TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Russia and Ghana agree to strengthen parliamentary ties

    Russia and Ghana agree to strengthen parliamentary ties

    The governments of Ghana and Russia have held discussions on deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation.

    The discussions were held by Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, and Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council, on the sidelines of the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress in St. Petersburg.

    International collaboration in addressing ecological challenges and advancing sustainable development was a vital issue that was discussed.

    The two leaders shared principles, including support for a multipolar world order, the strengthening of the United Nations’ role, and respect for the sovereignty of nations.

    Key areas of cooperation to be looked at by the two nations are expanding parliamentary friendship groups, supporting joint research initiatives, and facilitating engagements between parliamentary committees.

    Additionally, both sides explored partnerships in the mining, energy, and agro-industrial sectors, as well as increasing educational exchanges, particularly through scholarships for Ghanaian students to study in Russia.

    Speaker Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers in Africa, praised the forum as a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

    He commended Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with African nations and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to fostering closer relations through legislative diplomacy.

    The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to enhance collaboration, underscoring the role of parliaments in driving global environmental and developmental agendas.

    Meanwhile, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on parliaments across the globe to harness their legislative authority in combating climate change.

    According to him, legislative bodies worldwide must leverage their law-making powers to implement effective climate solutions. Highlighting the existential threat posed by climate change, he called for robust national commitments to environmental protection and investment in renewable energy. 

  • Ghanaians will want NPP back in 2028 – Bawumia

    Ghanaians will want NPP back in 2028 – Bawumia

    The 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is of the view that the opposition party will be sought after by Ghanaians in 2028 ahead of the next general elections.

    Engaging party folks, he stated that electorates by then would appreciate the good works of the NPP while it was in power.

    “You will see the good work we did. Today, you may not see it, but you will see it soon. By 2028, Ghanaians will be calling Ghanaians to come back,” he said.

    The NPP sought to “break the eight” and extend its governance for another 4 years under the leadership of Dr Bawumia, who received the support of then-President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Dr Bawumia contested against the National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama and lost. At the end of the polls, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared that the NDC flagbearer polled 6,328,397, total valid votes, representing 56.55%, whereas Dr Mahamudu Bawumia garnered 4,657,304, representing 41.61%.

    Before the EC officially declared its results, the former vice president conceded defeat. The parliamentary election also saw the NPP fall drastically in terms of seats won. The NDC obtained an absolute majority in Parliament by securing 183 seats. The NPP government lost their majority with over 150 seats and managed to secure 88 seats.

    About a week ago, Dr Bawumia rendered an apology to Ghanaians for the inability of the Akufo-Addo-led government to fulfill its promises to the people of Ghana.

    The former vice president linked the party’s historic failure in the 2024 general elections to its shortcomings while in power when he spoke in London, United Kingdom, during an address.

    “The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf and on behalf of the party, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the figures right,” he said.

    Following the just-ended polls, the opposition party has gone into retrospection. A 12-member committee led by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, looked into the factors behind the party’s failure.

    Although the report by the committee has been withheld from the general public, the General Secretary of the NPP noted that the downfall of the party hovered around its inability to focus on key projects in its stronghold, economic instability—particularly the worsening of the cedi’s value against major trading currencies including the dollar—arrogance displayed by previous government officials, and internal conflict, among others.

    Presently, Dr Bawumia believes the way forward for the party would be to correct its errors and take hold of any opportunity that will be presented to reclaim power from the NDC government.

    “I believe that, by the grace of God, if we are given another opportunity, we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons of where we are going.”

    Meanwhile, leadership of the NPP has directed its members to desist from discussing internal party matters on media platforms, citing Article 10(7)(5) of the NPP Constitution.

    This directive was breached by former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Adwoa Safo, who was directed to appear before its Disciplinary Committee on Monday, April 7.

    In media interviews, Ms. Safo criticized the party’s leadership, claiming that she had been neglected following her return to Parliament in 2023.

    She also alleged that some figures within the party had worked against her during her extended absence from the legislature and had tried to unseat her.

  • A dollar trading at GHC10.9 as cedi continues to appreciate

    A dollar trading at GHC10.9 as cedi continues to appreciate

    Ghana’s legal tender, the cedi, continues to observe unprecedented appreciation in its value against major trading currencies in a span of about two months.

    As of Friday, May 23, the average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business showed the US dollar buying at GH₵10.94 and selling at GH₵10.95.

    The British pound is buying at GH₵14.77 and selling at GH₵14.78. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵12.40 and sold at GH₵12.41.

    The last time a dollar was worth about GHC10 was three years ago under the Akufo-Addo-led government.

    So far in 2025, the cedi has gained significant value, almost 19%, between April and May. The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has assured it will keep to the monetary and fiscal reforms that are responsible for the stability of the cedi to end its volatility.

    According to the Governor of the BoG, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, the central bank plans to implement a series of reforms aimed at monitoring the forex market. This, he explained, will aid in preventing illegal activities that could weaken the cedi as well as destabilize the market.

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has indicated that it is focused on stabilizing the Ghanaian economy rather than aiming for a specific exchange rate for the cedi’s appreciation.

    “As much as we don’t want to see the Ghana cedi depreciate excessively, we don’t keep a target rate that we want to defend,” the BoG governor added.

    Meanwhile, the Monetary Policy Committee has kept the policy rate unchanged at 28 percent. Dr Asiama explained that the committee took the decision in anticipation of the inflation rate declining at a faster rate. 

    “Despite these positive developments, the committee observed that the current level of inflation remains high relative to the medium-term target and will require maintaining the policy rate at 28.0%,” he said.

    Ghana’s inflation stands at 21.2 percent as of April 2025. President John Mahama has projected that single-digit inflation will be reported by the country at the end of the first half of the year.

    In an address at the Ghana-EU Business Forum held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra yesterday, President Mahama stated that his government will achieve this feat by effecting a tighter monetary policy rate, cutting expenditure, and reducing debt accumulation.

    President Mahama noted there are positive signs that the country is recovering in a disciplined and inclusive way, pointing to the fact that Ghana’s international reserves have increased from $8.9 billion in December 2024 to $10.6 billion by April 2025. This is equivalent to almost five months of import cover.

    During the 2025 budget presentation on March 11, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the government’s objective to reduce inflation to 11.9% by the end of the year.

  • VIDEO: Drivers, ‘trotro mates’ defying 15% reduction in transport fares

    VIDEO: Drivers, ‘trotro mates’ defying 15% reduction in transport fares

    A number of transport operators continue to charge commuters old fares, thereby defying the recent directive to decrease fares.

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) on Wednesday, May 21, announced a 15% drop in transport fares, which took effect on Saturday, May 24.

    According to GPRTU, the reduction follows successful deliberations between the Ministry of Transport and transport operators following the recent macroeconomic developments, specifically the Ghanaian cedi experiencing sustained appreciation against major foreign trading currencies, particularly the dollar.

    Some Ghanaians have taken it upon themselves to expose the drivers and bus conductors who continue to rob commuters of hard-earned money.

    Transport stations and branches that have refused to comply with the recent directive on the 15% fare reduction by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) are liable to sanctions by the union.

    In an interview with Citi News on Saturday, May 24, the General Secretary of GPRTU, Godfred Abulbire, said, “the chairman has forwarded another press release and made it known that by tomorrow, if stations or branches working under us don’t comply with the directives, sanctions will be meted out to those terminals.

    Some transport operators in the Ashanti Region have refused to adhere to the recent directive that seeks to provide some economic relief to commuters. They have attributed the delay in adjusting fares to the late receipt of the official instruction.

    But the General Secretary of GPRTU has indicated that the communique has been reissued and assured that measures have been put in place to ensure full compliance in the coming days.

    Other transport operators in the Volta Region are working with a 10 percent reduction in transport fares, citing the spiking prices of spare parts and the failure of the authorities to see to a reduction.

    A section of spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai has insisted on not reducing the prices of their items, despite the value of the Ghanaian cedi gaining strength against the U.S dollar. This comes after the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts.

    A dealer who engaged the media said, “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. With that price we have to sell, and when the goods finish and you are ordering another one with a reduced [exchange] rate, then definitely the prices will come down.”

    The cedi has appreciated sharply by nearly 19 percent between April and May, helping to ease imported inflation pressures and restore public confidence.

    The average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business, May 23, show the US dollar buying at GH₵11.62 and selling at GH₵11.63. The British pound is buying at GH₵15.60 and selling at GH₵15.62. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵13.11 and sold at GH₵13.12.

    Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has insisted that the cedi appreciating against the dollar is due to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) deliberate policies.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 20, Sammy Gyamfi outlined a stringent monetary policy stance, fiscal consolidation by the Ministry of Finance, and robust forex inflows and accelerated foreign reserve accumulation as factors influencing the cedi’s stability.

    His remark was a response to a recent statement by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Speaking at an event, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the NDC administration’s policies are not influencing the cedi positively.

  • Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC shut down over corruption scandal involving staff

    Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC shut down over corruption scandal involving staff

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the temporary closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC.

    This follows a corruption scandal discovered by the minister involving one Mr. Fred Kwarteng, a local staff member recruited on August 11, 2017, to work in the embassy’s IT department.

    The sector minister revealed that according to findings and Mr Kwarteng’s admission, he created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website which diverted visa and passport applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC) where he charged extra for multiple services on the blind side of the ministry and kept the entire proceeds in his private account.

    His illegal extra charges, which were not approved by the ministry and parliament as required under the Fees and Charges Act ranges from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant.

    “The investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least 5 years,” Mr Ablakwa revealed.

    Mr Fred Kwarteng has been fired, and his conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.

    The Auditor-General has been invited to conduct forensic examination of all transactions and to determine the total cost of this fraudulent scheme.

    Also, all Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff posted to the Washington embassy have been recalled home with immediate effect.

    The embassy’s IT department has been promptly dissolved, and all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended.

    The Foreign Minister apologised for “any inconvenience these radical measures may cause visa and passport applicants”.

    “President Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest and blatant abuse of office,” the sector minister added.

  • You’ve collapsed my businesses; am I not a Ghanaian? Wontumi quizzes govt

    You’ve collapsed my businesses; am I not a Ghanaian? Wontumi quizzes govt

    Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence today.

    A search warrant was provided for a search, but the reason for the search is not yet known to the public.

    Engaging the media with support from party stalwarts, Chairman Wontumi quizzed the government over what he described as unfair treatment.

    “Am I not a Ghanaian anymore? Now that you’ve won the election and become President, does that mean I’m no longer a Ghanaian?”

    “Was I ever a Vice President? Have I ever chaired a board? Have I ever been a CEO? Was I ever a minister? I am only the chairman of a political party, and it is my duty to campaign for my party.”

    He accused the government of going after his businesses.

    “You collapsed my business back in 2013. Since you assumed office, you’ve halted all my operations. Even the bank account I rely on has been frozen,” he alleged.

    He entreated members of the general public, particularly members of the New Patriotic Party to throw their weight behind him.

    “Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way.”

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

  • Contradictory reports on status of Alfred Kumi’s pregnant wife emerge

    Contradictory reports on status of Alfred Kumi’s pregnant wife emerge

    There are contradictory reports surrounding the current state of the wife of a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alfred Ababio Kumi, who has been charged with publication of false news.

    Alfred was picked up by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and National Security operatives today.

    Following his arrest, General Secretary for the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua, noted that Alfred’s wife suffered a miscarriage.

    “I have had discussions with his wife, and indeed it is true. It is a very sad thing that has happened today. In the midst of the trauma, she suffered a miscarriage,” Mr Kodua is quoted to have said on Joy FM’s midday news today by MyJoyOnline.

    However, Alfred’s lawyer’s submission after his client got charged suggested otherwise.

    Engaging JoyNews, Clement Opoku on whether his client will spend the weekend behind bars, he said “I would never wish that for him. It’s a Friday. If you heard the family in the media earlier, the wife is an expectant mother. She will need the husband around.”

    Alfred Ababio Kumi has petitioned President John Mahama to dissolve the committee probing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

    Reports from a top executive of the opposition party, the general secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and confirmation from Alfred’s mother confirm his arrest by the officials.

    “All patriots should rush to Adenta Kumi’s house, as over 20 CID and National Security officers are there to pick him up,” the General Secretary wrote in a post on social media.

    The petitioner’s mother who engaged Asaase Radio in an interview said: “They broke the door to his house. They brought a paper (search warrant) but I didn’t take a look at it. They said they need to have a conversation with him so they took him away.”

    Prior to his pickup, Alfred Kumi, in his petition to the president, stated that he witnessed three Supreme Court justices—including two members of the committee—having dinner at a restaurant in Accra.

    He named the individuals as the chairman of the committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, and Justice Yonny Kulendi.

    His claims are yet to be verified following the publication of the video that captured the justices by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo to disprove the allegations.

    Meanwhile, the opposition party has accused the government of abusing the rights of Alfred Kumi.

    “Whatever reason they may have, whether it is linked to the petition or any other matter, he still has a fundamental human right.”

    “His human rights have been abused because that is not a way to arrest and detain a person. At least the due process must be followed,” General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua.

    Background

    A series of petitions have been filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.

    The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.

    Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained. However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.

    A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.

    Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by senior police officer describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.

    A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Associate Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

    Legal matters arising

    Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has moved to challenge the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, filing an application at the Supreme Court to injunct the presidential decision.

    The notice of motion, dated April 24, is a direct response to President John Dramani Mahama’s April 22 suspension of the Chief Justice, which was carried out in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution after consultations with the Council of State and a determination that a prima facie case existed.

    According to Mr Assafuah, the process that led to the Chief Justice’s suspension violated constitutional provisions, as she was not informed of the petitions nor given an opportunity to respond before the President engaged the Council of State.

    He further described the actions taken thus far, including the formation of an investigative committee, as “a farce and the product of a pre-conceived orchestration to unconstitutionally remove the Chief Justice from office.”

    Ekow Vincent Assafuah filed an injunction application to halt the process for the removal of the Chief Justice; however, this application was also dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 6.

    The second interlocutory injunction application challenging the process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office has been thrown out by the apex court.

    The Supreme Court, by a 4 to 1 majority decision, deemed the application by a private citizen, Theodore Kofi Atta-Quartey, unmeritorious on Wednesday, May 21.

    The five-member panel comprised Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (Presiding), Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko. Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the only one who disagreed with the majority’s opinion.

