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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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Hon.Hassan Tampuli hands over dining hall, Girls’ Dormitory facility to management of Gushegu SHS

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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 15th January

Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hon. Lawyer Sulemana Alhassan Tampuli, has handed over two key educational facilities, a Dining Hall facility, and Girls’ Dormitory block to management of Gushegu Senior High School following successful completion of the projects.

The commissioning of the projects which took place on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 at the Gushegu SHS, aims to address infrastructural challenges faced the school which serve as a threat to learning environment of the students on campus.

The intervention by the MP became necessary when the Girls’ Dormitory block was destroyed by rainstorm, compelling them to pitch camp at the Dining Hall as temporal place of abode on campus, while also resorting to eating outside the dining hall due to infrastructural deficit.

This follows the MP’s initiative to rebuild the dinning hall too after it was also knocked down by a wind storm.

Addressing the students, the MP said ” I’m here to do two-in-one thing, because the dining hall that we had before was completely knocked down, it was nothing to write home about. So we have to rebuild the dinning hall entirely.Right from the scratch, we pulled all down and we raised it from the ground all the way to where it is right now today. Just as we were about to hand over the dinning hall, we had a disaster that struck the Girls’ Dormitory. So the girls have to be moved to the dining hall and the dining hall became the girls’ Dormitory and you don’t have have a dining hall presently.So you have been eating your meals outside.And that is not the appropriate thing.When I went to Tamasco I spent 5 years in Tamasco, I never for once ate outside so I don’t see why my lovely students will be eating outside”.

He further stated that “So I have to take quick steps to make sure that you go back into the dinning hall to secure your safety.Otherwise when it is raining, you are in the rains to eat, that is not proper. We owe you that responsibility. So as you are moving back to the your Dormitories you be freeing up the dinning hall for its appropriate use. So we are not just handing over the Girls’ Dormitory but we are also handing over the dinning hall to the school. So it is a two-in-one exercise we are undertaking today”.

At a short ceremony to hand over the projects to the school, Hon. Alhassan Tampuli reiterated his unflinching commitment to improving the infrastructure base of the school. While also with immediate effect donated 100 bags of cement, aimed at complementing the construction of the school’s fence wall as clear manifestation of his drive to develop the school most important solving its infrastructural issues.

On behalf of the students, the Girls’ Prefect of the school, in her speech heaped praises on the MP, conveying a profound gratitude to him for his intervention to mitigate their plight although she further asks for more interventions like Oliver Twist, as they are still in dire need of educational facilities.

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Continuing Hon.Murtala’s Legacy: Razak Golden appeals to President for appointment opportunity to Tamale Central MP

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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 15th January, 2026.

Tamale Central Communications Officer for the NDC, Umar Abdul Razak Golden, on behalf of the Constituents is appealing to President John Mahama to consider giving appointment to the Current Member of Parliament of the area, Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu in honor of the Late MP, Hon.Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed, who passed on in a tragic helicopter crash last year.

Mr. Umar Abdul Razak Golden is appealing for appointment opportunity to the MP with a capacity that can deepen the representation and development of the Constituency.

In a Facebook post shared on Wednesday night, the Tamale Central Communications Officer highlights immense contributions made by the late MP to develop the area through dedicated and selfless service to the people, describing his passing as significant loss not only to the Constituents but the nation at large.

Following the loss of the late MP, Mr. Razak Golden, noted that appointing Prof. Seidu Alidu would be a befitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy in the Constituency.

“we believe that appointing (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu) who has demonstrated commitment and dedication, would be a fitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy”.

His statement also said that “We believe that an appointment at this juncture would not only honor Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s memory but also bolster the ongoing development initiatives in Tamale Central. It would ensure stability, continuity, and sustained progress in our beloved constituency”.

Below is the full statement

APPEAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CURRENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TAMALE CENTRAL IN HONOR OF THE LATE DR. IBRAHIM MURTALA MUHAMMAD

I am writing on behalf of the constituents of Tamale Central to humbly request your consideration in appointing our current Member of Parliament, (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu ) to serve in a capacity that will deepen the representation and development of our constituency.

Your EXCELLENCY
As you are aware, Dr. Murtala Muhammed, our esteemed Member of Parliament, dedicated his life to serving Ghana and the people of Tamale Central. His untimely passing is a significant loss to our community and the nation at large. In recognition of his tireless efforts and vision for development, we believe that appointing (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu) who has demonstrated commitment and dedication, would be a fitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy.

We believe that an appointment at this juncture would not only honor Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s memory but also bolster the ongoing development initiatives in Tamale Central. It would ensure stability, continuity, and sustained progress in our beloved constituency.

We kindly appeal to your compassionate and visionary leadership to consider this request favorably. Your support would greatly motivate our community and reinforce our collective dedication to Ghana’s progress. Thank you.
Long live the National Democratic Congress long live Ghana our beloved country.

Sign :
Umar Abdul Razak Golden Boy
Communication officer TAMALE CENTRAL

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LIFE AFTER SPORTS/ NRFA GIRLS U-15 GALA EXTOLS THE VIRTUE OF GIRL CHILD EDUCATION

Tamale witnessed an inspiring celebration of youth football as Old Buddies/Life After Sports, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Football Association (NRFA), organized U-15 Girls Gala Matches to promote girls’ participation in sports. The two-day event kicked off on Friday, 2nd January 2026, and brought together nine vibrant female teams from across the region.
Participating teams included: Kanshegu Smart Ladies, Talented Ladies, Rising Sporting Club, Northern Angels, Din-Nani Ladies, Dalun Simli Ladies, Vision Ladies, Starlet Strikers and Tamale Future Ladies

After intense competition through the group stages and semi-finals, Kanshegu Smart Ladies and Talented Ladies made it to the finals. The final match lived up to expectations, ending in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Talented Ladies clinched the victory and were crowned champions.

In recognition of the teams’ efforts, Old Buddies/Life After Sports awarded:
Two sets of jerseys to the finalists
Silver medals to the runners-up
Gold medals and a trophy to the winners

Individual excellence was also celebrated with awards for: Best Player, Goal Queen, Best Goalkeeper

Present at the ceremony was the Chairman of NRFA, Alhaji Abu Hassan Rhyzo, who commended Old Buddies for their commitment to youth development through football. He promised to inscribe the name “Life After Sports” in the RFA’s special book of honor and called on other organizations to emulate such impactful initiatives.

Representing Life After Sports, Ali Alhassan encouraged the young players to blend sports with education, avoid drugs, and support their families. He further appealed to the NRFA Chairman to consider the inclusion of the group members in future GFA coaching license programs.

This initiative not only nurtures football talent but also reinforces the importance of discipline, education, and community support among the youth.

Story by Musah Abdul-Raheem

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