Speaking to George Quaye on Prime Time on Joy Prime, the minister revealed how it all happened. 

“Maame Dokono mentored me from my early years in the arts, Faith brought me to Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.” 

She added that the former First Lady was a strong influence in her life. 

“May she continue to rest in peace,” she said this while paying respect to her. 

She also acknowledged her work in women’s advocacy, noting, “I have walked this journey with Nanahemaa Adowa Weandoh for years. Supporting women has always been a calling for me.”

Gomashie stressed that her core values were formed long before politics. “I was created to be bold and principled,” she said, attributing these traits to her upbringing as a Ga woman raised by Catholic parents in Burma Camp. Discipline, punctuality and respect were compulsory in her home.

She recalled a childhood incident that stayed with her. 

“I got home one day at 7:45 from an outing with my cousins. I had broken my curfew,” she said. 

Although her father rarely resorted to physical punishment, she remembered his reaction clearly. 

“That day, I saw him throw my checked suitcase away. That was his way of telling me I had crossed a line.”

Reflecting on her creative beginnings, Gomashie said, “I studied creative arts in secondary school” and “I was a very good dancer. The arts were my first love.” 

She recounted how life later took her to Ethiopia with her late husband. Living there, where he served as Ghana’s defence attaché, broadened her cultural perspective and shaped how she views the creative sector today.

A major turning point in her political journey came when she discovered the absence of women representation from her part of the Volta Region. 

“I realized that in the whole of the southern part of the Volta Region, no woman had ever been to Parliament,” she said. “It was traumatizing.”

According to her, that revelation motivated her to run for office. She decided to challenge that barrier. Her eventual victory, she noted, has since encouraged many.

Speaking at the final funeral rites, she reflected on how the former First Lady’s courage and relentless advocacy reshaped expectations of what women could become in national life.

“Because she dared, those of us here can aspire not just to be First Ladies, but to leave a mark wherever we find ourselves,” she said.

Dzifa Gomashie stressed that the progress women enjoy today—particularly in leadership and national decision-making—did not happen by chance. It was built on the persistence and boldness of women like Nana Konadu, whose advocacy, she noted, “shifted the conversation long before it was fashionable.”

She pointed to recent appointments and increased female representation as evidence of how far the nation has come.

“If I look at the appointments President John Dramani Mahama has made, it shows we really have come far, and this is because we are standing on the shoulders of people like Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings. Womanhood, the girl child, and empowerment shouldn’t take a back seat,” she added.

Making a personal reflection, the Minister admitted she wished she had maintained a closer relationship with the former First Lady over the years.

She recalled how Nana Konadu played a meaningful role in shaping her creative journey, offering opportunities that helped her flourish when she was still very young.

Dzifa Gomashie urged Ghanaians, especially leaders, to emulate the impactful life and legacy of the late former First Lady.

According to her, she purposely sought funding under the NLA’s Social Corporate Responsibility Fund for the rehabilitation of the Anoenu CHPS facility, and it was for such.

“That was exactly what I used the money for; not a dime was spent by me. So, it is ridiculous for anyone to say that I will take state money and spend it for myself,” she said, speaking to the media at the premises of the Anoenu CHPS compound.

Madam Gomashie said that the money was used to remodel the health facility and ensure it is well-equipped to meet the reproductive health demands of the locals.

She said that she provided extra rooms, equipment, sanitary pads and borehole facilities to make it a full-fledged locally-based health facility.

“It was a one-room [facility] which I inherited from my predecessor, with a shed in front of it. As we speak, I was able to use that money and more to put up extra rooms, give them equipment, subscribe, and build the water closet [facility] that I indicated,” she said.

She further stated that “additionally, we wanted to buy a poly tank for the community to store water for the clinic. But the Municipal Assembly Engineer advised me that it would be better if we had a borehole and mechanised it. So, there is potable water in the area.”

Madam Gomashie reiterated that the entire GH¢90,000 provided by the NLA was used for the intended purpose, aiming at the common good of her constituents.

Source: Fred Quame Asare

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In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Head of Public Relations, Delassie Mabel Awuku, the Ministry described the allegations as “false narratives” being pushed by a social media personality with the intent to mislead the public.

