TIG Post

Tag: NPP 2024 elections

  • Dr Bawumia wins 2026 NPP Presidential Primaries with over 56% of votes

    Dr Bawumia wins 2026 NPP Presidential Primaries with over 56% of votes

    The former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been declared the winner of the just-ended New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential election, securing 57% of the votes.

    Out of the total valid votes cast, Dr. Bawumia secured 110,643 votes (56.48%), followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 46,554 votes (23.76%), Bryan Acheampong earned 36,303 (18.53%), Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Ing. Kwabena Agyepong trailed with 1,999 votes (1.02%) and 402 votes (0.21%) respectively.

    More than 211,000 delegates took part in the polls which were conducted at 333 voting centres spanning all 275 constituencies nationwide.

    Throughout the process, heightened security arrangements were put in place, while party officials closely monitored proceedings to guarantee orderliness.

    Across several constituencies, the sorting and compilation of votes are currently in progress, and preliminary results have started filtering in from parts of the country. Party leaders have assured stakeholders of openness and fairness as the process moves forward.

    Prior to the election, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah predicted the Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to win 14 out of the 16 regions.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, January 28, he noted that Dr. Bawumia would sweep massive votes in the party’s stronghold, the Ashanti Region.

    He added, “Yes, [Bawumia will win in 14 regions out of 16 regions].“All the areas we have looked at are pointing in one direction, and that direction is that Bawumia will win this Saturday’s election one-touch.

    According to him, “Based on our model, his lowest score will be 54 percent, which is the 57 percent we are giving him minus the three percent margin of error, or he could get up to 60 percent”.The Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics emphasised that the data is consistent across all regions. “I am very confident in Bawumia’s numbers because they are more stable in terms of variability. There is no noise in the data,” he added.

    Last year, the National Tracking Poll by Global InfoAnalytics disclosed that 56 per cent of voters and 72 per cent of committed NPP delegates want former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as their flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

    According to the poll, 28 per cent of voters are rooting for former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, with 6 per cent each for Dr Bryan Acheampong and Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum, and 4 per cent supporting Kwabena Agyapong.

    Among NPP delegates, 19 per cent want Kennedy Agyapong, while Dr Bryan Acheampong records 4 per cent, Dr Osei-Adutwum 3 per cent, and Kwabena Agyapong 1 per cent.

    The poll was conducted between December 1 and December 21 across all 16 regions of the country. Methods used include a combination of web-based, telephone, and face-to-face interviews.

    In October 2025, the Pan-African civil society organisation Sanity Africa, which predicted the victory of Bernard Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the tightly contested Akwatia by-election, released its Phase Two survey on the NPP presidential primaries.

    According to the organisation’s survey, there has been a shift in the landscape as the party gears up towards the January 2026 primaries.

    The abridged October report suggests that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, popularly known as Ken, has strengthened his lead among NPP delegates, commanding 53.1% of voting intentions, representing a 1.7 percentage-point increase from the Phase One survey conducted in July.

    Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) trails with 39.0%, indicating a 3.2-point drop. Behind them are Dr Bryan Acheampong at 5.0% (up 1.9 points), Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum at 2.0% (down 1.0 point), and Ing. Kwabena A. Agyepong at 0.9% (rising from 0.3%).

    The survey, carried out between July and October 2025, sampled 15,000 delegates from an estimated 218,000 in the expanded voter album across all 276 constituencies.

    It boasts a 99% confidence level with a ±5% margin of error. At the regional level, Ken Agyapong sits atop as the leading candidate in 10 out of Ghana’s 16 regions, including strongholds such as Ashanti (54.8%), Central (69.0%), and Eastern (54.8%).

    His biggest contender, Dr Bawumia, on the other hand, still holds his lead in the northern sector, with an advantage in the remaining six regions. He leads in the North East (70.0%) and Upper West (60.2%). Competitive races are unfolding in Bono East, Savannah, and Upper East, where margins remain slim.

    Notable shifts include Dr Bawumia widening his lead in the North East Region from 51.6% to 70.0%, while Ken strengthened his position in Volta (50.8%) and Bono (53.0%).

    Dr Bryan Acheampong registered significant gains in his home region of Eastern, rising to 21.7%. Sanity Africa noted that these shifts reflect evolving delegate sentiments influenced by campaign strategies and regional dynamics.

    The organisation emphasised that while Ken Agyapong currently has the upper hand, the contest remains fluid. Endorsements, messaging, and campaign strategies, it said, are expected to play critical roles in shaping the outcome.

    With Phase Three of the survey scheduled for release in January 2026, Sanity Africa concluded that Ken may be the one to beat, but the race is far from over.

    However, the Global InfoAnalytics tracking poll named Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the people’s preferred candidate to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election, ahead of his closest contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The poll suggests that 57% of voters prefer Dr Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate, while 29% picked Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The other contenders—former Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum (6%), Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong (5%), and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong (3%)—trailed behind.

    In the critical swing regions of Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr Bawumia also led decisively with 57%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 32%. Dr Adutwum and Dr Acheampong each secured 4%, while Kwabena Agyapong obtained 3%.

    The survey further indicated that in a potential runoff between Dr Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bawumia would extend his lead with 62% against Agyapong’s 38%.

  • NPP decides on Baba Ali to contest for Ayawaso East by-election

    NPP decides on Baba Ali to contest for Ayawaso East by-election

    An individual affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Baba Ali will represent the party in the upcoming Ayawaso East by-election on March 3.

    The NPP announced through its Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party, Divine Agorhom on the Monday, January 26.

    Defending the party’s choice of candidate, during a media engagement, Divine Agorhom disclosed that Baba Ali exudes the necessary requisite for the election.

    “We want somebody who has the party experience, who will work within the party, somebody who is known within the party and somebody who has the humility and the ability to knock doors, go to everybody and work such that we will be able to help him within this small period of time and get the constituency to accept him,” he said.

    He added that, “The gentleman we settled on appears to have ticked all these boxes, and for that, we think that we are good to go. We have decided to settle on the constituency secretary in the person of Baba Ali”.

    Meanwhile, the party’s constituency chairman, Mohammed Ramme; Hajia Amina Adam, wife of the late Member of Parliament; Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; and Dr Yakubu Azindow have picked nomination forms to contest the NDC’s parliamentary primary in Ayawaso East.

    Why a by-election in Ayawaso East

    The Ayawaso by-election comes after the demise of the Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure, who passed away after a short illness on January 4, leaving the parliamentary seat vacant.

    Subsequently, Parliament declared the seat vacant, prompting the Electoral Commission (EC) to set a parliamentary by-election for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, to fill the vacancy in accordance with the Constitution.

    Late MP’s widow on seat contest

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

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

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

    In a related development, a total of 211,849 delegates are expected to vote at 333 polling centres across 276 constituencies nationwide on Saturday, January 31, during the NPP’s flagbearership race.

    The Chairperson of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, disclosed this in an interview with the media.

    He said the party has completed all preparations for the polls, including the final voters’ register, security arrangements, designation of voting centres, and the election rules.

    “It is going to market the candidate enough, particularly in terms of building contacts with the international community, the business community, and stakeholders across the globe,” he noted.

    The primaries are anticipated to attract significant interest from both longstanding members and new contenders seeking to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle.

    Party officials also noted that nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and the code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks, with the National Executive Committee (NEC) promising party members a transparent and credible process that upholds the democratic values of the NPP.

    Also speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 17, the Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, explained that the seemingly early date slated for the party’s primaries is intentional.

    He noted that it is meant to give the chosen flagbearer a head start in policy communication and to foster stronger connections with both the international community and the business sector.

    He believes this will reposition the party as a credible and prepared alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections. Also, given the NPP’s current minority status in Parliament, with only 88 seats, he believes an early start will help intensify external engagements.

    However, the latest National Tracking Poll by Global InfoAnalytics has disclosed that 56 per cent of voters and 72 per cent of committed NPP delegates want former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as their flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

    According to the poll, 28 per cent of voters are rooting for former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, with 6 per cent each for Dr Bryan Acheampong and Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum, and 4 per cent supporting Kwabena Agyapong.

    Among NPP delegates, 19 per cent want Kennedy Agyapong, while Dr Bryan Acheampong records 4 per cent, Dr Osei-Adutwum 3 per cent, and Kwabena Agyapong 1 per cent.

    The poll was conducted between December 1 and December 21 across all 16 regions of the country. Methods used include a combination of web-based, telephone, and face-to-face interviews.

    In October 2025, the Pan-African civil society organisation Sanity Africa, which predicted the victory of Bernard Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the tightly contested Akwatia by-election, released its Phase Two survey on the NPP presidential primaries.

    According to the organisation’s survey, there has been a shift in the landscape as the party gears up towards the January 2026 primaries.

    The abridged October report suggests that Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, popularly known as Ken, has strengthened his lead among NPP delegates, commanding 53.1% of voting intentions, representing a 1.7 percentage-point increase from the Phase One survey conducted in July.

    Dr Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) trails with 39.0%, indicating a 3.2-point drop. Behind them are Dr Bryan Acheampong at 5.0% (up 1.9 points), Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum at 2.0% (down 1.0 point), and Ing. Kwabena A. Agyepong at 0.9% (rising from 0.3%).

    The survey, carried out between July and October 2025, sampled 15,000 delegates from an estimated 218,000 in the expanded voter album across all 276 constituencies.

    It boasts a 99% confidence level with a ±5% margin of error. At the regional level, Ken Agyapong sits atop as the leading candidate in 10 out of Ghana’s 16 regions, including strongholds such as Ashanti (54.8%), Central (69.0%), and Eastern (54.8%).

    His biggest contender, Dr Bawumia, on the other hand, still holds his lead in the northern sector, with an advantage in the remaining six regions. He leads in the North East (70.0%) and Upper West (60.2%). Competitive races are unfolding in Bono East, Savannah, and Upper East, where margins remain slim.

