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Bawumia Tops NPP Flagbearer Race with 57%, Ken Agyapong Trails at 29% – Global InfoAnalytics Poll

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Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer race, according to the latest tracking poll by Global InfoAnalytics.

The survey places Dr. Bawumia well ahead of his closest rival, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, with 57% of respondents backing the ex-Vice President compared to 29% for Mr. Agyapong.

Other aspirants remain far behind. Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum secured 6%, Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong polled 5%, while former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong registered 3%.

Strong Lead in Swing Regions

Dr. Bawumia’s dominance is particularly evident in the swing regions of Greater Accra, Central, and Western. Here, he commands 57% of support, compared to 32% for Kennedy Agyapong. Dr. Adutwum and Dr. Acheampong each received 4%, while Kwabena Agyapong polled 3%.

The poll also suggests that in a potential runoff between the two leading contenders, Dr. Bawumia would further extend his advantage, winning 62% of the vote against Mr. Agyapong’s 38%.

Delegates’ Preference

Among NPP delegates — who ultimately decide the party’s flagbearer — Dr. Bawumia continues to hold a firm lead with 47%. Kennedy Agyapong follows with 17%, while Dr. Acheampong and Dr. Adutwum stand at 3% and 1% respectively. Kwabena Agyapong also garnered 1%.

However, the survey highlights a significant 27% of delegates who remain undecided, while 4% declined to state their preference.

In a runoff scenario, Dr. Bawumia’s lead is even more pronounced. He secures 49% of delegate support compared to Kennedy Agyapong’s 19%, though 27% remain undecided and 5% declined to disclose.

Implications for 2028

Political analysts say the results reinforce Dr. Bawumia’s position as the favourite to lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections. With his strong showing in swing regions and among delegates, the former Vice President appears to have built a formidable advantage, though the undecided bloc could still play a crucial role as the primaries approach.

Source – My News Ghana

Bawumia Commences Central Region Tour to Energise NPP Base Ahead of 2028

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Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has begun a two-day working tour of the Central Region as part of his campaign efforts to retain the party’s flagbearer position ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The tour, which started on Monday, 29 September, is expected to see Dr. Bawumia engage regional and constituency executives, traditional authorities, grassroots supporters, and opinion leaders. His campaign team says the Central Region remains a key battleground, making this visit critical to consolidating his support base and strengthening the party’s preparations for 2028.

Party insiders disclosed that the former Vice President will hold strategic meetings with executives to outline his vision and respond to concerns from local party structures. He is also expected to reassure the rank and file of his commitment to uniting the party and building on the NPP’s legacy.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the tour, members of Dr. Bawumia’s campaign team described the exercise as a crucial step in maintaining momentum. “This visit is about energising the grassroots, reinforcing trust, and ensuring the party is strategically positioned for victory in 2028,” one aide said.

Supporters across the Central Region expressed excitement at his arrival, describing him as an accessible leader with the right blend of experience and innovation to guide the party’s future.

Dr. Bawumia, who led the NPP into the 2024 elections, is seeking re-election as flagbearer to continue his political journey and prepare the party for the next major contest. His engagements in the Central Region are expected to set the tone for more regional tours in the coming weeks.

Source – My News Ghana

Community in Shock as Boy, 7, Swept Away by Raging Floodwaters At Abrepo Bronikrom

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Tragedy struck the community of Abrepo Bronikrom in the Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti Region on Saturday, September 27, 2025, when a seven-year-old boy, identified only as Kwame, was swept away by floodwaters.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred after heavy rains in the area. Kwame had been playing in the rain with two friends when one of their slippers was carried into a nearby gutter. In an attempt to retrieve it, Kwame slipped and was overpowered by the raging current.

The other children raised an alarm and attempted to rescue him, but the strong flow quickly swept him out of sight.

Residents immediately launched a search party, combing through the drains and surrounding areas. However, as of Sunday morning, efforts to locate the boy had proved unsuccessful.

Kojo Mensah, a resident, described the tense atmosphere in the community: “We’ve been there several times. A fetish priest was even called in and rituals were performed, but we still haven’t found him. We are terrified because this has never happened here before.”

As of Sunday evening, there had been no official response from the police or rescue agencies, leaving residents to continue the desperate search on their own.

Source – My News Ghana

4 Dead, Several Injured in Shooting and Arson Attack at Michigan Mormon Church

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At least four people have been killed and eight others injured after a gunman stormed a Mormon church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during Sunday service, opening fire on worshippers before setting the building ablaze.

Police identified the suspect as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, Michigan. Sanford drove his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at around 10:25 a.m. local time (15:25 GMT) before firing multiple rounds with an assault-style rifle. He was later shot dead by officers in the church car park, just eight minutes after the attack began.

Authorities say the incident is being treated as a case of “targeted violence”, though the motive remains unclear.