“These assertions, portraying the Minister as disrespectful and unprofessional, are not only wholly unfounded but also gravely misleading,” the statement noted.

It emphasized that the Minister has demonstrated consistent humility, dedication, and a deep commitment to Ghana’s cultural development, adding that the accusations were a deliberate attempt to misrepresent her character.

The Ministry further highlighted the Minister’s respectful engagement with stakeholders and efforts to advance the creative arts sector, describing the circulating claims as a “regrettable attempt to tarnish her reputation.”

It also cautioned against the growing trend of sensational content crafted to deceive the public and called for an “unqualified apology” from those responsible for spreading the allegations.

“We call for an unqualified apology for the blatant lies peddled against the Minister and the directors of the Ministry,” it stated.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, open engagement, and a firm stance against deliberate misinformation.

Source: Adomonline.com

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This was announced on Facebook by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who accompanied them on the visit.

The gesture follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama to formally recognise the musician for his outstanding contribution to Ghana’s cultural heritage.

Agya Koo Nimo rose to prominence as a pioneer of palm-wine and traditional highlife music, forming the renowned Addadam Agofomma ensemble in the late 1950s. Bestowed with national honours—including the Order of the Volta in 2007, the Asanteman Award from the Asantehene, and multiple lifetime achievement accolades—he remains a revered figure in Ghana’s music landscape.

In his social media post, the Ashanti Regional Minister stated:
“Today, I had the honour of accompanying the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and her Deputy, Hon. Yussif Jajah, to visit our legendary highlife musician, Agya Koo Nimo. This forms part of the President’s directive to honour our living legends and heroes who have contributed immensely to Ghana’s cultural and creative heritage.”

The Minister also disclosed that earlier efforts had seen support extended to 25 elderly members of the Kumawood film industry and families of late creatives, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to celebrating those who laid the foundations of Ghana’s creative sector.

Celebrated for blending storytelling with guitar rhythms and indigenous instrumentation, Agya Koo Nimo’s contributions helped shape Ghana’s musical identity. Beyond performance, he held leadership roles as President of MUSIGA in 1979 and interim chairman of COSGA in 1985 before receiving further global acclaim through his academic and musical engagements in the United States.

The President’s directive arrives amid growing calls for timely recognition of cultural icons, echoing his remarks at the Black Star Experience launch earlier this year, when he urged immediate ceremonies to honour Agya Koo Nimo now, rather than posthumously.

The competition, which is open to all the 16 regions of Ghana, seeks to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage through photography.

Giving an overview of the competition, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the sector minister, said the competition aimed at promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage and providing a platform for young creatives to showcase their talents.

Beyond showcasing the unique heritage, cultural and tourism sights of all the metropolitan, municipal and districts to the world, the competition would foster national pride and appreciation of Ghana’s rich cultural diversity.

“We are not only promoting our rich cultural heritage but providing opportunities for young Ghanaians to showcase their creativity,” she said.

On the eligibility and requirements,  Madam Gomashie said participants should not be more than 25 years and entries could include photographs of heritage sites and cultural products such as traditional dresses and foods.

The competition is being organised in collaboration with UNESCO and supported by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Folklore Board, National Commission for Culture, and Bureau of Ghana Languages.

The others are the National Theatre, National Film Authority, Tourism Development Authority, Pan African Writers Association, Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute, Museums and Monuments Board, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Creative Arts Agency, and W.E.B Du Bois Centre.

Entries are to be submitted to heritagesites@motac.gov.gh not later than Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Tourism Minister and MP for the constituency, Dzifa Abla Gomashie is worried over the worsening crisis, describing the destruction as an existential threat to her constituents.

“The sea is swallowing our land,” she lamented in a Facebook post, revealing that the destruction caused by tidal waves in recent weeks has been even more severe than previous incidents.

Ms Gomashie, who has been at the forefront of relief efforts, visited the affected communities alongside the Municipal Coordinating Director to assess the extent of the damage.

Following the visit, she swiftly engaged key government officials, including the Volta Regional Minister, the Minister for Interior, the Minister for Works and Housing, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), and the National Security Advisor, to push for immediate and long-term interventions.

As part of the response, a delegation comprising the Volta Regional Minister, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) visited the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand.

