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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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NLA Presents GH¢10 Million Dividend to Government

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Published: October 2, 2026

Published at : 05:59Pm

By SAIBU TERRY.

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has presented a GH¢10 million dividend to the Government of Ghana, marking the Authority’s return to contributing directly to the Consolidated Fund.

The cheque was presented by the NLA Board and Management to the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, with Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam leading t8he Authority’s delegation.

The payment represents the NLA’s first dividend contribution to the state since 2017, according to reports on the presentation.

Dr. Ato Forson welcomed the development but stressed that the contribution should not be treated as a symbolic gesture. He called for sustained efforts by the NLA to improve its revenue generation and deliver greater financial value to the state.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the NLA and the Attorney-General, is reviewing existing revenue-sharing agreements involving the Authority. According to him, the review is intended to address arrangements that may have limited the revenue accruing to government.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam said the dividend reflects the Authority’s renewed focus on efficiency, transparency and revenue generation.

He said the NLA would continue working to strengthen its operations and contribute meaningfully to national development through its statutory mandate.

The GH¢10 million payment is therefore being positioned as part of broader efforts to improve the NLA’s financial performance and strengthen its contribution to Ghana’s public finances.

The NLA has also urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers who may seek to exploit the Authority’s name for fraudulent activities.

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GABBSO Hospital Zone Treats Dakpema Pupils and Staff to Free Haircuts

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Published: September 26, 2026

Published at: 05:11

Ghananewsnet.com

​ Pupils and staff of the Dakpema Primary and Junior High School were met with a pleasant surprise on Friday, September 25, 2026, as the Hospital Zone of the Ghana Association of Barbers and Barbering Salon Owners (GABBSO) rolled out a free haircut outreach at their school compound.

​The community focused initiative brought smiles to the faces of over 100 students, providing them with fresh grooming free of charge.

According to leadership, the exercise forms part of the association’s broader corporate social responsibility to give back to society and support parents within the local community.

​Speaking during the outreach, the Regional Secretary of GABBSO, Mr. Abu Abdulai, who also serves as the Northern Regional Secretary for Association of Small Scale Industries(ASSI) took the opportunity to champion industry unity.

He urged fellow barbers operating within the region who have yet to join the association to register, emphasizing the numerous welfare and professional benefits members stand to gain.

​Mr. Abdulai also made a direct appeal to the Member of Parliament (MP) who double as Ghana Education Minister, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, calling for partnership and financial or logistical support.

He noted that with backing from the lawmaker, GABBSO can successfully scale up the initiative to reach many more schools across the constituency.

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NDC Tamale Central Chairman F.K. Kanawu Supports Grassroots Mobilisation with Motorbike Donation‎

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Published: September 24, 2026

Published at: 07:48am

By Saibu Terry


‎NDC Tamale Central Constituency Chairman and re-election aspirant, Farouk F.K. Kanawu, has donated a brand-new motorbike to Mr. Olu of Changli to support grassroots party organisation and mobilisation.


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‎The donation forms part of efforts by Chairman Kanawu to provide logistical support for party activities in Changli and surrounding branches within the Tamale Central Constituency.


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‎The motorbike is expected to facilitate movement and coordination for grassroots activities, including mobilisation, communication and engagement with party members across the area.
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‎Presenting the motorbike, Chairman Kanawu said the support was intended to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and enhance the effectiveness of local organisers.


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‎Mr. Olu, who received the motorbike, expressed appreciation to Chairman Kanawu for the gesture and pledged to use it for its intended purpose.


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‎The donation comes as Chairman Kanawu seeks another term as NDC Tamale Central Constituency Chairman, with his campaign emphasising grassroots organisation, logistical support and unity within the constituency.


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‎Supporters of the chairman have cited the donation as part of what they describe as his commitment to resourcing the party at the grassroots level.


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‎His campaign team continues to rally supporters under the slogan “Team F.K. – The Solid Team for Victory,” alongside the message “Eyɛ Zu, Eyɛ Za – Retain & Maintain.”

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