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Ras Mubarak embarks on 31-country African road trip

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Former Member of Parliament for the Kumbungu Constituency, Ras Mubarak, is set to embark on a bold and historic expedition across 31 African countries, aimed at promoting tourism in Africa, cultural exchange, and continental unity.

Speaking exclusively to A1 Radio, Ras Mubarak revealed that the 120-day Africa road trip, covering over 35,000 kilometres, will begin on August 18, 2025, traversing West, Central, Southern, and East Africa before returning to Ghana.

“It is dedicated to promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and regional unity across the continent,” he emphasized.

Highlighting Ghana’s visa-free travel policy for all African nationals, Mubarak called on other African governments to adopt similar frameworks to facilitate intra-African travel, trade, and youth empowerment.

“Many African countries still make travel, trade, and tourism extremely difficult for fellow Africans. Through this trip, we aim to petition governments to open up their borders. Visa-free travel arrangements would create opportunities for the youth to explore education, trade, and cultural collaboration.”

His ambitious route includes Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and more than two dozen additional African nations.

Mubarak acknowledged the immense logistical and physical challenges ahead but remains committed to the broader objective of advocating for policy reforms that support seamless African integration.

To ensure safety and smooth operations, a diverse expedition team is being assembled. It includes French and Arabic speakers, individuals with valid driver’s licenses, and a medical doctor to accompany the journey.

“We’ll be driving in shifts, so everyone needs to be able to drive. It’s a long journey—120 days. No one person can do all the driving,” he explained.

He also extended an open invitation to like-minded adventurers with durable vehicles, encouraging a spirit of collaboration and pan-African solidarity.

This expedition aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reinforcing the belief that easing border restrictions and encouraging movement across African nations is key to unlocking the continent’s economic growth, tourism development, and regional cooperation.

Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga

Ghana marks first National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day with calls for peace and unity

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Ghanaians across all 16 regions and 216 districts on Monday, July 1, 2025, solemnly observed the country’s first-ever National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day, marked by national reflection, gratitude, and fervent intercession for peace, unity, and national renewal.

Held under the theme “Reset, Reflect, and Renew for National Prosperity,” the Upper East Regional celebration took place at the Catholic Social Centre in Bolgatanga. The event brought together religious and traditional leaders, government officials, youth groups, women’s associations, and citizens in a unified expression of faith and patriotism in Ghana.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga called on Ghanaians to reflect on the nation’s journey and renew their commitment to spiritual and national development.

“Today, July 1, is a significant day in our history. It marks the moment we fully transitioned into a Republic—a time we took full ownership of our governance and sovereignty,” he said. “We stand on the sacrifices of those who fought for this freedom, and we must reflect deeply on how far we have come, especially in breaking free from political and economic domination.”

The regional program featured intercessory prayers led by key faith groups, including the Catholic Church, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Islamic community, and traditional religious leaders. Each offered prayers for national peace, good leadership, unity, and economic transformation across Ghana’s diverse communities.

Mr. Atanga also called for continued spiritual and practical interventions in conflict-prone areas in the Upper East Region, including Bawku and Doba. “Let us all remember to pray for peace in Bawku, Doba, and other parts of our region where harmony is yet to prevail,” he urged.

As Ghanaians bowed their heads in prayer nationwide, National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day 2025 signaled a powerful new chapter in the country’s democratic and spiritual journey—rooted in shared hope, collective responsibility, and a renewed call for peace and unity in Ghana.

Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Joseph Napoleon Anaaya | Bolgatanga

Evelyn Abingde vows to champion girls’ education through politics

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Evelyn Abingde, the District Girls’ Education Officer for Talensi, is stepping into the political spotlight as she contests the position of Upper East Regional Women’s Organiser for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), following years of grassroots advocacy for girl child education in Ghana.

In an interview on A1 Radio’s Equal Voices, Abingde recounted her personal journey that began with being one of just two girls in her Junior High School. She described how by the final year, she was the only girl left in class after the other student dropped out to marry.

“By the time we reached the final year, I was the only one left,” she said. “The other girl dropped out to get married. That stayed with me.”

Abingde, now a champion for girls’ retention in school, said her mission is to ensure that fewer girls drop out due to child marriage. She explained that many girls disappear from school around the ages of 15 or 16, with subsequent follow-ups revealing that many had been married off.

“Most of the girls we lose are around 15 or 16,” she explained. “They start Junior High, then suddenly they’re gone. When we trace them, we often find they’ve been married off.”

Her role as an education officer extends beyond administrative duties. She frequently travels to rural communities to engage with parents, resolve cases of forced marriages, and personally intervene to return girls to school.