    Justice Torkornoo heads to court

    Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has headed to the Supreme Court to prevent the committee set up by President John Mahama to probe the petitions seeking her removal from office.

    She is also requesting the apex court to halt her suspension issued by the President under Article 146(10) of the Constitution until a final determination is made on the matter.

    On Wednesday, May 21, her legal team at Dame and Partners filed an interlocutory injunction application.

    The defendants per the writ, are Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah.

    The plaintiff has prayed the apex court to restrain the committee from proceeding with any further inquiry as well as prevent Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the acting Chief Justice, from participating in the process.

    Experts react to Torkornoo’s suit

    A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, believes that Justice Torkornoo should have first sought counsel from the Judicial Council before heading to the apex court.

    “The Judicial Council has been established to aid successive Chief Justices to behave themselves. So if an incumbent Chief Justice has a problem, her first port of call should be to seek counsel. I don’t think that has been done,” he said.

    Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, described the suspended Chief Justice’s move as interesting.

    “I’m happy that the suspended Chief Justice is going to have the benefit of how the justice system works. Just like any one of us, her leadership may need the benefits of the very justice she, together with others, over the years, delivered to people,” he said while engagaing the media in an interview.

  • NIB formally charges Alfred Kumi with publication of false news

    NIB formally charges Alfred Kumi with publication of false news

    The National Investigations Bureau (NIB) has officially charged a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alfred Ababio Kumi, who has petitioned President John Mahama to dissolve the committee probing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, with publication of false news.

    Reports from MyJoyOnline indicate that Alfred’s lawyer, Clement Opoku Gyamfi, revealed this on Asempa FM’s ‘Eko Sii Sen’ programme on Friday, May 23.

    He was picked up by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and National Security operatives today.

    Reports from a top executive of the opposition party, the general secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and confirmation from Alfred’s mother confirm his arrest by the officials.

    “All patriots should rush to Adenta Kumi’s house, as over 20 CID and National Security officers are there to pick him up,” the General Secretary wrote in a post on social media.

    The petitioner’s mother who engaged Asaase Radio in an interview said: “They broke the door to his house. They brought a paper (search warrant) but I didn’t take a look at it. They said they need to have a conversation with him so they took him away.”

    Prior to his pickup, Alfred Kumi, in his petition to the president, stated that he witnessed three Supreme Court justices—including two members of the committee—having dinner at a restaurant in Accra.

    He named the individuals as the chairman of the committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, and Justice Yonny Kulendi.

    His claims are yet to be verified following the publication of the video that captured the justices by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo to disprove the allegations.

    Meanwhile, the opposition party has accused the government of abusing the rights of Alfred Kumi.

    “Whatever reason they may have, whether it is linked to the petition or any other matter, he still has a fundamental human right.”

    “His human rights have been abused because that is not a way to arrest and detain a person. At least the due process must be followed,” General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua.

    Background

    A series of petitions have been filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.

    The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.

    Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained. However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.

    A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.

    Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by senior police officer describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.

    A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Associate Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

    Legal matters arising

    Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has moved to challenge the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, filing an application at the Supreme Court to injunct the presidential decision.

    The notice of motion, dated April 24, is a direct response to President John Dramani Mahama’s April 22 suspension of the Chief Justice, which was carried out in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution after consultations with the Council of State and a determination that a prima facie case existed.

    According to Mr Assafuah, the process that led to the Chief Justice’s suspension violated constitutional provisions, as she was not informed of the petitions nor given an opportunity to respond before the President engaged the Council of State.

    He further described the actions taken thus far, including the formation of an investigative committee, as “a farce and the product of a pre-conceived orchestration to unconstitutionally remove the Chief Justice from office.”

    Ekow Vincent Assafuah filed an injunction application to halt the process for the removal of the Chief Justice; however, this application was also dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 6.

    The second interlocutory injunction application challenging the process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office has been thrown out by the apex court.

    The Supreme Court, by a 4 to 1 majority decision, deemed the application by a private citizen, Theodore Kofi Atta-Quartey, unmeritorious on Wednesday, May 21.

    The five-member panel comprised Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (Presiding), Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko. Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the only one who disagreed with the majority’s opinion.

    Justice Torkornoo heads to court

    Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has headed to the Supreme Court to prevent the committee set up by President John Mahama to probe the petitions seeking her removal from office.

    She is also requesting the apex court to halt her suspension issued by the President under Article 146(10) of the Constitution until a final determination is made on the matter.

    On Wednesday, May 21, her legal team at Dame and Partners filed an interlocutory injunction application.

    The defendants per the writ, are Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah.

    The plaintiff has prayed the apex court to restrain the committee from proceeding with any further inquiry as well as prevent Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the acting Chief Justice, from participating in the process.

    Experts react to Torkornoo’s suit

    A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, believes that Justice Torkornoo should have first sought counsel from the Judicial Council before heading to the apex court.

    “The Judicial Council has been established to aid successive Chief Justices to behave themselves. So if an incumbent Chief Justice has a problem, her first port of call should be to seek counsel. I don’t think that has been done,” he said.

    Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, described the suspended Chief Justice’s move as interesting.

    “I’m happy that the suspended Chief Justice is going to have the benefit of how the justice system works. Just like any one of us, her leadership may need the benefits of the very justice she, together with others, over the years, delivered to people,” he said while engagaing the media in an interview.

  • Southern Ghana to experience varying intensity of rainfall

    Southern Ghana to experience varying intensity of rainfall

    The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has alerted the general public of a rainstorm along the southeastern border of the country and Togo.

    In a post on X today, the agency noted that it expected the rainstorm to continue moving westward.

    This will lead to increased cloud cover and produce thunderstorms or rain of varying intensity across parts of southern Ghana.

    The GMet has therefore cautioned the public that gusty winds that may precede the storm.

    Also, the agency reports that flash floods are likely to occur over low-lying areas as well as poor visibility.

    Should today’s rainfall pour for hours, the country’s capital can expect to experience flooding incidents.

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Director of Inspectorate at National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Richard Amo Yartey, who revealed this information while engaging the media, stated that the casualties were recorded in the Ga East Municipality and Adentan Municipality.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has observed with concern recent instances of misreporting and misleading headlines related to our official weather forecasts, particularly during this major rainfall season.

    “We wish to remind the general public and especially our media partners that all GMet forecasts are based on scientific analysis and issued with public safety in mind.”

    “Misrepresentation of these forecasts whether through exaggeration, omission, or inaccurate summaries can lead to unnecessary panic, misinformation, and disruption to planning and livelihoods,” the statement from GMet stated.

    https://twitter.com/GhanaMet/status/1925876827777540107/photo/1

    To ensure accuracy and public trust, the agency has entreated media outlets and communicators to verify all forecasts directly from GMet’s official platforms before publication.

    “Avoid using sensational or misleading headlines that may distort the intent or scope of our forecasts,” the agency added.

  • Ghana’s confirmed MPox case surges to 9

    Ghana’s confirmed MPox case surges to 9

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) continues to record more cases of monkeypox (MPox).

    As of May 21, the GHS in a flier revealed that the country’s confirmed cases had hit nine.

    The Service earlier noted that as of May 18, the number of cases stood at four.

    The cases were identified in the Greater Accra and Western regions. This brings the total number of cases to four.

    Ghana recorded the first Mpox case in June 2022, with five cases, and by November 2023, health authorities had confirmed a total of 34 cases.

    Despite the increase in cases, Ghana has not recorded any Mpox-related deaths.

    The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service has called on all media houses to support public education efforts by using their platforms to raise awareness and provide accurate information on Mpox.

    “The Government of Ghana remains committed to safeguarding public health. Drawing on our experience in managing similar outbreaks, we will continue to implement appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of all residents,” said in its statement dated May 18.

    Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox. It typically causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash.

    The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin or bodily fluids, including through sexual contact.

    Symptoms may include fever, rash or lesions, tiredness, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

    Across Africa, the disease remains a major concern. As of March 2025, more than 24,200 cases and around 260 deaths have been recorded in 22 countries.

  • May 18 flooding due to rainfall claimed 5 lives – NADMO

    May 18 flooding due to rainfall claimed 5 lives – NADMO

    Flooding that was caused by a downpour on Sunday, May 18, claimed the lives of five individuals.

    Director of Inspectorate at National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Richard Amo Yartey, who revealed this information while engaging the media, stated that the casualties were recorded in the Ga East Municipality and Adentan Municipality.

    He advised members of the general public to take seriously the weather updates provided by the Ghana Meteorological Agency.

    “Our records indicate that five lives were lost, three in the Ga East Municipality and two in the Adenta Municipality. It is so unfortunate, and it also tells us that we need to intensify our education. I will advise citizens to pay attention to weather warnings. It is in our interest to stay informed about potential risks,” he urged.

    He refused the assertion that the current flooding incidents reported are due to the large volume of rainfall. He blamed the inefficiency of the drainage infrastructure in the country’s capital, Accra.

    Some parts of the country’s capital, Accra, were flooded following a four-hour heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 18.

    The downpour disrupted traffic and daily activities. Weija, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Tema, and Adentan-Dodowa are a few of the areas that have been affected.

    Over the years, the country has been battling severe flooding whenever there are heavy rains, particularly in Accra.

    According to NADMO, the canker results from poor hygiene practices and poor drainage infrastructure.

    “Most of the problems we have observed are that there is a lack of drainage in some communities, some of the areas are filled with filth…In some of the areas, we also have engineering defects,” he explained.

    Gov’t’s move to end perennial flooding

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to tackling Ghana’s persistent flooding challenges by ordering the demolition of illegally constructed buildings blocking waterways.

    Speaking at the 2025 National Eid-ul-Fitr celebration at Black Star Square, he blamed the increasing flood disasters on poor urban planning and unauthorized developments in wetlands, waterways, and Ramsar sites.

    The President made it clear that his administration would take drastic action against encroachers, stressing that all structures obstructing natural drainage systems would be removed to prevent further destruction.

  • Old Tafo MP to haul Defence Minister before Parliament over Naana Jane’s return flight to Ghana

    Old Tafo MP to haul Defence Minister before Parliament over Naana Jane’s return flight to Ghana

    Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has announced his decision to have Parliament summon the Defense Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah provide answers to the House over the recent flight chartered by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang.

    He wants to find out “the full cost to the state for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s chartered flight” as well as the current condition of the presidential jet.

    Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah has informed the general public that the country’s presidential jet is currently undergoing maintenance abroad.

    According to the minister in a Facebook post, the immediate-past government led by former President Akufo-Addo ran down the presidential jet.

    He wrote: “Let the NPP that suffered the most humiliating defeat in recent memory in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections know this:

    1. Akufo-Addo’s administration rundown the Presidential jet. Among others, its fuel tank is even corroded.

    2. The Presidential jet has been in the ‘hospital’ abroad for maintenance, repair and overhaul and may be put in fairly usable state after three months of ‘therapy’.

    3. The Presidential jet is unfit for use presently.”

    The sector minister made this known after the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, alleged that a luxury flight worth over $170,000 was chartered to fly in Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang back to Ghana on Thursday, May 22.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=23937414619185239&set=a.388653064488059

    “Ghana’s Vice President touched down from London on a VistaJet, a luxury chartered flight. Cost? Over $170,000 (20 billion old cedis ) This is enough to:

    1.Pay 250 striking university staff for a month.

    2.Complete a CHPS compound or stock a hospital pharmacy for a year.

    3.Fund electricity for 50 SHSs for a whole term.

    4.Buy 150,000 exercise books for basic schools,” the legislator wrote in a Facebook post.

    Mr Assafuah has reacted to the recent status of the presidential jet.

    He quizzed how the presidential jet could be declared unfit after its use by President Mahama on January 25, 2025, following the continous use of a private jet owned by the president’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

    “President Mahama used the Presidential Jet on 25th January 2025, barely 18 days after President Akufo-Addo left office.

    The military Squadron is mandated to give clearance for all presidential flights. So how did a supposedly “unfit” jet get cleared for takeoff if it was grounded for serious maintenance?

    On what basis are you blaming President Akufo-Addo for running down a jet that your own President used safely weeks into your administration?” he quizzed.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=23940325682227466&set=a.1015525678467458

    In January this year, former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul criticized former President John Mahama for sidelining the state-owned presidential jet in favor of his brother’s private aircraft for official duties.

    The Bimbilla MP argued that the decision disregards the readiness and functionality of the presidential jet, which has undergone extensive maintenance.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, January 22, he said, “The presidential jet is in good order. In fact, former President Nana Akufo-Addo used this presidential jet either on the 22nd or 23rd of December to Takoradi because we had to go to Nzulezu to commission a Naval base, and he used this jet. I was there. It was the same jet he used on 29th December to Kumasi.”

    On the matter, President John Mahama’s Spokesperson offered an explanation for the president’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for recent official trips to Senegal and The Gambia.

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu, responding to public inquiries, stated that the private jet had been available for the president’s use well before the 2024 elections.

    He highlighted that the arrangement places no financial strain on the state, as the jet is made available at no cost.

  • Presidential jet abroad for maintenance after being ran down by Akufo-Addo govt – Defence Minister

    Presidential jet abroad for maintenance after being ran down by Akufo-Addo govt – Defence Minister

    Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah has informed the general public that the country’s presidential jet is currently undergoing maintenance works abroad.

    According to the minister in a Facebook post, the immediate-past government led by former President Akufo-Addo ran down the presidential jet.

    He wrote: “Let the NPP that suffered the most humiliating defeat in recent memory in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections know this:

    1. Akufo-Addo’s administration rundown the Presidential jet. Among others, its fuel tank is even corroded.

    2. The Presidential jet has been in the ‘hospital’ abroad for maintenance, repair and overhaul and may be put in fairly usable state after three months of ‘therapy’.

    3. The Presidential jet is unfit for use presently.”

    The sector minister made this known after the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, alleged that a luxury flight worth over $170,000 was chartered to fly in Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang back to Ghana on Thursday, May 22.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=23937414619185239&set=a.388653064488059

    “Ghana’s Vice President touched down from London on a VistaJet, a luxury chartered flight. Cost? Over $170,000 (20 billion old cedis ) This is enough to:

    1.Pay 250 striking university staff for a month.

    2.Complete a CHPS compound or stock a hospital pharmacy for a year.

    3.Fund electricity for 50 SHSs for a whole term.

