The Osu Stool has raised strong objections to the recent decision to return 262 acres of the Achimota Forest to the Owoo family, claiming that the family is being used as a front for questionable deals aimed at “looting and sharing” land.
This allegation follows the confirmation by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, that a plan is in motion to transfer a portion of the Achimota Forest to the Owoo family. According to the minister, the decision stems from a 2013 approval by the Mahama administration, which had been bound by previous legal commitments regarding the land.
Minister Jinapor explained, “As far back as September 5th, 2013, President Mahama’s government granted Cabinet approval for the return of this land to the Owoo family, and at the time I became Minister, a total of 362 acres had been concluded.”
He further added that negotiations have since reduced the acreage from 362 to 262 acres to preserve the forest’s ecological integrity.
However, the Osu Stool contends that this land rightfully belongs to them. Nii Okwei Nortey, the Osu Stool Secretary, expressed disbelief at the government’s actions and accused them of secretly striking deals with the Owoo family.
“Osu stool doesn’t have anything with Owoo. Owoo has never bought a land from Osu. They have never fought with Osu Stool and won,” Nortey said in an interview with Citi FM.
He emphasized that Achimota Forest land has always belonged to the Osu Stool, and called on the government to act as an impartial arbiter rather than taking sides.
Mr Nortey expressed frustration, stating, “Why the rush? Why can’t they call us to the table because the government is supposed to play the referee… They have gone behind closed doors on the blind side to do another fictitious deal to bring Owoo to get the land for them to share.”
The controversy surrounding the Achimota Forest restitution plan first surfaced in 2022, when Executive Instrument 144, issued by President Akufo-Addo, proposed returning 362 acres of the forest land to the Owoo family.
The move was met with significant public outcry. In response to these concerns, the government reduced the acreage by 100 acres.
Mr Jinapor assured the public that the government had taken steps to ensure that no individual could take possession of the land without stringent ecological safeguards.
“We’ve structured the agreement in such a way that even for an individual to take possession of the land given the ecological sensitivity of the forest reserve, we’ve put in place stringent measures,” he said, emphasizing that no land has been handed over yet.
As the debate continues, the Osu Stool maintains that the land is rightfully theirs and has demanded a fair hearing from the government.
Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has raised critical concerns about the future of the Komenda Sugar Factory, particularly regarding the heavily polluted state of the Pra River, a crucial water source for the factory’s operations.
Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond revealed that an Indian company set to lease the Komenda Sugar Factory for 15 to 20 years will pay the government at least $1 million annually in rent.
The former Majority Leader questioned the practicality of reviving the sugar factory when illegal mining, known as galamsey, has rendered the river’s water unsafe for agricultural use.
“River Pra is polluted, will galamsey water be fed to the Komenda Sugar Factory?” Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu asked during an interview on AbusuaNkommo at ABUSUA 96.5 FM.
He pointed out that illegal mining has severely contaminated the river, making it unsuitable for the irrigation needed to support sugarcane farming.
“If you go anywhere they grow sugarcane, you will need irrigation water to feed the farms… What water are we going to use for this work? The water has been polluted by illegal mining.”
The MP also noted that, beyond pollution, the factory faces a serious shortage of operational land. When the factory initially opened, it relied on local out-growers to supply sugarcane.
However, many of these farmers have since converted their land to palm plantations, leaving little land available for sugarcane cultivation.
“When the factory came to a standstill, all the out-growers converted their lands into palm plantations, so the small land left cannot feed the factory,” he explained.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that any attempt to use the polluted Pra River would significantly increase the costs of reviving the sugar factory.
He stated that purifying the river water for irrigation would be necessary, but costly and unfeasible.
“Because of galamsey, all the water bodies have been destroyed, and you need to purify it… There’s nowhere in the world where irrigation water is purified before you use it. Even if you do that, it will bring another cost.”
The MP also expressed grave concerns about public health risks, stressing that the contamination from illegal mining has left dangerous chemicals in the river that could taint the sugarcane, ultimately making the sugar produced at the factory unsafe.
“The most dangerous thing is that all fishes in the Pra River are all dead because of poisonous chemicals in the river,” he said. “Even if you are able to purify the water at that huge cost for irrigation, the poisons which have killed the fishes are still in the water and will feed into the sugarcane.”
He further cautioned that the Food and Drugs Authority would likely deem any sugar produced at the factory unwholesome.
“When you’re done producing, the Food and Drugs Authority will come and tell you the sugar is not wholesome. Does it make sense to go ahead with this?”
While Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu clarified that he was speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the government, he reiterated that these concerns are not new.
He recalled warning against the potential failure of the Komenda Sugar Factory when it was first launched during the NDC
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has not yet finalized its stance on signing a peace pact for the 2024 elections, according to former President John Dramani Mahama.
Addressing concerns raised by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Mahama noted that while the party has not reached an official decision, he understands the skepticism expressed by the chairman.
Asiedu Nketia, during a recent interview, voiced doubts about the effectiveness of peace accords, referencing past agreements that, according to him, did not yield meaningful results.
He implied that the NDC may not be keen on signing a similar pact this year. “Signing a peace declaration doesn’t mean anything to the party, as previous pacts have not yielded any real results,” he stated.
During a media briefing in Ho on August 16, Mahama clarified that the NDC had not officially decided against signing the pact.
He expressed an understanding of Asiedu Nketia’s point of view, particularly regarding the need for justice.
“I read the statement made by our Chairman [Asiedu Nketia] this morning and even though it is not a decision that we have sat and taken, I can understand the position that he’s coming from,” Mahama said.
Mahama explained that the chairman’s concerns centered around the lack of action following previous pacts. He cited the deaths of NDC supporters in past elections and the absence of investigations or compensation.
“He’s [Asiedu Nketia] talking about justice and saying that we should not glorify just signing a peace pact without acting to make sure that peace exists,” Mahama elaborated.
The former president urged stakeholders to focus on the foundational steps needed to secure peace rather than relying solely on symbolic signatures.
“I do think that those who normally clamour about signing peace pacts… think that just by signing that paper everything is going to be okay. He’s just telling them that everything will not be okay unless we go farther than just the signature,” Mahama concluded.
Responding to these comments, the National Peace Council acknowledged the NDC’s concerns and promised to engage with the party. Meanwhile, the ruling party, New Patriotic Party (NPP) criticized the NDC’s position.
Proponents of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill have rescheduled their protest to September 21, 2024.
Initially, the protest to be embarked on due to the Supreme Court’s delay in ruling on the injunction applications against the transmission of the bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo was initially scheduled to happen on August 21, 2024.
Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam Nartey George, made this known when he engaged the media while expressing displeasure with Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, presiding over a five-member panel hearing the case.
According to him, the matter should have been dealt with already but the Chief Justice keeps prolonging the case.
He wants Justice Torkornoo to provide a timeline for the case.
“It is an abuse of her powers under Article 296 of the constitution. She is acting arbitrarily, capriciously and maliciously. We will take her on for that,” Sam George.
Sponsors of the anti-LGBTQ bill are set to protest against the Chief Justice on September 17 over the 'indefinite' adjournment of the case.
Lead sponsor Sam George the Chief Justice has become an impediment in the justice delivery of the case by putting article 106 on hold. pic.twitter.com/O6w4Y4utpU
The Supreme Court of Ghana has postponed its ruling on the injunction applications filed by Broadcast Journalist Richard Dela Sky and Researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi regarding the transmission of the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The court announced that it will deliver its ruling on the injunction applications concurrently with the final judgment.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, presiding over a five-member panel, emphasized that an expedited trial would better serve the interests of justice in this matter.
The decision comes amidst heightened public interest and legal scrutiny surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill recently passed by Parliament.
During separate hearings, the Supreme Court addressed the concerns raised by Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi. Mr. Sky challenges the constitutionality of the bill, arguing that it violates multiple provisions of the 1992 constitution and encroaches upon fundamental human rights.
Dr. Odoi, on the other hand, expressed specific reservations about certain provisions within the bill and sought an injunction to halt its transmission to the President for approval. Her legal counsel, Dr. Ernest Ackon, contended that the bill’s passage lacked a fiscal impact analysis, potentially infringing Article 108 of the constitution.
In response, the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, defended Parliament’s actions, asserting that the Speaker’s discretion in transmitting bills to the President is constitutionally bound and does not require additional fiscal scrutiny beyond what is explicitly stated in the bill.
Thaddeus Sory, representing the Speaker of Parliament, argued against the injunctions, emphasizing that the legislative process remains ongoing until the bill receives presidential assent, thus placing it outside the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to intervene prematurely.
Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has made a significant donation to bolster the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) campaign efforts in the Bono Region ahead of the 2024 general election.
During a meeting held in Sunyani on August 15, 2024, Mr. Dame met with Parliamentary Candidates, Regional and Constituency Executives of the NPP to strategize on securing victory in the region.
The meeting saw high-profile attendees, including Regional Minister Awo Banahene and Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah Yeboah.
Mr. Dame emphasized the importance of unity within the party, calling on members to come together and focus on promoting the NPP’s achievements to ensure electoral success.
As part of his support for the campaign, Mr. Dame donated 70 motorbikes, 12,000 T-shirts, and an undisclosed amount of money to the Bono Regional Secretariat.
He announced that the motorbikes would be distributed across the 12 constituencies in the region, with five going to each constituency and ten to regional executives.
These resources, he said, are crucial for enhancing grassroots mobilization and reaching remote areas in the run-up to the elections.
“The 2024 elections are crucial, and we must equip ourselves with the necessary tools to engage with every voter in every corner of the region,” Mr. Dame stated, expressing confidence that with dedication and hard work, the NPP would secure a decisive victory.
Kofi Boateng, Bono Regional Secretary, expressed appreciation for Mr. Dame’s consistent support and assured him that the donated resources would be put to good use.
He urged party members to stay disciplined and focused as they work towards winning the December 2024 elections.
Regional Minister Awo Banahene and Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah Yeboah echoed the importance of the party’s dedication to retaining power, with Mr. Yeboah commending Mr. Dame for his unwavering support and goodwill toward the Bono Region’s campaign efforts.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has assured Ghanaians that the country will remain peaceful regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections.
This reassurance comes in response to recent comments made by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who stated that his party would not sign a peace declaration ahead of the elections.
In a statement, the NPP described Asiedu Nketia’s remarks as “unfortunate” and “incendiary,” condemning them as likely to create fear and unrest among supporters.
The NPP expressed concern that such rhetoric might lead to an environment of suspicion, potentially fueling tensions ahead of the polls.
The statement, signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, emphasized the party’s unwavering commitment to peace, both before and after the elections.
Kodua highlighted that the NPP has consistently signed peace accords since 2008, regardless of whether it was in power or opposition, and has always abided by the outcomes of elections in the interest of national stability.
“Finally, we want to remind the NDC that Ghanaians are peace-loving people, and by the grace of God, Ghana will not experience any war regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections. The will of the Ghanaians will always prevail,” the statement reads.
The NPP underscored that since the Fourth Republic’s inception, it has consistently championed peace and urged the NDC to reconsider its stance, urging them to avoid actions that might inflame political tensions.
The party also called on the National Peace Council, civil society groups, and religious and traditional leaders to join in urging the NDC to support peace initiatives.
As the country heads toward the 2024 elections, the NPP remains committed to peaceful political discourse and electoral processes.
The 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has issued a stern warning to the prospective buyer of the Komenda Sugar Factory, cautioning against any shady deals with the current government.
His remarks follow the announcement by Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond, who revealed that the government intends to lease the factory to West African Agro Limited, an India-based company, for a renewable term of 15 to 20 years.
During a media briefing in the Volta Region, Mahama expressed deep concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the transaction, emphasizing that the Komenda Sugar Factory is a national asset and should be handled with openness.
“I have read about the hurry to lease the Komenda Sugar Factory to an investor. The thing about this government is, they are not transparent in anything they do, so I am warning the investor. I hope he’s gone through a transparent procurement process,” Mahama said.
He further stressed that any deal made without transparency would not be recognized by an NDC government if they return to power.
“Buyer, beware, whoever that investor is, he should be very careful because if the process is not transparent, we are not willing to abide by any transfer of the facility,” Mahama cautioned.
Calling for a fair and open process, Mahama advocated for selecting the best investor to partner with the government in running the factory.
“We must open it up and get the best investor to come and partner with the government to run the factory. So whoever it is, I am sending you a note of caution—I haven’t seen any transparent process in the leasing out of the factory,” he said.
He reiterated that his future government would not cooperate if the current deal was discovered to be an “under the table transaction.”
“If my government comes into office and we find out that it was some ‘under the table transaction,’ we will not be very cooperative in that regard. And so that is a warning,” Mahama declared.
The Komenda Sugar Factory, which was inaugurated by Mahama in May 2016 at a cost of $35 million with funding from the Indian EXIM Bank, was intended to boost sugar production and create thousands of jobs. However, the factory’s operations stalled due to numerous challenges shortly after its commissioning, leading to its decline.