“We’ve had to intervene in situations where girls were taken from their husbands and sent back to their father’s house. Sometimes, we bring her back and she gets to continue school.”

Through PTA meetings and community sensitization, Abingde has built trust and inspired awareness about the importance of female education. Her hands-on activism eventually propelled her into active politics.

She currently serves as the Talensi Constituency Women’s Organiser for the NPP, where she is now seeking to influence policies that can further support girls and women at the regional level.

“Education is still the heart of what I do,” she said. “Politics just gives me a wider platform to fight for the same girls I’ve always fought for.”

Her story, defined by resilience and deep community engagement, resonates with many across the Upper East Region, where educational inequality and child marriage continue to affect young girls’ futures.

“If I can help just one girl stay in school, one girl avoid what others couldn’t, then I know I’ve done something meaningful,” she said.

Background: NPP’s 2024 Performance in the Upper East Region

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) faced challenges in the 2024 General Elections in the Upper East Region, where it secured only a few parliamentary seats and trailed behind the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in presidential votes. The party has since initiated reorganisation processes at all levels, focusing on women and youth engagement, grassroots mobilization, and restructuring of constituency executives to regain political momentum ahead of the 2028 elections.

Evelyn Abingde’s candidacy is seen by many political observers as part of the NPP’s broader strategy to empower female leaders and build community-centered advocacy within its ranks in northern Ghana.

Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga

Dr. Ayine to enrich Zuarungu library with historic and contemporary books

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The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East Constituency and Attorney General of Ghana, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has announced plans to enrich the soon-to-be-commissioned Zuarungu Community Library with a unique collection of contemporary and historic books.

This initiative is part of the MP’s broader commitment to educational development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment in Ghana’s Upper East Region.

In a statement shared on social media, Dr. Ayine highlighted a remarkable encounter during a recent visit to Cambridge, United Kingdom, where he met Sylvia Lynn, an 83-year-old woman whose father served as a colonial agricultural officer in Zuarungu in the 1930s.

According to Dr. Ayine, Sylvia’s father arrived in Zuarungu at age 21 and documented his experiences through a rich collection of personal papers and photographs. Sylvia, who also visited the town in 1990, had long wanted to return these historic materials to the community but had struggled to find the right contact—until she was connected to Dr. Ayine through Paulina Abanpoka Aboyadaana, a Ghanaian PhD student in Scotland.

“Meeting Sylvia and receiving her father’s historic documents is a monumental moment for our community,” Dr. Ayine noted. “These materials, along with her own impressive library on Africa and Ghana, will be shipped to the Zuarungu Community Library before the end of July.”

Also present at the meeting was Dr. Gabriel Aboyadaana, a UK-based Ghanaian economist and lecturer, who lent his full support to the effort.

Dr. Ayine emphasized that the historical documents and academic resources will serve as a critical tool to inspire young readers, support academic research, and preserve the cultural heritage of Zuarungu and the wider Bolgatanga East constituency.

The initiative has been widely applauded as a visionary investment in education, historical documentation, and community development in Ghana.

According to Dr. Ayine, libraries should be more than just buildings filled with books—they should serve as vibrant hubs for intergenerational learning, knowledge sharing, and community transformation.

The Zuarungu Community Library project is expected to enhance access to quality educational resources in the constituency and complement other literacy and youth development programs being rolled out in the region.

Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1MHz | Bolgatanga

Catholic Bishop urges shift from partisan politics to national interest at 2025 National Prayer Day

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At the 2025 National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day held in Bolgatanga, Reverend Dr. Mark Ceaser Abangna, speaking on behalf of Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, the Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese, called on political leaders and all Ghanaians to prioritize national unity and development over political polarization.

The event, held under the theme “Reflect, Reset and Renewal for National Prosperity,” brought together people of all religious faiths and political backgrounds to offer prayers for peace, unity, and divine guidance for the future of Ghana.

Rev. Dr. Abangna expressed deep concern about the increasing political polarization in Ghana, where citizens align themselves with political parties at the expense of national cohesion and development. He challenged Ghanaians to reset their political mindset and focus on national interest, rather than engaging in destructive partisanship and abandoning development projects based on political differences.

“Sometimes the national discourse often gets so polarized as if everyone identifies with one or the other political party. And this country can be reset to place national interest over and above the destructive name-calling and projects-abandoning politics. In this country can be reset so that the teacher is appreciated as much as the politician,” he said.

Rev. Dr. Abangna emphasized that this mindset shift would encourage a renewed sense of patriotism, equity, and collective responsibility, creating an environment where all professions are valued equally.