    4.Buy 150,000 exercise books for basic schools,” the legislator wrote in a Facebook post.

    Mr Assafuah has reacted to the recent status of the presidential jet.

    He quizzed how the presidential jet could be declared unfit after its use by President Mahama on January 25, 2025, following the continous use of a private jet owned by the president’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

    “President Mahama used the Presidential Jet on 25th January 2025, barely 18 days after President Akufo-Addo left office.

    The military Squadron is mandated to give clearance for all presidential flights. So how did a supposedly “unfit” jet get cleared for takeoff if it was grounded for serious maintenance?

    On what basis are you blaming President Akufo-Addo for running down a jet that your own President used safely weeks into your administration?” he quizzed.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=23940325682227466&set=a.1015525678467458

    The legislator has therefore announced his decision to have Parliament invite the Defence Minister to answer the following questions upon convening of the House.

    “1.The full cost to the state for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s chartered flight

    2.The true current condition of the Presidential Jet

    3.How your government rationalizes blaming a former president for a jet that was fully operational under your watch.”

    In January this year, former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul criticized former President John Mahama for sidelining the state-owned presidential jet in favor of his brother’s private aircraft for official duties.

    The Bimbilla MP argued that the decision disregards the readiness and functionality of the presidential jet, which has undergone extensive maintenance.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, January 22, he said, “The presidential jet is in good order. In fact, former President Nana Akufo-Addo used this presidential jet either on the 22nd or 23rd of December to Takoradi because we had to go to Nzulezu to commission a Naval base, and he used this jet. I was there. It was the same jet he used on 29th December to Kumasi.”

    On the matter, President John Mahama’s Spokesperson offered an explanation for the president’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for recent official trips to Senegal and The Gambia.

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu, responding to public inquiries, stated that the private jet had been available for the president’s use well before the 2024 elections.

    He highlighted that the arrangement places no financial strain on the state, as the jet is made available at no cost.

  • Chairman Wontumi’s residence besieged by national security, police

    Chairman Wontumi’s residence besieged by national security, police

    A team of national security operatives and police officers has thronged the residence of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Per media reports, there is to be a search of his residence as the team provided a search warrant.

    It is unclear the reason for the search. Also, the whereabouts of Chairman Wontumi are presently unknown. Currently, party folks are at the residence of the regional chairman of the opposition party.

    This incident briefly follows the arrest of a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alfred Ababio Kumi, who has petitioned President John Mahama to dissolve the committee probing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and National Security operatives.

    Reports from a top executive of the opposition party, the general secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and confirmation from Alfred’s mother confirm his arrest by the officials.

    “All patriots should rush to Adenta Kumi’s house, as over 20 CID and National Security officers are there to pick him up,” the General Secretary wrote in a post on social media.

    The petitioner’s mother who engaged Asaase Radio in an interview said: “They broke the door to his house. They brought a paper (search warrant) but I didn’t take a look at it. They said they need to have a conversation with him so they took him away.”

    Prior to his pickup, Alfred Kumi in his petition to the President stated that he witnessed three Supreme Court justices—including two members of the committee—having dinner at a restaurant in Accra.

    He named the individuals as the Chairman of the committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, and Justice Yonny Kulendi.

    His claims are yet to be verified following the publication of the video that captured the justices by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo to disprove the allegations.

    Background

    A series of petitions have been filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.

    The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.

    Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained. However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.

    A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.

    Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by senior police officer describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.

    A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Associate Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

    Legal matters arising

    Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has moved to challenge the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, filing an application at the Supreme Court to injunct the presidential decision.

    The notice of motion, dated April 24, is a direct response to President John Dramani Mahama’s April 22 suspension of the Chief Justice, which was carried out in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution after consultations with the Council of State and a determination that a prima facie case existed.

    According to Mr Assafuah, the process that led to the Chief Justice’s suspension violated constitutional provisions, as she was not informed of the petitions nor given an opportunity to respond before the President engaged the Council of State.

    He further described the actions taken thus far, including the formation of an investigative committee, as “a farce and the product of a pre-conceived orchestration to unconstitutionally remove the Chief Justice from office.”

    Ekow Vincent Assafuah filed an injunction application to halt the process for the removal of the Chief Justice; however, this application was also dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 6.

    The second interlocutory injunction application challenging the process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office has been thrown out by the apex court.

    The Supreme Court, by a 4 to 1 majority decision, deemed the application by a private citizen, Theodore Kofi Atta-Quartey, unmeritorious on Wednesday, May 21.

    The five-member panel comprised Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (Presiding), Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko. Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the only one who disagreed with the majority’s opinion.

    Justice Torkornoo heads to court

    Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has headed to the Supreme Court to prevent the committee set up by President John Mahama to probe the petitions seeking her removal from office.

    She is also requesting the apex court to halt her suspension issued by the President under Article 146(10) of the Constitution until a final determination is made on the matter.

    On Wednesday, May 21, her legal team at Dame and Partners filed an interlocutory injunction application.

    The defendants per the writ, are Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah.

    The plaintiff has prayed the apex court to restrain the committee from proceeding with any further inquiry as well as prevent Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the acting Chief Justice, from participating in the process.

    Experts react to Torkornoo’s suit

    A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, believes that Justice Torkornoo should have first sought counsel from the Judicial Council before heading to the apex court.

    “The Judicial Council has been established to aid successive Chief Justices to behave themselves. So if an incumbent Chief Justice has a problem, her first port of call should be to seek counsel. I don’t think that has been done,” he said.

    Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, described the suspended Chief Justice’s move as interesting.

    “I’m happy that the suspended Chief Justice is going to have the benefit of how the justice system works. Just like any one of us, her leadership may need the benefits of the very justice she, together with others, over the years, delivered to people,” he said while engagaing the media in an interview.

  • They threatened to impeach me while you were away – President Mahama tells Naana Jane

    They threatened to impeach me while you were away – President Mahama tells Naana Jane

    President John Mahama on Thursday humorously informed Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang of the Minority in Parliament’s threat to impeach him over the absence of an acting president while she was away.

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang finally arrived in Ghana following weeks of medication abroad on Thursday, May 22.

    In his engagements with the veep, President Mahama expressed his excitement to have his vice back.

    “I particularly have missed you, because even travelling out of the country has been difficult; they’ve threatened to impeach me for going to Togo while you were away. So I’m the most excited to have you back, so you’re warmly welcome,” he said.

    A week ago, President Mahama was in Togo for the African Union Debt Conference, where African leaders discussed strategies to tackle the continent’s growing debt crisis.

    https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1351798119380837

    During this period, the Minority in Parliament raised concerns over the alleged failure of the government to hold a constitutionally mandated swearing-in of an Acting President in the absence of the President, his Vice President, and the Speaker of Parliament from the Republic.

    In a press statement dated May 12, the Minority stated that such an action is “a clear and egregious violation of Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.”

    Section 60(8) of the constitution indicates that “Whenever the President is absent from Ghana or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, the Vice-President shall perform the functions of the President until the President returns or is able to perform his functions.”

    Other clauses read: (11) Where the President and the Vice-President are both unable to perform the functions of the President, the Speaker of Parliament shall perform those functions until the President or the Vice-President is able to perform those functions or a new President assumes office, as the case may be.

    (12) The Speaker shall, before commencing to perform the functions of the President under clause (11) of this article, take and subscribe the oath set out in relation to the office of President.

    The Minority noted that this interpretation has been affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Asare v. Attorney General.

    “The Court held that at no point should the nation be left without a constitutionally designated acting head of state; in the absence of both the President and the Vice President, the Speaker must assume that role.”

    Per the statement, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, departed the jurisdiction on 8th May.

    “The President, fully aware of this fact and also aware that his Vice President had traveled earlier to seek medical attention abroad, nonetheless proceeded to leave the country without taking steps to ensure that the Chief Justice administered the oath to the Speaker to act as President, as mandated by the Constitution,” the statement read.

    It added, “thus, the President’s actions and those of his advisors constitute nothing short of a willful and wanton disregard for the Constitution of Ghana. This is one of the clearest demonstrations yet of this administration’s habitual violations of the supreme law of the land.”

    The Minority vowed to hold the President and his Vice accountable to their oath of office, which demands fidelity to the Constitution.

    Legal Counsel for the Minority in Parliament, John Darko, on the matter, hinted at the possibility of impeaching the president.

    “When he took the oath of office, he swore to uphold the Constitution. If he violates it, he must face the consequences. Is he prepared to undergo impeachment? These are questions Ghanaians must demand answers to,” he stated.

  • Petitioner in CJ removal case, Alfred Kumi, picked up by National Security officials

    Petitioner in CJ removal case, Alfred Kumi, picked up by National Security officials

    A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alfred Ababio Kumi, who has petitioned President John Mahama to dissolve the committee probing the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has been picked up by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) and National Security operatives.

    Reports from a top executive of the opposition party, the general secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and confirmation from Alfred’s mother confirm his arrest by the officials.

    “All patriots should rush to Adenta Kumi’s house, as over 20 CID and National Security officers are there to pick him up,” the General Secretary wrote in a post on social media.

    The petitioner’s mother who engaged Asaase Radio in an interview said: “They broke the door to his house. They brought a paper (search warrant) but I didn’t take a look at it. They said they need to have a conversation with him so they took him away.”

    Prior to his pickup, Alfred Kumi in his petition to the President stated that he witnessed three Supreme Court justices—including two members of the committee—having dinner at a restaurant in Accra.

    He named the individuals as the Chairman of the committee, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, and Justice Yonny Kulendi.

    His claims are yet to be verified following the publication of the video that captured the justices by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo to disprove the allegations.

    Background

    A series of petitions have been filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.

    The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.

    Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained. However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.

    A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.

    Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by senior police officer describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.

    A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Associate Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

    Legal matters arising

    Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has moved to challenge the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, filing an application at the Supreme Court to injunct the presidential decision.

    The notice of motion, dated April 24, is a direct response to President John Dramani Mahama’s April 22 suspension of the Chief Justice, which was carried out in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution after consultations with the Council of State and a determination that a prima facie case existed.

    According to Mr Assafuah, the process that led to the Chief Justice’s suspension violated constitutional provisions, as she was not informed of the petitions nor given an opportunity to respond before the President engaged the Council of State.

    He further described the actions taken thus far, including the formation of an investigative committee, as “a farce and the product of a pre-conceived orchestration to unconstitutionally remove the Chief Justice from office.”

    Ekow Vincent Assafuah filed an injunction application to halt the process for the removal of the Chief Justice; however, this application was also dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 6.

    The second interlocutory injunction application challenging the process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office has been thrown out by the apex court.

    The Supreme Court, by a 4 to 1 majority decision, deemed the application by a private citizen, Theodore Kofi Atta-Quartey, unmeritorious on Wednesday, May 21.

    The five-member panel comprised Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (Presiding), Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko. Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the only one who disagreed with the majority’s opinion.

    Justice Torkornoo heads to court

    Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has headed to the Supreme Court to prevent the committee set up by President John Mahama to probe the petitions seeking her removal from office.

    She is also requesting the apex court to halt her suspension issued by the President under Article 146(10) of the Constitution until a final determination is made on the matter.

    On Wednesday, May 21, her legal team at Dame and Partners filed an interlocutory injunction application.

    The defendants per the writ, are Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah.

    The plaintiff has prayed the apex court to restrain the committee from proceeding with any further inquiry as well as prevent Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the acting Chief Justice, from participating in the process.

    Experts react to Torkornoo’s suit

    A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, believes that Justice Torkornoo should have first sought counsel from the Judicial Council before heading to the apex court.

    “The Judicial Council has been established to aid successive Chief Justices to behave themselves. So if an incumbent Chief Justice has a problem, her first port of call should be to seek counsel. I don’t think that has been done,” he said.

    Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, described the suspended Chief Justice’s move as interesting.

    “I’m happy that the suspended Chief Justice is going to have the benefit of how the justice system works. Just like any one of us, her leadership may need the benefits of the very justice she, together with others, over the years, delivered to people,” he said while engagaing the media in an interview.

  • Take it easy for a while – President Mahama tells Veep Naana Jane

    Take it easy for a while – President Mahama tells Veep Naana Jane

    President John Dramani Mahama has urged his Vice, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang to restrain herself from arduous tasks following her recovery.

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang finally arrived in Ghana following weeks of medication abroad on Thursday, May 22.

    Hearty photos of the Vice President and President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House have been spotted online.

    In the interactions, the president noted that, albeit he is aware of the Vice President’s fitness, she must avoid exertion.

    “The doctors say you are 20 years younger. That is what the professor told me—that you are okay and fit for the job.

    “We will ask that you take it easy for a little while, and after that, we will see how things go,”

    Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was reported to have suffered a sudden illness on Friday, March 28, and sought medical attention at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) the following day.

    She was advised to take rest, after which she took a three-week medical leave on April 7. The presidency later announced that she had travelled abroad for further treatment as a precautionary measure to ensure a full recovery.

    Though she was expected to spend 21 days off duty, she has been away for the past 49 days since she fell ill. On May 16, President John Mahama announced the return of his vice by the end of this week.

    Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour’ at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region, President Mahama revealed that Professor Jane has fully recovered and will return to her duties next week.

    “I’m happy to state that I spoke to her yesterday morning, and she will be back in the country before the end of next week. By God’s grace, she is fully recovered, and she’s going to come and go back to her duties,” he said.

    President John Mahama visited Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang abroad on May 12, during her medical treatment in the United Kingdom. His visit coincided with Mother’s Day, where he shared a tribute reassuring Ghanaians of her recovery.

    During the vice president’s absence, the opposition New Patriotic Party called for a full disclosure of her health and whereabouts. Third National Vice Chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, her prolonged absence left a significant portion of the public concerned. He therefore called for transparency.

    In an interview with the media, he said, ”Ghanaians deserve to know the health status of their Vice President, the money spent on her medical bills, and her current whereabouts. There’s been no official update. Whether she is dead or alive, the people must be told.”

    Despite the Vice President’s absence from the country, she never let go of aiding the country’s development. Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has pledged four months of her salary to support the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the Mahama Cares initiative.

    This generous contribution was revealed by President John Dramani Mahama during his national address on Wednesday, May 7, as he marked 120 days into his second term in office.

    “Vice President Naana Jane also pledged four months of her salary to the Mahama Cares Fund,” the President announced.

