The Cabinet has given the green light for a completely new SIM registration exercise following an extensive review of the previous process.
This was announced by the Communication Minister, Samuel Nartey George, during high-level discussions with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the National Communications Authority on March 9.
Between 2021 and 2023, the erstwhile government ordered a SIM registration exercise in Ghana, which required all mobile subscribers to re‑register their SIM cards using the Ghana Card; an exercise aimed at checking fraud and enhancing national security, but was plagued by weak biometric enforcement, data inconsistencies, long queues, and widespread complaints, leaving many citizens frustrated and some SIMs blocked over incomplete processes or unsuccessful registration process.
Consequently, the Ningo Prampram MP revealed that the imminent exercise will not be a continuation of the previous one, which was undertaken by the former government, but will be a completely new reset exercise.
How different is this exercise from the previous one?
Detailing the difference between the previous registration and the yet to be conducted one, Mr Nartey noted that the imminent exercise will feature centralised data under the National Communications Authority, strict biometric enforcement, cross‑network fraud prevention, and new legislation
The Minister said, “A Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) will be introduced to enable cross-network blocking of stolen or fraud-linked devices”, adding that, “a revised Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is being prepared to regulate the exercise.”
Telecom operators who participated in the meeting welcomed the initiative but raised some operational concerns.
However, it is not yet clear when the new registration exercise will commence or who will bear the cost of implementing it.
The government has warned that more arrests will follow as it intensifies efforts to crack down on cybercrime.
This was announced by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during a media engagement.
He made these remarks while addressing the arrest and detention of a popular Snapchat personality, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica, revealing the imminence of three more arrests.
“There are three more we’re picking up in the next few days,” Sam George noted.
According to the Ningo Prampram MP, his arrest formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns.
Speaking in an interview, Mr George said the arrest of Abu Trica formed part of a broader enforcement effort by state agencies to deal with individuals whose display of sudden wealth raises serious concerns. He revealed that the Cyber Security Authority had recently picked up a suspect believed to be living a visibly successful lifestyle without a clear source of income.
“Just yesterday, one of my agencies, the Cyber Security Authority, picked up an individual who is supposed to be successful. There’s no peace with that kind of success,” the minister said.
"The Cyber Security Authority will be picking up three more persons in the next few days"
—The Minister for Communications, Hon. Sam Nartey George reveals, whilst urging for the appreciation of education as a means to a successful future. pic.twitter.com/qZMoPC0nWu
On December 12, it was reported that 31-year-old Ghanaian from Swedru, Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, had been arrested after he allegedly tricked elderly victims in the United States (U.S) into sending him money by pretending to be in a romantic relationship with them. He was arrested in Ghana on Thursday, December 12.
Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and a forfeiture specification. He risks being jailed for 20 years.
According to the indictment, Kumi had been working with a criminal group since 2023, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create fake profiles and lure victims into online romantic relationships.
The indictment further added that Abu Trica and his team contacted the elderly individuals through social media and dating platforms, where they requested money or valuables to sort out urgent medical bills, travel expenses, or investment opportunities. The criminal group’s co-conspirators in Ghana then received funds and valuables defrauded from the elderly victims.
The Attorney General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and the National Intelligence Bureau, among others, aided the U.S. in tracing Abu Trica. Meanwhile, these agencies are working to arrest co-conspirators and recover the defrauded funds.
In October, four Ghanaian nationals—Isaac Oduro Boateng aka “Kofi Boat,” Inusah Ahmed aka “Pascal,” Derrick Van Yeboah aka “Van,” and Patrick Kwame Asare aka “Borgar”—were charged for their roles in an international criminal organization that stole more than $100 million from victims via romance scams and business email compromises.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging them.
Boateng, 36; Ahmed, 40; Van Yeboah, 40; and Asare, 39, are charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of money laundering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to receive stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of receipt of stolen money, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Boateng, Ahmed, and Van Yeboah were extradited and arrived in the U.S. on August 7 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Asare, on the other hand, remains at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.
“As alleged, Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, Derrick Van Yeboah, and Patrick Kwame Asare led and participated in an international fraud ring that engaged in a massive conspiracy to defraud vulnerable people and steal from businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
“Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.”