    Notable shifts include Dr Bawumia widening his lead in the North East Region from 51.6% to 70.0%, while Ken strengthened his position in Volta (50.8%) and Bono (53.0%).

    Dr Bryan Acheampong registered significant gains in his home region of Eastern, rising to 21.7%. Sanity Africa noted that these shifts reflect evolving delegate sentiments influenced by campaign strategies and regional dynamics.

    The organisation emphasised that while Ken Agyapong currently has the upper hand, the contest remains fluid. Endorsements, messaging, and campaign strategies, it said, are expected to play critical roles in shaping the outcome.

    With Phase Three of the survey scheduled for release in January 2026, Sanity Africa concluded that Ken may be the one to beat, but the race is far from over.

    However, the Global InfoAnalytics tracking poll named Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the people’s preferred candidate to lead the NPP into the 2028 general election, ahead of his closest contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The poll suggests that 57% of voters prefer Dr Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate, while 29% picked Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The other contenders—former Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei-Adutwum (6%), Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong (5%), and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong (3%)—trailed behind.

    In the critical swing regions of Greater Accra, Central, and Western, Dr Bawumia also leads decisively with 57%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 32%. Dr Adutwum and Dr Acheampong each secured 4%, while Kwabena Agyapong obtained 3%.

    The survey further indicates that in a potential runoff between Dr Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bawumia would extend his lead with 62% against Agyapong’s 38%.

  • Wontumi detained overnight for failing to satisfy bail conditions

    Wontumi detained overnight for failing to satisfy bail conditions

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been detained by the High Court in Accra for failing to meet his bail conditions.

    Wontumi spent the night in police custody as efforts to fulfill the bail requirements by the High Court in Accra proved unsuccessful.

    On Tuesday, October 9, the High Court in Accra granted him bail of GHC15 million with three sureties. Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, directed that out of the three guarantors, two must justify their bail with ownership of land or property within the court’s jurisdiction.


    Prosecutors have accused Chairman Wontumi, who doubles as the owner of Akonta Mining, and his co-director, Kwame Antwi, of illegally authorizing mining operations without the necessary licenses.

    The case relates to activities that took place in 2024. Meanwhile, Wontumi pleaded not guilty to the charges. But the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Srem-Sai, prayed the court to impose stringent bail conditions, arguing that such measures were necessary to prevent Wontumi from fleeing.


    “Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued.


    On Monday, October 6, Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine. On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID.


    According to the Attorney General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.


    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.


    The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.


    In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”


    The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”


    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.


    In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.


    According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.


    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.


    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution.

    During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.


    According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.


    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.


    “Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.


    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.


    Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations Frank Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.


    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.


    He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.


    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.


    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.


    Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from illegal small-scale mining activities, also known as galamsey.

    A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.
    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.
    The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.
    “One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum.
    “Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained.
    Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.
    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state.
    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Court grants Wontumi GHC15m bail over illegal mining charges

    Court grants Wontumi GHC15m bail over illegal mining charges

    Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been granted bail of GHC15 million with three sureties by the High Court in Accra.

    Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, directed that out of the three guarantors, two must justify their bail with ownership of land or property within the court’s jurisdiction.

    Chairman Wontumi, owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited in the Western Region, is standing trial for allegedly aiding individuals to conduct mining operations without the proper licence at the Samreboi concession.

    Prosecutors have accused Chairman Wontumi, who doubles as the owner of Akonta Mining, and his co-director, Kwame Antwi, of illegally authorizing mining operations without the necessary licenses. The case relates to activities that took place in 2024.

    Meanwhile, Wontumi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
    But Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Srem-Sai, has asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions to prevent him from fleeing.


    “Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued.


    On Monday, October 6, Chairman Wontumi appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID. According to the Attorney General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.


    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.


    The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.


    In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”


    The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”


    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.


    In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.


    According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.


    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.


    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution. During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.


    According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.


    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.


    “Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.


    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.
    Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations Frank Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.


    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.


    He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.


    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.


    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.


    Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities.A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.


    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.


    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.


    The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.


    “One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum.


    “Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained.


    Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).


    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.


    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state.


    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Wontumi appears in court today over illegal mining charges

    Wontumi appears in court today over illegal mining charges

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to appear before the court today, Tuesday, October 7, over alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities involving his company, Akonta Mining Limited.

    On Monday, October 6, he was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million with two sureties.

    Chairman Wontumi made an appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, on Monday, October 6, after an order from the Attorney General (A-G) Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    On Friday, October 3, Dr. Dominic Ayine threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender himself to the CID. According to the Attorney General, little progress has been made in investigating the allegations as key documents have been withheld by some officials of the previous administration.

    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked the company’s mining license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

    The Minister explained that Akonta Mining has extended its illegal activities to the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves despite possessing a valid license to operate outside of forest reserves. Reacting to the Minister’s statement, the company refuted claims leveled against its operations.

    It emphasised in a press statement, “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources”.

    The company added that such claims are a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company.

    “The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act,” the company said.

    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes at a time when there is mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country.

    The menace continues to threaten not only Ghana’s waterbodies, food crops and forest reserves but also the country’s energy infrastructure.In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.

    According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.

    President Mahama believes that the country can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops as well as invests more resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle seems to be a long one, but his administration is committed to fighting it.

    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.

    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey, declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has given a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution to the menace.

    During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member, Collins Adomako-Mensah, startling revelation about how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.

    According to him, the country’s electricity generation authorities, including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority, risk shutting down over attacks on their infrastructure.

    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up- one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. Gridco complained about galamsey.

    Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies.

    He added, “Gridco complained about galamsey. Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies.”

    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.

    Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations, Frank Otchere, made this known at GRIDCo headquarters in Tema on Thursday, September 25.

    Mr. Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when they attempt to access certain areas.

    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.

    He added that the galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure. He appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert the potential collapse of towers.

    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.

    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in the rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.

    Approximately five hundred cases of spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) have been recorded in research that links these cases to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities.

    A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering the lives of mothers.

    “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.

    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and foetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.

    The dangers of these metals extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water.

    Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.

    According to him, one of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. He warned that if left unchecked, “Ghana will be in big trouble.”

    “Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum. Alum is aluminium hydroxide, that is the full name, aluminium hydroxide, and this aluminium hydroxide, when taken for a long period, in fact at higher concentration, has a lot of what you call health effects. One of them is kidney problems.

    “When you use alum, that’s aluminium hydroxide, which is used to purify the water, especially when they are using that concentration, which I believe is so high, it’s going to cause kidney problems, it’s going to irritate the respiratory tract, and it’s going to cause what we call neurological defects.

    “All these things have been proven, have been studied, and proven to be important, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects that we are seeing around,” he explained.

    Among the recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.

    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter the activities of galamsey operators as they are the enemies of the state.

    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless.

    “And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr Kofi-Buah charged.+

  • Akonta Mining: Chairman Wontumi granted GHS1m bail

    Akonta Mining: Chairman Wontumi granted GHS1m bail

    A bail of GH₵1 million with two sureties has been granted to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

    This development comes after Chairman Wontumi appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, over alleged involvement of Akonta Mining in illegal mining (galamsey) activities.

    Chairman Wontumi, who is said to be the owner of Akonta Mining, appeared at the CID with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, following an order from the Attorney General (A-G), Dr. Dominic Ayine. He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, October 7.

    Speaking to the media, Wontumi’s legal counsel, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, revealed that his client had been charged with mining-related offences.

    “The charges are related to mining. Wontumi has been charged with mining without a license and other related offenses,” he disclosed.

    On Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine had threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender to the CID. According to the Attorney General, little progress had been made in investigating the allegations as key documents were withheld by some officials of the previous administration.


    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked Akonta Mining’s license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

    The Minister noted that the company had extended its illegal activities to both the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves, despite possessing a valid license to operate outside forest reserves.

    In response, the company refuted the claims, stating in a press release: “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”


    The company added that the accusations were “a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company. The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”


    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes amid mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country. The menace continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies, food crops, forest reserves, and energy infrastructure.


    In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.

    According to him, the advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    President Mahama added that the country could eradicate the long-term problem if it deployed more troops and invested more resources in the fight. “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes, let’s fight illegal mining, but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.

    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council. As of now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey. Declaring a state of emergency… I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he said.


    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has issued a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution. During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah revealed how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.


    According to him, electricity generation authorities—including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority—risk shutting down due to attacks on their infrastructure.

    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up—one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. GRIDCo complained about galamsey.

    “Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui, and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies,” he said.


    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.

    Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations Frank Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when attempting to access certain areas.

    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.


    He added that galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure, and appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert potential collapses.


    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.


    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.

    Approximately 500 cases have been recorded, linked to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities.
    A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering mothers. “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.


    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and fetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.


    The dangers extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water. Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.


    “One of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum.

    “Alum is aluminium hydroxide. When taken at higher concentrations over a long period, it can cause kidney problems, irritate the respiratory tract, and lead to neurological defects. All these things have been proven, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects we are seeing around,” he explained.


    Among recent measures to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.


    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter galamsey operators as they are enemies of the state.

    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless. And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr. Kofi-Buah charged.

  • Akonta Mining: Wontumi to appear before court on Tuesday over galamsey allegations

    Akonta Mining: Wontumi to appear before court on Tuesday over galamsey allegations

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is set to appear before the court on Tuesday, October 7, over alleged involvement of Akonta Mining in illegal mining activities (galamsey).

    He has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million.

    Chairman Wontumi, who is said to be the owner of Akonta Mining, made an appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service with his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, on Monday, October 6, after an order from the Attorney General (A-G) Dr. Dominic Ayine.


    On Friday, October 3, Dr. Dominic Ayine threatened to arrest him if he failed to surrender himself to the CID. According to the Attorney General, little progress has been made in investigating the allegations as key documents have been withheld by some officials of the previous administration.