    The Mahama Cares initiative, officially launched on April 29 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra, is a flagship health support programme aimed at providing financial assistance to Ghanaians battling chronic illnesses not adequately covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

    It is expected that the Vice President in the coming days will resume her day-to-day activities to go a long way to shape the lives of Ghanaians, particularly women and children.

  • SCC, GHS organise drug abuse symposium for juveniles at centre

    SCC, GHS organise drug abuse symposium for juveniles at centre

    The Senior Correctional Centre (SCC), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, has organised a symposium on drug abuse for juveniles at the centre as part of the regional commemoration of the gender week celebration by the Ghana Prisons Service.

    A psychiatrist with the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Adwoa Kusi-Kyere, facilitated the symposium at the Borstal Hall with the theme “drug abuse and its consequences on health.” 

    Dr. Adwoa Kusi-Kyere educated the juveniles on avoiding substances such as tramadol, red, blue blue, cannabis, weed, alcohol, and others.

    Deputy Director of Prisons, Mrs. Yayra Ashong-Mettle, the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) at the Senior Correctional Centre outlined some strategies to consider while serving their jail term.

    She mentioned that rehabilitation programs available at the Senior Correctional Centre serve as a powerful remodeling tool to straighten their paths to become responsible citizens devoid of substance abuse.

    The OIC called on the Borstal Boys to always avail themselves for counseling sessions in order to address any underlying issue bothering their minds.

    Also, she underscored that cognitive-behavioral therapy available at the station helps juveniles to identify and change negative thought patterns that would benefit them in the long term.

    DDP. Ashong-Mettle noted that, by providing a supportive environment and evidence-based programs, inmates who were once addicted to substance abuse could overcome addiction and develop a positive path towards rehabilitation and reintegration.

    She admonished other stations to consider counseling and organizing symposiums to highlight the effects of substance abuse on inmates and officers to ensure good mental well-being.

    Dr. Adwoa Kusi-Kyere also urged them to refrain from using narcotic drugs when released from incarceration.

    She noted that substance abuse creates numerous problems, including financial, legal, educational, and health which affect an individual in the long term.

    On her part, one could put a stop to substance abuse irrespective of the stage; whether at a starting, experimenting, or addictive stage, there is hope and help to counsel an individual to refrain from drugs.

    Ghana Prisons Service’s Gender Week Celebration

    The Ghana Prisons Service observed this year’s Gender Week celebration at all prison facilities in the Eastern Region.

    From Thursday, May 8 to 16, the celebration was held. For the closing conference, all individuals from the command who promote, coordinate, and monitor gender-related issues gathered at the Nsawam Female Prison.

    The theme for this year’s celebration was “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities—The role of mothers in combating the new trend of drug menace among the youth.”

    Several activities, such as health screening, a health walk, fun games, a talk on drug abuse, and a thanksgiving service at their various stations, were held at Akuse male and female, Koforidua, and the Nsawam Complex prisons.

    As part of the commemoration, Osamkrom Prison Ladies Association (PRILAS) donated sanitary pads to 85 girls of Osamkrom D/A Basic School in the Central Region.

    This initiative aimed to support menstrual hygiene management and raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health.

    The Prisons Headquarters Gender Unit climaxed the Gender Week celebration with a thanksgiving service on Friday, May 16, at the Prisons Interdenominational Church, Cantonments.

  • NHIA pays GHC259m in claims to credentialed healthcare providers

    NHIA pays GHC259m in claims to credentialed healthcare providers

    An additional amount of GHS259,546,601 has been paid by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to deserving credentialed healthcare providers.

    The payment made to the public, mission, quasi-public and private facilities, was sanctioned by the Chief Executive of the Authority, Dr Victor Asare Bampoe.

    A portion of the total, GHS112,607,239, representing 43 percent, was paid to public facilities in May, while private facilities received GHS104,643,070, signifying 40 percent.

    Mission facilities received an amount of GHS40,015,892, representing 15 percent, whereas quasi-public facilities paid GHS2,280,399.08, which implies 1 percent.

    So far this year, the NHIA has paid GHS1,103,028,808 in claims to credentialed healthcare providers nationwide.

    For the authority, its significant disbursement demonstrates its unwavering commitment to sustaining the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and ensuring that healthcare providers are resourced and motivated to deliver quality services to our cherished members.

    “The NHIA remains focused on improving efficiency, enhancing provider relations, and delivering on its mandate to ensure financial access to quality healthcare for all residents of Ghana.

    “We thank our stakeholders for their continued support and assure the public of our dedication to transparency, accountability, and timely payments,” the NHIA said in a statement.

    The Authority has stated that it is firstly committed to strengthening internal controls and operational efficiencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

    Last month, Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG) suspended health insurance services for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cardholders at all its member facilities, citing the National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) failure to settle outstanding claims.

    In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Kwame Buabeng-Frimpong, on Friday, April 4, the association disclosed that the NHIA owed service providers for claims dating as far back as September and October 2024, despite multiple assurances.

    The PHFAoG highlighted the severe financial strain the delays have placed on member facilities, making it increasingly difficult for them to deliver quality healthcare to NHIS beneficiaries.

    The group also expressed disappointment that the NHIA had failed to honour its recent commitment to settle claims by the end of March, as outlined in a March 25, 2025, press release from the Authority.

    The association has called for urgent intervention to resolve the impasse to ensure the continuity of health services for Ghanaians enrolled in the scheme.

    Following the suspension, NHIA paid GH¢834 million to various healthcare providers across the country.

    Presently, it is the aim of the Authority to restore public trust and confidence by reducing out-of-pocket payments through frequent tariff reviews, enhanced monitoring and public education, effective provider engagement, and stricter enforcement of NHIS policies.

  • Vice President Naana Jane touches down in Ghana

    Vice President Naana Jane touches down in Ghana

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has finally arrived in Ghana following weeks of medication abroad.

    Hearty photos of the Vice President and President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House have been spotted online.

    Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was reported to have suffered a sudden illness on Friday, March 28, and sought medical attention at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) the following day.

    She was advised to take rest, after which she took a three-week medical leave on April 7.

    The presidency later announced that she had travelled abroad for further treatment as a precautionary measure to ensure a full recovery.

    Though she was expected to spend 21 days off duty, she has been away for the past 49 days since she fell ill.

    On May 16, President John Mahama announced the return of his vice by the end of this week.

    Speaking during his ‘Thank You Tour’ at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region, President Mahama revealed that Professor Jane has fully recovered and will return to her duties next week.

    “I’m happy to state that I spoke to her yesterday morning, and she will be back in the country before the end of next week. By God’s grace, she is fully recovered, and she’s going to come and go back to her duties,” he said.

    President John Mahama visited Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang abroad on May 12, during her medical treatment in the United Kingdom.

    His visit coincided with Mother’s Day, where he shared a tribute reassuring Ghanaians of her recovery.

    During the Vice President’s absence, the opposition New Patriotic Party called for a full disclosure of her health and whereabouts.

    Third National Vice Chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, her prolonged absence left a significant portion of the public concerned. He therefore called for transparency.

    In an interview with the media, he said, ”Ghanaians deserve to know the health status of their Vice President, the money spent on her medical bills, and her current whereabouts. There’s been no official update. Whether she is dead or alive, the people must be told.”

    Despite the Vice President’s absence from the country, she never let go of aiding the country’s development.

    Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has pledged four months of her salary to support the newly launched Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as the Mahama Cares initiative.

    This generous contribution was revealed by President John Dramani Mahama during his national address on Wednesday, May 7, as he marked 120 days into his second term in office.

    “Vice President Naana Jane also pledged four months of her salary to the Mahama Cares Fund,” the President announced.

    The Mahama Cares initiative, officially launched on April 29 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra, is a flagship health support programme aimed at providing financial assistance to Ghanaians battling chronic illnesses not adequately covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

    It is expected that the Vice President in the coming days will resume her day-to-day activities to go a long way to shape the lives of Ghanaians, particularly women and children.

  • SSA-UoG suspends strike, set to resume work on May 23

    SSA-UoG suspends strike, set to resume work on May 23

    The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Technical University Administrators Association (TUAAG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff Association (FUSSAG) have announced a suspension of their indefinite industrial action barely 48 hours after it took effect.

    In a statement dated May 22, the associations noted that their decision stems from the authorization of the implementation of the negotiated agreement, effective November 1, 2024, by the Ministry of Finance.

    “On behalf of our sister unions (TUAAG and FUSSAG) and on my behalf as the National Chairman of SSA-UoG, we are pleased to inform you that following our collective action and strong advocacy, the Government has responded positively to our demands,” the statement noted.

    Per the statement, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has also written, authorizing the universities to effect payment immediately.

    The associations have therefore directed their members to resume work on Friday, 23rd May, following government’s goodwill to act.

    The association’s strike took effect on Wednesday, May 21. National Chairman of the Senior Staff Association George Ansong, who engaged the media, bemoaned the government’s inability to implement the agreements reached.

    “The Technical Universities Administrators Association of Ghana (TUWAG) and the Federation of University Senior Staff Association of Ghana (FUSAG) announce, with deep regret but unwavering resolve, our decision to embark on an indefinite strike action,” he stated.

    He revealed that both the former and current governments to honor a six-month-old agreement aimed at improving their conditions of service.

    Mr George Ansong continued to fume over the lack of government response following countless engagements, citing that until the government responds to their demands and takes action, the unions will remain on strike.

    “The government has continuously reneged on its commitment, thereby undermining the trust and cooperation that should exist between both parties,” he added.

    The erstwhile government led by Akufo-Addo reached an agreement with the SSA-UoG on November 12, 2024, after negotiations that began on April 9, 2024.

    The agreement was meant to improve their conditions of service, and the government was expected to fulfill its commitments within six months, meaning by May 2025.

    With the government’s intervention comes an end to the industrial action.

    This is not the first time the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) has gone on strike for similar reasons.

    The last time they took such action was in January 2024, during the Akufo-Addo-led administration.

    That strike was triggered by poor working conditions and the government’s failure to pay certain allowances and arrears.

  • 2 arrested for stealing Immigration Officer’s pistol, ammunition

    2 arrested for stealing Immigration Officer’s pistol, ammunition

    The Police in Walewale in the North East Region have arrested two individuals for stealing a pistol and ammunition belonging to an immigration officer.

    The suspects; Mohammed Basit (18) and Baba Rasid (22), per a police report, entered the room of the immigration officer on Saturday, May 17, while he was away.

    They managed to steal the officer’s Smith & Wesson pistol loaded with ten rounds of ammunition as well as his two CZ rifle magazines loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition each.

    Through intelligence, the suspects were arrested at Kperiga, a suburb of Walewale.

    The suspects hid the pistol and ammunition in a stationary vehicle.

    Investigations are ongoing, and suspects will be put before court.

    In an unrelated development, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has bemoaned the influx of unregistered arms and ammunition in the country.

    During a working visit to the Northern Region on Wednesday, May 21, the minister noted that the current trend threatens national security.

    “Let us see you abiding by the laws of our country. It’s the only way you will be able to help. The number of arms in the hands of our citizens is getting to an alarming level. It’s giving the Peace Council, police, and other security agencies a lot of headaches. At the least provocation, you hear a gunshot. How did the people get the guns?” he asked.

    The minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase, called for a united effort to free the country from illegal arms.

    “We have to get private people to partner with the government. The government alone cannot do it. Now technology is so easy that we should be able to use technology to detect who imports and sells the guns. What can we use technology to make our country safe?”

    A 16-year-old form two student of Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) has been 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.

    Also, two individuals – Yaw Adu and Samando Dokurugu, alias Shapichino—were arrested on May 16 for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition at Ahenkro in the Ashanti Region.

    The Ashanti North Regional Police Command nabbed the duo while riding a motorbike with registration number M-25-NR 1634.

    The police retrieved an Adler Tulpar Pump Action shotgun with serial number 24SA-1073, and three live BB cartridges from Samando Dokurugu after a search was conducted.

    The illegal possession of guns has become a common trend in Ghana. Experts have called for stricter punishments for culprits.

    Speaking to The Independent Ghana, the Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPME) at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Gyebi Asante, highlighted the urgent need to review existing laws governing firearms possession to better align with current security challenges.

    “We are advocating for the law to be reviewed to suit the current situation and also be able to align with our current dispensation. It is something we have taken steps to do.”

    “Already we have a proposed bill, National Arms Bill, at the Ministry of Interior to look at the document and endorse it. For example, the penal sanction: when you have a law that regulates the possession of arms that can kill, you must have a strong penal sanction that can deter people from going behind the law to buy these weapons, so the law as it is now is not deterrent enough,” he added.

  • Ablakwa challenges Charles Owiredu over 5-day visa application processing

    Ablakwa challenges Charles Owiredu over 5-day visa application processing

    The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has responded to claims by former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Owiredu, suggesting that processing of visas by individuals seeking to travel to Ghana was undertaken within five working days under the previous government.

    Charles Owiredu’s comment comes after a new visa application policy, announced by the sector minister, which would see the processing of visas take no more than five working days.

    He argued that the process never took 6 weeks to complete under the tenure of former President Akufo-Addo.

    “Hon Foreign Minister, please get your facts right. It is never true that it took up to 6 weeks to process Ghana visa applications. It has always been between 2 – 5 days.”

    “The exception will be when the application is incomplete, even with that, the process never took 6 weeks to complete. Under President Akufu-Addo, we even encouraged visa on arrival for year of return, detty December revellers,” he wrote in a post on X.

    In a sharp rebuttal, Mr Ablakwa has insisted that the ministry’s embassy websites across the world do not confirm the two- to five-day claim by the former deputy minister.

    “Kindly check our embassy in Washington DC’s website which provides 15 to 20 business days for standard applications, our New York website indicates 3 weeks, our embassy website for Germany says 15 business days, our UK High Commission website indicates 15 working days.”

    “None of the websites, which by the way were created when you were Deputy Minister, states that standard visas can be obtained between 2 to 5 days,” the sector minister wrote.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 21, the Foreign Affairs Minister announced that the fresh move forms part of efforts to make Ghana attractive to investors and tourists.

    He noted that the ministry has laid down measures that will allow the policy to be rolled out effectively.

    “On January 7th, President Mahama declared that Ghana is open for business. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are determined to give real, practical meaning to that promise,” Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa stated.

