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A Triumph for Botswana, A Victory for Africa – Ras Mubarak celebrates Botswana

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Published:29 September 2025

Published: 6:38PM

As Botswana prepares to mark its 59th Independence Anniversary on September 30, 2025, the nation is already awash in jubilation. The streets may be quiet, with Botswanans retreating to their villages to celebrate with kith and kin, but the air hums with pride and possibility.

This euphoria stems not only from the upcoming national milestone but also from a historic triumph that has reverberated across the continent. Botswana’s men’s 4x400m relay team (Lee Bhekempilo, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi) secured Africa’s first-ever gold medal in this event at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

This victory is no small feat. For decades, the United States, with its population of 350 million, has dominated the men’s 4x400m relay, clinching the last ten editions of the championship. Yet, from “small Botswana” – a nation of just 2.4 million people — emerged a team of gallant runners who defied the odds. They outran not only the Americans but also formidable competitors like neighboring South Africa, with its 63 million citizens.

In a David-and-Goliath moment, these athletes proved that neither the size of one’s country nor the location of one’s address can stand in the way of greatness. Their triumph is a beacon of hope, a testament to African resilience, and a clarion call for unity across our diverse continent.

The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, which I am honored to lead, arrived in Botswana on Saturday, September 28, 2025, as the 11th stop on our 163-day, 40,000-kilometer road journey across 39 African nations.
Endorsed by several African governments, our mission is to promote intra-African tourism, advocate for a visa-free policy for all African nationals, and foster a united Africa where borders do not divide but connect us.

From Togo to Namibia, we have witnessed the power of shared dreams and collective action, engaging government officials, diplomats, the media, and communities in a vision aligned with Agenda 2063.

In Botswana, we found a nation in celebration, not only of its sporting heroes but also of its enduring spirit. President Duma Boko, in a gesture of national pride, declared a paid day off to honor the relay team’s historic victory, setting the stage for the Independence Day festivities.

Despite the long holiday, with many Botswanans away in their villages, the Government of Botswana has exemplified Pan-African solidarity by arranging for the Honourable Minister for Presidential Affairs, Moeti Mohwasa – a very senior cabinet Minister – to receive our delegation. We are deeply grateful for this warm welcome and look forward to a productive meeting to discuss how Botswana’s leadership in sustainable tourism and regional integration can amplify our campaign’s goals.

Botswana’s story—its rich cultural heritage, its stewardship of natural wonders like the Okavango Delta, and now its athletic prowess—mirrors the aspirations of our campaign. Just as the relay team showed that small nations can achieve monumental victories, we believe that a united Africa, free of visa barriers, can unlock boundless opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

Botswana, with its forward-thinking governance and commitment to African unity, is poised to lead this charge.

As we celebrate Botswana’s independence and its recent triumphs, let us also celebrate the broader African spirit— one that dares to dream, competes without fear, and embraces unity as strength. The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign calls on all Africans to rally behind this vision. Let us make our continent a place where every citizen can travel freely, where every nation’s story is shared, and where every victory, like Botswana’s, belongs to us all.


Ras Mubarak,
Campaign Leader.
Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign
Endorsed by the Governments of Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Namibia.

OpenAfrica #OpenOpportunities

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NPP Annuls Constituency Executive Elections in Three Constituencies, Refers Disputes to Electoral Affairs Committee

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Published: July 15, 2026

Published at: 3:55pm

Story by Saibu Terry

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has annulled the purported Constituency Executive Elections conducted in three constituencies, citing violations of party directives, election regulations, and, where applicable, existing court orders.

In a statement dated July 15, 2026, the party announced that the National Steering Committee took the decision after reviewing the conduct of the constituency executive elections held across the country over the weekend.

According to the statement, the annulled elections were held in Bantama, Afigya Sekyere East, and Adansi Asokwa constituencies.

The NPP said the elections in the affected constituencies were conducted in “flagrant disregard” of party directives, the rules and regulations governing the 2026 Constituency Executive Elections, and, in some instances, subsisting court orders.

The party further disclosed that the Ashanti Regional Steering Committee has been summoned to appear before the National Steering Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to explain the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the elections in the affected constituencies.

Additionally, the National Steering Committee has referred election-related issues in Asante Akyem Central, together with all other unresolved constituency election disputes, to the Electoral Affairs Committee of the National Council for advice and recommendations.

The NPP reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring strict compliance with its constitution and regulations while preserving the integrity, credibility, and transparency of its internal democratic processes.

The statement was jointly signed by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Danquah Smith Buttey, and General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.

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NDC Northern Regional Elections Directorate Takes Over Tamale Central Branch Elections

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Published July 15, 2026

Published at: 3:27Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

The Northern Regional Elections Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it has assumed full responsibility for all activities relating to the party’s branch elections in the Tamale Central Constituency with immediate effect.

In an official notice issued on Tuesday, the Directorate said the decision would remain in force until further notice, indicating that it will oversee and manage all aspects of the branch election process in the constituency.

The statement directed all party members, stakeholders, and interested persons to channel all communications, inquiries, and issues concerning the Tamale Central branch elections through the Northern Regional Elections Directorate.

While the notice did not state the reasons behind the decision, the Regional Elections Directorate appealed to members for their cooperation and understanding as it carries out its mandate.

The notice was signed by Dr. Arnold Mashud Abukari, the Northern Regional Director of Elections and IT of the NDC.

The latest development places the administration of the Tamale Central branch elections directly under the supervision of the regional leadership, pending further directives.

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Ghana Drawn with Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for WAFU B U-20 Championship

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Published: July 15, 2026

Published at: 2:15Pm

Story by Saibu Terry

Ghana’s Black Satellites have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside regional rivals Nigeria, Togo and Burkina Faso for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, the qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The draw was conducted on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the headquarters of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Black Satellites will renew their fierce rivalry with Nigeria in what is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the competition. Togo and Burkina Faso complete a highly competitive group, setting the stage for a demanding qualification campaign for the four-time African champions.

Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Niger, with the three nations also competing for a place at the continental championship.

The WAFU B U-20 Championship will feature all seven member associations of the zone and serves as the official qualifying tournament for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Ghana, adding extra significance to the Black Satellites’ campaign as they seek to qualify for the continental showpiece on home soil.

WAFU B U-20 Championship Draw

Group A

Côte d’Ivoire
Benin
Niger

Group B

Ghana
Nigeria
Togo
Burkina Faso

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