights on, Mr. President, even under trying times, the light has been on,” he remarked.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh also underscored the leadership qualities of Dr. Bawumia, describing him as a man of vision, integrity and commitment to Ghana’s development.

He assured the party faithful that Dr. Bawumia is well-prepared to take over the mantle of leadership from President Akufo-Addo and continue the NPP’s agenda for a prosperous Ghana.

“I am a strong believer in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. I have worked closely with him, more than many others would ever know. I believe in his ability and his knowledge and surely he is the man of the moment.

“I, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, am committed to serving him loyally, ensuring his vision is translated into a mission and an action paper for myself,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh declared.

He concluded his speech by reaffirming his confidence in the NPP’s ability to win the 2024 elections and urged party members to work tirelessly towards achieving that goal.

“No legacy would ever surpass the fact that on 7th January 2025, your sword will be handed over to your Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. You’ve given the next generation ample time to study, work, and serve. It is our time to deliver,” Dr. Opoku Prempeh stated.

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