“The defendants have been brought to the United States to be held accountable for their alleged roles in scamming companies and vulnerable Americans out of over $100 million,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.
“Deceiving businesses using email compromise campaigns and tricking innocent elderly victims through fraudulent companionship in order to exploit their trust and finances is not merely appalling but illegal. The FBI will continue to ensure anyone who preys on companies and vulnerable Americans online is made to face the criminal justice system.”
The indictment revealed that Boateng, Ahmed, Van Yeboah, and Asare were high-ranking members of a criminal organization based in Ghana that committed romance scams and business email compromises against individuals and businesses located across the U.S.
Many of the conspiracy’s victims were vulnerable older men and women who were tricked into believing that they were in online romantic relationships with people who were, in fact, fake identities assumed by members of the conspiracy.
Once members of the conspiracy had gained the trust of their victims, they deceived those victims into sending their money to the enterprise or into helping them launder funds from other victims.
The conspirators also committed business email compromises to trick and deceive businesses into wiring funds to the enterprise. In total, the conspiracy stole and laundered more than $100 million from dozens of victims.
After stealing the money, the fraud proceeds were then laundered to West Africa, where they were largely funnelled to individuals called “chairmen,” who directed the activities of other members of the conspiracy. Boateng and Ahmed were considered chairmen of the organization.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has pledged job security for the staff of AT Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) and Telecel Ghana, despite the government’s decision to merge the two companies.
He gave this assurance during a staff engagement at AT Ghana’s Head Office in Accra on Thursday, September 4. The meeting was specifically organised to address concerns of AT Ghana employees regarding the merger with Telecel Ghana.
In his address, he stated that all 300 employees of AT Ghana would be duly absorbed, with no layoffs expected unless an employee personally decides to quit.
“This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts. Everyone of you will be absorbed, unless you personally choose to leave,” he assured.
The Minister assured staff that the move is not just about cost-cutting but about building a resilient, competitive telecom company that can serve Ghanaians better and thrive in the long term.
Airtel Tigo’s merger with Telecel Ghana has been necessitated due to the former’s current financial crisis. In April this year, the Communications Minister revealed the huge financial losses AT Ghana was incurring and the need for swift action to be carried out to save the dwindling state entity.
He called out the erstwhile government for being “ill-informed, reckless, and unpatriotic” following its symbolic purchasing of Airtel Tigo when it was wallowing in a $400 million debt, which was later downed following the Domestic Debt Restrusturing Programme (DDEP). Sam George lamented the firm’s monthly losses of GH₵20 million, describing it as “ …..is failing and obsolete; its systems haven’t been upgraded in five years and are no longer fit for purpose.”
Consequently, having recorded losses of $10 million in just eight months, Sam George stressed that,
“These losses are funded by taxpayers. That is money that should be building roads, water systems, and schools. We cannot keep pouring public funds into unsustainable operations”.
According to the Minister, the consolidation with Telecel would help reduce costs, eliminate duplication, and build a stronger competitor in Ghana’s highly competitive telecom market. “It makes no sense for two networks to operate separately on the same tower, both paying twice while both struggle. A merger is the smart and sustainable choice,” he added.
Already, more than 3.2 million AT Ghana subscribers are being seamlessly migrated onto Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement, a process the Minister described as “98% smooth.” Sam George explained that the integration process will be carried out in three phases: Technical migration, which is near completion, with roaming already operational. Human resource alignment, which ensures all staff are absorbed by the end of September.
Commercial restructuring, expected within 120 days, setting the framework for the merged operator. On financing, Sam George was frank about the capital demands of the venture, pegging it at $600 million over the next four years.
He confirmed that the government will contribute resources, including proceeds from spectrum sales, while encouraging Telecel and other partners to co-invest. Meanwhile, the AT staff’s concerns about their job security are quite valid due to the history of potential job losses associated with company mergers in Ghana.
Between August 2017 and December 2018, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) under the former government, launched a bold initiative to sanitise and stabilise the financial system in Ghana, aimed at eliminating insolvent institutions and restoring public confidence.
Following the implementation of this cleanup policy programme, there were reports of about 6,000 direct job losses across the financial sector.