    According to the minister, the new policy does not imply an automatic visa approval.

    “I must, however, add that this 5-day visa processing policy does not by any stretch of imagination mean automatic visa approval; a decision will be made within 5 working days as to whether one is eligible for a Ghanaian visa or not,” he wrote.

    The restructuring is expected to speed up the process that could take an average of four to six weeks.

    Visa applicants requiring further assistance should reach out to ipab@mfa.gov.gh or +233 240 793072.





  • Justice Torkornoo runs to Supreme Court to halt suspension, petition probe by committee

    Justice Torkornoo runs to Supreme Court to halt suspension, petition probe by committee

    Suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has headed to the Supreme Court to prevent the committee set up by President John Mahama to probe the petitions seeking her removal from office.

    She is also requesting the apex court to halt her suspension issued by the President under Article 146(10) of the Constitution until a final determination is made on the matter.

    The committee is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, and includes Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Associate Professor James Sefah Dzisah of the University of Ghana.

    On Wednesday, May 21, her legal team at Dame and Partners filed an interlocutory injunction application.

    The defendants per the writ, are Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine, Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Daniel Yao Domelovo, Major Flora Bazwaanura Dalugo, and Professor James Sefah Dzisah.

    The plaintiff has prayed the apex court to restrain the committee from proceeding with any further inquiry as well as prevent Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, the acting Chief Justice, from participating in the process.

    16 Reliefs – Fisherman’s NetDownload

    Background

    The recent development follows a series of petitions filed against Chief Justice Torkornoo, beginning with one from a group known as Shining Stars of Ghana.

    The group alleges she violated Article 144 of the Constitution by personally recommending judges for promotion to the Supreme Court, and further claims she ruled on a case involving the Speaker of Parliament without granting him a hearing, despite his refusal to respond to the suit.

    Another petition from a police officer who is also a lawyer accuses the Chief Justice of manipulating evidence and abusing her authority, following an incident during a Supreme Court session where he was reportedly reprimanded, arrested, and detained. However, court records suggest the lawyer’s conduct during proceedings prompted a unanimous caution from the bench, not just the Chief Justice.

    A third petition, submitted by a private individual, lists 21 alleged misconducts and four claims of incompetence. Among the accusations is the misuse of public funds—specifically, that she spent over GH¢261,000 and $30,000 on a family trip abroad in 2023 and misused an additional GH¢75,580 and $14,000 during another foreign assignment without proper accountability.

    Subsequent reports indicate two more petitions have been added to the list, intensifying pressure on the judiciary.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in her written response to President Mahama, strongly denied allegations of misconduct and abuse of office brought against her by senior police officer describing them as baseless and lacking grounds for her removal from office.

    A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter.

    Legal matters arising

    Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has moved to challenge the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, filing an application at the Supreme Court to injunct the presidential decision.

    The notice of motion, dated April 24, is a direct response to President John Dramani Mahama’s April 22 suspension of the Chief Justice, which was carried out in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution after consultations with the Council of State and a determination that a prima facie case existed.

    According to Mr Assafuah, the process that led to the Chief Justice’s suspension violated constitutional provisions, as she was not informed of the petitions nor given an opportunity to respond before the President engaged the Council of State.

    He further described the actions taken thus far, including the formation of an investigative committee, as “a farce and the product of a pre-conceived orchestration to unconstitutionally remove the Chief Justice from office.”

    Ekow Vincent Assafuah filed an injunction application to halt the process for the removal of the Chief Justice; however, this application was also dismissed by the Supreme Court on May 6.

    The full reasons for the court’s decision will be made public today, May 21.

    The second interlocutory injunction application challenging the process for the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo from office has been thrown out by the apex court.

    The Supreme Court, by a 4 to 1 majority decision, deemed the application by a private citizen, Theodore Kofi Atta-Quartey, unmeritorious on Wednesday, May 21.

    The five-member panel comprised Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (Presiding), Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu, Yonny Kulendi, Henry Anthony Kwofie, and Yaw Asare Darko.

    Justice Yaw Asare Darko was the only one who disagreed with the majority’s opinion.

    Experts react to Torkornoo’s suit

    A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, believes that Justice Torkornoo should have first sought counsel from the Judicial Council before heading to the apex court.

    “The Judicial Council has been established to aid successive Chief Justices to behave themselves. So if an incumbent Chief Justice has a problem, her first port of call should be to seek counsel. I don’t think that has been done,” he said.

    Director of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, described the suspended Chief Justice’s move as interesting.

    “I’m happy that the suspended Chief Justice is going to have the benefit of how the justice system works. Just like any one of us, her leadership may need the benefits of the very justice she, together with others, over the years, delivered to people,” he said while engagaing the media in an interview.

  • Goldbod extends deadline for reapplication for gold trade to June 21

    Goldbod extends deadline for reapplication for gold trade to June 21

    The Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) has, for the umpteenth time, extended the deadline for gold traders with outdated licences to reapply under its new regulatory framework .

    The May 21 deadline, which was reported to be the final extension, has been extended to June 21.

    In a statement announcing the revised date, GoldBod noted that “even though a person may apply for a GoldBod license beyond the new non-extendable deadline of 21st June, 2025, only holders of a GoldBod license will be allowed to purchase, sell or deal in gold after this date.”

    The use of a license issued by the defunct PMMC and/or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to deal in gold is hereby prohibited beyond the new non-extendable deadline of June 21.

    A breach of this directive shall constitute a punishable offense under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (ACT 1140).

    At a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 30, acting Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, stated that the May 21 deadline will not be extended; however, this decision has been rescinded.

    “This new deadline of 21st May 2025 is not subject to further extension. It will not be extended… By the 21st of this month, only persons who have been granted licenses by the Gold Board will be tolerated in the gold trading sector,” he said.

    He revealed that many license holders under the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had not completed the reapplication process.

    “But we know that most of you have not been able to apply at all. We can also see from the back end of our website and the license application portal that some of you have started the process of applying but have not yet completed the application process,” he said.

    Under the new Ghana Gold Board Act, all previously issued licences for gold trading have been rendered void. Traders who wish to stay in business must submit fresh applications via the Goldbod website.

    Applicants have been advised to pay attention to detail when filling out the forms, as inaccuracies could lead to disqualification.

    “If you make serious omissions or errors in the application, it will go against you in terms of the decision that the Gold Board will take on that application,” Mr. Gyamfi warned.

    Goldbod will oversee the gold sector, tackle illegal trade, and promote responsible sourcing in line with global standards such as the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certification.

    The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has established the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

    Dr Forson extended President John Dramani Mahama’s congratulations to the 13-member board led by Mr Kojo Fynn.

    The sector minister also called on the board to deliver their mandate and enhance the country’s gold trade, ensure transparency in dealing, and aid the government’s economic recovery efforts.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1147789827365328&set=pcb.1147790124031965

  • Interior Minister commissions 24-unit residential facility for GIS

    Interior Minister commissions 24-unit residential facility for GIS

    Minister for Interior Muntaka Mubarak has commissioned a newly constructed four-storey, 24-unit residential facility for the Ghana Immigration Service in Savelugu, Northern Region.

    On Wednesday, May 21, the minister lauded the State Housing Company, that built the edifice, for their excellent work.

    He also extended gratitude to the chiefs and all stakeholders who played a role in making this vision a reality.

    “I also acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of our security personnel in safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding national security,” he wrote in a post on Facebook.

    On his part, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr. Samuel Basintale Amadu, expressed appreciation to the government for addressing the service’s accommodation challenges.

    He lauded the ministry for its support and highlighted the significant interest government has shown in enhancing the operational capacity of the Service.

    This facility is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve the living conditions of security personnel across the country.

    For Mr Muntaka, “the completion of this project stands as a beacon and testament to Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of security personnel and their families.”

    “It is our firm belief that when officers are well housed, they are better positioned to discharge their duties efficiently and effectively,” he added.

    In 2016, the government, acting through the Ghana Immigration Service, entered into an agreement with the State Housing Company for the construction of this building.

    The primary objective was to provide decent accommodation for junior rank officers stationed at the Tamale International Airport.

    Meanwhile, the Interior Minister participated in the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of an additional 24-unit residential facility in Tamale.

    This new project will include enhanced amenities and will cater specifically to the housing needs of senior officers stationed at the Tamale International Airport.

  • Cedi appreciation: Value of dollar drops further to GHC11

    Cedi appreciation: Value of dollar drops further to GHC11

    Ghana’s legal tender, the cedi, continues to observe unprecedented appreciation in its value against major trading currencies in a span of about two months.

    As of May 21, the average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business showed the US dollar buying at GH₵11.84 and selling at GH₵11.85.

    The British pound is buying at GH₵15.83 and selling at GH₵15.84. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵13.33 and sold at GH₵13.34.

    The last time a dollar was worth a little over GHC11 was in December 2023 under the Akufo-Addo-led government.

    The average interbank rates used by commercial banks for the transactions at the close of business on December 27 two years ago saw a dollar selling at GHC11.65 and being bought at GHC11.63.

    The value of the pound was, however, GHC14.91, and for the euro, GHC12.95.

    So far in 2025, the cedi has gained significant value, almost 19%, between April and May.

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has assured it will keep to the monetary and fiscal reforms that are responsible for the stability of the cedi to end its volatility.

    According to the Governor of the BoG, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, the central bank plans to implement a series of reforms aimed at monitoring the forex market.

    This, he explained, will aid in preventing illegal activities that could weaken the cedi as well as destabilize the market.

    The BoG Governor made these statements at the opening of the bank’s 124th Monetary Policy Committee meeting at the Bank Square on Wednesday, May 21.

    The BoG governor attributed the sharp appreciation to the “combination of factors, including prudent monetary policy, improved market sentiment and external sector gains”.

    According to Forbes, the dollar has depreciated by 8% in 2025, whereas gold prices have hiked by 23%.

    This has been reported as investors seek safe-haven assets.

    Meanwhile, the former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration’s policies are not influencing the cedi positively.

    “If you are to ask the NDC to point out exactly what policy they have implemented that has resulted in the appreciation of the cedi, they cannot tell you one that has been implemented, not sort of talked about, but actually implemented. They cannot tell you one such policy,” the former Vice President said.

    However, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has insisted that the cedi appreciating against the dollar is due to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) deliberate policies.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 20, Sammy Gyamfi outlined a stringent monetary policy stance, fiscal consolidation by the Ministry of Finance, and robust forex inflows and accelerated foreign reserve accumulation as factors influencing the cedi’s stability.

    The continuous appreciation of the cedi is yet to reflect in the day-to-day business activities of the average Ghanaian. There have been calls for a reduction in the prices of goods and services; however, businesses are quite skeptical of aligning with such a position. They have called for time to assess the stability of the cedi’s increase in value.

    Meanwhile, transport operators are expected to decrease transport fares by 15 per cent effective Saturday, May 24, due to the fall in petroleum products – a situation that stemmed from the appreciation of the local currency.  

  • Ya-Na vows to aid efforts to ensure peace, security in the North

    Ya-Na vows to aid efforts to ensure peace, security in the North

    Overlord of Dagbon, His Royal Majesty Ya-Na Mahama Abubakari Gariba II, has assured the government of his unwavering commitment to assist the efforts in sustaining the peace and security enjoyed in the Northern Region, as well as other parts of the country.

    Ya-Na made the promise when the Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak paid a courtesy call on him today, May 21, at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

    The Overlord, who revealed his willingness for collaboration, urged stakeholders and the relevant authorities to employ the use of legal and appropriate channels to resolve misunderstandings to promote unity and harmony.

    On his part, the Interior Minister reemphasized the government’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with traditional authorities to address security challenges and promote development.

    Mr Muntaka highlighted the essential mandate of traditional leaders in fostering peace and security, emphasizing their influence in community cohesion.

    He assured Ya-Na of his outfit’s commitment to collaborating with the palace to maintain peace and security in the region.

    The courtesy call marks a step towards strengthening ties between Government and traditional authority with both sides committed to fostering peace and security in the Northern Region.

    Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak also paid a courtesy call on the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, as part of his working visit to the region.

    During the visit, Hon. Muntaka expressed gratitude to the Regional Minister for his support and outlined the purpose of his visit, which was to engage with stakeholders, including Christian and Muslim religious leaders and Zongo Chiefs, to promote peace and security in the region.

    The Interior Minister emphasised that peace is essential for development and called on the people of the Northern Region and the country at large to cherish peace and work collectively to maintain peace and security.

    Following the visit to Ya-Na, the Interior Minister, the Regional Minister and his entourage also visited Zabzugu to encourage police officers recently deployed to the area to maintain law and order amid ongoing disputes.

    Mr Muntaka assured the officers that they would be rotated every three months.

  • Flour Mills Ghana Ltd catches fire; no injuries recorded

    Flour Mills Ghana Ltd catches fire; no injuries recorded

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Wednesday responded to an emergency call to douse a flame that caught a 10-storey building at Flour Mills Ghana Ltd., formerly GHAPOHA yard in Tema.

    An emergency call was received at45 AM, and the first fire applicant arrived at the scene 6 minutes later.

    The fire started on the third floor of the edifice. The firefighters managed to confine the blaze to the 5th floor following their swift and coordinated response.

    Four fire engines and a turntable ladder from the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA), Tema Metro, Newtown, and Industrial Fire Stations were sent to the scene.

    https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1AsNyuzRwU

    Firefighters swept from floor to floor to extinguish hidden flames to prevent further spread and to fully extinguish the blaze.

    No injuries have been recorded as of the time of reporting.

    The acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, Tema and Greater Accra Regional Commanders were at the fire scene to assess the situation and provide leadership.

  • GEA presents start-up kits to 268 participants of AA2E under BizBox project

    GEA presents start-up kits to 268 participants of AA2E under BizBox project

    Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Mr. Iddrisu D. Mahmoud, on May 7, presented start-up kits to 268 participants under the Agriculture and Agribusiness to Entrepreneurship (AA2E) component of the BizBox Project in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region.

    He made the presentation on behalf of the CEO of the agency, Ms. Margaret Ansei, per a Facebook post by the agency on May 21.

    The participants who were involved in shea butter and rice processing received start-up kits comprising aluminum cooking pots, basins, stoves, tarpaulins, hair covers, and gloves.

    These tools, the agency said, will provide practical support for participants to establish and manage sustainable businesses.