“In this country, the teacher should be appreciated as much as the politician, and the cleaner should be valued as much as the doctor,” he added.

According to him, such an approach would not only bridge social inequality but also contribute to reducing unemployment and fostering inclusive governance and national harmony.

While commending the government for establishing the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day Initiative, Rev. Dr. Abangna urged authorities to ensure inclusivity and broaden participation across regions and demographics to sustain the spiritual and civic importance of the day.

The 2025 National Prayer Day marks a renewed call for reflection and unity in Ghana, especially as the country grapples with economic challenges, social division, and political mistrust.

Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1MHz | David Azure, Bolgatanga

Evelyn Abingde says she represents NPP’s new face for women’s mobilization in Upper East Region

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Long before Evelyn Abingde ever stood on a political platform or addressed a crowd at a rally, she was quietly absorbing the workings of politics through her late husband—a man deeply involved in the political life of their community.

“He was the one who introduced me to this world,” Evelyn said in a heartfelt conversation on Equal Voices. “He’d come home talking about community meetings, about how decisions were made, we watched interviews and discussions on TV. I started listening closely. Bit by bit, I got interested.”

For years, Evelyn remained in the background—supporting her husband and observing. But her journey took a dramatic turn when he passed away.

“Losing him was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced,” she said. “But it also woke something up in me. I wondered if that would be the end of politics in my household, so I started to pick up after him.”

That pivotal moment ignited her transformation from a political observer to a community leader. Evelyn became the Constituency Women’s Organiser for Bolgatanga East under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and is now contesting for the position of Upper East Regional Women’s Organiser.

Her motivation goes beyond climbing the political ladder—she wants to reshape the role of women in Ghanaian politics.

“Once you step into politics as a woman, people don’t talk about your work, they talk about your morals,” Evelyn said. “They’ll call you a prostitute. They’ll question your place. But I’ve learned to rise above the noise.”

“There are so few of us,” she said. “And that’s not because women aren’t capable, it’s because too many are scared off before they even begin. I want to be the reason another woman decides to step forward. I want to make space.”

Evelyn’s candid reflections spotlight the challenges of gender bias, public scrutiny, and moral policing that women in politics face in Ghana. Her story reflects not only courage and resilience but a determination to inspire systemic change and empower more women to step into political leadership roles.

NPP’s 2024 Election Setback in the Upper East Region and Ongoing Reorganization

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), which Evelyn represents, performed poorly in the 2024 General Elections across the Upper East Region, a known stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The NPP failed to secure any parliamentary seats in the region, further underscoring the need for grassroots mobilization, leadership renewal, and strategic engagement with marginalized groups—including women and youth.

As part of a broader party reorganization agenda ahead of the 2028 elections, the NPP is undergoing a nationwide restructuring at the polling station, constituency, regional, and national levels. The process is expected to bring in new faces, energize local bases, and correct missteps that contributed to the party’s losses in 2024.

Evelyn Abingde’s ambition to contest for the Upper East Regional Women’s Organiser position comes at a critical time when the party seeks renewed trust and dynamic leadership in the north. Her campaign symbolizes the NPP’s opportunity to center women’s voices in shaping its future and restoring its presence in northern Ghana.

Championing Gender Equality in Ghanaian Politics

What started for Evelyn as a quiet curiosity has now evolved into a bold mission to break barriers and redefine women’s participation in governance. Her journey is not just personal—it’s deeply political. In a system where women are too often pushed aside, Evelyn Abingde is holding the door open for the next generation of women leaders.

Her campaign may just be one regional contest, but its implications reach far wider: a more inclusive, representative, and just political space in Ghana.

Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Keziah Porepeya Nsoh | Bolgatanga

Ag. NDA CEO calls for stronger coordination framework to transform dev’t in Northern Ghana

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The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, has emphasized the urgent need for a robust, efficient, and decentralized coordination framework to ensure sustainable development across Northern Ghana.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, in Bolgatanga, Dr. Abeere-Inga stated that bureaucratic bottlenecks within ministries and government agencies in Accra continue to undermine effective project delivery in the north—despite the region being seen as a focal point for both public and donor-funded development efforts.

Dr. Abeere-Inga revealed that the NDA has already begun consultative engagements with technocrats across all five northern regions of Ghana, with the goal of designing a unified development coordination model that empowers local stakeholders and ensures that development funds are transparently and effectively utilized at the regional level.

“One of the major challenges is that people say Northern Ghana has many NGOs and funding support, but there is no visible change. The truth is, the money rarely gets here. It is hijacked by bureaucrats in Accra. What reaches our people is mere tokenism,” Dr. Abeere-Inga stated.

