President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of the Greater Accra Region of his Government’s determination to provide them with good roads under the Big Push – National Infrastructure Development Programme.
He reiterated that he was aware of the frustrations caused by the congestion in the capital, the poor maintenance of roads, and incomplete road projects.
President Mahama made the remarks in his address at the durbar of the chiefs and people of the Greater Accra Region in Dodowa during his national “Thank You Tour” of the region.
The national “Thank You Tour” is to enable the President express gratitude to Ghanaians for their massive support for him and the National Democratic Congress during the December 7, 2024, general elections.
The President said under the Big Push, there would be rehabilitation and construction of key road corridors; such as the Adenta-Dodowa Road, the La-Teshie Link, the Tema Harbour-Tema General Hospital-Motorway Road, the Apolonia-Oyibi Road and the Tema Motorway Expansion, which were ongoing.
Others are feeder roads in Ga East, Ga South, Ningo-Prampram, including roads in Shai-Osudoku, Ada East, and Ada West, which were going to be fast-tracked under the Big Push.
He said additionally, the government would reconstruct the road from Dahwenya to Afienya, from Afienya to Dodowa, and also from Doryumu to Dodowa, and the Ashaiman to Madina roads.
President Mahama said under the same programme, major expansion works would take place on the Liberation Road, the Polo Court Road, Airport Aviance-El Wak to Christ the King Corridor, and on the Ring Road from the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange all the way to the La Beach Hotel.
He said they would also begin the construction of the Greater Accra Outer Ring Road, which would allow traffic that was continuing to the northern part and to the western part of the country to bypass Accra without coming through the city.
“And so it means trucks and others coming from Lome and going to Kumasi or to Takoradi don’t need to come through Accra City, they’ll pass on the Outer Ring Road and continue their journey,” the President explained.
He said as a permanent fix to decongest Accra, the government would begin the design and feasibility study for a new city.
The President noted that some of the government offices and agencies would be moved out of Accra to the new city.
“I believe that this city will be located somewhere on the Accra plains from Bundasi, straddling across Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions. The city will straddle three regions,” the President said.
He said the new city would stretch to the banks of the Volta River and there would be a railway link and an expressway that would link the new city to Accra.
Oboade Notse King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III, the Nungua Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, congratulated President Mahama on his historic election victory and come back.
He said President Mahama’s remarkable election signified two important things- the strong faith the majority of Ghanaians had in him and their dissatisfaction with his opponents.
The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has condemned the behaviour of a staff member involved in a widely shared social media video showing an altercation with a Level 100 female student.
The incident, which occurred on campus, involved a member of the university’s Dress Code Compliance Team and has attracted significant public attention.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 3, the university confirmed that the footage had come to its attention and that an investigation was immediately launched to establish the facts.
“The University wishes to emphasise unequivocally that the behaviour of the staff was unacceptable and condemns it outright,” the statement read.
“As a professional university whose core values are integrity, respect, and service, UPSA holds the dignity and well-being of every student as paramount and reaffirms that no staff member has the right to mistreat any student under any circumstances.”
Following the internal investigation, the Vice-Chancellor personally issued an apology to the student involved, reaffirming the University’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and professional environment for all.
Additionally, the staff member at the centre of the incident submitted a written apology to the student, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the behaviour.
In response, the student also wrote to the University Management, expressing regret for her own conduct during the incident.
UPSA Management announced that it is reviewing its current Dress Code enforcement procedures to ensure they align with the institution’s values and prevent future incidents.
“Management is reviewing the Dress Code enforcement protocols to ensure that engagements between staff and students reflect the university’s core values of integrity, respect, and service,” the statement continued.
“Additional training will be provided to the Dress Code Compliance Team to reinforce appropriate conduct while performing their duties.”
The university defended its longstanding dress code policy, stating that it plays a vital role in preparing students for professional environments.
“This policy, which is clearly outlined in the Student Handbook, is not arbitrary or subjective but is designed to instil in students the corporate culture and values expected in professional environments. Every student signs up for the dress code policy.”
The university noted that its culture of professionalism has helped shape many of its alumni who now serve in key roles across various sectors in Ghana.
While the university reiterated its commitment to upholding the dress code, it gave assurance that future enforcement would be carried out respectfully and in line with due process.
“The university assures all stakeholders that enforcement of the same will always be carried out with respect and civility.”
“UPSA remains dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and professional learning environment for all students and staff. The University appreciates the concerns raised and reassures the public that the incident has been addressed holistically.”
Barcelona have reignited their interest in Dutch full-back Denzel Dumfries, with new manager Hansi Flick keen on bolstering his options on the right flank. According to reports from Spain and Italy, the Catalan giants are seriously considering the Inter Milan defender, who impressed in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Barça last season.
Flick’s Tactical Vision
Since his arrival, Flick has made it clear he wants a more dynamic presence at full-back, particularly down the right. While Jules Koundé, Eric García, and youngster Héctor Fort are all options, none offer the attacking threat or physical intensity that Dumfries consistently delivers.
The 28-year-old Dutch international fits the mould of an aggressive wing-back—strong going forward, quick in transition, and disciplined in defence. He registered two goals and three assists across both legs against Barcelona in the Champions League, performances that reportedly left a lasting impression on the Blaugrana staff.
A €25 Million Opportunity
Dumfries has a €25 million release clause, which remains valid until mid-July. This gives Barcelona a narrow window to trigger the deal before Inter Milan re-evaluates their asking price or opens talks for a contract extension.
While €25 million is considered reasonable for a player of Dumfries’ calibre, Barça’s current financial restrictions mean the club must first free up space under La Liga’s salary cap rules. The “1:1 rule” requires Barcelona to match every euro spent with one earned or saved, adding complexity to any incoming transfers.
Financial Juggling and Next Steps
To proceed with the Dumfries deal, Barcelona are expected to offload players to generate funds and reduce their wage bill. Names like Sergiño Dest, Marcos Alonso, and Clément Lenglet are believed to be on the exit list.
If they can successfully balance the books, Dumfries could become Barça’s first major signing of the summer and a vital cog in Flick’s tactical system. Sources close to the club believe a formal bid could be submitted in the coming days, should the financial green light be given.
A Strategic Fit
For Flick, Dumfries offers more than just depth. His physicality, overlapping runs, and ability to stretch defences could provide a new dimension to Barcelona’s right flank—particularly important as the team looks to reassert itself both in La Liga and Europe.
With just days left before the clause expires, the coming week will be critical in determining whether Denzel Dumfries becomes the next chapter in Barcelona’s summer rebuild.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Ghana’s education sector are in mourning following the tragic passing of Alhaji Yakub Bin Abubakr, a respected missionary and former Headmaster of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (T.I. AMASS), Kumasi.
According to reports, Alhaji Yakub was involved in a serious motor accident along the Winneba–Cape Coast highway. He was placed on oxygen and received intensive medical attention, but sadly succumbed to his injuries. His death was confirmed earlier today.
Alhaji Yakub was widely revered for his unwavering commitment to both faith and education. As a long-serving missionary and headmaster, he was known for his integrity, disciplined leadership, and efforts to uphold academic and moral excellence at T.I. AMASS and within the wider Ahmadiyya educational framework in Ghana.
“This is a profound loss not only to his immediate family but also to the entire Ahmadiyya fraternity, the education community, and the nation at large,” a former colleague noted.
His legacy lives on in the thousands of students he mentored, the educators he inspired, and the communities he served with dedication and humility.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, educational authorities, and members of the general public have extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, offering prayers for peace and divine mercy for the departed soul.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, shower His mercy upon him, and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
