TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • 2026 World Cup: Partey in good frame of mind to play for Ghana – Kurt Okraku

    2026 World Cup: Partey in good frame of mind to play for Ghana – Kurt Okraku

    President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurk Okraku, says Ghana international midfielder, Thomas Partey, is in a good frame of mind to represent his country at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    His comments come at a time when the Black Stars deputy captain, Thomas Partey, is facing ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

    During an appearance on Accra-based station, Asaase Radio, Mr Okraku noted that the Black Stars captain will forever have the association’s support, no matter what, stressing that, even though media reports about him online present him as being in a distressing state, Partey remains resilient and confident.

    “Thomas Partey is our deputy captain and a key member of the Black Stars. The GFA will never ignore any situation involving a player like Partey. We’re in constant contact with him, and he is in a good frame of mind despite what we read online. He has a strong mindset and is preparing to represent Ghana at the World Cup,” Okraku said.

    He stressed that the association’s support is unwavering during what he described as a challenging period for the player.

    “Thomas Partey knows our position. We stand shoulder to shoulder with him during these difficult times. I’m very positive that despite all that is happening, Partey will show up for the World Cup,” he added.

    This is not the first time the association has publicly expressed its support for the player.

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) rose to the defence of the former Arsenal midfielder, Partey, following remarks by Villarreal’s coach on his contrasting form since joining the club in August last year.

    Speaking during a post-match conference after Villarreal’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Leverkusen in February 2026, Marcelino García Toral said Partey is mentally affected and struggling to meet expected standards since joining the club.

    He said, “Thomas, I think there’s a world of difference between the Thomas we know at Arsenal and this one. It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football.”

    According to him, six months is enough for Partey to have adapted to the rhythm and playing style of the club, adding that the midfielder has not been in his best form.

    “So, I think it’s been six months now, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was capable of, or what he’s showing us now,” the coach added.

    Reacting to the remarks, GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, backed Partey, praising him as one of Ghana’s best and dismissing the coach’s comments as harsh on a central figure for Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    “We believe in the quality of Partey, and we do not believe one game defines him as a player. At the FA, we do not share the coach’s view on this matter. Partey remains a top player, and we have a strong belief in his qualities,” Asante Twum said.


    Thomas Partey’s legal woes

    Partey has been hit with two new charges of rape in the UK.

    On February 12, 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed two additional counts of rape had been filed against him.

    These new charges stem from a separate report of non-recent offences dating back to 2020, following a fresh investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

    In total, he now stands accused of sexual offences involving four women.

    The Ghanaian international’s legal woes began just four days after he departed from Arsenal. He is currently facing six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. These charges have been levelled against him by three different women.

    In one of the charges, Complainant 1 claims that, between April and May 2021, Partey penetrated her anally during what began as consensual vaginal intercourse, without her consent. She further claims that between April and June 2021, Partey engaged her in anal sex on at least four separate occasions without her consent.

    Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, after she refused to engage in sexual activity, Partey raped her vaginally. She also claims that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex. A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally.

    Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey lay on top of her, attempted to kiss her, and touched her over her clothes without her consent.

    However, the player has denied all the allegations levelled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.

  • I knew Black Stars wouldn’t go far – Kurt Okraku on 2023 AFCON

    I knew Black Stars wouldn’t go far – Kurt Okraku on 2023 AFCON

    Ghana Black Stars had a very disappointing run of form during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast, leading to their early exit at the group stage, marking their second consecutive early exit after also crashing out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under the leadership of the then coach, Chris Houghton.

    After playing three games, they won none, securing only two points. About three (3) years down the line, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has revealed that he anticipated the Black Stars’ disappointing performance.

    Speaking during an appearance on Asaase Radio, Okraku admitted: “To be honest, going into that tournament, I was not expecting something different, and I told people close to me that it would not work for us because I knew the team and knew the happenings, and we exited the competition at the group phase.

    “When we came home, there was a need for us to look at what we did, but unfortunately, we started declining as well, and we failed to qualify for the last AFCON.”

    He added that the team’s struggles continued upon returning home, ultimately resulting in Ghana missing qualification for the next AFCON.

    Reflecting on recent successes, Okraku praised the GFA Executive Council for taking decisive action that helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

    “Ghana spoke after that, and it was very loud, and as a leader, I listened to everybody, and we all agreed that there was a need for a reset and to be honest with ourselves.

    “We needed to know what was fundamentally wrong with us and fix it. After listening to the Executive Council, we made the right decisions, and we qualified for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.

    Meanwhile, former Black Stars coach Chris Hughton believes he may have provided better results if he had been given more time as head coach in 2023.

    Speaking with TV3’s Owuraku Ampofo in an interview aired on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Irish-born Ghanaian cited his upbringing in Ireland and the football structure there, which he noted is quite different from that in Africa, particularly Ghana. He also highlighted that managing a club was quite different from managing a national team.

    He believes that having a little more time to adjust would have made his tenure as head coach more effective.

    “And I’ll speak about the Black Stars, but this can apply anywhere in Africa. For someone who spent all of their time in England as a player, then as an assistant coach and later as a head coach or manager, it was very different. But there’s also the reality of the Black Stars’ role and managing in Africa, which is very different.

    “The levels of structure and organisation you’re used to at club level, where everything is day-to-day, are very different in international football, and of course, working in Africa adds another layer. It takes time to adjust. So, regarding my role… would I have wanted more time? Yes, of course. I genuinely feel that with more time, I would have adjusted better”, he noted.

    He continued, “One reason is that it’s international football, and it was my first time managing at that level. That alone takes some time to adjust to. I was used to working with players all week, preparing for a game, and then preparing for the next one.

    “In international football, you can have the players for just two days before your first game. And in those two days, there’s only so much you can do. So, one challenge is adjusting to the international game,” as he reflected on the demands of international management and the challenges of transitioning from club football.

    Chris Hughton was sacked as Black Stars head coach on 23 January 2024, after Ghana’s final group game against Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He served as head coach for about 11 months, and before that, he was assistant/technical advisor for roughly 13 months.

    Chris Hughton’s remarks come at a time when the Black Stars are reported to have seen a dip in form following their defeat in their last friendlies.

    Ghana suffered a 0-2 defeat to Japan in their preparatory match against Japan earlier today, Friday, November 14, at the Toyota Stadium, Aichi.

    Japan notched their first goal just fifteen minutes into the game courtesy of Takumi Minamino. Japan dominated at a point after the possession was shared by both teams for a long period, giving Ghana a hard time breaking into their defence.

    Meanwhile, Ghana Black Stars have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.

    Consequently, the government has announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million(($13m) to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that,

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

    The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

    “Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.

  • GWCL needs over GHC 3.5 billion to fix and replace ageing transmission pipelines – Managing Director

    GWCL needs over GHC 3.5 billion to fix and replace ageing transmission pipelines – Managing Director

    Growing dissatisfaction and public outcry over inconsistent water supply, especially in urban centers have prompted a response from the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu.

    Explaining some of the reasons for inconsistent water flow nationwide, Mr Adam Mutawakilu noted that most of the water supply company’s transmission pipelines are old, hence operating below their required capacity; as a result, several gallons of water are lost during transmission.

    Consequently, he has recommended a replacement of these dilapidated transmission pipes, which he says will cost over 3.5 billion Ghana cedis( US$356 million), a sum far beyond the company’s current financial capacity.

    “Most of this transmission capacity utilisation is low. Most of the transmission lines are weak and need to be replaced, and that is a huge cost. We are talking about 356 million dollars to replace the old pipes and put in new pipes, that’s about 3, more than 3.5 billion Ghana cedis,” Mr Mutawakilu said during an interview on Joy Super Morning Show. 

    He continued that, given the cost required to replace its ageing transmission pipes, the company’s current annual revenue cannot cover the proposed overhaul, a clear indication that the outfit is not in a strong financial position.

    “For example, we make almost 1.8 billion cedis,  that’s about 100 to 150 million dollars for the whole year. This is the whole amount, not taking salaries or maintenance into account. So, if you take it, you realise that we are not in good shape.”

    Mr Mutawakilu said the combination of ageing plants, deteriorating pipelines, and limited revenue has left the utility struggling to meet the rising water demand of Ghana’s growing population.

    “The problem is not just the number of plants; it’s the transmission lines connecting them,” he noted. “Without replacing these old pipelines, a lot of water is lost, and supply remains inconsistent, especially in urban areas.”

    Consequently, the Managing Director urged policymakers to prioritise capital projects that strengthen both water production and distribution, warning that delays could worsen service interruptions and public dissatisfaction.

    Meanwhile, one of the major contributory factors of the nation’s water supply company remains illegal connections.

    In the last four months of last year, between August and December, Ghana lost over GH¢5 million to illegal water connections, according to the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL).

    He made these revelations during an interview with Citi TV’s Bernard Avle on Tuesday, January 13. According to him, his outfit, in collaboration with National Security, embarked on what he described as the National Revenue Enhancement Taskforce operation, to clamp down on unauthorised water use.

    Following the operation, GWL uncovered an alarming water theft, particularly in urban cities like Accra, which consumes the most of the water produced by the nation’s water supply company. It was discovered that illegal connections valued at approximately GH¢5.5 million were made within just four months.

    “Within the three to four months, the estimated bill amounted to about GH¢5.5 million, he said.

    The task force caught some sachet water factories that were stealing water by connecting illegally to the water system, and some businesses that were being charged as domestic entities instead of commercial users.

    Also, some consumers have installed bypasses, i.e., setups or pipes that avoid the water meter, resulting in significant revenue losses for the utility company. 

    According to the Managing Director, GWL has so far recovered a little over GH¢1.3 million from the illegal connections identified between August and December. He added that the company’s legal department has begun processes to prosecute offenders, warning that culprits will be taken to court to deter future violations.

    “…and we have recovered a little over GH¢1.3 million. The legal department is pursuing the cases in court,” he added.

    In an intensified effort, the MD noted that GWL has engaged the National Security to triple the task force team, from 3-12 to expedite the detection and clamping down on the theft  

    “With the work of the three taskforce teams, non-revenue water dropped from 52 per cent in January to 49.4 % by November. That is encouraging, so we have engaged National Security to expand the teams to 12.

    In a related development, late last year, GWL in the Eastern Region arranged for 15 defaulting customers to appear in court in a few days. This formed part of the company’s large-scale legal campaign to recover more than GHC32 million owed by long-term defaulters. The debt, the nation’s water supply insists, undermines the effectiveness of their operations and improves water service delivery.

    Ing. Paul C. Akpanya, Regional Chief Manager of Ghana Water Ltd. (Eastern Region), made this statement on Tuesday, December 9, in Koforidua, Eastern Region, during the launch of GWCL’s large-scale legal campaign to recover over GHC32 million owed by long-term defaulters.

    According to him, the 15 defaulters fell under Phase One of the campaign, with more rigorous and lawful measures expected to be adopted in the coming days to retrieve the debts.

    “We will go the extra mile within the remit of the law to recover every arrear owed the company. This is essential for sustaining our operations and improving service delivery to the public,” he said.

    GWL’s legal team said more names will be added as the campaign intensifies, targeting customers who have ignored repeated reminders, accumulated long-term arrears, or continued to refuse payment even after disconnection.

    The action also covers individuals and businesses that have opted to rely on alternative water sources, such as boreholes and wells, without settling their outstanding bills.

    The first batch of cases filed includes a mix of commercial and residential customers:

    Jilcom (Suhum Roundabout Shell Station), Petroleum & Construction Ltd., Constance Baafi, Ebenezer Larbi Opare, Yomboi EA Adu, Dora James Okyere, KAMA Group of Companies (Regional Director of Health), Paulina Donkor, Richard Boadu, Felicia Okyere Darko, F. A. Mpare, Taylor Posiah & Oduro, Patrick Ernest Obeng, Kwame.

    This is not the first time Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has threatened or taken legal action against defaulters. The company has a history of warning customers and even announcing plans to prosecute defaulters as far back as 2023 and 2024, before the current campaign this December 2025.

    In April 2023, GWCL issued a public warning that it will prosecute defaulting consumers who fail to settle their debts. The company stated that outstanding arrears were undermining its operations and that legal action was inevitable if payments were not made.

    Fast forward exactly a year later, 2024, the water supplier issued another warning announcing that it would publish the names of defaulting customers by the end of May 2024 if they failed to pay. Officials stressed that if this measure failed, they would not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against debtors.

  • The government exceeded its Treasury Bill target by 40.2%

    The government exceeded its Treasury Bill target by 40.2%

    The government has recorded a GH¢2.575 billion exceeding its Treasury Bill target, raising GH¢8.99 billion against a GH¢6.415 billion target. This was contained in data released by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

    This indicates about a 40.2% oversubsciption of the target, indicating a strong demand from investors who want to lend money to the government.

    According to data from Tender 1994, held on February 13, total bids submitted amounted to GH¢22.67 billion across the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day tenors, of which the government accepted GH¢8.99 billion, representing a subscription rate of approximately 141% above the target.

    Tender 1994, is a government securities auction through which investors bid to purchase Treasury Bills, short-term debt instruments used to raise funds for public financing

    The 91-day bill, the most liquid instrument on the money market, was issued at a weighted average discount rate of 8.4281 per cent, corresponding to an interest rate of 8.6095 per cent.

    The 182-day bill recorded a weighted average discount rate of 10.1376 per cent, while the 364-day bill registered 9.9602 per cent.

    The central bank stated that bids were allotted on a partial basis, with rates ranging from 7.8431 per cent to 11.60 per cent, depending on the tenor. Successful bidders will have their securities issued on February 16, 2026.

    The Government has set a target of GH¢9.322 billion for Tender 1995, scheduled for the coming week.

    Meanwhile, investor interest and confidence in government treasuries remain high as the treasury bill auction exceeds the target by over 60%.

    In auction results posted by the Bank of Ghana, the government accepted GH¢12.8 billion in bids at the latest auction, above its GH¢9.8 billion target, although investors submitted bids worth GH¢15.9 billion.

    The reports also show that the majority of investors preferred the 364-day (one-year) treasury bill, for which they offered about GH¢7.4 billion, making up nearly half of all the money investors offered.

    Out of this amount, the government accepted just over GH¢5.0 billion.

    Also, for the 182-day (six-month) treasury bill, investors offered about GH¢4.29 billion, and the government accepted almost all of it, around GH¢4.28 billion.

    For the 91-day (three-month) bill, investors offered about GH¢4.1 billion, of which the government accepted about GH¢3.4 billion.

    On the other hand, interest rates continued to rise at the longer end of the yield curve.

    The yield on the 91-day bill remained at 11.19%.

    That of the 182-day bill, however, went up to 12.66% from 12.64% the previous week.

    Additionally, the yield on the 364-day bill increased by eight basis points to 13.06%.

    Meanwhile, the iversubscription has been a trend in the last few months.Government saw another significant oversubscription in its primary T-bill auction, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) announced, following its August 1 auction last year.

    This comes after demand surged 42.07 percent above the target.

    Reports from the Bank of Ghana indicated that the latest figures showed the government had planned to raise GHS 3.86 billion through Treasury bills, but it, however, accepted a total of GHS 5.48 billion. This was a result of investor interest exceeding expectations.

    Specifically, GHS 4.32 billion was taken from GHS 4.86 billion in bids for the 91-day bill, GHS 823 million from GHS 1.15 billion for the 182-day bill, and GHS 343 million out of GHS 774 million for the 364-day bill.

    Experts say the high demand happened because big investors, like banks and companies, wanted to buy Treasury bills then, while the interest rates were still high. They believe that interest rates and inflation might go down soon, so they want to secure the good returns before that happens.

    How was t-bill auction earlier in 2025?

    In early 2025, when the government assumed office, T-bill auctions were struggling, with eight consecutive weeks of undersubscription. Among some of the reasons for the undersubscription were investor liquidity constraints, where financial institutions and investors faced cash flow challenges, diminishing their interest in investing in government securities.

    Another reason for the undersubscription was other attractive competing investment options, such as the Bank of Ghana’s OMO bills, which were offering higher interest in comparison to T-bills and influencing institutions’ and the public’s preferences. The Bank of Ghana’s OMO bills were short-term debt instruments used in Open Market Operations (OMO), a key tool for managing money supply and interest rates in the economy.

    Market uncertainty was another undersubscription challenge. Due to the previous government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and other concerns about inflation and fiscal discipline, investors treaded cautiously, closely monitoring fiscal decisions by the new government.

    Tight monetary conditions, with less money circulating in the system, also caused demand for short-term debt instruments to drop, accounting for the undersubscription.

    In April, the government failed to meet its Treasury bill target for the third week in a row. It fell short by GH¢2.69 billion after rejecting GH¢2.37 billion worth of bids, likely because the interest rates offered by investors did not meet the government’s expectations.

    According to Bank of Ghana data, the government aimed to raise GH¢4.39 billion through short-term borrowing but received only GH¢1.69 billion in bids. This represented a shortfall of 61.46%.

    For the 91-day bill, the government received GH¢3.38 billion in bids but accepted only GH¢1.45 billion. For the 182-day bill, GH¢501.17 million was tendered, but only GH¢81.09 million was accepted.

    The 364-day bill saw GH¢176.26 million in bids, with GH¢161.26 million accepted.

  • COCOBOD announces salary cuts for senior staff, executive Management over liquidity challenges

    COCOBOD announces salary cuts for senior staff, executive Management over liquidity challenges

    Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced a salary cut for some staff members and top management as part of efforts to resolve its cash flow challenges.

    The announcement was contained in a formal press release issued by the Chief Executive, Dr Ransford A. Abbey, and dated  Monday, February 16.

    The release noted that the cuts were to take effect on the same day the announcement was made, explaining that the leaders of the government’s cocoa regulating agency for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year

    According to the statement, “The Executive Management and the Senior Staff of COCOBOD have, effective today, Monday, February 16, 2026, reduced their salaries for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year in recognition of the current liquidity challenges in the cocoa industry.”

    It continued that “The Executive Management has taken a twenty (20) percent cut, while the Senior Staff have taken a ten (10) percent reduction in their respective salaries” as part of a broader cost-containment measure aimed at aligning expenditure with revenue.

    Management indicated that additional steps, “ other cost-cutting measures in procurement and a staff rationalisation exercise are aimed at reducing the overall expenditure of COCOBOD and aligning costs with revenue.”

    Meanwhile, the statement didn’t disclose how much the salary cuts will save the sector or the size of the liquidity gap.

    The announcement comes at a time of heightened strain in the cocoa industry, marked by rising operational costs, financing pressures, concerns over farmer welfare, and intensified public scrutiny over cocoa pricing and COCOBOD’s financial position.

    In recent weeks, the sector has been at the centre of national debate, particularly over producer prices and the sustainability of cocoa farming.

    Industry observers have also pointed to the heavy financing burden associated with cocoa purchases, operational commitments, and exposure to global price volatility.

    Meanwhile, on February 12, the government announced a 28% cut in farmgate prices for cocoa.

    At the start of the 2025/26 cocoa season (August 2025), the producer price was GH¢51,660 per tonne (about GH¢3,625 per 64kg bag).

    However, the government announced a cut to GH¢41,392 per tonne (GH¢2,587 per bag), explaining that the move was due to a sharp fall in global cocoa prices and liquidity pressures within COCOBOD.

    The price cuts have been met with widespread disapproval, discontent and anger, particularly from cocoa farmers and other stakeholders. Cocoa farmers say the cuts will only worsen their already difficult situation with rising input costs.

    Other farmers have expressed that the reduction will push many of them into poverty and force others to quit cocoa production.

    On the other hand, the Minority in Parliament have also strongly condemned the cuts, labelling it as “a betrayal of cocoa farmers.” According to them, this decision by the government is a move to short-change farmers; consequently, they are demanding that the producer price be restored to GH¢51,660 per tonne.

    They also called for the dismissal of COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, Dr. Randy Abbey, arguing that the government should have absorbed the financial pressures instead of passing them on to farmers.

    “This places an unfair burden on our cocoa farmers, who are already struggling with rising costs,” said Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee.

    “The minority will not remain silent on this matter, and we are prepared to support farmers should they decide to protest against the reduction in the producer’s price,” he said at a press conference in Parliament House, Accra.

    The Minority’s demand for Dr. Abbey’s dismissal is not new, as a petition was filed with President Mahama on Monday, February 9, 2026, accusing the COCOBOD CEO of alleged gross incompetence, arrogance, and intimidation.

    In addition the government has announced plans to absorb the outstanding $150 million financial loss incurred by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

    Addressing the media on Thursday, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, disclosed that the decision was reached after consultations with Cabinet.

    He emphasised that all cocoa farmers who are yet to be paid would receive their outstanding payments in the coming days following the government’s intervention.

    “Cabinet has directed COCOBOD to commence immediate payment of all affected cocoa farmers,” he said.

    The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is dealing with about 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa that remain unsold at the ports, while Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) are owed roughly GH¢2.04 billion ($185 million) by the regulator.

    Several farmers have gone without payment since November 2025, compelling many to cut down on meals, pull their children out of school, and neglect routine farm upkeep. The situation has further escalated, with reports indicating that some farmers have held purchasing clerks over unpaid cocoa transactions.

    The delays in payment have been attributed to several issues, including the loss of international financial support, a disparity between Ghana’s farmgate pricing and the sharp drop in global cocoa prices, as well as inherited forward sales agreements signed when prices were significantly lower.

    Under the planned reforms, the government intends to submit a new Cocoa Board bill to Parliament aimed at introducing an automatic system for adjusting producer prices.

    The draft legislation seeks to synchronise cocoa producer prices with global market price trends, currency exchange fluctuations, and other essential indicators.

    Importantly, the proposed bill will ensure that cocoa farmers receive no less than 70% of the gross FOB (Free on Board) price.

    “Cabinet has therefore decided on the following reforms to guarantee a fair price to the cocoa farmer, secure the financial viability of the cocoa sector, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry,” Dr Ato Forson stated.

  • GES bans new Nsutamam, Koforidua and New Juaben SHS from sports and other activities over recent clash

    GES bans new Nsutamam, Koforidua and New Juaben SHS from sports and other activities over recent clash

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Eastern Region has slapped a two-year ban on three Senior High Schools over acts of hooliganism.

    The schools include the Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH), New Juaben Senior High School (NJUSCO), and Nsutam Senior High Technical School (NSUTECH). Until 2028, these schools will not be allowed to participate in all sports and related co-curricular activities.

    This comes after stakeholders’ investigations proved that these schools were involved in hooliganism during the just-ended Regional Super Zonal Sports Competition.

    In a letter dated February 11, 2026, the Eastern Regional Education Directorate stated the joint expression of regret by the affected schools’ sports executives and school authorities following the chaos that happened during the zonal games on February 4 and 6, 2026.

    “Koforidua Senior High Technical School (Sectech), New Juaben Senior High School (Njuasco), New Nsutam Senior High Technical School (Nsutech). The Management of Eastern Regional Education Directorate and the Regional 2 Cycle Schools’ Sports Executives express their displeasure in the recent incidents before, during and after the Regional Super Zonal Sports (Games) Competition,” parts of the statement said.

    It continued that their students, during the regional games, violated some provisions that guide the conduct of students as far as GES laws are concerned.

    It said, “in accordance with the Ghana Education Service Code of Conduct (2.17 Physical and Psychological Violence) and the Eastern Region Schools and Colleges Sports Association (ERSCSA) Code of Discipline: ARTICLE VII (Disturbances/Riots/Hooliganisms) and ARTICLE VIII (Sanctions/Punishments), the students in your school were found engaging in acts of hooliganism which are unacceptable and contradicts to the rule of discipline in GES.”.

    This section prohibits any acts of physical assault, intimidation, bullying, or psychological abuse among students, stressing that violence, whether physical (fighting, attacking, causing injury) or psychological (harassment, threats, humiliation), is a serious breach of discipline.

    GES bans 3 schools over hooliganism

    The penalties for violations under Article VII. Sanctions include:

    Suspension or banning of schools from sports and extracurricular activities. Withdrawal of privileges such as hosting or participating in competitions. Additional disciplinary measures imposed by GES or the regional sports association. The severity of punishment depends on the gravity of the offence, with repeat or violent incidents attracting harsher sanctions.

    In addition, the affected schools have been directed to pay a GHC 500 fine and be charged for any damage caused to any property or individual, or injury that was caused.

    GES said, “…….liable to a fine of Five hundred Ghana cedis (GhC500.00). b. surcharged to pay for the cost of any damage/injury to Property or Individual, which shall be determined by a Committee based on the extent of the damage/injury,” urging authorities of the affected schools to caution all their students, both old and new, to avoid further sanctions.

    “Please ensure that your students, staff, old students and other supporters adhere to all rules and regulations governing GES and ERSCSA to avoid any further disciplinary actions. Management counts on your cooperation,” GES added.

    The ban by the GES comes barely a week after a student of Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH) was hospitalised and given medical care after a violent attack by some Form Two students of New Juaben Senior High School during a clash at the Eastern Regional Inter-Schools Sports Festival in Koforidua.

    According to reports, the victim, identified as Jerome Appiah, was eating waakye on his way to campus when the Juaben students attacked him with a machete, leaving him with a deep wound to the shoulder and bleeding profusely.