He cited the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP) as a cautionary example. The initiative, which was expected to benefit Northern Ghana, was to be supported by a $60 million World Bank loan and a $50 million grant from the U.S. government (USAID). However, Dr. Abeere-Inga disclosed that the project was derailed due to centralized decision-making and fund control in Accra, leading to the eventual withdrawal of the $50 million grant by the U.S.

“The project failed not because the funds were unavailable, but because they weren’t used as intended. The funds were not directed to Northern Ghana, so the U.S. government pulled out. This must never happen again,” he emphasized.

As part of the NDA’s reform agenda, Dr. Abeere-Inga noted that the Authority is working to redirect donor funds and national development investments directly to Northern Ghana, with management led by regionally based institutions. This shift, he said, will ensure greater transparency, accountability, and impact.

The visit also provided an opportunity to congratulate Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga on his recent appointment as Upper East Regional Minister and to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for long-term regional transformation.

In his response, the Minister acknowledged the past credibility issues that plagued the NDA and affected its ability to deliver. However, he expressed renewed confidence in the leadership and vision of Dr. Abeere-Inga.

“We need to change the narrative,” Hon. Atanga said. “This new approach could be our turning point. But for it to succeed, the NDA must engage with the Northern Parliamentary Caucus to build consensus and secure national-level political support.”

As Northern Ghana continues to lag behind in terms of infrastructure, education, health, and agricultural development, both the NDA and regional authorities agree that strategic coordination, decentralization of power, and direct investment are the keys to unlocking the region’s true potential.

Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga

Is Mahama repeating old mistakes? – Edmond Awuni thinks so

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Former Upper East Regional Communications Director for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Edmond Awuni, has emphasized that being in political opposition should not be seen as a burden, asserting that genuine political commitment requires continuous service, whether a party is in power or not.

According to Mr. Awuni, the true essence of political leadership lies in prioritizing national development over partisan advantage. He noted that even individuals serving in government often feel disempowered due to the pressures and responsibilities of public service, which can overshadow any perceived benefits of holding office.

“There are times when you’re even in government, but you don’t feel empowered because the work is relentless. Whether you’re in power or in opposition, you continue to work. Sometimes, being in government doesn’t even come with the benefits people expect—it just adds to your workload,” he said during an interview on A1 Radio.

Call for a Shift in Ghana’s Political Culture

Speaking candidly on governance, opposition politics, and the evolving landscape of democracy in Ghana, Mr. Awuni called for a fundamental shift in mindset among politicians and party supporters. He urged political actors to focus less on chasing influence and recognition and more on serving citizens and putting smiles on people’s faces.

Mr. Awuni warned that the political space must evolve to prioritize nation-building over retaliatory politics. He noted that Ghana’s democratic gains are at risk when partisan behavior outweighs national interest.

Assessment of Mahama’s Leadership in 2025 NDC Administration

Touching on the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, Mr. Awuni acknowledged the governance experience of President John Dramani Mahama, who returned to office in 2025. However, he questioned whether lessons from his first term were being effectively applied.

“Yes, this is someone who has been there before. I believe he’s learned some lessons, but whether he’s demonstrating that learning by doing things differently—that’s still debatable. I thought His Excellency John Dramani Mahama would have clearly outlined how certain practices would change.”

He expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of political retaliation, citing recent arrests and legal actions that mirror tactics used under the previous NPP government.

“If you look at the arrests and legal processes going on, it feels like what the NPP did is now being repeated. So where’s the learning?”

Concerns About the Attorney General’s Role

Mr. Awuni also raised issues regarding the emerging role of Ghana’s Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, suggesting that the Attorney General is increasingly assuming a public relations role, rather than focusing on substantive legal action.

“My own brother, the Attorney General—he’s now sounding more like the Minister for Information. It’s always press conference after press conference. But the real cases are there. Take them to court and act decisively. If anyone is guilty, let the person face the law. That’s what I support,” Mr. Awuni emphasized.

A Call for National Accountability and Rule of Law

He concluded by urging both the ruling NDC government and the opposition NPP to commit to introspection, accountability, and institutional integrity, emphasizing that safeguarding Ghana’s democracy requires a dedication to the rule of law, not political theatrics.

“We must protect the integrity of our state institutions. Let the courts work. Let the laws speak. That’s how we protect democracy,” he said.

Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga

Kilo Alpha Aviation celebrates 24th anniversary, launches new office in Bolgatanga

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Kilo Alpha Aviation Holdings (KAAH) has marked a significant milestone by launching its new office in Bolgatanga, coinciding with the celebration of its 24th anniversary.