While others were merged, several others had their licences revoked. The licences of 9 universal banks were revoked, 347 microfinance companies, 39 microcredit firms, 15 savings and loans companies, 8 finance houses, and 2 non-bank institutions, alongside an increase in the minimum capital requirement for banks from GHS 120 million to GHS 400 million, which also forced mergers and consolidations to meet new regulatory standards.
Another case in point is AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine restructuring, which occurred between 2014 to 2019, leading to over 5,000 job losses when the mine was temporarily shut down for redevelopment.
In an unrelated development, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, revealed that effective July 1, telecommunication companies will review the amount of data provided for their bundle packages. Subsequently, the Telcos complied with the Minister’s directive and offered consumers an increase in their data packages.
Airtel Tigo (AT) and Telecel increased their data offers by over 10%, whereas MTN reviewed their data offers by 15%, Mr Sam George revealed while engaging the press on Tuesday, June 10.
AT’s GHC400 data package, providing 195 GB, is now offering 236 GB. Telecel’s GHC400 data package is now worth 250 GB and not 190 GB since July. MTN has reintroduced its GHC399 data package, which offers 214GB, and has discontinued the GHC350 package that provided 92.88GB
The reduction is a fulfilment of the Minister’s assurance of working to reduce data cost burden on Ghanaians on May 18, during an event commemorating World Telecommunications and Information Society Day in Accra.
A committee that was set up in February had developed a roadmap meant to drive plans for data reduction. A section of Ghanaians chided the sector minister for failing to reduce data costs immediately after he assumed office some months ago.
Mr George, during his vetting as a minister-designate, pledged to ensure the cost of data packages is revised to ensure subscribers are provided value for money and quality services. “Look, we are dealing with 8 years of the distortion of the market. I wish I could fix it arbitrarily. But it takes a very calculated attempt not to create further distortions by acting irrationally,” Mr George said in reaction to calls for immediate reduction in data prices.
Meanwhile, the minister has arranged for cheaper data bundles on five national holidays in the year. These selected holidays are Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. According to him, the initial plan was to offer discounted packages on all 18 public holidays in the year, but this proved unfeasible as telecommunications companies pushed back against the proposal.
Nonetheless, Ghanaians on March 6th (Independence Day) enjoyed discounted data bundles for the first time on a public holiday. On May 1 (May Day), a similar offer was made with Ghanaians enjoying discounted packages with the same benefit for the three remaining selected upcoming holidays ahead in the year.
Meanwhile, Samuel Nartey George has vowed to impose financial penalties on Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet service quality standards before the end of the year. According to Mr George, 40 per cent of the fines imposed on telecom companies that fail to provide quality services will be used to provide data or call-time bonuses to affected customers.
The Communication Ministry announced a nationwide service quality test, covering all district capitals in the third quarter of 2025. Based on its findings, adding that, the government will take “decisive action” if no significant improvements are seen.
With regard to the spectrum rollout, the minister noted that “the Ghanaian people must feel the impact by the end of this year.” “We know you can’t complete upgrades in three months, but we must see that the process has begun,” he added, providing a short-term deadline of June 30.
On their part, the executives of the telcos provided their strategies and investments made so far to provide quality services. MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett revealed that the company had invested $230 million in 2024 to strengthen its network and IT systems.
Plans include launching 300 new franchise outlets, hiring 400 new staff, and rolling out secure self-service tools for SIM swaps and PIN resets.
Telecel Ghana COO Mohamad Ghaddar revealed that the company has over 400 retail shops, and there are ongoing plans to add 100 more. He also noted the company’s commitment to supporting customers with special needs and welcomed regulatory engagement.
AT CEO Leo Skarlatos said significant network upgrades are underway, and by the first quarter of 2026, customers will begin to observe the impact.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Honourable Samuel Nartey George, has officially launched the 2025 edition of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).
The launch proceeded with a strong call for collective responsibility in building a safer and more accountable digital environment.
Speaking at the media launch held on Wednesday at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Auditorium, he said the growing use of digital platforms for business, education, and social interaction must go hand in hand with improved cyber hygiene and institutional accountability.
Hon. Nartey George noted that this year’s campaign, themed “Building a Safe, Informed, and Accountable Digital Space,” focuses on countering misinformation, disinformation, and deepfake manipulation, while pushing for greater responsibility from both citizens and institutions.