    This prompted fears of reprisal attacks and heightened security concerns. Police intervened and quickly ushered Jerome to the Eastern Regional Hospital, where he was receiving treatment and was said to be in stable condition.

    To prevent an escalation, the Headmaster of Koforidua SECTECH, Emmanuel Frimpong Benjabeng, joined by other teachers, rushed to the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre, where the inter-schools sports festival was being held.

    However, while the headmaster was in an engagement with the New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, Mustapha Haruna Appiah, he was informed that further disturbances had broken out, forcing him to leave the meeting abruptly.

    Later, it emerged that a teacher of SECTECH, Henry Kudiabor, had also sustained a head injury after being struck by a flying stone during clashes involving students of Nsutam Senior High Technical School, who were allegedly pelting stones.

    The New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, Mustapha Haruna Appiah, expressed concern over the recurring violence and called on the police and event organisers to investigate the incident thoroughly and tighten security to prevent further attacks.

    This added to a worrying trend of rising indiscipline and violent confrontations among students in Ghanaian schools, particularly second-cycle schools nationwide.

    Last year was marked by at least five major violent incidents recorded between January and July 2025, from Kinbu’s teacher assault to Nalerigu’s fatal shootings.

  • Fire sweeps through Gambaga Witches Camp, destroying five rooms in suspected bushfire incident

    Fire sweeps through Gambaga Witches Camp, destroying five rooms in suspected bushfire incident

    One of Ghana’s oldest settlements, Gambaga Witches Camp in the North East Region, has been engulfed by fire, ravaging five rooms following a suspected bush fire trigger.

    The inferno spread rapidly and threatened an eight-room block at the camp.

    However, reports from fire officers at Gambaga Fire Station indicate that they received a distress call and promptly responded, leading to the salvage of three other rooms.

    Sources at the scene, however, noted that the fire had caused greater damage to the structures before the emergency responders arrived. They attributed this to a delayed distress call and poor road access to the area. The surrounding bushland, already ablaze, further complicated efforts to control the flames.

    No casualties were reported.

    Authorities have yet to conduct a full assessment of the extent of the damage, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.

    Meanwhile, reports from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported 377 fire outbreaks in the Northern Region in 2025, compared to 373 in 2024, only a slight increase in cases.

    Situated in Gambaga township in Ghana’s North East Region, the Gambaga Witches Camp has stood for more than two centuries as a refuge for people accused of witchcraft. It is one of several such camps in northern Ghana, but Gambaga remains the oldest and most widely known.

    The camp is home to about 100 women who live in roughly 25 round huts. Facilities are extremely basic, with no health services or indoor plumbing. Residents survive through subsistence farming and small-scale trading, while protection is offered by the local chief and earth priest, who oversee rituals and provide sanctuary.

    Most of the women are elderly, often widows, who have been accused of witchcraft by relatives or communities. These accusations typically follow misfortunes such as illness, death, crop failure, or other unexplained events. In some cases, the women suffer from mental illness, which remains poorly understood and stigmatized in Ghana. Once accused, they are ostracized and often flee for their lives to Gambaga.

    Belief in witchcraft is deeply rooted in parts of Ghana, where it serves as a traditional explanation for misfortune. Accusations can also be a form of scapegoating or a way to settle family disputes. The camp therefore represents both protection from violence and exile from society.

    Human rights groups have long criticized witch camps as violations of dignity and freedom, calling for their closure and the reintegration of women into society. Yet for many of the women in Gambaga, the camp remains the only place where they feel safe.

    Fire cases in Ghana since last year

    A fierce fire ravaged seven container shops at Spintex, Accra, around the Marina, in the early hours of Saturday, February 7.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), it received a distress call at about 12:01 a.m. But was unable to respond immediately due to a faulty fire engine at the Kasapreko Fire Station, which is closest to the scene. As a result, the Tema Motorway Fire Engine was dispatched as the base pump.

    In a Facebook post, the GNFS explained that it had to deploy three fire tenders from the Motorway, Tema Metro, and Tema Industrial Area Fire Stations to bring the blaze under control.

    The firefighting team, led by ADO I Derrick Sarkodie, arrived at the scene at 12:19 a.m. to find the fire already at an advanced stage and spreading rapidly. However, a coordinated and tactical operation by the firefighters brought the fire under control, and by 4:32 a.m., it had been completely extinguished.

    The affected shops included seven container shops housing furniture, tailoring, and grocery businesses, along with their contents. No casualties were recorded.

    Firefighters also reported that they prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures, including Marina Mall, and successfully protected a car garage containing more than 35 vehicles, as well as several adjoining shops and nearby residential buildings.

    The GNFS said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

    Per reports, Greater Accra has recorded about five fire incidents, with the Spintex fire being the latest. The Ashanti Region, on the other hand, has seen an alarming number of fire incidents since January 1, recording about 132 cases, a decline from the 187 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

    A fire outbreak on Monday evening, February 2, partially destroyed the girls’ dormitory at Pong Tamale Senior High School in northern Ghana.

    According to reports, the fire originated from the washrooms and later spread through other parts, triggering panic among students.

    Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. Pong Tamale Senior High School has become the latest second-cycle institution in northern Ghana to record a fire outbreak.

    A fire broke out at Tolon Senior High School in the Northern Region on Monday, February 2, destroying parts of a dormitory. Nearly 900 female students were displaced following a fire at Tolon Senior High School in the region.

    The recurring of fire incidents have raised concerns, Ghana recorded over 3,595 fire incidents nationwide in the first half of 2025, with regional breakdowns showing hundreds of cases across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Central Regions.

    Barely a week into the New Year, some Kasoa residents had their stalls completely burnt after a fire ravaged stalls in a major outbreak at the Kasoa New Market on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call was received around 4:50 p.m., after which the Kasoa Fire Station swiftly reached the scene, only to find the fire at a very advanced stage.

    The fire was spreading so rapidly that fire tenders had to immediately call for reinforcement from Weija, Anyaa, Dansoman, Industrial Area, Flagstaff House, Madina, and Swedru fire stations.

    After about two hours of firefighting, the tenders managed to extinguish the flames at 6:52 p.m., brought the fire under control at 7:52 p.m., and fully extinguished it by 10:00 p.m.

  • Alpha Hour auditorium fire: Police release details on arson suspect

    Alpha Hour auditorium fire: Police release details on arson suspect

    The Ghana Police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with an arson attack on the Grace Town Power Ministry Headquarters, popularly known as Alpha Hour, located within the Mile 7 District under the Tesano Division.

    The police, in a formal statement signed by Ms Juliana Obeng, Superintendent of Police and Head of Public Affairs, Accra Region
    , revealed that the suspect, a woman identified as Kesse Okyerewaa Koranteng, “unlawfully entered the church premises, sprinkled petrol in the auditorium, and set the place on fire.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect entered the church auditorium with a liquid substance contained in rubber containers, sprinkled the substance within the auditorium, and ignited it using matches, resulting in an outbreak of fire.”

    Okyerewaa’s action led to the destruction of items, such as “air conditioners, chairs, windows, ten (10) offering boxes, ceiling materials, electrical cables, and the lighting system.”

    They confirmed that, upon their visit to the scene, they retrieved four (4) rubber containers suspected to have been used in committing the offence.”

    Consequently, she has been warned and is currently in police custody.
    “The suspect has been cautioned and is currently in Police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations, ” the statement added.

    The Accra Regional Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safety and security and has urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the police promptly.

    Earlier reports suggested that, the woman was captured on CCTV footage pouring a liquid believed to be petrol on chairs near the church’s altar and the one-way entry point to the office of the church’s founder and leader, Pastor Elvis Agyemang.

    According to reports, she joined congregants in the church during a prayer session and pretended to be praying.

    Personnel monitoring the CCTV cameras spotted her suspicious act and quickly alerted the church’s security team. Before security personnel could arrest the woman, she had already set fire to the chairs, which were burnt alongside a standing air conditioner and about four wooden offering boxes.

    However, their swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to the pastor’s office, averting potential risk to lives.

    In reaction to the incident, Alpha Hour convener Pastor Elvis Agyemang announced an indefinite suspension of all physical prayer meetings at the auditorium.

    He assured congregants that steps would be taken to restore the facility, stressing that the incident would not derail the ministry’s spiritual activities.

    “This will not stop us. We will fix the place, and prayers will continue,” Pastor Agyemang said, adding that the auditorium had suffered several attacks in recent times.

    He further disclosed that last year, individuals were captured on CCTV allegedly spreading powders, strange substances and bringing idols into the auditorium.

    Police are expected to investigate the matter further as the suspect remains in custody.

    About Alpha Hour

    Alpha Hour started on February 8 2022, by Pastor Elvis Agyemang, head of Grace Mountain Ministries in Accra.

    According to him, the prayer movement was birthed after he saw vision of people sleeping during a meeting , prompting an urge for a wake upfelt called to “wake them up.”

    The name “Alpha” was chosen to signify the beginning, and the prayers were set at 12:00 a.m. GMT to symbolize starting the day with God.

    Their first meeting was held on Zoom with a few hundred participants joining, to other social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to reach a wider audience as they particpants grew. From that small start, the prayer movement has expanded to an estimated 80,000 devices globally.

    By July 2023, Alpha Hour had gained so much popularity that, about 30 radio and TV stations across Ghana were broadcasting, making it purely accessible to people without internet access to connect. Currently, Alpha Hour has a dedicated TV station to provide a 24/7 platform for Alpha Hour prayers, sermons, and Christian content.

    Meanwhile, not only does the Alpha Hour lead people to Christ he is also involved in philantropic activities.

    In 2023, he built three school blocks for two underprivileged communities in the country. These communities, Aglakope and Korlekope, located in the Oti Region, received the much-needed infrastructure to support education.

    The move by the renowned televangelist, was targeted at uplifting the lives of school children who previously studied in deteriorating structures.

    In addition to the completed projects, it was revealed that the pastor is currently involved in the construction of another school block in Ablekuma. Netizens showered praise on the pastor for his philanthropic endeavours, applauding his commitment to making a tangible difference in these communities.

  • Dr Bawumia’s speaking style: What it reveals about political communication – The microphone matters

    Dr Bawumia’s speaking style: What it reveals about political communication – The microphone matters

    Politics is not only about policy. It is performance. It is tone, timing, posture, and presence. It is the quiet language of gestures and the subtle choreography between a speaker and the microphone in their hand.

    In modern politics, where every speech is clipped, replayed, memed, and dissected, non-verbal communication is no longer background noise. It is the message.

    Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, is widely recognized for his data-driven rhetoric and economic arguments. His speeches often lean heavily on statistics, structure, and analytical framing.

    Yet beyond the substance lies a stylistic detail that has sparked discussion among communication observers: his tendency, at times, to hold the microphone very close to his mouth.

    This may appear minor. It is not. In high-stakes political communication, the smallest physical choices can shape perception in outsized ways.

    Why Microphone Technique Matters in Politics

    A microphone is not merely an amplification device. It is a psychological bridge between leader and listener.

    Research in communication theory consistently shows that audiences assess credibility not just through content, but through delivery, vocal modulation, facial expression, posture, and control of space. In political psychology, these non-verbal signals contribute to perceptions of competence, dominance, warmth, and authority.

    When a speaker holds a microphone extremely close to the mouth, several things happen: the sound becomes more intimate and sometimes compressed. Breathing and plosive sounds (like “p” and “b”) become more pronounced.

    The visual frame narrows, with the face partially obscured by the microphone. Gestural freedom is reduced if one hand is fixed in a rigid position. These are technical factors, but they ripple outward into perception. For a presidential candidate, perception is currency.

    Audience Perception: Intensity or Tension?

    Holding a microphone very close to the mouth can project intensity. It may suggest focus, urgency, or seriousness, particularly in rally-style environments where emotional appeal is central.

    However, in more formal settings—policy forums, international stages, and presidential debates—the same posture can unintentionally convey tension or guardedness. It visually shrinks the communicative space. Instead of an expansive leader addressing a nation, the image becomes tighter, more compressed.

    Leadership communication, globally, tends to favour openness. Barack Obama often allowed space between the microphone and mouth, maintaining visible facial expression and relaxed jaw movement.

    Angela Merkel, known for precision, typically used podium microphones, minimising hand interference. Even leaders who prefer handheld microphones, such as Emmanuel Macron in town-hall settings, maintain moderate distance, preserving vocal clarity and facial openness.

    The visual metaphor matters. Distance from the microphone signals comfort. Comfort signals control. Control signals authority.

    Professional broadcast standards, whether in political speeches or media interviews, typically recommend holding a handheld microphone approximately 5 to 10 centimeters from the mouth, angled slightly to avoid direct airflow. This reduces distortion and preserves tonal balance.

    Dr. Bawumia is known for a measured speaking pace and structured argumentation. His voice, naturally steady and composed, benefits from clarity. When microphone proximity compresses that clarity, it risks undermining the precision of his message, particularly when presenting economic data that requires sharp articulation.

    In political communication, clarity is credibility. A candidate emphasizing economic competence must ensure that technical delivery matches intellectual rigor. Even minor distortion can subconsciously erode perceived polish.

    Confidence and Authority: Body Language Signals

    Confidence in leadership is communicated as much through posture as through policy. A relaxed arm, an open palm, controlled pacing across a stage—these project mastery of space.

    When a microphone is held very close and tightly, it can restrict gestural range. The speaker’s upper body may appear constrained, reducing visual dynamism. When the microphone obscures part of the face or limits gestural flow, visual authority may diminish subtly. Not dramatically, but perceptibly.

    News Subscription Service
    This is not about flaw. It is about optimization. At the presidential level, communication is performance art backed by strategy. Every detail matters.

    The Presidential Image: Optics in a Digital Age

    In today’s media environment, speeches are consumed less as live experiences and more as short video clips on smartphones. That means camera framing amplifies micro-details.

    If a microphone consistently dominates the lower half of the face in photographs or clips, it affects brand imagery. Presidential branding requires visual consistency, composure, and statesmanship.

    Globally, presidential hopefuls often rely more heavily on podium-mounted or lapel microphones during formal addresses. These free the hands, maintain facial visibility, and project institutional gravitas. Handheld microphones are common in rallies or community engagements, but even there, the most seasoned leaders modulate proximity to maintain vocal quality and visual balance.

    Political branding operates on repetition. If a certain posture becomes recurrent, it becomes part of the brand—intentionally or not. The question, then, is strategic: Does the microphone technique reinforce the image of a calm, presidential technocrat? Or does it introduce subtle visual tension inconsistent with that brand? Communication excellence is often about refinement, not reinvention.

    The Broader Lesson: Presentation Shapes Political Memory

    Voters rarely remember entire speeches. They remember impressions. They remember whether a candidate seemed calm or tense, open or guarded, commanding or restrained. These impressions are formed in seconds, often before a single statistic is processed.

    Political communication is, at its highest level, brand architecture. Substance builds the foundation. Style constructs the façade. Both must align.

    Dr. Bawumia’s strength lies in structured, data-informed argumentation. Refining microphone technique—ensuring clarity, openness, and relaxed authority—would not change his message. It would amplify it. In a presidential race, amplification is everything.

    The microphone is small, but symbolic. It represents the bridge between leader and nation. How it is held, how it frames the face, how it shapes the voice—these are not cosmetic concerns. They are strategic elements of political branding.

    Critiquing microphone technique is not trivial nitpicking. It is recognition that in contemporary politics, every gesture communicates. For any presidential contender anywhere in the world, the path to commanding trust runs through disciplined communication. Vocal clarity strengthens authority. Open posture enhances confidence. Professional presentation reinforces institutional readiness.

    In the end, politics is persuasion. And persuasion is as much about how something is said as what is said. The microphone, then, is not just equipment. It is image. It is presence. It is power.

    Author: Shadrach Assan

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Police gun down suspected armed robber linked to Labone robberies in shootout

    Police gun down suspected armed robber linked to Labone robberies in shootout

    Police have gunned down an armed robber identified as Clement Kofi Aidoo, also known as Yaw, Paddy, and Joseph Abequaye, during a police operation at Danso near Bawjiase in the Awutu Senya District.

    This comes after police investigations into a violent robbery attack in Labone.

    Police said the incident occurred in the early hours of February 6, 2026, after the suspect allegedly resisted arrest.

    “Upon spotting the officers, the suspect jumped through a window, wielding a sharp cutlass, and attempted to attack them. Our officers opened fire, critically injuring him,” a police source said.

    The suspect was pronounced dead by doctors when they arrived at the hospital.

    According to the police, this operation comes on the back of a petition filed on January 30 by the Inspector-General of Police to the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in reaction to a robbery reported by 77-year-old Madam Christiana Frimpong, who reported that she was attacked by armed men in her Labone home on December 4, 2025.

    She said the armed men bolted with her Toyota Hilux pickup (GW 9834-25), an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and other belongings after they blinded her with a bplyythene bag and tied her legs and hands together.

    Some of her belongings were later discovered by the police during the operation. Among the recovered items were the stolen Hilux, several documents, the complainant’s mobile phone, and identification cards, including a Voter ID and a Police ID card belonging to G/Sgt Daniel Kusi Appiah of the Kaneshie Divisional Headquarters.

    A probe into how the sergeant card was found as part of the recovered items indicated that the suspect was a domestic worker through the KKN Domestic and Recruitment Agency who had been working at his residence since November 1, 2025. He allegedly stole his Toyota Camry (GC 123-12), police and voter ID cards, GH¢12,200 in cash, and other personal items while assisting him at Ridge Hospital on November 14.

    72 days after stealing the car, he was spotted driving it in his hometown, Bontroase, in the Central Region. However, he later abandoned the vehicle at Kojoacquah Village during a hot pursuit by the police.

    The police are continuing investigations to determine whether the deceased suspect had accomplices involved in the Labone attack and other reported robberies.

    In recent years, the Police Service has made significant progress in tackling robberies and prosecuting offenders. In September, the Ghana Police Service arrested ten individuals and shot three others dead in its efforts to crack down on a series of violent rural bank robberies across the country.

    Authorities alleged that the 15-member gang has been behind a series of robberies in the Ahafo, Western, Central, Eastern, and Ashanti Regions.

    On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:30 am, the ring invaded the Saint Martin’s De Porres Cooperative Credit Union with pump-action guns and AK-47 rifles.

    They escaped the premises with cash after holding the security guard and his wife hostage.

    Briefing the media on Wednesday, September 24, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Lydia Yaako Donkor, said the police recovered a large cache of weapons, vehicles, and valuables following the operation.

    One of their AK-47 rifles has been traced to one Corporal Francis Adu Yaw of the Tepa District. The said police officer was killed on November 29, 2024, by armed robbers on the Bibiani-Goaso highway.

    The items seized included three AK-47 assault rifles; one single-barrel gun with one AAA round; seven pump-action guns with 96 rounds of AAA ammunition; three Bruni pistols with 40 rounds of ammunition; one M&P pistol with four rounds of ammunition; cash amounting to GH¢18,845, $104, 190 Liberian dollars, ₦5,800, and CFA 31,000; a quantity of assorted Ghanaian coins; six vehicles; four motorbikes; and several mobile phones and pieces of jewellery.

    According to the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the gang’s operations were successfully undercovered after six months of sustained intelligence operations.

    “Through sustained intelligence operations, the Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled the notorious criminal syndicate who have been behind several robberies in various regions of the country,” she stated.

    In August this year, Service announced the retrieval of items used by a gang of armed men during a gold shop robbery at Mpohor in the Western Region over the weekend.

    Weapons, ammunition, clothing, and other materials were among the exhibits. According to a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 19, the police stated that the retrieved items would aid in the ongoing investigation into the case.

    Also, on July 30, a shootout between suspected armed robbers and police officers at Atebubu in the Bono East Region led to the death of two suspects.

    According to the Ghana Police Service, the patrol team encountered a robbery attack on commuters along the Atebubu Highway. The suspects opened fire on the officers upon sighting them. Those struck during the exchange were rushed to a hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival, while others escaped into nearby bushes.

    A search of the scene led to the retrieval of a shotgun loaded with two live cartridges, four spent cartridges, and a machete. Intensive efforts are still underway to apprehend the fugitives, police confirmed.

    On July 15, an intelligence-led operation by the Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) foiled a robbery attempt by five armed men targeting a foreign national at Cantonments. Police received credible intelligence that the men were lodging at a hotel in Labadi.

    While en route in a Toyota Yaris vehicle, the suspects opened fire on a police team after detecting surveillance. An officer sustained gunshot wounds, and in the ensuing shootout, two suspects died after being rushed to the Ghana Police Hospital.

    The injured officer, who suffered gunshot wounds to his arm and legs, has been hospitalized and is responding to treatment. Police retrieved two pump-action guns loaded with ammunition, live cartridges, three mobile phones, talismans, and other items from the scene.

  • GRA disputes dealers’ claim of price hikes under new VAT regime

    GRA disputes dealers’ claim of price hikes under new VAT regime

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected claims by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Traders Association that the new tax regime under the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), puts a financial burden on both customers and traders.

    In a press statement issued on Tuesday, February 10, GRA explained that the traders are making these claims because they lack “fundamental understanding” of how the revised tax system works.

    Under the previous 4% flat rate scheme, traders paid 21.9% input VAT on purchases, which was non-deductible and therefore embedded in their cost structure.

    Under the new regime, the standard VAT rate is 20%, and input VAT is fully deductible. According to the GRA, this reduces the effective cost base for traders.

    Using an illustrative example of a GH¢500 product with a 20% profit margin, the Authority showed that under the old system, the final consumer price would be GH¢760.66, also, the new system, the final price would be GH¢720.

    Explaining further, GRA noted that, if businesses correctly subtract the VAT they already paid on the goods they bought (called input VAT) before charging customers, the new tax system should actually make the final price lower, not higher.

    “The appearance of higher prices is the result of traders applying the new 20% output VAT on top of a cost base that still includes non-deductible input VAT,” the statement said.

    Under the new structure, businesses declare input and output VAT in the same return and remit only the difference.

    GRA also addressed traders’ concerns on the VAT registration limit. The traders claimed that turnover of over GH¢750,000 is required to register for VAT and charge 20% at the point of sale, while those below the threshold can sell at lower prices, as sourcing from the same importer, for which reason they are unable to claim their money back.

    Non-registered traders (small businesses below the threshold) still pay 20% VAT when they buy goods. But they cannot claim that money back. Registered traders also pay VAT when they buy goods, but they can claim it back (deduct it), so their real cost becomes lower.

    Even so, the GRA says that in the end, both types of traders would sell the item at the same final price, GH¢720 in the GH¢500 example.

    GRA continued that the new system comes with numerous benefits, including a reduction in the overall effective tax rate from 21.9% to 20%, abolition of the 1% COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, full ull deductibility of input VAT, including NHIL and GETFund levies, elimination of cascading “tax-on-tax” effects, lower cost of doing business due to removal of embedded VAT in cost structures simplified and unified VAT system, higher registration threshold to ease compliance for small traders.

    According to the Authority, a trader’s cost on a GH¢500 item falls from GH¢609.50 under the old regime to GH¢500 under the new system, a reduction of nearly 18%.

    GRA also contends that the increased prices currently being faced are a result of transitional pricing errors, not the policy itself.

    Transitional pricing errors refer to temporary mistakes or distortions in how new prices are calculated and applied during the shift from one pricing system to another.

    “The price increases currently being observed are the result of a failure to remove now-deductible input VAT from cost calculations,” the Authority added.

    To support businesses during the transition, the GRA has established a joint technical team with the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) to guide VAT record-keeping, input tax claims, and correct pricing structures. The Authority said it is prepared to extend similar support to the Abossey Okai traders and other groups.

    The new VAT regime forms part of broader tax reforms aimed at simplifying compliance, improving transparency, and reducing embedded costs within Ghana’s tax system.

    GRA’s detailed breakdown of how the new tax regime works comes a few days after Abossey Okai spare parts dealers threatened a one-week strike over the new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime under the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151).

    The dealers, in a statement shared on Friday, February 8, and signed by the Head of Communications, Takyi Addo, called for a review of the new VAT rate of 20 percent or risk embarking on a strike in protest against the new tax regime.

    “This imbalance penalises growth, efficiency, and compliance, while unintentionally rewarding fragmentation and informality,” parts of the statement said.

    Even though they acknowledged the government’s efforts to expand the tax net to accrue revenue for national development and economic growth, the Association proposed either a reduced VAT rate of 5–8 percent for spare parts or a simplified sector-specific VAT scheme at a flat rate of 3 percent, applied uniformly regardless of whether goods are imported or sourced locally.

    The group argued that such measures would restore price competitiveness, encourage voluntary compliance, protect formal businesses, and ultimately increase net revenue by reducing tax leakage through informality.

    The Association concluded by urging the government to review the VAT rate and structure for the spare parts sector, emphasising that larger, compliant businesses should not be disadvantaged.

    “We respectfully request a review of the VAT rate and structure as applied to the spare parts sector and remain open to further engagement on this matter,” the statement said.

    The government is scheduled to launch a mobile application soon, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has revealed.