    In April, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revoked the company’s mining license for illegally mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.


    The Minister explained that Akonta Mining has extended its illegal activities to the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves despite possessing a valid license to operate outside of forest reserves. Reacting to the Minister’s statement, the company refuted claims leveled against its operations.


    It emphasised in a press statement, “We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources”.


    The company added that such claims are a deliberate attempt by the Minister to tarnish the reputation of the company.


    “The decision by the Minister to publicly accuse us and call for the revocation of our license without any investigation or hearing is not just unfair, it is a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act,” the company said.


    Chairman Wontumi’s expected reappearance comes at a time when there is mounting pressure on the Mahama-led administration to end illegal mining activities in the country.


    The menace continues to threaten not only Ghana’s waterbodies, food crops and forest reserves but also the country’s energy infrastructure.
    In a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)on Friday, October 3, President John Dramani Mahama noted that he can only declare a state of emergency over the issue when his government’s advisors approve it.


    According to him, government advisors believe the country can overcome galamsey by adopting best practices in small-scale mining, including technologies that help neutralize or remove harmful chemicals from water bodies.


    President Mahama believes that the country can eradicate the long-term canker if it deploys more troops as well as invests more resources in the fight. He concluded that the battle seems to be a long one, but his administration is committed to fighting it.


    “While we are fighting the menace, I am also saying we should uptake technology in order to protect the environment. So yes let’s fight the illegal mining but at the same time, let’s bring the new technology that will help us protect our environment.


    “Now with the elephant in the room, state of emergency, yes, I have the power to do it, but the president acts on the advice of the National Security Council, and as at now, this moment, the National Security Council believes that we can win the fight against galamsey, declaring a state of emergency. I want to assure you that the day they advise me otherwise, that boss, now we need a state of emergency, I won’t hesitate,” he added.


    Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy has given a stern warning about the potential future repercussions of galamsey if the country fails to find a lasting solution to the menace.


    During a visit to the Anwomaso Thermal Power Station in Kumasi on Wednesday, October 1, Deputy Ranking Member, Collins Adomako-Mensah, startling revelation about how Ghana’s power installations are being tampered with by illegal miners.


    According to him, the country’s electricity generation authorities, including the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), the Bui Power Authority (BPA), WAPCO Gas Pipeline, and the Volta River Authority, risk shutting down over attacks on their infrastructure.


    “When we were engaging the other participants, two things came up- one has to do with galamsey, and it is having a heavy, heavy toll on the energy sector, not just about water. Gridco complained about galamsey.

    Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies.


    He added, “Gridco complained about galamsey. Their pylons, people are digging where they have a lot of their pylons. Yesterday we were at Bui and the Bui water situation is deteriorating because of the galamsey situation surrounding their water bodies.”


    In September, GRIDCo expressed grave concern over the encroachment on its transmission tower sites by galamsey operators, who are digging dangerously close to the foundations.


    Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Engineering and Operations, Frank Otchere, made this known at GRIDCo headquarters in Tema on Thursday, September 25.


    Mr. Otchere stated that maintenance teams now face attacks when they attempt to access certain areas.


    “Unfortunately, there are some areas that even when our maintenance teams go there, they get shot at. And some of them have had to run away,” he disclosed, adding that the situation has made it impossible for GRIDCo to operate in certain locations without security support.


    He added that the galamseyers are weakening the towers, which are carefully engineered to withstand immense weight and pressure. He appealed for urgent assistance from national security agencies to protect transmission corridors and avert the potential collapse of towers.


    “This engagement aims to provide a platform for frank and constructive dialogue between the Government and civil society on the menace of illegal mining, with a view to harnessing collective expertise, perspectives, and solutions to address this national challenge,” the letter stated.


    Ongoing research by a forensic histopathologist and former Head of Pathology at KNUST and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Prof. Dr Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, has revealed alarming trends in the rising cases of spontaneous abortions among pregnant women in Ghana.


    Approximately five hundred cases of spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) have been recorded in research that links these cases to severe contamination of placentas and the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, resulting from galamsey activities.


    A spontaneous abortion is the unintentional expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus before it is viable.Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, September 27, Prof. Sampene warned that galamsey is poisoning unborn babies and endangering the lives of mothers.


    “I have about 500 cases where women go to the hospital and abort their babies because of the concentration of these heavy metals in their placenta,” he disclosed.


    According to him, his research involved over 4,000 placentas examined from different regions across Ghana. The results showed dangerous levels of heavy metal contamination on both the maternal and foetal sides. “The placentas are all contaminated, polluted with heavy metals,” he said.


    The dangers of these metals extend beyond pregnancy losses. Another effect of galamsey is the excessive use of alum to address the increasing turbidity of water.


    Ghana Water Company Limited, the nation’s largest water supplier, has resorted to using higher concentrations of alum. Prof. Sampene cautioned that high levels of aluminium hydroxide pose serious health risks.


    According to him, one of the consequences of excessive alum use is kidney disease, which is already on the rise. He warned that if left unchecked, “Ghana will be in big trouble.”


    “Of course, people are talking about turbidity, and then the Water Company is saying that they are using more alum. Alum is aluminium hydroxide, that is the full name, aluminium hydroxide, and this aluminium hydroxide, when taken for a long period, in fact at higher concentration, has a lot of what you call health effects. One of them is kidney problems.


    “When you use alum, that’s aluminium hydroxide, which is used to purify the water, especially when they are using that concentration, which I believe is so high, it’s going to cause kidney problems, it’s going to irritate the respiratory tract, and it’s going to cause what we call neurological defects.


    “All these things have been proven, have been studied, and proven to be important, and we have to be very careful about them now. This goes apart from the effects that we are seeing around,” he explained.


    Among the recent measures taken to protect water bodies from illegal miners is the deployment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).


    The Secretariat includes the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), the Narcotics Control Commission, and the National Security Secretariat.


    Addressing the security forces, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Amarh Kofi-Buah, directed the team to ruthlessly counter the activities of galamsey operators as they are the enemies of the state.


    “Any recalcitrant entering into these zones is not merely a trespasser. They are an enemy of the state. You are to be firm. You are to be resolute. You are to be ruthless.


    “And please, take it from me, you will take no obstructionist instruction from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President of the Republic, and he’s the one who has sent you,” Mr Kofi-Buah charged.

  • NPP to vet Bawumia and 4 other presidential aspirants today

    NPP to vet Bawumia and 4 other presidential aspirants today

    The vetting committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will today, Tuesday, September 23, assess the former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and four other persons contesting to lead the party into the 2028 elections.

    Today’s session forms part of the party’s process to elect the party’s presidential candidate in 2026. Several prominent party figures have already publicly signaled their intent to contest, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (former Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe), Bryan Acheampong (Member of Parliament for Abetifi), former party General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong, and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.


    On Tuesday, July 29, the NPP opened nominations for its 2028 flagbearer position. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the party’s 2024 flagbearer and former Vice President, Kennedy Agyapong, Kwabena Agyepong, and Dr. Osei Adutwum have all picked up nomination forms.


    Former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, officially filed his nomination forms on Tuesday, August 26. Party executives received the nomination forms from former Assin Central MP and presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong on Wednesday, August 27. Former Food and Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong has also filed his nomination forms. Dr Adutwum is expected to file his nomination forms today.
    In the meantime, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has received strong backing from 268 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who paid him a visit in June to pledge their support.
    Former Energy Minister and running mate of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has decided to throw his weight behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the party’s presidential primaries in 2026.
    In an interview on Asempa FM on August 26, the former minister noted that he remains grateful to the former Vice President who decided to make him his running mate despite the many individuals who advised him to do otherwise.
    According to Dr Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, Dr Bawumia was engaged countless times by some bigwigs in the party to pick someone else to be his running mate.
    “I am not ungrateful. Look at this big party and upon all the people who were praying for the running mate slot, he ignored all of them and made me his running mate.”
    “I know it was a difficult situation, but a lot of people don’t know. Some bigwigs in the party went to Dr Bawumia to tell him not to make me the running mate but he ignored them. There are some names that if I mentioned, you would be shocked. Some even took him to offices to advise him against me but still he chose me,” he remarked.
    He thus said; “So, I cannot be ungrateful to him… For those who stood in the flagbearership contest, everyone knows Kennedy Agyapong is my friend, but I am still for Bawumia.”
    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has made room for new additions to its already approximately 220,000 delegates who are eligible to vote in its presidential primaries slated for Saturday, January 31, next year.
    In a statement dated August 26, signed and shared by the Secretary of the Presidential Elections Committee, Williams Yamoah, the party announced that registration has been opened for an additional 60,000 new delegates, which include nineteen new categories of people. This directive follows reforms adopted at the party’s National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, July 19.
    The statement explained: “In accordance with Article 13(1)(11) of the Constitution of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and pursuant to the motion on transitional provisions adopted at the National Annual Delegates Conference held in Accra on Saturday, July 19, 2025, the following new categories of Party officials and dignitaries have been included in the upcoming Presidential Primary voter register.”
    The updated voter register, also known as the party album, will now include several new categories of officials and dignitaries. These are: all former regional and constituency executives, members of the National Council of Elders, 30 members of the National Council of Patrons, all past national officers, former party-card-bearing MPs and parliamentary candidates, as well as former party-card-bearing ministers and deputy ministers.
    Other groups added to the list are external branch executives, former external branch executives, and key members of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON), including presidents of recognised institutions, the National TESCON Coordinator, regional coordinators, and one TESCON patron from each institution.
    Additionally, 10 members from each Regional Council of Elders, 10 patrons from each region, and five members and patrons from each constituency have also been included.
    The statement directed that “all officers that fall under the categories above are requested to register their names with their respective organisational structures, including the National Secretariat, Regions, Constituencies and External Branches, as applicable, with immediate effect.”
    To make the registration process easier, the statement clarified that a digital link would be circulated to External Branch Executives for online registration. All other qualified members were advised to liaise with their respective regions and constituencies to register.
    However, the forms are to be accessed via the party’s official website. “The registration form may be downloaded from the Party’s official website. For ease of reference, a sample copy is hereby attached,” excerpts of the statement read. The statement further warned that the registration was strictly for the aforementioned categories of people, with a deadline set for Friday, September 19.

    “The deadline for registration is Friday, September 19, 2025. Please be advised that this registration exercise is exclusively open to officers and members who meet the aforementioned criteria. The Presidential Elections Committee shall undertake a comprehensive verification and validation of the Party’s album to ensure that only an authentic and credible register is used for the conduct of the presidential election,” the party cautioned, while expressing confidence in members’ cooperation.

    “We count on your usual cooperation and adherence to this directive in furtherance of the Party’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency.”
    The NPP is on a journey of reset, reinforcement, and healing following its historic defeat in the 2024 elections. Dr. Bawumia lost the 2024 presidential election, with John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing 6,328,397 valid votes, representing 56.55%, against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s 4,657,304 votes, representing 41.61%.
    Since the beginning of this year, the party has undertaken several reforms to position itself strongly against its main opponent, the NDC, and to recapture power.
    Among these reforms is the abolition of the electoral college in favour of a broader base of delegates. The party has also added 19 new delegate categories and granted amnesty to suspended members.
    The NPP has announced that suspended members have been reinstated, and all charges against those facing the disciplinary committee have been dropped.
    This decision was taken by the National Council during an emergency meeting held on July 25. In a statement dated August 16 and signed by the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Mr. Danquah Smith Buttey, members were informed that as part of measures to ensure unity and cooperation, all banned members had been given the right to return.
    “This measure reflects the Party’s unwavering commitment to fostering internal cohesion, strengthening solidarity, and preparing collectively for the political tasks ahead.
    “I write to inform you that the National Council, at its Emergency Meeting held on Friday, July 25, 2025, resolved, in the interest of unity and reconciliation, to grant a General Amnesty to all Party members who have been suspended or whose disciplinary cases are currently pending before the appropriate disciplinary bodies,” parts of the statement read.
    The party further urged all relevant bodies, including Regional and Constituency Executive Committees, to reinstate suspended members in accordance with laid-down rules and guiding principles.
    “We hereby serve notice that this directive lifts all such suspensions and nullifies any ongoing proceedings against affected members,” the statement added.
    However, the party clarified that this recall does not apply to members who willfully forfeited their membership. In cases where such individuals wish to return, they are required to submit a formal reinstatement request to the party’s secretariat. Upon acceptance, a two-year ban will be imposed, preventing them from contesting in any internal elections.

  • NPP takes to the streets over alleged “state-sponsored police” harassment by govt

    NPP takes to the streets over alleged “state-sponsored police” harassment by govt

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has today, Tuesday, September 23, taken to the streets over the alleged “state-sponsored police” harassment by the John Dramani Mahama-led government.


    The protest, known as ‘Yɛn Suro Ahunahuna’, will begin at Obra Spot at 6:00 a.m., proceed to the Police Headquarters to present a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP)/National Security, and conclude at Jubilee House with a petition to the Office of the President.

    Earlier, the NPP fixed a Friday, September 23, for its protest.

    Taking to Facebook, the party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, wrote, “Tuesday, 23rd September, the National Youth Wing will organise a demo against the state-sponsored police harassment. From Obra Spot to police headquarters. 6 a.m. sharp!”.


    The move, they said, is to protest what it calls state-sponsored harassment by the Ghana Police Service against its members.
    The protest comes after the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, was arrested and remanded in prison custody for fourteen days until his appearance on September 19.


    He made his second appearance in court ( the Accra Circuit Court), Friday, September 12 and his first appearance in court on Tuesday, September 9. He is being held in custody for offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace.


    During his first appearance in court, the NPP Bono Chairman’s legal team requested bail after the presiding judge scheduled his next appearance for the next three days; however, the presiding judge at the Accra Circuit Court denied their request.


    Consequently, Abronye was held in custody by the police until his next appearance. The Ghana Police, in an official statement shared on their Twitter page, confirmed the arrest of the NPP member on Monday, September 8.


    “The Ghana Police Service has today, 08/09/25, arrested Mr. Kwame Baffoe @ Abronye for Offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace”, confirming he is in their custody awaiting arraignment before the Court.


    He arrived in handcuffs, escorted by police officers from a black police van known as “Black Maria, sparking bitter concerns among members of the opposition NPP, including the party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha.


    The court’s denial of bail visibly did not sit well with some members of the opposition NPP, who appeared in court in solidarity with their member.


    During a media engagement, he complained bitterly about how the Chairman’s case of misdemeanour was being treated like a criminal case when it is a civil case.


    He said Abronye wasn’t a criminal to be transported in handcuffs and in a Black Maria, citing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money and time of concerned individuals.


    He warned the government against what he described as the mistreatment of NPP party members, stating that, “Power has an end, the tables will turn, and we will all have our revenge”.


    Criticizing the Ghana Police for bias, he announced an upcoming protest against the law enforcement agency in the coming days, which he will lead.


    Also, the lawyer of the accused Daniel Martey Addo, the Managing Counsel at Nkrumah & Associates, while commending the adherence to legal proceedings following his client’s arraignment in court, he, however, stated that, “it appears that the prosecution would just want him to be remanded.


    “For whatever reason, you gave us an invite, and the charges levelled against my client were just misdemeanours, and in law, you would know that there are categories of offences, and misdemeanour is the basic one that should not be the reason an accused person should be remanded”, he added.


    Armed police officers stormed the residence of former NPP Youth Organiser, Moses Abor, in search of Abronye on Sunday, September 8.


    Last week, Abronye made headlines after he formally wrote to eight different countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, seeking protection for his safety in Ghana.


    Defending his reason for seeking asylum, he added that “consistent, escalating political persecution, threats to my life, and systemic abuse of state security powers by the current Government of Ghana”.


    Abronye’s arrest comes days after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) held the presidential candidate and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, for alleged financial misappropriation and other related misconduct.

    On Wednesday, September 3, Kofi Akpaloo was picked up at his residence in Kumasi by EOCO officials for interrogation. Mr Akpaloo vied for the presidency in the 2024 general elections.


    Before the election, Akpaloo expressed strong confidence in his chances for a decisive win, predicting victory over major contenders.


    However, he obtained 5,219, which is 0.09%. Recently, EOCO has given much attention to investigating high-profile political figures and business leaders.


    Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, is also under investigation for alleged fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.


    Several other party affiliates have reportedly been arrested in separate cases.

  • Court remands NPP’s Abronye for seven days pending trial

    Court remands NPP’s Abronye for seven days pending trial

    The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, has been remanded in prison custody after he appeared before the Accra Circuit Court today, Friday, September 12. He made his first appearance in court on Tuesday, September 9.

    Abronye will return to court on Friday, September 19. He has been charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace.


    During the court proceeding, the NPP Bono Chairman’s legal team requested bail after the presiding judge scheduled his next appearance for the next three days; however, the presiding judge at the Accra Circuit Court denied their request.

    Consequently, Abronye has been held in custody by the police until his next appearance. Ghana Police, in an official statement shared on their Twitter page, confirmed the NPP member’s arrest on Monday, September 8.


    “The Ghana Police Service has today, 08/09/25, arrested Mr. Kwame Baffoe @ Abronye for Offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace”, confirming he is in their custody awaiting arraignment before the Court.


    He arrived in handcuffs, escorted by police officers from a black police van known as “Black Maria, sparking bitter concerns among members of the opposition NPP, including the party’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha.


    The court denying him bail visibly did not sit well with some members of the opposition NPP, who appeared in court in solidarity with their member.


    During a media engagement, he complained bitterly about how the Chairman’s case of misdemeanour was being treated like a criminal case when it is a civil case.

    He said Abronye wasn’t a criminal to be transported in handcuffs and in a Black Maria, citing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money and time of concerned individuals.


    He warned the government against what he described as the mistreatment of NPP party members, stating that, “Power has an end, the tables will turn, and we will all have our revenge”.


    Criticising the Ghana Police for bias, he announced an upcoming protest against the law enforcement agency in the coming days, which he will lead.


    Also, the lawyer of the accused Daniel Martey Addo, the Managing Counsel at Nkrumah & Associates, while commending the adherence to legal proceedings following his client’s arraignment in court, he, however, stated that, “it appears that the prosecution would just want him to be remanded.

    For whatever reason you gave us an invite, and the charges levelled against my client were just misdemeanors, and in law, you would know that there are categories of offences, and misdemeanor is the basic one that shouldn’t be should not be the reason an accused person should be remanded.”,

    Armed police officers stormed the residence of former NPP Youth Organiser, Moses Abor, in search of Abronye on Sunday, September 8.


    Last week, Abronye made headlines after he formally wrote to eight different countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany, seeking protection for his safety in Ghana.


    Defending his reason for seeking asylum, he added that “consistent, escalating political persecution, threats to my life, and systemic abuse of state security powers by the current Government of Ghana”.


    Abronye’s arrest comes days after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) held into custody the presidential candidate and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, for alleged financial misappropriation and other related misconduct.
    On Wednesday, September 3, Kofi Akpaloo was picked up at his residence in Kumasi by EOCO officials for interrogation. Mr Akpaloo vied for the presidency in the 2024 general elections.

    Before the election, Akpaloo expressed strong confidence in his chances for a decisive win, predicting victory over major contenders.


    However, he obtained 5,219, which is 0.09%. Recently, EOCO has given much attention to investigating high-profile political figures and business leaders.


    The Economic and Organised Crime Office was established by the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) as a specialized agency to monitor and investigate economic and organised crime and, on the authority of the Attorney-General, prosecute these offenses to recover the proceeds of crime and provide for related matters.


    The EOCO has similar mandates to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Recently, the OSP released a fifty-page report covering investigations and prosecutions carried out between January 1 and July 31 this year.


    The OSP’s Seventh Half-yearly Report is pursuant to Section 3(3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The document also outlines key developments in the Office’s operations.


    According to the OSP, despite resistance from powerful interests, it stayed focused on executing its mandate during this period. As such, the Office successfully progressed significant corruption-related investigations to the stage of court proceedings, while also initiating new inquiries into suspected acts of corruption.


    “Then again, the Office, as one of three implementing partners of the new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategy and Implementing Plan, is fashioning and molding anti-corruption structures that would stand the test of time. The task ahead remains formidable. Much more so is our resolve to perform.


    “This reporting period was characterized by intensification of the Office’s prosecutorial mandate. We advanced high-profile investigations to court and initiated bold inquiries into suspected corruption, often in the face of deep-seated resistance from entrenched interests.


    “Notwithstanding these expected challenges, the Office remains resolute and guided by the rule of law, fairness, firmness, evidence-based action, and the interest of the public. We recognise that the fight against corruption cannot be waged and won only through punitive action and incarceration,” parts of the report read.


    The legislative framework of the Office of the Special Prosecutor mandates the Authority to crack down on corruption, recover assets, and confiscate illicit property.


    “Indeed, the legislative set-up of the Office leans heavily on corruption-prevention and asset recovery and disgorgement of tainted property. Consequently, we proceed on sustainable anti-corruption outcomes by pairing enforcement with robust prevention and asset recovery, especially founded on our unique plea bargaining regime.


    In this spirit, the Office scaled up its preventive mandate through active engagement with public institutions, private sector actors, civil society- and secured convictions and asset recovery through impactful plea bargaining. We also reckon that the nation’s anti-corruption legal framework requires re-imagination, modernization, and retooling to address the immense scale and complexity of modern corruption in the context of our social, economic, and political constructs.


    “On this score, the Office has proposed the inclusion of a new chapter in the Constitution dedicated to the fight against corruption through definitive constitutional expression by the institution of proposed concrete measures to effectively and comprehensively suppress and repress corruption in public life as well as in the private sector chief among which include lifestyle audit non-conviction-based asset recovery, enhanced asset declaration and verification regime, and reverse onus presumption of corruption as the foundation of both anti-corruption criminal proceedings and civil asset recovery proceedings,” parts of the report added.


    The Office is also leading the charge in respect of the passage of a comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and Conduct of Public Officers Act.


    Currently, sixty-seven(67) cases are being handled by the Office, all of which are undergoing comprehensive review.


    The corruption cases being investigated by OSP include: Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Education Service, National Commission on Culture, Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services, National Service Authority, Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, and National Cathedral.


    The others are: Tema oil refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, State lands, Stool lands, and other Vested lands, Illegal Mining, National Sports Authority, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Bank of Ghana, and Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John.


    It further hinted that “There were seven (7) convictions and one (1) acquittal in respect of the cases pending before the criminal courts during the period under review. The Office has filed an appeal in respect of the case in which the accused was acquitted.


    Additionally, one hundred and fifty-two (152) cases are at the preliminary investigation stage, with the OSP assuring that details will be made public once they progress to the next stage.


    The Office is also seized with one hundred and fifty-two (152) other cases at the preliminary investigation stage. These may be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage.


    This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatization.

  • I never sold state land to my wife for GHS2k – NPP Secretary

    I never sold state land to my wife for GHS2k – NPP Secretary


    The Constituency Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Tema Central, Okwei Ian Tabalor, has shot down assertions that he illegally sold a public plot of land in Tema Community 5 to his wife for GHS 2,000. Speaking to the media, he described the claims as baseless and unjust, adding that he had no involvement in the process.

    “This was something my wife herself told me about. Her brother, Caleb Kisei, who once worked at TDC before traveling abroad, already had a plot in the same area, Community Five.

    “He informed her that the adjacent plot was a commercial plot she could apply for. She went through the official process to apply for it. I had no involvement. I am a protocol officer, not a manager—I don’t handle land allocations,” he explained.

    On Thursday, September 5, the Managing Director of TDC, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, accused Okwei Ian Tabalor of selling public land in Community 5 to his wife for GHS2,000 illegally. During a press briefing held in Accra, Thursday, September 4, the Managing Director of TDC, Courage Makafui Nunekpeku, revealed that the former staff member in question served as a protocol officer to a former TDC Managing Director.

    However, he disclosed that, he has reclaimed the land which was originally earmarked for the construction of a public toilet for the constituents after a successful intervention.

    “The NPP Tema Central Constituency Secretary sold that place to the wife at the cost of GHS 2,000. The documents are with me; I can make them available. When I went into the matter, I said no way; I engaged the woman, and I terminated the contract. I am not grabbing any land; I am just doing the right thing for the Ghanaian. I terminated that contract, and now the place is for the state to be used as a public toilet,” he announced.

    He firmly stated that this reclaiming of state property is not land grabbing, as some media houses may report it, but a step in the right direction.

    “The likes of the crusading guys captured it as though I was grabbing land. I am not grabbing any land. I am just doing the right thing. For the past 10 years, I have terminated that contract. It’s not for me. So, I am not grabbing any land in this case”.

    In light of this, he educated the public that, when a land allocation is made for someone, whether through a license, a deed, or direct allocation, it doesn’t mean the person automatically owns it forever or that the arrangement can never be changed.

    “…whether through a license, a deed, or direct allocation, it doesn’t mean the person automatically owns it forever or that the arrangement can never be changed”, he noted.

    The pre-briefing held by the TDC was aimed at addressing and exposing illegal land transactions and affirming their commitment to cracking down on such actions. The briefing forms part of TDC’s broader campaign to recover illegally acquired lands and redirect them toward public infrastructure and housing development.

    This comes at a time when President John Dramani Mahama has lifted the ban on transactions on state land. The ban was announced in an official statement dated January 10 and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, citing the need to protect public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.

    Eight months on, President Mahama, on Tuesday, September 2, announced that he had lifted it with immediate effect. He made this announcement during his speech at the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Lands Commission on Tuesday, September 2, highlighting that the pause exposed major shortcomings in the country’s land transactions, which called for a reset.

    “In pursuit of this reform agenda, my government placed a temporary ban on all state land transactions to enable a thorough review of existing processes. That exercise has yielded valuable insights into the weaknesses of our current system and the urgent reforms that are required.

    “So today, with the integration of the new commission and the adoption of robust accountability measures, I’m pleased to announce that the ban on land transactions has been lifted,” President Mahama explained.

    TDC’s revelation about the former staff member, his connections to the corridors of power, and the events surrounding his sale of state land to his wife, affirms President Mahama’s remarks pointing to influential people and politicians as the culprits behind the country’s broken and decaying land administration system.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, the unrestrained dissipation of state lands is not the work of the ordinary Ghanaian citizen. It is spearheaded by influential individuals who wield public office not as a trust but as a personal entitlement.

    “ Prime government lands, ecological buffer zones, school land reserves, forest enclaves, Ramsar sites, and even lagoons have been appropriated by individuals who had been given the responsibility of protecting them. This must end with this commission.

    “Over the years, these actions by corrupt individuals have consistently led to Ghana’s land administration system being flagged as one of the most corrupt, making it one of the institutions most in need of urgent reform”, he lamented.

    He continued, “Indeed, no area of our national life is in greater need of a reset than our land administration system. Our ancestors taught us that land is sacred. However, successive years of mismanagement, compounded by political interference and institutional decay, have left our land governance system broken and vulnerable.

    “ Independent anti-corruption surveys have consistently ranked the Lands Commission amongst the most distrusted institutions in our country. Public lands made for the benefit of all Ghanaians have been illegally sold, rezoned, or encroached upon with little accountability or consequences,” he fumed.

    Meanwhile, following the president’s announcement on the ban on state land transactions, the Minority caucus in Parliament demanded the immediate reversal. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, July 15, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Subin, Kofi Obiri Yeboah, admitted the President’s intention to safeguard public lands.

    However, he expressed concerns about the potential of the directive to halt economic activity and disrupt the works of legitimate land owners.

    “Although the President’s decision may aim at safeguarding public lands, these directives may also affect individuals and corporate entities who may have legitimately acquired interests in these lands,” the MP said.

    They further argued that if the government genuinely believes the private sector is the engine of growth, then such a ban undermines its own economic principles.

    Consequently, the MP admonished the government to “…as a matter of urgency, should lift the ban”.

    The MPs also expressed concern about potential revenue losses to the state, noting that the Lands Commission generates significant income through stamp duties, consent fees, and lease preparations, all of which contribute to the Consolidated Fund.

  • Thank you for not contesting Tamale Central seat – Asiedu Nketiah to NPP

    Thank you for not contesting Tamale Central seat – Asiedu Nketiah to NPP

    The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) decision not to contest in the Tamale Central by-election has been lauded by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    Speaking at the final funeral rites of the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed at his family house in Tamale on Tuesday, August 12, Asiedu Nketia described the NPP’s move as one that demonstrates political maturity.


    He further urged members of the National Democratic Congress to exercise restraint and put a hold on campaigning for the seat.

    “We thank our brothers in the NPP for declaring that they won’t contest us in Tamale Central. I beg our party members not to rush into contesting the Tamale Central constituency. Let’s stay calm and not disrupt the funeral rites of our fallen heroes. The party will meet after the funeral and set timelines to get a replacement for the late Murtala Mohammed,” he added.

    Constituents in the coming days will have the opportunity to elect an individual to represent the area in Parliament, following the passing of the Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.

    On Monday, August 11, the New Patriotic Party declared its intention not to participate in a by-election in the area.


    According to a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision comes after extensive consultations with stakeholders. He added that this will be the party’s better way of honoring Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims.


    “The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided,” parts of the statement read.


    Background


    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its air force helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.


    Hours later, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.


    The deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.


    As part of the 3-day national mourning, the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” took place at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9. The event was opened to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.
    On the first day of mourning, which began Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash. Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.
    The public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8. It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency. This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning.
    Last week, the samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 were transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.


    Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.


    Recent development
    Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna—two out of the eight who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash—have been buried in accordance with Islamic Tradition, Custom and Practices.
    They were buried following the arrival of the DNA results on Saturday, August 9.


    On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were offered at the forecourt of State House. Following that, the deceased were buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra. The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers.


    President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin attended the prayers, which were also attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and institutional heads, among many other Ghanaians.


    At the burial site, President Mahama used the opportunity to thank all who were present and showed their sympathy to the family and the country as a whole. He also expressed gratitude to the family for their patience in ensuring the DNA tests are carried out to aid the identification of the two deceased.


    “Today is not a day for talking; I want to thank you for your sympathy. I want to thank the two families for their patience. I want to thank the family for accepting my decision for the two brothers to be buried here. The families are free to visit anytime they want to do so,” he added.


    Meanwhile, books of condolence were opened simultaneously on Sunday, August 10, at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO. The books will be open until Thursday, 14th August 2025.


    On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the remaining six individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident.


    Minister for Health Minister Akandoh and the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Sunday, August 10, received the DNA results for the remaining six deceased in the August 6 helicopter crash.


    They received the results at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Engaging the media, the Health Minister noted that the results have been received earlier due to the expedited efforts put in by the government.

  • We won’t contest in Tamale Central by-election – NPP

    We won’t contest in Tamale Central by-election – NPP

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared its intention not to participate in a by-election that is expected to be conducted in the Tamale Central constituency.


    Constituents in the coming days will have the opportunity to elect an individual to represent the area in Parliament, following the passing of the Member of Parliament, Alhaji Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in the August 6 helicopter crash.


    According to a statement signed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the decision comes after extensive consultations with stakeholders. He added that this will be the party’s better way of honoring Dr. Murtala Mohammed and the other crash victims.


    “The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided,” parts of the statement read.

    Background

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

    Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

    The deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

    As part of the 3-day national mourning, the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” took place at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9. The event was opened to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.

    On the first day of mourning, which began Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash. Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.

    The public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8. It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency. This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning.

    Last week, the samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 were transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

    Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

    Recent development

    Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna—two out of the eight who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash—have been buried in accordance with Islamic Tradition, Custom and Practices.

    They were buried following the arrival of the DNA results on Saturday, August 9

    On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were offered at the forecourt of State House. Following that, the deceased were buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra. The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers.

    President John Dramani Mahama and Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin attended the prayers, which were also attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and institutional heads, among many other Ghanaians.

    At the burial site, President Mahama used the opportunity to thank all who were present and showed their sympathy to the family and country as a whole. He also expressed gratitude to the family for their patience in ensuring the DNA tests are carried out to aid the identification of the two deceased.

    “Today is not a day for talking; I want to thank you for your sympathy. I want to thank the two families for their patience. I want to thank the family for accepting my decision for the two brothers to be buried here. The families are free to visit anytime they want to do so,” he added.

    Meanwhile, books of condolence were opened simultaneously on Sunday, August 10, at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO. The books will be open until Thursday, 14th August 2025.

    On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the remaining six individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident.

    Minister for Health Minister Akandoh and the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Sunday, August 10, received the DNA results for the remaining six deceased in the August 6 helicopter crash.

    They received the results at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Engaging the media, the Health Minister noted that the results have been received earlier due to the expedited efforts put in by the government.

  • Supreme Court to review petition challenging CJ’s removal on April 2

    Supreme Court to review petition challenging CJ’s removal on April 2

    The Supreme Court has scheduled April 2, 2025, to hear an injunction application filed by Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Assafuah, challenging the procedure being followed by the President in addressing three petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.

    This development comes after Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo sent a letter to the President and other key stakeholders, requesting copies of the petitions filed against her.

    Her request was made shortly after the Old Tafo MP filed a suit at the Supreme Court, raising concerns about the procedure being adopted in handling the petitions.

    The plaintiff, represented by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, contends that a Chief Justice must be notified of such petitions and given the opportunity to respond before the President consults the Council of State.

    Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed that the three petitions had been forwarded to the Council of State in line with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.

    Although the specific allegations in the petitions have not been disclosed, the process represents the initial stage of a constitutional procedure that could have significant implications for Ghana’s judiciary.

    The Council of State is expected to review the petitions and provide guidance to the President on the appropriate steps to take.

    In her letter to the President on Thursday, March 27, Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized the need for a fair opportunity to respond before any further actions are taken.

    “I am by this letter humbly and respectfully asking His Excellency the President and eminent members of the Council of State to forward the petitions against me to me, and allow me at least seven days after receipt of same, to provide my response to you, which response can then form part of the material that you conduct the consultations anticipated under 146 (6), before the possible setting up of a Committee of Inquiry under Article 146 (7),” she stated.

    Assafuah, acting under Article 2(1)(b) of the 1992 Constitution, has invoked the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as a concerned citizen, seeking several declarations on the interpretation of constitutional provisions governing the removal of a Chief Justice.

    His suit asserts that the President must inform the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before initiating consultations with the Council of State.

    The plaintiff is requesting the Supreme Court to declare that the President is required to notify the Chief Justice and obtain her comments before submitting a removal petition to the Council of State, in accordance with Articles 146(1), (2), (4), (6), and (7), 23, 57(3), and 296 of the Constitution. He argues that failure to notify the Chief Justice before initiating consultations with the Council of State constitutes a violation of Article 146(6) and undermines the constitutional security of tenure for the Chief Justice.

    The suit further contends that any failure in this process amounts to undue interference with the judiciary’s independence, violating Articles 127(1) and (2) of the Constitution. It also argues that the President’s failure to obtain the Chief Justice’s comments before starting the removal process infringes on the right to a fair hearing, rendering the consultation process null and void.

    Additionally, the plaintiff seeks any other reliefs the Court deems appropriate.

  • NPP lost December polls due to attacks on men of God – Prophet Nigel Gaisie

    NPP lost December polls due to attacks on men of God – Prophet Nigel Gaisie

    The charismatic founder of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has ascribed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) setback in the 2024 general elections to its persistent criticism of the church and its religious leaders.

    The controversial figure claimed that the NPP’s unprovoked attacks on the clergy weakened its political position, diminishing its chances of securing another term in office.

    In an engaging interview with TV3, reported by Ghanaweb, Prophet Gaisie suggested that the surprising election results were influenced by a powerful spiritual force, emphasizing the impact of undermining sacred institutions and divine guidance.

    “One of the major things that caused the NPP to lose the 2024 election was their consistent attacks on the church. You could see how the elections went; it tells you that it wasn’t by the hand of man, it was by a supernatural hand. This Nana Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government attacked the prophets; they attacked the church. Throughout history, nobody can attack men of God, attack the church, and win.”

    He continued: “This should be a lesson to the incoming Mahama government. This should be a lesson to President Mahama and his men and women that we should allow the nation to be built. If somebody has flouted the law, we should allow the person to face the law. But we should not scandalize people; we should not sit anywhere and say things which, even in the wildest imagination, we know are not true. So, one thing that affected this regime was their consistent attack on people like us.”

    The Electoral Commission has officially declared John Mahama, flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the winner of Ghana’s 2024 presidential election. This victory marks a significant comeback to the nation’s highest office following a closely contested race.

    Mahama secured a decisive win with 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast, triumphing over his primary rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who obtained 4,657,304 votes, equating to 41.61%.

    The NDC also achieved a commanding majority in parliament, claiming over 180 of the 276 parliamentary seats, further consolidating its political dominance.

  • Akufo-Addo’s arrogance played a role in our loss – NPP

    Akufo-Addo’s arrogance played a role in our loss – NPP

    Spokesperson for former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Frank Agyekum, has asserted that President Akufo-Addo bears partial responsibility for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) significant defeat in the 2024 general elections.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) triumphed over the NPP with a commanding margin of over 1.6 million votes.

    During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr. Agyekum attributed the party’s electoral misfortune to widespread public disillusionment, exacerbated by what he described as an air of arrogance from certain party members.

    He also criticized the imposition of unpopular parliamentary candidates, a practice he said alienated the grassroots and compounded the NPP’s woes, noting that these issues unfolded under President Akufo-Addo’s stewardship.

    “The signs were there, and the narrative shows that things have been falling apart for a long time. We failed to heed the warnings and take corrective actions, and that’s what has led us here.

    “The leader always bears the ultimate responsibility—it stops with him. When it’s good, we credit him; when it’s bad, he must share the blame,” he said.

    Mr. Agyekum also expressed dissatisfaction with the selection of candidates for both the presidency and parliamentary seats, labeling the choices as suboptimal and contributing to the party’s challenges.

    “There was arrogance, there was hardship in the system, and it seemed those in power failed to fully recognise the discontent. This disconnect between the leadership and the grassroots likely contributed to the significant defeat.”

  • Even if it takes 100 years, NPP will return to power – Prophet Kusi Appiah

    Even if it takes 100 years, NPP will return to power – Prophet Kusi Appiah

    The Warrior-Prophet and head of the Nyametease Ampa Prayer Ministry in Kumasi, Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah, has boldly declared that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will regain power even if it takes a century.

    Speaking on Wontumi Radio he pledged to engage in continuous fasting and prayer, vowing to work towards bringing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) back to power following their loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Even if it takes 100 years, NPP will return to power. Things will turn around,” he added.

    Prophet Paul Kusi Appiah, drawing on biblical stories, likened their upcoming spiritual efforts to the actions of Esther and Mordecai, assuring that divine help would eventually back their mission.

    He further drew a vivid comparison, recalling the story of witches who fasted to bring harm to Apostle Paul, underlining the power of their prayer and fasting.

    “We are going to do the same to redeem our image and the image of God,” he added.

    This new declaration follows a previous prophecy that created much anticipation before the elections.

    Prophet Kusi Appiah had strongly asserted that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would win the 2024 elections, describing his vision as one that was divinely ordained and unchangeable.

    “Nothing can change what God has planned in the spiritual realm. My prophecy will surely come to pass,” he proclaimed with confidence.

    Adding to the specificity of his vision, he revealed, “I have even seen the attire that the Vice President and his potential vice, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly called NAPO, will wear on their inauguration day on January 7, 2025.”

    The prophecy took an unexpected turn when Jean Mensa, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, declared on December 9 that John Mahama of the NDC had won the election with 6,328,397 votes.

    This result led to widespread questioning of Prophet Kusi Appiah’s earlier predictions, causing a stir among both his supporters and critics.

    In light of the outcome, Prophet Kusi Appiah insists that the situation is not a failure of prophecy but rather a divine decision to protect the peace and stability of the nation.

    “God saw that if the NPP had won the 2024 elections, there would have been war. If they like, they should go and find out,” he asserted.

  • NPP Central Regional Chairman, Chairman Kutin, reportedly dead

    NPP Central Regional Chairman, Chairman Kutin, reportedly dead

    The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Central Region, Robert Kutin Jr., has reportedly passed away.

    Reports indicate that Kutin, who was a prominent figure in the region’s political landscape, died on December 23, 2024, after a prolonged battle with illness.

    He had been unwell for some time prior to his death. Kutin had been re-elected as the NPP’s Central Regional Chairman in 2022, marking his third consecutive term in the role.

    His leadership was instrumental in strengthening the party’s influence in the Central Region, which played a crucial role in the NPP’s successes during the 2016 and 2020 elections.

    Kutin was known for his ability to unite party members and foster grassroots support across the region.

  • NPP’s loss was caused by media bias and voter apathy – Bawumia

    NPP’s loss was caused by media bias and voter apathy – Bawumia

    The NPP’s presidential candidate in the 2024 elections,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has emphasized that the party is focused on identifying the reasons behind the low voter turnout.

    He linked the party’s defeat to this turnout, along with other factors such as media outlets not supporting the party’s message.

    Dr. Bawumia noted that more than 2 million potential NPP voters did not cast their ballots.

    During a meeting with party communicators, he reassured them that the issue has been recognized and that plans are in place to tackle it in the next elections.

    “It was a big disappointment; there was no doubt about it when the results came because all the work we had done pointed to the fact that we were winning this election. I mean, there was clear evidence on the ground as to all the 270 constituencies.

    “It was clear that we were going to do well, but on the day of the election, something was amiss. The turnout was so low. Everybody was wondering what was happening, why, and where are our people. And that was from Axim all the way to Zebilla, and everybody was wondering, where are our people? What was going on?” he questioned.

    Bawumia, who doubles as the Vice President of the country, continued, “It turned out that everybody decided to stay, that they wouldn’t vote. And it was almost as if they had a meeting and decided on the message. The same message, no matter which constituency you went to, they would tell you they are not voting.

    “So, at least you know where the problem is. And to solve the problem, you have to know what it is, so our people didn’t vote. That was the problem.”

    He added, “The question now is why they didn’t vote, and that is a research question we are going to answer now. I must say we worked very hard, and I am very proud of the communication team. We were working against their ownership of, or support from, key media houses. Isn’t it so? Put that as a disadvantage in many ways in terms of communication. We had a lot of these key media houses who were not on our side.”

    On Monday, December 9, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa officially announced John Mahama as the victor of the 2024 presidential elections, securing 6,328,397 votes.

    Dr. Bawumia, his closest rival, garnered 4,657,304 votes. Mahama’s party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also made history by winning a majority in Parliament. Mahama is set to take office on January 7, 2025.

  • NPP demands recount of ballots from all 177 polling stations in Ejura Sekyeredumase

    NPP demands recount of ballots from all 177 polling stations in Ejura Sekyeredumase

    A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) legal team for the Ejura Sekyeredumase Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Sulamana Issifu, has called for a thorough recount of ballots across all 177 polling stations.

    The NPP has raised concerns over alleged ballot tampering and irregularities that they believe affected the election results.

    Addressing the media after the polls, Issifu criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for what he described as grave errors, alleging that the integrity of the ballot papers had been compromised by altered pink sheets.

    “The elections in Ejura, which were supposed to be free and fair, have been marred by numerous mistakes, some of which the EC has admitted to. They [EC] have acknowledged that they made significant errors, and these mistakes go to the heart of the integrity of the elections,” Issifu said.

    Issifu, addressing the media, firmly stated the NPP’s rejection of the constituency’s election results. He announced that the party had officially petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding a comprehensive recount before accepting the provisional outcomes.

    He further alleged instances of ballot snatching and violence in areas identified as NPP strongholds, noting that the military had to step in to restore order in some affected locations.

    Issifu also claimed that the EC had acknowledged discrepancies in certain polling stations, where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) recorded zero votes while the NPP registered figures, raising questions about the credibility of the process.

    “The EC called us a few moments ago and told us that there were places where the NDC was given zero, while some figures were recorded for the NPP. These were described as transpositional errors,” he explained.

    He stressed that the NPP could not accept the figures recorded on the pink sheets, citing alleged tampering as the basis for their rejection.

    On the other hand, the NDC dismissed the demand for a recount. Addressing the press, Stanley Tweneboah Kodua Gyamfi, a member of the party’s legal team, argued that electoral laws allow recounts only at polling stations, not at the collation center.

  • Bono Region receives 13 motorbikes from fmr NPP organizer for Dec polls

    Bono Region receives 13 motorbikes from fmr NPP organizer for Dec polls

    The former Bono Regional Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Konlaabig Rasheed, has donated thirteen motorbikes to the twelve constituencies in the region, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 elections.

    The motorbikes were distributed through the party’s constituency chairmen to ensure they are well-equipped ahead of the polls, which are just a few weeks away.

    Rasheed explained that this donation is part of his continued support for the NPP and its “Bold Solutions” agenda, aimed at ensuring the party’s victory in the 2024 elections.

    “This is a personal donation aimed at resourcing the party at the base to ensure that the agenda of winning more seats in the region is not a mirage. I am equally doing this to ensure that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is voted for to implement the laudable policies he has for Ghana,” he stated.

    He urged party members to set aside differences and unite to achieve a decisive victory on December 7, 2024.

    Chairman Kwame Owusu of Dormaa West, speaking on behalf of the constituency chairmen, expressed gratitude for Rasheed’s donation.

    He assured that the motorbikes would be used effectively and pledged to work towards securing victory for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and their parliamentary candidates.

  • Age, Career, Birth place of all 10 NPP flagbearer aspirants

    Age, Career, Birth place of all 10 NPP flagbearer aspirants

    Mahamudu Bawumia

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

    Mahamudu Bawumia is a Ghanaian economist and former central banker who serves as the 5th Vice President of Ghana in the 4th Ghanaian Republic. He assumed office on 7 January 2017 as Vice President of Ghana. Mahamudu Bawumia is an economist, banker, and vice president of Ghana. 

    Born: October 7, 1963 (age 59 years), Tamale

    Spouse: Samira Bawumia

    Education: The University of Buckingham (1987), Tamale Senior High School, Simon Fraser University, Lincoln College

    Office: Vice-President of Ghana since 2017

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Parents: Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Hajia Mariama Bawumia

    Books: Structural Adjustment, Economic Welfare and Electoral Behavior in the 1992 Ghanaian Presidential Election

    Kwabena Agyei Agyapong

    Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party [NPP]

    Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was born on Independence Day, March 6, 1962 in Kumasi, Ghana, to the late Justice Kwadwo Adjei Agyapong and Mrs Margaret Agyapong. He is a Ghanaian, civil engineer and politician.

    Born: March 6, 1962 (age 61 years), Kumasi

    Spouse: Lawrencia Agyapong

    Parents: Kwadjo Adgyei Agyepong

    Education: Mfantsipim School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng

    Alan John Kwadwo Kyeremateng also known as Alan Cash is a Ghanaian politician and an International diplomat. Currently, he is running for the npp presidential candidate seat for a fourth time with the likes of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyepong and others.

    Born: October 3, 1955 (age 67 years), Kumasi

    Education: Adisadel College, University of Minnesota

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Previous offices: Minister of Trade and Industry of Ghana(2017–2023),

    Siblings: Bridget Kyerematen-Darko

    Spouse: Patricia Christabel Kyerematen

    Kennedy Ohene Agyapong

    Kennedy Ohene-Agyapong, Assin Central MP

    Kennedy Ohene Agyapong is a Ghanaian politician and businessman who represents Assin Central in parliament for the New Patriotic Party. He was first elected a member of parliament in 2000 to the seat of Assin North. He retained his seat in the 2004 and 2008 parliamentary elections.

    Born: June 16, 1960 (age 63 years), Central Region

    Children: Ken Takyi Agyapong, Amanda Agyapong

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Education: Fordham University, Adisadel College

    Siblings: Betty Agyapong

    Spouse: Stella Wilson Agyapong

    Office: Member of Parliament of Ghana since 2013

    Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko

    Boakye Agyarko, NPP Presidential hopeful

    Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko is a Ghanaian economist, politician and a former banker. He was the vice president of the Bank of New York. He was the former Minister for Energy in Ghana.

    Born: 1956 (age 67 years), Kumasi

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Education: Pace University, Mfantsipim School, University of Ghana

    Joe Ghartey

    Hon Joe-Ghartey

    Joe Ghartey is a Ghanaian lawyer, academic and politician. He is a former Attorney-General of Ghana, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Railways and Development Minister. Joe Ghartey hails from Shama, in the Western Region of the Republic of Ghana.