Citing DataReportal’s Digital Report 2025, the Minister noted that 24.3 million Ghanaians, representing 70% internet penetration, were online, while 7.95 million identities were active on social media, ranking Ghana 15th globally in social media adoption. “The same connectivity that drives innovation also provides an avenue for exploitation by cybercriminals,” he cautioned.
He said statistics from CSA indicates that Ghana has recorded cybercrime-related financial losses of GHS 23.3 million in 2024 and GHS 14.9 million in the first half of 2025 alone, mainly through online fraud, blackmail, and unauthorized access.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry was working to amend the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) to strengthen regulations that balance digital innovation with user safety.
He commended the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the CSA for successful joint operations, including a crackdown in Tema that led to the arrest of 39 suspects last month, and earlier operations between May and July 2025 that saw 65 arrests—many linked to sophisticated cyber fraud schemes. “Let me sound a warning to those exploiting foreign nationals to perpetrate cyber fraud: we are on your trail, and we will bring you to justice,” he said.
Hon. George underscored the critical role of the media, urging journalists to use their platforms to raise awareness on issues such as cyberbullying, fraud, and online exploitation. “This campaign cannot succeed without your active participation,” he said.
Adding to the Minister’s call, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, highlighted the urgent threats confronting Ghana’s digital space. He revealed that reported cyber incidents jumped from 1,317 cases in the first half of 2024 to 2,008 cases in the same period this year, underscoring citizens’ growing exposure to online risks.
“Online fraud alone accounted for 36% of all reported cases, while cyberbullying stood at 25%, online blackmail at 14%, unauthorized access at 12%, and information disclosure at 9%,” Mr. Agbeti stated.
He added that financial losses have risen 17% year-on-year, reaching GHS 14.9 million in the first half of 2025, with fraud and impersonation responsible for more than 94% of these losses.
The Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, emphasized the essential role of academia in Ghana’s cybersecurity agenda.
She described Ghana’s digital transformation—spanning mobile payments, telemedicine, online education, and smart governance—as a driver of innovation and economic growth, but cautioned that “cyberspace is not inherently safe.”
Prof. Kaufmann shared her personal experience of being a target of disinformation on social media, noting that just days ago she was falsely reported dead online.
“The very technologies that connect us and drive progress can also be exploited to undermine trust, disrupt economies, and erode the rights and freedoms of citizens,” she warned.
She outlined three key areas where academia contributes to strengthening cybersecurity: Research, Capacity Building and Innovation.
Months ago, Telecom giant MTN Group confirmed a cybersecurity breach that may have compromised the personal data of approximately 5,700 customers in Ghana.
In a statement dated April 28, MTN acknowledged the incident, noting that while the full extent of the breach was still under investigation, “early indications were that about 5,700 MTN Ghana customers’ data may have been affected.”
The company emphasized that all its platforms remained functional and that it closely monitored its systems to safeguard operations. “The confidentiality, integrity and availability of our systems remain central to how we operate and serve our customers,” MTN stated.
The affected customers were to be contacted directly, according to the company, which had since launched a forensic investigation in partnership with top cybersecurity professionals. “We are working closely with leading cybersecurity experts and are conducting a forensic investigation to assess any impact to our environment in line with our established security protocols.”
Although investigations were ongoing, MTN urged all customers to take extra precautions. Users were advised to remain alert and follow standard cybersecurity practices. These included updating all MTN, Mobile Money (MoMo), and banking applications; using strong, unique passwords; and being wary of suspicious messages or links.
Customers were also reminded not to share sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) via phone calls, texts, or emails, and to enable multifactor authentication wherever possible. In cases of suspected fraud, MTN recommended placing a fraud alert with major credit bureaus.
“We understand that this incident may raise concerns,” the company said, assuring customers that their privacy remains a top priority. “We will continue to contain and manage this matter carefully.”
MTN has since encouraged concerned customers to reach out through its toll-free number 100 for further information or assistance.
Gumah FM in Bawku has been directed to cease operations immediately following a mandate from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.
The move is in response to pressing national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
On February 11, 2025, during an emergency session, REGSEC thoroughly assessed the growing security issues in Bawku and surrounding areas in the North East Region. Intelligence gathered pointed to Gumah FM being a source for promoting violence, disturbing public peace, and exacerbating tensions in the region.