In the short term, relief items have been distributed to victims on three separate occasions, providing temporary relief for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

However, with the threat of further destruction looming, the next phase of intervention involves evacuating residents at immediate risk.

The Chief of Agavedzi, Togbe Sewor, has stepped in to offer a temporary shelter for displaced families while authorities work to secure a more permanent solution.

Ms Gomashie expressed her frustration over the stalled Coastal Protection Project, which was initiated under former President John Mahama but has since been abandoned.

She confirmed that both the Minister for Works and Housing and the Minister for MESTI are actively working to revive the project and accelerate the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) initiative, which aims to mitigate the long-term impact of coastal erosion and safeguard communities.

The MP urged the nation to stand in solidarity with Ketu South and called for sustained prayers as her people navigate this crisis.

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Testifying before the special committee set up by Speaker Alban Bagbin to probe last week’s parliamentary chaos, Mrs. Gomashie recounted the distressing moment when Mr. Afenyo-Markin hurled harsh words at the Clerk, leaving her unable to respond.

The minister, who was present during the Appointments Committee sitting, said she was deeply troubled by the way the Clerk was treated.

“I’m a Member of Parliament and blessed to be the Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts. I am standing on the shoulders of all the women who have fought… to dare to be who I am today.

“And it was hard for me to watch another woman, who had also worked hard and was here in her capacity as a representative of Parliament, being virtually lynched by a man who should know better,” she told the committee.

According to Mrs. Gomashie, Mr. Afenyo-Markin kept repeating ‘I will deal with you,’ which prompted her to impulsively intervene on behalf of the Clerk.

“I impulsively just stood up to ask him, ‘What are you going to do?’ Because she couldn’t speak, I thought I had become Yaa Asantewaa for a moment and got up to ask him what he was going to do to her,” she explained.

Mrs. Gomashie acknowledged that shouting across the room was not her usual approach, but at that moment, she felt compelled to act in defense of another woman.

“I’m not sure if I would allow myself to shout across a room like that again. But on that day, it was the best I could do,” she stated.

Her testimony adds to the growing pressure on Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who has since apologized to the Clerk but remains under scrutiny for his actions.

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Speaking during her vetting on Wednesday, January 22, Madam Gomashie acknowledged that cruise tourism is a relatively new area for the ministry but highlighted its promising prospects.

“Cruise tourism is an area that people have passion for and must be invested in and supported. The potential seems to be a very good one,” she stated.

Gomashie shared insights from a recent conversation with Navy officers, who highlighted the presence of dolphins in Ghana’s high waters, suggesting that this unique natural attraction could be integrated into the cruise experience, adding an exclusive element to Ghana’s offerings.

Although Gomashie admitted that cruise promotion was not a focus during her tenure as Deputy Minister of Tourism, she expressed eagerness to explore the sector further.

“It is an area that is new to me and the ministry. I will be engaging more on that and seek knowledge and experience from those who have it so that it can come to the benefit of our country,” she explained.

She noted that Ghana must capitalise on its natural resources and coastal location to develop cruise tourism as a viable economic venture.

“Untapped opportunities abound, and this is one of them. I thank you for bringing it up,” Gomashie concluded, signaling her commitment to exploring the potential of this niche market.

In a Facebook post following her nomination, she assured her supporters and industry stakeholders of her commitment to advancing the sector.

“I promise to do my best to justify your faith in me,” she wrote.

She encouraged stakeholders to support her vision and contribute ideas to help promote and preserve Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, improve the tourism industry, and showcase the country’s creativity for sector development.

The Member of Parliament for Ketu South also expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her, acknowledging the trust placed in her by President John Mahama, Vice President, and the party’s leadership.

She extended appreciation to all who sent messages of congratulations and encouragement.

The renowned actress emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving her vision for the ministry and called on stakeholders to unite in promoting Ghana’s heritage, tourism, and creative industries.

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Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyamike, president of the GHA, emphasized that the association has consistently advocated for a portion of the fund to be used for supporting the private sector, especially trade associations, which play a key role in collecting this levy.

“While the levy is meant for industry development, it should also help empower trade associations to carry out their roles more effectively, benefiting the wider tourism sector,” he explained.

This call follows President John Dramani Mahama’s nomination of Madam Gomashie as the Minister Designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, on Thursday.