In November 2019, the government signed a partnership agreement with Park Agrotech Ghana Limited, a Ghanaian-Indian firm, to inject $28 million into the project in an attempt to revive the factory. Despite this, concerns over the current leasing arrangement remain, with Mahama firmly asserting that the NDC would not tolerate any lack of transparency in the process.
Two police officers, Lance Corporal Philimon Agbevem and Lance Corporal Peter Gbadagbo, have been interdicted by the Ghana Police Service following allegations of extorting money from a motor pillion rider in Accra.
The incident is said to have occurred on July 22, 2024, but the allegations gained widespread attention after going viral in early August.
In a statement issued by the police, it was confirmed that the officers were placed under immediate investigation on August 9, 2024, after the matter was brought to the attention of senior police officials.
The statement further indicated that both officers are currently cooperating with investigators and will be subjected to the full legal process as the inquiry continues.
A young man named Emmanuel has come forward with shocking allegations against police officers, claiming he was beaten and robbed near Jubilee House in Accra.
“I was on an okada moving from Accra when I got to Flagstaff House and was stopped by some police officers on new motorcycles,” Emmanuel recounted. He disembarked from the motorcycle when the driver sped off, prompting the officers to chase the rider unsuccessfully.
The officers then turned their attention to Emmanuel, arresting him despite his protests of being only a passenger. “They told me to keep quiet, and out of nowhere, one of the officers slapped me. After that, they cuffed my hands,” he said.
Emmanuel detailed a harrowing experience, stating that the officers took him to an undisclosed location where they beat him severely and even shocked him with an electric device. They then demanded his mobile money code, threatening his life in the process.
“They took the money I had on me, GHC120. They kept threatening me, and I gave them the code. They transferred GHC3,750 from my phone.”
The situation escalated when one officer suggested they shoot him after obtaining the money.
“The one with the gun is an Ewe man, so I started engaging him in our dialect. He convinced the other officer to let me go, and they abandoned me in an unfamiliar area,” Emmanuel revealed.
After finding his way home, Emmanuel decided to lodge a formal complaint at the Adenta Police Station but was directed to the Cantonment Police Station instead.
There, he was informed that the mobile money account used for the transfer was linked to a police officer. However, the officers refused to let him see the suspect’s face.
Emmanuel expressed frustration, noting that it has been three weeks since the incident and no arrests have been made despite the ongoing investigation.
Oyiwa! criminals have perforated the Police Department. We are not safe at all. pic.twitter.com/T9XfkMuUMP
Director of Communications for the Bawumia campaign, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has revealed that job creation and business development will be key pillars of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 manifesto.
He emphasized that the party’s focus will be on fostering private sector growth, which he believes will drive job creation, especially for the youth.
Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show, Aboagye shared that the manifesto, set to be unveiled on Sunday, August 18, will devote approximately 90% of its content to jobs and business opportunities within the private sector.
“The manifesto is designed to ensure that the private sector not only thrives but also expands, increases production, and empowers citizens to access the opportunities generated,” he explained.
He highlighted the party’s successful track record in this area, pointing to the 2.1 million jobs the NPP has created over the last eight years.
“We have created 2.1 million jobs, and we have the data to prove it,” Aboagye stated, adding that these positions are sustainable and provide long-term security.
“The data is there for all to see. As we head to the polls, voters must decide: do they want John Mahama or Dr Bawumia? The choice should be clear—vote for the one with a proven track record in job creation.”
Aboagye argued that this year’s election will hinge on jobs and business development. He urged voters to remember the NPP’s strong performance in job creation when comparing it to the previous administration.
“The woman at home is expecting her 25, 35, or 26-year-old son to be out there working and bringing something home. So, as you go to the polls, ask yourself what jobs Mahama created. They said they created about 600 or 1,000 jobs. Nana Addo and Bawumia’s government has created 2.1 million jobs, so if it is about jobs, the record is there—there is no debate about that.”
While celebrating the achievements in job creation, Aboagye acknowledged that more work needs to be done. “Even after creating 2.1 million jobs, we understand that there is still more to be done. That’s why our commitment is to scale up our efforts in the next term, ensuring that the growing number of young people have opportunities for meaningful work.”
He also emphasized the importance of preparing the youth with the right skills, particularly in the growing sectors like the automotive industry.
“We need to ensure that our young people are equipped with the right skills. Right now, we have about 11 automobile companies in Ghana, all of which are eager to hire. But are our young people ready? That’s why we’ve invested heavily in modernizing TVET so that they can step into these roles,” Aboagye said, noting that these companies are set to hire around 13,000 to 14,000 young people.
As the NPP gears up for the 2024 elections, Aboagye made it clear that their priority remains the creation of sustainable job opportunities that will empower the youth and build a stronger economy.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has cautioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that its refusal to commit to the 2024 peace pact ahead of the general elections could escalate political tensions.
The NPP’s concerns follow remarks reportedly made by the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, indicating the opposition party’s reluctance to sign the peace declaration.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK), the NPP criticized the NDC’s stance, calling the comments “unfortunate” and “incendiary.”
The party stressed that such rhetoric could create fear and suspicion among the NDC’s supporters, potentially paving the way for them to reject the outcome of the 2024 elections.
Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the NDC
“We find the comment by the NDC National Chairman very unfortunate and condemn it in no uncertain terms, given the worrying and incendiary nature of the statement,” the NPP stated, adding that the NDC’s leadership appears to be preparing their supporters to contest the election results.
The NPP made a public appeal for the NDC to reconsider its position in the national interest, urging the party to avoid actions or statements that could heighten political tensions.
“We call on the NDC to desist from making statements likely to fuel tensions…with far-reaching implications for the peace and security of our dear country,” the statement added.
The NPP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the election process, pledging to respect the outcome of the 2024 elections regardless of the results.
“We wish to reiterate our firm assurance to Ghanaians that the NPP remains solemnly committed, in words and in deeds, to maintaining the peace and stability of this country before, during, and after the 2024 elections.”
Highlighting its historical commitment to peaceful elections, the NPP pointed out that since 2008, it has always signed the Peace Accord, even during instances when it had serious concerns about the electoral process.
The statement referenced the party’s signing of the peace agreement in 2016, despite contesting the results of the 2012 elections in court.
The NPP also criticized the NDC for participating in national security and peace-related forums while publicly opposing the peace declaration.
“Ironically, despite the NDC’s stated stance, they continue to be represented at the Peace Council, IPAC, and National Security meetings,” the NPP noted.
The statement concluded with a call for Ghanaians to remain peaceful, expressing confidence that the country would continue to experience peace regardless of the outcome of the 2024 general elections. “The will of the Ghanaians will always prevail,” the NPP emphasized.
The Osu Stool is contesting a deal that has been struck to return 262 acres of the Achimota Forest to its original owners, the Owoo family.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, confirmed this deal during a press briefing on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
The Minister explained that the land was scheduled for return based on a 2013 decision made by the erstwhile Mahama government, with Cabinet approval given on September 5, 2013.
As a result, the current administration is bound by the decisions made by the previous government.
“As far as September 5th, 2013, President Mahama’s government granted a cabinet approval for the return of this land to the Owoo family and at the time I became the Minister, a total of 362 acres of land had been concluded.”
“Leases have been given in respect of those lands, decisions have been made that 362 of the Achimota lands be returned to the Minister for one consideration or the other and that transcended from President Kufour’s government to Akufo-Addo’s government up to 2021 when I became the Minister,” he said.
Reacting to the announcement, Nii Okwei Nortey, the Osu Stool Secretary, says he believes a backdoor engagement has been had between the government and the Owoo family.
Nii Okwei Nortey, Secretary – Osu Stool Council
He stressed that the government should rather act as a referee instead of taking sides when the matter is yet to be resolved.
In an interview on Citi FM, Nii Nortey said, “Osu stool doesn’t have anything with Owoo. Owoo has never bought a land from Osu. They have never fought with Osu Stool and won. Achimota Forest belongs to Osu Stool. We share a part which they are claiming with La, compensation has been paid.”
“So we are surprised. We are saying it belongs to us so why the rush? Why can’t they call us to the table because the government is supposed to play the referee, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is supposed to play the referee between whoever comes to say this thing belongs to me. They have gone behind closed doors on the blind side to do another fictitious deal to bring Owoo to get the land for them to share.”
In 2022, an Executive Instrument 144 issued by President Akufo-Addo to reclassify 362 acres of forest land for return to the Owoo family received a public backlash.
However, Mr Jinapor has said that the acreage has been reduced to 262 acres after negotiations to address concerns about the ecological integrity of the forest.
“We’ve set up a team, we went into negotiations with the Achimota Forest because we are concerned about the ecological integrity of the forest and we wanted a buffer. We wanted a buffer for what the Owoo family will have and what will now constitute today’s Achimota forest.”
“We were able to negotiate a reduction of 100 acres out of the 362 acres, which had been cast in iron by the previous government and the current administration had been bound legally by the previous government for the release of 362 acres of the Achimota government,” he noted.
The Minister continued, “As we speak today, we’ve negotiated a reduction of 100 acres and now the parcel of the land that is supposed to be released back to the family is 262 acres.”
“Now, we’ve structured the agreement in such a way that even for an individual to take possession of the land given the ecological sensitivity of the forest reserve, we’ve put in place stringent measures before the person can take possession of the land.”
“So as I speak today, even though the transaction was concluded a year ago, nobody is taking even a square metre of the Achimota Forest Land”, the minister revealed.
The World Bank has entreated the Government of Ghana to be cautious despite the progress toward economic recovery, particularly in areas such as inflation control, debt restructuring, and fiscal consolidation.
World Bank Country Director, Robert Taliercio O’Brien, praised the government’s efforts but stressed that further work is essential to fully stabilize the economy.
In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Thursday, O’Brien commended the government’s policies that have led to a downward trend in inflation.
“Inflation has been reduced, so it’s on a declining path, and it needs to keep declining. It’s still too high, but good progress is being made, thanks in part to the policy position of the government,” he explained.
The World Bank official also highlighted Ghana’s progress on debt restructuring, a critical reform area.
“Ghana implemented the domestic debt restructuring in 2023 and reached an agreement under the G20 Common Framework with its official creditors,” O’Brien noted.
He emphasized that a Memorandum of Understanding for restructuring official bilateral debt has been established and is actively progressing.
O’Brien further pointed out that as of June, the government had reached an agreement in principle with commercial bondholders, marking another significant step in the debt restructuring process.
“So again, very good progress, but more to do,” he stated, underscoring the need for continued efforts in this area.
In addition to debt restructuring, O’Brien commended the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts, which led to a notable reduction in public spending.
“We saw very important measures taken by the government to reduce expenditures last year, which resulted in a 7.9 percentage point decrease in spending,” he said, describing this as a critical step toward restoring fiscal discipline.
Despite these achievements, the World Bank official urged the government to remain focused on addressing the remaining challenges.
“There’s more to do,” O’Brien reiterated, acknowledging the progress made while emphasizing that the road to full economic recovery requires sustained commitment.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ketu North Constituency, Edem Agbana, has praised former President John Dramani Mahama as “the fixer” capable of steering Ghana through its current economic and governance crises.
Edem Agbana expressed confidence in Mahama’s ability to restore stability and growth to the country.
Speaking at a youth town hall meeting at Ho Technical University on Thursday, August 15, Agbana highlighted Mahama‘s extensive experience and vision, emphasizing his track record in infrastructure development, social programs, and good governance during his previous tenure as president.
He described Mahama as the ideal candidate to lead Ghana once again.
“Ghanaians will go out on December 7 and vote for the fixer,” Agbana declared.
“Young people will vote for the leader who will introduce the National Apprenticeship Programme and cancel the 10% betting tax.”
He stressed that Mahama’s leadership offers hope to the youth, particularly through programs aimed at skill acquisition and economic empowerment.
Mr Agbana’s comments come at a time when Ghana faces severe economic challenges, including rising inflation, high unemployment, and a weakening currency.
He pointed to Mahama’s handling of the energy crisis (dumsor) during his presidency as evidence of his ability to manage crises and make tough decisions when needed.
Mahama’s forward-looking policies, according to Mr Agbana, include investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, along with a strong focus on job creation and youth empowerment.
Mr Agbana believes these initiatives will not only address the nation’s immediate difficulties but also lay the groundwork for sustainable long-term development.
President Akufo-Addo and his appointees are under fire as illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to devastate Konongo in the Ashanti region, leaving the community in environmental ruin.
Critics are calling out the government’s failure to address the situation, with growing calls for accountability and action.
Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Forestry Committee, has been particularly vocal, demanding the immediate dismissal of the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Konongo.
In an interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight Show, the Tamale North MP stated, “How come the District Chief Executive is still at post 24 hours after this came to light? The president and the government must be ashamed. There have been several instances of embarrassment as far as this menace is concerned.”
The illegal mining operations have severely polluted the Owere River, the primary water source for Konongo and surrounding communities.
These galamsey activities, occurring perilously close to homes, businesses, and churches along the Kumasi-Accra highway, have sparked outrage among locals, who are alarmed by the use of heavy machinery such as excavators in residential areas.
