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Sammi Awuku criticizes NDC government over utility tariff increases on Republic Day
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Sammi Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has strongly criticized the NDC government following recent increases in electricity and water tariffs, which he described as a betrayal of Ghanaians on Republic Day. In a Facebook post on July 3, 2026, Awuku questioned the continuous rise in utility bills despite government assurances of declining inflation and a strengthened cedi. He stated that Republic Day has become "Tariff Day" due to these adjustments, marking the fifth utility tariff increase under the NDC administration in 18 months. Awuku argued that while officials celebrate macroeconomic indicators, ordinary citizens face rising household expenses. He highlighted that inflation figures and exchange rate gains do not alleviate the burden on market women, barbers, teachers, hairdressers, welders, cold store operators, and young entrepreneurs who struggle to pay their bills. Awuku also noted that these tariff hikes occur while communities recover from floods, businesses battle power outages, and families contend with a high cost of living. He detailed a pattern of successive tariff adjustments, including electricity tariff increases of 14.75% in May 2025, 2.45% in July 2025, 1.14% in October 2025, 9.86% in January 2026, and 3.49% effective July 1, 2026. Water tariffs also increased by 4.02% in May 2025, 15.92% in January 2026, and 0.85% effective July 1, 2026. Awuku concluded that these repeated adjustments have become an unwelcome routine for struggling citizens,
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Major General Charles Mohammed Barwah is remembered as a respected military figure in Ghana, known for his loyalty to the constitutional order. On February 24, 1966, during a military coup aimed at overthrowing President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Major General Barwah, then Chief of Army Staff and the highest-ranking officer in Ghana, refused to join the mutiny. He was shot on the spot for his refusal to acknowledge the coup and for professing his loyalty to the Head of State. Barwah was a devoted husband and father of eight, a devout Muslim, and maintained an interest in reading and leadership. He had trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he was noted for his strong character and academic achievement. His legacy is honored through the Barwah Barracks in Tamale, named after him, symbolizing his courage, integrity, and commitment to duty. His story is seen by many Ghanaians as an example of principle and loyalty to the state over personal survival.
Akosua Manu, Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to the 2028 NPP flagbearer, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress government of failing to address Accra's persistent flooding, particularly after the June 29 floods. She claims the government prioritized maintaining favorable fiscal figures over implementing crucial flood control projects under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development GARID Project. Manu's comments follow reports that the World Bank attributed delays in the GARID project to fiscal controls by the Finance Ministry, despite available funding. She stated that while one administration secured funding and completed about 40 percent of the work, the current government has not utilized the remaining resources. Manu emphasized that the funds were available, but the focus was on "managing fiscal optics" rather than executing projects vital for protecting lives and property. She dismissed attempts to equate the previous and current administrations regarding the flooding issue, asserting that the blame lies with the current government for not completing the work, a claim she says is supported by World Bank findings. The June 29 floods caused widespread destruction in Accra, displacing residents and damaging properties.
Mental Health Practitioner, Addiction Specialist, and Counselling Psychologist Esther Kyewaa Opoku has urged families to identify early warning signs of mental health challenges in mothers. She emphasized that delaying support can lead to manageable conditions escalating into serious crises. Opoku noted that many women experience emotional and psychological changes during and after pregnancy, which are often dismissed as stress until severe. She listed persistent sadness, frequent crying, withdrawal, loss of interest in the baby, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and overwhelming feelings as warning signs that should not be ignored. Opoku cautioned that untreated postpartum depression can progress to psychosis, potentially leading to hallucinations, aggression, or thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. She also advised against attributing all mental health conditions solely to spiritual causes, as this can delay professional care. Opoku encouraged relatives, friends, and spouses to monitor changes in a mother's behavior, check on her wellbeing, and ensure timely emotional and professional support, stressing that early intervention can prevent mothers from reaching a breaking point and protect both their and their children's wellbeing.