Dr. Ackah-Nyamike expressed the association’s high expectations for the new minister, highlighting the need for support for trade associations, which he believes have significant untapped potential. “A lot of trade associations are very weak and unable to make an impact, but with the necessary support, they can contribute much more,” he said.

He also encouraged Madam Gomashie to focus on the Public-Private Partnership Forum, a provision in the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Act 817, which aims to bring industry players together. “This quarterly forum will enable her to listen to industry players and understand their challenges,” he added.

The GHA president also called for the consolidation of taxes for the industry at affordable levels, urging the minister to ensure that taxes do not become burdensome and counterproductive. “We hope she will champion the cause of reducing taxes to make them more manageable,” he said.

He also emphasized the need to reduce utility tariffs, which have a significant impact on operational costs. “Reducing these tariffs will go a long way in helping us lower our operational expenses,” he noted.

Dr. Ackah-Nyamike urged Madam Gomashie to support the establishment of a specialized tourism school. This institution would provide in-service training for existing staff in the industry and set uniform standards across the sector. “The tourism school will ensure that there are basic standards taught to staff at all levels in the industry,” he said.

He also suggested that infrastructure development should be prioritized, particularly in the area of medical or health tourism. He called on Madam Gomashie to encourage foreign investments in the industry, noting that “there are many opportunities that require partnerships with investors to help us grow.”

The president of the GHA also mentioned the importance of attracting events like Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), which could bring significant numbers of visitors to the country.

In addition, he called for a focus on promoting domestic tourism. “In partnership with the government, we can rotate the celebration of Independence Day and other national events across the country, encouraging people to travel and experience different parts of Ghana,” he said.

He urged the minister-designate to continue the successful “Beyond the Return” initiative introduced by the previous administration, which had a positive impact on the industry. “She should also monitor the regulatory bodies that oversee the industry,” he added.

Dr. Ackah-Nyamike expressed confidence that Madam Gomashie, with her extensive experience in the tourism, culture, and creative arts sectors, is highly qualified for the role. He praised her qualifications, including her previous experience as a deputy minister and her strong interpersonal skills.

“With a solid foundation built over the past eight years, she is well-positioned to take the industry to the next level,” he concluded.

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The celebratory scenes, led by the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie underscore the deep political loyalty and enthusiasm of the constituents towards the NDC.

The Celebratory Procession

Clad in NDC paraphernalia, the ecstatic supporters danced, sang, and chanted party slogans while waving the party’s red, white, green, and black colours. Drumming and music from local ensembles amplified the festive atmosphere as the crowd paraded through key towns, including Denu, Aflao, and Agbozume.

Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, dancing and singing with party members at the collation centre said “This is a victory for democracy, a victory for the NDC, and a victory for all Ghanaians who desire true progress,” she declared passionately.

Confidence in Victory

The celebrations stem from unofficial collated results from polling stations across the constituency and beyond, which show the NDC leading in key regions. Dzifa Gomashie expressed confidence in the party’s performance, attributing the anticipated victory to the NDC’s robust campaign, resonating the message of hope, and the dedication of its supporters.

“Our performance here in Ketu South is overwhelming, and I have no doubt that this will reflect nationally. This is the people’s choice, and we are merely echoing their voice,” she stated.

Residents’ Voices

Many residents shared their reasons for joining the celebrations. Akpene a fishmonger, said, “We have suffered enough under the current administration. This victory means better policies for us and a brighter future for our children.”

Others emphasized the significance of the Volta Region as the NDC’s stronghold. “Ketu South has always stood firm for the NDC, and we are proud that our votes are making a difference once again,” noted Kwame Tsikata, a local teacher.

Unity in Purpose

The procession also included NDC constituency executives and opinion leaders, who called for calm and patience as they await the official declaration by the Electoral Commission (EC). They urged supporters to remain vigilant and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Dzifa Gomashie reiterated this sentiment during her address, saying, “While we celebrate, let us remember that the process is not yet over. We must guard our democracy and remain peaceful.

National Implications

The scenes in Ketu South mirror celebrations in other NDC-dominated regions, signalling a nationwide wave of optimism among party members and supporters. Analysts suggest that the NDC’s ability to mobilize grassroots support has significantly influenced its strong performance in this election cycle.