Chaos During Service

According to Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye, the attack occurred during a packed Sunday service attended by “hundreds” of congregants. Two victims died instantly from gunshot wounds, while two more were later confirmed dead as emergency teams searched the damaged building. Several others remain unaccounted for.

The gunman is believed to have used an accelerant, most likely gasoline, to set the fire that engulfed parts of the church. Investigators are still working to determine exactly when and how the blaze began.

Chief Renye praised the “heroism” of churchgoers who managed to shield children and guide them to safety amid the chaos.

FBI Leads Investigation

The FBI has taken over the investigation, deploying crisis response teams, bomb technicians, and more than 100 federal agents to assist local authorities. Investigators are combing through Sanford’s property and cell phone records to establish a motive.

Sanford, a Marine Corps veteran, had no immediate known ties to extremist groups, officials said.

Meanwhile, Michigan State Police confirmed that officers had been dispatched to investigate additional bomb threats at multiple locations across the state, though all have since been cleared.

National Reactions

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed the shooting in a statement, saying: “We pray for peace and healing for all involved.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer condemned the violence, stressing: “Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable.”

Former senator and prominent Mormon leader Mitt Romney described the attack as a tragedy: “My brothers and sisters and their church are targets of violence. Praying for healing and comforting.”

President Donald Trump also reacted, calling it “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States” and confirming the FBI will lead the federal investigation.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as “heartbreaking and chilling,” urging prayers for the victims and their families.

Ongoing Probe

Authorities say the death toll could rise as crews continue searching the fire-damaged building. Some worshippers remain missing, and investigators are treating the site as both a crime scene and a hazardous zone due to structural damage from the blaze.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Grand Blanc, a community 60 miles northwest of Detroit, leaving residents and worshippers grappling with grief and fear after one of the deadliest church attacks in Michigan’s history.

Source – My News Ghana

NPP Distances Itself from Controversial Comments by Regional Chairmen on Presidential Primaries

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has clarified that recent remarks by its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Wontumi), and Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC, regarding the party’s upcoming presidential primaries do not reflect its official position.

Wontumi reportedly suggested that scheduling the presidential primaries for January 31, 2026, was intended to favour a specific aspirant. Abronye DC, on the other hand, claimed he compiles the Bono Regional album and could block certain individuals from voting.

In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong on September 28, the NPP dismissed these claims, emphasizing that no single individual, regardless of rank or position, has unilateral control over the compilation of polling station albums.

The party further clarified that the process of album compilation follows strict compliance procedures. The National Secretariat will soon release clear and transparent guidelines to ensure integrity, credibility, and fairness in the exercise.

The NPP urged all stakeholders, particularly polling station executives, to disregard the comments, describing them as misleading.

According to the statement, the January 31 primary date was decided by the National Council after “exhaustive deliberations in the supreme interest of the party.” The early scheduling aims to give the party sufficient time and strategic advantage to reorganize, reposition, and recapture power in 2028.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness, and internal democracy, the NPP assured that all electoral activities will be conducted to the highest standards of integrity.

Source – My News Ghana

University for Development Studies (UDS) Clinches 2025 World University Games Title in Dramatic Comeback Against Paulista

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The University for Development Studies (UDS) has been crowned champions of the 2025 World University Games after a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over defending champions Paulista University of Brazil.

A crowd of nearly 23,000 fans at the stadium witnessed a pulsating final that began disastrously for the Ghanaians. Within the opening 30 seconds, Paulista’s Gabriel Viera capitalized on a defensive lapse, lobbing the ball over UDS goalkeeper Emmanuel Edo to give the Brazilians an early lead.

UDS, under coach Ibrahim Tanko, quickly regained composure and dominated possession, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, Paulista’s goalkeeper Silva kept the visitors ahead with a series of fine saves.

The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Frimpong darted past his marker and forced a save from Silva, only for captain Asigre Sulemana to pounce on the rebound and equalize, sending the match into extra time.

UDS maintained their momentum into the additional period, but Silva continued to frustrate the Ghanaians with crucial stops. It wasn’t until the 121st minute that the deadlock was broken. A corner from Ezedeen Alhassan slipped through Silva’s grasp and found the back of the net, sealing a dramatic turnaround and sparking wild celebrations on the UDS bench.

The victory marks a historic moment for Ghanaian university football, dethroning Paulista as champions and crowning UDS as the 2025 World University Games winners.

Source – My News Ghana

Selena Gomez Marries Benny Blanco in Star-Studded California Wedding

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US pop star and actress Selena Gomez has tied the knot with music producer Benny Blanco in a glamorous ceremony in Santa Barbara, California.

The 33-year-old singer and Only Murders in the Building star shared photos on Instagram wearing a stunning white halter-neck gown, while Blanco, 37, donned a sleek dark tuxedo. She captioned the post with the date “9.27.26” framed by heart emojis. Blanco responded with a heartfelt comment: “My wife in real life.”

The intimate yet star-studded event hosted around 170 guests, including Taylor Swift, actor Paul Rudd, and Gomez’s co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, according to Vogue. Both bride and groom were dressed by Ralph Lauren.