    According to him, the app, which is currently being developed, is intended to ensure transparent pricing and easy nationwide access to spare parts, following consistent complaints from drivers about disparities in spare parts prices, which have hindered transport fare reductions despite a drop in fuel prices.

    Mr Nikpe announced this in an appearance on Accra-based radio station Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on Thursday, February 5.

  • Non-teaching university unions reject GTEC’s new retirement policy, says it’s unfair

    Non-teaching university unions reject GTEC’s new retirement policy, says it’s unfair

    Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)’s reviewed retirement policy has been vehemently rejected by a group of non-teaching unions in Ghana’s public universities.

    The tertiary education regulator’s new retirement policy requires strict enforcement of compulsory retirement at age 60 for non-teaching employees, prohibiting post-retirement contracts or extensions for these staff, unlike what is sometimes granted to academic staff.

    Reacting to the directive, which was issued through an official statement and signed by the tertiary education regulator’s Director-General, Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and dated February 6, the leaders of some non-teaching unions, including Michael Owusu Ansah, George Ansong, Stanley Abopaam, Salamatu Braimah, Ken Yelibo and Gerard Anamjonga, in a rejoinder described the new policy as “unfair, arbitrary and discriminatory”.

    They warned that a refusal to withdraw it may disrupt the academic calendar, adding that GTEC did not consult them before developing such a critical policy, which significantly affects them and other persons of interest.

    They insist that the policy is being imposed on them, hence the need for a withdrawal.

    They also rejected the impression that non-teaching employees do not matter in the governance and management of public universities.

    According to the statement, the policy seeks to amend existing conditions of service and university statutes that allow staff to roll over their retirement to the end of the academic year.

    The unions argued that universities have already issued retirement letters to staff, indicating the dates they are expected to exit, and that these notices have shaped how affected workers have planned their lives and prepared for retirement in line with the academic calendar.

    They described the new directive as an “offence” to staff who have made retirement plans based on the earlier timelines.

    The unions have therefore issued a two-week ultimatum, warning that if the policy is not withdrawn within that period and staff are forced to retire in their month of birth instead of at the end of the academic year, they will “advise themselves.”

    The statement concluded with a call for urgent action to prevent tensions and avoid disruptions to activities at Ghana’s public universities.

    Meanwhile, calls to remove the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, have intensified, with the University of Development Studies (UDS) branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) joining the fray.

    In an engagement with the media on Thursday, January 29, Dr Kamaldeen Yussif indicated that although Professor Jinapor has made some positive contributions, there are still issues elsewhere. According to him, the Director-General of GTEC has consistently ignored calls to address these concerns. “Our argument wasn’t that he has not done anything good. He’s sanitised the academic landscape, and he’s fast-tracked accreditation processes. However, there are some issues that we’ve consistently engaged with him to change so that we will work together amicably. Still, the director and the deputy have insisted over and over again to work beyond what is established for them,” Dr Yussif said.

    Last month, the UG branch of UTAG threatened to embark on an industrial action or petition the office of the Chief of Staff if Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and his Deputy, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, do not resign preemptively by January 31, 2026.

    The lecturers’ union made this demand in a strongly worded 4-page document dated January 19, signed by its president and secretary, Dr Jerry Joe Harrison and Dr Godfred B. Hagan, respectively, which accused the GTEC bosses of ignoring deep problems in universities, overstepping their legal authority, weakening university governance, and making harmful policy decisions.

    “UTAG-UG calls on the DG, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, DDG, Prof. Augustine Ocloo, to resign honourably by 31st of January 2026. Failure to do so will result in (a) a petition to the Chief-of-Staff for their removal, (b) industrial action if necessary”, parts of the statement noted.

    According to them, while the tertiary regulator is mandated to seek the interest of tertiary schools in Ghana, it has rather shifted its focus to what the association described as “tangential and sometimes frivolous actions,” including pursuing individuals with alleged fake degrees, while ignoring systemic challenges affecting public tertiary education in Ghana.

    It went on to question GTEC’s legal mandate, particularly its involvement in the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong. According to UG-UTAG, the conduct of the public tertiary education regulator has severely affected the quality of education in Ghana.

    Consequently, it went on to school GTEC on its mandate, noting that, “GTEC appears to have lost its way and is now being used to settle scores. Instead of promoting good governance in public tertiary education institutions, it engages in actions that undermine it. For instance, under what legal mandate did GTEC remove the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong? If GTEC claims regulatory authority, which specific provision in Act 1023 empowers such an Intervention?

    “There is clear confusion at GTEC’s leadership level regarding its advisory versus regulatory roles. Under the advisory role, GTEC is enjoined to “recommend standards and norms on governance, financing, academic programmes, staff costs, accommodation and time utilisation, for the approval of the Minister”.

    GTEC announced a freeze on the accreditation of new programmes in General Nursing at both diploma and bachelor’s degree levels.

    The tertiary regulator revealed this in a statement on Thursday, Feb 6, explaining that the move is aimed at aligning training with national health-sector needs before allowing more institutions to add programmes.

    “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, acting in accordance with its regulatory and accreditation mandates under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), and guided by national human resource development priorities, hereby announces a suspension of the accreditation of new General Nursing programmes at both diploma and bachelor’s degree levels,” parts of the statement read.

    The Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), is the law that restructured Ghana’s education regulatory framework. It merged the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) and the National Accreditation Board (NAB) into the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and also established the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). Its purpose is to regulate, coordinate, and ensure quality in tertiary and technical education.

    It continued that, “Accordingly, all tertiary education institutions are hereby notified that GTEC will not receive, process, or consider any new application for General Nursing (diploma or bachelor’s degree) programmes until further notice.”

  • ATM usage declines by 18% as Ghanaians choose faster, more Reliable MoMo – Report

    ATM usage declines by 18% as Ghanaians choose faster, more Reliable MoMo – Report

    Ghanaians are choosing convenience, speed and reliability as many shift from physical cash to digital access to their money. This was revealed in the 2025 KPMG West Africa Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey.

    The findings from the survey indicate that use of ATM saw a sharp decline of 16 percent in 2025, down from 34 percent in 2024, underscoring a decisive shift in how Ghanaians access and move money.

    Mobile money transactions, on the other hand, surged to 80 percent in the same year, marking the highest level recorded in the last 3 years and the highest level since 2022 and 7 percentage points higher than last year. 

    According to the report, banks, telcos and fintechs have observed that many customers prefer to transact while considering convenience, speed and reliability over physical access to physical cash provided by ATM now.

    Banking apps remain the second most popular way people access their money, but they are under growing pressure as customer usage has declined compared to previous years. Weekly usage dropped from 50% in 2024 to 44%, showing that for the second year in a row, people are turning away from bank apps, likely in favour of mobile money and other alternatives.

    This KPMG says has become a major case for concern as bank mobile apps are intended to be the primary digital relationship channel for banks. However, in a swift turn of events, customers have reported improved satisfaction, with ease of use and system availability rising by two points to 81.4 and 80.7, respectively, in 2025.

    Also, USSD banking continues to hold its place in Ghana’s banking ecosystem, given its inclusivity, reliability and internet-free feature. The survey reports that about 26 percent of respondents use USSD weekly, particularly to check bank balances, make airtime purchases, and fund transfers.

    In addition, while ATMs are seemingly fading out; loosing its relevance to digital alternatives, KPMG notes that they have not disappeared entirely as customers still visit them for occasional cash needs, adding that it remains among the top three monthly channels for Millennial customers.

    Overall, the digital trends emerging from the survey point to a clear and urgent reality: customers are no longer impressed by the number of channels available; they are rewarding the few that work best. Convenience, reliability, security and transparency now define digital excellence.

    CSA warn MoMo users about  Whatsapp malware campaign 

    Meanwhile, the Cyber Security Authority issued a public alert warning of a malware campaign that targeted WhatsApp Web users on Windows computers, with the potential to compromise banking and other sensitive financial information.

    The Authority said the attack was aimed at spreading a banking malware known as Astaroth, which exploited the trust and widespread use of WhatsApp to deceive users into downloading malicious files, exposing individuals and organisations to serious financial risks.

    In a statement released on its official Facebook page, the Cyber Security Authority explained that the malware took advantage of the popularity of WhatsApp to lure victims into opening harmful files.

    “The malware takes advantage of the popularity and trust people place in WhatsApp to trick users into downloading malicious files. Once installed, it is capable of stealing banking details, login credentials, and other sensitive data, putting both individuals and organisations at serious financial risk,” the statement said.

    According to the Authority, the attack usually began when victims received malicious ZIP files through WhatsApp messages. These files were often disguised as legitimate documents or shared content, encouraging users to download and open them. Once the ZIP file was extracted and executed on a Windows device, the Astaroth malware was installed.

    The Authority noted that after installation, the malware secretly connected to WhatsApp Web, retrieved the victim’s contact list and automatically sent similar malicious messages to all contacts, enabling the malware to spread without the user’s knowledge.

    It added that the malware operated in the background to harvest sensitive information, including banking login credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs), browser cookies and keystrokes. This stolen data could then be used to gain unauthorised access to financial accounts, commit fraud and support other criminal activities.

    As part of its recommendations, the Cyber Security Authority urged users to be cautious when downloading or opening ZIP files or unexpected attachments received via WhatsApp, even if they appeared to come from known contacts. It cautioned that files requesting urgent action or downloads were common social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals.

    Users were also advised to regularly check active WhatsApp Web sessions and log out of any unfamiliar ones, avoid leaving WhatsApp Web signed in on shared or public computers, and keep Windows operating systems and installed applications updated with the latest security patches. The Authority further encouraged the use of reputable and up-to-date endpoint security software capable of detecting and blocking malware.

    The Cyber Security Authority advised the public to report cyber incidents to the Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact for assistance by calling or texting 292, sending a WhatsApp message to 0501603111, or emailing report@csa.gov.gh.

  • High Court rejects Gifty Oware’s application for Supreme Court referral 

    High Court rejects Gifty Oware’s application for Supreme Court referral 

    Embattled former Deputy Executive Director of the National Service Authority (NSA), Gifty Oware-Mensah’s request seeking a halt and transfer of her trial to the Supreme Court has been rejected by the Accra High Court.

    This comes after she filed for a case transfer to the Supreme Court in early February, challenging the Practice Direction on Disclosure and Case Management Proceedings, 2018, contending that provisions requiring an accused person to disclose the names and addresses of witnesses at the case management stage violated the presumption of innocence under Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution.

    The application, filed by her lawyers led by Gary Nimako Marfo, was opposed by the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa, who maintained that the Practice Direction was consistent with the Constitution and designed to promote fair and expeditious trials.

    The court presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled on Tuesday, February 10, that the accused had not shown that “a genuine question has arisen for the matter to be referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation,” labelling her request as lacking merit.

    In reaction, the defence layer, Mr Nimako, mentioned that the defence would apply for the full reasons and advise their client on the next steps.

    “About the application for a referral having been dismissed, we will apply for the full copy of the reasons for the dismissal and advise the client as to the way forward,” revealing that a notice of appeal had already been filed in objection to an order forcing the accused to file her witness list, and a motion for stay of proceedings had also been filed.

    Justice Kocuvie-Tay consequently stayed proceedings and adjourned the case to February 18, 2026, to consider the application for stay.

    Ms Oware-Mensah has pleaded not guilty to charges including stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit and money laundering, in relation to the alleged GH¢38 million National Service ghost names scandal, and is currently on GH¢10 million bail.

    In December last year, Gifty Oware was fingered in fresh trouble alongside her former boss, Osei Assibey.

    This was after the Auditor-General’s (AG) office surcharged them to recover a whopping GH¢2.4 billion unlawfully paid from state coffers.

    According to the AG, the move was necessitated after a Technical and Forensic Audit of the National Service Authority (NSA) systems, which the office describes as a “well-orchestrated conspiracy”  with the Director-General, Osei Assibey Antwi, and his deputy, Gifty Oware-Mensah, being the masterminds behind the scheme.

    Consequently, the Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, has written to the officers involved to pay back the GH¢2.4 billion instead of justification.

    Speaking during an exclusive interview with Graphic Newspaper, Mr Akuamoah Asiedu revealed that, following investigations, “The evidence points to a deliberate and coordinated effort to create channels for the illegal siphoning of funds meant for National Service Personnel (NSP)”

    Consequently, he emphatically stated that “We are duty-bound to use every power under the law, particularly Article 187(7) of the 1992 Constitution, to recover every pesewa for the state”, stressing that the article empowers his surchanre process to be independent of any criminal court proceedings.

    According to the article,  “The Auditor-General may disallow any item of expenditure which is contrary to law and surcharge – (a) the amount of any expenditure disallowed upon the person responsible for incurring or authorising the expenditure; or (b) the amount of any loss or deficiency upon any person by whose negligence or misconduct the loss or deficiency has been incurred.”

    It will, therefore, run concurrently with the Attorney-General’s prosecution of the same persons in the court of law.

    Among the fraudulent schemes was a virtual marketplace created to allow NSPs to purchase goods on credit and pay with deductions from their allowances.

    The forensic audit found that the platform was nothing but a sophisticated engine for generating ghost payments.

    “Our forensic analysis reveals that all the supposed NSPs who bought from this marketplace and had their allowances paid to the vendors did not exist. It was a complete fiction,” Mr Akuamoah Asiedu disclosed.

    AG on NSA scandal

    A couple of months ago, Attorney-General (A-G) and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed that eight individuals, including three former officers of the National Service Authority (NSA), had admitted to their involvement in the misappropriation of funds at the National Service Scheme (NSS).

    Providing an update on the case as part of the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 28, Dr. Ayine disclosed that eight individuals want to plead guilty in exchange for lighter punishment in this regard.

    He explained that the office intended to file formal charges last week; however, it has been postponed following new revelations regarding the ongoing case.

    The new evidence, he noted, is tied to a Bank of Ghana account linked to former NSA Director-General, Mr. Osei Assibey, suggesting potential embezzlement involving public funds.

    According to him, a total of GH¢189 million was deposited into the account of Mr. Osei Assibey; however, GH¢80 million can not be accounted for.

    Furthermore, nearly GH¢2 million was allegedly withdrawn using two cheques that carried Mr. Assibey’s name and account information.

    The A-G has stated that the office has reached out to the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for further information and documentation.“The National Service Authority scandal case was due to be filed last week. However, we stumbled upon evidence of malfeasance involving an account at the Bank of Ghana.“Out of the GH¢189 million transferred, GH¢80 million cannot be traced. Two cheques linked to the former Director-General were used to withdraw just under GH¢2 million,” Dr. Ayine stated.

    He added that some of the accused have shown readiness to provide testimony against their fellow accused, with several vendors and service providers also reportedly willing to support the prosecution as witnesses.Earlier this year, a non-profit investigative body, The Fourth Estate, released a report into the payroll records from 2017 to 2023 and the 2024 National Service Year.

    The finding revealed serious irregularities within the NSA, uncovering how a 72-year-old Kenyan, Kwame Donkor, was wrongly listed as a beneficiary. Mr Donkor was enlisted on the payroll with a photo and not an official ID card, which is unusual.

    However, the photo belonged to Emmanuel Mutio, a Human Resource Manager at a private IT company in Kenya. The 72-year-old Kenyan had his name appear on the payroll 226 times as a registered beneficiary.

    The Fourth Estate initially uncovered the issue in November 2024, but the NSA obtained a court order preventing them from publishing the findings.

  • Ghana’s corruption score improves slightly to 43%, ranks 76th globally

    Ghana’s corruption score improves slightly to 43%, ranks 76th globally

    Ghana has seen a marginal decline in corruption, ranking 43 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index.

    This was contained in a report shared by Transparency International on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. According to the report, out of the 182 nations assessed, Ghana ranked 76th globally, but this, according to experts, indicates little to no improvement in Ghana’s fight against corruption.

    The 43% marks a one-point increase from the 42 recorded in 2024. However, according to the organisation’s methodology, this does not constitute a significant change.

    The organisation’s Board Chair, François Valérian, highlighted the need for local and international collaboration in tackling corruption.

    “In an interconnected world, we need both national action and multilateral cooperation to protect the public interest and tackle shared challenges like corruption. At a time when we’re seeing a dangerous disregard for international norms from some states, we need to protect a rules-based global order that is grounded in transparency, accountability to citizens and respect for human rights,” he said.

    Ghana has remained stuck at a CPI score of 43 since 2020, except for the dip to 42 last year. The country’s highest score was 48 in 2014, after which it experienced a downward trajectory until 2018.

    The assessment comes at a time when many still raise concerns about Ghana’s politicised judicial system and law enforcement agencies.

    The dismissal of the former Chief Justice, petitions for the removal of heads of independent institutions, and the discontinuation of corruption cases through a controversial 60:40 settlement arrangement have raised questions about executive interference.

    The “60:40 corruption case settlement arrangement” in Ghana refers to a controversial practice where corruption-related prosecutions were reportedly discontinued if the accused agreed to return 60% of the misappropriated funds while retaining 40%.

    This has created a decline in confidence in the government and the judicial system following a well-sold launch of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).

    Despite efforts by the Office of the Special Prosecutor to increase transparency in corruption investigations and prosecutions, the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Transparency International’s local chapter, says these measures have not made a significant impact.

    Global and regional context
    The report shows that corruption is increasing on a global scale, as countries that were ranked as having

    Globally, corruption is worsening even in mature democracies. The report indicates that about 12 countries that used to score over 80% over a decade ago have now seen a decline to just five countries this year, with the global average standing at 42 out of 100.

    Sub-Saharan Africa continues to rank lowest on the index with an average score of 32 out of 100. Ten of the region’s 49 countries have significantly deteriorated since 2012, while only seven have improved.

    To improve in the fight against corruption, Transparency International (TI)-Ghana has recommended expedite process be adopted to create anti-corruption courts, ensure the utmost independence of the Judicial system, free from Executive or Legislative interference, as well as expeditiously adopt the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan (NEACAP).

    TI also recommends that Parliament ensure the swift passage of the Community Tribunal Bill, review rules regulating political financial regulations and protect civic space and media freedom.

    The Community Tribunal Bill was part of Ghana’s judicial framework that established local tribunals for minor cases. These were later abolished in 2002 and replaced with District Courts, as part of reforms to strengthen and streamline the justice system.

    Other recommendations include cultural reorientation focused on ethics, promoting transparency in state regulatory agencies, and strengthening awareness among Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions of their anti-money laundering obligations.

    TI-Ghana stressed that the CPI serves as a warning signal, not a verdict, adding that defensive responses will not change perceptions.

    “With sustained political will and measurable reforms, Ghana can rebuild public trust and improve its anti-corruption outcomes over time,” the organisation stated.

    Meanwhile, a total of 280 corruption and corruption-related cases are currently under investigation, according to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

    He disclosed this during an interview on JoyNews on Monday, January 26, explaining that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) introduced Operation Uncover All Roots (ORAL) as a key initiative to promote accountability among public office holders.

    “The NDC tabled Operation Uncover All Roots as a proposition to the people as a main tool through which we will ensure that accountability is demanded from public office holders,” he said.

    According to him, since the government took office, significant steps have been taken to act on allegations of corruption. He disclosed that the Oral Preparatory Committee compiled information on 280 alleged cases and submitted a report to the Attorney General.

    “They presented a report with the 280 cases, and I can tell you that the Attorney General has commissioned investigations into each of them,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated.

    However, he said that the report itself could not be used to prosecute anyone without proper investigations.

    “The report itself could not have formed the basis for any legal action against anybody because they were just reports. I cannot simply say that because you have said something, then I hold someone and throw him into jail. It would not make sense.”

    Assessing Ghana’s fight against corruption, he said the scale of waste and abuse of public resources under the previous administration made a change in government unavoidable. “I think that it was obvious that there was simply too much waste, corruption, and theft of public resources,” he said.

    “You in the media were the ones who used to bombard us with corruption scandal after corruption scandal, and it got to a point where we simply became fatigued and came to the conclusion that there was a need to change government.”

    Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that progress has already been made on several of the cases. “I can tell you that more than 100 people have been held for questioning. Some have been arrested. Some were detained for some time. Some have been granted bail, and others, too, are in court,” he said.

    He added that more than 20 cases have reached an advanced stage. “There are over 20 cases whose dockets are almost done and will be going to court. The Attorney General has already proceeded to court on a number of those cases,” he noted.

    While acknowledging public impatience for quick results, the minister urged Ghanaians to respect due process.

  • Woman arrested after attempting to set Alpha Hour auditorium on fire

    Woman arrested after attempting to set Alpha Hour auditorium on fire

    A woman has been arrested after attempting to burn down the Alpha Hour church auditorium at Ofankor Barrier in Accra.

    The woman was captured on CCTV footage pouring a liquid believed to be petrol on chairs near the church’s altar and the one-way entry point to the office of the church’s founder and leader, Pastor Elvis Agyemang.

    According to reports, she joined congregants in the church during a prayer session and pretended to be praying.

    Personnel monitoring the CCTV cameras spotted her suspicious act and quickly alerted the church’s security team. Before security personnel could arrest the woman, she had already set fire to the chairs, which were burnt alongside a standing air conditioner and about four wooden offering boxes.

    However, their swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to the pastor’s office, averting potential risk to lives.

    In reaction to the incident, Alpha Hour convener Pastor Elvis Agyemang announced an indefinite suspension of all physical prayer meetings at the auditorium.

    He assured congregants that steps would be taken to restore the facility, stressing that the incident would not derail the ministry’s spiritual activities.

    “This will not stop us. We will fix the place, and prayers will continue,” Pastor Agyemang said, adding that the auditorium had suffered several attacks in recent times.

    He further disclosed that last year, individuals were captured on CCTV allegedly spreading powders, strange substances and bringing idols into the auditorium.

    Police are expected to investigate the matter further as the suspect remains in custody.

    See video below:

    About Alpha Hour

    Alpha Hour started on February 8 2022, by Pastor Elvis Agyemang, head of Grace Mountain Ministries in Accra.

    According to him, the prayer movement was birthed after he saw vision of people sleeping during a meeting , prompting an urge for a wake upfelt called to “wake them up.”

    The name “Alpha” was chosen to signify the beginning, and the prayers were set at 12:00 a.m. GMT to symbolize starting the day with God.

    Their first meeting was held on Zoom with a few hundred participants joining, to other social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to reach a wider audience as they particpants grew. From that small start, the prayer movement has expanded to an estimated 80,000 devices globally.

    By July 2023, Alpha Hour had gained so much popularity that, about 30 radio and TV stations across Ghana were broadcasting, making it purely accessible to people without internet access to connect. Currently, Alpha Hour has a dedicated TV station to provide a 24/7 platform for Alpha Hour prayers, sermons, and Christian content.

    Meanwhile, not only does the Alpha Hour lead people to Christ he is also involved in philantropic activities.

    In 2023, he built three school blocks for two underprivileged communities in the country. These communities, Aglakope and Korlekope, located in the Oti Region, received the much-needed infrastructure to support education.

    The move by the renowned televangelist, was targeted at uplifting the lives of school children who previously studied in deteriorating structures.

    In addition to the completed projects, it was revealed that the pastor is currently involved in the construction of another school block in Ablekuma. Netizens showered praise on the pastor for his philanthropic endeavours, applauding his commitment to making a tangible difference in these communities.

  • Joan Laporta steps down as Barca president

    Joan Laporta steps down as Barca president

    Joan Laporta has stepped down as Barcelona’s president. His resignation is in line with the club’s statutes, which require that the incumbent president and any board members who wish to re-contest in elections must first resign from their positions.

    Article 42.f of the club’s statutes is intended to ensure that the electoral process is fair, preventing sitting officials from using their current authority or resources to gain an advantage.

    The club is set to hold its election on March 15, and with Laporta’s resignation, a management commission will oversee the day-to-day running of the club in the meantime.

    That commission will be led by Rafa Yuste, who has been one of Laporta’s vice presidents since his election in 2021.

    Laporta will contest the presidency with Víctor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubí, all of whom have announced their candidacies.

    As part of the requirements to qualify as a candidate for the presidency, all aspirants are expected to secure 2,321 signatures from club members as a testament to support for their candidacy.

    The campaign trail will now begin in earnest, with some of the issues which may sway votes likely to include potential summer signings, the club’s finances, the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou, which is now in the final stages, and any future role for Lionel Messi at the club.

    Laporta was elected in 2021 for a second spell as Barça president, having previously held the role between 2003 and 2010, courtesy of election wins in 2003 and 2006.

    He finished ahead of Font five years ago after obtaining 30,184 votes to Font’s 16,679, with Toni Freixa, who is not running this time, finishing third with 4,769 votes.

  • AFCON final: Senegalese nationals detained in Morocco embark on hunger strike

    AFCON final: Senegalese nationals detained in Morocco embark on hunger strike

    Some eighteen (18) Senegalese nationals in police custody in Morocco have embarked on a hunger strike ahead of their trial next week.

    They were arrested during the AFCON final, which was held in Rabat on January 18, for acts of hooliganism.

    According to Lawyer Patrick Kabou, counsel for one of the detainees, his client informed him that they have been held in custody for over 21 days since their arrest and have yet to be formally informed of the charges against them. The detainees were arrested on January 18, following a heated AFCON final in which Senegal beat Morocco in Rabat.