    In addition to the kits, participants received training in technical skills, agribusiness management, and the Start Your Business (SYB) program, equipping them with critical knowledge for their entrepreneurial pursuits.

    The Business In A Box (BizBox) Project is a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and Ghana
    Enterprises Agency (GEA).

    The goal of the 4-year Project is to create dignified and fulfilling jobs for 250,000 young people in Ghana, with 70% being women and 10% Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by 2027. 

    The synergy of this partnership lies within the Agency’s mandate as the apex body to promote and develop Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) in Ghana and the Foundation’s vision for Ghana; to enable 3 million young women and men access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

    Through five main pillars, namely, i) Youth Skills Development, ii) Access to Markets, iii) Access to Startup Kits, iv) Youth Social Networks, and v) Institutional Strengthening, Policy, and Regulatory Support, the Project will create long-term employment opportunities for participants by leveraging existing structures, recognizable business associations, and partners, among other strategies.

    The Project is aimed at all 16 regions and 261 districts of Ghana, through GEA’s 210 Business Advisory Centres (BACs) and 37 Business Resource Centres (BRCs), which are the decentralized implementing arms of the agency.

    The targets of the intervention are youth (persons between the ages of 15 and 35 years), persons with disabilities, primarily women and vulnerable female heads of households, girls (including single nursing mothers), and youth-led businesses or businesses with the capacity to employ youth.

  • Ghana Prisons Service concludes Gender Week celebration

    Ghana Prisons Service concludes Gender Week celebration

    The Ghana Prisons Service observed this year’s Gender Week celebration at all prison facilities in the Eastern Region.

    From Thursday, May 8 to 16, the celebration was held. For the closing conference, all individuals from the command who promote, coordinate, and monitor gender-related issues gathered at the Nsawam Female Prison.

    The theme for this year’s celebration was “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities—The role of mothers in combating the new trend of drug menace among the youth.”

    Several activities, such as health screening, a health walk, fun games, a talk on drug abuse, and a thanksgiving service at their various stations, were held at Akuse male and female, Koforidua, and the Nsawam Complex prisons.

    As part of the commemoration, Osamkrom Prison Ladies Association (PRILAS) donated sanitary pads to 85 girls of Osamkrom D/A Basic School in the Central Region.

    This initiative aimed to support menstrual hygiene management and raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health.

    The Prisons Headquarters Gender Unit climaxed the Gender Week celebration with a thanksgiving service on Friday, May 16, at the Prisons Interdenominational Church, Cantonments.

    Present at the service were the Director in charge of Administration DOP. Samuel Akolbire, Director of Prisons in charge of Services DOP. Benedict Bob-Dery, Director in charge of Technical DOP. Gloria Essandoh and the Director in charge of Health DOP. Joana Fofo Tackie- Otoo(Mrs).

    The rest were the Director in charge of Agric DOP. Ali Kwaku Ababio, Director in charge of Operations DOP. Francis Hagbe, Commanding Officer/ Officer in charge of Gender DDP. Sophia Osei Bonsu and the Chaplain General DDP. S. Adama Okai.

  • Deadline for reapplication of gold trade licence expires today

    Deadline for reapplication of gold trade licence expires today

    The Ghana Gold Board’s (Goldbod) extended deadline for gold traders with outdated licences to reapply under its new regulatory framework will expire today, May 21.

    At a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 30, acting Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, stated that the May 21 deadline will not be extended, Mr Gyamfi noted.

    “This new deadline of 21st May 2025 is not subject to further extension. It will not be extended… By the 21st of this month, only persons who have been granted licenses by the Gold Board will be tolerated in the gold trading sector.

    “If you are a Ghanaian and you hold a license under PMMC or the ministry responsible for mines and you don’t take steps to apply for a new license before the 21st, you will be committing a punishable criminal offense if caught to be trading in gold after the 21st of May,” he said.

    He revealed that many license holders under the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had not completed the reapplication process.

    “But we know that most of you have not been able to apply at all. We can also see from the back end of our website and the license application portal that some of you have started the process of applying but have not yet completed the application process,” he said.

    The three-week grace period given, according to GoldBod, was appropriate to accommodate those still in the process.

    “We believe that this is fair, and this time frame should be adequate for anybody who is serious and desirous of applying for a Gold Board license to do so,” he explained.

    Under the new Ghana Gold Board Act, all previously issued licences for gold trading have been rendered void.

    Traders who wish to stay in business must submit fresh applications via the Goldbod website.

    Applicants have been advised to pay attention to detail when filling out the forms, as inaccuracies could lead to disqualification.

    “If you make serious omissions or errors in the application, it will go against you in terms of the decision that the Gold Board will take on that application,” Mr. Gyamfi warned.

    Goldbod will oversee the gold sector, tackle illegal trade, and promote responsible sourcing in line with global standards such as the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certification.

    The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has established the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

    Dr Forson extended President John Dramani Mahama’s congratulations to the 13-member board led by Mr Kojo Fynn.

    The sector minister also called on the board to deliver their mandate and enhance the country’s gold trade, ensure transparency in dealing, and aid the government’s economic recovery efforts.

  • UTAG-UG calls for resignation of Auditor-General for overstated employee compensation report

    UTAG-UG calls for resignation of Auditor-General for overstated employee compensation report

    The University of Ghana Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has called for the immediate resignation of Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu over a report that indicated that the tertiary institution had overstated employee compensation by GH¢59.2 million.

    Secretary of UTAG-UG, Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison, at a press conference on Tuesday, noted that this is a serious breach of the ethical standards required for this profession.

    “For such a basic ethical ethos to be ignored clearly smacks of incompetence and/or mischief. We therefore call for the Auditor-General to resign honourably, or we will petition the President for his removal,” Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison said.

    This comes after management of the University of Ghana has reacted to the Auditor General’s report and subsequent media house articles that cite GH¢59.2m overstated employee compensation by the tertiary institution.

    In a statement, UG noted that subsequent artworks and summaries of the report by JoyNews “misleads the public and distorts the facts.”

    The institution noted that it is “disappointed in the failure of the reporter, Anthony Manu and Joy News to contact the University for its position, which has resulted in a publication that risks damaging the reputation of UG and creating public disaffection, based on an inaccurate narrative.”

    UG explained that the reported figure of GH¢59.24 million that was supposedly disallowed is a gross exaggeration resulting from a misinterpretation of the University’s payroll structure.

    According to managment, the school operates a dual payroll structure comprising the Government of Ghana (GoG) payroll and the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) payroll.

    “These are clearly separated in UG’s records and also well-delineated in the submissions to the Audit Service. IGF payroll reflects payments made from the University’s IGF to legitimately engaged staff, including faculty on post-retirement contracts, such as professors between the ages of sixty-five and seventy, for which Cabinet approval was granted.”

    Management therefore noted that these were not irregular or unaccounted expenditures (disallowance), but essential payments made transparently in accordance with public financial reporting standards.

    “The IGF payroll is only included for audit purposes and not a request for payment from GoG and the Audit Service is fully aware of this, so they could not be ‘disallowed’,” the statement added.

    In compliance with Section 48 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), UGstated that it disclosed all IGF collections and their utilisation as required of all covered entities.

    The institution claims that the Special Audit Report did not acknowledge the distinction between the two payroll sources, adding that “Instead, it presented the figures as a single, aggregated total, creating a misleading impression of payroll overstatement.”

    UG management further provided a breakdown indicating that between August 2021 and 2024, a total of 887 staff exited the University through retirement, resignation, death and other forms of separation.

    During this same period, the only Government clearance the University received was to recruit only 102 new employees in 2024.

    Per the school, student enrolment steadily increased over the years, from 61,640 in 2021 to 68,126 in 2022, rising further to 76,136 in 2023, before recording 73,155 students in 2024.

    “This required proactive staff recruitment measures, on the part of Management, even in the absence of government financial clearance, in order to maintain quality.”

    The university says it has adopted innovative financial and human resource strategies to engage critical personnel, including those on post-retirement contract, funded through IGF. These appointments were made in full compliance with institutional and national financial regulations.

    “The University fully complied with the Auditor-General’s audit processes by submitting both its GoG and IGF payrolls for review. However, the standard audit protocol, which requires that initial findings be communicated to the institution for clarification, was not followed. UG was not given the opportunity to provide context or submit relevant documentation before the final report was published.”

    “It is important to reiterate that the GH¢59.24 million is not a loss or misapplication of public funds. It represents the cost of strategic staffing interventions aimed at sustaining teaching, research and administrative work at the University in the face of the University’s inability to recruit on government payroll, without financial clearance. These payments were necessary, transparent and responsibly managed through IGF. It indicates the University’s ingenuity to support the government’s financial provision for qualified human resources required for the quality provision of higher education,” management reiterated.

    UG management, following clarification, has entreated all media outlets and reporters to conduct thorough research, verify facts and engage with the university officials before publishing stories, particularly on matters of public interest.

    The University of Ghana has assured its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to all relevant national financial regulations.

    “UG will continue to collaborate with the Auditor-General’s Department, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department and other oversight bodies to enhance audit processes and institutional governance.”

    Meanwhile, JoyNews has clarified that its report was accurate, as it was deduced from the official audit report.

    “They have been going on this media tirade, accusing JoyNews and our report, but nowhere have I heard that they have taken the actual step that could change the findings of the Auditor-General, as in writing formally to the Auditor-General, registering their protest, and offering the clarity they claim they have.”

    “I haven’t heard any single member of the university community say that they have taken that step. Rather, they are holding press conferences to give clarifications and issuing statements that don’t really go to the heart of trying to clarify,” JoyNews Editor Evans Mensah, said on Tuesday, May 20.

  • GIS temporarily suspends arrest of foreign street beggars due to congestion at holding centre

    GIS temporarily suspends arrest of foreign street beggars due to congestion at holding centre

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has announced a temporary hold on the arrest of foreign nationals engaged in street begging.

    In a press statement, GIS noted that this has to be done “to avoid congestion at the Holding Centre at the National Headquarters.”

    The Service, however, noted that the Special Operation will resume and continue in due course in the effort to rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks.

    GIS has therefore requested continuous collaboration and support from all stakeholders for the success of this exercise.

    Meanwhile, GIS has reported that out of 2,241 foreign nationals detained for street begging, a total of 925 have been repatriated.

    A breakdown of the repatriated foreigners indicates 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians.

    All affected immigrants had to undergo profiling and security screening in line with standard operating procedures.

    Repatriation could not commence on Friday, 16th May, because the above processes continued into the late hours of the day.

    Repatriation was initiated in the morning of Saturday, 17th May. According to the GIS, processes are underway to repatriate the foreign nationals.

    GIS has affirmed that the rights of the detainees are not being violated. Meals, among other needs of persons in detention, have been provided for by the Service, and the GIS Clinic is on standby to provide medical services where necessary.

    Immigrants were also segregated based on their gender and age, in line with international best practices.

    In a recent development, the Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has urged all Ghanaians to remain calm and support this exercise.

    “Let us cooperate with the security teams as they work to protect our streets and uphold national safety,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    Muntaka Mubarak has revealed that the crackdown will soon be extended to other regions beyond Accra.

    “I have seen the public reactions and calls for similar actions in places like Kumasi, Tamale, and other communities. Please be assured that this is a nationwide exercise that began in Accra and will be extended to other regions soon.”

  • GIS repatriates 925 foreigners involved in street begging

    GIS repatriates 925 foreigners involved in street begging

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has reported that out of 2,241 foreign nationals detained for street begging, a total of 925 have been repatriated.

    A breakdown of the repatriated foreigners indicates 819 Nigeriens and 106 Nigerians.

    All affected immigrants had to undergo profiling and security screening in line with standard operating procedures.

    Repatriation could not commence on Friday, 16th May, because the above processes continued into the late hours of the day.

    Repatriation was initiated in the morning of Saturday, 17th May. According to the GIS, processes are underway to repatriate the foreign nationals.

    GIS has affirmed that the rights of the detainees are not being violated. Meals, among other needs of persons in detention, have been provided for by the Service, and the GIS Clinic is on standby to provide medical services where necessary.

    Immigrants were also segregated based on their gender and age, in line with international best practices.

    Meanwhile, GIS has put on temporary hold the arrest of foreign nationals engaged in street begging “to avoid congestion at the Holding Centre at the National Headquarters.”

    The Service, however, noted that the Special Operation will resume and continue in due course, in the effort to rid the streets of beggars and clamp down on criminal networks.

    GIS has therefore requested continuous collaboration and support from all stakeholders for the success of this exercise.

    Meanwhile, the Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has urged all Ghanaians to remain calm and support this exercise.

    “Let us cooperate with the security teams as they work to protect our streets and uphold national safety,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    Muntaka Mubarak has revealed that the crackdown will soon be extended to other regions beyond Accra.

    “I have seen the public reactions and calls for similar actions in places like Kumasi, Tamale, and other communities. Please be assured that this is a nationwide exercise that began in Accra and will be extended to other regions soon.”

  • Some traders return to the pavements despite AMA’s decongestion exercise

    Some traders return to the pavements despite AMA’s decongestion exercise

    Media reports indicate that some recalcitrant traders have returned to some areas of Accra Central after being removed from the pavements and streets by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly on Tuesday.

    These recalcitrant traders who have returned to their previous spots are expected to face the taskforce who are keen on implementing the Accra Mayor’s directive.

    The 3-day decongestion exercise carried out by the Accra Municipal Assembly, targeting street traders in the country’s capital, Accra, resumes today, Wednesday, May 21, following what appeared to be a successful Day 1.

    Today, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly has shifted its focus to Circle Neoplan. Makeshift structures are being destroyed.

    Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, while addressing the press on Tuesday, May 20, assured that the operation will persist until the roads are fully cleared of vendors occupying the pavements.

    He acknowledged that the ongoing activity is not a short-term measure but one that will remain in place. 

    “This exercise is not a nine-day wonder; we are on the street till we make sure that the roads are clear. We are not done. For the next hour, we are going back to the street. From here we are going to Circle, and if there is more strength, we will go to Kaneshie. Then we continue tomorrow,” the mayor stated.

    Despite concerns by some of the traders who sought to counter the decongestion exercise, a section of the traders lauded the Accra Mayor and the AMA task force for undertaking the decongestion exercise in the Central Business District.

    “Thank you for the exercise. God bless you. These people are killing business. We rent expensive stores and pay AMA bills,” a trader stated.