This action was taken in line with Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which authorizes the National Communications Authority (NCA) to revoke or suspend broadcasting licenses when deemed necessary for national security, public order, or the welfare of the public.
The station is required to halt all operations immediately. Furthermore, close monitoring will be implemented to prevent the creation of other platforms that could contribute to instability or violence in the area.
In a press release on February 18, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations called on all media organizations to uphold their responsibilities and comply with the guidelines stipulated in their licensing agreements.
“The government remains committed to safeguarding national security, public safety, and the rule of law,” it added.
The newly appointed Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has addressed the backlash from New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) following his nomination.
In a Facebook post shared soon after his appointment was confirmed in Parliament despite the boycott by the minority MPs, George suggested that the NPP was deeply displeased by his selection.
He wrote,”It is clear to me that the NPP is so hurt by my nomination as Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations and would stop at nothing to fight it.”
The Ningo Prampram MP further claimed that the minority group had tried to persuade the NDC MPs to vote against his confirmation.
His remarks followed the circulation of images on social media, one allegedly showing him messaging on WhatsApp during an Appointments Committee meeting, and another suggesting he was viewing inappropriate content on his device.
George accused the NPP MPs of spreading false images and claims aimed at tarnishing his reputation, adding, “They have resorted to a smear campaign and cheap lies with fake photos.”
The Minister vowed to turn this situation into an opportunity to fight against misinformation during his time in office.
“I can assure them that the days of misinformation and cheap fabricated lies are coming to an end. The Ministry would tighten regulations on such illegal conducts of misinformation and disinformation in the coming weeks and sanitise our media space.”
The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has praised Ghanaian dancers Afronitaaa and Abigail for their outstanding performances on Britain’s Got Talent, a prominent UK talent show.
He expressed his gratitude to God for swiftly elevating Abigail and Afronitaaa to global recognition.
Reflecting on his support for Abigail during her victorious run on Talented Kidz in 2023 and her hard work to achieve such international acclaim, Sam George emphasized that their success on Britain’s Got Talent marks the beginning of many more achievements in their dance careers.
“Watching the journey of my little lioness ‘Abigail’, I am super excited but grateful to God for the blessings He has brought her way. From my first post asking you to support her to the grand finale and sending her off to Britain’s Got Talent, her journey has been incredible and nothing short of a series of miracles.
“God bless her parents and Afronitaaa for walking this journey with her. This is just the beginning! From Ningo-Prampram to the world!” he wrote on his X page.
Adorned in vibrant yellow shirts and black pants with Kente accents, Afronitaaa took the stage, proudly holding the Ghana flag.
She introduced the duo, sharing the inspiring story of young Abigail, a hearing-impaired girl with an intense love for dance, captivating the judges and audience.
Upon the judges’ request, the pair began their act with Fuse ODG’s “Azonto” song and its remix.
The crowd’s excitement intensified as they performed to Fuse’s “Dangerous Love,” featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul.
At the end of the nearly three-minute act, the entire auditorium, including the judges and audience, stood in ovation, with the loudest applause coming from Afronitaaa’s aunt and Abigail’s mother.
The judges—Simon, Amanda, Alesha, and Bruno—offered unanimous commendation for the performance.
Various celebrities and public figures have praised the duo for their stunning performance that showcased Ghana on the international stage.
See post below:
Watch video below of Afronita and Abigail’s performance on BGT:
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭💃🇬🇧: FULL AUDITON PERFORMANCE OF @Afronitaaa and Abigail on Britain’s Got Talent(@BGT).
Earlier this year, @DTSIntelAfrica revealed that they received four(4) yeses and so it was.
“This is one of my favorite auditions of the year..” — Simon
The Akufo-Addo administration has been characterized as wicked and incompetent by Samuel Nartey George, member of parliament representing Ningo Prampram.
His comment follows the invitation to pensioners by the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to partake in a new debt restructuring he is proposing.
Speaking on the Big Issue on TV3 Monday April 17, he said “They have raped the public purse. They have stolen the purse, people lost money in financial clean up, debt exchange and now you are going for pensions funds and you say we shouldn’t talk.”
