“Ghana Engages Israeli and Iranian Ambassadors on Evacuation and Diplomatic Principles Amid Conflict”

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June 20, 2025

It’s truly inspiring to see the hard work and passion the Minister of Foreign Affairs brings to everything they do. Their efforts don’t go unnoticed — well done. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa invited the ambassadors of both Iran and Isreal to his office to have a conversation on how to evacuate the Ghanaian citizens who are in the various countries.

“This week, I invited the ambassadors of Israel and Iran to my office for separate meetings.

On Tuesday, I met with H.E. Roey Gilad of Israel and then held talks with H.E. Ali Ghomshi of Iran on Wednesday.

The meetings afforded me the opportunity to convey the Mahama Administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians living in their countries with the two ambassadors for onward communication to their governments to facilitate border access approvals.

So far, the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully. Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly.

These engagements have also enriched our understanding of the ongoing conflict.

It is worth emphasizing that in the meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, I registered Ghana’s strong displeasure at his recent public pronouncements questioning Ghana’s voting pattern at international organizations.

I urged him to respect our sovereign right to make independent decisions based on our longstanding globally acclaimed foreign policy principles anchored on Ghana’s national interest as espoused by the 1992 Constitution, pacifist approach to peace building, non-alignment, respect for the UN Charter, adherence to the rule-based international order, belief in multilateralism and strict compliance with international law.

These cherished principles will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives within all international organizations, particularly at this defining moment when Ghana is serving on the UN Human Rights Council and chairing the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Finally, I re-echoed Ghana’s demand for both countries to ceasefire and opt for a peaceful diplomatic resolution of their concerns.”

“Tensions Explode as Iran Threatens ‘Historic Surprise’ Following Israeli Strikes”

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Oda Citizen

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June 18, 2025

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Iran issued a chilling threat on Tuesday night saying a “tonight, a great surprise will occur, one that the world will remember for centuries.”

It comes as intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s capital early Wednesday a day after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded “unconditional surrender.”

As the U.S. sent warplanes to the Middle East, Trump made a series of statements about the conflict, including warning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the U.S. knows where he is hiding but that there were no plans to kill him “at least not for now.”

His statements fueled confusion about the U.S.’s role in the conflict as Tehran residents flee their homes on the sixth day of Israel’s air campaign aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear program.

Israel asserts its sweeping assault is necessary to prevent Iran from getting any closer to building an atomic weapon. The strikes have killed at least 224 people in Iran.

Iran has retaliated by launching some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel. So far, 24 people have been killed in Israel.

Ghanaian Delegation Explores Space Collaboration with Dhruva Space in India

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Oda Citizen

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June 17, 2025

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Ghanaian Delegation Explores Space Technology with Dhruva Space in India

A high-profile delegation from Ghana, comprising Hon. Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, minister for labour jobs and employment, Chief Abdul Salam Selorm Morgan Agbotui, a businessman and Lawyer Samira Abdul-Azeez, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Enterprise Agency, visited Dhruva Space in Hyderabad, India.

Dhruva Space is a renowned private aerospace manufacturer specializing in small satellites, ground stations, and satellite deployers.

During their visit, the delegation was introduced to Dhruva Space’s cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions in space engineering. The company’s expertise in designing, building, launching, and operating satellites has garnered significant attention globally.

The visit marked a significant step in strengthening Ghana-India relations and exploring opportunities for mutual benefit. With Dhruva Space’s expertise and technology, Ghana could potentially enhance its space capabilities and drive innovation in various sectors

Father’s Day: Lordina celebrates Mahama as ‘amazing husband and a truly wonderful father’

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Oda Citizen

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June 15, 2025

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First Lady Lordina Mahama has taken to social media to celebrate her husband, President John Mahama, on Father’s Day.

Lordina further expressed appreciation to the President for his guidance and unwavering love for the family.

She wrote; “To my amazing husband and a truly wonderful father John Dramani Mahama! Happy Father’s Day!

“Thank you for your strength, guidance, and the endless love you give our family. Bless you always!”

Mahama and Lordina have five children: Farida, Jesse, Shafik, Shahid and Sharaf.

The post, accompanied with a portrait picture of smiling President Mahama has garnered dozens of celebrations from Ghanaians.

Tragedy Strikes Lawra SHS: Canoe Accident Claims Lives of Students During Cadet Jogging Exercise

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Oda Citizen

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June 13, 2025

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Lawra Senior High is one of the senior high schools in UPPER WEST Region at Lawra of Lawra district, it was established on October 11, 1968.

Tragedy hits Lawra Senior High School situated in the Upper West Region. Some ten students or Lawra Senior High School try crossing the Dikpe River(The Black Volta) in the Lawra in the Upper West Region. The canoe the students boarded capsized leaving three students alive, three dead and four yet to be found. This incident happened on the 14th day of June,2025.