The official launch, held on July 1, 2025, signals the company’s strategic commitment to expanding aviation opportunities in Ghana’s Upper East Region, an area with immense untapped potential in the sector.

As part of the anniversary celebration, a stakeholder engagement session was organized on Saturday, June 28, at Doxa Court Hotel in Bolgatanga. The session brought together a diverse group of participants, including officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, the Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, the media, and other industry stakeholders.

The discussion highlighted Kilo Alpha Aviation’s vision for aviation development in Northern Ghana and introduced strategic plans aimed at building local capacity and infrastructure.

The newly launched KAAH regional office, located within the A1 Radio premises in Tindonsobligo, will serve as the operational base for managing the company’s subsidiaries.

It will also function as a center for aviation and hospitality consultancy services, offering training, mentorship, and advisory services for individuals and institutions interested in the aviation industry. This move underscores Kilo Alpha Aviation’s broader mission of demystifying aviation, enhancing accessibility, and nurturing a new generation of aviation professionals in Ghana’s north.

AERO Summer School: Inspiring the Next Generation

A major highlight of the launch was the introduction of the AERO Summer School, an innovative educational program designed to spark interest in aviation careers among children and youth, beginning from as early as age three.

The initiative aims to offer foundational knowledge of the aviation industry, expose participants to a wide range of career opportunities, and raise awareness around critical areas such as Health, Safety, and the Environment (HSE).

Speaking at the stakeholder engagement, Captain Victor Kwesi Amoah, Chief Executive Director of Kilo Alpha Aviation Holdings Limited, emphasized the transformative potential of the AERO Summer School. A seasoned airline pilot, aviation consultant, and youth mentor, Captain Amoah stressed that the program is a deliberate step toward bridging the generational leadership gap in the aviation sector.

“Our mission is to provide quality aviation solutions to meet and/or exceed stakeholders’ needs. We are not just preparing participants to enter the aviation world. We are training them to lead, innovate, and deliver excellence,” Captain Amoah stated.

By integrating education, mentorship, and real-world experience, Kilo Alpha Aviation envisions grooming future aviation leaders who embody excellence, prioritize safety, and champion innovation.

As the aviation sector in Ghana continues to grow, the establishment of a regional presence in Bolgatanga reinforces Kilo Alpha Aviation’s role as a trailblazer in promoting aviation literacy, skills development, and entrepreneurship in underserved regions.

Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga

National Prayer Day: Upper East Regional Minister calls for reflection on peace and unity

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The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has called on Ghanaians to reflect deeply on the values of peace, unity, commitment, and national development as the country commemorates National Prayer Day 2025.

Speaking at a gathering in Bolgatanga, Mr. Akamugri emphasized the importance of taking stock of Ghana’s journey, its current challenges, and the nation’s future aspirations. He said the day should serve as a moment of spiritual renewal and national reflection.

The 2025 National Prayer Day, celebrated under the theme “Reflect, Reset, and Renewal for National Prosperity,” is part of the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day Initiative—an interfaith event that brings together Ghanaians from all religious backgrounds to give thanks for the nation’s blessings, pray for peace and unity, and seek divine guidance for national progress.

According to the Upper East Regional Minister, the initiative is not just ceremonial but a powerful reminder to reset minds, realign priorities, and renew commitments to peace, unity, and a shared responsibility toward national development.

“As a people, we need to reset our minds, priorities, and rekindle our commitment to national unity, peace, and shared responsibility and service. Let us be guided that development is not only about infrastructure and policies, but also about the spiritual and moral fabric of the people. This calls for the resetting of our collective national conscience as a country,” Mr. Akamugri stated.

A wide range of religious groups, including Traditionalists, Catholics, Charismatics, Pentecostals, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and others, are participating in the National Prayer Day activities across the Upper East Region and beyond. Their unified presence underscores the importance of interfaith dialogue, national cohesion, and community-based action.

The Regional Minister also called on residents of the Upper East Region and Ghanaians at large to embrace peace, dialogue, and collective action in pursuit of a more just and prosperous society. He stressed that while infrastructure and policy reforms are essential, they must be complemented by a strong moral and spiritual foundation to withstand national challenges such as economic hardship, communal conflict, and climate change.

“Let us remember that the strength of our nation lies not only in what we build, but in who we are and how we treat one another,” he added.

The National Prayer Day in Ghana continues to gain significance as a unifying platform that inspires hope, spiritual introspection, and a renewed sense of national purpose.

Source: A1RadioOnline.com | 101.1MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga

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