The wedding comes nearly two years after their engagement in December 2024. The couple, who first collaborated musically in 2015, went public with their relationship in 2023. In March this year, they released a joint album, I Said I Love You First, chronicling their love story.

Gomez, who rose to fame on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place before launching her chart-topping music career, has also been acclaimed for her recent role in Emilia Pérez. Blanco, meanwhile, is a Grammy-winning producer known for working with Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Kesha, and many more.

Their marriage cements a creative and personal partnership that has been years in the making — and fans have been flooding social media with congratulatory messages celebrating the newlyweds.

Source – My News Ghana

Stonebwoy Graduates with Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy from GIMPA

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Dancehall and reggae superstar Stonebwoy has achieved another milestone — this time in academia. The award-winning musician has successfully completed a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

Announcing the news with pride, Stonebwoy, who often refers to himself as “The Torch,” shared:
“Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy. Done ✅. You’re welcome to my graduation.”

He explained that his academic pursuit was driven by a desire to inspire others. “This Ashaiman boy must inspire, ’cause I’m inspired,” he noted, encouraging young people to combine talent with education and discipline.

Despite his demanding music career, the global hitmaker made time for his studies — even completing his final paper before flying out to the UK, where he is a special guest of Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

At the end of his exams, he was warmly congratulated by his wife, Dr. Louisa, whose proud presence added a personal and emotional touch to his achievement.

Stonebwoy’s graduation not only marks personal growth but also reinforces his reputation for balancing artistry with personal development, setting an example for fans and fellow creatives alike.

Source – My News Ghana

VRA Eyes Transformation of Akosombo Dam into Giant Power Battery Reserve

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The Volta River Authority (VRA) is exploring plans to convert the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam into a massive power battery reserve, a move aimed at modernising Ghana’s energy infrastructure amid the global shift from hydro to thermal and renewable energy.

Speaking to Parliament’s Energy Committee during a monitoring visit on Saturday, September 27, VRA’s Acting CEO, Ing. Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, explained that the project would allow the dam to store renewable energy for use during peak demand hours.

“As we transition to renewables, which are interruptible, we need ways to manage supply. During the daytime, solar power runs; in the evenings, it’s off. Using Akosombo as a battery will allow us to store energy efficiently and avoid the high costs of conventional batteries,” he said.

Ing. Obeng-Kenzo added that the initiative could eventually serve the broader West African region, leveraging the country’s abundant water resources to support generation and stabilise energy prices. “This is a study we are currently carrying out,” he noted.

Dam Integrity and Lifespan Boosted

The VRA boss assured the committee that Ghana’s major hydro facilities remain in excellent condition. He revealed that retrofitting and international assessments have extended the lifespan of the Akosombo and Akuse dams by 40 and 30 years respectively.

“We conduct five-year dam assessments with global experts. The last visit was three years ago, and the next is scheduled in two years. Their recommendations have helped us secure the long-term viability of these critical assets,” he stated.

Energy Committee Nationwide Tour

The Energy Committee, led by Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, is on a three-day tour of key power sector institutions, including GRIDCo, PURC, ECG, the Energy Commission, and VRA. The tour aims to assess Ghana’s power sector and provide Parliament with recommendations to strengthen legislation, policies, and infrastructure. The inspections will conclude with visits to the Akosombo, Akuse, and Bui dams.

Source – My News Ghana

Alvarez Double Fires Atletico to 5-2 Madrid Derby Triumph Over Real Madrid

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Real Madrid’s early-season dominance came to a dramatic halt as Atletico Madrid dismantled the LaLiga leaders 5-2 at the Estadio Metropolitano on Saturday.

The Madrid derby, often pivotal in the title race, saw Diego Simeone’s men dominate from the outset. Atletico’s Robin Le Normand opened the scoring in the 14th minute, rising above Eder Militao to head home Giuliano Simeone’s precise cross—his second league goal for the club.

Real responded with their characteristic ruthlessness, as Arda Guler’s perfect through ball set up Kylian Mbappe to net his 12th goal in 10 appearances this season. Yet Atletico quickly regained control: Guler, turning provider into scorer, volleyed home Vinicius Junior’s cross to put the hosts ahead once more.

The first half ended dramatically with Alexander Sorloth equalising for Atletico in stoppage time, heading Koke’s searching cross past Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras.

The second half saw Atletico pull decisively away. A penalty, earned after Guler’s high foot on Nicolas Gonzalez, was confidently converted by Julian Alvarez, who later curled a stunning free-kick past Thibaut Courtois. Antoine Griezmann sealed the win with a fifth, sliding home to cap an emphatic team performance.

Atletico’s victory not only halts Real Madrid’s seven-match winning streak but also injects momentum into a campaign that had started inconsistently. While Real remain top of LaLiga, Barcelona could now close the gap following this shock result.

Man of the Match: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

Source – My News Ghana