The students are said to be members of the School Cadet Corps and had embarked on their weekend jogging session when the incident happened.

The ten group of students attempted to cross the river in a canoe after spotting a man using it to traverse the water.

Midway across the river, the canoe flipped, tossing all ten students into the river. While three of the been found alive, three found dead and the search of the other four bodies is still ongoing.

There was no safety gear involved as it was as unplanned for them to take that step, and the canoe described as small and ustable, was not meant to carry such a number of passengers.

The police and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) are yet to release official statement, but a wave of grief has already hit across Lawra community and beyond.

“Trump Administration Begins Mass Deportation of CHNV Immigrants Amid Industry Backlash”

By

Oda Citizen

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June 13, 2025

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The Trump administration began sending dismissal notices Thursday to about 500,000 immigrants who had received temporary stays to live and work in the United States under a special humanitarian exception.

The so-called CHNV program was open to applicants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela from 2023 until it was terminated by President Donald Trump earlier this year.

Target audience of the notices from the Department of Homeland Security are urged to “self-deportimmediately.”

The move came two weeks after the Supreme Courtruled that DHS can order CHNV participants to leave the country, even as they pursue a lawsuit challenging Trump’s revocation of the Biden administration-era program.

If target audience agree to “self-deport” using DHS’s Home Mobile App, they will receive travel assistance and a $1,000 bonus upon arrival in their home country.

A month ago, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke the protected status of nearly 350,000 more immigrants, all from Venezuela, who were allowed to remain in the U.S. under the Temporary Status Program.

Immigrants in the CHNV program had been granted temporary, two-year stays after leaving their home countries because of conflicts there, or unsafe living or working conditions.

In a statement on the revocation of the CHNV program, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused the Biden administration of having “lied to America.”

Yet as DHS sent out notices to immigrants Thursday, Trump himself bemoaned the effect that his own administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement actions were having on the farming, hotel and leisure sectors, which sometimes employ undocumented workers.

“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long term workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Thursday morning.

“In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs,” Trump wrote.

“This is no good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA,” he wrote. “Changes are coming!”

Speaking to reporters later, Trump reiterated his belief that farmers were being harmed by his administration’s deportation regime.

“Farmers are being hurt badly … They have very good workers, they’ve worked for them for 20 years, they’re not citizens but they’ve turned out to be great,” Trump said.

“We can’t take farmers and take all their people and send them back,” he said, an apparent reference to the deportation of undocumented agricultural workers that his administration has pursued.

“You go into a farm and you look and people … they’ve been there for 20, 25, years, and they’ve worked great and the owner of the farm loves them and everything else,” Trump continued. “And then you’re supposed to throw them out.”

“So we’re, we’re going to have an order on that, pretty soon, I think. We can’t do that to our farmers and leisure too, hotels,” the president said.

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for additional details about what such an order might look like.

Strengthening Ghana-China Relations: Zero Tariffs, Industrial Projects, and a Shared Vision for Growth

By

Oda Citizen

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June 12, 2025

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon.Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

After meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs China, took to his Facebook handle

“Yesterday, I held productive and impactful talks with the distinguished Foreign Minister of China, His Excellency Wang Yi.

China has offered 0% tariff on all exports from Ghana.

China is Ghana’s number one trading partner with last year’s trade volume exceeding US$11billion.

This 0% tariff on 100% of goods from Ghana and other African countries will bolster trade, create jobs and produce more Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

We also discussed new industrial projects in line with President Mahama’s vision including exploiting our bauxite for an integrated aluminium industry powered by modern rail infrastructure.

Our bilateral engagement on the sidelines of the ongoing China-Africa summit in Changsha China, further agreed to work towards establishing an electric car manufacturing plant in Ghana anchored on Ghana’s strategic lithium deposits.

Ghana and China will soon sign a special Economic Partnership Agreement to concretise our mutually beneficial partnership.

President Mahama’s administration is firmly committed to leveraging diplomacy for the transformation of our dear country.

Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao will be proud of what Ghana 🇬🇭 China 🇨🇳 relations has achieved 65 years after they laid the foundation”.

#IndisciplineInSHS: Open Letter from Broadcast Journalist to the Minister of Education

By

Oda Citizen

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March 1, 2025

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🚨OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTERS OF EDUCATION AND INTERIOR 🚨

PROPOSAL FOR ENHANCED SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

THE HONORABLE MINISTERS OF EDUCATION AND INTERIOR

SUBJECT: URGENT NEED FOR INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES IN SCHOOLS

Dear Honorable Ministers,

I am writing to bring to your attention the growing concern of violence and clashes among students, between students and their immediate communities, and between students and their teachers. These incidents have resulted in damage to lives and properties, disrupting the learning environment and undermining the safety and well-being of students.