“The mining is wreaking havoc on the community,” said the Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light, summing up the frustration felt by many residents.
Authorities from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission have denied prior knowledge of the galamsey operations, claiming they were only informed of a dredging project initiated by the Asante Akim Central Assembly. This apparent lack of oversight and transparency has fueled further anger and distrust among the public.
Residents accuse local authorities of negligence, pointing to the continued destruction of vital water bodies and farmlands. Many believe that leaders are deliberately concealing the extent of the damage, with reports suggesting that views of the devastated areas are being obstructed from the main highway. Additionally, the community has voiced concerns over a long-deteriorating section of the highway near the mining site, which has gone unrepaired for years despite repeated complaints.
As the crisis deepens, concerns are mounting over the government’s ability to effectively regulate mining activities and protect the environment.
The people of Konongo, supported by critics like Suhuyini, are demanding urgent intervention from the highest levels of government to halt the destruction and hold those responsible to account.
Galamsey at Konongo: President Akufo Addo and his ministers ought to be ashamed; it's unconscionable. – Alhassan Suhuyini, Dep. Ranking Member, Parliament's Lands & Forestry C'ttee#GhanaTonightpic.twitter.com/QA23Q5Qrt7
Calls for the removal of the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Konongo are intensifying, as illegal mining, known as galamsey, continues to ravage the Ashanti region town.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Forestry Committee, Alhassan Suhuyini, has demanded President Akufo-Addo immediately sack the DCE for failing to curb the destructive mining activities that are devastating the community’s water sources.
In an interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight Show, the Tamale North Member of Parliament said, “How come the District Chief Executive is still at post 24 hours after this came to light? The president and the government must be ashamed. There have been several instances of embarrassment as far as this menace is concerned.”
Galamsey at Konongo: President Akufo Addo and his ministers ought to be ashamed; it's unconscionable. – Alhassan Suhuyini, Dep. Ranking Member, Parliament's Lands & Forestry C'ttee#GhanaTonightpic.twitter.com/QA23Q5Qrt7
Galamsey operations along the Kumasi-Accra highway have polluted the Owere River, a vital water source for Konongo and its surrounding areas. The mining, happening alarmingly close to residential neighborhoods, businesses, and churches, has stirred anger among locals.
Heavy machinery such as excavators is being used with little concern for its impact on the town. “The mining is wreaking havoc on the community,” said the Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light, voicing his frustration over the situation.
Authorities from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission have claimed they were only informed of a dredging project initiated by the Asante Akim Central Assembly and were unaware of the galamsey operations now unfolding. This lack of oversight and transparency has further fueled public outrage.
Residents are frustrated by the continuing destruction of water bodies and farmlands, pointing to what they see as negligence by the authorities.
Many accuse local leaders of concealing the extent of the damage by obstructing the view from the main highway. Additionally, a collapsing section of the highway near the mining site has gone unrepaired for years, despite numerous complaints.
As the situation worsens, concerns are mounting about the government’s ability to regulate mining and protect the environment.
Konongo, a town in the Ashanti region, is facing an escalating crisis as illegal mining activities, locally known as galamsey, have taken hold, causing widespread alarm among residents.
These unregulated operations have severely polluted the Owere River, the primary source of water for Konongo and surrounding areas, sparking outrage.
The mining, located dangerously close to the Kumasi-Accra highway, has intensified near homes, businesses, and even churches. Heavy machinery, including excavators, is being used with little regard for the proximity to residential areas.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission have also been drawn into the fray, stating that they were informed of a dredging project initiated by the Asante Akim Central Assembly but had no knowledge of the extensive mining operations now taking place. This lack of transparency has only heightened tensions in the town.
Residents accuse authorities of turning a blind eye to the destruction of essential water sources and farmlands. They also allege that efforts have been made to conceal the damage from passing travelers by deliberately obstructing views from the main highway.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Forestry Committee, Alhassan Suhuyini, has expressed disappointment in the government for failing to walk the talk when it comes to combating illegal mining activities.
In an interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight Show, he said, “How come the District Chief Executive is still at post 24 hours after this came to light? The president and the government must be ashamed. There have been several instances of embarrassment as far as this menace is concerned.”
Compounding the issue, a stretch of the highway near the mining site has been deteriorating for years, with no government action despite numerous appeals.
The situation has led to growing concerns about the government’s ability to regulate illegal mining and protect the environment. Locals are demanding immediate intervention to halt the mining activities and restore their water supply before the damage becomes irreversible.
Galamsey at Konongo: President Akufo Addo and his ministers ought to be ashamed; it's unconscionable. – Alhassan Suhuyini, Dep. Ranking Member, Parliament's Lands & Forestry C'ttee#GhanaTonightpic.twitter.com/QA23Q5Qrt7
The Ministry of Health has commenced the recruitment of Ghanaian registered nurses to Barbados, a small island country in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea.
This information was made public by the ministry via a statement dated August 15, 2024, posted on its social media platforms on Thursday.
The recruitment exercise is expected to end on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
The release indicated that the anomaly that affected the portal for the recruitment of these nurses has been rectified.
Following the resolution, prospective applicants are requested to formally access the form on hr.moh.gov.gh, click on Barbados application and follow the instructions to apply.
Meanwhile, the ministry has thrown a word of caution to the public over an alternative application portal with regard to recruitment.
“The public is kindly informed that, the Ministry of Health does not have an alternative application portal and middlemen with regards to the recruitment of the Nurses’ to Barbados. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Chief Director of the Ministry,” the release read.
In an unrelated event, the recruitment of 15,200 nurses and midwives, which commenced on Monday, August 5, 2024, is ongoing and set to end on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 6:00 pm.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply through the Ministry of Health’s online application portal. Applicants should log in to https://hr.moh.gov.gh and follow the instructions to complete their application.
The Ministry has assured the public that the recruitment process will be conducted transparently. As such, individuals are warned against any third parties claiming to offer assistance for a fee.
It strongly advises all applicants not to make any payments for recruitment services. Any money paid under these pretenses is done so at the applicant’s own risk.
Former President John Dramani Mahama while on the campaign trail in the Volta Region took the opportunity to mock President Akufo-Addo for a recent slip of the tongue, where the sitting president mistakenly included Mahama in a list of government accomplishments.
Mahama humorously suggested that this verbal blunder revealed something deeper about his opponents’ preoccupation with him.
Speaking to an energetic crowd during a youth engagement event as part of his Volta Regional Campaign Tour, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader drew inspiration from scripture to poke fun at President Akufo-Addo and other key figures in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Referring to a well-known biblical verse, Mahama quipped, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. So when the president is talking about his administration and he says ‘Akufo-Addo-Mahama administration,’ oh, this is unpardonable. It means he dreamt about me the night before!”
The crowd erupted in laughter as Mahama continued, pointing out that this wasn’t an isolated incident. “And it’s not only him. Even his chairman—was he speaking Twi or English?” he added sarcastically, in reference to another recent gaffe made by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP.
President Akufo-Addo recently caused a stir at the launch of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) when he mistakenly referred to his administration as the “Akufo-Addo/Mahama… Bawumia era.”
The slip came during a speech in which the president was highlighting his government’s achievements in road construction, compared to Mahama’s time in office. Realizing the mistake, Akufo-Addo quickly corrected himself, calling the error “unforgivable,” while the audience responded with a mix of laughter and surprise.
District Road Infrastructure Program: Akufo-Addo mistakenly called his government the "Akufo-Addo and Mahama government" instead of "Akufo-Addo and Bawumia.#ElectionHQpic.twitter.com/mNnlLnUGGf
Despite the blunder, the event continued as planned, with attention turning back to the DRIP initiative, which is aimed at improving Ghana’s road infrastructure.
The program, largely funded by the District Assembly Common Fund, is a key part of the government’s efforts to repair and enhance deteriorating roads across the country.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, Mahama used the incident to rally his supporters, urging Ghanaians to reject the ruling party at the polls.
“Take your destiny into your own hands,” he declared, calling for a change in leadership and a return to the NDC.
The Akyem Abuakwa State Secretary, Mr Daniel Marfo Ofori Atta, has dragged Media General Ghana Limited and member of the Movement for Change, Hopeson Adorye to court for allegedly defaming him.
In a writ of summons sighted by The Independent Ghana, the plaintiff, Mr Ofori Atta, noted that some words used by the 1st Defendant (Hopeson Adorye) on the 2nd Defendant’s (Media General) platform on July 26, 2024, on Onua Maakye show were unjustifiably used without any sort of proof.
On the said show, Mr Ofori Atta says Mr Adoye was “given the unfettered and unrestrained opportunity and indeed was encouraged to run an unjustified commentary on a document titled “Agyapade3” in relation to the himself, the entire membership of Ofori Panin Fie and Okyeman.”
Mr Adorye, per the writ of summons, is quoted to have said,” Look, have you seen this document? It is called Agyapadeɛ. Do you see it? Please capture it well so that everyone can have a look at it. I am not saying anything just from my head. It is alleged that a particular family wrote this Document (Agyapadeɛ). How they can amass the wealth and property of Ghana for themselves, their sons and generations to come.
“So, whoever wrote the forward or signed the forward has signed Ofori Atta here. Now with the forward, take a look at the first paragraph. It says, “to our future, made up of the present, and the unborn, generations are those whom we are creating this nation’s wealth for. Do you hear that? You have given power to someone to serve you, however, someone has decided to use that power to accumulate the entire wealth of Ghana for his future generations and we are quiet.”
“We have abandoned it; we have abandoned it. Look, if you go to the banking sector, how Databank is being utilized to do everything, including all the loans we are taking, is all about one family. For us we are “galaway” people. When you speak about it, someone within the NPP will stand up against you to defend this rot. Meanwhile you will be suffering out there. They say, “to our future, present and unborn”.
“If you read everything in the document, it tells you that this tribe is going to be the movers and shakers of Ghana. That means should anything happen, whatever they say is what everyone must follow.”
“I know… the name of the writer. His name has been mentioned here. He is my very good friend. He is my very good friend. I will mention his name to you as we are moving on. I will tell you his name. His name has been mentioned alongside his co- writers and others. They are in charge of certain things. The technical team led by D. M Ofori Atta should further evaluate the following details in order to choose the appropriate sites, galamsey. According to this, they have three hundred and thirty-two (332) galamsey companies.”
“They are all here, look, Northern Gold Coast Enterprise, so, so and so, Wassa Amenfi East, Tarkwa Nsuem Municipal. Every district they are there. Prestea, Nzema East… they have divided themselves all over. So, who told you that galamsey can be eradicated? Who told you that? It can be eradicated only if there is a change of government.”
“However, they were kicked out of parliament. If that wasn’t the case, a particular family would have been in charge of all royalties and other benefits from our mineral resources. How can we live in a country like this? They have mapped out areas that cover the entire gold deposit in Ghana. They have taken over all these mapped areas.”
Mr Adorye is said to have mentioned Mr Ofori Atta’s name as the co-writer of the Agyapadie document.
“I mentioned it. D. M. Ofori Atta. It stated that he is a co-writer. He is a friend of mine and I know him. And if you glance at the page that talks about the hijacking of GBC (laughs), it will never work. Now the judiciary governance in Ghana (laughs). It has been stated in here in the document. Let’s pack the court so that in the next twenty years they can be in control. Are you surprised more people are being nominated to the supreme court?” a part of the writ read.
Mr Ofori Atta is therefore praying the court to recover the sum of GH¢10,000,000 as general damages including aggravated and/or exemplary damages for defamation.
He also wants the defendants to offer an apology and retraction of the words complained of.
Again, he has asked the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents or assigns from repeating similar or other defamatory words against him.
The controversial 38-page document titled ‘Agyapadie,’ which prominently features the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, alongside President Nana Akufo-Addo and his late father, has resurfaced, reigniting discussions about its contents.
The document, whose author remains unidentified, is believed to outline strategies for a particular family or clan to establish significant influence and control over key sectors of Ghanaian society, including the economy, politics, media, judiciary, telecommunications, and banking.
On August 1, 2024, President Akufo-Addo addressed growing speculation about the document, which is purported to be a strategic plan of the Akyem faction within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The president and the government New Patriotic Party (NPP) have dismissed the document as a fabrication, attributing its circulation to political adversaries aiming to discredit the party and its affiliates.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has also denounced the document as a baseless creation by those intent on sowing discord and inciting animosity towards the Ofori Panin family and the Okyeman community.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a young man after a failed attempt to steal a motor rider’s phone.
In a video circulating online, the suspect can be seen kneeling as he is interrogated by some police officers.
When asked whether he carried out the actions he was being accused of, he admitted.
The suspect allegedly operates by ordering rides to markets, then asks the victim to borrow their phone to make a call, and escapes with it.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a young man after a failed attempt to steal a motor rider's phone.
He allegedly operates by ordering rides to markets, then asks the victim to borrow their phone to make a call, and escapes with it. pic.twitter.com/JSN8dy9jJy
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed the latest promise by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to publish a comprehensive list of public lands, calling it a “big joke.”