Call for Peace

Amid the celebrations, Dzifa Gomashie called on all political parties to promote peace and unity, regardless of the electoral outcome. “Elections are about choosing leaders to serve the people, not dividing us. Let us all commit to peace and development for our beloved Ghana,” she concluded.

Awaiting the EC’s Declaration

The Electoral Commission has yet to officially declare the results, but the overwhelming confidence exhibited by NDC supporters in Ketu South underscores the party’s dominance in the constituency. As the nation waits for the final declaration, all eyes remain on the EC to ensure a transparent and credible conclusion to the electoral process.

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Speaking to the media in Agbozume, the lawmaker said it was time to renegotiate mining in the country and allow the forest reserves to grow devoid of activities of illegal mining.

“Let the environment breathe again and then let’s renegotiate how we do mining in our country. We’re not the only people with gold but we’re the ones who are shamed internationally for destroying our water bodies and our forest reserves”.

She claimed that President Akufo-Addo has failed in the fight against the menace.

“Our President checked out of this country long ago, he may be physically present but he is not here with us”.

Madam Gomashie added that the Ghanaian media does not “have the courage to tell the truth to power” over the galamsey activities.

Speaking on the botched anti-galamsey strike by Organised Labour, the MP said she is a Catholic thus glad that some Catholics have embarked on a prayer walk against the menace.

“Enough is enough, pause for a moment take into consideration all that is going on, and take a step that will rectify the situation. We’re tired of the history lessons of how it was before the reality. It’s worse than before,” she said.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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Speaking on Newsnight on JoyFM, she stated that the organisation created to help citizens in distress has been unable to offer any help to residents of Keta whose homes have been flooded as a result of tidal waves.

She told the host, Evans Mensah, that in recent years, NADMO has only taken notice of names of residents affected by the waves with promises of aiding them but has been unable to do so.

“President Akufo-Addo has collapsed NADMO. He has collapsed the local government structure. NADMO, all they have done is write names for victims for two years. Before I got to the constituency, NADMO had written names again. They know people have water (in their homes) to their middle section and these people have not been given even one blanket, one blanket, or one cup of rice when boiled somewhere to eat,” she said.

Madam Dzifa also expressed disappointment in the government for failing to address the issue of tidal waves once and for all despite the numerous promises.

This comes after many communities along the coast in the region have been swept away by the waves displacing many residents and destroying properties.

According to the residents, the flood started in May this year, destroying many properties and rendering families homeless, leaving them distressed and frustrated.

Some of the communities affected are Nogokpo, Sonuto, Babanawokope, Kpedzakope, and Ativuta among others.

Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus has served notice it will block the approval of the 2024 budget set to be read in November if the government does not commit to fixing the tidal waves phenomenon in the Volta region.

The Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza said the Minority will not accept any development on the matter apart from a concrete solution to the tidal waves situation.

“We’ve served notice we are going to see the budget read sometime next month – November. The President should make sure that when his Finance minister comes to Parliament, they better come with some good news about the Keta Sea Defense otherwise, they’re going to see a protest against the budget no matter what it is,” he said.

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Parts of the Ketu South Constituency have been experiencing devastating rainstorms and flooding for the past few days, which has led to over 1,000 people being displaced.

Speaking in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 12, 2023, she indicated that “I think what we should do is to close down the schools in the three traditional areas affected by the flooding. That is Klikor, Agbozume and Aflao. My fear is that anything can happen when these children are wading through the floodwaters. It is scary, I was born by the seaside, and my house is also at the beach, but I am terrified of water. What I saw this weekend has even scared me more.”

Stating that the situation is so dire, the Ketu South MP indicated that the amount of water seen on the roads was the same in the rooms of people “so they cannot even sleep in their rooms.”

“And the classrooms have water there too, so I am at wit ends and the churches. There is nowhere you can even send them to perch until the water recedes, perhaps maybe the Municipal Assembly hall that is not flooded. We could move the people to lay their heads until we find some form of shelter for them.”

With the amount of water on the roads, she emphasised that her fear was that one could slip and break a bone when walking because most of the roads were not tarred.

“So we have a serious situation where the lagoons and the wetlands are all overflowing into the community and there is no way the water can go into the sea,” she added.

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The lawmaker polled 1,545 votes while her other contenders Fogah Nukunu and Jimm Morti had 913 votes and 26 votes respectively.

On 24 August 2019, she contested and won the bid to represent the Ketu South constituency on the ticket of the NDC in the 2020 elections.

She won the bid with 586 votes while the other contestants, Foga Nukunu, Joseph Nyavi and Nicholas Worklatsi lost with 555, 294, and 302 votes respectively.

With this win, the former Deputy Tourism Minister will be able to contest for a second-term in the 2024 general election.

According to her, making the product expensive means denying the girl child her right to education.

The Keta South MP who has been a victim said she can never forget the embarrassment she suffered while in Senior High School (SHS).

“I remember when I was young, I stained my dress during my first menstruation. I don’t know if my family forgot to educate me on that or what. It was a high school and I couldn’t go home because my school was out of Accra,” Dzifa Gomashie recounted.

Her comment comes on the back of a documentary on Expensive Sanitary Pads by Adom News’ Ayisha Akua Ibrahim.

Part one of the documentary aired on Adom TV’s Asukodo featured mothers lamenting about the the rising costs of sanitary pads and their inability to buy for their daughters.

They appealed to government to waive taxes on the product to enable manufacturers sell at reduced prices to distributors.

In part two of the documentary, teenage girls also shared embarrassing experiences during their menstrual period.

“Some of us find it difficult to concentrate during lessons since we can neither afford sanitary pads nor get user-friendly alternatives to maintain menstrual hygiene. Some of our colleagues are forced to remain seated – glued to their chairs – anytime they stain their clothes because they risk being made fun of by their classmates” they stated.

A headmistress of a model girls JHS at Juaboso in the Western Region, Bernice Lamiokor Yeboah expressed her frustration.

“We sometimes have to buy sanitary pads from our own pockets for female students who can’t afford it but are in their menses” she said.

Shockingly, Ms. Yeboah revealed that, some of the girls sleep with men for money to buy the pads.

“As a result of the price, some students fall into sexual relationships just to get money from men to buy the pads at the end of the month” the headmistress stated.

Interestingly, a group of men called PR BOYS has developed an interest in making sanitary pads available to needy girls.

A member of the group, Kofi Atiemo said female students lack adequate knowledge about menstrual health.

To address this challenge, PR BOYS with support from NGO’s and individuals distributed sanitary pads to girls in some schools in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district of the Central region.

Mr. Atiemo appealed to government to distribute free sanitary pads to female students.

“Our main focus is to promote menstrual education in schools and we are also calling on government to make sanitary pads free for students,” Kofi Atiemo added.

However, 54-year-old Abena Paulina at Aferi in the Bodi District of Western North has urged Ghanaians go back to the traditional method of using clothes for menstruation.

“The first time I had my menses, my mum folded a piece of cloth (‘etam’) for me to use and that is what I have been using since then. To me, we should stop using the pad and go back to our traditional methods,” she said.

But Dzifa Gomashie vehemently disagreed with her arguing that, using rags could pose health complications to girls.

“How well do some ladies keep themselves even with the sanitary pad? What’s the guarantee they will do well with the reusable pads? I will always choose the sanitary pad as the safest” she said.

For her part, the Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Girl Guides Association, Zakiya Abdul Wahab, a group that deals with girls’ issues, lamented that, despite numerous attempts to get government to scrap the taxes, none have been successful.

“All we have succeeded in doing is to get the attention of Second Lady, Samira Bawumia but we are yet to have her support fully,” she said in an interview on Adom News.

As the final part of the Expensive Sanitary Pads documentary airs, Adom News extend profound gratitude to the hundreds of Ghanaians who, after watching part one, have begun donating sanitary pads to vulnerable girls directly or through Adom News.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Monday, she said the residents of Keta and Anloga have not been attended to since they were hit by the floods last year.

According to her, the Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, promised that the affected communities would be considered for the second phase of sea defense by the end of 2021, but there is currently no contractor on site.

She also stated that she requested temporary shelter for the people in case the tidal wave strikes again, but that request is yet to be granted.

“As far as I know, there is nothing that has been done. Not even ordinary things that NADMO usually send to disaster-prone areas were provided from last year to date,” she added.

“The tidal wave hit us in March, May and in November are we now going to do that?” she questioned.

The Ketu South MP’s comment comes after some residents of Keta and Agavedzi in the Volta Region were displaced again by tidal waves on Sunday, after the November incident during which at least 3,000 people were rendered homeless.

Communities such as Abutiakope, Kedzikope and Keta Central were primarily affected and homeless residents were left with nothing to salvage.

The recent incident has forced residents to move to higher grounds to seek shelter, while others had no choice than to sleep on mattresses along major roads.

Member of Parliament (MP), Dzifa Abla Gomashie, confirmed the news on Tuesday, January 2022, with the cause not known.

The former Deputy Tourism Minister said the Chairman and Constituency Executives in the consultation with her family will bring details about her demise in accordance with the party’s tradition in due course.

Madam Gomashie has, however, extended her condolences to the family, constituents, and the NDC at large.

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Social media has currently been inundated with tributes in her memory.

On Thursday, October 28, 2021, the National Democratic Congress Volta Caucus demanded a retraction and an apology from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for comments deemed insulting to the Paramount Chief of Aflao in relation to the uncompleted e-block.

According to them, the chief only spoke up against the practice where inherited government projects are neglected by successive governments.

“The respected traditional ruler merely advocated for an abandoned E-Block in his community to be completed, so his people will have fair access to education. As citizens and as taxpayers, that wasn’t too much to ask for, and he deserves praise for prioritizing education and speaking out against the culture of abandoning inherited projects.

“So he does not deserve such disrespect from the president of the Republic of Ghana. The president’s conduct which we do not see him exhibit to our traditional rulers in other parts of the country is a total affront to the entire Volta Region and Aflao Traditional Area, and so we demand a retraction and apology from the president,” the Ketu South lawmaker said while addressing the press in Parliament.

Madam Dzifa Gomashie, thus, called on well-meaning Ghanaians to donate towards a worthy cause.

“Going forward, I will be launching a gofundme account for donations to finish the e-block as instructed by the president’s infamous retort and I entreat Aflaovio and all well-meaning Ghanaians to donate generously towards this cause.”

What did the chief say?

Torgbui Amenya Fiti, who was speaking during a courtesy call by members of the Minority on the Education Committee, said the government’s approach to education was appalling.

“The next place for revenue generation after the Tema Harbour is the Aflao border. So I had to push former President John Mahama to put up that structure. I had to be running from here to Accra, begging. Should we be begging for education? If we have to beg for education before people can go to school, then I don’t know what we call democracy at all. Look at the structure, it’s almost 90 percent complete. The thieves are having a field day, going in there to have everything removed at will.

“The NPP government now has free SHS education, but my people are not benefitting because there is no school here. So I am giving the Education Minister up till February [2022] for the school to be completed,” the chief added.

About the project

The GH¢9 million project, which started under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, has 26 classrooms, five departments, and a science block.

However, work on it has stalled, delaying its completion which has generated some level of public discourse as a result of the chief’s ultimatum and the president’s subsequent response.

The demo has been scheduled for 8:00 am on Friday, August 24, 2021, themed Open our land borders now.

It will be held at Victoria Park at Aflao-Denu Junction of the Volta Region.

This comes barely a month after her colleague Jomoro Member of Parliament, Dorcas Toffey, also threatened to embark on a demonstration for the same course.

According to her, marriages of her constituents are collapsing with people committing suicides due to the hardships associated with the closure.

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Meanwhile, the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, has explained that the government will consider re-opening depending on the security situation within the sub-region.

He said it will also be based on advice from the Covid-19 experts in view of the 3rd wave in neighbouring countries.

The former Deputy Tourism Minister has only one Facebook page, with the user name, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.

However, there are several others with Dzifa Gomashie, Hon Dzifa Gomashie, among others as the usernames which she has described as fake.

She took to her official page with about 12,216 followers, two mutual friends and about 4,997 friends to caution the general public about the others.

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Madam Gomashie, sharing screenshots of the other pages to prove her point, wrote: “FAKE-ACCOUNTS… I am tired. Good lord!.”

This is because the former Deputy Minister for tourism says she is worried about some comments from two spokespersons of the second respondent, President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Madam Gomashie specifically mentioned the Ofoase-Ayirebi Member of Parliament and Information Minister-Designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye.

She made the call in a Facebook post as she expresses reservations about the posture of the duo on submissions of the petitioner, John Mahama’s lead counsel, Tsatsu Tsikata.

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“Herrr I am really tickled by the inference by KON and Nana B that Mr Tsatsu Tsikata spoke for over an hour…Nana B called it Kasa Tintin. Good lord! Pray for the youth of Ghana,” she wrote.

Check out her post below:

As a kinsman of Keta before his status as a statesman, Madam Gomashie, who doubles as the former Tourism Minister, said the lack of cultural display “took something out of me.”

She said the organisers of the funeral should have taken into consideration Mr Rawlings’ love for locality, which in turn made him uphold cultural values.

“I did not feel the culture that he so upheld: I didn’t feel it at the funeral ground and that made me extremely sad. I’m sure perhaps there is a reason why,” she said.

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Madam Gomashie made the statements on Joy Prime’s Showbiz Now when called to share her memories of the late president and also discuss some of his contributions to the Creative Arts industry.

It is the wish of the former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, that the Holy Spirit consoles the family, adding that that is the only way their pain can be assuaged.

“Only the Holy Spirit comes through. Lord, send forth your spirit and recreate. Renew, restore, revive my Lord and my God. I lift them up before your throne of Grace. Eternal rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them,” she said.

Madam Gomashie made the comments in a Facebook post after what she described as Nana Konadu’s mood at a mass held in honour of the late President.

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“I was at mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral when Mrs Rawlings and her children, Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, Amina and Kimathi were called up the alter for special prayers.

“She walked up the stairs with her children but she also walked alone. She is frozen inside. She is cold inside. There are no words to describe how she must be feeling,” she added.

Speaking on Showbiz A to Z on Joy FM, many of them said they had fond memories of the man who supported the creative arts with all he could.

Chairman of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), Rex Omar, revealed he was on his way to Kumasi with other creatives when the news broke.

“We were confused and in shock. We just sat down and did not know what to do,” he told George Quaye.

Rex Omar said he will be indebted to the former President for many of his inventions in the arts sector.

“One thing a lot of people don’t know is that apart from building the cultural centres in the regions he (Rawlings) actually, through the centres, organised concerts and the state was paying musicians to perform,” he said.

The GHAMRO chairman revealed he was discovered through one of those initiatives.

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Also on the show, radio presenter Ken Addy, who said he was sad to hear the news, stated that the coup Mr Rawlings staged affected musicians and creatives because “night lives were curtailed.”

However, he was impressed with the former president when he used numerous avenues and interventions to revive the arts sector.

Mr Rawlings refurbished theatres and arts centers, Mr Addy said adding that “he was a man you could see love the Creative Arts and it showed sometimes in the way he reacted at concerts and praised musicians.”

Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Dzifa Gomashie, also told George Quaye the former President needs to be applauded for all the strides he made in the art sector.

She stated that in the 1980s Mr Rawlings facilitated the building of art centres including the National Theatre that has given birth to many of Ghana’s talents.

“For me his understanding and appreciation for our culture and ways in which he promoted it needs to be celebrated. I appreciate him for those interventions,” Miss Gomashie said.

Also on the show, a former member of Nakorex, Akosua Agyepong said she broke down in tears when she heard of the passing while at her restaurant at Rawlings Park.

“We have lost a great man. Our mountain has fallen,” she said.

According to MP who doubles as a queen-mother in the Aflao Traditional Area with the stool name, Mamma Dzramedo I, some of the men have subjected indigenes to brutalities.

She disclosed this in an interview with Accra-based radio station, Happy FM as she recounted some instances of brutalities.

“A young girl about 19 years and her brother were walking across to Togo to school and for no reason, this gentleman in immigration uniform beat her and her brother up.

“She was introduced to us and her family had gone to make a complaint too. We followed up with the immigration and officer didn’t deny that he beat the girl because there were marks on her,” she said.

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She said people are harassed even on their way to the markets as she questioned the government’s strategy in combating the spread of COVID-19 in the area.

“If you want to protect our borders from people coming into our country I don’t see why it should be a terrifying situation; it shouldn’t. So these are the concerns that we raised”, she added.