    Mr Kabou, during an engagement with the news agency AFP, mentioned that his clients andother detainees have complained that, since their detention, they have only been questioned in French and Arabic, whereas they “only speak Wolof”, their native language.

    The group said they were being denied their “right to justice” and pledged to continue the strike “until Moroccan justice gives us the chance to be heard”, Kabou added.

    A first court hearing in late January had been adjourned by the judge, and the second hearing on Thursday was also put off amid an ongoing lawyers’ strike in Morocco. The trial is set to resume next week.

    The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was nothing short of controversial, chaotic and tense; however, the side widely alleged to be at the centre of it all was Senegal.

    This followed Morocco being awarded a penalty after their player, Ayoub El Kaabi, tumbled in the box following contact with Senegal defender Abdou Diallo. The referee initially waved play on, but later intervened after a VAR review.

    Following the check, Morocco were awarded a penalty, which clearly upset Senegal’s players, who believed the contact was minimal and that El Kaabi had gone down too easily.

    Consequently, they staged a walk-off in protest on the pitch. During this time, some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch, with some captured throwing objects onto the field, including a chair.

    Sadio Mane’s role in calming chaos

    Meanwhile, during the walk-off, the intervention of their captain, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, persuaded them to return and continue the game. However, many believe their return was not solely due to Mané’s intervention but also influenced by Morocco missing the penalty.

    Diaz missed the resulting penalty as he bizarrely clipped a Panenka effort down the middle and straight at Edouard Mendy.

    In an interesting turn of events, Pape Gueye notched a goal in stoppage time, giving Senegal a lead in the 94th-minute securing the team their second AFCON title.

    Sadio explains the motive behind his actionFollowing their victory over Morocco, Mane, during an interview with the media, explained that even though the referee’s decision might have been wrong, the most important thing is to respect the game and keep playing, hence his decision to call his teammates back o the pitch to play as football is widely love globally and it will have been unfair to the people watching to see the game called off over one disputed call.

    He said, “When they decided to go out and not play, I stayed and asked some people, ‘What do you think about this? Is it a good idea or not?’ Then I decided to go and bring everyone back to the pitch. I think it is the best thing to do.

    “Because this is just football, I think the referee sometimes can make mistakes. People around the world are watching. It could be a penalty or not, but that is not the most important thing. What matters is respecting the game. It is not fair to stop a match like this.”

    Mané went on to reflect on the incident that generated headlines around the world, saying: “Football is something special. The world was watching, and the world loves football. I believe football is about enjoyment, so we must give the game a good image.”

    “I think it would be crazy not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing, especially in African football. I’d rather lose than have this kind of thing happen to our football.

    “I think it’s really bad. Football should not stop for even ten minutes, but what can we do? We have to accept that we did, but the good thing is that we came back and we played the game and what happened, happened.”

    Thiaw stated on the part that he played in proceedings: “I didn’t appreciate at all that I told my players to leave the field. I apologise for football. After reflection, I had them come back. Sometimes, you can react in the heat of the moment. But we accept the referee’s mistakes. We offer our apologies to football.”

  • You remain one of our best players – GFA to Partey after Villareal coach’s remarks about form

    You remain one of our best players – GFA to Partey after Villareal coach’s remarks about form

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has risen to the defence of Ghanaian footballer and former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, following remarks by Villarreal’s coach on his contrasting form since joining the club in August last year.

    Speaking during a post-match conference after Villarreal’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Leverkusen in February 2026, Marcelino García Toral said Partey is mentally affected and struggling to meet expected standards since joining the club.

    He said, “Thomas, I think there’s a world of difference between the Thomas we know at Arsenal and this one. It’s very difficult to play at this pace in today’s football.”

    According to him, six months is enough for Partey to have adapted to the rhythm and playing style of the club, adding that the midfielder has not been in his best form.

    “So, I think it’s been six months now, and that’s enough time for this player to show us what he was capable of, or what he’s showing us now,” the coach added.

    Reacting to the remarks, GFA Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, backed Partey, praising him as one of Ghana’s best and dismissing the coach’s comments as harsh on a central figure for Ghana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    “We believe in the quality of Partey, and we do not believe one game defines him as a player. At the FA, we do not share the coach’s view on this matter. Partey remains a top player, and we have a strong belief in his qualities,” Asante Twum said.

    Partey, 32, joined Villarreal on a free transfer after his contract with Arsenal expired. His start at the Spanish club has been disrupted by injuries, with reports suggesting he has been playing through physical issues.

    The Ghana international and former Arsenal player already started training with Villarreal ahead of the 2025/26 season.

    He joined the La Liga side on Thursday, August 7, as a free agent after finalising his move from Arsenal on June 30, 2025, following the expiration of his contract.

    His move to the Yellow Submarine marks a return to Spain after leaving Atlético Madrid in 2020.

    Less than 24 hours after completing his transfer, the Black Stars midfielder began training with his new teammates.

    This development comes amid the Ghanaian international’s legal challenges, after facing rape charges just four days after his departure from Arsenal.

    While concerns have been raised about Villarreal’s decision to sign Partey due to the pending case, the club issued a statement reiterating its respect for the player’s insistence on his innocence.

    The club stated that while it awaits the final verdict, it remains a strong advocate against all forms of violence, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines human dignity.

    “The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. Villarreal CF respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case.

    “Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings, the club is unable to comment further. Villarreal wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any acts of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals.”

    The club also praised Partey for his football abilities, describing him as a “complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes”.

    They highlighted his successful spells with Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, and the Ghana national team, where he has earned over 50 caps.

  • FA Cup: See full list of clubs that qualified for the quarterfinals

    FA Cup: See full list of clubs that qualified for the quarterfinals

    Eight teams have secured their tickets to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup following the conclusion of the Round of 16 matches played nationwide across the country.

    The list of qualifiers was rounded off after Attram De Visser thumbed Premier League side Eleven Wonders 4-0 on Friday 6, 6 February at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex in Tema New Town.

    The competition continued on Saturday at the TNA Park, where Medeama SC beat top-flight outfit FC Samartex in a tense encounter. By the time regulation time had ended, both sides hadn’t found the back of the net.

    But Medeama claimed the victory in a 4-2 penalty shoot-out. Nations FC also advanced on the day, grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 win over Swedru All Blacks.

    Action continued on Sunday with Kotoko suffering a 2-4 penalty shoot-out defeat to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium. Techiman Liberty Youth progressed with a narrow 1-0 victory over Real Tamale United, while Berekum Chelsea also needed just a single goal to overcome lower-tier side Tamale City FC.

    On the other hand, True Life FC delivered impressively in their home; however, they ended the home game with a 2-3 defeat to Heart of Lions. Dreams FC rounded off the Round of 16 in style, producing an entertaining display to beat Inter Allies 4-2.

    See below the list of clubs that qualified for the FA Cup quarterfinals:
    Attram De Visser, Medeama SC, Nations FC, Techiman Liberty Youth, Berekum Chelsea, Heart of Lions, Dreams FC, Aduana FC.

    Around the same time last year, Berekum Chelsea earned their spot in the quarterfinals with a commanding 4-1 victory over Northern City.

    Karela United narrowly defeated Young Apostles 1-0 to advance to the next round.

    Bechem United also moved forward, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout against Techiman Liberty Youth following a goalless match.

    True Democracy progressed with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over Nania FC.

    However, the match between Asante Kotoko and Eleven Wise has been postponed, as the Porcupine Warriors have not yet returned to competitive play.

    In addition, Specialized cameras were installed under the roofs of all 20 Premier League stadiums to capture precise data on player positioning during close offside calls.

    Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to implement this semi-automated offside technology for the 2024-25 season, initially targeting an October 2024 launch. However, the rollout was postponed to allow for additional testing and refinement.

    The system follows UEFA’s lead, as European football’s governing body introduced a similar technology in the Champions League at the start of the 2022-23 season.

    The FA said: “Semi-automated offside technology will provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.

    “The operation of semi-automated offside technology does not change the accuracy of the decision-making but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process.”

    Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be utilised in all eight FA Cup fifth-round matches, including the game at Championship side Preston. During these matches, referees will make in-stadium VAR announcements.

    The fifth round fixtures are slated for the weekend of Saturday, March 1.

  • EC sets February 11 for IPAC meeting with political parties ahead of Ayawaso East by-election

    EC sets February 11 for IPAC meeting with political parties ahead of Ayawaso East by-election

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting with political parties ahead of the upcoming Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election.

    In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and addressed to political party General Secretaries, and signed by Dr Bossman Eric Asare, Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, on behalf of the EC Chairpers on the EC said the meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Commission’s Corporate Head Office in Accra, with the agenda being discussions about the Ayawaso East By-election.

    “Each Political Party is to be represented by two (2) persons only,” the Commission directed.

    The Ayawaso East by-election has attracted heightened attention in recent days amid internal developments within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including allegations of vote-buying during its parliamentary primary.

    The by-election follows the death of the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama, leaving the seat unrepresented.

    Mr Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed won the Ayawaso East Constituency primary and is set to represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its parliamentary candidate ahead of the March 3 by-election, following the party’s internal primary held on February 7, 2026.

    After the close of polls, the provisional results showed that Baba Jamal pulled 431 of the total votes cast, followed by the widow (Hajia Amina Adam) of the late Ayawaso MP, Naser Toure, who also won 399 votes. Mr Mohammed Ramne, the Ayawaso East NDC Constituency Chairman, placed third with 88 votes. Dr Yakubu Azindow obtained 45 votes, while Mr Najib Mohammed Sani recorded one vote.

    The closely contested primary attracted more than 1,100 accredited delegates from across the constituency, reflecting the high stakes involved in selecting a candidate for the by-election in a seat widely regarded as a stronghold of the governing NDC.

    Five aspirants contested the race. They were Hajia Amina Adam, Mr Baba Jamal, Dr Yakubu Azindow, who had previously contested the late MP in the 2023 primary, Mr Mohammed Ramne and Mr Mohammed Sani.

    Although the race was initially considered open, it later narrowed into a tight contest among Mr Jamal, Hajia Amina Adam and Dr Azindow.

    Even though the election was peaceful on Saturday, reports of vote-buying emerged on the eve of the election and on election day, involving some candidates, including Baba Jamal, who, at the time, was Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and allegedly offered television sets and other items to delegates.

    Videos circulating on social media showed some delegates leaving polling centres carrying television sets and other items.

    Reacting to the vote-buying allegations, the NDC, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey, announced that it will investigate the allegations. It noted that it has set up a three-member committee to probe the allegations.

    In a statement issued on the same day, the NDC said its national executives had taken note of what it described as widespread incidents of inducement and vote buying allegedly perpetrated by some aspirants.

    The party condemned the acts, describing them as an affront to its values and principles, and announced that it had launched investigations into the matter.

    “In line with the Party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and ethical political conduct, the Committee will investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions where necessary,” the statement said.

    The Presidency has announced a recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, over voter inducement during the just-ended Ayawaso East primaries on Saturday, February 7.

    In a statement titled “President recalls Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and shared by Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, dated February 7, it noted that

    “President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Baba Jamal) from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The decision follows allegations of voter inducement during today’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, in which Mr Baba Jamal, a candidate, participated.”

    The President stressed that reports of vote-buying were made against several candidates seeking to win the Ayawaso seats, but Baba Jamal stood out because he was the only person who was a serving public officer at the time, making his case a peculiar one.

    “In his directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs recalling Mr Baba Jamal as High Commissioner, the President noted that while allegations of vote-buying were made against multiple candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.”

    Consequently, to protect the integrity of public office and to avoid any public suspicion of misconduct or violation of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, the President,

    “Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office and to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.”

    The statement continued that, “the recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive.”

  • Abossey Okai spare parts dealers threaten one-week strike over new VAT, say consumers face GH¢80 price hike

    Abossey Okai spare parts dealers threaten one-week strike over new VAT, say consumers face GH¢80 price hike

    Abossey Okai spare parts dealers have threatened a one-week strike over the new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime under the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), citing concerns about increased financial burden on consumers, pricing disparities among dealers, and compliance challenges within the sector.

    Consequently, the dealers, in a statement shared on Friday, February 8, and signed by the Head of Communications, Takyi Addo, called for a review of the new VAT rate of 20 percent or risk embarking on a strike in protest against the new tax regime.

    The spare parts dealers highlighted that, before the implementation of the new tax regime by the incumbent government, spare parts attracted only 4% VAT, allowing dealers to maintain competitive prices.

    They said that an item previously sold for GH¢500 with GH¢20 VAT now attracts GH¢100 in tax, pushing the total cost to GH¢600, an additional GH¢80 burden on consumers for the same product.

    They also mentioned that some dealers are currently being treated unfairly due to their VAT registration status. Under the new tax regime, dealers who record an annual turnover of over GH¢750,000 are required to register for VAT and charge 20% at the point of sale, while those below the threshold can sell at lower prices despite sourcing from the same importer.

    This trend, they said, “This imbalance penalises growth, efficiency, and compliance, while unintentionally rewarding fragmentation and informality.” They said that when they purchase spare parts or items locally, they are unable to claim the VAT they paid on those items.

    In light of this, they are forced to sell their goods at higher prices in order to make profits and record no losses, making their items more expensive than others and harder to compete with cheaper alternatives.

    Even though they acknowledged the government’s efforts to expand the tax net to accrue revenue for national development and economic growth, the Association proposed either a reduced VAT rate of 5–8 percent for spare parts or a simplified sector-specific VAT scheme at a flat rate of 3 percent, applied uniformly regardless of whether goods are imported or sourced locally.

    The group argued that such measures would restore price competitiveness, encourage voluntary compliance, protect formal businesses, and ultimately increase net revenue by reducing tax leakage through informality.

    The Association concluded by urging the government to review the VAT rate and structure for the spare parts sector, emphasising that larger, compliant businesses should not be disadvantaged.

    “We respectfully request a review of the VAT rate and structure as applied to the spare parts sector and remain open to further engagement on this matter,” the statement said.

    The government is scheduled to launch a mobile application soon, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has revealed.

    According to him, the app, which is currently being developed, is intended to ensure transparent pricing and easy nationwide access to spare parts, following consistent complaints from drivers about disparities in spare parts prices, which have hindered transport fare reductions despite a drop in fuel prices.

    Mr. Nikpe announced this in an appearance on Accra-based radio station Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on Thursday, February 5.

    He revealed that the government lobbied for a 15% reduction in transport fares last year. However, many drivers initially resisted further reductions, citing high spare parts prices driven by dollar instability.

    He said, “The Trade Ministry plays a crucial role because drivers need access to spare parts for repairs. Last year, we achieved one of the highest reductions in transport fares in the country, negotiating a 15% decrease with our transport unions.

    “However, drivers were initially reluctant to lower their fares due to the high cost of spare parts, which were affected by the rising dollar. Now that the dollar has stabilised, we expect this to reduce spare parts prices. Fuel prices have also shown some stability recently.”

    He added that, together with efforts to retool state transport agencies such as Metro Mass Transit and STC, the initiative will help sanitise and decongest cities while improving traffic flow.

    The minister also highlighted collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority to implement a nationwide road-safety campaign aimed at enhancing safety for both commuters and drivers.

    It will be recalled that the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Spare Parts Dealers Association, and others were scheduled to appear before Parliament to justify their decisions not to reduce prices of their goods and services despite the cedi’s gains in May 2025.

    This was at a time when pressure was mounting on traders to reduce prices as a result of the local currency’s stability against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar. In that same month, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts owing to the appreciation of the cedi.

    However, they argued that significant reductions in the prices of goods and services could not occur immediately.

    A section explained that they were yet to sell off old stock that had been bought at higher exchange rates.

    “For now, maybe it can’t be possible because we ordered the goods at a certain rate, which is higher than what we are seeing now. At that price, we have to sell, and when the goods finish and you order another one at a reduced exchange rate, then definitely the prices will come down.”

    Another vendor, Yaw Ansong, echoed this, saying, “Unless I sell what I already ordered and finish before I can reduce the price of the goods, I haven’t ordered a new one, so I can’t reduce the price. If I reduce the price, I am going to lose my job,” he stated.

    Eric Osei Danso also explained, “For others, price reductions may come, but only if the cedi’s performance remains stable over time.”

  • Ayawaso East: Baba Jamal wins NDC primary, set to contest March 3 election

    Ayawaso East: Baba Jamal wins NDC primary, set to contest March 3 election

    Mr Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed has won the Ayawaso East Constituency primary and is set to represent the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its parliamentary candidate ahead of the March 3 by-election, following the party’s internal primary held on February 7, 2026.

    After the close of polls, the provisional results showed that Baba Jamal pulled 431 of the total votes cast, followed by the widow (Hajia Amina Adam) of the late Ayawaso MP, Naser Toure, who also won 399 votes. Mr Mohammed Ramne, the Ayawaso East NDC Constituency Chairman, placed third with 88 votes. Dr Yakubu Azindow obtained 45 votes, while Mr Najib Mohammed Sani recorded one vote.

    The closely contested primary attracted more than 1,100 accredited delegates from across the constituency, reflecting the high stakes involved in selecting a candidate for the by-election in a seat widely regarded as a stronghold of the governing NDC.

    Five aspirants contested the race. They were Hajia Amina Adam, Mr Baba Jamal, Dr Yakubu Azindow, who had previously contested the late MP in the 2023 primary, Mr Mohammed Ramne and Mr Mohammed Sani.

    Although the race was initially considered open, it later narrowed into a tight contest among Mr Jamal, Hajia Amina Adam and Dr Azindow. 

    Even though the election was peaceful on Saturday, reports of vote-buying emerged on the eve of the election and on election day, involving some candidates, including Baba Jamal, who, at the time, was Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and allegedly offered television sets and other items to delegates.

    Videos circulating on social media showed some delegates leaving polling centres carrying television sets and other items.

    Reacting to the vote-buying allegations, the NDC, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey, announced that it will investigate the allegations. It noted that it has set up a three-member committee to probe the allegations.

    In a statement issued on the same day, the NDC said its national executives had taken note of what it described as widespread incidents of inducement and vote buying allegedly perpetrated by some aspirants.

    The party condemned the acts, describing them as an affront to its values and principles, and announced that it had launched investigations into the matter.

    “In line with the Party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and ethical political conduct, the Committee will investigate the allegations and make appropriate recommendations, including sanctions where necessary,” the statement said.

    The Presidency has announced a recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, over voter inducement during the just-ended Ayawaso East primaries on Saturday, February 7.

    In a statement titled “President recalls Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and shared by Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, dated February 7, it noted that

    “President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Baba Jamal) from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The decision follows allegations of voter inducement during today’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, in which Mr Baba Jamal, a candidate, participated.”

    The President stressed that reports of vote-buying were made against several candidates seeking to win the Ayawaso seats, but Baba Jamal stood out because he was the only person who was a serving public officer at the time, making his case a peculiar one.

    “In his directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs recalling Mr Baba Jamal as High Commissioner, the President noted that while allegations of vote-buying were made against multiple candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.”

    Consequently, to protect the integrity of public office and to avoid any public suspicion of misconduct or violation of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, the President,

    “Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office and to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.”

    The statement continued that, “the recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive.”

  • About GHS2.5m worth of tramadol, other drugs destroyed in Northern Region – NACOC

    About GHS2.5m worth of tramadol, other drugs destroyed in Northern Region – NACOC

    Narcotics worth about GH₵2.5 million have been destroyed by the Northern Regional Command of the Narcotics Control Commission.

    This, according to the Substance Control Authority, forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to promote public safety and check the infiltration of unauthorised drugs in the region.

    The drugs were held at the Registry of the Circuit Court in Tamale and later destroyed after the prosecution of the persons involved in the trafficking of the drugs, following a court order issued by His Honour Francis Ayamwuni Asobayire, Circuit Court Judge.

    NACOC destroyed boxes of Tafrado 120mg, blisters of Tramadol, boxes of Royal 225mg, as well as quantities of marijuana at the Gbalahi Landfill site near Tamale, which was witnessed by representatives of various state agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, and members of the media.

    Mr Issahaque Bakuri, Northern Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission, said the disposal formed part of measures to curb the smuggling and abuse of illicit drugs in the country.

    “We are taking frantic measures to combat drug abuse and promote a healthier society in the region and the country at large,” he said.

    To prevent further smuggling of such prohibited drugs into the country, Mr. Bakuri indicated that security officers had been stationed at entry points across the region, and intensified efforts have been made to enhance security surveillance at both approved and unapproved entry routes to address the drug menace.

    Mr. Bakuri urged individuals battling drug addiction to seek counselling and rehabilitation services.

    More than 11 nationwide intelligence-led swoops have been conducted between March and December this year by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), aimed at cracking down on illicit drug activities.

    Speaking to the media on Friday, December 19, the Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at NACOC, PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, indicated that during that period, the swoops were carried out in areas such as:

    “From March till now, we have conducted more than 11 swoops, which, in our line of work, is a good number because investigations take time. For us to have achieved this means we are doing well.

    “This year, we have carried out swoops in Fadama, Effiakuma in the Western Region, Atinkpoko, parts of the Ashanti Region, and other areas. It all depends on where the intelligence is coming from and the type of intelligence we receive,” he said.

    In September, 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, locally known as ‘Red,’ were confiscated, with six individuals arrested following a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and NACOC. The seizure took place at Gbintri, near Nalerigu in the North East Region, on Thursday, September 18.

    This information was contained in a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Robert Anabiik Anmain of the Public Affairs Unit and issued by the North East Regional Police Command on September 21.

    The trucks, with registration numbers GR 1712-16 and AW 4417-14, were loaded with Tramadol en route to Gbintri from Sankase in the Republic of Togo.

    The suspects have been identified as Alhassan Braimah, Yakubu Muntaka, Abdulai Shakur, Mumuni Iddrisu, Mumuni Yakubu, and Moses Ayorik.

    “The North East Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Nalerigu, has intercepted 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, popularly known as ‘Red,’ a restricted drug concealed in a truck, and arrested six suspects at Gbintri near Nalerigu in the North East Region.

    “A search of the trucks uncovered the 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, popularly known as ‘Red,’ concealed among other goods in the truck with registration number GR 1712-16. The exhibits have since been secured for evidential purposes.

    During interrogation, the suspects admitted that the consignment was destined for Moses Ayorik at Gbintri for onward delivery to another individual at Gushegu,” part of the statement read.

    According to the statement, the apprehended individuals are in police custody, assisting with investigations. In addition, efforts are underway to trace and arrest other individuals connected to the case.

    Officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Transit Terminal, on Thursday, June 19, intercepted a shipment disguised as general merchandise and headed for Niger. The officials uncovered 100 cartons of Tramadol (50 of 250mg and 50 of 120mg), also known on the streets as “Red.”

    The operation, led by CRO William Kpodo and the monitoring team, has now been escalated to the Tema Collection’s Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Narcotics Board, Port Security, and the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU).

    In March, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division intercepted contraband goods at Tema Port. Boxes containing opioids were confiscated before noon.

    There were 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120mg, 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120mg, four cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 250mg, 190 cartons of Diazole Loperamide 2mg, and 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate.

    The drugs were worth approximately GH₵20 million. The shipment was en route to Niger, its final destination. Engaging the media, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh condemned the use of land borders to smuggle drugs, and announced that the impounded consignment would remain in the safe custody of the Authority.

    “There are only two designated areas for the import and export of medication: Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport. Drugs are not imported through our land borders,” he said.

  • President Mahama recalls Baba Jamal from Nigeria as High Commissioner over vote-buying allegations

    President Mahama recalls Baba Jamal from Nigeria as High Commissioner over vote-buying allegations

    The Presidency has announced a recall of Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, over voter inducement during the just-ended Ayawaso East primaries on Saturday, February 7.

    In a statement titled “President recalls Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and shared by Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, dated February 7, it noted that

    “President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate recall of Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Baba Jamal) from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The decision follows allegations of voter inducement during today’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Ayawaso East Constituency, in which Mr Baba Jamal, a candidate, participated.”

    The President stressed that reports of vote-buying were made against several candidates seeking to win the Ayawaso seats, but Baba Jamal stood out because he was the only person who was a serving public officer at the time, making his case a peculiar one.

    “In his directive to the Minister for Foreign Affairs recalling Mr Baba Jamal as High Commissioner, the President noted that while allegations of vote-buying were made against multiple candidates who contested the primaries, Baba Jamal was the only serving public officer among them.”

    Consequently, to protect the integrity of public office and to avoid any public suspicion of misconduct or violation of the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, the President, 

    “Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office and to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.”

    The statement continued that, “the recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive.”

    Meanwhile, Baba Jamal won the party’s internal primary held ahead of the by-election scheduled for March 3.

    After the close of polls, the provisional results showed that Baba Jamal pulled 431 of the total votes cast, followed by the widow (Hajia Amina Adam) of the late Ayawaso MP, Naser Toure, who also won 399 votes. Mr Mohammed Ramne, the Ayawaso East NDC Constituency Chairman, placed third with 88 votes.

    Dr Yakubu Azindow obtained 45 votes, while Mr Najib Mohammed Sani recorded one vote.

