Kwadwo Dickson

2025 Super Zonals: Prempeh College breaks 4x200m relay record held by T.I Amass

Prempeh College set a new benchmark in the 4x200m relay at the Ashanti Regional Inter Schools and Colleges Athletics Competition, held at Baba Yara Stadium on Day 2.

Prempeh College’s quartet blazed to a stunning time of 1:26.47 seconds, smashing the previous record of 1:27.17 seconds, established by T.I. Amass in 2024. This extraordinary feat cements Prempeh College’s reputation for athletic excellence and highlights their remarkable coordination and skill. The record-breaking performance reflects the team’s relentless dedication, rigorous training, and meticulous preparation. This milestone is poised to elevate team spirit and motivate fellow athletes to push the boundaries of achievement.

The Ashanti Regional Super Zonals has delivered numerous unforgettable moments, but Prempeh College’s triumph in the 4x200m relay stands out as a defining highlight of this year’s competition.

Fire guts dormitory at Sakafia Islamic School

A raging fire has destroyed a dormitory block at Sakafia Islamic Basic School in Sawaba, Asokore Mampong Municipality, Ashanti Region, leaving students in shock and despair.

The fire, which broke out around 2 a.m. on February 28, 2025, started in one of the rooms, causing panic among the students. Fortunately, the housemaster acted swiftly, ensuring that all students were safely evacuated. No casualties were reported.

Firefighters arrived late but managed to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the school. Speaking to Citi News, on Friday, February 28, Senior Housemaster of Sakafia Islamic School, Umar Ibrahim recounted the situation stating, “The fire started around 2 a.m. when we were all asleep. I sleep in a separate room, while the students stay in a six-room dormitory. The children woke me up, and by then, most of them were still asleep. The senior housemistress and I had to quickly wake them up and help them escape the fire.”

The cause of the fire is yet to be revealed

2025 Super Zonals: Adisadel College sprints to victory in 4x100m Boys Heat 2

The 33rd Central Region Schools & Colleges Sports Association Athletics Super-Zonal Championship kicked off with a blaze of excitement on Day 1, February 27, 2025, as the boys’ 4x100m relay Heat 2 delivered a heart-pounding spectacle.

Under the bright morning sun at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Adisadel College emerged victorious, edging out fierce competitors St. Augustine’s College and Boa Amponsem Senior High School in a race that had spectators on the edge of their seats. The Super-Zonal Championships, a cornerstone of youth athletics in the Central Region, bring together the most talented student-athletes from schools and colleges across the area.

This year’s event promises to be one of the most competitive yet, and Heat 2 of the boys’ 4x100m relay set the tone with an electrifying display of speed, teamwork, and determination.

As the starting gun fired, the athletes exploded off the blocks, their strides synchronized in a flurry of motion. Adisadel College, known for its rich history in athletics, took an early lead with a seamless baton exchange between their first and second runners.

The team’s anchor, a lanky senior whose powerful strides ate up the track, crossed the finish line first, clocking an unofficial time that hinted at a potential record-breaking performance later in the finals.

Hot on their heels was St. Augustine’s College, a perennial powerhouse in Central Region sports. Their runners showcased impeccable coordination, with their third-leg sprinter gaining ground before handing off to an anchor who pushed valiantly to secure second place.

The crowd roared as St. Augustine’s made a late surge, but they couldn’t quite catch Adisadel’s lead.

Boa Amponsem Senior High School rounded out the top three, delivering a commendable effort that kept them in contention throughout the race.

Their team, though less heralded than their rivals, demonstrated grit and potential, earning applause for a strong showing against two of the region’s giants.

Post-race, the Adisadel camp was buzzing with excitement.

“We’ve been training hard for this moment,” said their coach, Kwesi Mensah, wiping sweat from his brow.

“The boys executed the plan perfectly—speed off the blocks and clean handoffs. This is just the beginning for us.” The team’s anchor, 17-year-old Kofi Ansah, added, “We knew St. Augustine’s would come strong, but we stayed focused. It feels amazing to take the win.”

St. Augustine’s, while disappointed to settle for second, remained optimistic. “It’s a long competition,” remarked their captain, James Ofori. “This was just the heats.

We’ll regroup and bring our best in the finals.

” The rivalry between Adisadel and St. Augustine’s, steeped in decades of athletic tradition, promises more fireworks as the Super-Zonal progresses.

Boa Amponsem’s coach, Madam Esther Nyarko, praised her team’s effort.

“We’re the underdogs here, but third place in this heat shows we belong. The boys ran with heart, and we’re aiming to surprise everyone before this is over.”

Joseph Andoh Kwofie powers Mfantsipim to 4x200m glory, declares himself Central Region’s Fastest

The 2025 Central Region Schools & Colleges Sports Association Super-Zonal Championships erupted into a frenzy of cheers and excitement on February 27 as Mfantsipim School’s boys’ 4x200m relay team clinched a stunning victory in the final race.

Leading the charge was none other than sprint sensation Joseph Andoh Kwofie, whose electrifying performance not only secured the win for the Kotokraba boys but also cemented his reputation as a rising star in Ghanaian athletics.

The race, held at the vibrant Cape Coast Sports Stadium, was a showcase of speed and teamwork, but it was Kwofie’s anchor leg that stole the spotlight.

As the baton hit his hand, the crowd erupted, sensing something special was about to unfold. With his trademark explosive strides, Kwofie surged ahead, pulling away from the competition with a ferocity that left no doubt about the outcome.

Crossing the finish line, he capped the triumph with a bold celebration, channeling Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “SIUUUU” leap, much to the delight of the roaring spectators.

Mfantsipim’s victory in the 4x200m final was a testament to their depth and discipline, but Kwofie’s contribution was the undeniable highlight.

The team’s seamless baton exchanges and relentless pace set the tone, but it was Kwofie’s closing sprint that sealed the deal, leaving rivals from schools like St. Augustine’s College and Adisadel College in the dust. Post-race, the charismatic sprinter didn’t hold back, declaring,

“There’s no one in Central Region who is faster than me.” The statement, dripping with confidence, sent a ripple of excitement through the stands and sparked chatter among fans and foes alike. Kwofie’s dominance at the 2025 Super Zonals is hardly a surprise to those who’ve followed his meteoric rise.

Already the holder of the Central Region’s 100m and 200m records—clocking a blistering 10.02 seconds and 20.8 seconds, respectively—the Mfantsipim star has been rewriting the record books since his first year. Earlier in the day, he breezed to victory in the 200m final with a time of 21.31 seconds, further solidifying his claim as the region’s premier sprinter.

His performance in the 4x200m only added to the legend, proving he’s not just a solo act but a team player who thrives under pressure.

The Kotokraba boys’ triumph was a collective effort, with Kwofie quick to praise his teammates. “We’ve been working hard together,” he said, catching his breath after the race.

“The handoffs were perfect, and everyone gave their all. I just had to finish what they started.” Coach Kwame Appiah, beaming with pride, hailed the team’s chemistry, noting, “Joseph is our spark, but this win belongs to all of them. They ran like champions.”

For Mfantsipim, a school with a storied athletic tradition, the 4x200m win is another feather in their cap as they aim to dominate the Super-Zonals leaderboard.

Police detain suspected boyfriend of deceased KNUST student

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has confirmed that 21-year-old Daniel Tuffuor, a final-year student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has been taken into custody for questioning in connection with the untimely death of Miss Joana Deladem Yabani.

Ms Yabani, also a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, was found dead at about 5:00 a.m. on February 27, 2025, near the KNUST Disability and Rehabilitation Centre by the KNUST Security Services.

DCOP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, revealed that Tuffuor was captured on campus surveillance cameras, which played a critical role in his apprehension.

“We have identified the suspect through CCTV footage on the KNUST campus, and he is currently assisting us with our investigations,” DCOP Cudjoe stated.

In response to the incident, the police have announced an intensified 24-hour surveillance operation on the KNUST campus to ensure the safety of students and staff.

“We are stepping up our efforts to maintain security on campus. Our officers will be conducting round-the-clock patrols and monitoring activities,” DCOP Cudjoe added.

KNUST made this known in a statement released on Thursday February 27, 2025.

It said the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, earlier spoke with the Vice-Chancellor via phone call, assuring her of safety on campus. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed her appreciation to the IGP for his support and assurances.

“Waking up to such horrible news was truly saddening, and losing a student in this manner is heartbreaking, especially for parents. We are grateful to the IGP for his swift intervention and the measures that have been put in place,” she stated.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police are committed to ensuring justice for Miss Yabani and her family.

Suspected gas explosion at UG’s Bush Canteen destroys several shops

A gas explosion at the University of Ghana’s Bush Canteen has destroyed several shops, causing panic among students and vendors.

The incident, which occurred Wednesday evening sent thick smoke into the air as fire engulfed multiple structures within the popular market area.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast before flames quickly spread through nearby stalls.

Firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene to contain the blaze. No casualties have been confirmed yet. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, with initial reports suggesting it may have resulted from a gas leak.

KNUST food research scientists find harmful banned substances in some tomato paste

Food Research Scientists at the Department of Food Science and Technology of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have detected a harmful banned substance in some tomato pastes sold on the Ghanaian market. The substance, Erythrosine, also known as Red Dye No. 3, is used as a colorant in various foods, including toffees, candies, and drinks. It may be labelled and appear on these products, as “Number 3.” However, the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) does not permit the substance to be used in the production of tomato paste. This is because Erythrosine has been found to cause various health conditions and is not allowed in tomato paste production. Starch is also prohibited in tomato paste formulations in Ghana.

However, a study by food scientists from the KNUST on tomato paste sold in Ghana found traces of both starch and erythrosine in some samples. Tomato concentrate, which can be classified as either tomato paste or tomato mix, has become a convenient food item commonly used in Ghanaian homes, fast food outlets, and restaurants. It offers a relatively cheap and quick alternative to fresh tomatoes, especially when tomatoes are out of season. Over the years, concerns have been raised over the safety of tomato concentrate brands on the Ghanaian market.

The study, conducted in Kumasi and Accra, aimed to assess the quality of tomato concentrates, which are being sold on the market.

Eight different brand samples that conformed to standard labelling requirements were selected.

The researchers found that all the samples had a color range from red to dark red, a paste-like appearance, and the characteristic taste of tomato concentrate, conforming to standard physical requirements. According to production standards, tomato paste should contain at least 24 per cent natural tomato content. However, the total natural tomato content in some of the sampled brands fell outside this recommended range.

Alarmingly, erythrosine was detected in two samples, even though it was not indicated on the labels.

The study, published in the International Journal of Food Science, also found starch content ranging from 1g/100g to 24g/100g.

In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) completely banned erythrosine from food products due to its potential health risks and has given manufacturers two years to remove it from shelves and eliminate its use entirely.

The research, led by Dr. Abena Boakye of the Department of Food Science and Technology, of the university urged the Ghana FDA not to focus only on removing erythrosine from tomato products, but also extend its regulations to include the removal of the substance from confectioneries, candies, drinks, and other food products containing this harmful dye. She said the findings should fuel further research and inform policymakers on the necessary steps to ensure the safety of food products available to consumers.

The researchers also recommended that the findings be used to inform stakeholders and guide necessary steps to provide safe tomato concentrates and other food products for consumers on the market.

Young Agripreneur Forum holds orientation for new members at UCC

The Young Agripreneur Forum on the University of Cape Coast campus has held an orientation and onboarding for its new members at the Design Thinking and Innovation Hub (D-Hub) of the university.

YAF is a student-led interactive forum where tertiary students can share and exchange ideas, and interests and engage in activities pertaining to agriculture.

YAF provides capacity building and practical skills training for students, invests in changing the mindset and perceptions of young people, and positions agripreneurship as an exciting career of choice. An initiative of Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC), YAF is dedicated to empowering young agricultural entrepreneurs.

Also present at the orientation were new and existing members of YAF patrons, namely Dr. Alexander Nuer, Dr. Keren Arthur, and the Program Officer (PO) Irene Naa Korkoi Armah, who provided valuable perspectives on agribusiness and youth opportunities in Ghana. They also encouraged members to actively engage in the agribusiness sector, emphasizing its potential to drive job creation and economic growth.

The event also served as an opportunity to introduce the newly elected executive council and provide insights into entrepreneurial prospects in the agricultural value chain in Ghana. The executives shared their vision and commitment to fostering agribusiness development among young people.

New members were given the platform to discuss challenges they perceive in the agricultural sector. Through these discussions, members explored innovative ways to turn these challenges into entrepreneurial ventures. Key areas identified included post-harvest losses, inadequate market access, and value addition in agribusiness.

A dedicated session was held to outline the Forum’s work plan for the semester and the entire year. Members deliberated on various anchor projects to be undertaken, ensuring that the initiatives align with the YAF objectives of promoting youth involvement in agribusiness.

The orientation concluded with a session on sustainability planning. Members discussed strategies to ensure the long-term success and impact of YAF-UCC, focusing on resource mobilization, partnerships, and capacity-building programs.

YAF-UCC Orientation was a resounding success, equipping new members with knowledge, motivation, and a clear roadmap for the year. With the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated, the forum is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the agribusiness sector and youth employment in Ghana.

Kosmos Innovation Center, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is committed to empowering young people through employment opportunities through entrepreneurship. The Young Agripreneur Forum ( YAF) is one of the programs KIC is implementing under its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation on the Initiative for Youth in Agricultural Transformation (IYAT) Program.

Sokode Senior High Technical School shut down after violent clashes

Sokode Senior High Technical School shut down after violent clashes
The Sokode Senior High Technical School at Sokode-Etoe, near Ho, has been temporarily closed to ensure the safety of students and staff following violent clashes between the youth of neighboring Sokode-Gbogame and students at the school on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The Volta Regional Director of Education, Francis Agbemadi, who disclosed this to the media in Ho on Tuesday, January 25, said the closure was also necessary to allow for a smooth investigation into the matter.
He explained that following the incident, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), engaged the police, military, and community elders in efforts to de-escalate rising tensions between the students and the youth of the town.
Mr. Agbemadi said there had been conflicting accounts of the incident.
While community leaders claimed the students initiated an unprovoked attack on the townspeople, leading to injuries and property damage, they also alleged that the involvement of local militias had exacerbated the violence. He quoted the community leaders as calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
On the other hand, the Regional GES Director said school authorities maintained that the riot stemmed from allegations that a food vendor had been selling meals suspected to be laced with cannabis, prompting students to leave campus at night to buy the substance.
As a result, a student was allegedly ambushed at night and assaulted by townspeople.
In retaliation, 42 students reportedly attacked members of the community, and altercations at a local drinking spot escalated into further violence between the two groups, resulting in injuries on both sides, Mr. Agbemadi added.
For now, military personnel have been deployed to restore order and prevent further violence in the community.
Measures have also been put in place to facilitate the safe departure of students from the campus, Mr. Agbemadi stated
He said a preliminary report on the incident had suggested the formation of a team comprising police officers, community representatives, and GES officials to investigate the matter.
“The situation remains under investigation, with further updates to follow,” Mr. Agbemadi further stated.

Ashanti Region’s Top Schools clash at 2025 Super Zonals Showdown on Feb 27 & 28

The 2025 Ashanti Regional Inter School and College Athletics Super Zonals will take place on February 27 and 28 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

This year’s competition promises an electrifying showcase of talent, with 44 senior high schools from the Ashanti Region vying for supremacy.

A total of 32 mixed schools and 12 single-sex schools will compete, with 16 of the mixed schools qualifying for both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.

In the boys’ category, reigning champions Prempeh College face a formidable challenge from T.I. Amass (Real Amass), who are determined to seize the title after a close loss last year. Other standout contenders include Effiduase SHS, Mpasatia SHTS, and Kumasi Anglican SHS (KASS), all of whom impressed during the qualifiers and are primed for battle.

In the girls’ division, St. Louis SHS aims to secure a third consecutive title, but they’ll confront fierce competition from Effiduase SHS, Kumasi Girls SHS, and Serwaa Nyarko Girls SHS, each bolstered by strong performances in the lead-up events. The athletes have trained rigorously for months, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

The Super Zonals will feature an array of events, including track and field, sprints, and distance races, showcasing the region’s finest young talent. As the competition unfolds, only the best will rise to the top, promising an unforgettable spectacle.

Will Prempeh College defend their crown, or can Real Amass dethrone them? Will St. Louis SHS achieve a historic three-peat, or will a challenger emerge victorious? The answers will unfold over two action-packed days.

Competing Schools – Boys’ Category:
Armed Forces SHTS, Kumasi High, Tweneboa Kodua SHS, Tepa SHS, Antoa SHS, KASS, O’Sec Tech, Jachie Pramso SHS, Simms SHS, Oppong Memorial SHS, Opoku Ware SHS, Aduman SHS, Okomfo Anokye SHS, Barekease SHS, Wesley SHS-Konongo, T.I. Amass-Kumasi, Effiduase SHS, Mpasatia SHTS, Osei Tutu SHS, Asanteman SHS, Prempeh College, Islamic SHS, Toase SHS, St. Hubert Seminary SHS, Konongo Odumase SHS, OKESS, Our Lady of Grace, Juaben SHS, Kofi Agyei SHS, Kumasi Anglican SHS.

Competing Schools – Girls’ Category:
Kumasi Girls, Armed Forces SHS, Amass-Asokore Girls, Bekwai SDA SHS, KNUST SHS, Kumasi Anglican SHS, Wesley Girls-KSI, Jachie Pramso SHS, Simms SHS, O’Sec Tech, St. Louis SHS, Aduman SHS, St. Monica’s SHS, Adanwomase SHS, Barekease SHS, T.I. Amass-KSI, Effiduase SHS, Asanteman SHS, Serwaa Nyarko SHS, Ndutaman Catholic SHS, Yaa Asantewaa SHS, Islamic SHS, Ejisuman SHS, Konongo Odumase SHS, Adventist-KSI, Osei Kyeretwie SHS, Our Lady of Grace SHS, Juaben SHS, Bodwesango SHS, Kumasi Academy SHS.

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