    Meanwhile, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, has cautioned the traders against returning to the streets. Speaking to the media after the exercise, she noted that culprits will pay a fine within the range of GHC1,500 and GHC2,000.

    “We are going to reactivate our task force so that they will be working 24 hours a day. They are going to draw red lines in between the roads so that when you cross the line. There’s a fee that you have to pay, GHC1,500, with a maximum of GHC2,000. So that next time, you wouldn’t cross the line,” she said.

    Amid the concerns raised by affected traders, the Greater Accra Market Association (GAMA) has declared strong support for the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s ongoing decongestion campaign in the Central Business District (CBD).

    The initiative, a collaboration between the AMA and the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, forms part of the Mahama-led administration’s agenda to improve urban mobility and ease congestion in the city.

    The first phase of the exercise launched on Tuesday, targeting areas around the AMA Head Office, including Kinbu Road to Railways, ECG Junction to the King Tackie Tawiah Statue, and Opera Square to Adabraka.

    Prior to the decongestion exercise yesterday, the Accra mayor engaged traders, urging them to leave the streets voluntarily.

    The issues of congestion compelled the transport operators to threaten a strike action against the government and the Ghana Police Service

    They gave authorities until Monday, May 19, to act or face a nationwide protest. However, the strike action was not executed.

    According to the operators, the growing encroachment of roads and pavements by traders poses serious safety risks and disrupts the free flow of traffic.

    They are demanding the immediate enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), particularly those relating to trading on roads and pavements.

    Under Ghana’s Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), specific provisions prohibit trading activities that obstruct pedestrian and vehicular movement.

    These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and free flow of traffic on public roads and pavements.

  • Use of uncalibrated ECG metres responsible for overbilling, underbilling of consumers – GSA

    Use of uncalibrated ECG metres responsible for overbilling, underbilling of consumers – GSA

    The Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Professor Alex Dodoo, has warned of the dangers associated with uncalibrated electricity meters currently in use nationwide.

    These uncalibrated metres being utilised by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), he said, do not guarantee the protection of consumers and also are not able to hold industry accountable for fair charges. Calibration of meters ensures that energy usage is measured accurately, preventing overbilling or underbilling for consumers.

    His comments come amid growing public concerns of overbilling, inconsistent power supply, and inefficiencies in the power-producing company’s services.

    Speaking at a stakeholder conference organized by the International Electrotechnical Commission yesterday, May 20, in Accra, Prof. Dodoo revealed that many ECG meters in circulation have not been calibrated or verified by the Ghana Standards Authority, as has been mandated by the National Instrumentation Regulation NI2413.

    “Very few of our meters have been calibrated and verified by the GSA. If the meter you are using has not been calibrated or verified by the Ghana Standards Authority, as required by NI2413, its accuracy is questionable. We simply cannot vouch for it,” he said.

    Prof. Dodoo said meters not being calibrated put consumers at risk of under- and overbilling.

    The NI2413 law mandates that all electricity meters in circulation must be calibrated and verified by the GSA to ensure accuracy, fair billing, and energy efficiency.

    Additionally, the Weights and Measures Decree, NRCD 326 of 1975, empowers the GSA to oversee legal metrology, ensuring that measuring instruments used in trade and industry meet standardized accuracy requirements.

    However, to resolve this, he mentioned that his outfit is currently working with the ECG and Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURC) to configure the millions of meters currently in circulation in the country.

    “The law states it must be verified and calibrated. Thankfully, we are working with ECG and PURC to ensure that all the millions of meters in Ghana are properly calibrated and verified by the GSA,” he noted.

    He also linked the issue to national development, emphasizing its importance in the government’s ambition to implement a 24-hour economy.

    “And I know it’s a very troubling issue. But as we support the President in rolling out a 24-hour economy, it’s important that we provide the quality infrastructure that will make the 24-hour economy succeed,” he concluded.

  • President Mahama promises single-digit inflation in June

    President Mahama promises single-digit inflation in June

    President Mahama has projected that single-digit inflation will be reported by the country at the end of the first half of the year.

    In an address at the Ghana-EU Business Forum held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra yesterday, President Mahama stated that his government will achieve this feat by effecting a tighter monetary policy rate, cutting expenditure, and reducing debt accumulation.

    “Inflation, which peaked at 23.8% at the end of 2024, has begun to ease, falling to 21.2% in April 2025 largely due to moderation of both food and nonfood inflation and prudent fiscal management. We’re projecting to achieve a single-digit inflation trajectory by the middle of 2026.”

    President Mahama noted there are positive signs that the country is recovering in a disciplined and inclusive way, pointing to the fact that Ghana’s international reserves have increased from $8.9 billion in December 2024 to $10.6 billion by April 2025. This is equivalent to almost five months of import cover.

    “This reflects enhanced export earnings, particularly from gold and non-traditional exports, as well as timely disbursements for our multilateral partners. These figures, though early in the year, are clear signs of a disciplined and inclusive economy,” the president added.

    He stressed that the government is enforcing contract sanctity and implementing firm measures to safeguard investor rights.

    In March, the Monetary Policy Committee by a majority decision, decided to raise the

    Monetary Policy Rate by 100 basis points to 28.0 percent to re-anchor the disinflation process. As inflation becomes firmly anchored, the Committee noted that it will reassess the scope for a gradual easing in the policy stance.

    Ghana ended the year 2024 with 23.8% inflation. In January 2025, inflation slightly declined to 23.5%. And since then it has continued to ease. In February inflation declined to 23.1%; it saw another decrease in March to 22.4% and declined again in April to 21.2%.

    Discussing improvement with macroeconomic variables – exchange rate—the cedi has appreciated by approximately 16% against the US dollar, contributing to a decline in inflation to 21.2% by May 2025.

    The current inflation rate marks a significant milestone, as Ghana’s inflation rate skyrocketed to 31.26 percent in 2022 due to disruptions and cedi depreciation.

    During the 2025 budget presentation on March 11, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the government’s objective to reduce inflation to 11.9% by the end of the year. The president’s projection suggests that the government may have to re-evaluate its earlier inflation projection.

    Fitch Solutions has also forecasted a more conservative outlook, predicting Ghana’s inflation will average 18.8% in 2025 and end the year at 13.6%. This projection suggests that while inflation may decrease, it might not reach the government’s ambitious target.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also provided its assessment, projecting Ghana’s inflation to end 2025 at 17.5%, which is also higher than the government’s target.

    With the unprecedented performance of the cedi in recent times and the calls for reduction in prices of goods and services to reflect the gains in the cedi, stakeholders continue to monitor the financial sector to observe how the country’s inflation rate will be affected.

  • President Mahama inaugurates NDPC to spearhead economic diversification plan

    President Mahama inaugurates NDPC to spearhead economic diversification plan

    President John Dramani Mahama on May 20 inaugurated the 8th National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), tasking the body with creating a unified long-term national development plan that transcends political cycles.

    President Mahama has bemoaned the country’s continuous reliance on its primary commodities without exploring diversification and value addition.

    “Nearly 70 years after independence, our economy continues to rely heavily on a narrow range of primary commodities, with limited diversification and value addition,” President Mahama stated.

    “This reality reflects the persistence of structural constraints that continue to hold us back—proof that, in many respects, we remain ‘prisoners of our past.’

    In a Facebook post, the president further wrote: “Ghanaians deserve a stable and predictable future. Drawing inspiration from Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s vision, we must address our structural challenges and diversify our economy.”

    He urged the NDPC, now chaired by Dr Nii Moi Thompson, who led the development of the 40-Year National Development Plan in 2017, to consolidate these efforts into a single, coherent plan.

    “This must be done in close collaboration with Parliament and the people’s representatives,” President Mahama stressed, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and a broad national consensus.

    President Mahama highlighted the significance of the NDPC’s work, stressing that its collaboration with the government in preparing the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, due to be presented to Parliament within two years.

    “This Programme will reflect not only the vision and policy priorities of this government but also the collective aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” the President stated.

    He further clarified that this Coordinated Programme would form the foundation for the next medium-term national development policy framework, guiding the operations of government ministries, departments, agencies, and local assemblies for the next four years.

    President Mahama expressed his confidence in the NDPC’s expertise, and urged “them to work together to deliver a transformative plan for Ghana’s future.”

    The President highlighted the existence of multiple long-term development frameworks, including the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, the Ghana@100 Long-term Development Framework, and the Vision 2057 Perspective Framework.

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in the 2024 trade report reported that Ghana reported exports worth GHC294.9 billion.

    The country recorded GHC44.7 billion trade surplus due to an import value of GHC250.2 billion.

    Ghana’s top commodities were gold, petroleum, oils, cocoa, and cocoa products.

  • Govt issues indefinite residence permits to 500 Ivorian refugees

    Govt issues indefinite residence permits to 500 Ivorian refugees

    Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has handed over indefinite residence permits to about 500 Ivorian refugees living in Ghana.

    The ceremony held on Wednesday was attended by the Ivorian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Assiélou Félix Tanon, representatives from UNHCR, the Ghana Refugee Board, and the Ghana Immigration Service.

    While presenting the permits, the Interior Minister reminded the beneficiaries that these are revocable and encouraged them to always abide by the laws of Ghana.

    This gesture reflects Ghana’s strong commitment to protecting and supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

    H.E. Assiélou Félix Tanon expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for the hospitality and support shown to Ivorian nationals over the years.

    Ghana continues to open its arms to other Africans who employ the legal channels to make their way to the country.

    On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 524 members of the African diaspora were officially granted Ghanaian citizenship in a landmark ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    This occasion, the third under the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, celebrated the strengthening of ties between Ghana and its diaspora community, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to reconnecting with its global African family.

    Addressing the new citizens, the former President Akufo-Addo spoke with deep emotion about the historical and cultural significance of the day.

    “Your ancestors left these shores under tragic and inhumane circumstances. Today, we reclaim that connection by welcoming you as part of our Ghanaian family,” he declared.

    He further reminded the recipients that Ghanaian citizenship is more than a legal status.

    “Being Ghanaian is about embracing values such as respect, equity, and peace. These principles are at the heart of our identity, and we invite you to embody them as you integrate into our society,” he added.

    Reflecting on the success of the Year of Return, then-President Akufo-Addo highlighted its impact in rekindling ties with the diaspora and fostering a global conversation about the role of African descendants in shaping the continent’s future.

    “This initiative was not just about tourism; it was about creating a pathway for our brothers and sisters abroad to reconnect with their roots,” he said.

  • Heavy reliance on primary commodities holding back our economy – President Mahama

    Heavy reliance on primary commodities holding back our economy – President Mahama

    President John Dramani Mahama has bemoaned the country’s continuous reliance on its primary commodities without exploring diversification and value addition.

    To rectify this anomaly, President Mahama today inaugurated the 8th National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), tasking the body with creating a unified long-term national development plan that transcends political cycles.

    “Nearly 70 years after independence, our economy continues to rely heavily on a narrow range of primary commodities, with limited diversification and value addition,” President Mahama stated.

    “This reality reflects the persistence of structural constraints that continue to hold us back—proof that, in many respects, we remain ‘prisoners of our past.’

    In a Facebook post, the president further wrote: “Ghanaians deserve a stable and predictable future. Drawing inspiration from Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s vision, we must address our structural challenges and diversify our economy.”

    He urged the NDPC, now chaired by Dr Nii Moi Thompson, who led the development of the 40-Year National Development Plan in 2017, to consolidate these efforts into a single, coherent plan.

    “This must be done in close collaboration with Parliament and the people’s representatives,” President Mahama stressed, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and a broad national consensus.

    President Mahama highlighted the significance of the NDPC’s work, stressing that its collaboration with the government in preparing the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, due to be presented to Parliament within two years.

    “This Programme will reflect not only the vision and policy priorities of this government but also the collective aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” the President stated.

    He further clarified that this Coordinated Programme would form the foundation for the next medium-term national development policy framework, guiding the operations of government ministries, departments, agencies, and local assemblies for the next four years.

    President Mahama expressed his confidence in the NDPC’s expertise, and urged “them to work together to deliver a transformative plan for Ghana’s future.”

    The President highlighted the existence of multiple long-term development frameworks, including the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, the Ghana@100 Long-term Development Framework, and the Vision 2057 Perspective Framework.

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in the 2024 trade report reported that Ghana reported exports worth GHC294.9 billion.

    The country recorded GHC44.7 billion trade surplus due to an import value of GHC250.2 billion.

    Ghana’s top commodities were gold, petroleum, oils, cocoa, and cocoa products.

    These commodities exported are not finished goods, limiting the value they could fetch.

    Experts say that Ghana could be generating more should it add value to its exported goods. Such calls necessitate a thriving manufacturing or industrial sector.

  • FDA shuts down Famude Catering Services, revokes its license

    FDA shuts down Famude Catering Services, revokes its license

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has shut down the Famude Catering Services in the Ashanti Region and revoked its license for illegally producing two alcoholic drinks – Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer and Jupiter 1990.

    These drinks are unregistered and have been found to contain marijuana (cannabis) extracts, according to the FDA.

    The matter has been referred to the Suntresu District Police for investigation and prosecution.

    Background

    Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer was originally registered with the FDA in 2022. However, in July 2023, during routine market checks and lab tests, it was found to contain traces of marijuana.

    Since then, the FDA, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), monitored the situation to prevent further violations.

    However, in April 2025, the FDA received intelligence that Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer was still being sold in Koforidua.

    Investigations led the team to a new unlicensed site. On April 30, a joint team from the FDA, NACOC, and the DLEU raided this illegal site at Jachie Abidjan Nkwanta.

    They found bags and parcels of dried marijuana, labels of Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur, and another unregistered drink called Jupiter 1990.

    Samples of both products tested positive for marijuana extracts. All seized items were handed over to the DLEU of the Central Police Command in Kumasi to support ongoing investigations.

    FDA’s directive to wholesalers

    Retailers and wholesalers have been directed to immediately stop selling these drinks and return all stock to the nearest FDA office.

    Consumers have also been advised to avoid buying or drinking these products.

    “Consuming such unsafe alcoholic drinks can seriously harm your health, including causing permanent damage to organs like the liver and kidneys,” the FDA noted in a statement.

    The FDA assured its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that all regulated products, including alcoholic beverages, are safe, of good quality, and properly produced.