    Ahead of the elections, a survey conducted by the research and data analytics company Global InfoAnalytics predicted that 58% of members of the ruling NDC support the widow of the late Mahama Naser Toure, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso East Constituency.

    This was announced by the Executive Director of the research company, Mussa Dankwah, in Accra on Thursday, February 5.

    According to the poll, the widow, Hajia Amina Adam, is the frontrunner among the others in the ongoing Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primary.

    The polling data show that 66% of party members disagree with the claim that she should be barred from contesting. The numbers suggest that narratives questioning her eligibility are failing to gain traction within the party.

    The poll also revealed that the public’s empathy towards her may boost her campaign and influence her chances of winning. About 43% of general voters indicated they would support Hajia Amina Adam because of the way she has been treated during the contest, while 15% of delegates cited the same factor as influencing their vote.

    The analysis basically presents Hajia Adam as securing roughly 54% of the total votes, while Mohammed Baba Jamal, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and her main rival, could reach a maximum of 38%.

    He noted a 3.2% margin of error in the prediction, which still preserves her lead.

    “We asked NDC members in our polls whether it was wrong for Hajia to contest, and 66% of NDC voters disagreed. This means they do not think she should be prevented from contesting. When we asked the delegates, 58% of them also disagreed.

    “So both the delegates and the party faithful disagree with that call, which suggests that some people are pushing a narrative that is not selling, yet they keep promoting it,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the filing closed with the wife of the late MP being the last to pick up the forms. He said, “At the close of nominations today, six persons picked nomination forms to contest the upcoming primaries. The wife of the late MP was the last person to pick nominations today. It is going to be a very interesting contest.”

    Explaining her decision in a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, Hajia Adam indicated that she is heeding calls from constituents, party grassroots members, and traditional elders, adding that these individuals want her to carry on the work of her late husband.

    “There has been a clarion call from many quarters in my constituency and beyond for me to step into the shoes of my late husband. After deep reflection and consultations, particularly with elders and grassroots members, I have accepted the call to serve my people,” she stated.

    According to her, after reflecting on the calls, she has decided to heed them, emphasising, “I want to assure them that I will not disappoint them.”

    In addition, individuals who sought to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary in the Greater Accra Region were required to pay a filing fee of GH₵40,000.

  • The worrying culture of Political Prophecies and the true practice of Christianity

    The worrying culture of Political Prophecies and the true practice of Christianity

    European and Northern American countries, there’s, on the other hand, an explosive growth in the Christian witness in African countries. This expansion in the population of Christians in the countries on the African continent, who have been traditionally Christian, goes to reinforce Kenyan theologian John Mbiti’s famous 1969 assertion that “The African is notoriously religious.”

    This predisposition of the African to religion makes the ordinary African person of faith easily susceptible to professed men of God who propagate “any wind of doctrine” that may not necessarily be a reflection of the true word of God.

    The recent controversy about the unrealised prophecy of a “prophet” about the victory of one particular candidate in the just concluded Presidential Primaries of Ghana’s largest opposition party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and matters arising, again bring up several issues about who speaks for God to His flock, and the responsiveness or gullibility of the people to such messages.

    At the crux of this age-old question is who qualifies to be a true prophet anointed and sent by God, or, otherwise, what could then be the case of the opposite – a false prophet.

    Not all ministers of the gospel – rightly called – are prophets.  Ephesians 4:11-12 lists the five-fold ministries, of which the office of the prophet is but one: “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

    So, biblically speaking, not every minister of the gospel is given the office of prophet.

    Furthermore, God Himself makes known how He chooses specific people to be His prophets. Speaking to a young Jeremiah upon his call to the prophetic ministry, God says in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;

    Before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

    So from this seminal biblical passage, it is God Himself who predestines, who sanctifies and who ordains His chosen as prophets. This scenario runs through the Old Testament, where God mainly chose and spoke through the prophets.

    Thus, the situation where anyone assumes the role of prophet without an evident divine sanctification validated by consistent signs and wonders that follow may only be a recipe for confusion, and God is not an author of confusion.

    Most importantly, Amos 3:7 states, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” This verse emphasises that God, in His sovereignty, discloses His plans and intentions to His prophets before executing judgment or action.

    Combined with two other verses, namely Psalm 119:89 and Numbers 23:19, the certainty of God’s word spoken to and through His prophets is established without any iota of confusion.

    Psalm 119:89, which states, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven”, is a profound declaration of the eternal, unchangeable nature of God’s Word. It signifies that divine truth is established, secure, and permanently fixed, surpassing the limitations of time and the temporary nature of earthly existence or affairs.

    Significantly, Numbers 23:19 states that: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

    In essence, any prophet, so-called or worth his salt, cannot claim to have legitimately heard from God, declare that word of prophecy and then turn round to say he made a mistake when the “prophecy” fails. Or worse still, to say “God changed His mind” as in the prophecy to King Hezekiah, as some ministers of the Gospel are saying in brashly and arrogantly holding brief for Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun, whose recent “prophecy” that one particular candidate in the recently-held NPP Presidential Primaries would win, failed.

    The case of Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun is not isolated. In a culture where many professed Christians cede their personal responsibility in their walk with God to predatory pastors and other “men of God”, many lives have been wrecked and destinies compromised. This is contrary to the exemplary life of personal Christian biblical study firmly established by the Berean Christians in Acts 17:11.

    In this end time era, when Satan and his cohorts, knowing that they have but a short time, have the Church of Jesus Christ under all kinds of assault, who’ll defend the Gospel when those who are supposed to be leading God’s flock give His enemies more ammunition to attack the Church?

    Christianity, more than being an organised religion, is in essence a personal relationship with God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

    Thus, it is high time Christians in Africa, and Ghana in particular, appreciate the true requirements of Christian discipleship and submit first and foremost, not to the questionable activities and pronouncements of predatory pastors and some religious leaders but to the unerring guidance of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit – the Paraclete, the Comforter, the Intercessor and the Advocate.

    Author: Henry Quarshie

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Ayawaso East primary: 66% of NDC members support widow’s bid – Global InfoAnalytics

    Ayawaso East primary: 66% of NDC members support widow’s bid – Global InfoAnalytics

    Research and data analytics company Global InfoAnalytics has predicted that 58% of members of the ruling NDC support the widow of the late Mahama Naser Toure, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso East Constituency.

    This was announced by the Executive Director of the research company, Mussa Dankwah, in Accra on Thursday, February 5.

    The widow, Hajia Amina Adam, according to the poll, is the frontrunner among the others in the ongoing Ayawaso East Parliamentary Primary. 

    The polling data shows that 66% of party members disagree with claims that she should be barred from contesting. The numbers suggest that narratives questioning her eligibility are failing to gain traction within the party.

    The poll also revealed that the public’s empathy towards her may boost her campaign and influence her chances of winning. About 43% of general voters indicated they would support Hajia Amina Adam because of the way she has been treated during the contest, while 15% of delegates cited the same factor as influencing their vote.

    The analysis basically presents Hajia Adam as securing roughly 54% of the total votes, while Mohammed Baba Jamal, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria and her main rival, could reach a maximum of 38%.

    He noted a 3.2% margin of error in the prediction, which still preserves her lead.

    “We asked NDC members in our polls whether it was wrong for Hajia to contest, and 66% of NDC voters disagreed. This means they do not think she should be prevented from contesting. When we asked the delegates, 58% of them also disagreed.

    “So both the delegates and the party faithful disagree with that call, which suggests that some people are pushing a narrative that is not selling, yet they keep promoting it,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the filing closed with the wife of the late MP being the last to pick up the forms. He said, “At the close of nominations today, six persons picked nomination forms to contest the upcoming primaries. The wife of the late MP was the last person to pick nominations today. It is going to be a very interesting contest.”

    Explaining her decision in a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, Hajia Adam indicated that she is heeding calls from constituents, party grassroots members, and traditional elders, adding that these individuals want her to carry on the work of her late husband.

    “There has been a clarion call from many quarters in my constituency and beyond for me to step into the shoes of my late husband. After deep reflection and consultations, particularly with elders and grassroots members, I have accepted the call to serve my people,” she stated.

    According to her, after reflecting on the calls, she has decided to heed them, emphasising, “I want to assure them that I will not disappoint them.”

    Meanwhile, individuals seeking to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary in the Greater Accra Region are required to pay a filing fee of GH₵40,000.

    The amount is intended to help the party cover the cost of organising the primaries, including administrative and logistical expenses. This was disclosed in a press release issued by the party on January 20, 2026.

    Aspirants are also required to purchase nomination forms at a cost of GH₵5,000 and submit the completed forms to the party’s Greater Accra Regional Office. Meanwhile, female aspirants and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) will benefit from a 50 per cent reduction in the filing fee.

    This will be the third time the country has had a rerun of elections after the 2024 general polls. Ablekuma North had remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    In a statement dated January 16, 2026, and signed by the EC’s Deputy Chairman for Operations, Samuel Tettey, the Commission explained how interested persons can contest the election.

    Nominations will be accepted at the EC’s Ayawaso East Municipal Office in North Ridge from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Submissions will be taken between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

    Aspiring candidates can download nomination forms from the EC’s website, www.ec.gov.gh/forms, starting Friday, January 16, 2026. Completed forms must be submitted in four copies and can be presented by the candidate, or by their proposer or seconder, during the nomination period.

    Each candidate must be supported by a proposer and a seconder who are registered voters in Ayawaso East, along with eighteen other registered voters from the constituency. Candidates are also required to submit two recent passport-size photographs with a red background.

    A filing fee must be paid as part of the process. General candidates are to pay GH¢10,000, while female candidates and persons with disabilities will pay a reduced fee of GH¢7,500. The fee is non-refundable.

    The EC stated that the by-election is being held in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates an election to be conducted when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant. The Commission has called on the public to take note of the information as it works to ensure a free, fair, and transparent by-election.

  • NDC holds Ayawaso East parliamentary primary currently underway

    NDC holds Ayawaso East parliamentary primary currently underway

    Primaries to elect a candidate for the upcoming by-election in Ayawaso East Constituency are currently underway today, Saturday, February 7.

    The primary is currently underway amid a high deployment of police officers at the Nima Cluster of schools to ensure the maintenance of public order and ensure a free, transparent electoral process. 

    A total of 1,039 delegates are expected to vote between two polling centres, A and B. Centre A has 544 registered voters, while Centre B has 495.

    This has become necessary following the death of the Constituency Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure who gave up the ghost after a short illness on January 4, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Process before the primary today

    The primary follows a successful vetting process that cleared all five aspirants who filed nominations to contest the seat. The vetting exercise was conducted at the party’s Greater Accra Regional Office.

    After the vetting, the aspirants were balloted for their positions on the ballot paper ahead of today’s vote.

    The cleared candidates, in the order of balloting, are Mohammed Ramme, the NDC Constituency Chairman; Amina Adam, widow of the late Member of Parliament; Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria; Yakubu Azindow; and Najib Mohammed.

    During a media engagement, the Greater Accra Regional Secretary of the NDC, Theophilus Tetteh Chaie, lauded the aspirants for their cooperation and compliance throughout the process, adding that the party had urged all contenders to conduct their respective campaigns respectfully and responsibly

    He said the party had encouraged all contenders to campaign peacefully and responsibly to ensure a successful outcome to the primary.

    Widow of late MP part of seat contenders

    The filing closed with the wife of the late MP being the last to pick the forms. He said, “At the close of nominations today, six persons picked nomination forms to contest the upcoming primaries. The wife of the late MP was the last person to pick nominations today. It is going to be a very interesting contest.”

    Explaining her decision in a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, Hajia Adam indicated that she is heeding calls from constituents, party grassroots members, and traditional elders, adding that these individuals want her to carry on the work of her late husband.

    “There has been a clarion call from many quarters in my constituency and beyond for me to step into the shoes of my late husband. After deep reflection and consultations, particularly with elders and grassroots members, I have accepted the call to serve my people,” she stated.

    According to her, after reflecting on the calls, she has decided to heed them, emphasising, “I want to assure them that I will not disappoint them.”

    Meanwhile, individuals seeking to contest the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary in the Greater Accra Region are required to pay a filing fee of GH₵40,000.

    The amount is intended to help the party cover the cost of organising the primaries, including administrative and logistical expenses. This was disclosed in a press release issued by the party on January 20, 2026.

    Aspirants are also required to purchase nomination forms at a cost of GH₵5,000 and submit the completed forms to the party’s Greater Accra Regional Office. Meanwhile, female aspirants and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) will benefit from a 50 per cent reduction in the filing fee.

    This will be the third time the country has had a rerun of elections after the 2024 general polls. Ablekuma North had remained the only constituency in Ghana without a sitting MP due to unresolved disagreements over the outcome of the parliamentary vote.

    In a statement dated January 16, 2026, and signed by the EC’s Deputy Chairman for Operations, Samuel Tettey, the Commission explained how interested persons can contest the election.

    Nominations will be accepted at the EC’s Ayawaso East Municipal Office in North Ridge from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Submissions will be taken between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

    Aspiring candidates can download nomination forms from the EC’s website, www.ec.gov.gh/forms, starting Friday, January 16, 2026. Completed forms must be submitted in four copies and can be presented by the candidate, or by their proposer or seconder, during the nomination period.

    Each candidate must be supported by a proposer and a seconder who are registered voters in Ayawaso East, along with eighteen other registered voters from the constituency. Candidates are also required to submit two recent passport-size photographs with a red background.

    A filing fee must be paid as part of the process. General candidates are to pay GH¢10,000, while female candidates and persons with disabilities will pay a reduced fee of GH¢7,500. The fee is non-refundable.

    The EC stated that the by-election is being held in accordance with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates an election to be conducted when a parliamentary seat becomes vacant. The Commission has called on the public to take note of the information as it works to ensure a free, fair, and transparent by-election.

  • Fierce fire ravages seven containers at Spintex

    Fierce fire ravages seven containers at Spintex

    A fierce fire has ravaged seven container shops at Spintex, Accra, around the Marina, in the early hours of Saturday, February 7.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), it received a distress call at about 12:01 a.m. But was unable to respond immediately due to a faulty fire engine at the Kasapreko Fire Station, which is closest to the scene. As a result, the Tema Motorway Fire Engine was dispatched as the base pump.

    In a Facebook post, the GNFS explained that it had to deploy three fire tenders from the Motorway, Tema Metro, and Tema Industrial Area Fire Stations to bring the blaze under control.

    The firefighting team, led by ADO I Derrick Sarkodie, arrived at the scene at 12:19 a.m. to find the fire already at an advanced stage and spreading rapidly. However, a coordinated and tactical operation by the firefighters brought the fire under control, and by 4:32 a.m., it had been completely extinguished.

    The affected shops included seven container shops housing furniture, tailoring, and grocery businesses, along with their contents. No casualties were recorded.

    Firefighters also reported that they prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures, including Marina Mall, and successfully protected a car garage containing more than 35 vehicles, as well as several adjoining shops and nearby residential buildings.

    The GNFS said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

    Per reports, Greater Accra has recorded about five fire incidents, with the Spintex fire being the latest. The Ashanti Region, on the other hand, has seen an alarming number of fire incidents since January 1, recording about 132 cases, a decline from the 187 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

    A fire outbreak on Monday evening, February 2, partially destroyed the girls’ dormitory at Pong Tamale Senior High School in northern Ghana.

    According to reports, the fire originated from the washrooms and later spread through other parts, triggering panic among students.

    Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. Pong Tamale Senior High School has become the latest second-cycle institution in northern Ghana to record a fire outbreak.

    A fire broke out at Tolon Senior High School in the Northern Region on Monday, February 2, destroying parts of a dormitory. Nearly 900 female students were displaced following a fire at Tolon Senior High School in the region.

    The recurring of fire incidents have raised concerns, Ghana recorded over 3,595 fire incidents nationwide in the first half of 2025, with regional breakdowns showing hundreds of cases across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Central Regions.

    Barely a week into the New Year, some Kasoa residents had their stalls completely burnt after a fire ravaged stalls in a major outbreak at the Kasoa New Market on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call was received around 4:50 p.m., after which the Kasoa Fire Station swiftly reached the scene, only to find the fire at a very advanced stage.

    The fire was spreading so rapidly that fire tenders had to immediately call for reinforcement from Weija, Anyaa, Dansoman, Industrial Area, Flagstaff House, Madina, and Swedru fire stations.

    After about two hours of firefighting, the tenders managed to extinguish the flames at 6:52 p.m., brought the fire under control at 7:52 p.m., and fully extinguished it by 10:00 p.m.

    Although several metallic shops and wooden stalls were destroyed—along with food items such as maize, beans, shea butter, spices, and other merchandise—the swift response by firefighters prevented the blaze from consuming the entire market.

    Fire control officers explained that, despite the losses incurred, several stalls were salvaged. Among the challenges listed by the GNFS during the operation were poor accessibility within the market, long distances to reliable water sources, and interference from members of the public at various points during the operation.

    This fire marks the second major outbreak at the market in the last two years.

    Fire tenders from Kasoa and Swedru have been left on standby to prevent any possible re-ignition, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

    A fire incident at Abuakwa Manhyia in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of a three-month-old baby and six others.

    The fire outbreak, which occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday, December 22, swept through an apartment. This information was disclosed by the Assembly Member for Abuakwa Manhyia, Evans Opoku. Meanwhile, the cause of the incident is yet to be established. Ghana has recorded several fire incidents from January to November this year.

    Recently, a fire outbreak at Tsito–Awudome Gborkorpe in the Volta Region destroyed a two-bedroom self-contained apartment. No casualties were reported from the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 8.

    Several students at Kedjebi-Asato Senior High School (SHS) in the Oti Region were left unconscious after a fire gutted one of the boys’ dormitories on Tuesday morning, December 2.

  • A visa-free Africa, open skies and one biometric passport – Majority leader to African leaders

    A visa-free Africa, open skies and one biometric passport – Majority leader to African leaders

    Ghana’s Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has reiterated calls for a visa-free open skies and single biometric passport in Africa.

    He made these calls during a speech at the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogue, held under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate, Trade,” Mr Ayariga urged African leaders present to expedite processes to adopt the African free movement agenda to boost jobs, business, and regional economic growth at large.

    He stressed the benefits and impact the implementation of the borderless Africa policy is having in the sub-region, West Africa, and the need to extend it across the continent.

    He said, “We want a visa-free Africa. I have seen how a visa-free West Africa has been enormously supportive”.

    The Majority Leader also called for improved air connectivity across the continent, advocating for open skies policies.

    “We want open African skies,” Mr. Ayariga said, adding that Africa should move towards “one African biometric passport” to facilitate easier travel for citizens.

    Highlighting on policies to promote development among the youth in Africa, Mr Ayariga called for improved modern infrastructure to support young people and small and medium-sized enterprises operating across borders.

    “Let’s build infrastructure that will enable our youth to trade digitally across borders and allow mobile money to operate seamlessly across countries,” he said.

    Mr. Ayariga further noted that young Africans are demanding recognition of their academic qualifications across the continent.

    “Our youth want their degrees recognised across Africa,” he stated.

    According to him, Africa has made considerable progress at the regional level, particularly in West Africa.

    “A lot of progress has been made, especially in West Africa,” he said, noting that his nearly decade-long service in the ECOWAS Parliament gave him first-hand experience of these achievements.

    “Many of the demands being raised here are issues we worked on diligently, and in West Africa, we already enjoy many of those benefits,” he added.

    He said these calls are not foreign to other continents like Europe, including North, East, Southern and Central Africa, as well as across Francophone, Lusophone, Arab and Anglophone regions, hence the need for the proposed regional integration.

    Mr Ayariga said similar arrangements exist in other parts of the continent. He noted that the next step is to integrate these regional gains so that all Africans can benefit simultaneously.

    “What is needed now is for the various blocs to integrate the facilities they have granted to their citizens and allow all Africans to enjoy them,” he said.

    He mentioned that Ghana is ready to do its part to support the initiative for Africa’s growth and development.

    “Our Parliament stands ready to walk the talk. We are prepared to pass all the agreements required to grant visa-free status to every African,” he added.

    In a related development, Ghana and Zambia no longer require visas for travel between the two countries following a historic visa waiver agreement.

    The move, announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit to Zambia, is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between the two African countries.

    Narrating the events that preceded the agreement, Mr Ablakwa explained that he was in contact with the Chief Director, who was chairing a technical committee meeting.

    He reminded her of the presidential directive, but there was initially some confusion because Ghana has three types of passports, diplomatic, service, and ordinary, while they only had two, Diplomatic and then the ordinary passports.

    Ablakwa said he stressed that the directive came from the president, leaving the Zambian government with no choice but to agree to the deal.

    “If you want our president to be here and you want his wishes to be granted, then you have to make sure that we reach this deal. And at 11: 30pm last night, they reached out to their president, and he said if it is my brother’s wish, I am going to grant you. So we have the visa-waver agreement,” Ablakwa announced.

    Adding that, “this will bring the number to fifteen visa waiver agreements since President Mahama was sworn into office.”

  • Juaben SHS students stab Koforidua SECTECH student at inter-schools festival

    Juaben SHS students stab Koforidua SECTECH student at inter-schools festival

    A student of Koforidua Senior High Technical School (SECTECH) is receiving medical care after a violent attack by some Form Two students of New Juaben Senior High School during a clash at the Eastern Regional Inter-Schools Sports Festival in Koforidua.

    According to the reports, the victim, identified as Jerome Appiah, was eating waakye on his way to campus when the Juaben students attacked him with a machete, leaving him with a deep wound to the shoulder and bleeding profusely.

     This has prompted fears of reprisal attacks and heightened security concerns. Police intervened and quickly ushered Jerome to the Eastern Regional Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is said to be in stable condition.

    To prevent an escalation, the Headmaster of Koforidua SECTECH, Emmanuel Frimpong Benjabeng, joined by other teachers, rushed to the Koforidua Youth Resource Centre, where the inter-schools sports festival was being held.

    However, while the headmaster was in an engagement with the New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, Mustapha Haruna Appiah, he was informed that further disturbances had broken out, forcing him to leave the meeting abruptly. 

    Later, it emerged that a teacher of SECTECH, Henry Kudiabor, had also sustained a head injury after being struck by a flying stone during clashes involving students of Nsutam Senior High Technical School, who were allegedly pelting stones.

    The New Juaben South Municipal Education Director, Mustapha Haruna Appiah, has expressed concern over the recurring violence and has called on the police and event organisers to investigate the incident thoroughly and tighten security to prevent further attacks.

    This adds to a worrying trend of rising indiscipline and violent confrontations among students in Ghanaian schools, particularly second-cycle schools nationwide.

    Last year was marked by at least five major violent incidents recorded between January and July 2025; from Kinbu’s teacher assault to Nalerigu’s fatal shootings.

    Students stabbed at T.I Ahmadiyah by colleague

    A fisticuff between two final-year students of Wa T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (Wa Amass) left one hospitalised and another in a critical condition, according to reports.

    It was reported that Iddrisu Ibrahim, also known as Lincoln, an agricultural science student, and his colleague Hafis, who is also known as Baayaawa, a general arts student, engaged in an argument over a video that was recorded.

    It is said that Lincoln filmed Hafis without his consent, an action that left the latter displeased. He requested Lincoln to delete the said video, but Lincoln reportedly refused. When matters escalated, Hafis pulled out a knife and stabbed his colleague in the stomach and ribs.

    Sources say a group of students mobilised to attack Hafis when he sought to escape. The intervention of the Police averted further casualties. According to reports, Hafis has been apprehended and is aiding investigations into the incident.

    Lincoln is said to be admitted to the Wa Regional Hospital. The school authorities are yet to release an official statement on the matter.

    Fatal stabbing at Kinbu SHS

    A student of Kinbu Senior High School (SHS)was arrested for stabbing another student to death on July 31.

    Addib Alhassan, a 15-year-old first-year student, was fatally stabbed during an altercation allegedly sparked by a heated argument. The exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear. After sustaining injuries, Alhassan was initially rushed to the Adabraka Polyclinic and later transferred to the Ridge Hospital due to the severity of his injuries. He was later pronounced dead.

    More cases of violence, attacks in SHS 

    Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) and Kumasi Anglican Senior High School clashed after returning from an inter-school competition. One student sustained severe injuries as a result of the event; school properties and private cars belonging to teachers were also damaged.

    Salaga Senior High School in the Savannah Region observed the most violent clashes. The confrontation left a student with multiple stab wounds, with the police retrieving a locally-produced pistol and ammunition from the scene. Students of Islamic Senior High School (ISSEC) also faced off with local youth, causing injuries and damage to multiple vehicles.

    Months ago, a 16-year-old form two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) was arrested by the Tafo Pankrono Divisional Police Command for illegally possessing a locally manufactured firearm.

    The police arrested the suspect following a routine dormitory search by school authorities on Wednesday, May 14. According to the accused, the weapon belonged to his stepfather, Mr Daniel Owusu Baafi, who has been apprehended.

    This was disclosed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, Head of Public Affairs for the Ashanti Regional Police Command, on Sunday, May 18. Following their arrest, both individuals were granted bail and are to report to the police on Monday, May 19, as investigations continue.