“This is a wicked, clueless and incompetent government,” he added.
But the Member of Parliament for Ngleshie-Amanfrom, Sylvester Tetteh said the Finance Minister is not forcing pensioners to take part in the proposal for new debt restructuring,
He says the Minister is only inviting the Pensioners.
(The Finance Minister) is only making a proposal and inviting people into it,” he said.
“He is not putting gun on the neck of the people,” he added.
Mr Ofori-Atta has proposed a new debt restructuring.
He is invitting Board of Trustees of pensions funds to permit pension funds to be added in the new proposal.
He explained that the proposal has been “crafted to facilitate the execution of the MoU, addressing the Government financial needs while maintaining the value of the pension funds.”
The proposed offer entails exchanging your current holdings of Treasury Bonds, ESLA bonds and Daakye Bonds for a menu of the currently outstanding New Bonds (issued in February 2023 and maturing in 2027 and 2028 respectively. New Bond 2027 and New Bond 2028 featuring an average coupon of 8.4 % with a ratio of 1.15x, thus entailing an increase in patrimonial value.
This complemented by an additional cash payment of 10% (strip coupon). The stream of coupons to be received as part of this proposal will therefore be 21% compared to the current 18.5% of the outstanding of old bonds.”
He further indicated that “in 2023 and 2024, both instruments will pay 5% coupon in cash and the remainder will be capitalized into the nominal amount of the two bonds in order to comply with the cash constraints and the macro-framework defined under the programme with International Monetary Fund (IMF).”
In light of Kamala Harris’ visit, Ghana’s president modifies the nation’s position on a harsh anti-LGBTQ law.
President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana stated that after his administration’s intervention, “substantial elements” of a harsh anti-LGBTQ bill that the country’s parliament was considering “have been modified.”
The announcement was made by Akufo-Addo and US Vice-President Kamala Harris on Monday during a press conference held in conjunction with Harris’ visit to the country of West Africa.
He emphasised that the proposed legislation, disguised as a “family values” bill, was actually a private member’s bill that sought to enact some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ laws on the African continent. In August 2021, the bill made its initial appearance in the legislature.
“The bill is going through the parliament. The attorney general has found it necessary to speak to the committee (the constitutional and legal committee of parliament) about it regarding the constitutionality … of several of its provisions. The parliament is dealing with it. At the end of the process, I will come in,” the Ghanaian leader said.
After parliamentary deliberations, a final bill will be sent to the president for assent.
“My understanding … is that substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the intervention of the attorney general,” Akufo-Addo said.
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In suggesting that the bill may end up being watered down in the amendment process, Akufo-Addo added that he was convinced the parliament will consider the sensitivity of the bill to human rights issues as well as the feelings of the Ghanaian population “and come out with a responsible response.”
Anti-gay bill still “rigid and tough”
However, one of the parliamentarians who introduced the bill, Samuel Nartey George, insists that the proposed law remains “rigid and tough.”
“The bill has not been substantially changed. The bill remains as tough and as rigid as it was,” George told local media in a televised interview.
He added: “When the bill is laid before the House (of parliament), you will realize that the focus of the bill which has to do with voiding (gay) marriages, preventing them from adopting or fostering children, the clampdown on platforms and media houses that are going to do promotion and advocacy or push those materials still remain enforced.”
George also implied that restrictions against “expressions, be it lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender are all still there. “So when he (Akufo-Addo) says the bill has been watered down, he doesn’t know what he is talking about.”
The proposed aw would see LGBTQ Ghanaians face jail time, or be forced into so-called “conversion therapy” – a widely discredited practice debunked by much of the international medical and psychiatric communities.
Under the bill, advocates of the LGBTQ community would face up to a decade in prison; public displays of same-sex affection or cross-dressing could lead to a fine or jail time, and certain types of medical support would be made illegal.
The new law would also make the distribution of material deemed pro-LGBTQ by news organizations or websites illegal. It calls on Ghanaians to report those they suspect of being from the LGBTQ community.
Harris, the US vice-president, said at the press conference she felt very strongly about supporting the freedom and equality of the LGBTQ community.
“This is an issue that we consider to be a human rights issue, and that will not change,” she said.
