News
Yendi LEAP Beneficiaries: Yendi MCE Rejects Claims of Political Replacement
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Published: September 9, 2026
Published at: 08:56am
By Saibu Terry
The Municipal Chief Executive of Yendi Hon. Muniru Sugri, has rejected allegations by former Yendi Member of Parliament, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama, that genuine beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme in Yendi have been removed and replaced with supporters of the governing party.
In a statement responding to the claims, the MCE said neither Members of Parliament nor Municipal Chief Executives have the authority to select, remove or replace LEAP beneficiaries.
According to the statement, beneficiary households are identified through the Ghana National Household Registry using a proxy-means test. The process is then subjected to screening by Community LEAP Implementation Committees comprising a community focal person, a teacher, a health worker and a civil society representative.
The statement added that the District LEAP Implementation Committee validates the selected households before the LEAP Management Secretariat in Accra enrols them
It stressed that “no politician sits at that table, and no politician can add or delete a name.”
Government explained that the changes to the LEAP beneficiary list in Yendi form part of a nationwide reassessment of beneficiary households being undertaken by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The exercise, it said, is intended to determine whether existing beneficiaries still meet the programme’s eligibility requirements while creating room for households that have been waiting to be enrolled.
According to government, beneficiaries may exit the programme for several reasons, including death, relocation, children reaching the age limit, improvement in household circumstances, or failure to verify records.
It maintained that the reassessment is taking place across the country and is not limited to Yendi or influenced by political considerations.
Government also pointed to its stated plan to expand the LEAP programme, with a national target of 400,000 beneficiary households this year, arguing that the policy direction is one of expansion rather than reduction.
Residents of Yendi who believe they have been wrongly removed from the programme have been encouraged to report their concerns to the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development at the Yendi Municipal Assembly.
The statement said a grievance and appeals mechanism is available and pledged that the concerns of affected residents would be followed up irrespective of their political affiliation.
Government has also challenged anyone with evidence that beneficiaries were removed or replaced for political reasons to provide specific details, including the names involved, communities and dates.
It said such evidence would be submitted to the Ministry for investigation and expressed support for an independent audit of the Yendi LEAP beneficiary list.
The statement cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations, arguing that such claims could create unnecessary fear among vulnerable people who depend on LEAP support.
It concluded by stressing that poverty should not be politicised and that the government’s responsibility to vulnerable residents of Yendi applies regardless of political affiliation.
News
FC Tamale President Ibrahim Gagbuni Supports Northern Women’s Football Unity Games
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Published: September 5, 2026
Published at: 7:30Pm
By Abu Liza
President of FC Tamale, Mr. Ibrahim Gagbuni, has demonstrated his commitment to the development of women’s football in the Northern Region by donating 10 family packs of Verna drinking water to the Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association.
The donation is to support the Association’s upcoming Unity Games in Kumbungu, an initiative aimed at bringing women’s football clubs together to promote unity, friendship, sportsmanship and community cohesion.
Mr. Gagbuni said football goes beyond competition and can serve as a powerful tool for unity, peace and humanity. He encouraged participating clubs, players, officials and organizers to use the games to strengthen relationships and promote the development of women’s football in the region.
The FC Tamale President noted that although the donation may be modest, it represents his willingness to support initiatives that create opportunities and improve the welfare of women involved in football.
The Northern Regional Women Football Clubs Association expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as an important show of solidarity and support for the Unity Games.
The Unity Games in Kumbungu are expected to bring together women’s football clubs in a spirit of friendship, healthy competition and collective development
News
NAFCO Warns Public Against Fraudsters Posing as Agents to Secure School Feeding Contracts
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Published: September 3, 2026
Published at: 06:12Pm
By Saibu Terry
The National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO) has cautioned members of the public against individuals allegedly posing as agents of the company and claiming to have influence over the award of food supply contracts to second-cycle institutions.
According to NAFCO, the individuals are going around soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them secure food supply contracts.
In a disclaimer issued by its Corporate Affairs Department on Thursday, September 3, 2026, NAFCO stressed that no third party is engaged in the award and allocation of contracts for food supplies to schools.
The company explained that it operates an open-door policy and encouraged interested entities to register at its offices nationwide and undergo a rigorous merit-based selection process.
NAFCO warned that the selection process is devoid of third-party influence and urged the public to disregard anyone who claims to have connections or influence over the award of food supply contracts.
The company further advised anyone approached by individuals soliciting money in exchange for assistance in securing food supply contracts to report them to the nearest police station.
For further clarification on NAFCO’s operations, the company urged the public to contact its hotlines on 0244669709, 0549004501, and 0269983462, or email info@nafco.gov.gh.
NAFCO reiterated that members of the public should exercise caution and avoid making payments to individuals who claim they can influence the contract award process.
News
Former Ghanaian Footballer Jafar Samed Issah Cheers on Friend Jaleen Smith as Croatia Thrash Latvia
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Published: August 29, 2026
Published at: 01:18Pm
By Saibu Terry
Former Ghanaian professional footballer Abdul Jafar Samed Issah was in attendance, alongside his spouse Khadija , to support his close friend Jaleen Devon Smith as Croatia secured a convincing 115–80 victory over Latvia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Issah, who enjoyed a professional football career with stints in Denmark, Latvia, Ethiopia and other European destinations, made time to cheer on Smith as Croatia bounced back strongly following their defeat to Germany.
Smith was instrumental in Croatia’s impressive performance, showcasing the form and quality that have made him an important figure for the national team. The result provided Croatia with a much-needed boost in their qualifying campaign.
Beyond the sporting arena, Smith and Issah have developed a close friendship over the past year. Their relationship has extended beyond football and basketball, with the pair sharing ideas about potential humanitarian and community-development projects in northern Ghana.
Smith, an American-born professional basketball player who has represented Croatia at international level, has developed a growing admiration for Ghana and is reportedly keen to contribute to initiatives that could positively impact communities in the northern part of the country.
The friendship between the two sports personalities has therefore evolved into more than a personal connection, with discussions around future projects creating excitement among Smith’s supporters and admirers in Ghana.
Smith recently signed with Hapoel Jerusalem, where he is set to compete in the Israeli Premier League and EuroCup. As he continues to make an impact on the basketball court, his growing connection with Ghana through his friendship with Jafar Samad Issah could open the door to meaningful humanitarian initiatives in the future.
For Issah, Thursday’s game was another opportunity to stand firmly behind his friend and celebrate Croatia’s emphatic victory over Latvia.