    These trends forced a comprehensive review of security arrangements in schools nationwide to be ordered by the Ministry of Education.  The Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, who was addressing the media on Thursday, August 7, 2025, fumed about the chaos in SHSs, describing them as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”

    “We must work more closely with our security agencies and law enforcement to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for learning. Even our concept of a ‘watchman’ in educational institutions needs to be revisited.

    “Do we just pick anyone and label them school security? With no training in policing or even basic security practices?. We need to review this so we can foster a safer school environment for both students and teachers,” he added.

    The Ministry of Education granted school heads at Senior High Schools across the country the mandate to conduct searches on students. This was revealed by the Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak, on Saturday, May 24.

    Speaking to Citi News, Clement Apaak noted that the action is a part of the government’s series of strategies to eradicate indiscipline in schools, specifically SHSs. The new development was ruled out under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

  • A star that wore the shirt with pride – Black Stars remember Atsu, 3 years on

    A star that wore the shirt with pride – Black Stars remember Atsu, 3 years on

    Ghana’s national team has paid tribute to late Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, marking three years after his passing.

    Taking to their official X formerly (Twitter) handle today, February 6,  the Black Stars praised Atsu as one who represented the national team wth pride.
    The X post read, “In loving memory of Christian Atsu 🖤, 3 years on, we honour a Black Star who wore the shirt with pride and represented Ghana with humility. His legacy lives on. Rest well, Twasam.”

    Atsu, affectionately known as “Twasam,” remains fondly remembered not only for his exploits on the field but also for his quiet generosity and selfless service to others.

    He played for Porto, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Hatayspor before his untimely demise in 2023 following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria, which claimed the lives of thousands, wrecking properties as well.

    He earned several caps for Ghana, playing at major tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup, where he consistently gave his all for the Black Stars.

    About his death and how his body was discovered

    The wife, sister, and agent of the late Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu, in a heartfelt interview with UK-based The Athletic, shared their experiences coping with the loss, a year after the tragic incidents in Turkey that led to his untimely death.

    Christiana Twasam, Nana Sechere, and Marie Claire-Rupio, Christian Atsu’s surviving spouse, opened up about the challenges they faced in dealing with the demise of their beloved family member.

    Recalling the traumatic moments surrounding his disappearance and death, Christiana Twasam expressed her devastation upon arriving at the collapsed Renaissance Residence five-star block where Christian was trapped.

    “When I got there, I was devastated because I thought no one was going to survive in that building,” says Christiana, recalling the sight.

    She vividly described the anguish of waiting for rescuers, hoping to hear her brother’s name among the survivors, only to face the heartbreak of identifying bodies.

    “We would call out his name,” Christiana said. “The rescuers would alert us if they sensed a life, then bring out the body, and you’d be asked to verify if it was someone you knew. It broke my heart when you saw a body bag coming; it was going to be your own relative or not. We were like a family around the fire in the evening. When someone verified their relative and broke down, it reminded you that one day you would too,” she said in reflection.

    Nana Sechere, Christian Atsu’s agent, shared a glimmer of hope during the search, recounting the discovery of a shoe that resembled Christian’s Yeezy trainers. This find provided a crucial clue, affirming that they were on the right track in their efforts to locate him.

    “I spotted a shoe that looked very much like Christian’s through the legs of one of the search team. He threw it over to me and it was one of his Yeezy trainers. We found the other one from the pair soon after, and it told us we were looking in the right place.”

    Despite moments of hope, the family’s quest to find Christian ended tragically when, after days of searching, they received the heartbreaking news that his lifeless body had been located.

    “Two officials took us to a body bag lying on the floor,” he says. “We had seen so many, that even before they were opened (we knew they) weren’t the right shape or size for Christian. But I could tell by the shape of it that it was Christian. We saw him and we broke down.” he narrated.

    It has been a year since the missing of Christian Atsu was announced following an earthquake in Turkey. The former Black Stars player was trapped under the rubble for about three days before he was found lifeless on February 8, 2023.

    The family continues to grapple with the profound loss of a man known not only for his prowess on the field but also for his philanthropic endeavors.Read the full interview on theathletic.com

  • I hope he replicates his club form with the Black Stars – Vanderpuye on Man City’s Semenyo

    I hope he replicates his club form with the Black Stars – Vanderpuye on Man City’s Semenyo

    Ghanaian prodigy Antoine Semenyo is making strides at his new club, Manchester City. He scored in his debut and assisted during his side’s game against Exeter City.

    According to statistics, he has notched 12 Premier League goals this season and 14 for Man City, with a recent one in a clash against Wolves.

    With his impressive form at his new club, Ghana’s former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye says he is hopeful that Semenyo can replicate his club form for the Black Stars as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

    Speaking during an interview with Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) stated that the striker still has more to prove in national colours.

    “I would just pray that he’s able to transfer whatever he’s doing with Manchester City to the Black Stars… up to now, he’s not been able to convince Ghanaians so much about his prolific performance when it comes to the Black Stars.”

    Since making his Ghana debut in 2022, Semenyo has featured at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON, earning 32 caps and scoring three goals.

    He continued that Semenyo’s roots in England could be a big motivation for him to outdo himself during England’s game with Ghana Black Stars.

    “You know he was born in England, and I think it is good… that is enough motivation for him to perform better when he plays the English,” he added

    With the World Cup drawing closer, attention is steadily turning to Semenyo and his Black Stars teammates as Ghana looks to make a strong impression on the global stage.

    In a related development, Ghana’s head coach Otto Addo is expected to release the final squad list for the 2026 World Cup in June next year.

    This was confirmed by the Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, in an interview with Accra-based radio station Asempa FM on December 15. He stated that ahead of the official squad announcement, a provisional list is expected to be released by all qualified nations on May 11, with the final squad to be released on June 1.

    “All qualified teams, including the Black Stars of Ghana, are mandated by FIFA to announce their provisional squad on April 11, 2026. The final squads for the tournament must be announced before midnight on June 1, 2026,” he said.

    He added that Ghanaian players performing well domestically or abroad will all be considered for selection.

    “Every Ghanaian player with a strong performance is closely monitored by the technical team, and regardless of where they play, they will be given a call-up,” Asante Twum noted.

    Drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, Ghana will be looking to improve on previous campaigns at the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

    The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on June 23. Their final group match against Croatia is scheduled for June 27 in Philadelphia.

    Next year’s tournament will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The team’s most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

    Ghana’s World Cup campaign will begin against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, followed by a clash with England in Boston on June 23, before concluding the group stage against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

    Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents its 5th appearance at the global tournament, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The Black Stars’ most memorable run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals in South Africa.

    They will open the tournament with a clash with Panama on 17 June, take on England on 23 June, and conclude the group stage against Croatia with their matches scheduled to be held in Toronto, Foxborough, and Philadelphia.

    The Black Stars are set to play against England, Croatia, and Panama. This was revealed after the group draw was conducted on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, The high-profile ceremony attended by notable attendees, including President Donald, entertainers like Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and sports icons like Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Rio Ferdinand and Ghana’s legendary footballer, Asamoah Gyan.

    Speaking during a media engagement, the former Ghanaian footballer expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the group. He acknowledged that although it is a bit tricky, he is confident Ghana will make it through successfully.

    Meanwhile, Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has announced a new twist in supporters’ sponsorship by the government for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Past governments have mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    Consequently, in early November last year, Kofi Adams noted that, although it has been a long-standing practice, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    However, in a recent radio interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show in Accra on February 5, he acknowledged the tradition of sponsoring fans to support the Black Stars, adding that it is for that reason that his outfit has set up a fundraising committee.

    “The policy that we should take for fans is clear. It is clear that we should work at it, and that is why we have set up a fundraising committee. The number we would take ultimately will depend on how much we raise,” he stated.

    He explained that the government seeks to sponsor some Ghanaian fans for the 2026 World Cup so Ghana will have strong support at the tournament.

  • Nobody makes decisions for other clubs; we operate independently – SPL to CR7

    Nobody makes decisions for other clubs; we operate independently – SPL to CR7

    The Saudi Pro League has reacted to an alleged “professional misconduct” by the Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.

    According to reports, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner boycotted a game against Al-Riyadh and intends to do the same with Al-Nassr’s game against Al-Ittihad tonight.

    This is allegedly a move to protest regarding Al-Nassr’s non-signings in the January transfer window.

    Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy over the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s investment in the other clubs it owns compared to Al-Nassr.

    The PIF owns clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Hilal recently signed Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.

    Benzema scored a hat-trick and added an assist in his debut game; in the lead-up to Al-Nassr’s game tonight.

    Saudi Pro League spokesperson, in a strongly worded statement via a spokesperson, according to ESPN, in Ronaldo’s direction, noted that,

    “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: Every club operates independently under the same rules.”

    The spokesperson acknowledged Ronaldo’s role in his club and his contribution at large to the Saudi League. He said, “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition.”

    However, he warned that, “…no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club. Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.”

    Cristiano Ronaldo penned a two-year contract extension with his Saudi club, Al-Nassr.

    The Portugese’s contract was set for expiry on June 30.

    This left many speculate a new journey elsewhere or an extension with the Saudi club espcially after the five time Ballon d’Or winner about a month ago, posted on social media “the chapter is over”.

    However, the 40 year-old player will stay with the Saudi Pro League club until beyond his 42nd birthday.

    The Portugal captain, joined the Riyadh-based team in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United following a fall-out with then manager Erik-ten Hag and having criticised the club durinhg an interview with Piers Morgan.

    In an X post on June 26, he confirmed another stint with Al-Nassr saying , “A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let’s make history together.”

    The club also confirmed his stay on X in a post which reads, ” Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at

    @AlNassrFC until 2027.”

    Although Al-Nassr have not added to their nine domestic titles during Ronaldo’s time at the club, CR 7 has added to the club a barrage of goals.

    Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for Al-Nassr,also winning bagged two Golden Boot awards during his time there, including a record-breaking 35-goal season in 2023–24.

    Ronaldo scored 35 times in 41 matches across all competitions last term and was the league’s top scorer for a second consecutive season.

    Having helped Portugal win the Uefa Nations League a little over two weeks ago, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Sporting and Juventus forward will almost certainly now be targeting a sixth World Cup appearance next summer.

    Fifa president Gianni Infantino raised the prospect of Ronaldo joining a team involved in the Club World Cup after Al-Nassr failed to qualify for the extended tournament which is being held in the United States.

    Meanwhile, Ronaldo said he had received offers from participating teams but turned them down because hebelieves he would be a champion in Saudi Arabia.

    “My goal, it’s always to win something important for Al Nassr. And of course I still believe in that. This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia,” he noted.

    He also lauded the Saudi Pro League’s over the years saying, “Of course, we are still improving but I believe that at this moment we are in the top five [leagues in the world] already. I still believe that we will continue to improve… I am happy because I know that the league is very competitive” he concluded.

    The decision to stay until at least 2027, which is certain to be highly lucrative, appears to rule out any future prospect of Ronaldo returning to play at the highest level in Europe.

    It remains to be seen who will be leading the first team at Al-Nassr going forward, after former AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli left the club this week.

  • Ghana to exit IMF by April 2026 – President Mahama

    Ghana to exit IMF by April 2026 – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed that Ghana will exit the IMF by the first quarter of the year.

    This comes after he hinted at an exit in January in his New Year’s message. President Mahama said the government is preparing to exit the IMF programme while safeguarding Ghana’s economic credibility, highlighting that the reforms over the past year have strengthened macroeconomic indicators enough to support a gradual withdrawal.

    He said, “We are beginning the process of exiting the IMF programme with dignity, not as supplicants, but as partners.”

    Speaking at the Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue in Lusaka on Friday, February 6, President Mahama confirmed that Ghana is on course to complete its International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme by April 2026, citing improvements in key economic indicators.

    Mahama stressed that the stabilising economy positions Ghana to expand trade and investment, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    “These gains provide a solid foundation for Ghana’s development agenda, which focuses on five strategic pillars: industrialisation and value addition; export-led growth; modern infrastructure development; strong support for MSMEs, women, and youth entrepreneurs; and a predictable, transparent, investor-friendly business environment,” he said.

    Meanwhile, in late December 2025, it was announced that the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) risks an extension from its initial end date.

    This follows a recent proposal from the IMF Board, which requested a three-month continuation before the programme concludes. Defending its proposal, the IMF Board noted that the extension would provide sufficient time for the implementation of reforms underpinning the sixth and final review of the programme.

    Ghana’s programme with the global lender is scheduled to end in May 2026, following a final review slated for April 2026. However, should the IMF’s recommendations be approved, the programme would be extended through August 2026.

    Part of the IMF report reads, “The extension through August 16, 2026, would help reach an understanding on the policies supporting completion of the 6th review, while allowing sufficient time to prepare and circulate Board documents.”

    So far, Ghana has secured about US$2.8 billion following the successful completion of the fifth programme review. The new development is expected to trigger the release of a sixth tranche of US$380 million. Reacting to the approval, the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, noted that the approval represents meaningful progress in the country’s broader economic recovery agenda.

    IMF’s Resident Representative in Ghana, Dr Adrian Alter, has declared Ghana’s programme “solid and on track”.

    His comments come nearly a month after the IMF Executive Board completed the fifth review of Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement on 18 December 2025.

    During an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, January 15, Dr Alter mentioned disbursements and affirmed confidence in Ghana’s economic recovery path.

    “Ghana’s program remains solid and on track, with the fifth review completed and the disbursement made at the end of December,” he said.

    According to him, following a board meeting at which Ghana’s performance was assessed, it was concluded that “the IMF Board has met and approved the programme on December 17 and categorised the overall performance of Ghana as generally satisfactory,” with all indicative and performance criteria targets met and most of the reform agenda implemented.

    He disclosed that total disbursements under the ECF programme had now reached about $2.8 billion.

    “All indicative and performance criteria targets have been met,” Dr Alter said. “Most of the reform agenda has been concluded and implemented.”

    His comments come amid public debate over whether Ghana’s performance under the programme reflects real economic progress or favourable treatment by the IMF.

    Responding to that concern, Dr Alter said the assessment was grounded in measurable outcomes and recent policy actions by the authorities.

    “The authorities implemented strong corrective actions in the aftermath of the 2024 fiscal slippages,” he said, adding that “the 2025 macroeconomic outcomes have been better than expected.”

    He pointed to improvements across key economic indicators.

    “Inflation came down faster than expected,” he said. “Growth exceeded expectations. Reserves have improved. The currency appreciated and stabilised.”

    Dr Alter said the gains were occurring alongside progress on debt restructuring.

    “There are many, many macroeconomic indicators that perform very well at the same time the debt restructuring progress has been advanced,” he said.

  • Govt to launch spare parts price app soon – Transport Minister

    Govt to launch spare parts price app soon – Transport Minister

    The government is scheduled to launch a mobile application soon, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has revealed.

    According to him, the app, which is currently being developed, is intended to ensure transparent pricing and easy nationwide access to spare parts, following consistent complaints from drivers about disparities in spare parts prices, which have hindered transport fare reductions despite a drop in fuel prices.

    Mr Nikpe made the announcement during an appearance on Accra-based radio station Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on Thursday, February 5.

    He revealed that the government lobbied for a 15% reduction in transport fares last year. However, many drivers initially resisted further reductions, citing high spare-parts prices driven by dollar instability.

    He said, “The Trade Ministry plays a crucial role because drivers need access to spare parts for repairs. Last year, we achieved one of the highest reductions in transport fares in the country, negotiating a 15% decrease with our transport unions.

    “However, drivers were initially reluctant to lower their fares due to the high cost of spare parts, which were affected by the rising dollar. Now that the dollar has stabilised, we expect this to reduce spare parts prices. Fuel prices have also shown some stability recently.”

    He added that, together with efforts to retool state transport agencies such as Metro Mass Transit and STC, the initiative will help sanitise and decongest cities while improving traffic flow.

    The minister also highlighted collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority to implement a nationwide road-safety campaign aimed at enhancing safety for both commuters and drivers.

    It will be recalled that the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Spare Parts Dealers Association, and others were scheduled to appear before Parliament to justify their decisions not to reduce prices of their goods and services despite the cedi’s gains in May 2025.

    This was at a time when pressure was mounting on traders to reduce prices as a result of the local currency’s stability against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar. In that same month, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts owing to the appreciation of the cedi.

    However, they argued that significant reductions in the prices of goods and services could not occur immediately.

    A section explained that they were yet to sell off old stock that had been bought at higher exchange rates.

    “For now, maybe it can’t be possible because we ordered the goods at a certain rate, which is higher than what we are seeing now. At that price, we have to sell, and when the goods finish and you order another one at a reduced exchange rate, then definitely the prices will come down.”

    Another vendor, Yaw Ansong, echoed this, saying, “Unless I sell what I already ordered and finish before I can reduce the price of the goods, I haven’t ordered a new one, so I can’t reduce the price. If I reduce the price, I am going to lose my job,” he stated.

    Eric Osei Danso also explained, “For others, price reductions may come, but only if the cedi’s performance remains stable over time.”

    The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) also directed its members to slash their prices in response to the local currency’s gains.

    Committee Chairman Alexander Gabby Hottor-Dze noted that relevant stakeholders must assist the committee in deliberating on the matter.

    “We have come to understand that the dollar is down and the cedi is also going up, so we are going to do what they say, but not now. We will go down on prices when we see the dollar is still stable where it is.”

    “There have been price reductions in some quarters, but these are not commensurate with the impact of the appreciation of the cedi.”

    “The Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism had called for this meeting to inquire into why businesses and service providers are reluctant to reduce their prices, the impact on the economy, and the way forward.”

    “We have assembled here most of the relevant stakeholders who would assist the committee to deliberate on the matter,” he added.

  • Govt to sponsor fans to 2026 World Cup – Sports Minister

    Govt to sponsor fans to 2026 World Cup – Sports Minister

    Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has announced a new twist in supporters’ sponsorship by the government for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Past governments have mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

    Consequently, in early November last year, Kofi Adams noted that, although it has been a long-standing practice, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

    However, in a recent radio interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show in Accra on February 5, he acknowledged the tradition of sponsoring fans to support the Black Stars, adding that it is for that reason that his outfit has set up a fundraising committee.

    “The policy that we should take for fans is clear. It is clear that we should work at it, and that is why we have set up a fundraising committee. The number we would take ultimately will depend on how much we raise,” he stated.

    He explained that the government seeks to sponsor some Ghanaian fans for the 2026 World Cup so Ghana will have strong support at the tournament.

    The government believes Ghana should not only be represented by its team but also by its fans. However, he detailed that the number of supporters will be heavily dependent on the funds available to the government.

    He continued that, as part of the fundraising committee’s task, is to raise resources to cover travel and accommodation for supporters who will journey to back the Black Stars at the tournament.

    He acknowledged, however, that the plan requires significant financial backing, prompting the government to appeal to the private sector and the general public for support.

    “This is why we are appealing to corporate bodies, companies, mining firms and well-meaning individuals to come on board and support this initiative,” he said.

    Earlier, Mr Adams explained his objection to the government funding supporters to the World Cup, citing the need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

    “We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

    While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

    “I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

    “Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

    In a related development, reviewing and rationalising the Black Stars’ budget has saved the country about $700,000, the Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has said.

    According to him, the savings come after a directive from President Mahama that the budget for the national team be made public ahead of the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    In compliance, the Buem Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) made it public after the Black Stars’ recent doubleheader against Chad.

    The decision by the Buem Member of Parliament drew criticism from sections of the football fraternity, who questioned the disclosure of the team’s financial details.

    However, speaking to the media after Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang paid a working visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Adams defended the policy, describing it as prudent and beneficial.

    “We worked closely with the FA to rationalise the budgeting and disbursement processes, and this has saved close to $700,000 across two Black Stars matches,” he said.

    Mr Adams stressed that the cost-cutting measures did not negatively affect the team, noting that players and the technical staff received all their entitlements.

    “These measures have gone a long way to build confidence. The players did not suffer, and the technical team did not suffer. They continued to receive what was due them, even with the savings,” he added.

    The Vice President’s visit saw the presence of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Deputy Directors of the National Sports Authority, Veronica Commey and Gideon Hammond, as well as Sports Ministry Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah.

    Meanwhile, the Black Stars are expected to regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany.

    Budget allocation for Black Stars earlier

    Ghana Black Stars have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.

    Consequently, the government announced a (GHS 150million) hundred and fifty million ($13m) to fund the team’s preparations for the World’s biggest football tournament.

    During the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement by the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on the floor of Parliament yesterday, he explained that,

    “The government’s sustained investment in sports yielded impressive results, with the Black Stars qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An amount of GH¢150 million has been allocated for the Black Stars to participate in the World Cup,” he stated.

    Dr Forson explained that the funding underscores the government’s wider strategy to support national teams competing on the global stage and to strengthen sports development nationwide.

    He added that the government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the country, noting that plans are underway to build new stadiums in selected regions.

    The Minister went on to commend the Black Stars for their hard work, which has led Ghana to secure its fifth qualification, cementing their place among Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.

    “Mr Speaker. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our Black Stars, whose qualification for the World Cup continues to inspire the nation”, Dr Forson noted.

    According to him, government commitment to the Sports sector has yielded what he describes as “impressive results”.

  • GTEC freezes accreditation of new General Nursing programmes

    GTEC freezes accreditation of new General Nursing programmes

    The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has announced a freeze on the accreditation of new programmes in General Nursing at both diploma and bachelor’s degree levels.

    The tertiary regulator revealed this in a statement on Thursday, Feb 6, explaining that the move is aimed at aligning training with national health-sector needs before allowing more institutions to add programmes.

    “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, acting in accordance with its regulatory and accreditation mandates under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), and guided by national human resource development priorities, hereby announces a suspension of the accreditation of new General Nursing programmes at both diploma and bachelor’s degree levels,” parts of the statement read.

    The Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), is the law that restructured Ghana’s education regulatory framework. It merged the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) and the National Accreditation Board (NAB) into the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and also established the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). Its purpose is to regulate, coordinate, and ensure quality in tertiary and technical education.

    It continued that, “Accordingly, all tertiary education institutions are hereby notified that GTEC will not receive, process, or consider any new application for General Nursing (diploma or bachelor’s degree) programmes until further notice.”

    The statement, addressed to heads of tertiary education institutions, was copied to the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Director of Accreditation, GTEC, Heads of traditional public universities, GTEC, Heads of technical universities and colleges, GTEC, and the Head of Compliance, GTEC.

    However, GTEC, in the statement, indicated that institutions seeking to expand their health-related programme offerings should explore and develop proposals in specialised and undersubscribed areas of nursing.

    According to the tertiary education regulator, there are not enough students training in certain important nursing fields, such as Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Anaesthesia Nursing, Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Geriatric Nursing, and Nephrology Nursing, among others; hence, more attention should be given to training people in those areas.

    “These specialised fields align with national workforce gaps and are therefore more likely to receive favourable regulatory consideration,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, in October last year, a list of 50 tertiary institutions was made public by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for operating against approved standards. The Commission’s Director-General, Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai, through a statement dated October 20, cautioned the public against engaging with these institutions.

    “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) wishes to formally notify all Heads of Tertiary Institutions that the institutions listed below are currently not recognised by the Commission due to various accreditation and quality assurance breaches. Treat this caution with the seriousness it deserves,” part of the statement read.

    Among the institutions are University Azteca, Mexico; Indian School of Management and Studies, India; Breyer State Theology University, USA; Debest College of Science, Arts and Business, Ghana; Osiri University, USA; Atlantic International University, USA; Faith University Seminary (FUS), Ghana; Christian University College, Monrovia, Liberia; Rhema Bible Training College (RBTC), USA; Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, Costa Rica; and Selinus University of Science and Literature, Italy.

    In September, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission closed down some 149 institutions running open distance learning across the country without accreditation. According to the Director-General of GTEC, Professor Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, the centres of such institutions are “unfit for purpose.”

    At a two-day workshop in Accra last week on implementing Ghana’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) policy for quality assurance and tertiary education stakeholders, he noted that the operations of several institutions fall short of being recognised as legitimate distance learning.

    “Unfortunately, distance education seems to be replaced with distancing education. Distancing education, manifesting in institutions moving across this country to replicate what is happening in traditional classrooms, cannot be deemed as distance education.”

    “In fact, as we speak, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has flagged some 149 distance learning centres that we think are not fit for purpose. These centres are found in second-cycle institutions, institutions that are overstretched as a result of the double track. We have centres being organised in churches, public services, public works departments, and electricity companies. In fact, we cannot allow this to happen,” he stated.

    He further emphasised that distance learning is not merely an alternative to conventional education but a central pillar for expanding access, promoting equity, and fostering innovation in tertiary education. Consequently, the Commission gave institutions a grace period to follow the proper procedures and secure authorisation to run these programmes in approved facilities.

    “As a commission, we’ve issued a moratorium to all these institutions to teach our students in these centres and to seek accreditation for facilities that are fit for purpose. Today, we are launching this particular policy involving quality assurance.”

    “What we’ve realised as a commission is that quality assurance in most of these institutions becomes overly transactional. Institutions do what they are supposed to do to please us, and once we leave, then it’s business as usual. We cannot allow that,” he noted.