According to Ablakwa, similar promises have been made by previous ministers, yet no such list has ever materialized.
The North Tongu MP’s criticism came after Jinapor’s press conference on August 14, 2024, where the Lands Minister refuted allegations of the government’s improper allocation of state lands to cronies and assured the public that a full list of public lands would soon be published.
The list, Jinapor said, is part of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in land management.
“The Akufo-Addo administration is firmly committed to protecting public lands from encroachment and misuse,” Jinapor stated. “We are finalizing the audit, and once completed, we will publish a detailed list of all public lands.”
However, Ablakwa was unimpressed by the announcement. In an interview with Citi News, he pointed out that this was not the first time such a promise had been made.
“This is a big joke,” Ablakwa remarked. “The last Lands Minister told us in Parliament that the President had requested a compilation of public lands, but we have yet to see any such list. Why are we such a joke as a country?”
In his second term in office which began in 2021, President Akufo-Addo replaced Lands Minister Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh with Samuel Abu Jinapor, who was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Office of the President.
Ablakwa went further to expose troubling details he claimed to have uncovered during a parliamentary inquiry.
According to him, the Lands Commission admitted under oath that public lands were being sold off as private properties.
“Can you believe that? The Lands Commission confessed under oath that public lands are being treated like private land sales. We are in a total mess,” he said.
Despite Ablakwa’s strong words, Mr Jinapor has stood by the government’s efforts to protect state lands.
He labeled the accusations as politically motivated and insisted that all transactions involving public lands have been lawful and transparent. Jinapor assured the public that the ongoing audit will prove that the government’s handling of public lands has been above board.
“We are determined to show that this government has nothing to hide,” Jinapor reiterated.
“Once the audit is complete and the list of public lands is published, it will build public confidence in the management of our national assets.”
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has announced that the government is preparing to publish a comprehensive list of all public lands in Ghana as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
This follows growing concerns about the management of state lands, with allegations that the government is leasing these lands to private individuals.
Speaking at a press conference on August 14, Mr Jinapor reassured Ghanaians that the Akufo-Addo administration remains dedicated to protecting public lands and ensuring they are used for the benefit of the nation.
He emphasized that the forthcoming publication of the list will provide clarity and build public trust in the government’s handling of these assets.
“We are in the final stages of auditing all public lands to ensure that none have been wrongfully acquired or misappropriated,” Jinapor stated. “Once the audit is complete, we will publish a detailed list of all public lands across the country, including information on any transactions involving these lands.”
The Minister’s comments came in response to allegations made by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has accused the government of engaging in corrupt practices regarding public lands.
Mr Ablakwa claimed that public lands were being sold off as private property and urged the government to disclose a full list of state-owned lands.
“The Lands Commission has come under oath and confessed that public lands are being sold as private land. Can you believe that? We are in a complete mess,” Ablakwa said in an interview with Citi News. He challenged the government to publish the list, insisting that transparency is essential in addressing these concerns.
Mr Ablakwa further criticized the government for failing to provide a promised compilation of public lands, calling the situation a “big joke.”
Jinapor, however, dismissed these claims, insisting that all transactions involving public lands have been handled with full transparency and in compliance with the law. He rejected the accusations as baseless and politically motivated, emphasizing that the government has taken significant steps to ensure that state lands are protected from misuse.
“The publication of this list will not only enhance transparency but also reinforce the public’s confidence in the management of our national assets,” Jinapor added. “This government has nothing to hide.”
The government’s decision to publish the list of public lands is seen as a move to clear up any doubts surrounding the management of state properties and to demonstrate its commitment to accountability.
The audit and subsequent publication are expected to shed light on the status of these lands and provide the public with much-needed assurance that they are being safeguarded for the future.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made a startling claim, alleging that the Lands Commission confessed under oath to selling public lands as private property.
Ablakwa’s remarks were in response to a press conference held by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who had refuted accusations that the government was leasing state lands to its cronies.
During an interview with Citi News, Ablakwa dismissed the Lands Minister’s denials as a “big joke,” insisting that the government has been engaging in illegal practices regarding public lands.
“We have to go back to the basics. The last minister informed Parliament that the president had requested a compilation of all public lands, but to date, that compilation has not been provided,” Ablakwa said.
“Why are we such a joke as a country? The Lands Commission has come under oath and admitted that public lands are being sold as private land. Can you believe that? It’s a total mess, a hot mess.”
Ablakwa further urged the government to publish a comprehensive list of all public lands, stating that transparency is key in resolving the situation.
“Let’s get to the basics. Publish the list. Put the compilation together,” he stressed.
Ablakwa’s accusations followed an earlier press briefing by Lands Minister Samuel A. Jinapor, who defended the government against claims of corrupt practices in managing state lands.
Mr Jinapor challenged critics to provide evidence to substantiate their allegations, reiterating that the Akufo-Addo administration is committed to safeguarding public lands from encroachment and misuse.
“The Akufo-Addo government has been unwavering in its resolve to protect public lands. We are not only committed to preserving these lands but also ensuring the public is fully informed about their status,” Jinapor said. He revealed that the government is in the final stages of auditing all public lands and plans to publish a detailed list once the audit is complete.
Mr Jinapor dismissed Ablakwa’s claims as politically motivated and unfounded. He maintained that all transactions involving public lands have been conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
“The publication of this list will not only enhance transparency but also build public confidence in the management of our national assets. We are determined to show that this government has nothing to hide,” Jinapor assured the public.
As concerns about the management of public lands continue to rise, the government has committed to making the comprehensive list of state lands available, ensuring that the public can scrutinize any transactions.
A recent report by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has highlighted a significant rise in road fatalities among males over the age of 18 in the Central Region, according to data from April to June 2024.
In terms of gender distribution, the report revealed that males accounted for 83 percent of the fatalities, with 40 men losing their lives, while females made up 17 percent with eight deaths.
This suggests that for every female killed, five males were killed, continuing a trend of higher male fatalities that has been observed in past years.
Out of the 48 fatalities recorded during this period, 43, or 90 percent, were adults over 18 years of age, while only five, representing 10 percent, were under 18. This indicates that adults face a much higher risk, with a death ratio of 8:1 in favor of adults when compared to children.
Central Regional Head of the NRSA, Mrs. Linda Affotey-Annang, explained to the Ghana News Agency that adults are at a greater risk due to their higher exposure to traffic-related incidents in comparison to children.
The report also indicated a slight dip in road accidents over the period, with the total number of crashes falling from 288 to 237.
These accidents involved vehicles of all types—private, commercial, motorbikes, and cycles—leading to 48 deaths and 371 injuries. The overall figures for cases reported, vehicles involved, people injured, and deaths all decreased by significant percentages, with fatalities dropping by 40.45 percent.
However, pedestrian knockdowns saw a concerning increase of 24 percent compared to the previous quarter, from January to March 2024.
The NRSA report categorized the severity of the road traffic crashes as minor, serious, or fatal. Minor crashes made up 51 percent of the incidents (120 cases), serious crashes accounted for 31 percent (73 cases), and fatal crashes comprised 18 percent (44 cases).
May recorded the highest number of injuries, totaling 167, while April saw the fewest, with 100 injuries. Overall, there has been a decline in the number of road-related deaths compared to the same period in 2023, with the rate of decrease for 2024 standing at 3.0 deaths per month, double the 1.5 deaths per month recorded in 2023.
Mrs. Affotey-Annang reiterated the NRSA’s commitment to fostering positive behavioral changes among road users, encouraging them to adhere to traffic regulations and advocate for road safety. She also called on the public to actively support the authority and its partners by reporting traffic violations as part of a collective effort to improve road safety.
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has expressed strong opposition to former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to cover academic user facility fees for all first-year university students if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins power.
With thousands of eligible students unable to gain university admission annually due to financial constraints, the NDC plans to remove these barriers by paying the fees for level 100 students.
However, UTAG contends that a more effective approach would be to distribute these funds directly to universities as bursaries.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, UTAG President Professor Mahamoud Akudugu raised concerns about the current financial challenges facing universities.
He explained that government funding to universities has dwindled, forcing institutions to cover operational costs such as utilities.
“It is good news that the government wants to do this, but we at the universities are also concerned about the fact that currently, government’s funding to the universities has drastically declined to the extent that only salaries are being paid. Universities are expected to pay their own electricity, utility bills, and all the rest,” Professor Akudugu said.
He warned that without provisions for infrastructure improvements, the influx of students could overwhelm existing facilities.
“If you are proposing a policy of this nature and there is no provision for infrastructure and the rest of it, then at the end of the day, the students will come and there is no place to sit. So we want a fuller picture of what they want to do at the tertiary level so we can holistically deal with it.”
Professor Akudugu advocated for the policy to be targeted towards needy students, suggesting that universities administer bursaries and scholarships based on student need.
“For us, we believe that this policy should be targeted for equity. It should be given as bursaries and scholarships or grants to the universities to administer because they will be able to know who are the needy students based on their history.”
Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, echoed UTAG’s suggestion, citing global best practices.
“The best practice in western countries dictates that for bursaries and financial assistance schemes to benefit students, the universities are the ones who must administer them and then report to the scholarship authority,” he said.
However, NDC Director of Inter-Party and CSO Relations, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, pushed back against UTAG’s proposal, arguing that it could invite fraud. He insisted that the policy should benefit all students to ensure fairness.
“I strongly disagree because it will create room for rent-seeking… there are equally a number of rent-seekers in universities who will also want to take advantage of some of these things,” Dr. Otokunor argued.
“The key thing about policy efficiency is that you must as much as possible remove the human intervention, and now every university runs an electronic system of registration.”
The debate arises from John Mahama’s announcement that the NDC would implement a policy ensuring that first-year tertiary students would not pay academic fees, as part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on parents.
He also mentioned plans to strengthen the Student Loan Trust Fund to help continuing students cover their fees.
Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Samuel Awuku, has indicated that an employee cleaner at his outfit does not take home less than GHC1,600 home at the end of the month.
He made this revelation in an interview with Lexis Bill on JoyNews’ Personality Profile show.
In an excerpt of the interview which airs today at 7 pm, Mr Awuku said upon his arrival at the NLA, the amount paid to cleaners was GHC700 – a figure that has increased by over 100 per cent during his tenure.
“When I got to the NLA, the least paid person was a ground operator, those who clean our compound and they were taking GHC700. Today, that JHS graduate or SHS person that we will normally employ as a ground operator now takes home not less than GHC1,600,” he said.
In August 2021, the then-National Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Kwabena Awuku was appointed the new Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA). Mr Awuku replaced Mr Kofi Osei Ameyaw.
A cleaner at the NLA takes not less than 1,600 Cedis. – Samuel Awuku, Director-General of National Lottery Authority (NLA). #DriveOnJoy
The family of Bismark Awatey Kabutey, a 37-year-old man who was tragically lynched by a mob in Teshie, Greater Accra Region, is seeking justice for his brutal death.
The incident occurred on July 28, 2024, following a wedding and birthday party.
Originally from Aboa-Lower, a farming village in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region, Kabutey had attended a wedding in Madina with his friend Junior before joining a birthday celebration in Teshie.
As the night ended and they prepared to return home, the two friends found themselves caught in a deadly situation.
According to Junior, who was present during the incident, the tragedy unfolded after a misunderstanding between Kabutey, who was intoxicated, and a taxi driver hired to take them home.
“On the way, there was some kind of misunderstanding between Bismark and the driver. Suddenly, the driver stopped the car and started shouting ‘Thief! Thief! Thief!’” Junior recounted. Within moments, a mob formed, armed with stones, clubs, and other weapons. “They didn’t ask us any questions; they just started attacking Bismark,” he added.
Despite Junior’s desperate attempts to explain that they were wedding guests and not criminals, the mob ignored his pleas. “I went on my knees, begging them, but they wouldn’t listen. Some of them even started hitting me. I had no choice but to run for my life through the back of a building,” Junior said, reliving the horror of the night.
Unable to find his friend after escaping the attack, Junior later learned that Kabutey’s lifeless body had been discovered and taken to the Police Hospital Mortuary in Accra.
The family of Bismark Awatey Kabutey, devastated by the news, has lodged a formal complaint with the Teshie Police, urging a thorough investigation into the incident and demanding that those responsible be brought to justice.
“We are heartbroken and in shock. Our brother went to celebrate with friends and never returned. He was not a thief. We need justice for Bismark,” a family spokesperson stated.
Once a goalkeeper with dreams of pursuing a professional career, Kabutey eventually left football behind when his aspirations didn’t materialize. He returned to his village, working on a farm to provide for his family before his life was cut short in this senseless act of violence.
A crisis is erupting in Konongo, located in the Ashanti region, where illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, are devastating the town’s water sources, igniting outrage among the local population.
These mining operations, situated along the main Kumasi-Accra highway, are contaminating the Owere River, the primary water source for Konongo and its neighboring communities.
Heavy machinery, including excavators, is being deployed alarmingly close to residential areas, churches, and businesses, leaving residents deeply concerned. The Head Pastor of the New Life Church of Light expressed his frustration, stating that the mining is wreaking havoc on the community.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission claimed they were only notified about a dredging project initiated by the Asante Akim Central Assembly, not about the active mining operations now unfolding. The lack of transparency has further fueled tensions.
Residents are voicing their frustration over the continued destruction of vital water bodies and farmlands due to illegal mining activities. They accuse the authorities of failing to protect the environment and point out that the area has been deliberately obstructed to prevent travelers on the highway from witnessing the full extent of the damage. Additionally, a section of the highway near the mining site has been collapsing for years, with no repairs despite repeated appeals.
The worsening situation has sparked serious concerns about the government’s capacity to regulate mining and safeguard the environment. Locals are demanding immediate action to stop the mining and restore their water sources.
Some women at Ewusiejo demonstrate how they use Alum to clear the Butre River polluted by Galamsey and the skin reactions they get after bathing with water. #JoySMSpic.twitter.com/F9aut09Lwd
In a related issue, a resident of Ewusiejo in the Western Region shared her worries about the critical shortage of clean water in her community. In a viral video, she demonstrated how residents are forced to use alum, a chemical compound, to purify the muddy water they collect from the Butre River.
She blamed the contamination on rampant illegal mining, which has polluted water sources, leaving them with no other option but to rely on this makeshift solution for drinking and bathing.
Despite government efforts to curb illegal mining across the country, the issue persists. Many involved in galamsey cite the economic difficulties in Ghana and the lucrative returns from the illicit activity as reasons for continuing this harmful practice.
Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, has revealed that recent events in the past few years have led him to revisit his earlier skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the ‘Agyapadie’ document.
Speaking at a durbar held to welcome former President Mahama and his campaign team, Togbe Afede shared experiences where both he and his businesses came under targeted actions, prompting him to reevaluate the authenticity of the document.
“I found it difficult to believe that, that was a genuine document but of course, certain things we go through gave us thoughts to the contrary. I recall that in 2019 thereabouts, we received a letter for us to sign, pre-written in our names, to resign from the group of companies that advises the government on its bond issues. That came as a shock.”
“When I reflect on some of these things,” the overlord said, “I begin to wonder,” he stated.
I thought the AGYAPADIE akyem sakawa mafias state capture document was fake until I carefully reflected on what happened to SAS and my other companies – Togbe Aƒede XIV, Agbogbomefia. AGYAPADE3 is real, @GabbyDarko and his small Clans are the beneficiaries that’s why he’s doing… pic.twitter.com/ai9YVymwEV
The controversial 38-page document titled ‘Agyapadie,’ which prominently features the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, alongside President Nana Akufo-Addo and his late father, has resurfaced, reigniting discussions about its contents.
The document, whose author remains unidentified, is believed to outline strategies for a particular family or clan to establish significant influence and control over key sectors of Ghanaian society, including the economy, politics, media, judiciary, telecommunications, and banking.
Here are three actions that were projected to happen in the document that have materialised.
SSNIT and Kofi Bosompem Osafo Maafo
The Agyapadie document predicted that the son of the Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, would find his way into the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to aid entry into Ecobank.
“ii. Ecobank: We have two routes of entry into this institution. First is through SSNIT, which has a seat on the Board of Ecobank Ghana by virtue of its shareholding. That seat is occupied by the Director General of SSNIT. In Phase 2 of our agenda, Kofi Bosompem Osafo Maafo, who is a Deputy Director General of SSNIT, should be made the DG to give him the seat on the Ecobank (Ghana) Board,” the document stated.
In April 2024, President Akufo-Addo appointed Kofi Osafo-Maafo, the son of Osafo-Maafo, as the new Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), following seven years of serving as Deputy Director-General.
He replaced Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang. In a statement released on Saturday, April 13, Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, explained that Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang’s dismissal was not a result of misconduct or malfeasance.
The Presidency asserted that Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang’s departure is part of the ongoing restructuring initiated by President Akufo-Addo.
Kofi Osafo-Maafo assumed responsibilities on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Bawumia to succeed Akufo-Addo
While stressing the need to intensify Databank’s presence as a government adviser on financial transactions, the ‘Agyapadie’ document made mention of the succession of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The document noted that the role of Databank would be to generate the needed funds to aid the succession plan.
“Biological Children: Databank is a household name in the financial industry. It is our beloved child in the industry. Its presence as government adviser on financial transactions is to be intensified, including knobbing interested foreign companies to partner with Databank on such issues. In furtherance of this end, all major government financial transactions are to be executed in the first two years of Nana’s 2nd term. This will bring in the needed funds to fight the battle to install Bawumia as part of the succession plan to the advantage of Bawumia,” the document stated.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia was declared winner by the Electoral Commission at the Accra Sports Stadium, as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party after his contenders, Honourable Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (Assin Central Member of Parliament) polled 71,996 votes, representing 37.41%, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto (former Minister for Agriculture) polled 1,459 votes, representing 0.76% and Honourable Francis Addai-Nimoh (former Member of Parliament of Mampong) polled 781 votes, representing 0.41%.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia won the 2023 Presidential Primaries with 118,210 votes, representing 61.47% of the total valid votes cast.
Following Dr Bawumia’s victory, Alan Kyerematen, one of the contenders resigned from the party.
Mr Kyerematen lamented that the New Patriotic Party has gone through an unhealthy transition in recent years and has been hijacked by some selected party leaders of which he can no longer be a part.
“I have devoted the best part of my professional career to serving the Party, and I still believe in the vision of the founding fathers of the Party. However, the NPP as it exists now has very little resemblance to the Party that I joined in 1992 and helped to nurture. The Party has been hijacked by a selected group of Party leaders and elders, government appointees, “behind the curtain power brokers” and some unscrupulous Party apparatchiks.”
Introduction of Kelni GVG
The ‘Agyapadie’ document alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) doesn’t have much foothold in the telecommunication sector, and as such will have the “successful planting of Kelni GVG into the telecom sector” to give “unparalleled advantage in terms of having a view of activity flow within the sector and the ability to monitor communication of persons of our choosing.”
The document further adds, “The intelligence gathering power allows us to target and eliminate any potential threat from within the NPP; particularly those not inherently loyal to our cause and Nana’s, which include members of the opposition NDC.”
“Our sister in charge of the ministry responsible for this sector is doing remarkably well especially her confrontations with MTN Ghana resulting in administrative measures aimed at curtailing the business of MTN. From 2021, legislation will need to be introduced to breakup the business of MTN using national security and anti-trust reasons as justification. Our loyal allies will then be enabled to occupy the spaces to be ceded by MTN. such entry will yield significant strategic advantages over our competitors.”
In May this year, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni expressed concerns over the contract awarded to NextGen InfraCo Ltd. for the 5G network rollout.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 30, Awuni highlighted that the company was incorporated barely a week before President Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the deal.
Awuni pointed out that the contract, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, was awarded through sole sourcing, without giving other companies the opportunity to bid for the project. This lack of competitive bidding raises suspicions about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process, according to Awuni.
Before these claims, the government had announced a partnership with seven industry leaders to develop a new shared infrastructure aimed at delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana. The partners, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and two telecommunications companies – AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, have formed the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC), which has been awarded a 5G license.
Communications and Digitalisation Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has confirmed that NextGen InfraCo, the company awarded the contract for the rollout of the 5G network, was established just one week before receiving the contract.
Madam Owusu-Ekuful clarified that the company was specifically created for this purpose because there was no existing neutral infrastructure company capable of handling the rollout at that time.
During a press briefing on the 5G rollout, she elaborated on the government’s reasoning behind this decision. She noted that auctioning the contract was not pursued due to previous experiences and setbacks that had hindered the rollout of the country’s 4G technology, which has achieved only a 15% nationwide penetration since its introduction in 2015.
The Minister highlighted that the challenges faced during the 4G rollout influenced the government’s approach to the 5G deployment. By directly awarding the contract to a newly created entity, the government aims to avoid similar obstacles and expedite the implementation process for the 5G network.
The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West provided insight into the government’s strategic decision-making process, emphasizing the need for a dedicated infrastructure company to ensure the successful and timely rollout of 5G technology across the country.
“This is a special purpose vehicle and once the government took the decision that we will use a neutral infrastructure company to deliver this service, there is no existing neutral infrastructure company that can deliver it at the moment.”
“So, it had to be specifically formed for the purpose of delivering this service based on the strategic policies and decisions of the government, and it is borne out of our experiences and that is why we chose not to auction it,” she stated.
The ‘Agyapadie’ document has gotten many Ghanaians concerned, especially after some of its predictions have materialised.
A leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Arthur Kennedy, has expressed difficulty in accepting that the ‘Agyapadie’ document is fictitious and holds no relationship with Ghana’s present situation.
He noted that when he came into contact with the document some years ago, he dismissed it but can no longer do so since recent happenings cannot be left to coincidence.
“I would have agreed with the president a year ago……but the problem is as time has gone on there are things in the document that have gone on so if it was indeed a fake document, whoever has prepared the document has very good prophetic skills because a lot of the things they are predicting are coming true. So it is very difficult to see these things that are coming true,” he said in an interview on TV3.
On August 1, 2024, President Akufo-Addo addressed growing speculation about the document, which is purported to be a strategic plan of the Akyem faction within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The president and the government New Patriotic Party (NPP) have dismissed the document as a fabrication, attributing its circulation to political adversaries aiming to discredit the party and its affiliates.
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has also denounced the document as a baseless creation by those intent on sowing discord and inciting animosity towards the Ofori Panin family and the Okyeman community.
Executive Director of the Educate Africa Institute, William Boadi, has cast doubt on former President John Mahama’s campaign pledge to abolish academic fees for first-year university students, calling the proposal unrealistic.
Mr Boadi, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, critiqued the promise, which was unveiled during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Manifesto launch in Accra.
“While this promise, made by the Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), could potentially enhance access to higher education, it raises several critical questions about its feasibility and broader impact on Ghana’s educational and employment landscape,” Boadi noted.
Mr Boadi acknowledged the importance of addressing the need for wider access to education but warned that it must be carefully balanced with the preservation of quality and continued support for students beyond their first year.
He emphasized that although eliminating fees might boost enrollment, sustaining high academic standards and offering financial aid to continuing students should also be integral parts of any education reform effort.
“The ability to implement such a policy hinges on securing adequate financial resources, scaling up university infrastructure, and ensuring long-term sustainability without negatively affecting the national budget or other vital services,” he cautioned.
To truly reform the education system, Boadi proposed measures such as updating curricula to align with industry needs, forming partnerships with businesses for internships, and enhancing faculty development.
“Effective solutions include updating curricula to include practical and industry-relevant skills, fostering partnerships with businesses for internships, and enhancing faculty training. These measures are necessary to ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the modern job market,” he added.
Boadi urged political leaders to prioritize sustainable and practical solutions that address Ghana’s most pressing challenges, ensuring that promises enhance both educational access and quality while improving employment prospects for graduates.
“By focusing on these critical areas, we can work towards a future where Ghana’s educational and employment systems are robust and effective,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), has called for broader consultations with key education stakeholders regarding the proposed policy. He urged a closer examination of how the initiative would be funded and suggested extending the policy to include financially struggling continuing students.
On August 12, 2024, the NDC revealed its 2024 Youth Manifesto, with John Dramani Mahama pledging to eliminate academic fees for first-year tertiary students if elected.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has affirmed its commitment to maintaining a stringent monetary policy stance until inflation shows a consistent downward trend.
In July 2024, the Monetary Policy Committee of the BoG maintained the policy rate at 29.0% for the third consecutive time, as Ghana has experienced a fourth consecutive decline in the inflation rate. Currently, the inflation rate stands at 20.9%.
In a statement to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the central bank outlined its approach, which aims to steer inflation back within its target range of 8 ± 2 percent.
BoG emphasized that its monetary policy decisions will remain data-driven to ensure a swift and controlled disinflation process toward the set inflation target.
“Our policy decisions will continue to be data-dependent to ensure a fast-paced and orderly disinflation path towards the inflation target; the BoG stands ready to adjust the policy stance to ensure inflation evolves as envisaged under our monetary policy consultation clause (TMU Section II),” the statement read.
Additionally, the central bank reiterated its commitment to absorbing excess liquidity and ensuring the policy rate effectively impacts the market.
“We are committed to continue absorbing excess liquidity and making sure our policy rate is fully transmitted to the market. In doing so, we will review the increased reliance on reserve requirements and the new tiering framework to ensure they deliver on their objectives,” the bank stated.
The BoG is also focused on enhancing its inflation-targeting framework, improving the Forecast and Policy Analysis System (FPAS), strengthening macroeconomic data collection (including the BoG inflation expectations survey), and sharpening its analytical capabilities and communication strategy.
As part of its broader strategy, the central bank aims to rebuild Ghana’s official international reserves to cover at least three months of imports by the end of the IMF program.
However, challenges in the cocoa sector, larger-than-expected payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and uncertainties surrounding debt restructuring have prompted BoG to seek a modification of its Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPC).
The request includes adding an asymmetric adjustor to address unforeseen debt servicing needs related to bondholders and commercial creditors.
Despite these headwinds, BoG remains committed to adhering to its foreign exchange intervention budget as it works towards rebuilding reserves.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it will officially launch its manifesto for the 2024 general elections on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in the Central Region.
This upcoming event follows closely on the heels of the party’s recent launch of its Youth Manifesto in Accra.
To ensure the smooth organization of the manifesto launch, the NDC has established a nine-member planning committee. The committee will be chaired by Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, the party’s Director of Interparty and Civil Society Relations.
The full list of committee members includes:
Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor (Director of Interparty and Civil Society Relations) – Chairman
Barbara Serwaa Asamoah Esq. (Deputy General Secretary) – Member
Comrade Sammy Gyamfi Esq. (Communications Officer) – Member
Comrade Elikem Kotoko (Deputy National Organizer) – Member
Mr. Ludwig Hlordze (Director, Protocol and Logistics) – Member
Nana Oye-Bampoe Esq. (Secretary to the Manifesto Committee) – Member
Mrs. Beatrice Annan Esq. (Deputy Spokesperson for the John Mahama Campaign) – Member
Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah (Former Minister of Sports) – Member
Dr. Bernadette Hoffman – Member
The party has stated that the Planning Committee will provide further details on the venue, time, and other arrangements for the launch in due course.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) ignited its 2024 election campaign with an electrifying launch on Saturday, July 27, in Tamale, Northern Region.
The event, brimming with vibrant energy, drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, all eager to witness the party’s roadmap to reclaiming power.
Key figures from the NDC graced the occasion, including Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, MP for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu, media personality and fashion icon Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), National Youth Organiser George Opare Addo, and Communication Officer Sammy Gyamfi. Their presence added weight to the proceedings, underscoring the party’s united front.
US-based vlogger and journalist, Kevin Taylor, has chided Akosua Asaa Manu, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Adentan Constituency, over her interpretation of the 24-hour economy policy suggested by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama.
In a post on Facebook, Akosua Manu noted that under the 24-hour economy, the wage that was ordinarily given to one worker will be split by three people to share due to additional hands.
She wrote, “According to the umbrella gangs shift system there are infinite possibilities when it comes to the hours you can do. They fail to add, I however believe its intentional, what you can earn…”
“For eg. If your salary is 1500 cedis and you now have to share with 2 others. Your take home will be how much? The correct answer gets 3 umbrellas and 2 dressed guinea fowls. You also get a heavily used car that was given to some influencers in 2016. We will change the car tyres for you. Have a fantastic day.”
Reacting to this, Kevin Taylor expressed disappointment in Akosua Manu, noting that such an interpretation signals that she is not fit to become a Member of Parliament.
“Her understanding of shift system is that when 3 people do the same job their salaries will be SHARED herhhhh Ghana paaaa all these political hand bags want to enter parliament,” he wrote in a post on X.
😂😂😂Her understanding of shift system is that when 3 people do the same job their salaries will be SHARED herhhhh Ghana paaaa all these political hand bags want to enter parliament.😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ItdcCGsKQW
A 24-hour economy refers to an economic system where businesses, services, and activities operate continuously throughout the day and night, without interruption.
In such an economy, various sectors, including retail, transportation, entertainment, hospitality, and public services, remain open and accessible around the clock, catering to the needs of consumers at any time.
Mr Mahama, speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Network Business Cocktail, reiterated that the 24-hour economy policy is a game-changer due to careful consideration.
He pledged that a potential NDC administration would actively pursue projects and programs to transition Ghana into a fully-fledged 24-hour economy by optimizing existing resources.
Mahama outlined that the 24-hour economy aligns with the NDC’s vision to build the desired Ghana, focusing on creating an industrialized, inclusive, and resilient economy with well-paying jobs. The vision also includes developing safe communities, protecting the natural environment, building effective institutions, and enhancing Ghana’s role in African and international affairs.
A Kumasi-based trader has sparked a conversation with his bold assertion that Ghana is far better than the United Kingdom.
In a recent interview, the trader claimed that many Ghanaians who initially sought better opportunities in the UK have regretted their decisions and are now returning to Ghana.
“Ghana is far better than the UK. As I speak to you, all those who run to the UK have regretted it. The teachers and nurses have all returned,” the trader stated. He went on to emphasize the peace of mind that Ghana offers, saying, “In Ghana, you have your peace of mind. These nurses have money to buy my things. Unless you say you won’t use your hands to work.”
Expressing his admiration for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the trader hinted at his potential involvement in political campaigning. “I am not a politician, but I might close my shops to campaign for Bawumia. That Mamprusi fellow is very intelligent. I believe he will help Ghana,” he added.
According to a trader in Kumasi during an interview with Global Trendz, nurses and teachers who ran to the UK for better job opportunities now regret their decision and wish to return because Ghana is now far better than the UK. pic.twitter.com/VpszzwuWb7
These remarks were echoed by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a separate interview, Wontumi stirred further debate by asserting that Ghana is more enjoyable than London.
“I always say Ghana is better than London. If I say so, am I a joker, or is this a joking platform that I would say such things?” Wontumi remarked. He elaborated on his point by revealing that he has relocated his children to Ghana, citing the country’s pleasant environment and more affordable living costs. “Ghana is better than London. My children are in Ghana here because Ghana is more enjoyable than London,” he concluded.
Former President John Dramani Mahama recently poked fun at President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, following their slip-ups where they mistakenly mentioned Mahama’s name in contexts meant for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
President Akufo-Addo mistakenly referred to Mahama as part of his administration, and around the same time, Chairman Wontumi also inadvertently urged voters to support Mahama.
Addressing these incidents during a Youth Forum organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ho, Mahama humorously suggested that these slips might be signs of a deeper subconscious thought.
“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, and so when the President goes and he’s talking about his administration and he says ‘Akufo-Addo/Mahama administration,’ this is unpardonable,” Mahama remarked.
“It means he dreamt about me the night before. And it’s not only him, even his Ashanti chairman.”
Mahama hinted that these errors by his political opponents could be seen as an inadvertent endorsement and encouraged his supporters to take this as a positive sign for the upcoming elections.
“We can read their minds from what they are thinking and what they are dreaming about. The time has come for us to take our destiny into our own hands,” Mahama added, reinforcing his call for Ghanaians to vote for him in the December 7 general elections.
Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has declared that former President John Mahama has inadvertently made him a hero by acknowledging the vital role the Volta Region plays in the party’s electoral success.
Anyidoho, who has often clashed with Mahama and his supporters, believes the ex-President’s recent comments in the Volta Region validate his long-held position.
In a series of posts on the social media platform X, Anyidoho expressed his satisfaction, stating, “JM has made a mockery of his boys who have been insulting me because my data has been vindicated by JM himself. Koku Anyidoho has become a hero.”
Mahama’s recent visit to the Volta Region emphasized the importance of the region’s support for the NDC, acknowledging that it consistently delivers the highest percentage of votes for the party in general elections.
He referred to the region as the party’s “World Bank” and assured its people that their support is deeply valued.
Mahama also urged the people of the Volta Region to reject vote-buying tactics and remember the hardships they have faced under the current Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
He promised that the NDC would continue its focus on infrastructure development in the region, with investments in tourism, agriculture, and industry to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Anyidoho further expressed his gratitude towards Mahama for indirectly affirming the accuracy of the data he has used in public discussions about the NDC’s electoral dynamics in the Volta Region.
He noted, “This is part of the data I have used consistently in many of my public discussions, and finally, John Mahama has told the world that my data analysis is spot-on.”
The series of posts on the X platform by Mr Anyidoho are as follows:
God is good 🙏. John Mahama has finally vindicated Koku Anyidoho. This is the graph I have used consistently & today JM has acknowledged that I am NOT a liar and that I have been using the right data to tell the true story. truth is; JM is the cause of NPP numbers growing. pic.twitter.com/osOnef5SYk
JM has made a mockery of his boys who have been insulting me because my data has been vindicated by JM himself. Koku Anyidoho has become a hero 💪💪💪💪. Vindication lies in the womb of time🙏 pic.twitter.com/2ScQNoi9oG
Former President John Mahama, I thank you very much for personally vindicating me in my own Volta Region and letting my Region & the whole world know that I have been telling the truth except that you & ur boys hate the truth hence the hate campaign against me. Akpe na Yehowa🙏 pic.twitter.com/brr5bDo9Bq
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has emphasized that the party deeply values the unwavering support it has consistently received from the Volta Region.
He acknowledged the region’s significant contributions, particularly in terms of the high percentage of votes it has delivered for the NDC in general elections since the establishment of the 4th Republic.
“We want to thank the Volta Region for standing behind the NDC over the years. We don’t take your support for granted,” Mahama said. He highlighted that the NDC doesn’t refer to the Volta Region as its “World Bank” lightly. “We call Volta Region the World Bank not because your votes are the highest in nominal terms. Because if you take the votes of Greater Accra, they are higher, but of course, the population of Greater Accra is much bigger. But when it comes in percentage terms, no region comes close to Volta Region,” he explained.
Mahama also pointed out that the NDC, during its time in government, ensured that the Volta Region received its fair share of development projects. He noted investments in various sectors, including education, health, transport, road infrastructure, sanitation, water, and agriculture, which have significantly improved the lives of the people in the region.
“You can’t quantify the level of transformation it has had on the lives of the people,” he added.
The NDC leader criticized the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for abandoning projects initiated by the NDC, which he believes has negatively impacted the region.
He accused the NPP of using propaganda to sway voters, pointing out how they enrich a few individuals to create the illusion of broader benefits.
“They will come and point to you, ‘you see this one, since he joined NPP, you see his life has changed, you have been following NDC, what have you got?’” Mahama lamented, urging voters not to fall for such tactics.
As the election approaches, Mahama advised the electorate to be wary of vote-buying schemes and reminded them of the hardships they have endured under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
“They are going to come with the money again… But remember that you have lived 8 years of poverty, 8 years of hardships, and that whatever money they give you will not alleviate the crisis into which they have plunged you,” he warned.
Looking ahead, Mahama promised that an NDC government would continue its focus on infrastructure development in the Volta Region and would invest in tourism, agriculture, and industry to create jobs.
He also pledged to build modern markets, including a significant one in Aflao, to boost trade and improve the livelihoods of the people. Furthermore, he assured that the NDC would implement a homegrown fiscal consolidation program to help revive the nation’s economy.
The National Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has been honoured with the title “Yel-Naa,” meaning Chief of Communication, by His Royal Majesty Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV, the Wa-Naa.
The brief ceremony took place at the Wa-Naa’s palace.
This recognition follows a public exchange between Basintale and Sissala East MP, Amidu Chinnia Issahaku.
In his acceptance speech, Basintale addressed the plea from the Wa-Naa regarding his dispute with Issahaku, saying, “I will plead with the Wa-Naa to just turn a blind eye to a slave and his master’s little play.”
He added that the two were “only playing with each other” and mentioned that Issahaku had now accepted him as his “chief,” declaring that “the play is over.”
Basintale also promised to “temper justice with mercy,” assuring the Wa-Naa that he would not bring up the documents he previously described as “tooth to teeth” again.
The NDC Deputy National Communications Officer recently accused Issahaku of corrupt practices on national TV, following the MP’s allegations of corruption against NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.
The Wa-Naa’s gesture seems to have encouraged Basintale to take a more conciliatory approach, hinting at a potential resolution to their heated exchange.
However, it remains unclear whether Basintale will soften his stance in defending the reputation of former President Mahama and the NDC’s standard-bearer.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudeto Ablakwa, has provided a startling revelation with regards to the National Cathedral project which has seen construction works suspended due to lack of funds.
According to Mr Ablakwa, payment vouchers intercepted by his outfit indicate that the Consultant of the project deemed controversial, Sir David Adjaye, was paid an amount of GHS32.07 million for opening bids and interviewing contractors.
This amount, per the document sighted by The Independent Ghana, was paid in 2021.
“Latest intercepted payment vouchers reveal how David Adjaye was paid an incredible GHS32.07million on February 18, 2021 just for opening bids and interviewing contractors for Akufo-Addo’s sleazy National Cathedral project,” he wrote on August 14.
He added that “Architects of considerable renown and project management experts I have engaged are in total shock.” I can’t wait for judgement day after 7th December, 2024.”
Mr Ablakwa further registered his support for the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama’s resolve to ensure the law goes after every government official who has in one way or another caused financial loss to the station through corruption.
“This is another reason why I am in total agreement with incoming President John Mahama that if we deal ruthlessly with blatant corruption and reckless dissipation of state resources such as the National Cathedral heist, we can comfortably fund the NDC’s No-Fees-Stress Policy of paying admission fees for first year tertiary students. Corruption and State Capture shall surely be defeated!”
In January 2023, the Executive Director of the National Cathedral Secretariat, Dr. Paul Poku Mensah, revealed that the Akufo-Addo government had spent a whopping amount of almost GH¢340 million on the construction of the controversial national cathedral by the close of December 2022.
Latest intercepted payment vouchers reveal how David Adjaye was paid an incredible GHS32.07million on February 18, 2021 just for opening bids and interviewing contractors for Akufo-Addo’s sleazy National Cathedral project.
This includes an amount of GH¢113 million paid directly to the Consultant, Sir David Adjaye and GH¢225 million paid directly to the Secretariat.
Dr. Paul Poku Mensah made this known in a status report on the National Cathedral delivered at the Bible Reading Marathon Thanksgiving Service at the project site on Tuesday, January 2, 2023.
“For purposes of clarity, I want to report a verbatim memo I sent on this issue dated 19th January 2022 and addressed to the Clerk of Parliament. The indication was that the government has given us GH¢339 million and we could account for GH¢225 million leaving GH¢114 million missing. Here, I quote what I wrote to the Clerk.”
“As we indicated to the Committee on Thursday, December 15, 2022, the total amount paid by the government of Ghana to the National Cathedral project is GH¢339 million. This total is made up of the following: the amount paid directly to the National Cathedral Secretariat is GH¢225 million. The amount paid directly to the Consultant, Adjaye Associates & Design Team is GH¢113.040.54.67 million The two payments total GH¢339.003.064.86.”
“So, there are no missing funds that could not be accounted for. Secondly, the detailed account for these funds was provided to Parliament on December 15, 2022, by the Secretariat. In the case of the accounting from the Secretariat, this involves among others, total payments made to the contractor, and total payments made to the Bible Museum and Biblical Gardens Design Team.”
Dr. Paul Opoku Mensah expressed displeasure over what he described as a misrepresentation of facts on the project by some Members of Parliament.
“While projects of this nature will always have discontent, we are nonetheless concerned about the misrepresentations particularly when it comes from Members of Parliament. For instance, the continued misrepresentation of the contract to the consultants is worrying as none of the amount bandied around comes anywhere near the contract amount.
Rather than 34% that they said we’d paid the architect, actually, the contract figure is 12.5% when the Ministry of Works and Housing allows for 15.5%. And the 12.5% will not change irrespective of what happens to the total cost. More critically, the contract is not for an architect, but for a set of consultants’ services involving 15 international and Ghanaian firms of which Sir David Adjaye Associates is the lead consultant,” he added.
Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed confidence in Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s ability to effectively support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate in the 2024 elections.
The Suame MP highlighted NAPO’s youth, energy, and competence as key factors that make him the ideal choice for the role.
In a recent interview on Nhyira FM’s Kroyimu Nsem show with Nana Kwadwo Jantuah, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained why he was not selected as Bawumia’s running mate, pointing to his age as a significant factor.
“I would not say it was a rejection, but looking at my age, it would not be the best to be appointed as a running mate. After eight years, I would have less energy to continue as a leader of the party,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that the role of a running mate demands significant energy and mobility, qualities he believes NAPO possesses in abundance.
“My age wouldn’t permit me for the running mate bid, but NAPO is young and best fit for the job. This running mate thing requires a lot of energy and competence to help the flagbearer, and NAPO can perfectly do the job,” he added.
The Suame MP also addressed the distinct leadership style that Dr. Bawumia would bring to the presidency, noting that Bawumia’s vision, though shaped by his experience in the current administration, will be uniquely his own.
“Every President has a unique vision before coming into office. Although Bawumia has worked with Nana Addo, he will have his own way of doing things, so his vision is different from that of the President. This is why he has promised to continue some of the works of the President and make changes to those he thinks don’t align with his vision,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu remarked.
Further insights into the decision behind Bawumia’s choice of NAPO as his running mate were provided by Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni in his book The President Ghana Never Got.
Manasseh revealed that NAPO, who had been preparing to contest for the NPP flagbearer position himself, chose to support Bawumia instead, a move that greatly influenced Bawumia’s decision to select him as his running mate.
“When Bawumia reared his head, NAPO told Bawumia that he had been preparing for a long time to contest, but since Bawumia was contesting, he would step back and support his candidacy. Bawumia was touched by that gesture and earmarked NAPO for the running mate position,” the book states.
Despite concerns about NAPO’s perceived arrogance, his political influence and strong connection to the Ashanti Region made him a strategic choice for the role.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has clarified that his age was the primary reason he was not selected as the 2024 running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Addressing the speculation, he stated that his decision to step back was due to the demands of the role, which require substantial energy and mobility, something he believes might be limited by his age.
“I would not say it was a rejection, but looking at my age, it would not be the best to be appointed a running mate. After eight years, I would have less energy to continue as a leader of the party,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained during an interview on Nhyira FM’s Kroyimu Nsem show with Nana Kwadwo Jantuah.
He further elaborated that his decision was also influenced by the availability of other capable individuals within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are more suitable for the position.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu praised the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, as the running mate, citing his youth, energy, and competence as key attributes.
“My age wouldn’t permit me for the running mate bid, but NAPO is young and best fit for the job. This running mate thing requires a lot of energy and competence to help the flagbearer, and NAPO can perfectly do the job,” he stated.
The Suame MP also urged Ghanaians to recognize that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision for the country is distinct from that of President Akufo-Addo.
He emphasized that while Bawumia has been a key figure in the current administration, his leadership approach and priorities will differ.
“Every President has a unique vision before coming into office. Although Bawumia has worked with Nana Addo, he will have his own way of doing things, so his vision is different from that of the President. This is why he has promised to continue some of the works of the President and make changes to those he thinks don’t align with his vision,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained.
Additionally, Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, in his book The President Ghana Never Got, shed light on the reasons behind Dr. Bawumia’s choice of NAPO as his running mate.
According to Manasseh, NAPO had initially been preparing to contest for the NPP flagbearer position but decided to step aside to support Bawumia. This gesture, coupled with NAPO’s political influence in the Ashanti Region, played a significant role in Bawumia’s decision.
“When Bawumia reared his head, NAPO told Bawumia that he had been preparing for a long time to contest, but since Bawumia was contesting, he would step back and support his candidacy. Bawumia was touched by that gesture and earmarked NAPO for the running mate position,” the book reveals.
Despite concerns about NAPO’s perceived arrogance, his strong political standing made him a strategic choice.
Pro-NPP activist, Castin Billz, is insinuating that social media influencers are selling their conscience for money.
In a post X, he shared the photos of influencers Kalyjay and SDK, while alleging that influencers receive transportation fare of GHC2,000 to attend an event they are invited to and provided written questions to ask.
The post did not explicitly provide further context.
Invitation + a written question + GH¢ 2000 transportation
However, other netizens who have reacted to the post believe that Castin is accusing these influencers of receiving money from political parties in order to attend their event.
At the National Democratic Congress‘s (NDC) town hall meeting held at the Bukom Arena, the event drew a notable crowd that included politicians, media figures like Bernard Avle and Umaru Sanda, as well as social media influencers such as Kalyjay and SDK, whose images were shared by Castin.
Ghanaian Content Creator SDK questioned John Mahama at the Townhall Conference
Following the event, social media was abuzz with reactions, and prominent influencer Kwadwo Sheldon joined the discussion with a controversial claim.
He alleged that the NDC had extended an invitation to him but that he declined because they intended to provide predetermined questions for him to ask John Mahama, the party’s Flagbearer.
“You know what be funny about this? They invited me for the Bukom thing on condition that they will give me the question to ask JDM..said it’s either my personal questions or nah…be like they weren’t interested in that so I played FIFA.
“I was told on the phone I was going to be given a question to ask the former president.. that’s what I was told!!” he wrote.
Sheldon expressed his discontent online, stating that he was informed by phone that he would be given a specific question to pose to Mahama, which he found unappealing. Instead of participating, he chose to spend his time playing FIFA.
He further suggested that many influencers present at the event accepted these conditions but have remained silent about it.
“Most of your influencers here know about what I’m talking about tho… They know! And it goes beyond just the questions but hey we move,” he stated.
The Member of Parliament for Subin in the Ashanti Region, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has revealed deep-seated tensions within the Majority caucus in Parliament.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Oyerapa TV, Antwi disclosed that the recent reshuffle in Parliamentary committees led to significant discontent among some Majority MPs, who directed unprintable insults at the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The reshuffle in July involved several key changes, including Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, who moved from chairing the Local Government Committee to take over Atta Akyea’s former role at the Mines and Energy Committee. Additionally, Patrick Yaw Boamah, the MP for Okaikwei Central, was appointed as the new chairman of the Finance Committee.
According to Antwi, the reshuffle saw some first-time MPs appointed as committee chairpersons, a move he described as inappropriate given the traditional hierarchy in Parliament.
“Parliament is just like how the law school and practice are. Even if you finish Law School and your child did before you, he/she is your senior at the Bar. So in Parliament, those who came first are seniors. However, during the recent reshuffle, some first-timers were made committee chairpersons, which is wrong.”
He further shared that some senior MPs, feeling slighted by these changes, expressed their frustration in harsh terms.
“Some of the seniors in Parliament are said to have insulted the Majority Leader. I was out of town, but that is what I heard. The leader called to tell me, and I heard that some of the words were unprintable. Right now, the person feels slighted.”
Antwi specifically mentioned Samuel Atta Akyea, who lost his position as Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee and was reassigned to chair the Local Government and Rural Development Committee.
“You’ve taken his ministerial role from him, and you’ve taken this one too. Atta Akyea attends Parliament religiously, so why will you take his position from him? There is a lot of rancor,” he stated.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, the running mate of NPP’s flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has come under heavy criticism on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) following a recent political remark that many deemed disrespectful to a deceased former president.
During the official launch of the Ashanti Regional NPP Campaign Working Committees and Women’s Conference in Kumasi, Dr. Prempeh acknowledged the contributions of past Ghanaian presidents, including the late Dr. Hilla Limann, Jerry John Rawlings, and John Agyekum Kufuor.
However, his reference to the late President John Evans Atta-Mills sparked outrage. Speaking in the Akan dialect, NAPO remarked, “Baako na owu ye no,” which translates to “the one who even died.”
The people of central region Napo has extended the disrespect to Atta Mills. Listen to him as he makes mockery of his death by saying…. Listen to him 😭😭😭😭💔pic.twitter.com/AKvqDwccLB
This comment quickly drew backlash from netizens, who condemned the former Energy Minister for what they perceived as a lack of respect.
One user wrote, “This guy doesn’t know how to talk at all. He doesn’t even appear pleasing to neutrals. Very bad public communication skills.” Another added, “He does not respect himself, so how can he show respect to Ghanaians… It’s impossible… Because of this man’s behavior, the NPP has failed in advance…”
A particularly pointed criticism read, “Those asking how it is insulting—if someone describes President Kufuor as ‘baako na ɔte wheel chair mu,’ how will it sound? Why do we defend any rubbish all in the name of political affiliation?”
This is not the first time Dr. Opoku Prempeh has faced criticism for his remarks.
During his introduction in Kumasi on July 9, NAPO claimed that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which also led to widespread criticism. While some disagreed with the comparison itself, others took issue with the way it was presented.
Following the backlash, NAPO publicly apologized for his statements, though the chiefs of Nkroful, Dr. Nkrumah’s birthplace, insisted on a personal apology before accepting it. During a visit to the Nzema area, NAPO made a stop in Nkroful to personally apologize for his earlier remarks.
“I lived with Nzema people when I was growing up. Nzema people and I are one people. I will never disrespect Nkrumah in any way. Anybody who attempts to disrespect Nkrumah will face the consequences of his actions. Nkrumah has done so much for the country. I was misconstrued, but I apologized to Ghanaians, and I stand here before you to apologize for my comments again. Forgive me, we’re all one people,” he stated.
In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua, accepted the apology, stating, “NAPO’s comments received wide condemnation from Ghanaians because it was uncalled for. We hail the actions of Ghanaians, we thank them. We need to recognize that Nkrumah did a great job for the country… Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs; this is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology.”
Prior to this, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had also advised Dr. Opoku Prempeh to ensure that his actions did not make Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia regret choosing him as his running mate. The Otumfuo also urged NAPO to prove his critics wrong by displaying humility and diligence in his role.
“Don’t let Dr. Bawumia regret the decision to make you his running mate. You should be diligent and humble and listen to instructions from him. Be humble and do the work diligently for me. Have a listening ear and don’t upstage your boss. I’ve heard people say you are arrogant, and I question myself because since your childhood, I’ve not known you to be arrogant. I won’t agree with what people are saying, but it is up to you to prove them wrong. We will pray for you to ensure that what God has for you will become a reality,” Otumfuo advised.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is being chastised on social media platform X for a recent political comment.
Speaking at the official launch of the Ashanti Regional NPP Campaign Working Committees and Women’s Conference in Kumasi, Dr Prempeh made reference to former presidents who have served Ghana and the role they played.
He acknowledged that the late Dr Hilla Limann, Jerry John Rawling, and John Agyekeum Kufuor all played a role in Ghana’s development.
In his attempt to recognise the late John Evans Fifii Atta-Mills, Dr Prempeh preceded with a comment that has been deemed disrespectful to the memory of the former statesman.
Speaking in the Akan dialect, he said, “Baako an owu ye no” to wit “the one who even died”.
The people of central region Napo has extended the disrespect to Atta Mills. Listen to him as he makes mockery of his death by saying…. Listen to him 😭😭😭😭💔pic.twitter.com/AKvqDwccLB
Netizens have descended heavily on the former Energy Minister while recounting a recent controversy Dr Prempeh stirred after passing a derogatory remark while comparing Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah to President Akufo-Addo.
“This guy doesn’t know how to talk at all. He doesn’t even appear pleasing to neutrals. Very bad public communication skill,” a user wrote.
Another said, “He does not respect himself so how can he show respect to Ghanaians… Is impossible… Because of this man’s behaviour, the NPP has failed in advance…”
“Those asking how it is insulting no if someone describes President Kuffuor as baako na )te wheel chair mu mo aah, how will it sound? Why do we defend any rubbish all in the name of political affiliation?” another wrote.
During his introduction in Kumasi on July 9, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, claimed that President Akufo-Addo had outperformed Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which led to widespread criticism.
While some people completely disagreed with the comparison, others took issue with the way it was presented.
Following the backlash, NAPO issued a public apology for his statements. However, the chiefs of Nkroful, Dr. Nkrumah’s birthplace, insisted that he apologize in person before they would accept it.
During his visit to the Nzema area, NAPO stopped by Nkroful to personally apologize for his remarks.
“I lived with Nzema people when I was growing up. Nzema people and I are one people. I will never disrespect Nkrumah in any way, anybody who attempts to disrespect Nkrumah will face the consequences of his actions.
“Nkrumah has done so much for the country. I was misconstrued, but I apologised to Ghanaians and I stand here before you to apologise for my comments again, forgive me, we’re all one people,” NAPO said.
In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua accepted the apology.
“NAPO’s comments received wide condemnation from Ghanaians because it was uncalled for. We hail the actions of Ghanaians, we thank them. We need to recognise that Nkrumah did a great job for the country.
“We’re a peaceful people, we don’t like violence, and we don’t want a situation where chaos will erupt in Ghana because of the Nzema people. We heard that NAPO apologised to Ghanaians for his comments. But he needed to come to Nzema to personally apologise to the traditional leaders and re-affirm his regrets.
“Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs, this is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology.”
Prior to this, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II advised Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh not to make Dr Mahamudu Bawumia regret his decision in choosing him as his running mate and also prove others wrong for describing him as arrogant.
“Don’t let Dr Bawumia regret the decision to make you his running mate. You should be diligent and humble and listen to instructions from him. Be humble and do the work diligently for me. Have a listening ear and don’t upstage your boss.
“I’ve heard people say you are arrogant and I question myself because since your childhood I’ve not known you to be arrogant. I won’t agree with what people are saying but it is up to you to prove them wrong. We will pray for you to ensure that what God has for you will be made reality.”
A prominent member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has revealed that Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, originally intended to establish a restaurant when he returned to Ghana before eventually joining the fight for independence.
In an interview on Channel One TV, Otchere-Darko shared insights from historical documents, including letters written by Nkrumah, which shed light on his initial plans.
“Before Nkrumah came to Ghana, there is a book, Nkrumah’s Years Abroad, and I think some of the correspondence you can find at the Balm Library. Before he came to Ghana, there were letters that he had written to an uncle and his family members about looking for funds and what he wanted to do when he got to Ghana,” Otchere-Darko explained.
He continued, “He wanted to set up a restaurant, and he was asking for money. He was tired of being abroad and wanted to come to Ghana. But his focus was to set up a restaurant. In other correspondence, he was looking at whether he could set up a library.”
This revelation comes in the wake of ongoing debates about Nkrumah’s role in Ghana’s independence. During his 2024 Founders’ Day address on August 3, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his stance against the notion that Nkrumah alone founded Ghana.
He emphasized that the country’s independence was the result of collective efforts by many, not the work of a single individual.
The Founders' Debate: "Before Nkrumah came to Ghana, he had written letters to an uncle of his… He wanted to set up a restaurant when he gets to Ghana"- @GabbyDarko
“I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by one man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable, it is important to acknowledge for ourselves that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
The president’s remarks have sparked reactions, including criticism from former President John Dramani Mahama, who accused the current administration of trying to rewrite Ghana’s history. Mahama has vowed to “reset all” if re-elected, maintaining that history should be respected and not altered.
Additionally, Dr. Sekou Nkrumah, son of the late Kwame Nkrumah, has challenged President Akufo-Addo’s views, emphasizing that while his father was one man, he represented the aspirations of millions of Ghanaians. “What the President completely misses is that Nkrumah was one man, but he represented millions of Ghanaians, and that was exactly the grassroots connection he had,” Dr. Sekou Nkrumah remarked during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express.
These discussions continue to stir emotions and differing perspectives on the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the broader narrative of Ghana’s independence.
Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga, has assured Ghanaians that the party, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, will fulfil all its promises if it wins the 2024 general elections.
In a media interview on Tuesday, August 13, Ayariga emphasized the NDC’s commitment to tackling the critical issues facing the nation, especially those affecting the youth.
Highlighting the NDC’s Youth Manifesto, Ayariga pointed out that the party has laid out key policies focused on job creation, improving education, and providing opportunities for young people.
He assured that the party’s leadership is dedicated to fully implementing these policies, reinforcing the NDC’s track record of delivering on its promises when in government.
“I understand the skepticism the launch of our youth manifesto has received, but you know we know the plan we have for this country, and we are committed to implementing all our promises for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. Ghanaians can trust us to deliver. We are not like the NPP. Visionary Mahama is committed and will deliver all his promises to Ghanaians,” Ayariga affirmed.
Addressing the current economic challenges, Ayariga criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he described as “economic mismanagement,” which he believes has led to widespread hardship across the country.
He argued that the NDC’s policies are designed to restore economic stability and bring relief to Ghanaians, particularly the most vulnerable.
Ayariga also called on the youth to actively participate in the upcoming elections, urging them to vote for the NDC as the party that truly represents their interests.
He emphasized the crucial role of young people in shaping the country’s future, stating that their support is essential for ensuring the NDC’s victory.
The presidential candidate for the Movement for Change (M4C), Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has vowed to eliminate the COVID-19 levy he describes as the “disinfection levy”, introduced under President Akufo-Addo’s administration if he becomes president.
In a recent media interaction, the former Trade and Industry Minister criticized the government for continuing to impose the COVID-19 health recovery levy and disinfection levy, calling them unnecessary burdens on businesses.
Kyerematen argued that the high taxes make Ghana an expensive country to conduct business in and pledged to implement significant tax reductions.
Specifically targeting the continuation of the COVID-19 levy and the disinfection levy, Kyerematen questioned their relevance in the current economic climate.
“How is it that we are still charging the COVID-19 levy? Does it make sense? You are charging a disinfection levy. What are you disinfecting? So what are those taxes for? It is a lazy way of making up for failed policies in terms of making sure that leakages do not occur. There should be no excuses. Those taxes have no place in our economic environment, and that is why I have been bold to say, I will scrap them,” he declared.
He stated that his goal is to make Ghana the most affordable country for business in the region, promising a tax regime that would be the lowest in ECOWAS under his leadership.
Expressing his frustration with the current tax system, Kyerematen said, “All the money is going into people’s pockets. If you know the level of corruption, it is not just about the NDC but also the NPP. So we have no choice but to bring taxes down. I am an economist and a lawyer, but I think like an engineer. You cannot have an enterprise economy or a competitive economy with high taxes.”
He emphasized that reducing these “nuisance taxes” is crucial for supporting the private sector, explaining that his proposed tax regime would create a more competitive economic environment in Ghana.
“When we talk about low taxes, GTP is saying that with the kind of tax regime I am proposing, Ghana will have the lowest tax regime in the whole of ECOWAS during an Alan presidency.”
Also, John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assured that the next National Democratic Congress will also scrap the COVID-19 levy.
“You can also be assured that we will abolish the e-levy, remove the COVID Levy, and scrap the betting tax. I urge you to stand with us, stand for your dreams, and stand for a better Ghana,” he said.
On March 31, 2021, President Akufo-Addo assented to the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy Act, 2021 (Act 1068), enabling the implementation of the levy at a rate of 1 per cent from May 1, 2021
There have been growing calls from the Minority in Parliament and various public sectors to eliminate taxes like the COVID levy and e-levy to ease the financial burdens on Ghanaians, who are grappling with a high cost of living.
Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Abena Osei Asare, has however, highlighted the necessity of the levy, despite the official end of the pandemic.
She stressed the continuing need for funding to maintain the country’s supply of COVID-19 vaccines, which are crucial for building citizens’ immunity.
“COVID is no more, but we still feel the impact of COVID. There are many things that we did during COVID-19 that we are now having to take care of,” Osei Asare explained.
Supreme Court judge nominee, Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong, has dismissed concerns that his research on LGBTQ issues would lead him to undermine Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill if he is confirmed as a judge.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Vetting Committee on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Professor Oppong rejected the notion that he would be a “dangerous” addition to the bench due to his academic work.
The concerns were raised by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi and a sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ bill. Referring to Professor Oppong’s research titled Foreign Same-Sex Marriages Before Commonwealth African Courts, Dafeamekpor suggested that the nominee might strike down the bill if he were to join the Supreme Court.
“As a sponsor of the bill, I think you will be a danger when you get onto the bench in terms of our anti-LGBTQ activities. There is a confidential report that suggests that. And I am saying that when you get the opportunity, you will be striking down these laws because that is the justificational mandate of the Supreme Court,” Dafeamekpor stated.
In response, Professor Oppong firmly denied these assertions. “I think I really reject the idea that if I get to the Supreme Court, I will be a danger to anything that you are talking about,” he responded. He emphasized that, if approved, his role as a judge would be to apply the laws of Ghana, irrespective of his academic research.
Professor Oppong’s research had stirred controversy due to its examination of how African courts, including those in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, might handle foreign same-sex marriages. In the abstract of his research, he acknowledged that same-sex relationships would likely violate the laws of most African countries, including Ghana. He noted that such unions are either explicitly prohibited or fall under legislation that can be interpreted to prohibit them.
However, he also pointed out the challenges that arise when countries that do not recognize same-sex relationships are confronted with legal conflicts due to the growing global trend of institutionalizing same-sex marriages. He suggested that African courts might need to differentiate between cases seeking adversarial court procedures, like dividing marital property, and those attempting to legitimize a same-sex union.
Despite the nuanced views presented in his research, Professor Oppong clarified that judges must apply the law impartially, without letting personal beliefs influence their judgments. When asked directly if he believed a man should be granted the right to marry another man, he answered unequivocally, “No.”
Professor Oppong’s comments aimed to assure the committee that his academic work would not compromise his commitment to upholding Ghana’s laws, including the anti-LGBTQ bill, if he is confirmed as a Supreme Court judge.
On February 28, 2024, Ghana’s Parliament unanimously passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.
The bill which is yet to be assented to by President Akufo-Addo to become law criminalises the mere identification as an LGBTQ+ community member and “related activities,” including same-sex relationships, the use of sex toys, and cross-dressing.
Presently, the content of the bill has not been made public as the President has been advised against receiving the bill from the Clerk of Parliament due to the legal action against the bill currently at the Supreme Court.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has expressed his skepticism about President Akufo-Addo‘s commitment to fighting corruption, stating that the president has failed to deliver on his promises.
Mr Cudjoe’s remarks indicate a lack of confidence in Akufo-Addo’s ability to address the issue effectively, particularly in light of previous promises that have not been fulfilled.
During a town hall meeting at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra on Monday, August 12, former President John Mahama pledged to hold public officials accountable if re-elected, stressing that his anti-corruption efforts would be comprehensive and not limited to political opponents.
Mahama‘s assurances come as he seeks another term in office, positioning himself as a stronger alternative to the current administration.
Although Mahama faced criticism during his previous tenure regarding corruption, Cudjoe believes that he has a better track record than Akufo-Addo in addressing the issue.
In an interview with Citi News, Cudjoe pointed to instances where Akufo-Addo has backtracked on key promises, including his stance on illegal mining and economic management.
“I can understand the caution, but [President] Akufo-Addo is not John Mahama. At least we tested both. As I understand, [President] Akufo-Addo has walked back on some of his words many, many times. No haircut, he gave us a dubious haircut,” Cudjoe stated.
He further criticized the president’s handling of the illegal mining crisis, saying, “Galamsey [Illegal mining], he said he would put his presidency on the line and nothing has happened because the rivers are worse off now than ever before. I should be cautious, but I think I will trust John Dramani Mahama a bit more than [President] Akufo-Addo because unfortunately, [President] Akufo-Addo has proven not to be trustworthy on these things.”
Cudjoe’s comments underscore his disappointment with Akufo-Addo’s leadership on corruption, suggesting that the president has failed to meet the expectations he set while in opposition. In contrast, Mahama’s renewed commitment to tackling corruption appears to offer a more trustworthy alternative.