    Born: June 15, 1961 (age 62 years), Accra

    Education: University of Ghana (1982–1986), Mfantsipim School, Ghana School Of Law, Ridge Church School

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Previous office: Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Ghana (2006–2009)

    Children: 5

    Owusu Afriyie Akoto

    Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto

    Owusu Afriyie Akoto is a Ghanaian agricultural economist and politician. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party and was a Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency from 2009 to 2017. 

    Born: October 19, 1949 (age 73 years), Koforidua

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Parents: Baffour Osei Akoto

    Education: University of Cambridge, University of Ghana, Opoku Ware School

    Children: 8

    Previous office: Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana

    Kofi Konadu Apraku

    Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku

    Kofi Konadu Apraku is a Ghanaian politician and economist and a member of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party. He was the Member of Parliament for the Offinso North constituency in the fourth parliament of the fourth Republic of Ghana. 

    Born: September 7, 1954 (age 68 years)

    Education: Oregon State University

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Kwadwo Poku

    Sir Kwadwo N. Poku II is an energy expert and a former Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, a popular football club in Ghana. He picked up his nomination form to contest the NPP presidential primary on June 21, 2023, at the party’s headquarters in Accra.

    Francis Addai-Nimoh

    Francis Addai-Nimoh, flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)

    Francis Addai-Nimoh is a Ghanaian politician and a member of the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He represented the Mampong Constituency in the Ashanti Region on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.

    Born: March 23, 1965 (age 58 years)

    Education: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Party: New Patriotic Party

    Previous office: Member of Parliament for Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region,  (2013–2017)

  • NPP grassroot association sends strong message to MPs, Constituency chairmen ahead of super delegates conference

    NPP grassroot association sends strong message to MPs, Constituency chairmen ahead of super delegates conference

    The Association of Electoral Area Coordinators in the Ashanti Region has issued an appeal to the Members of Parliament and Constituency Chairmen of the Ashanti Region to vote for the Vice President, HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming Super Delegates Conference.

    They assert that this support from the super delegates will lead to reciprocated support from polling station executives in future parliamentary primaries and constituency elections.

    “…the grassroots have indicated that, once the super delegates vote for Dr. Bawumia, the polling station executives will also return the favour by voting for these MPs and Constituency Chairmen in the next parliamentary primaries and constituency elections.

    “This is the reason why we are re-echoing their mantra, “you do us, and we do you”

    “We work directly and closely with the Polling Station executives and grassroots members of the party and are therefore in the best position to articulate ore concerns and interests.

    The association, representing the grassroots and polling station executives of the party, claims to have a direct and close working relationship with these members. They emphasize their unique position to communicate the concerns and interests of the grassroots within the party.

    The appeal is based on the belief that if the MPs and Constituency Chairmen vote for Vice President Bawumia as the party’s Presidential candidate in the 2024 election, they will be honoring the wishes of the grassroots and polling station executives. They cite previous public declarations of support for Bawumia by the MPs and Constituency Chairmen during the Vice President’s visit to the region.

    The leaders of the association provide contact information for inquiries or communication regarding their appeal.

  • NPP election committee parries Alan’s claim against Chief of Staff

    .

    The Elections Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially announced that Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Chief of Staff, is eligible to participate in the special delegates congress scheduled for August 26.

    This announcement comes in response to concerns raised by Alan Kyerematen’s campaign regarding Frema Osei-Opare’s qualification for the congress, specifically her categorization under the National Executive Committee (NEC) on the delegates list.

    Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah, the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee, addressed these concerns in a press briefing. He emphasized that the committee’s main focus had been on addressing various inquiries that arose during the process, with a particular emphasis on resolving issues related to the voters’ register. The committee had shared the provisional voters’ register with aspirants and encouraged them to carefully review it and report any discrepancies they found.

    As a result of this collaborative effort, the committee received valuable feedback from the aspirants, highlighting concerns such as omission and duplication of names. Yeboah confirmed that the committee had diligently addressed all of these concerns to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

    Regarding the eligibility of Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Yeboah clarified that based on the party’s official records, she held membership within the National Executive Committee. Moreover, due to her role as the patrons’ representative in the NEC, she had the right to cast her vote in the special delegates congress.

    This announcement serves to reaffirm Akosua Frema Osei-Opare’s eligibility to participate in the special delegates conference. It also underscores the committee’s commitment to maintaining fairness and transparency throughout the electoral process of the New Patriotic Party.

  • Dr Bawumia sings gospel music all the time – Spokesperson reveals

    Dr Bawumia sings gospel music all the time – Spokesperson reveals

    Economist and spokesperson for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Gideon Boako, has disclosed the genre of music that Dr Bawumia loves most.

    During a media run on Dr Bawumia’s presidential campaign, Dr Boako, who was on Peace FM’s morning show Kokrokoo with Kwame Sefa Kayi, said that Dr Bawumia’s musical preference reflects his personality.

    “Recently I said in an interview with Umaru Sanda that Dr Bawumia’s favourite genre of music is gospel music. He sings it all the time,” he said.

    He recalled an incident between Dr Bawumia and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, where Dr Bawumia impressed the moderator by singing word for word some Presby hymns during an event.

    “There was a time when the Presby moderator said that he attended an event where Dr Bawumia was present, and they happened to be seated close to each other. As they sang some Presby hymns, he realised that Dr Bawumia had sung along to all the hymns correctly. He wondered how a Muslim could properly sing Presby hymns in such a manner. And Dr Bawumia responded and said, ‘Oh, do not be surprised, my mother was a Methodist before she became a Muslim’,” Dr Boako recounted.

    According to Dr Boako, such traits displayed by Dr Bawumia, his love for God and his unbiased respect for everyone, are characteristics that have been with him since childhood and are verifiable by all who have known him over the years.

    “All positive comments about Dr Bawumia are not coming out of the blue. It is an attitude he has exhibited since childhood and throughout his professional life up to this point. Everybody in this country knows that Dr Bawumia is God-fearing and humble.

    He respects everyone no matter who they are, in everything he does. Those who know him from his childhood days and know his history know that he is a respectful and humble person who likes unifying people,” Dr Boako added.

    The Vice President’s spokesperson then advised all Ghanaians as well as members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to develop or encourage a culture of unity just as Dr Bawumia does, for the sole benefit of the country’s development.

    “And so that attitude of unity and peace is what we need, so we can be unified as a country first of all, and as a party, New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, so that when we gain power again, God will give us wisdom to rule the nation. And so Dr Bawumia’s campaign is going on very well.”

    Dr Bawumia is contesting for the position of flagbearer for the NPP in the upcoming general election in 2024. As part of efforts to boost his campaign, his team has launched a website under the name bawumia.com, where all information about his campaign is published.

    Alternatively, supporters and well-wishers can get the same service by downloading the app Bawumia Connect from any app store service. Also, those who would like to send in donations to help fund the campaign can do so by dialling the short code *202# on any network.

  • How Kennedy Agyapong intends to change Ghana with music

    How Kennedy Agyapong intends to change Ghana with music

    New Patriotic party (NPP) presidential candidate hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has disclosed that his first priority as the President of Ghana would be to organise a mega concert featuring all the musicians in the country to compose “heroic songs”.

    The 63-year-old member of parliament for Assin Central shared his plans in an interview with Citi FM’s Umaru Sanda, where he laid out his intentions for the country and how he would execute them.

    Kennedy Agyapong, who is known for his passion for the creative arts industry in Ghana, said that he would focus on “changing the mindset” of the people first before getting on with other business.

    “What I would do is… I will bring all musicians together to let them come up with heroic songs, and we will organise a concert like We Are the World. RnB, Highlife, Reggae, Gospel, they all come together and play all these songs and then after that we give it to the media and schools to play for Ghanaians to be patriotic and honest,” he said.

    He explained that music was a powerful tool to inspire and motivate people, and that he wanted to use it to foster a sense of patriotism and honesty among Ghanaians, for the development and progress of the nation.

    His idea of using music to change the mindset of the people received mixed reactions from the public.

    Some praised him for his innovative and creative approach, while others mocked him for being unrealistic and out of touch. Some also questioned his qualifications and credentials to run for president, and asked him to focus on his parliamentary duties instead.

  • I am the ideal candidate to lead NPP in 2024 — Dr Apraku

    I am the ideal candidate to lead NPP in 2024 — Dr Apraku


    A flag bearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, asserts that his training, experience, and expertise in finance, economics, management, and policy decision-making make him the ideal candidate to lead the NPP to success in the 2024 general election.

    He said the tremendous experience he gained when he served with the United Nations (UN) mission to Croatia after it broke out of the then Yugoslavia, as staff in charge of Macroeconomics in rebuilding that country and also in South Africa when that country emerged from the apartheid system and was preparing to hold its first election, made him the best to lead the party in 2024.

    He further stated that his practical experience in Parliament when the NPP was in opposition and government, on issues of finance and economics, as well as being the ranking member on the Finance Committee of Parliament and later as the Minister of Trade and Industry, also made him the best person to lead the party.

    “I believe I am the best person to lead the NPP in 2024 to victory, based on the training and experience I have acquired over the years,” the NPP flag bearer hopeful stated.

    Filing of nomination

    Dr Apraku, who was also a member of the second, third and fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic for the Offinso North Constituency in the Ashanti Region, said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic after successfully filing his nomination forms last Monday (June 19) to contest the NPP flagbearership.

    The flag bearer hopeful, who was at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra last Monday to submit his nomination, was asked by the party’s elections committee to complete his documents, and did so and re-submitted it later in the afternoon to the committee.

    However, members of the team revealed that certain documents such as his CV and personal contributions to the party were not included in the nomination document submitted.

    Dr Apraku, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Economics and Finance, said he was in the race to lead the party to victory in the 2024 general election and believed the delegates of the party would give him the nod to lead the party based on his experience and service to the party, both in opposition and in government.

    Dr Apraku becomes the fifth presidential aspirant to file his forms as of Monday, June 19, 2023, since the party opened nominations for the presidential primary on May 26, which is expected to end on June 24, 2023.