  • Renaming KIA: You can’t hate coup d’état and love Kotoka

    Renaming KIA: You can’t hate coup d’état and love Kotoka

    History isn’t a dusty archive. It lives in the names we place on roads, schools, airports and monuments.

    These markers aren’t just labels; they broadcast values to citizens, visitors, and especially to our children growing up trying to understand who we are.

    That’s why the debate over renaming Kotoka International Airport matters so much.

    We celebrate Kwame Nkrumah as Ghana’s greatest president, a leader of independence, a visionary for African unity.

    Across the continent, he’s lauded as one of the most influential Africans of the last millennium.

    Yet at the same time, we honour Emmanuel Kotoka, a key figure in the military coup that overthrew Nkrumah in 1966, by naming our main international gateway after him.

    Ask yourself: How does that square with our professed love of democracy?

    How can we teach young Ghanaians that democratic governance is our core value when one of the first things visitors see on arrival is a celebration of someone who helped dismantle our first constitutional government?

    Monuments and names are chosen for effect. They tell a story about what we admire, what we want others to know about us.

    Naming our airport for someone associated with a coup is not a neutral historical footnote: it is a statement. And that statement clashes with the narrative we claim to hold dear.

    Is Kotoka a hero? If he is, why? By what measure of heroism – strategic, moral, democratic – do we elevate him above others?

    If he is not a hero, then why should everyone who enters Ghana be greeted with his name, prompting the inevitable question: “Who is Kotoka?” Only for the answer to be, “He overthrew Nkrumah”?

    And here’s where it gets deeper: our own cultural logic already tells us that names carry weight.

    In many Ghanaian traditions, children are named after ancestors, events, virtues, or aspirations.

    A name is a blessing, a memory, a legacy. We don’t give a child a name that honours someone dishonourable — that could bring confusion or bad omen into the family.

    Public monuments should follow the same logic. If we wouldn’t name a child after someone whose actions we regret, then why name a national asset after them?

    We are teaching the next generation and, signalling to the world, something contradictory: that we hate coups, yet we are comfortable celebrating a coup maker in one of the most prominent ways conceivable.

    That confusion isn’t just intellectual, it’s moral and symbolic.

    This isn’t about erasing history. It’s about choosing which parts of history we elevate and why.

    History can be taught without enshrining every actor in our physical landscape.

    We can remember Kotoka in history books, in academic discourse, in balanced curricula, without making his name the banner under which visitors and returning citizens enter our nation.

    If we truly value democracy and the legacy of leaders like Nkrumah, as we say we do, then it’s time to align our symbols with those values.

    Renaming Kotoka International Airport isn’t an erasure of history; it’s an affirmation of the Ghana we want to be: democratic, consistent, purposeful, and clear about who we honour and why.

    If we can’t commit to that, then perhaps the confusion is real. And perhaps that’s the problem we need to confront.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Ghana experiencing traffic congestion due to reduced fuel prices – Pres Mahama

    Ghana experiencing traffic congestion due to reduced fuel prices – Pres Mahama

    Traffic congestion ranks among the top three urban challenges in Ghana. While past governments over the years have made efforts to resolve it, it remains a challenge.

    Per reports, when petrol prices rose by approximately 150% and diesel by nearly 200% from 2020 to 2024, moving from below GHS 5/litre to above GHS 13/litre, traffic congestion reduced in some parts of Ghana, as discretionary trips for some households and businesses were reduced.

    However, while addressing Ghanaians living in Zambia during an official engagement on Wednesday, February 4, President Mahama mentioned that Ghana is currently experiencing congestion due to reduced fuel prices.

    The recent drops in fuel prices have created a new dynamic: more vehicles on the road, leading to heavier traffic volumes.

    According to him, the prices of fuel under the erstwhile government had limited people who wanted to travel to places in their own cars; things are different now, stressing that the congestion is a sign of a growing economy.

    “We have also seen improved economic activity. Business is booming, and one sign of booming economic activity is traffic congestion. More people are using their cars because, previously, people could not buy fuel and would not drive unnecessarily.

    “But now that fuel is more affordable, people are using their cars more and going to places they would not have gone before,” President Mahama said, while warning Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to submit their annual and audit reports by April or face sanctions.

    “I said we will take action against any chief executive of a state-owned enterprise who, by the end of April, which is the target date, has not completed their audits and presented their annual reports.

    Meanwhile, the recent report from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that petrol prices fell by 20.1% year-on-year, while diesel prices also fell by 18.7% year-on-year, driving down transport costs and contributing to lower inflation.

    Consequently, motorists started the New Year on a good note with less pressure on their pockets as several  Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)  effected a reduction in fuel prices at their respective pumps across the country in the January pricing window.

    The price cuts, which took effect in the early hours of the New Year, signified a continued downward trend in petroleum costs, offering much-needed breathing room for both commercial and private transport users.

    Among the first OMCs that effected the reduction was market leader Star Oil. It set the pace and a benchmark for other OMCs as it adjusted its digital displays. A marginal dip from previous prices.

    Petrol is now selling at GH¢10.86 per litre, diesel is priced at GH¢11.96 per litre, and RON 95 is selling at GH¢13.56 per litre.

    According to the Star Oil management, the reduction in oil prices is a result of a “favourable domestic and external cost environment,” citing the cedi appreciation and a dip in international refined product prices.

    It said the current reductions may only be the tip of the iceberg for January. The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projected a robust outlook for the month, suggesting that competitive pressures will force more OMCs to follow suit in the coming days.

    In its January pricing outlook, COMAC provided a breakdown of the expected percentage declines. It was projected that petrol would fall by up to 4.80%, and diesel was also estimated to drop by approximately 3.77%. LPG, on the other hand, was expected to see a reduction of roughly 2.19%.

    Industry analysts believe that if the cedi maintains its current trajectory and international crude prices remain below $80 per barrel, Ghanaians could see even more substantial relief by the second pricing window in mid-January.

    While the prices of fuel are dropping, Ghanaians have had to brace themselves for an increase in utility tariffs, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

    Following the announcement of the increase, there was widespread disapproval, particularly from stakeholders and the general public.

    On December 2, 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an imminent increase in tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from January 1, 2026. The Commission said the increases, 9.86% for electricity and 15.92% for water, had become necessary to meet utility investment needs, respond to macroeconomic pressures, and ensure the long-term stability of the sector.

    Consequently, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the labour umbrella body that represents workers’ interests and coordinates labour unions, engaged the Commission on two different occasions, first, about a week after the increase was announced, and later in a subsequent meeting nearing the end of December.

    Following these engagements, a joint statement released by the institutions revealed efforts to balance consumer concerns with the financial sustainability of utilities; however, the PURC’s stance remained unchanged.

    The Commission contended that any reversal of its 2026–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) could have serious consequences for the stability of Ghana’s energy and water sectors, as well as the broader economy.

    The Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) is a regulatory framework used by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to set electricity and water tariffs over a fixed period, 2026 to 2030, in this case. It is intended to ensure predictable pricing, financial stability for utilities, and protection for consumers.

    The Commission reaffirmed this position during meetings with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) held on December 11 and 30, 2025, during which the new tariff schedule, which took effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026, was discussed.

    “…The PURC reaffirmed its position that any reversal of the tariff decision would have significant implications, not only for the Commission’s independence but, crucially, for the stability of the energy and water sectors and the broader Ghanaian economy,” parts of the statement said.

    According to the joint statement, discussions focused particularly on the implications of the tariff adjustments on the living conditions of workers, as well as on electricity stability and investments in the power and water sectors. The discussions also explored avenues for collaboration between the two institutions.

  • Court slashes Agradaa’s 15-year jail term to one year

    Court slashes Agradaa’s 15-year jail term to one year

    Ghanaian fetish turned evangelist, Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, is set to be freed by July 3, 2026, after a successful appeal of her 15-year jail sentence with hard labour by her legal team.

    Originally scheduled for release on July 3, 2040, the Amasaman High Court on Thursday, February 5, reduced her sentence to one year.

    The court insists that the founder of Heaven Way Champions International Ministry was not afforded a fair trial and that her sentence was harsh.

    Consequently, it has been heavily slashed by 14 years.

    Agradaa was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each on two counts of defrauding by false pretence, with the court ordering her to serve the two sentences concurrently and fined GH¢300 for charlatanic advertisement on her TV station, Today’s TV.

    Agradaa was officially transferred to the Nsawam Female Prison on Saturday, July 5, just two days after she was sentenced by Judge Evelyn E. Asamoah at the Accra Circuit Court ‘10’ on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

    The Circuit Court in Accra delivered its sentence after confirming that she is not pregnant.

    In 2022, she was accused of luring her victims through claims that she possessed spiritual powers to double their money.

    Initially admitting guilt to charges including fraudulent advertising and obtaining money under false pretences, she spent two weeks in remand before being granted bail of GH₵150,000 with three sureties, one requiring justification.

    Why was she sentenced?

    She tricked members of her church into handing over their cash during a night vigil service in Weija, Accra, on October 7.

    According to the prosecution, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah, it was confirmed that Agradaa, on October 5, advertised on her TV station that she was organising a night vigil on October 7, intended to share GH¢300,000 with all participants who needed money for business or to pay rent. According to the prosecution, the former priestess displayed large sums of money during the advert while encouraging the public to turn up in their numbers for support.

    Consequently, many came from far and near in attendance for the service. During the service, she directed the congregation to form groups of 20 members, and each member was to pay monies starting from GH¢1,000 and above, after which some groups would be given GH¢50,000 to share, while other groups would receive GH¢40,000, and GH¢25,000.

    The prosecution said some of the groups gave Agradaa 25,000 cedis, while other people parted with various sums of money.

    Agradaa, after obtaining those monies, left the service and ordered her bouncers to block any access to her. She failed her promise, resulting in the complainants getting stranded at the church premises, the prosecution said.

    Her husband’s remarks on wife’s sentence
    In a statement made after the verdict, Pastor Asiamah claimed that the allegations of fraud stemmed from the offertory collected during that service.

    On the other hand, her legal team described her sentence as “excessive,” noting that the amount in question was only GH¢540, vowing to file an appeal on Monday, claiming the punishment is more about who Agradaa is than what she is alleged to have done.

    The Circuit Court in Accra delivered its sentence after confirming that she is not pregnant.

    Also on January 20, this year, the Tema High Court directed Nana Agradaa to pay GH¢100,000 in damages to gospel musician Empress Gifty Adorye following a defamation action.

    The decision concludes a legal battle that started in May 2025, when Empress Gifty instituted a GH¢20 million lawsuit, accusing Nana Agradaa of making defamatory remarks about her.

    The matter was determined at the Tema High Court “A”, with Justice Janet Marfo presiding, after both parties reached an agreement to resolve the case outside the courtroom.

    As part of the settlement, the court further ordered Nana Agradaa to withdraw all claims made against Empress Gifty and render an unreserved public apology.

    According to Adom News reporter Mike Two, the ruling effectively brings the dispute between the two personalities to an end.

    Nonetheless, Nana Agradaa has been slapped with a fine of GHS12,000 for displaying nude photos of fellow pastor Emmanuel Appiah Fumum, also known as Osofo Biblical.

    She has been further ordered to pay GHS50,000 as compensation to the complainant. Agradaa’s conviction resulted from a plea bargain agreement with the State, concluding a legal battle that had dragged on for nearly three years.

    The case stems from claims that Nana Agradaa, a former fetish priestess turned evangelist, aired nude images of Pastor Emmanuel Appiah Fumum (widely known as Osofo Biblical) on her television channel and social media pages without his permission.

    Prosecutors say the images were broadcast during a live programme where panellists mocked the complainant—conduct they argue violates the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the sharing of intimate images without consent.

  • NPP’s Chairman Wontumi formally declares bid to contest for National Chairman

    NPP’s Chairman Wontumi formally declares bid to contest for National Chairman

    Embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially announced his intention to contest the position of National Chairman of the party.

    He made his declaration in a statement dated February 4 and signed by the chairman. According to him, his bid to contest comes after consultations with party elders and his “maker” as he seeks to serve the interest of the party, ensure unity and harmony.

    “I, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), having consulted my Maker and sought the counsel of party elders, hereby declare my intention to serve as National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, not for personal ambition, but to strengthen, rebuild, and unify our great party,” parts of the statement read.

    Describing the current state of the party as at a critical juncture, Chairman Wontumi highlighted the need for a leader who understands and relates well with the grassroots, which underlines his candidacy.

    He stated, “Our party has faced challenges and learned hard lessons along the way. At this critical moment, the NPP demands leadership that is steady, principled, and committed to unity.
    A leader who is grassroots personified, who values every member from our elders to the youth allies, and who is willing to make the ultimate sacrifices for the party.”

    He emphasised the need for courageous and decisive leadership, noting that the road ahead would require vision, sacrifice and unwavering determination.

    “The road ahead will demand vision, courage, and unwavering determination. Leadership at this moment requires bravery, the courage to stand firm, make difficult decisions, and the willingness to lose all if necessary for the NPP,” the statement said.

    He described himself as a grassroots-oriented leader who values every member of the party, from elders to the youngest supporters, and pledged to work towards unity and organisational strength.

    Chairman Wontumi expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for the future, declaring, “We are ready. We are organised. We are built for the battle ahead,” while charging them to come together and “restore confidence, empower our grassroots, and position the NPP to win decisively in 2028.

    He concluded by calling on party members to rally together, saying the NPP would “rise again, together,” and ended the statement with prayers for the party, Ghana’s democracy and the nation.

    Chairman Wontumi currently serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party and is expected to formally file his nomination when the party opens the contest for the National Chairmanship position.

    Meanwhile, the NPP elected its flagbearer on Saturday, January 31.

    The former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was declared the winner of the NPP presidential election, securing 57% of the votes.

    Out of the total valid votes cast, Dr. Bawumia secured 110,643 votes (56.48%), followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 46,554 votes (23.76%), Bryan Acheampong earned 36,303 (18.53%), Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Ing. Kwabena Agyepong trailed with 1,999 votes (1.02%) and 402 votes (0.21%) respectively.

    More than 211,000 delegates took part in the polls which were conducted at 333 voting centres spanning all 275 constituencies nationwide.

    Throughout the process, heightened security arrangements were put in place, while party officials closely monitored proceedings to guarantee orderliness.

    Across several constituencies, the sorting and compilation of votes are currently in progress, and preliminary results have started filtering in from parts of the country. Party leaders have assured stakeholders of openness and fairness as the process moves forward.

    Prior to the election, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah predicted the Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to win 14 out of the 16 regions.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, January 28, he noted that Dr. Bawumia would sweep massive votes in the party’s stronghold, the Ashanti Region.

    He added, “Yes, [Bawumia will win in 14 regions out of 16 regions].“All the areas we have looked at are pointing in one direction, and that direction is that Bawumia will win this Saturday’s election one-touch.

    According to him, “Based on our model, his lowest score will be 54 percent, which is the 57 percent we are giving him minus the three percent margin of error, or he could get up to 60 percent”.The Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics emphasised that the data is consistent across all regions. “I am very confident in Bawumia’s numbers because they are more stable in terms of variability. There is no noise in the data,” he added.

    Last year, the National Tracking Poll by Global InfoAnalytics disclosed that 56 per cent of voters and 72 per cent of committed NPP delegates want former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as their flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

  • Presidency launches probe into alleged ‘sale’ of govt-sponsored overseas scholarship

    Presidency launches probe into alleged ‘sale’ of govt-sponsored overseas scholarship

    The Presidency has announced a probe into allegations of bought scholarships made by a former public official during a radio discussion on Sompa FM on February 2.

    During the discussion, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, claimed that someone paid a bribe to secure a government-sponsored overseas scholarship.

    Reacting to the allegations, President John Mahama has ordered the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to investigate alleged improprieties in the award of overseas scholarships.

    This comes after the former public official’s allegations garnered widespread concern and reactions from the public.

    According to the Minister of State for Government Communication, Mr Felix Ofosu Kwakye, the President views such an allegation as a serious matter of grave public concern, particularly given the government’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and equal access to educational opportunities.

    In the President’s directive to the NIB, he ordered an immediate probe into the matter to establish the factual basis of the claim, identify any persons involved, and determine the veracity of the allegations.

    “The Bureau has also been directed to submit its findings to the President for consideration and any appropriate action that may arise,” the letter added.

    The directive was contained in a letter dated February 3, 2026, signed by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Director-General of the National Investigation Bureau.

    Meanwhile, allegations of bribery and corruption in Ghana’s scholarship awards are not new. The current claims by the former NEIP CEO have reignited scrutiny, but similar narratives have surfaced in the past, including petitions and investigations into the Scholarship Secretariat.

    The cases of purchased scholarships in Ghana is a long-standing issue.In September last year, a group called Positive Transparency and Accountability Movement-Ghana (PTAAM-GH) petitioned the OSP to begin investigating alleged corruption at the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, which the anti-corruption institution launched the probe.

    The petitioners claimed that scholarships were being awarded based on political connections, favouritism, and payments, rather than merit.

    This probe followed earlier complaints dating back to 2024.

    Meanwhile, in July last year, Ghanaian students on the Ghana government scholarship were reported to be in distress following various threats of eviction, revocation of visas, and potential deportation over unpaid tuition and other fees.

    Earlier that month, it emerged that Ghanaian students in Memphis faced a housing eviction deadline of August 9, 2025, if they failed to pay a $3.6 million scholarship debt owed by Ghana’s Scholarship Secretariat.

    The eviction threat was formally communicated to students in a circular dated July 14, 2025.

    President of Memphis, Dr. Bill Hardgrave, during an interview on Action News 5’s Better on Wednesday, July 16, publicly validated the situation and the current condition of Ghanaian students facing eviction due to unpaid scholarship funds.

    “The students are sponsored by the government of (sic) Ghana, which has not paid the students’ tuition for some time. I think there was a regime change in Ghana, and that affected the budget, but we’re hopeful that gets corrected because we’d love to keep those students on campus,” he confirmed.

    In reaction to this, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, July 23, revealed that the debt owed in terms of scholarship is owed to several schools across the world and not just one or two.

    He said that an audit is underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding the scholarship debt crisis; however, the acting Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei, has been on trips in the past few months to countries where students face threats of eviction, among other repercussions of the government’s failure to settle their fees.

    This, he revealed, is to negotiate and to help mitigate the pressure coming from these authorities on the affected students.

    “There is a debt of fees that we have across the world. And so my registrar now has to go around the world and negotiate with schools, and that is what we’ve been undertaking in the last four, five months. I keep sending him, go here, go there, because you keep getting threats all over the world: ‘We are going to sack your students.’”

    The former government left a startling GHC 700 million in unpaid scholarship debt, according to the Minister. He described the current situation as a “bad, bad, bad mess” that threatens the future of Ghanaian students abroad and the country’s international reputation.

    “The current bill that I have is over ¢700 million in debt that we have to find money to pay,” he said.

    Given the current state of our economy and the ballooning debt crisis, the Minister was asked whether the government had enough to pay, or was even willing to pay,the GH¢700 million.

    In an empathetic response, he said, “It involves Ghanaian students; it involves lives. It involves our citizens. And so we must find the money to pay.”

    While admitting that Ghana currently doesn’t have this money in cash, he said negotiations are ongoing. He also commended the Chief of Staff for his input while they negotiated the terms of the debt.

    “The Chief of Staff has been very helpful. With the Finance Minister and the Chief of Staff, we are working closely to offset the debt… So yes, we will pay, but we have to negotiate.”

    Some schools, Mr. Opare said, have shown a positive response, understanding that the debt was inherited from the erstwhile government.

    “They know that we are a new government that has come in. We inherited these problems, and so we are aligning and fixing them gradually.”

    He also responded to reports of students receiving threats of eviction from their schools.

    “You can’t blame this government for the mess we inherited. And most of these things have been outstanding for a year or two,” he continued.

  • Minority kicks against KIA renaming, calls it an indictment on the NDC

    Minority kicks against KIA renaming, calls it an indictment on the NDC

    The government has proposed a renaming of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to Accra International Airport.

    The announcement was made on February 3 by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during a parliamentary leadership briefing, noting that the Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe will present a bill in Parliament to legally effect the name change.

    The proposed name change is intended to honour the Ga people, reclaim Ghana’s historical identity, and reflect democratic values instead of glorifying a coup leader, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a military officer who played a central role in the 1966 coup d’état that overthrew Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

    He explained that the airport was originally called Accra International Airport, but its name was later changed.

    “It is not fair to the people of Accra that they gave out their land for the construction of an airport that was named after them, and the one who received the land changed it and named it with his name,” he said.

    “To honour the people who gave the land, government is going back to using it,” he added.

    A bill to formalise the change will be introduced in Parliament by the Transport Minister.

    “Government intends to rename Kotoka International Airport to Accra International Airport,” the Majority Leader said, noting that the bill would be presented in line with established procedures.

    However, some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, including its leader, Afenyo-Markin. Speaking during a media engagement yesterday, February 3, he defended the current name of the airport and criticised the decision to rename it.

    On his part, the name “Kotoka” is among the very few names on national monuments, such as the airport, that celebrate the heroism of Voltarians; therefore, renaming it would deny the people of the Volta Region the recognition they deserve.

    He said, “All these years, we’ve had General Kotoka’s name on the airport, and suddenly it’s being changed. The name Kotoka International Airport, Accra, is already there, so you don’t need to remove Kotoka’s name.

    “How many prominent Voltarians have their names on national assets or monuments? This is the only thing the people of Volta can also see as something that recognises heroism from the Volta Region, and they’re being denied.”

    He added that successive governments had retained the name and accused current NDC leaders from the Volta Region of remaining silent on the issue.

    He described the move as an indictment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and urged key figures within the party, particularly those from the Volta Region, to oppose the proposal.

    “Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, they’re from Volta, they’re in government and are watching Volta lose its pride. It’s up to them,” he said.

    In February last year, the Democracy Hub, in partnership with the Convention People’s Party (CPP), took legal action at the Supreme Court to push for a change in the name of Ghana’s international airport, Kotoka.

    They asserted that associating the facility with Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka goes against the country’s democratic values, as he was instrumental in the 1966 government takeover.

    “For 59 years, Ghana has lived with the contradiction of denouncing coups while honouring one of the architects of the first military overthrow of an elected government,” the group stated.

    The CPP and advocacy group Democracy Hub contended that the continued use of Kotoka’s name for the country’s main airport represents an official approval of military takeovers. They argue that renaming the facility would reinforce Ghana’s dedication to democratic governance.

    “It is time for Ghana to make a clear statement that it stands against unconstitutional rule, not just in rhetoric but in practice,” the statement added.

    This court case, initiated with the support of legal professionals from Merton & Everett LLP, follows in-depth historical and legal examinations.

    Democracy Hub appealed to civic organizations, youth movements, and champions of democracy to endorse the lawsuit, describing it as “more than a legal battle—this is about confronting our history.”

    Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka (26 September 1926 – 17 April 1967) played a key role in the National Liberation Council, the military administration that ousted Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s government through a coup on 24 February 1966.

    Prominent among those calling for the airport’s name to be changed back is Samia Yaba Christina Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. She has repeatedly suggested that the facility should return to its original name, Accra International Airport.

    The airport originally served as a military base for the British Royal Air Force during World War II before being handed over to civilian authorities. In 1956, under President Kwame Nkrumah, a project was launched to convert the site into a passenger terminal.

    The project was completed in 1958, transforming the former military installation into a civilian airport capable of handling about 500,000 passengers a year. It was initially called Accra International Airport.

    However, in 1969, the airport was renamed Kotoka International Airport in honor of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka (1926–1967), a member of the National Liberation Council who was killed during a failed coup attempt at what is now the airport’s forecourt.

  • Full text: President Mahama’s speech at World Governments Summit in Dubai

    Full text: President Mahama’s speech at World Governments Summit in Dubai

    President John Mahama has called on global leaders to ensure a world where cooperation triumphs over division.

    He made the call at the World Governments Summit which opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on February 3.

    “The future of global alliances is ultimately not about treaties alone. It is about the kind of world we choose to build. A world where cooperation triumphs over division, partnerships serve development and where nations rise together, not apart,” President stated.

    The summit is under the theme, “The future of Global alliances.”

    Please read the full speech below:
    ADDRESS – BY H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA AT THE WORLD GOVERNMENTS SUMMIT 2026 ON THE THEME “THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL ALLIANCES” – 3RD TO 5TH FEBRUARY, 2026

    Your Highnesses,
    Dear Colleagues
    Leaders of international organisations,
    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am deeply honoured to join you here at the World Governments Summit.

    I extend my sincere gratitude to our gracious hosts for convening this timely platform for dialogue, reflection, and collective action. We gather here at a pivotal juncture in global affairs, an era marked by rapid transformation, shifting geopolitical realities, and unprecedented interconnectedness.

    The international system is evolving, and with it, the alliances that have long shaped relations among our nations. The central question before us today is not whether global alliances will endure, but how they must be reimagined and renewed to remain effective, inclusive, and responsive to the demands of our time.