Recent incidents that highlight the need for increased security measures include:

– Kinbu Secondary Technical and Accra Technical Centre Clash: A violent clash occurred between students of Kinbu Secondary Technical and Accra Technical Centre in January 2025, resulting in property damage and injuries.

– Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School (KASS) Clash: Students of KTI and KASS clashed in January 2025, resulting in property damage and injuries.

– Salaga SHS Clash: A clash occurred between students of Salaga SHS in February 2025, resulting in multiple injuries and property damage.

– Islamic Senior High School (ISSEC) Clash: Students of ISSEC clashed with local youth in February 2025, resulting in injuries and property damage.

– Sokode SHS Clash: Students of Sokode SHS clashed with local residents in February 2025, resulting in injuries and property damage.

If care is not taken to address these incidents with immediate effect, we risk escalating the situation, potentially leading to:

– Well-planned retaliatory attacks: Students may plan and execute retaliatory attacks, resulting in more severe consequences, including fatal incidents.

– Increased violence and destruction: The situation may spiral out of control, leading to increased violence, destruction of property, and potentially, loss of life.

In light of these incidents and the potential risks, I humbly propose that the Ministries of Education and Interior collaborate to implement the following measure:

Recommendation

1. Stationing of Police Officers: Dispatch and station at least one police officer for every 1000 students in educational institutions across the country. This ratio will provide an adequate security presence to deter violence, maintain discipline, and ensure respect amongst students.

Rationale

1. Enhanced Safety: A visible police presence will help to prevent violent clashes and ensure the safety of students, teachers, and community members.

2. Discipline and Respect: The presence of police officers will promote discipline and respect amongst students, fostering a more conducive learning environment.

3. Reduced Damage to Lives and Properties: By preventing violent incidents, we can reduce the risk of damage to lives and properties, minimizing the financial and emotional burdens on individuals and communities.

4. Protection of Campus Residents: Many senior high schools have evolved into self-contained communities, with students, teachers, and staff living on campus. As such, these residents require the same level of protection as any ordinary citizen. A police presence will help to safeguard their well-being and protect them from potential harm.

Implementation

1. Collaboration: The Ministries of Education and Interior should work together to implement this proposal, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach.

2. Training and Orientation: Police officers stationed in educational institutions should receive training and orientation on conflict resolution, youth engagement, and educational institution protocols.

3. Regular Review and Evaluation: The effectiveness of this initiative should be regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure its impact and make necessary adjustments.

I believe that this proposal has the potential to make a positive impact on the safety and discipline in our educational institutions. I look forward to the consideration of this proposal by your esteemed ministries.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Morkah

Tutor/ Broadcast Journalist

nicholasmorkah2020@gmail.com

+233541431032

28/02/2025

Ministry of Education GH,Ministry of the Interior, Ghana,Hon. Haruna Iddrisu,Hon Muntaka Mubarak

Intercessory Prayer Network Charity Foundation Shows Love and Kindness to the Needy

By

Oda Citizen

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February 28, 2025

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In a heartwarming display of generosity and compassion, the Intercessory Prayer Network Charity Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of society. The foundation recently donated a vast array of essential items, including foodstuffs, provisions, toiletries, bags, clothes, and footwear, to orphans, widows, and disabled individuals at Teshieman near Akyem Achiase in the Eastern Region.

This selfless act of kindness is a testament to the foundation’s dedication to serving humanity and spreading love and hope to those who need it most. The donation is expected to bring relief and joy to the beneficiaries, many of whom struggle to access basic necessities.

The Intercessory Prayer Network Charity Foundation’s philanthropic efforts are a shining example of the positive impact that can be made when individuals and organizations come together to support a common cause. Their generosity and kindness serve as a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.

As we applaud the foundation’s good work, we also pray that God will richly bless them for their kindness and generosity. May their selfless acts of charity inspire others to follow in their footsteps and may their efforts continue to bring hope and joy to those who need it most. 🙏🏼

I Will Run For MP Soon – Prophet Ogyaba Declares

By

Oda Citizen

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February 10, 2025

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After recently making headlines due to his extramarital affair with one of his church members, Prophet Ogyaba has disclosed his latest ambition, which has sparked discussion among netizens.

He has expressed his intention to run for Member of Parliament.

In a discussion on UTV on February 9, 2025, Ogyaba expressed his desire to represent his hometown, Dunkwa-On-Offin, in Parliament.

He emphasised that running for Parliament has long been one of his ambitions, and nothing will stand in his way of achieving it.

“I plan to go to Dunkwa-On-Offin and construct a project for the people because I intend to run for Member of Parliament. I also want to help the people in my community,” he retorted.

He further stated that if he is accepted and voted into Parliament, he will eventually run for the highest office in the land; the presidency.

“I want to start with the MP position, and once I’m accepted, I will run for the presidency in the future,” he added.