  • FDA raises alarm over unsafe, unregistered Kings Orange, Jupiter drinks

    FDA raises alarm over unsafe, unregistered Kings Orange, Jupiter drinks

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has alerted the general public to the two alcoholic drinks – Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer and Jupiter 1990, illegally produced by Famude Catering Services in the Ashanti Region.

    These drinks are unregistered and have been found to contain marijuana (cannabis) extracts.

    Consequently, the FDA has shut down the facility and revoked its license and referred the matter to the Suntresu District Police for investigation and prosecution.

    Retailers and wholesalers have been directed to immediately stop selling these drinks and return all stock to the nearest FDA office.

    Consumers have also been advised to avoid buying or drinking these products.

    “Consuming such unsafe alcoholic drinks can seriously harm your health, including causing permanent damage to organs like the liver and kidneys,” the FDA noted in a statement.

    The FDA assured its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that all regulated products, including alcoholic beverages, are safe, of good quality, and properly produced.

    Background

    Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer was originally registered with the FDA in 2022. However, in July 2023, during routine market checks and lab tests, it was found to contain traces of marijuana.

    Since then, the FDA, in collaboration with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), monitored the situation to prevent further violations.

    However, in April 2025, the FDA received intelligence that Kings Orange Flavoured Liquer was still being sold in Koforidua.

    Investigations led the team to a new unlicensed site. On April 30, a joint team from the FDA, NACOC, and the DLEU raided this illegal site at Jachie Abidjan Nkwanta.

    They found bags and parcels of dried marijuana, labels of Kings Orange Flavoured Liqueur, and another unregistered drink called Jupiter 1990.

    Samples of both products tested positive for marijuana extracts. All seized items were handed over to the DLEU of the Central Police Command in Kumasi to support ongoing investigations.

  • Deadline for reapplication of gold trade licence expires tomorrow

    Deadline for reapplication of gold trade licence expires tomorrow

    The Ghana Gold Board’s (Goldbod) extended deadline for gold traders with outdated licences to reapply under its new regulatory framework will expire tomorrow, May 21.

    At a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 30, acting Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, revealed that many license holders under the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had not completed the reapplication process.

    “But we know that most of you have not been able to apply at all. We can also see from the back end of our website and the license application portal that some of you have started the process of applying but have not yet completed the application process,” he said.

    The May 21 deadline will not be extended, Mr Gyamfi noted.

    “This new deadline of 21st May 2025 is not subject to further extension. It will not be extended… By the 21st of this month, only persons who have been granted licenses by the Gold Board will be tolerated in the gold trading sector.

    “If you are a Ghanaian and you hold a license under PMMC or the ministry responsible for mines and you don’t take steps to apply for a new license before the 21st, you will be committing a punishable criminal offense if caught to be trading in gold after the 21st of May,” he said.

    https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1146158737528437&set=a.478664564277861

    The three-week grace period given, according to GoldBod, was appropriate to accommodate those still in the process.

    “We believe that this is fair, and this time frame should be adequate for anybody who is serious and desirous of applying for a Gold Board license to do so,” he explained.

    Under the new Ghana Gold Board Act, all previously issued licences for gold trading have been rendered void.

    Traders who wish to stay in business must submit fresh applications via the Goldbod website.

    Applicants have been advised to pay attention to detail when filling out the forms, as inaccuracies could lead to disqualification.

    “If you make serious omissions or errors in the application, it will go against you in terms of the decision that the Gold Board will take on that application,” Mr. Gyamfi warned.

  • 13 nabbed, 120 changfang machines disabled, 6 motorbikes seized at Wassa Gyapa

    13 nabbed, 120 changfang machines disabled, 6 motorbikes seized at Wassa Gyapa

    The Western Central Regional Police Command, in its recent anti-galamsey operation, successfully disabled over 120 changfang machines and arrested 13 suspects for illegal mining activities at Wassa Gyapa in the Western Region.

    Six motorbikes were retrieved from the site.

    The suspects include Nana Ampadu, Stephen Tetteh, Yaw Dalame, Samuel Amoah, Kwame Oppong, Francis Oduom, Owusu Asare, Atta Kwame, Apiyanga Emmanuel, Kojo Montanakito, Maxwell Owusu, Obofo Vincent, and Soogal Fataw, who will be arraigned before the Tarkwa Circuit Court today.

    From March to May 14, a total of 208 suspects were arrested for their involvement in illegal mining activities.

    A total of 99 excavators, 3 bulldozers, 4 pump-action guns, 3 single-barrel guns, 1 pistol, 11 changfangs, and several other exhibits, including vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines were retrieved by the Police.

    In a special anti-galamsey operation at Samreboi, along the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom, and surrounding communities in the Western Region, the police arrested 58 suspects, comprising 50 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese, in connection with illegal mining activities and retrieved 85 excavators and 3 bulldozers.

    Similar anti-galamsey operations were carried out by various Regional Police Commands across the regions as follows:

    The Western Regional Police Command has arrested 19 suspects and retrieved 3 excavators and 3 pump-action guns, among other exhibits.

    The Upper West Regional Police Command arrested 7 Ghanaian suspects and retrieved 11 changfangs and 3 motorbikes, among other exhibits.

    The Eastern South Regional Police Command Region has arrested 24 suspects, including one Burkinabe and retrieved 5 excavators, 3 single-barrel guns, and one pump action gun, among other exhibits.

    The Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 85 suspects, comprising 76 Ghanaians and 9 Chinese, and also retrieved 11 excavators and other exhibits.

    The Eastern North Regional Police Command also arrested 15 suspects, including one Chinese and retrieved 4 excavator control boards, 9 monitors, and one pistol among other exhibits.

  • Two arrested at Ahenkro over unlawful possession of arms

    Two arrested at Ahenkro over unlawful possession of arms

    Two individuals – Yaw Adu and Samando Dokurugu, alias Shapichino—were arrested on May 16 for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition at Ahenkro in the Ashanti Region.

    The Ashanti North Regional Police Command nabbed the duo while riding a motorbike with registration number M-25-NR 1634.

    The police retrieved an Adler Tulpar Pump Action shotgun with serial number 24SA-1073, and three live BB cartridges from Samando Dokurugu after a search was conducted.

    Per the police, “the suspects are believed to be connected to recent incidents of night-time criminal activity in the area.”

    Presently, the suspects are in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations and will be put before the court.

    This incident comes after 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.

  • 14 suspected ‘galamseyers’ granted GHC350k bail each with two sureties

    14 suspected ‘galamseyers’ granted GHC350k bail each with two sureties

    The Koforidua Circuit Court B has granted 14 suspected illegal miners bail each in the sum of GHC350,000 with two sureties, with one to be justified with movable property.

    The suspects were arrested on May 15 for illegally mining at Akyem Muoso in the Eastern Region by the Eastern South Regional Police Command.

    At the time of the arrest, police retrieved a pump action gun from one of the suspects, Zuberu Nuhoho, who failed to produce documentation for the weapon.

    Two excavator control boards were also retrieved from the mining site.

    The accused persons were arraigned before the Koforidua Circuit Court B on May 16.

    In relation to the security agency’s fight against illegal mining, a total of 208 suspects have been arrested, and 99 excavators, 3 bulldozers, 4 pump-action guns, 3 single-barrel guns, 1 pistol, 11 changfangs, and several other exhibits, including vehicles, motorbikes, tricycles, generators, gold detectors, and pumping machines have been retrieved by the Police.

    In a special anti-galamsey operations at Samreboi, along the Tano River, Wassa Dunkwa, Tigarikrom and surrounding communities in the Western Region, the Police arrested 58 suspects comprising 50 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese in connection with illegal mining activities and retrieved 85 excavators and 3 buldozers.

    Similar anti-galamsey operations were carried out by various Regional Police Commands across the regions as follows:

    The Western Regional Police Command has arrested 19 suspects and retrieved 3 excavators and 3 pump-action guns, among other exhibits.

    The Upper West Regional Police Command arrested 7 Ghanaian suspects and retrieved 11 changfangs and 3 motorbikes, among other exhibits.

    The Eastern South Regional Police Command Region has arrested 24 suspects, including one Burkinabe and retrieved 5 excavators, 3 single-barrel guns, and one pump action gun, among other exhibits.

    The Western Central Regional Police Command arrested 85 suspects, comprising 76 Ghanaians and 9 Chinese, and also retrieved 11 excavators and other exhibits.

    The Eastern North Regional Police Command also arrested 15 suspects, including one Chinese and retrieved 4 excavator control boards, 9 monitors, and one pistol among other exhibits.

  • Bongo District NHIA Director fatally shot, burnt in Nangodi

    Bongo District NHIA Director fatally shot, burnt in Nangodi

    The Director of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Bongo District, Mohammed Seidu Akugri, has been killed.

    His death was announced by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga in a press statement dated May 20.

    Per the statement, Seidu Akugri was gruesomely murdered as he was shot and burnt in Nangodi near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

    The Bawku Central legislator has called on the law enforcement agencies “to thoroughly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of this dastardly act.”

    He also commiserated with the bereaved family, stating: ” My heartfelt condolences to the family of my late comrade.”

    The reason for the attack against the NHIA Director remains unknown.

    In a related event, Mr Ayariga has urged the youth in the locality to remain calm as the government and traditional authorities work to resolve the Bawku crisis.

    He added: “I commend the youth for the restraint displayed so far and their recent efforts to maintain peace in Bawku. Significant progress is being made and no one should be allowed to derail the process.”

    Presently, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has resumed mediation efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to the Bawku area, which has been plagued by recurring tensions over chieftaincy dispute.

    The renewed mediation comes amid recent escalations in Bawku, where confrontations between youth and security forces have led to casualties, injuries, and the destruction of property.

    The Asantehene has pledged to do everything within his power to ensure peace returns to Bawku.

    “We need peace to develop. My duty, together with the traditional authority, is to make sure that there is peace everywhere. Therefore, we make sure that we adjudicate issues when there are conflicts so that the government can also have peace to do its work,” Otumfuo stated.

    He added, “Recently, there have been some communal conflicts within the upper part of Ghana, closer to Burkina Faso (Bawku), but we are putting in every effort to ensure there is lasting peace.”

    Stakeholders believe that mediation efforts so far have yielded some results.

  • Ablakwa receives credentials of Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Country Director for Ghana

    Ablakwa receives credentials of Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Country Director for Ghana

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially received the credentials of Ghana’s new Country Director for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Fiona Braka.

    During their engagement, the sector minister assured Dr Braka of Ghana’s unwavering support while expressing confidence in her capacity to carry out her mandate efficiently.

    “Ghana shall remain unflinchingly committed to multilateralism and will work with the WHO to achieve universal health coverage, health-related SDGs and the President’s vision for Mahama Cares and improved health outcomes,” Mr Ablakwa wrote in a post on Facebook.

    Dr Braka takes over from Dr. Francis Chisaka Kasolo, an infectious disease physician with specialization in clinical virology, who has worked with WHO in various capacities for the past 18 years.

    Dr. Kasolo was a Director in the office of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, responsible for advising the Regional Director on policy and strategic issues pertaining to the work of WHO.  He also served as Director for Ebola Preparedness with the United Nations Mission on Emergency Ebola Response (UNMEER) in Accra in 2014.

    Per her new role, she is mandated to lead WHO Ghana’s technical and operational work, collaborate with the Ministry of Health, key stakeholders, and partners to strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes, and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Profile of Dr Braka

    Dr Braka is seasoned public health expert from Uganda, with more than two decades of extensive experience in disease prevention and control, public health emergency management, and strategic leadership.

    Dr Braka held several senior positions within WHO across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Uganda. She spearheaded initiatives to advance primary health care and public health security, while leading diverse teams in complex settings.

    She served as Coordinator of Emergency Response Operations at WHO’s Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, where she directed WHO’s response to major disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises across 47 countries and oversaw efforts to bolster national capacities for health emergency preparedness and response.

    Dr Braka played a pivotal role in the eradication of wild poliovirus in Nigeria, contributing to the African region’s certification as wild polio-free in 2020.

    As an immunization team lead in various countries, she supported the expansion of national vaccination programmes, helping to bring essential health services closer to underserved communities.

    Dr Braka has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. She holds a Medical Degree from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States of America.

    Additional information from WHO.

  • Bawumia apologises to Ghanaians

    Bawumia apologises to Ghanaians

    The 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has rendered an apology to Ghanaians for the inability of the Akufo-Addo-led government to fulfill its promises to the people of Ghana.

    The former vice president linked the party’s historic failure in the 2024 general elections to its shortcomings while in power when he spoke in London, United Kingdom, during an address.

    “The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf and on behalf of the party, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the figures right,” he said.

    The NPP sought to “break the eight” and extend its governance for another 4 years under the leadership of Dr Bawumia, who received the support of then-President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Dr Bawumia contested against the National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama and lost. At the end of the polls, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared that the NDC flagbearer polled 6,328,397, total valid votes, representing 56.55%, whereas Dr Mahamudu Bawumia garnered 4,657,304, representing 41.61%.

    Before the EC officially declared its results, the former vice president conceded defeat. The parliamentary election also saw the NPP fall drastically in terms of seats won. The NDC obtained an absolute majority in Parliament by securing 183 seats. The NPP government lost their majority with over 150 seats and managed to secure 88 seats.

    Following the just-ended polls, the opposition party has gone into retrospection. A 12-member committee led by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, looked into the factors behind the party’s failure.

    Although the report by the committee has been withheld from the general public, the General Secretary of the NPP noted that the downfall of the party hovered around its inability to focus on key projects in its stronghold, economic instability—particularly the worsening of the cedi’s value against major trading currencies including the dollar—arrogance displayed by previous government officials, and internal conflict, among others.

    Presently, Dr Bawumia believes the way forward for the party would be to correct its errors and take hold of any opportunity that will be presented to reclaim power from the NDC government.

    “I believe that, by the grace of God, if we are given another opportunity, we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons of where we are going.”

    Meanwhile, leadership of the NPP has directed its members to desist from discussing internal party matters on media platforms, citing Article 10(7)(5) of the NPP Constitution.

    This directive was breached by former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Adwoa Safo, who was directed to appear before its Disciplinary Committee on Monday, April 7.

    In media interviews, Ms. Safo criticized the party’s leadership, claiming that she had been neglected following her return to Parliament in 2023.

    She also alleged that some figures within the party had worked against her during her extended absence from the legislature and had tried to unseat her.