Ghana not pressured
Ghana’s information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, also told CNN on Tuesday that the outcome of the parliamentary debate on the bill may differ from its original provisions.
“The bill is now in an enactment process. What will come out in enactment when 275 members get on the floor and start dealing with it clause by clause and voting clause by clause, may end up being different from what was proposed. You propose a bill and parliament … can tweak it and make it harsher or less harsh … it is in the hands of parliament now,” Nkrumah said.
“We are not pressured in any way to focus on things that are not essentially within our main priorities. Our priority number one is getting the Ghanaian economy on track and that’s what we’re focused on.”
“This conversation is not part of our mainstream conversation here in Ghana,” he added.
Old sodomy laws dating back to 1960 remain on the statute books in Ghana but they are rarely enforced.
Activist Danny Bediako, who runs the NGO Rightify Ghana, told CNN that living in Ghana would become tougher for the LGBTQ community if the bill passes in parliament.
“It’s going to make it difficult for the (LGBTQ) community to exist. They are just trying to erase the community through this bill, so it will definitely lead to an increase in attacks,” said Bediako, who added that his organization had documented 27 cases of violent attacks targeted toward the LGBTQ community in the country this year.
“There have been different types of cases, but the most dominant one is the activities of violent groups and they are widespread. So if this bill is passed, these activities are going to continue and it’s only going to also get worse.”
According toSamuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram, it would be politically suicide should President Akufo-Addo decide not to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill when Parliament approves it.
According to the MP, if the President fails to assent to the bill otherwise known as the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, two-thirds of members of Parliament can vote in favour of the bill to be passed into law.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Samuel George indicated that failure to approve the bill will be an indictment on the government.
“The President will be requested by Parliament to sign the bill into law. It will be politically suicidal, and it will mark the sound of a dead mill on his abysmal government if he said he was not going to sign that bill into law. That will be the beginning of the collapse of his government and his legacy. And so I don’t want to have that thought because I think that his advisers and handlers will advise him accordingly,” theNingo Prampram MP said.
President Akufo-Addo during a joint press conference he had with US Vice President, Kamala Harris at the Jubilee House on Monday, disclosed that his government had intervened to modify the current anti-LGBTQ Bill.
Kamala Harris also tried to belittle Ghana’s efforts to pass the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Incensed over the comments, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin lambasted Akufo-Addo and Kamala Harris describing the comments as undemocratic.
“As the Vice President of the USA, Kamala Harris did yesterday, these things should not be tolerated, that is undemocratic. What is democracy? That someone should have to dictate to me what is good and what is bad? Unheard of, because we have decided to devalue ourselves and go begging? Come on, we have more than enough. God has created more than enough for every person, the Bill will be passed,” Bagbin added.
Ningo Prampram, lawmaker Samuel Nartey George has called for the process to investigate the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta by the 8-member committee formed by the Speaker, to be transmited by live television.
Sam George called for this to be live on television given the huge public interest in this matter.
“Mr Speaker, I will like to call for the sittings to be televised live given the nature of the matter.”
The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin on Thursday November 10 set a committee to investigate the allegations made against Mr Ofori-Atta by the Minority in Parliament for which they filed a motion to get him removed from office.
The 8-member committee, co-chaired by Dr Dominic Ayine and KT Hammond, lawmakers for Bolgatanga East and Adansi-Asokwa respectively, has within seven working days to complete its work and submit the report
The Speaker’s ruling came after the Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged the motion of the Minority on the basis that the Finance Minister will suffer injustice if the House goes ahead with the application.
Mr Afenyo-Markin indicated that the claims by the Minority were criminal in nature upon a proper scrutiny.
To that end, he called for a fair hearing for the Minister.
The Minority accused Mr Ofori-Atta of, among other things, personally benefitting from every loan that the government takes.
But the Effutu Member of Parliament said “these matters, upon a proper scrutiny, are criminal in nature. The Minister should be given a fair hearing.”
“If we go ahead with the application we will be doing a lot of injustice to our colleague. If this application is allowed it will be injustice and unfairness, the Minister wouldn’t have been given adequate time to prepare for his defense,” he stressed.
Justifying the motion to get the Finance Minister removed, the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu said President Akufo-Addo was not ready to sack the Minister.
Therefore, he appealed the Majority Members of Parliament to support the move to get him removed.
In his ruling on this matter, Speaker Bagbin said after announcing the formation of the committee that “The evidence will be placed before the committee. The Minister will have the opportunity to defend himself.
“A report will be presented to the House, and we will debate that report.”
On Sunday, October 3, 2022, Mr. George wrote the following: “The ECG has a number of really major problems.
Their system was attacked internally by a group of “criminals,” not from outside the organization “.
The MP urged the government to launch a forensic probe into the IT section of ECG after claiming to have information that a gang had been stealing more than GH200 million per month from the firm.
Situation
Since last Tuesday, many ECG customers had struggled to purchase credit on their prepaid meters, either by using the ECG App or from vending outlets.
The power supplier had encountered technical challenges with its ECash and PNS Metering System which has made it impossible for customers to purchase credit.
The situation has been partially resolved as of October 2, 2022, with customers now able to purchase electricity credits through third-party vendors.
Explanation
In a follow-up, Mr George said he had deleted the “post out of respect for the work I have just been informed is being done on the matter”.
He said he did not intend to compromise the remedial steps ECG was taking to resolve the situation.
“I do not intend in any way to compromise the remedial steps underway. I can assure you all that I would continue to follow the matter and update the public on the actions taken to ensure such treachery against our Country NEVER happens again!”.
Some nine residents in the Ningo-Prampram Constituency have filed an interlocutory injunction to restrain the National Communications Authority (NCA) from implementing punitive measures against unregistered SIM card subscribers.
The NCA has said network subscribers who default will not have access to any services, as their SIMs will be deactivated after September 30, 2022. In a writ shared by Member of Parliament for the area, Sam Nartey George, on Tuesday, the applicants want the High Court of Justice to restrain the “blocking, deactivating, restricting, churning and/ or in any other way or manner limiting the Applicants’ use of their Mobile Phone SIM Cards and Network Services until the complete and final determination of the substantive application for judicial review.”
“Subscribers will have a period of six months to register to redeem their SIMs, failing which their numbers will be churned – that is, re-assigned to the pool to be sold to potential new subscribers,” the Authority added in its statement dated September 4, 2022.
Mr George, speaking to the media, explained that the applicants have been deprived of their Ghana cards despite registering with the National Identification Authority, thus the need to seek legal redress as their current situation is no fault of theirs. “These are citizens who have complied with the directive and taken every reasonable step to get registered. Whatever is left is outside their control. Either for the NIA to provide them with the card that they have registered for,” he worriedly revealed.
“Some registered as far back as 2019, and they still haven’t received their cards. Others have registered, and the NIA has asked them to come for it in December. So in this case, they can’t do anything except what they have done,” he added.
The major challenge affecting the ongoing SIM card re-registration exercise has been registrants not receiving their Ghana Card promptly after registration. This is because the national identification authority issued card is the sole identification document for the SIM card re-registration exercise.
On July 31, 2022, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalization, “reluctantly” extended the SIM card registration deadline for a second time to September 30, 2022, with conditions. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful acknowledged that the government was having difficulties with the exercise because of the delays in the issuance of the Ghana card during a press conference to announce the extension.
“Upon consultation with the industry and in view of the challenges enumerated above, I have very reluctantly decided to grant a conditional extension. The programme will be extended to September 30th to end on the anniversary of its commencement, “she said.
Delays in the issuance of the Ghana card was the largest challenge bedevilling this exercise. My information is that the NIA has not been able to issue all eligible
persons with the Ghana card,” she explained.
Due to the challenges it is facing, the NIA has said it will be unable to register all Ghanaians before the September 30th deadline. “We cannot do that. There is no way that the NIA can register those people. It is technically, physically impossible. We had said way back in March that it was impossible. I have said it is like expecting a maiden to make a baby every three months,” Executive Secretary of the NIA, Professor Kenneth Agyeman Attafuah, told the press on Friday, September 16, 2022.
Some Ghanaians have challenged the Authority to implement its initiatives as planned in light of public concerns regarding the sanctions implemented by the
NCA. The Communications Minister, in rebuttal to the numerous public concerns, has however, advised mobile network subscribers “not to blame your service provider” for the sanctions yet to be implemented, stating that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed”.