    Excellencies,

    The alliances of previous generations were largely forged in response to geopolitical rivalries, military confrontations, and economic competition.
    They were often shaped by blocs and spheres of influence. Today, however, humanity faces challenges that transcend borders and defy unilateral
    solutions such as the accelerating threat of climate change, growing food and energy insecurity, global health emergencies, violent extremism and
    terrorism, technological disruption, fragile supply chains, and widening inequality.

    Distinguished Guests,

    These challenges demand cooperation not as a matter of choice but as an imperative. The alliances of the future must therefore be rooted in shared
    responsibility and based on our common destiny. The partnerships of tomorrow must extend beyond traditional diplomacy. They must become
    alliances of solidarity, anchored in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and collective advancement.

    For us in Ghana, this vision is deeply familiar. Our nation was founded on enduring principles of freedom, dignity, and international cooperation. From the Pan-African ideals championed by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to Ghana’s contemporary role as a bridge-builder in global diplomacy, we have consistently stood for unity over fragmentation.

    Indeed, Ghana has long shown that principled alliances can advance peace, prosperity, and stability beyond our borders.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The future of global alliances cannot be meaningfully imagined without Africa. Africa is not merely a space of competition; it is a continent of
    solutions, opportunities, and rising influence.

    With the world’s youngest population, vast natural endowments, dynamic innovation, and expanding
    market of 1.3 billion people, Africa will play a decisive role in shaping the global economy of the twenty-first century.

    Partnerships of tomorrow must advance shared prosperity. We must work together to invest in renewable and clean energy, modern infrastructure,
    resilient food systems, digital transformation, and, above all, human capital development.

    Africa welcomes global partners not merely to trade with, but to transform with through investments that builds industries, strengthens supply chains, and creates shared opportunity.

    Africa deserves a seat at the table in the reshaping of a new global order. This is why the Accra Reset which convened in Accra, New York, Davos and soon Addis offers a road map for the transition from aid and dependence to trade, investment and global partnerships.

    To achieve the right alliances, Africa must reset itself. Accountable and transparent governance, respect for human rights, strong institutions and
    selfless leadership are essential.

    New alliances with Africa must aim at adding value to Africa’s natural resources. They must aim at granting Africa greater sovereignty and control
    of its natural resources. That is why in Ghana we have established the Goldbod that has yielded more than $10 billion in less than a year.

    Our medium to long term goal is to process and add value to our mineral ores and agricultural products; gold manganese, bauxite, lithium, petroleum, cocoa, oil palm, cashew, fruits, soya, cassava and other raw materials.

    I am happy to note that Ghana/UAE and Africa/Gulf partnerships are helping to shape a more connected and prosperous future and are becoming an important pillar of the emerging global order.

    Excellencies,

    Remarkably, peace remains the essential foundation on which development is built. In West Africa, the growing threat of terrorism and instability in parts of the Sahel reminds us that security is indivisible.

    Ghana, through ECOWAS, remains committed to regional peace, preventive diplomacy, and democratic stability. As part of efforts to rebuild and strengthen sub-regional cooperation across key sectors to enhance resilience, restore confidence, and address the structural drivers of instability, Ghana convened a High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security from 29th to 30th January, 2026.

    The conference, which brought together Heads of State and Government and key regional institutions to confront shared threats, forged a renewed consensus on collective security, counter-terrorism, border cooperation, humanitarian response, and human-centred governance as the
    foundations of lasting stability in West Africa.

    It also reaffirmed our collective resolve to translate regional solidarity into concrete action, measurable outcomes, and sustained peace for our peoples.

    Excellencies,

    Undoubtedly, the world is entering a new era in which artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital systems will redefine economies and societies. Yet governance has not kept pace with innovation.

    Ghana is making steady progress in digital transformation, from mobile financial inclusion to national identification systems and e-governance reforms. But the digital future must not be the privilege of a few nations.

    Future alliances must therefore ensure ethical governance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cooperation, technology transfer, and inclusive digital capacity-building. We must ensure that innovation becomes a shared global good, not a source of new inequality.

    Distinguished participants,

    No alliance of the future can ignore the climate crisis. While Africa contributes the least to global emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate impacts. Climate action must therefore be matched by climate justice, and the global community must honour its commitments on climate finance, adaptation support, and equitable energy transitions.

    The Ghana-UAE partnership stands as a clear example of future-oriented global alliances, mobilizing a USD 30 million grant to advance climate action, biodiversity protection and inclusive development.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    At the heart of global alliances lies multilateralism. While the post war multilateral order and rules-based system have come under severe pressure
    because of unilateral actions of some members of the global family, there remains enough healthy tissue that we can culture to restore it back to good health.

    International institutions must become more representative, more responsive, and more equitable. Developing nations must have a stronger
    voice in shaping the rules governing trade, finance, climate action, and peacekeeping. Indeed, the legitimacy of global governance depends on fairness, and fairness remains the cornerstone of trust.

    Ghana remains steadfastly committed to an international order based on dialogue rather than confrontation, cooperation rather than isolation, rules
    rather than coercion, and shared progress rather than zero-sum rivalry.

    Our partnerships with the nations represented here, including those in the Gulf region, reflect our belief in economic diplomacy that delivers
    development, investment, and opportunity for our people.

    Ladies and Gentlemen,

    The future of global alliances is ultimately not about treaties alone. It is about the kind of world we choose to build. A world where cooperation triumphs over division, partnerships serve development and where nations rise together, not apart.

    I thank you for your kind attention.

  • Ghana’s petroleum revenue drops to $399.6m in second half of 2025 – BoG

    Ghana’s petroleum revenue drops to $399.6m in second half of 2025 – BoG

    Ghana’s petroleum sector recorded a decline in the second half of 2025, according to new data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

    The data, contained in the Central Bank’s Semi-Annual Report on the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF) and shared on Tuesday, February 3, shows total receipts of US$399.65 million, significantly lower than returns recorded during the same period in 2024.

    The report explains that the amount represents combined inflows from crude oil liftings and petroleum-related taxes. However, it fell below the US$369.25 million realised from crude oil liftings alone in the second half of 2024, pointing to weaker overall performance in the sector.

    “The total amount received into the PHF account for H2 2025 was US$399.65 million (crude oil lifting total of US$198.25 million and other total income of US$201.40 million),” the report indicated.

    The report further indicates that revenue between July 1 and December 31, 2025, was drawn from two main sources. Crude oil liftings from the Jubilee and Sankofa Gye Nyame (SGN) fields generated US$198.25 million, following the lifting of two Jubilee cargoes and one SGN cargo by the Ghana Group, represented by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

    Ghana earned US$201.40 million from petroleum-related taxes and interest during the period. The bulk of this amount, US$198.09 million, came from corporate income taxes, while US$3.31 million was earned as interest on the Petroleum Holding Fund.

    The BoG also explained that revenue from the 25th cargo from the TEN field, valued at US$60.79 million, was not included in the report because the funds had not been received by the end of 2025, even though they were expected in November.

    Even though Ghana received less new money from oil during the period, it still spent and distributed a total of US$493.40 million. The spending was cushioned by savings accumulated by the government from previous years to cover the shortfall.

    Semi-Annual-Report-H2-2025Download

    According to the report, the government used about 57.8% of the total US$493.40 million, amounting to US$285.06 million, to fund its projects and programmes through the national budget. About 23.5%, representing US$115.99 million, was saved to stabilise the economy during difficult times, while US$49.71 million was saved for future generations. Another US$42.63 million was given to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation to help cover its operational and investment costs.

    The report further showed positive investment performance for Ghana’s petroleum savings. The Ghana Petroleum Funds recorded a net realised income of US$28.11 million, with returns of 2.28 per cent for the Heritage Fund and 2.51 per cent for the Stabilisation Fund.

    As of December 31, 2025, total petroleum reserves stood at US$1.55 billion, with the Heritage Fund accounting for US$1.38 billion.

    Looking ahead, the Bank of Ghana adopted a cautious outlook for 2026, noting that Brent crude prices declined from US$66.61 to US$60.81 per barrel by the end of 2025.

    While the International Monetary Fund projects global growth of 3.3 per cent, the report warned that Ghana’s petroleum revenues remain exposed to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and OPEC+ production decisions, with oil prices expected to average about US$62.13 per barrel in 2026.

    Meanwhile, in a related development, motorists have started the New Year on a good note, with less pressure on their pockets, as several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have effected a reduction in fuel prices at their respective pumps across the country in the January pricing window.

    The price cuts, which took effect in the early hours of the New Year, signify a continued downward trend in petroleum costs, offering much-needed breathing room for both commercial and private transport users.

    Among the first OMCs to effect the reduction was market leader Star Oil. It set the pace and a benchmark for other OMCs as it adjusted its digital displays, reflecting a marginal dip from previous prices.

    Petrol is now selling at GH¢10.86 per litre, diesel is priced at GH¢11.96 per litre, and RON 95 is selling at GH¢13.56 per litre.

    According to Star Oil management, the reduction in oil prices is a result of a “favourable domestic and external cost environment,” citing the cedi’s appreciation and a dip in international refined product prices.

    It said the current reductions may only be the tip of the iceberg for January. The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projected a robust outlook for the month, suggesting that competitive pressures will force more OMCs to follow suit in the coming days.

    In its January pricing outlook, COMAC provided a breakdown of the expected percentage declines. It projected that petrol would fall by up to 4.80 per cent, while diesel was also estimated to drop by approximately 3.77 per cent. LPG, on the other hand, was expected to see a reduction of roughly 2.19 per cent.

    Industry analysts believe that if the cedi maintains its current trajectory and international crude prices remain below US$80 per barrel, Ghanaians could see even more substantial relief by the second pricing window in mid-January.

    While fuel prices are dropping, Ghanaians have had to brace themselves for an increase in utility tariffs, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

    Following the announcement, there was widespread disapproval, particularly from stakeholders and the general public.

    On December 2, 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an imminent increase in tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from January 1, 2026. The Commission said the increases—9.86 per cent for electricity and 15.92 per cent for water—had become necessary to meet utility investment needs, respond to macroeconomic pressures, and ensure the long-term stability of the sector.

  • IGP reshuffles top police command, assigns new roles to strengthen leadership, operations

    IGP reshuffles top police command, assigns new roles to strengthen leadership, operations

    A major reshuffle intended to enhance efficiency and improve police operations nationwide has been carried out in the top command of the Ghana Police Service.

    The reshuffle, carried out on the orders of the IGP, was announced in a formal statement dated February 2 by the law enforcement agency and publicly released on February 3.

    In the statement, the IGP reassigned several senior officers to various roles, ordering that the new roles take effect immediately.

    The reshuffle affects Directors-General, Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCOPs), and regional commanders, to strengthen operations and improve service delivery nationwide.

    Under the new arrangement:

    COP Dr Sayibu Pabi Gariba moves from Director-General in charge of Technology to head the National Administration and Professional Development (NAPD) directorate.

    COP Iddi Lansah Seidu has been reassigned from Welfare to serve as Director-General for Technology.

    COP Dr Vance Baba Gariba shifts from Operations to become Director-General for Research and Planning.

    COP Emmanuel Teye-Cudjoe moves from the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) to head Operations.

    DCOP Darko Offei Lomotey leaves Research and Planning to take charge of the PPSB.

    DCOP Eric Ken Winful moves from NAPD to oversee Welfare.
    The reshuffle also affected regional and technical commands:

    DCOP Charles K. Adu appointed Eastern Sector Regional Commander.

    DCOP Isaac Asante transferred from the Eastern Region to the National Headquarters.

    DCOP George B. Ohene Boadi now serves as Central Regional Commander.

    DCOP George Ankomah moves from Central MTTD/Ashanti Region to become Eastern North Regional Commander.

    DCOP Alex Kodjo Wowolo, formerly Director of ICT at the National Headquarters, now heads Central MTTD/Ashanti Region.

    This top-rank reshuffle marks the first since his appointment on March 13 last year by President Mahama.

    However, about a month after his appointment, he carried out a major reshuffle of police commanders stationed in areas notorious for illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as part of the Ghana Police Service’s intensified campaign against the destructive activity.

    The reshuffle, which primarily affected Divisional and District Commanders in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions, marked the first phase of a larger strategy aimed at revitalising the police response to illegal mining.

    According to a police statement, “This reshuffle is part of a broader effort to ensure more effective policing in areas plagued by illegal mining,” adding that further changes are anticipated in the coming weeks.

    In a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service titled Police Reshuffle Commanders in Galamsey Areas as It Intensifies Its War on Illegal Mining Activities, the Service reaffirmed the IGP’s commitment to fighting galamsey with renewed determination.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in keeping with his promise to wage a relentless war on illegal mining activities (galamsey), has reshuffled police commanders in galamsey-prone areas,” the statement read.

    “This is said to be the first phase of the reshuffle exercise, as many more are expected to follow to inject fresh energy into the fight against illegal mining activities in the country,” it added.

    Meanwhile, the police have made significant gains in their anti-galamsey operations. A special intelligence-led operation conducted over four consecutive days, beginning on April 17, 2025, in the Samreboi enclave in the Western Region, led to the arrest of 47 individuals involved in illegal mining activities.

    The suspects, arrested along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests, include 39 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals, among them four women.

    Exhibits retrieved during the operation include seventeen excavators, one bulldozer, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, one RAV4 vehicle, four pump-action guns, one single-barrel gun, 54 live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines.

    Below is the full statement by the police:

    POLICE RESHUFFLE COMMANDERS IN GALAMSEY AREAS AS IT INTENSIFIES ITS WAR ON ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in keeping with his promise to wage a relentless war on illegal mining activities (galamsey), has reshuffled police commanders in galamsey-prone areas.

    This is said to be the first phase of the reshuffle exercise, as many more are expected to follow to inject fresh energy into the fight against illegal mining activities in the country.

    Police commands affected include some Divisional and District Commanders, mainly in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North Police Regions.

    In a related development, the Ghana Police Service has made a major breakthrough in its war against illegal mining (galamsey).

    A special four-day continuous intelligence-led anti-galamsey operation, which started on April 17, 2025, within the Samreboi enclave in the Western Region, resulted in the arrest of 47 people for illegal mining activities along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests of the Western Region.

    The suspects comprise 39 Ghanaians and eight Chinese nationals, including four women.

  • Police arrest two drivers with Indian hemp after attempted escape

    Police arrest two drivers with Indian hemp after attempted escape

    Two drivers suspected of transporting Indian hemp to the Volta Region have been apprehended by the region’s police command, as reported by the Ghana News Agency.

    In a statement shared by the Volta North Regional Public Relations Officer, Inspector Felix Kwao, with the GNA, it listed the identities of the suspects as Akyereme George, 43, and Benjamin Akpado, 23, who were arrested on Thursday, January 29.

    According to the statement, the suspects were pursued and arrested after attempting to escape upon sighting a police patrol vehicle by speeding into a nearby bush but were later arrested.

    A search carried out by the police on their vehicles, with registration numbers GE-8254-13 and AW-4321-14, heading toward Kpando, revealed 20 sacks containing 680 pieces of dried leaves in white rubber bags, which are believed to be Indian hemp.

    He said the suspects were currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, while efforts were underway to arrest the owners of the substance to face the full rigours of the law.

    Inspector Kwao assured the public of the Command’s continuous efforts to eradicate drug trafficking activities in the region.

    In a related development, seven suspects were arrested in an intelligence-led swoop targeting narcotic drug peddling networks within the Cape Coast Metropolis on Saturday, December 13. The suspects have been identified as Robert Kobbina, Abu Issifu, Janet Mensah, Emmanuel Quarshie, Osei Boateng, Animful Emmanuel, and Charity Nkrumah.

    Led by the Central Regional Police Command, the operation raided hotspots believed to be hubs for the sale and use of prohibited substances. Meanwhile, the police also seized large quantities of cigarettes, tobacco products, lighters, and three jackpot gaming machines.

    This information comes at a time when more than 11 nationwide intelligence-led swoops have been conducted between March and December this year by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), aimed at cracking down on illicit drug activities.

    Speaking to the media on Friday, December 19, the Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at NACOC, PNCO Francis Opoku Amoah, indicated that during that period, the swoops were carried out in areas such as:

    “From March till now, we have conducted more than 11 swoops, which, in our line of work, is a good number because investigations take time. For us to have achieved this means we are doing well.

    “This year, we have carried out swoops in Fadama, Effiakuma in the Western Region, Atinkpoko, parts of the Ashanti Region, and other areas. It all depends on where the intelligence is coming from and the type of intelligence we receive,” he said.

    In September, 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, locally known as ‘Red’, were confiscated, with six individuals arrested following a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and NACOC. The seizure took place at Gbintri, near Nalerigu, in the North East Region on Thursday, September 18.

    This information was contained in a statement signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Robert Anabiik Anmain of the Public Affairs Unit and issued by the North East Regional Police Command on September 21.

    The trucks, with registration numbers GR 1712-16 and AW 4417-14, were loaded with Tramadol en route to Gbintri from Sankase in the Republic of Togo.

    The suspects have been identified as Alhassan Braimah, Yakubu Muntaka, Abdulai Shakur, Mumuni Iddrisu, Mumuni Yakubu, and Moses Ayorik.

    “The North East Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Nalerigu, has intercepted 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, popularly known as ‘Red’, a restricted drug concealed in a truck, and arrested six suspects at Gbintri near Nalerigu in the North East Region.

    “A search of the trucks uncovered the 1,195 boxes of Tramadol Hydrochloride 120mg, popularly known as ‘Red’, concealed among other goods in the truck with registration number GR 1712-16. The exhibits have since been secured for evidential purposes.

    “During interrogation, the suspects admitted that the consignment was destined for Moses Ayorik at Gbintri for onward delivery to another individual at Gushegu,” part of the statement read.

    According to the statement, the apprehended individuals are in police custody, assisting with investigations. In addition, efforts are underway to trace and arrest other individuals connected to the case.

    Officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Transit Terminal on Thursday, June 19, intercepted a shipment disguised as general merchandise and headed for Niger. The officials uncovered 100 cartons of Tramadol (50 of 250mg and 50 of 120mg), also known on the streets as “Red”.

    The operation, led by CRO William Kpodo and the monitoring team, has now been escalated to the Tema Collection’s Investigation Unit in collaboration with the Narcotics Board, Port Security, and the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU).

    In March, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division intercepted contraband goods at Tema Port. Boxes containing opioids were confiscated before noon.

    There were 26 cartons of Rahol Tapentadol 250mg, 160 cartons of Tafradol Tapentadol 120mg, 40 cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 120mg, four cartons of Timaking Tapentadol 250mg, 190 cartons of Diazole Loperamide 2mg, and 320 cartons of Chlorpheniramine Maleate.

    The drugs were worth approximately GH₵20 million. The shipment was en route to Niger, its final destination. Engaging the media, Health Minister Mintah Akandoh condemned the use of land borders to smuggle drugs and announced that the impounded consignment would remain in the safe custody of the Authority.

    “There are only two designated areas for the import and export of medication—Tema Port and Kotoka International Airport. Drugs are not imported through our land borders,” he said.

    He called on stakeholders and security agencies to confiscate any drugs brought in through the land borders. The Health Minister indicated that authorities would swiftly seek a court order for the proper disposal of the consignment. Following the court order, the consignment was disposed of.

  • Fisherfolk Sustainability Network (FSN) donate life jackets to coastal communities

    Fisherfolk Sustainability Network (FSN) donate life jackets to coastal communities

    Coastal communities across the Volta Region have received a major boost to safety and resilience following the official launch of the fisherfolk Sustainability Network (FSN) in Keta. The ceremony, brought together traditional leaders, government officials, fisherfolk groups, landing beach committees, women in the fisheries value chain, partner organizations, and civil society actors.

    Speaking at the launch, Christabel Ewedji, founder of the fisherfolk Sustainability Network described the occasion as “a significant milestone, not just for the organization, but for every coastal community whose livelihoods depend on safe, sustainable, and resilient fishing practices”.

    FSN was established to confront the growing challenges faced by coastal fishing communities which includes rising safety risks at sea, environmental degradation, inadequate access to training and the worsening effects of climate change.

    According to Christabel Ewedji, the Network’s vision is “to encourage safety practices during fishing expeditions, and to promote the safe handling, processing, and distribution of fish products”. She emphasized that FSN’s work is anchored in internationally recognized safety standards, including Chapter 3, Section 2 of the 2005 Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels.

    “These pillars define who we are and what we aim to accomplish”, Christabel Ewedji said. “They reflect our commitment to empowering communities, safeguarding our oceans, and ensuring that every fishing activity, from the moment a canoe leaves shore to the point fish products reach the consumer, is grounded in knowledge, responsibility, and care”.

    A key highlight of the event was the donation of 60 certified life jackets to fisherfolk in Keta-Vodza, one of Volta region’s busiest landing communities. The intervention comes at a time when safety concerns at sea continue to rise due to unpredictable weather patterns and operational accidents.

    “This donation is more than an item presentation; it is a commitment to saving lives”, Christabel Ewedji noted during the handover ceremony. The presentation coincided with activities marking World Fisheries Day 2025, drawing loud applause from community members who described the gesture as timely and life-saving.

    FSN also conducted intensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training for landing beach committee members drawn from Keta, Ketu South, and Anloga. Participants were trained in CPR, drowning prevention, wound management, and safe rescue techniques. Skills that are essential for communities that frequently respond to emergencies at sea.

    Throughout the ceremony, FSN was celebrated as more than just a new organization. The network was heralded as the beginning of a transformative movement within the fisheries sector.

    FSN executives with a representative from Naval Training Command

    Christabel Ewedji ended the event with a call for broad collaboration and partnership: “As we begin this journey, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and meaningful impact. The FSN is calling for collaboration and partnership to make this vision a reality”.

    CPR and basic first aid training

    The launch marks the start of what many hope will be a long-term, community-driven effort toward safer seas, environmental stewardship, and strengthened coastal livelihoods across the Volta Region.

    Participants at the NGO launch

  • Bawumia factor: The experience, setbacks and a fresh NPP fight

    Bawumia factor: The experience, setbacks and a fresh NPP fight

    NPP race: Bawumia’s political journey of resilience and vision
    Tamale-born economist and banker Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has become one of Ghana’s most prominent political figures over the past two decades.

    The former Vice President is blending academic rigour with a technocratic approach to governance as he vies again for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential nomination on January 31, 2026.

    Roots and Education

    He was born on October 7, 1963, in Tamale, Northern Region, to Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, a teacher, lawyer and traditional leader, and Hajia Mariama Bawumia.

    His educational journey began locally at Sakasaka Primary School and Tamale Secondary School, before he pursued economics abroad.


    He earned a First-Class BSc in Economics from the University of Buckingham, an MSc from Oxford’s Lincoln College and a PhD in Economics from Simon Fraser University in Canada, a foundation that would shape his professional and political identity.

    From Central Banking to National Politics

    Before entering formal politics, Bawumia built a distinguished career in economics: lecturing in the UK and the United States, working with the International Monetary Fund, and serving as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, a role he held until his nomination as a running mate in 2008.

    His selection as vice-presidential candidate alongside Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 and 2012 elections, although unsuccessful, solidified his status as a trusted and data-driven leader within the New Patriotic Party.


    In 2012 he also served as the NPP’s lead witness at the Supreme Court election petition, a high-profile moment that amplified his national profile.

    This action has been hailed as a courageous step, reflecting his loyalty at a time when many NPP stalwarts chose to step back.

    Vice Presidency: Digital Transformation and Economic Stewardship

    In 2016, after years building party and policy credentials, Bawumia’s persistence paid off. He was sworn in as Vice President of Ghana, serving two terms from 2017 to 2025 under President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    As vice president, he became the architect of the Digital Ghana Agenda — championing innovations such as the Ghana Card national ID system, mobile money interoperability, and digital public service platforms aimed at modernising governance.


    His leadership of the Economic Management Team reflected his economic expertise, though his tenure coincided with significant fiscal challenges, including a debt restructuring and an IMF programme, realities that will likely shape campaign debates in the weeks ahead.

    2024 Presidential Bid and Comeback Campaign

    On November 3, 2023, Bawumia won the NPP presidential primaries, paving the way for him as the candidate in the December 7, 2024 general election.

    However, expectations were cut short when he garnered 41.75% of the total votes, according to the official results gazetted by the Electoral Commission (EC), falling short of victory against John Mahama, despite earlier claims suggesting he had only 38%.

    He publicly conceded and congratulated his Mr. Mahama, underscoring his commitment to democratic norms.


    Now, as a seasoned contender in the 2026 NPP presidential race, Bawumia is framing his campaign around economic renewal, unity, and forward-looking leadership.

    He seeks to convince delegates that his blend of technocratic experience and transformative vision makes him best positioned to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.

    Legacy and Stakes Ahead

    Dr Bawumia’s political arc, from economist and central banker to vice president and twice-contested presidential candidate reflects resilience and evolution.

    His story resonates not just because of his credentials, but because it mirrors the complex demands of Ghana’s political economy: balancing expertise with mass appeal, continuity with change, and technocratic insight with political stewardship.


    As the NPP prepares for its primary on January 31, 2026, his journey will be pivotal not only for his career but for the party’s future direction.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana