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Minority demands answers over digital health systems shutdown over US$64m debt

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Minority demands answers over digital health systems shutdown over US$64m debt

The Minority in parliament has demanded answers over the suspension of ten servers by technology company Akamai, which disrupted access to Ghana’s critical digital health information systems.

In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, on Friday, November 6, the minority called for an independent audit of the country’s digital health infrastructure and an immediate restoration of the affected systems.

The Minority questioned how a contractual payment of US$64,510.95 could lead to the disruption of essential health information services.

It will be recalled that on  November 2, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) issued a communication disclosing that critical electronic health information systems, including the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2), had been inaccessible since October 29, 2026.

The Minority, in its statement, raised concerns about financial planning, contract management and institutional oversight at the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

The statement read, “In October 2025, the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced the introduction of the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) to replace the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS). Government presented GHIMS as a state-owned platform intended to strengthen national control over health data and reduce dependence on private service providers.

Barely a year later, the Ghana Health Service (GHS), in a communication dated 2nd November 2026, disclosed that critical electronic health information systems, including DHIMS2, had been inaccessible since 29th October 2026, following the suspension of ten servers by Akamai over an outstanding payment of just US$64,510.95.

Although GHIMS and DHIMS2 perform different functions, both form part of Ghana’s wider digital health ecosystem. This development raises serious questions about the sustainability of the government’s digital health strategy and its ability to safeguard essential national health information systems”.

The Minority further added, “The Minority finds this development deeply troubling, particularly given the government’s assurances that GHIMS would address longstanding challenges in Ghana’s digital health infrastructure.

The Ministry of Health’s budget increased from approximately GH¢17.8 billion in 2025 to GH¢22.8 billion in 2026, representing a 28% nominal increase. Although these are ministry-wide allocations, the public deserves a detailed account of the resources specifically committed to GHIMS and related digital infrastructure, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

Digital health transformation must be measured not by the introduction of new platforms, but by the reliability, accessibility and sustainability of the systems serving Ghanaians”.

The NPP minority further raise concerns of raised concerns about financial planning, contract management and institutional oversight at the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

“The Minority expresses profound disappointment in the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service for allowing outstanding contractual obligations to escalate into a nationwide disruption of critical health information systems. How could institutions entrusted with managing Ghana’s health information infrastructure allow ten servers to be suspended over an outstanding obligation of approximately US$64,511? 8.

This raises serious concerns about financial planning, contract management and institutional oversight. The Minority equally questions the apparent insensitivity of Akamai in suspending essential health information services despite the potential public health consequences. While contractual obligations must be respected, the Ministry must review the agreement and consider terminating it where justified by the established facts and contractual provisions”.

The Minority Health Committee also demanded, “Immediately restore the affected systems and provide a clear timeline for full operational recovery.

Account for GHIMS expenditure, including budgetary allocations, actual spending, implementation progress and integration with existing health information systems.

Investigate the Akamai suspension, establish institutional responsibility and take appropriate corrective action.

Conduct an independent audit of Ghana’s digital health infrastructure, including hosting arrangements, interoperability, data security and business continuity.

 Establish sustainable financing and infrastructure safeguards to prevent future disruptions”.

The minority further concluded by highlighting that Ghana’s digital health transformation must deliver reliable services, not merely new platforms and policy announcements, arguing that it is unacceptable for critical national health information systems to remain vulnerable to disruption over unresolved administrative and financial obligations.

See the statement below:

MINORITY-PRESS-RELEASE-HON.-AYEWDownload
@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚
@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has arrived at Efya and Tomi’s traditional marriage ceremony. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Efya-Am in Luv with U – Sarkodie

‘I am ready to lead’ – Nii Lantey Vanderpuye declares bid for NDC chairmanship

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‘I am ready to lead’ – Nii Lantey Vanderpuye declares bid for NDC chairmanship

Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the former Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, has announced his intention to contest for the National Chairman position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the party’s internal elections scheduled for December 19, 2026.

According to Vanderpuye, he would officially file his nomination for the position, expressing confidence that his long-standing service and experience within the party had prepared him for the role.

In a video message to NDC members, sympathisers and the general public, Vanderpuye reflected on his political journey.

He recounted how his political journey had taken him from the revolutionary era through the party’s participation in Ghana’s democratic process.

Vanderpuye stated, “I have served you through the revolution days up to today when we have the National Democratic Congress in a democratic dispensation. This is proof that I have built a life of service and a heart that cares”.

He further highlighted that empowering others, building strong institutions and taking responsibility are essential qualities of effective leadership, noting that years of sacrifice and commitment had deepened his dedication to the NDC.

According to Vanderpuye, his decision to seek the chairmanship is driven by a desire to rebuild, reform and reset the party while restoring unity and confidence among its members.

“I consider myself ready to, together with you, step up to this very important call,” he declared.

Mr Vanderpuye pledged to work towards creating a united, inclusive and caring party where every member, regardless of their position, would feel valued and have a sense of belonging.

He added, “We will build the NDC as one united, inclusive, and caring family, restoring trust among members and a strong sense of belonging at every level”.

Vanderpuye urged party members to support his ambition, expressing optimism that collective efforts could help build a stronger and more resilient NDC.

In related news, Former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho has criticised former Member of Parliament Nii Lante Vanderpuye over his reported ambition to contest for the party’s National Chairmanship position.

Koku Anyidoho described the ambition as “senseless” and alleged that it was being encouraged by Church Street, a group within the governing party.

In a post on social media, he urged Nii Lante Vanderpuye to abandon the contest, insisting that he would not win.

“Forget this senseless ambition of yours supported by Church Street. You will NOT win, and you are wasting your time,” Mr Anyidoho wrote.

He further warned that he could make additional revelations if those he described as Mr Vanderpuye’s supporters continued to back the bid.

“Don’t force me to say what I don’t want to say. Tell your Church Street masters to back off before some of us say what we don’t want to say,” he added.

Koku Anyidoho stated, “Forget this senseless ambition of yours supported by Church Street.

You will NOT win, and you are wasting your time.

Don’t force me to say what I don’t want to say.

Tell your Church Street masters to back off before some of say what we don’t want to say”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ #GHNow #fyp ♬ The Victory Of Mahama – Remix – NDC Music
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Watch Samaritan who found Javits Frimpong after he was shot speaks

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Watch Samaritan who found Javits Frimpong after he was shot speaks

Emma Brian, a Samaritan who came to the aid of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong after he was shot in the Bronx, New York, has shared an emotional account of his final moments with the teenager.

Speaking at a memorial service held in Javits’ honour on November 5, 2026, Brian recounted how he stumbled upon the teenager lying on the ground after turning a corner.

Brian said he immediately rushed to help after noticing that Javits was bleeding, applying pressure to his wound in an attempt to control the bleeding.

He explained that he stayed with the teenager until additional help arrived, doing what he could to keep him alive.

He also expressed how deeply moved he was by Javits’ composure, noting that the teenager remained remarkably calm despite the seriousness of his injuries.

Emma Brian stated, “My name is Brian. When I came around that corner, I didn’t expect to find something that would change my life. I saw Javits lying there, and my immediate thought was to run up and stop the bleeding once I saw he was bleeding”.

“And I put pressure on the wound, did my best to stop the bleeding, and basically just stayed with him till someone was there and, you know, besides that point, the main thing that I wanted to get out and I wanted his family to know was that he was extremely brave throughout the whole thing,” he recounted.

“I would have been crying my eyes out like a little girl if I got shot, and he wasn’t doing any of that. You know, he told me his name when I asked him his name and, you know, besides that, he was just extremely brave throughout the whole thing,” Brian said.

Javits Frimpong was shot dead in the Bronx, New York, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

According to reports, Javits Frimpong was shot near the intersection of Crotona Place and East 171st Street shortly before 9:30 a.m. while reportedly on his way to school.

The information gathered suggests the teenager was shot in the abdomen and was found in and out of consciousness.

Police are searching for three male suspects, but no arrests have been made. The motive remains unclear.

Reports suggest the suspects, who were last seen wearing black clothing, were fleeing down Fulton Avenue, with two of them wearing surgical masks.

Meanwhile, Surveillance video shows a person fleeing the scene who matched a description released by police.

The video showed someone wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and a mask.

According to authorities, the victim ran about a block after being shot before collapsing. He later died at a hospital.

Meanwhile, a video has surfaced of Ghanaians and sympathisers in the United States stepping up their demands for justice for Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot while on his way to school in the Bronx, New York.

The renewed calls come nearly a week after the tragic incident, with authorities yet to make any arrests or provide substantial details about the circumstances leading to his death.

In a viral video circulating on social media, hundreds of Ghanaians and other sympathisers were seen and heard drumming, chanting and demanding justice for the deceased.

The demonstrators repeatedly chanted, “Javits Frimpong, Justice for Javits and Justice for the Bronx,” as they called for accountability over his killing.

Their demonstration forms part of growing demands for answers and justice as concerns mount over the lack of arrests and limited information surrounding the fatal shooting.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has arrived at Efya and Tomi’s traditional marriage ceremony. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Efya-Am in Luv with U – Sarkodie
@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚

If NPP wants accountability, they should bring back Ken Ofori-Atta – NDC

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If NPP wants accountability, they should bring back Ken Ofori-Atta – NDC

Abanga Yakubu Alhassan, the National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has slammed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its ‘Y3gye Y3 Sika’ demonstration.

The NDC Vice Chair, Abanga, challenged the NPP to demand the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta if they genuinely want accountability.

According to Abanga, the NPP demands are misplaced, stressing that their attention should be directed towards Ofori-Atta rather than  Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

He argued that Ofori-Atta should be the focus of the NPP’s accountability demands, citing how the former minister imposed painful haircuts on citizens through Ghana’s debt restructuring programme.

Abanga also highlighted that Ken Ofori-Atta contributed to the country’s economic challenges, including its loss of investment-grade credit status.

In a statement, Abanga praised Ablakwa for his meticulous leadership and positive contributions to Ghana’s international relations.

He wrote, “The NPP’s “Y3gye y3 sika” demands are completely misplaced. Instead of targeting the venerable Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a meticulous leader whose disciplined work has brought immense positive impact to Ghana’s international relations, they should look closer to home”.

“The real focus should be on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who forced painful haircuts on citizens and landed Ghana in junk status,” he added.

“If the NPP wants accountability, they should demand that Ofori-Atta muster the courage to return to Ghana and account for his stewardship,” he said.

In related news, the Accra High Court has given the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) four more weeks to complete efforts to serve former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, with summons in the United States.

On September 29, the prosecution told the court that a team that travelled to the United States to engage the US Department of Justice over the service of the summons was yet to return to Ghana.

The prosecution therefore asked the High Court for additional time to enable it to complete the necessary processes, a request the court granted.

On August 27, 2026, during the previous hearing, the case was adjourned to September 29, 2026, to allow the prosecution time to serve Ofori-Atta and Akore with the necessary processes in the United States.

Meanwhile, the High Court has since adjourned the case involving Ofori-Atta and seven others to October 29, 2026.

It will be recalled that Ofori-Atta is facing 28 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences arising from investigations into revenue assurance contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Ken Ofori-Atta is standing trial alongside former GRA Commissioners-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah; former Customs Commissioner Isaac Crentsil; former Customs Commissioner Kwadwo Damoah; SML Chief Executive Officer Evans Adusei; and former Chief of Cabinet to Mr Ofori-Atta, Ernest Darko Akore.

Earlier, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) said former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is still a fugitive from justice in Ghana.

@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has arrived at Efya and Tomi’s traditional marriage ceremony. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Efya-Am in Luv with U – Sarkodie
@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚

‘Who born dog to tell me not to praise Ibrahim Mahama?’ – Abronye challenges NPP critics

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‘Who born dog to tell me not to praise Ibrahim Mahama?’ – Abronye challenges NPP critics

Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has challenged party members questioning his praise for Ghanaian business mogul Ibrahim Mahama, insisting that nobody can dictate whom he should commend.

According to Abronye, he sees no reason to withdraw his support for Ibrahim Mahama, arguing that the businessman has demonstrated commitment to helping Ghanaians and contributing to the country’s economy.

Speaking on his Ohia TV programme, Abronye alleged that some party members had been pressuring him to defend foreign companies, particularly in the mining sector, instead of recognising the contributions of Ibrahim Mahama.

The NPP chairman questioned why he should be expected to praise foreign mining companies while overlooking a Ghanaian businessman whose early business dealings, he claimed, included contracts secured during the NPP administration.

Abronye also highlighted  Ibrahim Mahama’s assistance to Ghanaians who were stranded in South Africa as an example of the businessman’s support for fellow citizens.

He stated, “These small boys think that when they see GH¢1000, they have seen money. If you don’t know, Ibrahim Mahama started his business when the NPP was in power and most of the contracts he initially secured were from the NPP government.

When Ghanaians were stranded in South Africa, Ibrahim Mahama helped them. So, you NPP person, why would you come and tell me to praise foreign companies and leave Ibrahim Mahama? Who born dog?” Abronye said.

Abronye maintained that his position was informed by what he considers Ibrahim Mahama’s contributions to Ghana and its people, rather than political considerations.

The development follows Abronye DC, has shockingly made a case for businessman Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P).

According to Abronye, Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers & Planners (E&P) has done better for Damang than Newmont in their 22 years of operation.

He argued that the developmental impact of E&P at Damang surpasses what foreign-owned mining companies have achieved in their respective operational areas over several decades.

Abronye, in his commentary, singled out Newmont’s operations in Ahafo, highlighting that the development associated with E&P at Damang exceeds what Newmont has delivered to its host communities over approximately 20 years.

Speaking on Ohia TV in a video shared on X, Abronye stated, “If we’re to be truthful, the Damang that we made so much noise about; Ibrahim Mahama, the report coming in shows that Ibrahim Mahama has done better for Damang in terms of development than Newmont has done for Kenyasi in their twenty-two years of operation”

Abronye further highlighted that Ghana stands to benefit more from entrusting its gold resources to capable indigenous entrepreneurs such as Ibrahim Mahama than from relying predominantly on multinational mining companies.

According to Abronye, Ghanaian ownership could promote greater local investment, employment creation, infrastructure development and retention of mineral wealth within the national economy.

Abronye’s shocking endorsement is particularly significant given his history of political opposition to Ibrahim Mahama’s mining interests.

It will be recalled that in 2017, the concession involving Exton Cubic Group Limited, which had engaged Engineers & Planners, became the subject of intense political and legal controversy.

The NPP Bono regional chairman was among those who publicly challenged the arrangement.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚
@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has arrived at Efya and Tomi’s traditional marriage ceremony. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Efya-Am in Luv with U – Sarkodie

Ghana’s national airline dream gets a boost as Mahama agrees roadmap with Boeing

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Ghana’s national airline dream gets a boost as Mahama agrees roadmap with Boeing

Ghana’s ambition to re-establish a national airline has received a boost after President John Dramani Mahama and officials of US aerospace giant Boeing agreed on a roadmap for the project.

Reports suggest the agreement follows a meeting between President Mahama and a Boeing delegation, during which the company expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to establish a new national carrier.

According to reports, the roadmap outlines key steps towards the establishment of the airline, including identifying strategic and technical partners, securing an Air Operator Certificate, selecting an appropriate fleet and putting financing arrangements in place.

Also, Boeing assured the President of its continued technical support throughout the establishment and operational phases of the proposed airline.

The development is expected to help Ghana maximise the use of its airport infrastructure, and to strengthen Accra’s ambition to become a leading aviation hub in West Africa.

It will be recalled that Ghana Airways, established in 1958, was once the country’s national airline, operating international flights before ceasing operations in 2004 after years of financial and operational difficulties.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has said he hopes that Ghana Airways will resume operations before the end of his tenure.

According to John Mahama, his government is working to revive the country’s aviation industry as part of broader plans to improve Ghana’s transport infrastructure.

Speaking at the Russian University of Transport on October 27, 2026, where he received an honorary doctorate, Mahama stated, “I hope that before I leave office we will have Ghana Airways back in the air”.

Mahama also outlined investments in Ghana’s transport infrastructure, including the expansion of ports and airports, the reconstruction of major roads and the development of the railway network.

“New freight trains and the expansion of our railway network are also ongoing. And even as I speak, we are working on revamping our cherished national airline. It is my hope that before I leave office, we will have Ghana Airways back in the air,” he stated.

Also, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that President John Mahama has taken steps to restore the airline, which stopped operations more than two decades ago.

Ablakwa disclosed that a technical committee established by the President has completed its work and submitted a report to guide the revival of the national carrier.

He disclosed that Ghana Airways is expected to return to the skies in 2027, with Canada identified as a priority destination for direct flights under the government’s plan to revive Ghana’s national airline.

Ablakwa also disclosed that President Mahama had held discussions with aircraft manufacturer Boeing as part of preparations to bring Ghana Airways back into operation.

He stated, “President Mahama is passionate that the pride of Ghana, the wings of Ghana, which flew in the skies and made all of us proud until the early 2000s”.

“President Mahama has put together a technical committee. They have submitted their report. Last month, he had a good meeting with the management of Boeing, and I can confirm to you that President Mahama’s target is that next year, 2027, we should have Ghana Airways back in the skies,” he added.

@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚
@ghnow_ Bus Driver shares his experience with Traffic Tech on the Accra Kumasi Highway #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘These girls will never forgive us if we fail them’ – NPP Women’s Wing protests Obuasi SHTS abuse

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‘These girls will never forgive us if we fail them’ – NPP Women’s Wing protests Obuasi SHTS abuse

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Women’s Wing has staged a demonstration in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, demanding justice for 19 students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS) allegedly sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

The protest, held under the theme “Justice for Our Girls,” seeks accountability over the allegations and stronger measures to protect students against sexual abuse and other forms of misconduct in educational institutions.

The demonstrators, led by the party’s National Women’s Organiser, Mavis Hawa Koomson, called on President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, to ensure that the affected students receive justice.

Addressing the protest, Hawa Koomson stressed the need for the country’s leadership to protect the students and restore their confidence in the institutions.

She stated, “These girls will never forgive us as a country if we fail them. It is their future, and we need to protect them. They must have confidence in Ghanaians and their leaders”.

The NPP Women’s Wing demonstration also attracted the NPP’s Second Vice Chairman, Nana Boakye, General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah and other members of the party’s Women’s Wing.

The suspended Obuasi headmaster is facing allegations of rape, sexual harassment and sexual assault involving the female students.

The sexual abuse claims have triggered widespread public concern and renewed calls for stronger safeguarding measures in schools.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service have initiated steps to address the matter.

However, the NPP Women’s Wing is insisting that more decisive action is needed to ensure accountability and protect the affected students.

Meanwhile, the Gender Minister has raised an alarm concerning the girls allegedly sexually abused at Obuasi Senior High and Technical School (SHTS).

According to the Gender Minister, families of girls allegedly sexually abused are facing further distress as they seek justice for the alleged victims.

She disclosed that the situation had worsened the psychological trauma of some of the girls, with some of the girls having suicidal thoughts.

The Gender Minister further expressed concern that, instead of receiving support, some families were being blamed and subjected to public scrutiny following the allegations.

She further disclosed that some families of alleged victims are considering relocating over stigma.

Speaking during a community engagement in Obuasi, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey stated, “There is an incident where one of the girls doesn’t want to return to school or engage in any activity in life anymore. She has regretted telling her story and blaming herself. Most of them are harbouring suicidal thoughts”.

“Some families are considering relocation because people are pointing fingers at them. People are rather victimising them instead of supporting them,” she added.

Also, the Gender Minister disclosed that seven families of alleged victims of the Obuasi SHTS headmaster are preparing to press charges amid reported threats, intimidation and blackmail.

@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚
@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has arrived at Efya and Tomi’s traditional marriage ceremony. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Efya-Am in Luv with U – Sarkodie

Forget the presidency if you drop NAPO for Ayew Afriyie — Bawumia told

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Forget the presidency if you drop NAPO for Ayew Afriyie — Bawumia told

Prof Charles Marfo, a former Provost of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST),  has warned Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, against replacing Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, with Dr Ayew Afriyie as his running mate.

According to Prof Charles Marfo, should Bawumia drop NAPO for Ayew Afriyie, he should forget the presidency.

He argued that Dr Bawumia dropping NAPO for Dr Ayew Afriyie would be a mistake,

Speaking on Oyerepa Radio, Prof Marfo stated, “People are saying that NAPO has an interest in becoming Bawumia’s competitor in 2032 as a flagbearer if they do not win the 2028 elections.

As a result, he does not stand a chance of becoming his running mate. This is just hearsay; I do not have any evidence”.

Despite the unverified claims, Prof Marfo advised Bawumia to retain NAPO, warning against selecting Dr Ayew Afriyie as his replacement.

“I hope Dr Bawumia will not make the mistake of changing Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO). Even if he wants to change, he should go for a third person, but with Dr Ayew, he should just forget about the presidency,” he stated.

Prof Charles Marfo’s comments follow speculation that NAPO could have presidential ambitions of his own and might seek to challenge Bawumia for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearership in 2032 if the party does not win the 2028 elections.

Meanwhile, NAPO, the 2024 running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said he will never contest for the NPP flagbearer position as long as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia contests.

Napo, as he is commonly referred to, highlighted that no one matches Dr Mahamudu’s wisdom, experience, and ideas to lead Ghana within the NPP.

Speaking on Oyerpa FM, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh explained, “His (Dr Bryan Acheampong) first time of being a Cabinet minister was four years ago; he came to meet us. Also, Dr Adutwum’s first time as a Cabinet minister was four years ago. I, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, have served Cabinet for seven years.

I have worked with all of them at Cabinet, and nobody comes anywhere near Dr Bawumia. To the extent that I decided not to contest for the presidency if Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is contesting”.

According to Napo, some person contesting for the NPP flagnearership during their time in Cabinet did not produce a single memo for Cabinet to consider.

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh added, “Because we are looking for somebody with wisdom among us to lead, as this is governance, nobody comes near. Some of them sat at the Cabinet and never brought a single memo”.

Meanwhile, some NPP Members of Parliament have endorsed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 running mate, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, to be maintained as running mate in the 2028 elections.

Following the State of the Nation Address on Friday, February 27, 2026, Napo was spotted exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries in Parliament shortly after he attempted to leave Parliament. Some NPP MPs gathered around him.

The NPP MPs were heard chanting “Yɛ pɛ NAPO, NAPO na yɛ pɛ” which translates as We want Napo, Napo is the one we want”.

Nana Ayeh Asafo-Adjei, the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho and the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, along with other colleagues.

Other MP’s were also heard shouting, “No change, we want NAPO.”

@ghnow_ Ghanaian musician Efya is traditionally marrying her partner, Tomi, in a ceremony currently underway. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 🫒OLIVETHEBOY💚
@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has arrived at Efya and Tomi’s traditional marriage ceremony. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Efya-Am in Luv with U – Sarkodie

‘Not a pesewa has been touched’ – Kofi Adams defends World Cup Bonanza Raffle

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‘Not a pesewa has been touched’ – Kofi Adams defends World Cup Bonanza Raffle

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has defended the management of funds raised through the second World Cup Bonanza Raffle, insisting that not a single pesewa has been spent.

According to Kofi Adams, the money generated from the exercise remains in the custody of the fundraising committee and will be used to compensate winners who were unable to secure visas to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to the media in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, amid growing controversy over the fundraising initiative, Kofi Adams disclosed that only five of the 31 winners of the second raffle had successfully obtained US visas.

The remaining 26 winners could not secure visas, but the minister assured that the government was working on a compensation package to address their situation.

Kofi Adams explained that an initial group of between seven and 10 winners had their travel documents processed following a meeting with the organisers.

He maintained that the funds raised through the second raffle, which was organised by Mpuntu, remained untouched and were being held specifically to ensure that all affected winners received appropriate compensation.

Kofi Adams stated, “Every pesewa of the raffle that was run by Mpuntu has not been touched. That money has not been touched. The fundraising committee is still holding on to those funds to make sure that everybody is appropriately compensated”.

The Sports minister also rejected allegations by the NPP Minority in Parliament regarding the use of foreign telephone numbers in the fundraising exercise, describing the claims as false.

“If the NPP Minority in Parliament is running a story and talking about foreign numbers and what have you, that’s a complete lie,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has described the government’s World Cup Bonanza Raffle as a “well-orchestrated scheme to milk Ghanaians,” accusing authorities of exploiting participants through what it alleges was an act of extortion and fraud.

According to the Minority caucus, about 220 participants entered the first raffle, hoping to win fully funded trips to the United States and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but were left uncertain about their money following the cancellation of the promotion.

They also questioned the handling of a second raffle, alleging that winners were given only 95 minutes to submit their travel documents to a contact in Mali, with a warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in the forfeiture of their prizes.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, November 5, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, demanded clarification on whether participants in the first raffle had received full refunds.

He stated, “The so-called World Cup bonanza raffle, which was deceptively packaged as a golden opportunity for 220 loyal Ghanaian supporters to travel and support the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup, was turned into a well-orchestrated scheme to extort and milk the little money left in the pockets of suffering Ghanaians”.

He stated, “They boycotted the first raffle after they had taken money from the Ghanaian people. So, if you are a street hawker and you believed in this process and staked a lottery of about GH¢10,000, each stake constituting GH¢10, then the government will say we have cancelled it, without refunding their monies to them”.

He further questioned whether winners of the first raffle had been refunded or travelled to the tournament.

“The big question that we should be asking is: who were the lucky winners for the first raffle? Were their monies refunded? Were they taken to the US or Canada? Were all the monies from the Ghanaian people refunded to them, whether they won or not? How many winners actually travelled? What happened to the rest?” he asked.

The Minority is demanding the publication of the financial arrangements behind the advertised prizes, including raffle ticket sales, prize funds, goodwill transfers and revenues paid into Ghana’s Sports Fund.

They also want clarification on whether the National Lottery Authority (NLA) licensed or partnered in the promotion, details of the contract awarded to its operators and the identities of those behind the website ghworldcupraffle.com.

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah calls for transparency and accountability in the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Chinese malls taking over our market – GUTA cries out

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Chinese malls taking over our market – GUTA cries out

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has raised alarm over the growing dominance of Chinese-owned shopping malls in Ghana’s retail sector.

GUTA warned that the rapid expansion of Chinese malls is taking a significant share of their market and threatening the survival of local businesses.

According to the association, Chinese malls now control an estimated 60 per cent of the retail market, leaving Ghanaian traders struggling to compete and prompting calls for government intervention.

GUTA President Clement Boateng said the development was particularly worrying because it was happening at a time when improvements in the broader economic environment were expected to create better conditions for traders.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Thursday, November 5, Clement Boateng acknowledged that key economic indicators were showing positive signs but argued that the growing dominance of Chinese shopping malls was undermining the gains local businesses should be making.

“If you all look at the microeconomic indices, one will say that they are all pointing to a very positive direction and definitely supposed to have a bearing on whatever activities that, as traders, we perform,” Clement Boateng said.

However, Clement Boateng said the increasing number of Chinese-owned malls was taking a significant portion of the market and making competition difficult for domestic traders.

“These Chinese shopping malls are springing up, and these shopping malls are taking about 60 per cent of our market share, and we think it is having a very negative impact as far as local businesses are concerned,” he added.

The GUTA president therefore urged the relevant authorities to take a closer look at the operations of the malls and examine their impact on Ghanaian businesses.

However, beyond the competition they pose, the GUTA president also expressed concern that profits generated by the foreign-owned businesses could be transferred outside the country rather than being retained within the local economy.

“These Chinese malls will repatriate their profits away. But if businesses, local businesses are doing well, definitely all the monies will remain here,” he said.

The GUTA president’s comments reflect GUTA’s growing concerns about the competitive challenges confronting local traders as Chinese-owned retail outlets continue to expand across the country.

GUTA wants the authorities to pay closer attention to the trend and its implications for Ghanaian-owned businesses, although Mr Boateng did not specify the regulatory interventions he believes should be introduced.

Meanwhile, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) CEO Mark Badu-Aboagye has said that Ghana’s single-digit inflation offers some comfort.

The GNCCI CEO, however, warned that rising inflation in locally manufactured goods shows pressure on businesses has not eased enough.

According to him, business conditions have improved, but the rise in inflation for local goods showed the recovery remained incomplete.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, Mark Badu-Aboagye stated, “If you look at the numbers, the cost of locally manufactured goods, the inflation for it went up a bit, which should tell you that we are still not out of the woods yet.”

“Relatively, business has been good. Things are a bit better as compared to previous years.”

He further disclosed that businesses had also contributed to single-digit inflation by limiting price increases.

“So if you see inflation at a single digit, among other factors, the fact that businesses have not been increasing their prices excessively.”

He, however, pointed to the national average of 5.5 per cent, admitting that some regions recorded higher inflation.

“There are outliers. Some may have higher inflation, even in the regional context.”

Mark Badu-Aboagye identified exchange rate stability as a significant contributor to lower inflation. Production costs had also played a role.

He, however, argued that additional tariff relief, alongside the tax measures, could have brought down the cost of locally manufactured goods.

“Inflation would have been a bit lower,” he said.

@ghnow_ Does TrafficTech Rules affect Contra Flow Buses? #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid
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26 World Cup raffle winners who failed to secure US visas to be compensated – Kofi Adams

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26 World Cup raffle winners who failed to secure US visas to be compensated – Kofi Adams

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has assured that the 26 winners of the second World Cup Bonanza Raffle who failed to secure visas to travel to the United States will be compensated.

He said the government was working on a compensation package for the affected winners, adding that funds raised through the raffle remained untouched and were still being held by the fundraising committee.

Speaking to the media in Parliament on Thursday, November 5, amid growing controversy over the World Cup fundraising exercise, Kofi Adams disclosed that only five of the 31 winners of the second raffle had successfully secured US visas.

The Sports Minister explained that an initial group of between seven and 10 winners had their travel documents processed following a meeting with the organisers. However, the remaining 26 were unable to obtain visas to make the trip.

Kofi Adams insisted that the money raised through the second raffle, organised by Mpuntu, had not been spent and was being kept specifically to ensure that all affected winners received appropriate compensation.

“Every pesewa of the raffle that was run by Mpuntu has not been touched. That money has not been touched. The fundraising committee is still holding on to those funds to make sure that everybody is appropriately compensated,” he said.

The minister also dismissed allegations by the NPP Minority in Parliament concerning the use of foreign telephone numbers in the fundraising exercise, describing them as false.

“If the NPP Minority in Parliament is running a story and talking about foreign numbers and what have you, that’s a complete lie,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has accused the government of extortion and fraud over the World Cup Bonanza Raffle, calling for a special audit into the organisation, financial arrangements and management of the promotion.

According to the caucus, about 220 participants entered the first raffle, hoping to win fully funded trips to the United States and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but were left uncertain about their money following the cancellation of the promotion.

They also questioned the handling of a second raffle, alleging that winners were given only 95 minutes to submit their travel documents to a contact in Mali, with a warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in the forfeiture of their prizes.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, November 5, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, demanded clarification on whether participants in the first raffle had received full refunds.

He stated, “They boycotted the first raffle after they had taken money from the Ghanaian people. So, if you are a street hawker and you believed in this process and staked a lottery of about GH¢10,000, each stake constituting GH¢10, then the government will say we have cancelled it, without refunding their monies to them”.

He further questioned whether winners of the first raffle had been refunded or travelled to the tournament.

“The big question that we should be asking is: who were the lucky winners for the first raffle? Were their monies refunded? Were they taken to the US or Canada? Were all the monies from the Ghanaian people refunded to them, whether they won or not? How many winners actually travelled? What happened to the rest?” he asked.

The Minority is demanding the publication of the financial arrangements behind the advertised prizes, including raffle ticket sales, prize funds, goodwill transfers and revenues paid into Ghana’s Sports Fund.

They also want clarification on whether the National Lottery Authority (NLA) licensed or partnered in the promotion, details of the contract awarded to its operators and the identities of those behind the website ghworldcupraffle.com.

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah calls for transparency and accountability in the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Abu Jinapor chases gov’t for full-scale probe into passport scandal amid Director’s interdiction

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Abu Jinapor chases gov’t for full-scale probe into passport scandal amid Director’s interdiction

Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, has once again called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into Ghana’s diplomatic and service passport regime.

Abu Jinapor’s demands follow the interdiction of Yahaya Amantana Mahama, the Director of Passports, pending investigations into alleged irregularities surrounding the acquisition of a service passport.

The interdiction is said to have followed a petition submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by a prominent Ghanaian pastor and his wife, whose identities have not been disclosed.

According to reports, the petition raised concerns about the acquisition of a service passport and other related matters.

In response, a five-member committee chaired by Ambassador Alexander Grant was reportedly constituted on October 13, 2026, to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the matter.

The committee is expected to present its findings to the sector Minister by the close of this week, barring any last-minute changes.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia has reportedly been appointed to act as Director of Passports while investigations into the matter continue.

Reacting to the development, Abu Jinapor described the matter as one of grave national importance.

The Damongo MP further challenged the government to name all those involved in the wrongdoing, adding that all persons found culpable must be held accountable, without fear or favour.

In a Facebook post, Samuel Abu Jinapor wrote, “On Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, at the first sitting of the Third Meeting of this Session of Parliament, I sought, in my capacity as the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, to raise serious concerns surrounding the issuance of Ghanaian Diplomatic and Service Passports.

Unfortunately, I was unable to pursue the matter fully, under circumstances that are now well within the public domain.

It has since been reported that the Director of Passports has been interdicted.

The issuance of Diplomatic and Service Passports is a matter of grave national importance, with far-reaching implications for the credibility and integrity of Ghanaian passports, the reputation of our diplomatic institutions, and Ghana’s standing in the international community.

These developments reinforce the urgent need for a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the entire regime governing the issuance of Diplomatic and Service Passports. Any wrongdoing must be uncovered, and all persons found culpable must be held accountable, without fear or favour.

Parliament, as the representative institution of the Ghanaian people, has a sacred constitutional duty to demand answers, ensure accountability, and safeguard the integrity of our Republic. We cannot abdicate that responsibility.

The Minority Caucus remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to ensure that Parliament rises to the occasion and discharges this solemn duty to the people of Ghana.

We shall pursue every lawful and parliamentary avenue available to us to establish the truth, secure accountability, and protect the reputation and integrity of our country.

The integrity of Ghana’s passports, the credibility of our institutions, and the international reputation of our Republic must never be compromised”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah calls for transparency and accountability in the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Ghana Navy seizes 117 sacks of suspected Indian hemp worth US$1m in Ada bust

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Ghana Navy seizes 117 sacks of suspected Indian hemp worth US$1m in Ada bust

The Ghana Navy has intercepted two wooden boats transporting 117 sacks of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, weighing approximately 4.7 tonnes and estimated to be worth more than US$1 million, at the Ada Estuary.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Navy said the operation was conducted by its Riverine Command in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and National Security.

According to the Navy, the seized consignment consisted of dried leaves packaged in more than 80 parcels per sack.

They further disclosed that preliminary intelligence gathered by the security agencies indicated that the substances were allegedly being transported out of the country.

According to the Navy, the suspects abandoned the two boats and their cargo after spotting the pursuing naval personnel and fled the scene.

Captain Festus Osei Brobbey, the Director of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, speaking to the media, disclosed that the Navy had deployed a riverine detachment to strengthen security along the Volta Lake and surrounding communities.

Captain Brobbey explained that the deployment was intended to prevent illicit activities and enhance security along the waterway.

He emphasised the importance of sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering in identifying and disrupting criminal activities.

Captain Brobbey also commended community members for providing timely information to security agencies, which helped support their operations.

In the meantime, the Ada East District Chief Executive and Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, cautioned residents against allowing the Volta Lake to become a transit route for illicit drugs.

He urged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate security authorities.

Meanwhile, the interception forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen surveillance along Ghana’s waterways and prevent them from being used to transport illicit substances.

In a related drug bust, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced the arrest of three foreign nationals in Ghana in connection with a 46.7-kilogramme cocaine consignment seized at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon.

According to NACOC, the suspects comprise a Syrian, Tunisian and Lebanese national.

They disclosed that the three suspects were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations on Tuesday, November 3, after information shared by Lebanese law enforcement authorities.

Two of the suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested in Accra, while the third was also arrested in a separate operation.

Their arrest forms part of ongoing investigations by Ghanaian and Lebanese security agencies to identify individuals suspected of facilitating the movement of the cocaine shipment.

The development follows the arrest of a Syrian national who was busted in Lebanon after arriving from Ghana with 40 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine concealed in two bags at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

@ghnow_ I have 500 cedis to TrafficTech Just Yesterday – VIP Bus Driver #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
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Ghana still not out of the woods yet – GNCCI CEO

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Ghana still not out of the woods yet – GNCCI CEO

Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) CEO Mark Badu-Aboagye has said that Ghana’s single-digit inflation offers some comfort.

The GNCCI CEO, however, warned that rising inflation in locally manufactured goods shows pressure on businesses has not eased enough.

According to him, business conditions have improved, but the rise in inflation for local goods showed the recovery remained incomplete.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, Mark Badu-Aboagye stated, “If you look at the numbers, the cost of locally manufactured goods, the inflation for it went up a bit, which should tell you that we are still not out of the woods yet.”

“Relatively, business has been good. Things are a bit better as compared to previous years.”

He further disclosed that businesses had also contributed to single-digit inflation by limiting price increases.

“So if you see inflation at a single digit, among other factors, the fact that businesses have not been increasing their prices excessively.”

He, however, pointed to the national average of 5.5 per cent, admitting that some regions recorded higher inflation.

“There are outliers. Some may have higher inflation, even in the regional context.”

Mark Badu-Aboagye identified exchange rate stability as a significant contributor to lower inflation. Production costs had also played a role.

He, however, argued that additional tariff relief, alongside the tax measures, could have brought down the cost of locally manufactured goods.

“Inflation would have been a bit lower,” he said.

In related news, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed Ghana’s improving economic conditions, pointing to strong growth, declining inflation and better public finances, but has also raised concerns about falling foreign exchange reserves and fiscal pressures in key sectors.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Fund announced that it had reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the first review of the country’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), following discussions held in Accra from October 22 to November 4.

The IMF described Ghana’s economic recovery as encouraging, suggesting that improvements in key macroeconomic indicators were helping to establish a more stable economic environment.

IMF Mission Chief Ruben Atoyan stated, “Macroeconomic stability is becoming entrenched”.

The agreement, however, remains subject to approval by IMF Management and the Executive Board.

IMF highlighted Ghana’s economic growth as one of the major achievements, revealing that the economy expanded by 6.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, largely driven by investment.

According to the IMF, Ghana is projected to record an overall growth rate of 5.7 per cent for the full year.

The fund highlighted that inflation has declined to 5.5 per cent in October, placing it below the Bank of Ghana’s target range of six to 10 per cent.

The IMF further commended the government’s fiscal management, noting that the country was on course to achieve its targeted primary surplus by the end of the year, while public debt had remained relatively low following significant reductions in recent years.

“The fiscal position is strong, with the primary surplus on track to meet the end-year program target, and public debt remains low following rapid declines in recent years.”

According to the Fund, the improvements in economic conditions, coupled with the financial buffers accumulated by the country, had helped Ghana absorb some of the external economic shocks associated with the war in the Middle East.

The IMF  also gave a positive assessment of the country’s performance under the PCI, indicating that most of the quantitative targets for the first review had been achieved.

“Performance under the PCI has been broadly satisfactory. Most quantitative targets under this review are met.”

@ghnow_ I have 500 cedis to TrafficTech Just Yesterday – VIP Bus Driver #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ #GHNow #fyp ♬ The Victory Of Mahama – Remix – NDC Music

‘World Cup Bonanza Raffle a well-orchestrated scheme to milk Ghanaians’ – Minority alleges

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‘World Cup Bonanza Raffle a well-orchestrated scheme to milk Ghanaians’ – Minority alleges

The Minority in Parliament has described the government’s World Cup Bonanza Raffle as a “well-orchestrated scheme to milk Ghanaians,” accusing authorities of exploiting participants through what it alleges was an act of extortion and fraud.

According to the Minority caucus, about 220 participants entered the first raffle, hoping to win fully funded trips to the United States and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but were left uncertain about their money following the cancellation of the promotion.

They also questioned the handling of a second raffle, alleging that winners were given only 95 minutes to submit their travel documents to a contact in Mali, with a warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in the forfeiture of their prizes.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, November 5, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, demanded clarification on whether participants in the first raffle had received full refunds.

He stated, “The so-called World Cup bonanza raffle, which was deceptively packaged as a golden opportunity for 220 loyal Ghanaian supporters to travel and support the Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup, was turned into a well-orchestrated scheme to extort and milk the little money left in the pockets of suffering Ghanaians”.

He stated, “They boycotted the first raffle after they had taken money from the Ghanaian people. So, if you are a street hawker and you believed in this process and staked a lottery of about GH¢10,000, each stake constituting GH¢10, then the government will say we have cancelled it, without refunding their monies to them”.

He further questioned whether winners of the first raffle had been refunded or travelled to the tournament.

“The big question that we should be asking is: who were the lucky winners for the first raffle? Were their monies refunded? Were they taken to the US or Canada? Were all the monies from the Ghanaian people refunded to them, whether they won or not? How many winners actually travelled? What happened to the rest?” he asked.

The Minority is demanding the publication of the financial arrangements behind the advertised prizes, including raffle ticket sales, prize funds, goodwill transfers and revenues paid into Ghana’s Sports Fund.

They also want clarification on whether the National Lottery Authority (NLA) licensed or partnered in the promotion, details of the contract awarded to its operators and the identities of those behind the website ghworldcupraffle.com.

The caucus has further demanded an account of the 2,922 match tickets allegedly purchased with public funds, including how many were allocated to raffle winners and whether they were used.

“We also want them to publish the Bonanza ticket sales, prize fund and goodwill transfers, and the government raffles revenue and any surplus paid into Ghana’s Sports Fund,” he said.

The Minority has petitioned the Auditor-General to conduct a special audit of the November 4 raffle, the March 18, 2026, raffle and the World Cup fund.

It has also called for Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee to take evidence on the promotions as part of its ongoing inquiry into the World Cup visa controversy.

Additionally, it wants the Data Protection Commission to investigate how winners’ passports and personal information were collected, stored and shared.

However, the Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has said all participants in the first raffle have been refunded.

Kori Adams added that the government is working to provide financial compensation to winners of the second raffle who were unable to travel to the tournament.

Meanwhile, Vincent Ekow Assafuah has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as a secretive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.

Ekow  Assafuah disclosed that he had boycotted an invitation to appear before the committee established by the President, citing concerns about its independence, transparency and credibility.

The Old Tafo MP disclosed that his decision was based on concerns about the independence and credibility of the committee.

He argued that the matter should instead be investigated by an independent commission of inquiry.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Mahama govt caught in RTI merry-go-round as three institutions respond differently to NLA-KGL report request

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Mahama govt caught in RTI merry-go-round as three institutions respond differently to NLA-KGL report request

The Fourth Estate has exposed an apparent administrative stand-off involving three institutions under the John Mahama government which have given different responses to the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) over its request for the full report of a committee established to review the controversial contract between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL Technology Limited.

The conflicting responses have raised questions about the whereabouts of the report, with the MFWA being referred from one institution to another in what appears to be an official information-access impasse.

The report in question was produced by a joint technical committee commissioned by President Mahama in December 2025, following investigations by The Fourth Estate into the NLA-KGL contract.

The President tasked the Attorney-General and the Minister for Finance with establishing the committee to review the agreement.

In April 2026, the government disclosed that the committee had concluded that the existing NLA-KGL deal was not financially advantageous to the Republic.

President Mahama subsequently directed that the agreements be renegotiated to secure better financial benefits for Ghana.

However, despite the directive for an expedited renegotiation, a new agreement has yet to be finalised. This is despite an assurance by the Finance Minister in October 2026 that a new contract would be in place within the same month.

In a publication detailing the RTI exchanges, The Fourth Estate highlighted the differing responses from the three institutions, which have left questions about the report’s custody and accessibility unresolved.

The Fourth Estate report detailed how the Attorney-General’s Office directed the requester to the Presidency; the Presidency then referred it to the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Finance later stated it does not hold the report and sent it back to the Presidency.

Read the full details below:

“It all began on April 23, 2026, when the MFWA requested a copy of the report of the inter-Ministerial Committee that was set up by the President to investigate the terrible NLA-KGL deal.

The request was first sent to the RTI Officer of the Attorney-General (A-G) and the Ministry of Justice under Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989).

The office of the A-G initially did not respond to the request. The MFWA then filed an appeal to the A-G and the Minister for Justice as head of the institution. Then, on June 8, 2026, the A-G’s office responded. The response indicated that the Committee had been commissioned by the President and not by the A-G’s office.

“Accordingly, you are advised to direct your request to the Office of the President, which is the appropriate institution in possession of the information sought,” the response from the A-G’s Office, signed by the Ministry’s RTI Officer, Lydia Attoh, stated.

The A-G’s Office, which had jointly led the investigation with the Ministry of Finance, was therefore categorical about where the information should be obtained. But that was the beginning of what has turned out to be an awkward merry-go-round.

The MFWA had also submitted an RTI request directly to the Office of the President in April 2026. Following non-response from the Presidency, the MFWA filed an appeal to the Chief of Staff.

In its response dated June 17, 2026, the Presidency, through Chief Director Abubakari Wayo, indicated that the MFWA’s earlier request had been answered on May 4. A copy of the earlier response, which was not received by the MFWA, was attached to the Chief Director’s reply. 

In the attached letter dated May 4, 2026, the Minister of State responsible for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, directed the MFWA to the Ministry of Finance for the requested report.

“Having reviewed your request, you are advised to direct same to the Ministry of Finance, which is the appropriate Ministry with oversight responsibility and custody of the information sought,” Kwakye Ofosu’s letter stated.

Acting on the advice from the Office of the President, the MFWA took its RTI request to the Ministry of Finance on July 1, 2026. In the request to the Ministry of Finance, the MFWA specifically explained that the Presidency had identified the ministry as the custodian of the report.

The Ministry of Finance refused to respond to both the original request and a subsequent appeal.  Left with no option, the MFWA took the matter to the Right to Information Commission.

In a letter dated October 20, 2026, addressed to the Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission (RTIC), the Ministry of Finance delivered the most revealing response yet.

Contrary to the Presidency’s earlier assertion, the Ministry of Finance told the RTIC that the report was neither held by it nor under its custody.

“The Ministry wishes to clarify that the requested report is neither held by nor under the custody of the Ministry,” the letter, signed by the ministry’s Chief Director, Patrick Nomo, stated.

The Chief Director’s letter further stated that the Office of the President was the institution best placed to establish the report’s status and availability. In effect, the Ministry of Finance sent the MFWA straight back to the institution that had referred it to the Finance Ministry in the first place.

Perhaps even more revealing is the Finance Ministry’s acknowledgement that it failed to respond appropriately to the initial RTI application. In its October 20 letter, the ministry admitted that the applicant should have been formally informed of its position within the statutory period.

“The Ministry, however, acknowledges that the applicant ought to have been formally advised of our position within the prescribed statutory period.” The letter from the Ministry of Finance to RTIC said. It went on to describe the Ministry’s failure as an administrative omission, expressed regret and promised to strengthen its internal processes.

The contradictions could hardly be clearer: The A-G says the report is with the Office of the President. The Office of the President says no, the report is with the Ministry of Finance. Ministry of Finance says, no, the report is with the Office of the President.

The development leaves one wondering how a government can commission an investigation, act on its findings, but leave its own institutions unable to identify who holds the resulting report? It also raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and the constitutional right of citizens to access information held by public institutions”.

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Traders at Makola Market were excited to see Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during her four-day official visit to Ghana as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘I have boycotted that invitation’ – Ekow Assafuah rejects Mahama’s invitation over World Cup visa probe

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‘I have boycotted that invitation’ – Ekow Assafuah rejects Mahama’s invitation over World Cup visa probe

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as a secretive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.

Ekow Assafuah disclosed that he had boycotted an invitation to appear before the committee established by the President, citing concerns about its independence, transparency and credibility.

The Old Tafo MP disclosed that his decision was based on concerns about the independence and credibility of the committee.

He argued that the matter should instead be investigated by an independent commission of inquiry.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, Vincent Assafuah disclosed that the invitation had been extended to him by the President through his presidential advisers.

However, he questioned the President’s involvement in the investigation, particularly because some of the persons who could be implicated in the alleged irregularities are ministers serving in his government.

He said, “I have respectfully boycotted that invitation. I did so on principle. The president cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own case”.

Ekow Assafuah further criticised the committee’s lack of transparency, raising concerns over the failure to make its membership, terms of reference and proceedings public.

He argued that the absence of such information undermined public confidence in the investigation and raised questions about the committee’s mandate and operations.

“That committee is shrouded in complete opacity. Its terms of reference are not public, its members are unknown, and its sittings are held behind closed doors,” he said.

The Ranking Member disclosed that he had petitioned both the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the President, calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged visa and fundraising irregularities.

According to Ekow Assafuah, the proposed commission should operate openly, have the authority to compel the production of relevant evidence and make its findings accessible to the public.

Ekow Assafuah maintained that a transparent and independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts and ensure accountability, rather than relying on what he considers an internally controlled process.

“What Ghana needs is not a secret in-house cover-up committee. What Ghana needs is a public, transparent, independent commission of inquiry with powers to subpoena, to publish evidence and to hold persons accountable openly,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sammi Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has alleged that some regional executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal.

According to Sammi Awuku, information he has gathered suggests government appointees tasked NDC regional executives with collecting money from individuals interested in travelling abroad during the World Cup.

Sammi Awuku further disclosed that the pressure had mounted on the regional executives following public disclosures about the alleged visa scandal.

Speaking in an interview with UTV, Sammi Awuku stated, “The NPP has about 35 of these NDC scandals, and they will be rolled out from now until the elections. In this month alone, haven’t we discussed two of them? The World Cup visa scandal. I can confidently tell you today that some NDC regional executives were the conduit the appointees used to collect money for this World Cup scandal”.

“We will mount a challenge to their reset agenda. I maintain that some of the NDC regional executives were involved. So when the pressure started, it was not the appointees who came under pressure first, but the regional executives who mobilised the funds”.

Sammi Awuku further stated, “This is not rocket science; if they want it, we will provide them with names and voice notes. On constituency platforms, it’s voice notes because not everyone is good at English to type”.

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Sam George clarifies viral video says remarks were never intended as an attack on GAF

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Sam George clarifies viral video says remarks were never intended as an attack on GAF

Sam George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has clarified that his remarks in a viral video following a military operation in Ningo-Prampram were never intended as an attack on the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The Ningo-Prampram made the clarification after meeting with the Minister for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Commanders to discuss the incident and concerns raised by the military over portions of the video.

Sam George disclosed that he had used the meeting to explain the intention behind his comments, stressing that his concerns were directed at the conduct of the personnel involved in the operation and the harm suffered by residents, rather than the Ghana Armed Forces as an institution.

He also acknowledged how his remarks had been received by some members of the military fraternity and assured the High Command of his respect for the Armed Forces.

In a Facebook post, Sam George wrote, “This morning, I met with my colleague, the Minister for Defence, to discuss matters arising from a joint military/police operation in my constituency, Ningo-Prampram. The Chief of Defence Staff and the three Service Commanders also attended the meeting.

The High Command raised concerns about portions of a video in which I addressed my constituents following last Tuesday’s incident, during which several residents were assaulted, and three others sustained gunshot wounds.

We had a frank and cordial discussion. I assured the High Command that my remarks were never intended as an attack on the Ghana Armed Forces, an institution I hold in the highest regard, as I stated in that same address. I expressed my understanding of how my remarks have been received by the larger Army fraternity and agreed to work closer with the Minister for Defence in future situations. My concern was, and remains, the conduct of the personnel involved in the incident and the harm my constituents suffered.

As Member of Parliament, I have a duty to speak up for the people who elected me, and I will always do so. I am therefore encouraged by the Chief of Defence Staff’s commitment to open an investigation into the matter, and I trust it will be thorough and that its outcome will be made known.

I thank my colleague, the Minister for Defence, for his swift intervention. I look forward to working with him and the Military High Command to ensure that the rights of the people of Ningo-Prampram are protected, and that the integrity and proud image of our Ghana Armed Forces are upheld.

I urge my constituents to remain calm, cooperate fully with the investigation, and allow the process to run its course”.

The development follows Sam George, who lost his cool in a viral video, fuming at a military officer identified as Lieutenant Albert Goh.

The MP’s outbursts follow allegations that the officer had been terrorising residents of the Ningo-Prampram Constituency.

According to Sam George, Lieutenant Albert Goh allegedly stormed the constituency with heavily armed soldiers and seized several trucks without any lawful order.

Sam George further warned that any soldier who returned to Ningo-Prampram to brutalise residents would face the consequences.

Speaking in a viral video shared on X, Sam George stated, “Any soldier who comes to Ningo-Prampram to brutalise the people of Ningo-Prampram again, you will face the law of the streets. The streets. Because it means you have breached your oath as a soldier.

“And to Lieutenant Albert Goh, who came here yesterday with his men, this is a warning to you. It should be your last time because you are a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces. Albert Goh, your official number, your Ghana Army number is 5666”.

“And I’m saying that Lieutenant Albert Goh, you are a disgrace to the uniform that you wear. And I expect the Chief of Defence Staff, the CDS, to dismiss you from the Armed Forces for bringing disgrace to the Army. What you did yesterday was akin to armed robbery,” he said.

He further added, “Picking weapons from the Ghana Armed Forces armoury, coming here, seizing the tracks of citizens without any lawful order, driving that track for two weeks, somebody’s property. You are a thief.”

Sam George further disclosed that he would take up the matter with the Minister of Defence to ensure that the soldiers involved were held accountable.

Sam George added, “And I’m going to have a conversation with my colleague, the Minister of Defence, to make sure that he insists that the Army disciplines you, Albert Goh.

“They stopped you and asked you to come, but you disrespected an officer. The police commander here was a Chief Superintendent. A Chief Superintendent talks to you, and you disrespect him and get your men to cock their weapons at him.

“Who are you? Is that what you were trained to do in the Ghana Armed Forces? As an officer of the Ghana Armed Forces? They celebrate the Ghana Army, so we will get to the bottom of it. We have the names of every single one of them, and we will demand justice within the military system for the actions of those officers, because they are a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces. We will abide by the law, but we will not allow anybody to take the law into their hand and come and misbehave here, not in Ningo Prampram, ” he added.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ #GHNow #fyp ♬ The Victory Of Mahama – Remix – NDC Music
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah calls for transparency and accountability in the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Minority demands special audit of World Cup Bonanza Raffle, accuses gov’t of extortion

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Minority demands special audit of World Cup Bonanza Raffle, accuses gov’t of extortion

The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of extortion and fraud over the World Cup Bonanza Raffle, calling for a special audit into the organisation, financial arrangements and management of the promotion.

According to the caucus, about 220 participants entered the first raffle, hoping to win fully funded trips to the United States and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but were left uncertain about their money following the cancellation of the promotion.

They also questioned the handling of a second raffle, alleging that winners were given only 95 minutes to submit their travel documents to a contact in Mali, with a warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in the forfeiture of their prizes.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, November 5, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, demanded clarification on whether participants in the first raffle had received full refunds.

He stated, “They boycotted the first raffle after they had taken money from the Ghanaian people. So, if you are a street hawker and you believed in this process and staked a lottery of about GH¢10,000, each stake constituting GH¢10, then the government will say we have cancelled it, without refunding their monies to them”.

He further questioned whether winners of the first raffle had been refunded or travelled to the tournament.

“The big question that we should be asking is: who were the lucky winners for the first raffle? Were their monies refunded? Were they taken to the US or Canada? Were all the monies from the Ghanaian people refunded to them, whether they won or not? How many winners actually travelled? What happened to the rest?” he asked.

The Minority is demanding the publication of the financial arrangements behind the advertised prizes, including raffle ticket sales, prize funds, goodwill transfers and revenues paid into Ghana’s Sports Fund.

They also want clarification on whether the National Lottery Authority (NLA) licensed or partnered in the promotion, details of the contract awarded to its operators and the identities of those behind the website ghworldcupraffle.com.

The caucus has further demanded an account of the 2,922 match tickets allegedly purchased with public funds, including how many were allocated to raffle winners and whether they were used.

“We also want them to publish the Bonanza ticket sales, prize fund and goodwill transfers, and the government raffles revenue and any surplus paid into Ghana’s Sports Fund,” he said.

The Minority has petitioned the Auditor-General to conduct a special audit of the November 4 raffle, the March 18, 2026, raffle and the World Cup fund.

It has also called for Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee to take evidence on the promotions as part of its ongoing inquiry into the World Cup visa controversy.

Additionally, it wants the Data Protection Commission to investigate how winners’ passports and personal information were collected, stored and shared.

However, the Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has said all participants in the first raffle have been refunded.

Kori Adams added that the government is working to provide financial compensation to winners of the second raffle who were unable to travel to the tournament.

Meanwhile, Vincent Ekow Assafuah has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as a secretive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.

Ekow  Assafuah disclosed that he had boycotted an invitation to appear before the committee established by the President, citing concerns about its independence, transparency and credibility.

The Old Tafo MP disclosed that his decision was based on concerns about the independence and credibility of the committee.

He argued that the matter should instead be investigated by an independent commission of inquiry.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah calls for transparency and accountability in the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Prominent pastor’s petition lands Passport Director in trouble over service passport scandal

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Prominent pastor’s petition lands Passport Director in trouble over service passport scandal

Yahaya Amantana Mahama, the Director of Passports, has reportedly been interdicted pending investigations into alleged irregularities surrounding the acquisition of a service passport.

The interdiction is said to have followed a petition submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by a prominent Ghanaian pastor and his wife, whose identities have not been disclosed.

According to reports, the petition raised concerns about the acquisition of a service passport and other related matters.

In response, a five-member committee chaired by Ambassador Alexander Grant was reportedly constituted on October 13, 2026, to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the matter.

The committee is expected to present its findings to the sector Minister by the close of this week, barring any last-minute changes.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Francis Danti Kotia has reportedly been appointed to act as Director of Passports while investigations into the matter continue.

The development follows concerns raised by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who alleged that diplomatic passports were being sold for between US$10,000 and US$50,000.

Meanwhile, Bernard Bediako, the Akwatia MP, has dropped fresh details about an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who has been interdicted over alleged irregularities involving the sale of passports.

The Akwatia MP dismissed the claims linking the ongoing investigation to diplomatic passports, insisting that the case involved service passports instead.

According to him, the employee at the centre of the investigation was recruited in November 2024 and had been interdicted after the alleged misconduct came to light.

The Akwatia MP cautioned against misrepresenting the matter, noting that the distinction between service passports and diplomatic passports was important in understanding the allegations.

Speaking on TV3 on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Bernard Bediako stated, “Let me tell you, the issue at hand, the narrative all over, has nothing to do with a diplomatic [passport]. It has everything to do with a service passport, if they don’t know the difference. It has nothing to do with a diplomatic passport. There is nothing about a diplomatic passport; if they have any evidence, they should say.

“In fact, with the service passport, it is an employee they recruited in November 2024. Because the matter is under investigation, it’s not even fair to the gentleman. Let’s be fair. It’s under investigation. We know, we all know what happened. As we speak, the gentleman is no longer working there. He’s been interdicted,” he said.

The Akwatia MP further defended the Foreign Affairs Minister’s handling of the matter, saying, “There is no issue as we speak now, because the minister acted swiftly. Those who were supposed to be interdicted were interdicted,” he stated.

He further challenged Abu Jinapor to produce evidence backing his claims that diplomatic passports were being sold, maintaining that the allegations being investigated should not be confused with the reported sale of diplomatic travel documents.

The Akwatia MP reiterated that the employee’s alleged involvement concerned service passports and not diplomatic passports.

“This matter, where the gentleman and then some other people were allegedly involved in whatever they did, has nothing to do with diplomatic passports, but rather service passports,” he insisted.

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Complete opacity’ – Ekow Assafuah fires Mahama over ‘secret’ World Cup visa scandal probe

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‘Complete opacity’ – Ekow Assafuah fires Mahama over ‘secret’ World Cup visa scandal probe

Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as a secretive investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa acquisition process.

Ekow  Assafuah disclosed that he had boycotted an invitation to appear before the committee established by the President, citing concerns about its independence, transparency and credibility.

The Old Tafo MP disclosed that his decision was based on concerns about the independence and credibility of the committee.

He argued that the matter should instead be investigated by an independent commission of inquiry.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, November 5, Vincent Assafuah disclosed that the invitation had been extended to him by the President through his presidential advisers.

However, he questioned the President’s involvement in the investigation, particularly because some of the persons who could be implicated in the alleged irregularities are ministers serving in his government.

He said, “I have respectfully boycotted that invitation. I did so on principle. The president cannot be seen to be investigating his own ministers. You cannot be a judge in your own case”.

Ekow Assafuah further criticised the committee’s lack of transparency, raising concerns over the failure to make its membership, terms of reference and proceedings public.

He argued that the absence of such information undermined public confidence in the investigation and raised questions about the committee’s mandate and operations.

“That committee is shrouded in complete opacity. Its terms of reference are not public, its members are unknown, and its sittings are held behind closed doors,” he said.

The Ranking Member disclosed that he had petitioned both the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the President, calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged visa and fundraising irregularities.

According to Ekow Assafuah, the proposed commission should operate openly, have the authority to compel the production of relevant evidence and make its findings accessible to the public.

Ekow Assafuah maintained that a transparent and independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts and ensure accountability, rather than relying on what he considers an internally controlled process.

“What Ghana needs is not a secret in-house cover-up committee. What Ghana needs is a public, transparent, independent commission of inquiry with powers to subpoena, to publish evidence and to hold persons accountable openly,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sammi Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has alleged that some regional executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) were involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup visa scandal.

According to Sammi Awuku, information he has gathered suggests government appointees tasked NDC regional executives with collecting money from individuals interested in travelling abroad during the World Cup.

Sammi Awuku further disclosed that the pressure had mounted on the regional executives following public disclosures about the alleged visa scandal.

Speaking in an interview with UTV, Sammi Awuku stated, “The NPP has about 35 of these NDC scandals, and they will be rolled out from now until the elections. In this month alone, haven’t we discussed two of them? The World Cup visa scandal. I can confidently tell you today that some NDC regional executives were the conduit the appointees used to collect money for this World Cup scandal”.

“We will mount a challenge to their reset agenda. I maintain that some of the NDC regional executives were involved. So when the pressure started, it was not the appointees who came under pressure first, but the regional executives who mobilised the funds”.

Sammi Awuku further stated, “This is not rocket science; if they want it, we will provide them with names and voice notes. On constituency platforms, it’s voice notes because not everyone is good at English to type”.

@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah calls for transparency and accountability in the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah questions the motive behind using a Malian WhatsApp number to communicate with winners of the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah has raised serious allegations against the Ministry of Sports and the National Lottery Authority (NLA) over the World Cup Bonanza raffle draw. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘I intend to pay him a visit’ – Majority Leader on detained Ohene Kwame Frimpong

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‘I intend to pay him a visit’ – Majority Leader on detained Ohene Kwame Frimpong

James Agalga, the Majority Leader, has said he intends to visit the Asante Akyem North parliamentary candidate, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, in the Netherlands, who has been detained in the Netherlands.

According to the Majority Leader, he does not know the precise allegations against the detained Asante Akyem North MP despite receiving a formal briefing on his case.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, James Agalga stated, “I do not know the actual details. In fact, when the pressures of work ease a bit, I intend to pay him a visit.”

Also, the Majority leader has disclosed that the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat will not be declared vacant over the detention of its MP.

The Majority Leader ruled out declaring the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant, arguing that removing Ohene Kwame Frimpong from Parliament would violate his rights.

James Agalga stated, “No, we can’t do that. He’s not been convicted. If you declare the seat vacant and the courts clear him, what happens?”

“Yes, we have to respect his rights. Doing otherwise would violate his rights. His right to innocence, the presumption of innocence, is well enshrined in our constitution.”

“So we wish our colleague well. He’s innocent until proven guilty. Then there’s unanimity in Parliament that we must respect that principle.”

“He’s a Member of Parliament, so our mission in Brussels is assisting.”

“We pray for our colleague that the applications that are currently before the court would come out favourably for him”.

Meanwhile, A Dutch court has rejected two attempts by the legal team of Asante Akyem North MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, to secure his release on bail, leaving the Ghanaian legislator in custody as he awaits an extradition hearing scheduled for November 18, 2026

It will be recalled that Ohene Kwame Frimpong has been detained in the Netherlands since May 10, 2026, when he was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport following an extradition request from the United States over alleged involvement in romance scams and money laundering.

Despite efforts by his lawyers to secure his temporary release, both an initial bail application and a subsequent appeal have failed.

Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, disclosed the latest development, confirming that the two attempts to obtain bail had been unsuccessful.

Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor stated, “The update is that we have failed to secure bail for him in respect of the two applications that were brought before the court for the tribunal to sit. And so he’s still in custody”.

Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor further revealed that the substantive extradition hearing is expected to take place on November 18, 2026, provided there are no unforeseen developments.

He added, “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the extradition hearing, properly so-called, will take place on the 18th of this month, 18th November. And so we are still before the court”.

The MP also dismissed reports suggesting that the Asante Akyem North MP had already been transferred to the United States, insisting that the extradition process was still ongoing in the Netherlands.

“So he’s not been taken to the US as has been alleged. No, we’re still going through the records of the extradition process”, he added.

Also, following his arrest, Parliament confirmed his detention and engaged Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also disclosed that consular support had been extended to the MP, including a visit while he remained in detention.

Ohene Kwame Frimpong’s lawyers have reportedly challenged aspects of the extradition request, arguing that the warrant issued by a US magistrate’s court was intended to facilitate questioning and did not contain formal criminal charges.

The November 18 hearing is expected to examine the extradition request and determine whether the legal conditions for his transfer to the United States have been satisfied.

However, for now, the MP remains in Dutch custody as the proceedings continue. He has not been convicted of the allegations against him.

@ghnow_ #GHNow #fyp ♬ The Victory Of Mahama – Remix – NDC Music
@ghnow_ Does TrafficTech Rules affect Contra Flow Buses? #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid

‘The world economy is now digital’ – Bawumia rejects claims of abandoning economy for digitalisation

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‘The world economy is now digital’ – Bawumia rejects claims of abandoning economy for digitalisation

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has defended his emphasis on digitalisation during the 2024 general election campaign, dismissing claims that he abandoned key economic issues.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Tokyo, Japan, the former Vice President argued that digital technology has become a major driver of the global economy, making it impossible for countries to achieve sustainable economic growth without embracing it.

According to Dr Bawumia, the increasing integration of technology into global economic activities means that countries must develop strong digital frameworks to remain competitive and avoid being left behind.

“Many people don’t understand that the world economy is now digital. The world economy is digital. If you don’t go digital, you cannot prosper in this global economy. You cannot. And if you don’t take your time and put your digital framework together, you’ll be left behind,” he said.

Dr Bawumia’s comments come amid criticisms from some quarters that he focused excessively on digitalisation during the 2024 election campaign at the expense of addressing pressing economic concerns.

However, he maintained that digitalisation should not be separated from economic development, stressing that it is central to prosperity in the modern global economy.

The former Vice President also attributed the GH¢1.7 billion losses recorded by the Bank of Ghana to the central bank’s decision to trade portions of the country’s gold reserves.

Dr Bawumia argued that the losses could have been avoided if the central bank had maintained the original objective of the Gold for Reserves programme, which was to accumulate gold and strengthen the country’s reserves rather than trade the commodity.

“If they had followed the way that we had wanted to do the Gold for Reserves programme in terms of accumulating reserves, those losses would not have been made. But once you decide to start trading in gold, you will make those losses,” he said.

Meanwhile, some weeks ago, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia jabbed the NDC government, describing Ghana’s current economy as a tale of two economies.

According to Dr Bawumia, Ghana now has a paper economy and a pocket economy.

Dr Bawumia argued that despite the NDC government’s claim of lower inflation and a stronger cedi, life is still hard for Ghanaians.

Speaking at the NPP’s National Thanksgiving Service at the Church of Pentecost in Sunyani, Dr Bawumia stated, “As you can all attest, things are not going well. Things are really hard for the people. And when you ask them what they have done, they will tell you that inflation is down and the dollar is down. The reason we all want inflation and the dollar to go down is that we want it to have a positive impact and make life and the cost of living easier. But if inflation and the dollar go down and the people are suffering, is that how we want it?”.

“You cannot have a stable economy with people suffering. The stability should be a way of improving the lives of the people. So what is the use of the stability they are talking about when the people are suffering?”

Dr Bawumia added, “Have cocoa farmers benefited? They told them they will pay them 6000 cedis per bag. Has that happened? Have cashew farmers benefited? They told cashew farmers to look for land and expand their farms because they will pay them more, but that has not happened. Soybean, rice and maize farmers have all been deceived. Teachers, too, are the same. Same with nurses and doctors. Traders are also complaining because people are not buying their goods”.

“Galamsey is even worse. Maybe when they mentioned 1:3:3, they meant galamsey because galamsey has now more than tripled. Dr Sam Jonah said our river bodies now look like chocolate milk. They said they would end galamsey within one month, but they have failed”.

“They promised Ghanaians a new economy called a 24-hour economy. We have been waiting for nearly 2 years to see it, but it has not happened. Clearly they did not even understand what they were talking about. It was campaign propaganda to deceive Ghanaians. They said 1:3:3 – one job for three people, and the question Ghanaians are asking is, where are the jobs? They also promised to complete Agenda 111 hospitals, but they have failed”.

He added, “One is a paper economy – they say inflation is down and the exchange rate is down. The second economy is the pocket economy – the high cost of living and your sufferings. That is more important to the people of Ghana. The stability of the economy is meaningless if it cannot be linked to the liberation of the suffering of our people”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ👣🦅

‘It’s not allowed’ – GBA President cautions new lawyers against filming first court appearance

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‘It’s not allowed’ – GBA President cautions new lawyers against filming first court appearance

Efua Ghartey, the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), has cautioned newly enrolled lawyers against filming their first appearances in court or engaging videographers to record their entry into the courtroom.

According to the GBA president, such conduct is not permitted, adding that lawyers who disregard the directive risk being summoned for disciplinary proceedings.

The GBA president expressed concern over the growing practice of newly enrolled lawyers recording their first steps into the courtroom and sharing the moments on social media.

She urged lawyers not to hire videographers to follow them into court to capture their entry, stressing that the courtroom is not a place for such recordings.

Speaking in a video shared on TikTok, Efua Ghartey said, “We’ve seen some people take videos of their fresh legal steps into court. Please, it’s not allowed, it’s not allowed. So please don’t find a videographer to follow you as you enter the courtroom”.

Efua Ghartey, however, acknowledged that senior members of the legal profession had been enjoying the excitement surrounding the trend but added that some newly enrolled lawyers had gone beyond acceptable limits.

“And you know, as seniors, we are enjoying what is going on, but some people have crossed the line. And we don’t want to start calling you in for disciplinary matters,” she indicated.

In other news, Former Ghana Bar Association (GBA) President Yaw Acheampong Boafo has alleged that Ghana is currently training lawyers in a manner that is contrary to the law.

According to Mr Boafo, recent reforms in legal education were pushed largely by individuals outside the existing system, resulting in those within the system being sidelined during the reform process.

Yaw Acheampong Boafo argued that although legislation has created a statutory body to oversee legal education, the body has not yet been formally established.

He claimed that the Chief Justice and the Attorney General have instead assumed powers that should ordinarily be exercised by the yet-to-be-established body.

“Currently, we are training lawyers contrary to the law. It is not about disagreement with the current system. You can do the right thing the wrong way,” he said.

Mr Boafo further alleged that a pre-bar course had been introduced and institutions accredited without the necessary legal foundation.

“The push for reforms came from people outside the system, and they made those within the system enemies of the process,” he stated.

The former GBA President further warned that training lawyers outside the framework of the law could create a troubling precedent.

“Now, when we start training lawyers illegally, what we’ve told them is that it is convenient for you to displace the law,” he warned.

He further attributed the situation to what he described as the exclusion of experienced stakeholders from the reform process.

“Those within the system were seen as enemies of the state. So, when the law was being reformed, those in the system were sidelined, and people sitting in Florida woke up one morning and, writing in big English, were telling us how to run the system,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@dadzietv President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mrs Efua Ghartey, has cautioned newly enrolled lawyers against filming their first appearances in court or engaging videographers to record their entry into the courtroom. She stressed that such conduct is not permitted and warned that lawyers who disregard the directive could face disciplinary action. @younglawyersforum ♬ original sound – Dadzie TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ👣🦅
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪

Speaker Bagbin presiding over parliamentary bullying – Afenyo-Markin

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Speaker Bagbin presiding over parliamentary bullying – Afenyo-Markin

Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has accused Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin of presiding over what he describes as parliamentary bullying following the removal of Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor from the chamber.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the Speaker’s decision to uphold the directive for Abu Jinapor to leave the Chamber, after withdrawing his comments on the alleged sale of Ghanaian diplomatic passports, was unfair and humiliating.

He argued that Abu Jinapor had complied with the Speaker’s instruction and should not have been subjected to further punishment.

Addressing journalists, on behalf of the Minority Caucus, Afenyo-Markin  described the decision as “disproportionate, humiliating and, in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying.”

“An express withdrawal in compliance with the Speaker’s directive deserves acknowledgement, not punishment,” Afenyo-Markin said.

The Minority leader also accused the Majority of using its numerical strength to frustrate scrutiny and silence opposing views.

He stated, “The Majority may possess the votes, but the Minority must retain an effective voice and a keen eye for scrutiny”.

Afenyo-Markin further warned that the Minority would not abandon its constitutional oversight responsibilities despite attempts to intimidate its members.

“Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor shall not be silenced. The Minority Caucus shall not be silenced”, he declared.

The development follows Speaker Bagbin, who on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, ordered the Damongo Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Abu Jinapor, to leave the Chamber.

The confrontation erupted when Jinapor, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, raised concerns about the alleged sale of the passports and called for a parliamentary investigation into the matter.

Abu Jinapor insisted that there was credible evidence to support the allegations, describing it as a serious issue that could undermine Ghana’s international reputation.

However, his remarks drew an objection from the Majority Leader, James Agalga, who argued that the allegation amounted to an accusation of criminal conduct and therefore required evidence to substantiate it.

Agalga urged Bagbin to direct the Damongo MP to withdraw the claim and have the relevant portion expunged from the parliamentary records.

Speaker Bagbin subsequently directed Jinapor to withdraw the allegation, indicating that he could return to the matter with supporting evidence.

The MP, however, appeared reluctant to comply, leading the Speaker to order the Marshal of Parliament to ensure that he left the Chamber.

In a firm warning, Bagbin told Jinapor: “Marshal, please carry out the orders immediately. Honourable Abu Jinapor, please walk out of this place, or you will be taken out.”

Following the directive, Jinapor was seen gathering his books and belongings before leaving the Chamber.

His departure was followed by a walkout by Minority MPs, who left the Chamber in solidarity with their colleague.

Before the disagreement, Jinapor had told Parliament that there was compelling evidence that diplomatic passports were being sold, with prices allegedly ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000.

“As we speak today, there is evidence, unimpeachable evidence, that today diplomatic passports are being sold, Mr Speaker,” he told the House.

He described the alleged practice as a matter requiring urgent attention, warning of the possible consequences for Ghana’s image and relations with the international community.

Jinapor also questioned the circumstances surrounding the issuance of diplomatic passports, stressing that the process was governed by law and required strict adherence to established procedures.

“By law, it is only the Minister who has the authority to grant diplomatic passports in our country,” he said.

The incident turned the parliamentary sitting into a tense affair, with the disagreement over the allegations eventually resulting in the Damongo MP’s removal from the Chamber and a solidarity walkout by the Minority.

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪

$1.7bn gold trading losses avoidable if NDC followed NPP’s proposed reserves plan – Bawumia

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$1.7bn gold trading losses avoidable if NDC followed NPP’s proposed reserves plan – Bawumia

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has attributed the $1.7 billion losses recorded by the Bank of Ghana to its decision to trade portions of the country’s gold reserves.

The former vice president argued that the financial setback could have been avoided.

Dr Bawumia consequently called for a return to what he considers the original objective of the Gold for Reserves programme, which was to accumulate gold and strengthen Ghana’s reserves rather than trade the commodity.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Tokyo, Japan, Dr Bawumia argued that the losses resulted from the central bank’s decision to engage in gold trading instead of retaining the commodity as part of the country’s reserves.

According to Dr Bawumia, adopting his preferred approach of building up Ghana’s gold reserves would have prevented the financial losses.

“If they had followed the way that we had wanted to do the Gold for Reserves programme in terms of accumulating reserves, those losses would not have been made. But once you decide to start trading in gold, you will make those losses,” he said.

The former Vice President also defended his focus on digitalisation during the 2024 general election campaign, dismissing suggestions that he had failed to adequately address issues concerning the economy.

Dr Bawumia argued that digital technology had become a fundamental driver of the global economy and warned that countries that fail to develop robust digital infrastructure risk being left behind in the increasingly technology-driven world.

“Many people don’t understand that the world economy is now digital. The world economy is digital. If you don’t go digital, you cannot prosper in this global economy. You cannot. And if you don’t take your time and put your digital framework together, you’ll be left behind,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kofi Bentil, a Lawyer and Senior Vice-President of IMANI Africa, has said the establishment and operations of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) are the best thing that happened to Ghana’s gold resources.

He argued that GoldBod represented an improvement over an earlier arrangement under which the Bank of Ghana (BoG) was directly involved in gold trading.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Kofi Bentil stated, “GoldBod is the best we’ve done so far, but it is not perfect. At that time, it was the Bank of Ghana that was trading gold through GoldBod”.

“The losses belonged on the books of Bank of Ghana. They created problems for the Bank of Ghana, and we said that wasn’t a good thing to do,” he explained.

He noted, “Today as we speak, there is a transition from that position for GoldBod to have its own capital, to do its own buying, to do its own trading, and keep the losses or the benefits on its own books”.

Mr Bentil further rejected claims that the establishment of GoldBod was itself a policy mistake.

“Anybody trying to suggest that GoldBod is a mistake is wrong. GoldBod is the best we have done with our gold resources yet,” he added.

He further added, “We should always keep the bigger picture in mind; GoldBod is a fantastic idea; it does not make sense that we are a gold mining country and we are mer in these losses.

GoldBod is a fantastic idea; whatever happens, we must keep it. However, every good thing comes with its issues, and we must navigate them properly. The biggest problem right now is the heat coming out of the discussion.

Kofi Bentil further added, “For the first time in the history of this country, we have taken charge of Gold resources, and we are seeing the positive that can happen.

We cannot pretend that it will not come with any problem. My problem with the GoldBod is the heat instead of the light. We should be having an explanation; we should be having clarity about how this thing works and fix some of the problems around it. The idea was not even from this government, but they have taken it further”. 

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ👣🦅

IMF delivers major verdict on Ghana’s economy – details  

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IMF delivers major verdict on Ghana’s economy – details  

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed Ghana’s improving economic conditions, pointing to strong growth, declining inflation and better public finances, but has also raised concerns about falling foreign exchange reserves and fiscal pressures in key sectors.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Fund announced that it had reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the first review of the country’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), following discussions held in Accra from October 22 to November 4.

The IMF described Ghana’s economic recovery as encouraging, suggesting that improvements in key macroeconomic indicators were helping to establish a more stable economic environment.

Read the full statement below:

“Accra, Ghana: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Mr Ruben Atoyan visited Accra from October 22 to November 4, 2026, for discussions on the first review of Ghana’s 36-month program supported by the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). At the conclusion of the visit, Mr Atoyan issued the following statement:

“IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the first review of the PCI. The agreement is subject to approval by IMF Management and the Executive Board. The 36-month non-financing PCI for Ghana was reviewed by the IMF’s Executive Board on July 27, 2026 (Press Release No. 26/260).

“Macroeconomic stability is becoming entrenched. Real GDP grew by 6.2 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, driven by investment, and is projected at 5.7 percent for the year. Inflation was 5.5 percent in October and remains below the Bank of Ghana’s target band of 8±2 percent. The fiscal position is strong, with the primary surplus on track to meet the end-year program target, and public debt remains low following rapid declines in recent years. These gains, together with the buffers built in recent years, allow the authorities to partly absorb the external shock stemming from the war in the Middle East.

“Performance under the PCI has been broadly satisfactory. Most quantitative targets under this review are met. In response to the decline in foreign exchange reserves in recent months, the authorities have taken corrective actions, including moving foreign exchange intermediation from the Bank of Ghana to GoldBod, and implementing the higher gold sale requirement for large-scale miners. Steadfast implementation of these measures, alongside greater exchange rate flexibility, will be essential to rebuild reserves in line with program objectives.

“Structural reforms remain on track. The authorities published the Fiscal Strategy Document, obtained parliamentary approval of the new Cocoa Board Act to strengthen sector governance and financial discipline, and continued quarterly electricity tariff adjustments. They also completed, ahead of schedule, a comprehensive review of customs and excise legislation. Work is advancing on reforming the Bank of Ghana’s liquidity management framework, rolling out the Integrated Tax Administration System, operationalizing the Fiscal Council, and preparing the Fiscal Risk Statement. Completing the remaining reforms on time, including the delayed publication of the audit of the ECG’s collection accounts, will be important.

“The 2027 Budget is built on strong foundations. Consistent with the PCI, it targets a primary surplus of 0.5 percent of GDP on a commitment basis, supported by revenue measures already approved by the Parliament in July. The fiscal space created will be used for investment, focused on the priorities under the New Economy, including creating job and investment opportunities and closing the infrastructure gap. Rigorous project appraisal, competitive procurement, and strict expenditure controls will be critical to ensure value for money and preserve debt sustainability. Building on strong 2026 collections, non-oil revenue is projected to further increase in 2027, supported by the tax measures announced in July 2026, the review of customs and excise legislation, and gains from revenue administration reforms, including the Integrated Tax Administration System and electronic fiscal devices.

“Despite this progress, vulnerabilities persist, particularly from the external sector. Ghana remains exposed to volatility in gold, cocoa, and oil prices, as well as to geopolitical tensions and tighter global financial conditions. Domestic risks include significant domestic debt rollover needs, fiscal pressures from the energy, cocoa, and gold sectors, and remaining financial sector weaknesses. Prudent monetary policy, greater exchange rate flexibility, stronger reserve buffers, and buildup of a sinking fund to pay for maturing debt remain key to safeguarding stability.

“Strengthening governance remains a priority. Adoption of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, publication of the second National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan, and improved oversight of state-owned enterprises will help build public trust and support private investment.

“The IMF team thanks the Ghanaian authorities and other stakeholders for their warm hospitality and constructive discussions. The IMF remains a committed partner in Ghana’s efforts to preserve stability and achieve stronger, more inclusive, and job-rich growth.”

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ👣🦅

ALARM – Cloud provider switches off GHS servers, cripples health data systems nationwide over US$64,510 debt

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ALARM – Cloud provider switches off GHS servers, cripples health data systems nationwide over US$64,510 debt

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has suffered a nationwide shutdown of its electronic health information systems after its cloud hosting provider switched off all 10 servers supporting the platforms over an outstanding payment of US$64,510.95.

The shutdown has disrupted access to key digital services, including the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2).

According to reports, the disruption, which began on October 29, 2026, has affected the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS2), the Service’s main national health information reporting platform, alongside several other digital systems used in healthcare delivery and administration.

An internal memo dated November 2 and addressed to regional and divisional directors, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, disclosed that the hosting provider had switched off all 10 servers supporting the affected platforms.

Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, however, assured health officials that the incident had not compromised the security of the systems or resulted in any loss of information.

He stated, “There has been no security breach, and no data has been lost. Nightly encrypted backups of every system are held outside the suspended account and are current to 29th October 2026”.

Among the major platforms affected is DHIMS2, which health facilities and administrators rely on for entering, validating, analysing and extracting national health data.

Also, the Planning and Budget Management Information System (PBMIS), which provides access to institutional plans and budgets, has also become inaccessible.

Reports also disclosed that other affected platforms include eTracker, the Family Planning and Health Care (FPHC) system, Operational Training and Supervision Support (OTSS) assessments and the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) tracker. Although their web-based platforms are unavailable, their Android data-capture applications can still operate offline.

According to the Information gathered, the shutdown has similarly disrupted web access and laboratory integration for the HIV and tuberculosis trackers, as well as the ISRS sample tracker.

However, their Android applications remain operational in offline mode.

Additional systems affected include the National Malaria Data Repository (NMDR), the Events system for recording inpatient morbidity and mortality, SMS alerts, the transport system and the Community Health Information Management (CHIM) portal.

Meanwhile, the disruption has also affected the data-exchange gateway used to transmit birth notifications to the National Identification Authority and the Births and Deaths Registry.

Dr Akoriyea, to minimise the impact on health reporting and prevent gaps in the collection of essential information, has since directed health facilities and district health administrations to revert to paper-based reporting procedures until the digital platforms are restored.

In addition, facilities have been instructed to maintain their registers and complete monthly summary forms manually to ensure that information for October and November 2026 is properly documented and can be uploaded into DHIMS2 once access becomes available.

Meanwhile, on steps being considered to restore the affected systems, the Director-General outlined two possible approaches.

He disclosed that the first involves reactivating the existing Akamai account by clearing the outstanding payment, explaining that this option would allow the Service to recover access to all its systems in their previous state without having to rebuild them, making it the fastest route to restoring operations.

The other option would require the GHS to procure new servers and reconstruct the affected platforms using available backups. However, this approach could take as long as six weeks after the necessary server capacity has been acquired, potentially prolonging the disruption.

He disclosed that the Service was working to finalise arrangements with Akamai and obtain approval for US$64,510.95 to settle the outstanding amount and restore access to the systems.

Dr Akoriyea consequently appealed to the sector minister to intervene and facilitate the approval process to ensure that the affected services are restored as quickly as possible.

He further indicated that the GHS intends to consider moving its digital infrastructure to a Ghana-based hosting provider after services have been restored.

Dr Akoriyea stated, “Once services are restored, the Service will plan any move to a Ghana-based provider as a controlled project. That project will include a parallel run and a funded backup arrangement”.

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ👣🦅

No student has passed away at Ghana National College – GES

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No student has passed away at Ghana National College – GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed reports of the death of a first-year student of Ghana National College.

According to the Ghana Education Service, the incident being circulated on social media platforms and news portals happened in 2018.

In a Facebook post on November 5, 2026, GES clarified that no student had died at the school recently and urged the public to disregard the reports.

The Ghana Education Service also criticised persons circulating the reports, blaming them for reopening the painful memories of the bereaved family and also damaging the reputation of the school’s teachers and housemistresses.

The GES Facebook post stated, “No student has passed away at Ghana National College. This particular reported demise occurred in 2018.

The general public is therefore urged to disregard the disingenuous attempts by some faceless individuals to reopen the painful wounds of the bereaved family and unjustly besmirch the reputation of the teachers/house mistresses and the school”.

The GES clarification follows reports that Ruby Teiko, a first-year student of Ghana National College, has died after reportedly suffering a severe asthma-related breathing crisis during a dormitory inspection at the school’s Elsie Dadzie Hall.

The circumstances surrounding her death have sparked concerns, with her family alleging that school authorities failed to provide her with immediate assistance despite repeated complaints that she was struggling to breathe.

According to the family, Ruby Teiko, who had a history of asthma, experienced breathing difficulties twice while the inspection exercise was underway.

The family claim that rather than receiving urgent medical attention, the student was instructed by the housemistress on duty and another staff member to wait until the inspection had been completed.

Her condition reportedly deteriorated shortly afterwards, causing her to collapse.

Ruby Teiko was subsequently rushed in a taxi to the Cape Coast Government Hospital for treatment.

However, she died despite the efforts to get her medical attention.

Meanwhile, the family’s account has raised questions about how the school handled the emergency and whether the student could have received assistance earlier.

Also, particular concern has been directed at the alleged instruction for Ruby to wait for the inspection to end even after she complained of difficulty breathing.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Business mogul Sir Samuel Esson Jonah departs The TrueLife Experience, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ👣🦅

‘Nobody is going anywhere’ – NDC rejects calls for Muntaka, NACOC officials to resign

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‘Nobody is going anywhere’ – NDC rejects calls for Muntaka, NACOC officials to resign

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected calls by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed and senior officials of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to resign.

The NPP demands follow a series of drug seizures involving consignments allegedly linked to Ghana.

According to Julius Kwame Anthony, a Deputy Communications Officer of the NDC, the government would not dismiss officials who are strengthening the country’s capacity to combat illicit drug trafficking.

He argued that the interception of suspected drug consignments should not automatically be treated as evidence of failure by security officials.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Julius Kwame Anthony stated, “So nobody is going anywhere. We are focused on delivering for the Ghanaian people”.

He further defended NACOC’s leadership, crediting its current head, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey and the Interior Minister saying, “It is under his leadership that Narcotics is seeing the expansion that I spoke about earlier. It is under his leadership that we have acquired body and baggage scanners for purposes of ensuring that we do not have a free-for-all situation as we had in the past”.

He also accused the NPP of focusing on political attacks, saying, “Unlike the NPP that is interested in politics, the rest of the world is interested in security and the fight against illicit drug trafficking”.

Also, Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, has stated that the Mahama administration will not act on allegations levelled by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against public appointees without first establishing the facts through a thorough investigation.

According to Shamima Muslim, the Mahama government would not allow accusations from the opposition to dictate decisions on whether officials should be dismissed or compelled to resign.

She stressed that disciplinary measures must be based on verified findings rather than claims made in the public domain.

Shamima Muslim made the remarks in response to the NPP’s calls for action against certain government officials following concerns raised during its Yɛgye yɛ sika demonstrations.

She stated, “I have taken a personal stance not to make any further commentary on it until after the processes that have been initiated to establish exactly what the concerns are are determined”.

Shamima Muslim further argued that neither public debate nor political commentary could be used to determine whether an individual had committed a criminal offence or breached the law.

According to her, such conclusions could only be reached after the relevant investigative procedures had been completed.

“My brother, between you, me and Abanga, we cannot make a determination of any criminal activity or any criminal breach until the matter is fully investigated,” she said.

She also consequently declined to pronounce judgment on the allegations, insisting that the government would allow the appropriate processes to run their course.

Shamima Muslim nevertheless reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, saying no individual found culpable of misconduct would receive protection because of their position in government.

To support her position, Shamima Muslim cited the NDC’s Resetting Ghana manifesto, which identifies accountability, job creation and prosperity as the party’s three central pillars.

She recalled President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge that individuals who engage in wrongdoing under his administration would be held responsible for their actions.

“President Mahama, in his Resetting Ghana manifesto, popularly acclaimed that no one under his government will be shielded if the person is found to have engaged in any wrongdoing,” she said.

Also, she pointed to the government’s code of conduct, explaining that it provides guidelines on misconduct by public officials and the sanctions applicable when breaches are established.

She also pushed back against the NPP’s demand for immediate dismissals and resignations, particularly its threat to initiate a motion of censure if the government failed to act on the allegations, insisting that the administration would not take disciplinary decisions simply because the opposition had made demands.

“We are not going to take the claims of the New Patriotic Party as sacrosanct and proceed, therefore, to ask members of government to either resign or be sacked,” she said.

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Multiple Vehicles Involved in Near-Simultaneous Accidents on Nsawam Crossing Road #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow

2 private jets, 45 tonnes of cocaine – Majority Leader makes startling revelation

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2 private jets, 45 tonnes of cocaine – Majority Leader makes startling revelation

Majority Leader James Agalga has made a startling revelation about two private jets allegedly used to transport approximately 45 tonnes of cocaine into Ghana in December 2023.

James Agalga disclosed this while responding to comments by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had raised concerns about what he described as the increasing number of drug seizures in the country.

Agalga challenged Afenyo-Markin’s criticism, arguing that the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during its time in government, recorded a higher number of drug seizures and arrests.

To support his argument, the Majority Leader referenced a major drug trafficking case recorded under the Akufo-Addo administration, involving two private jets allegedly used to ferry about 45 tonnes of cocaine into Ghana in December 2023.

He suggested that the previous administration’s record on drug-related incidents undermined the Minority Leader’s attempt to criticise the current government over the issue.

Speaking at the Leaders’ Media Briefing on November 3, 2026, Agalga disclosed, “The most damning part is that in 2023, two private jets – the jets are Gulfstreams – allegedly delivered about 45 tonnes of cocaine to Ghana in December 2023. The jets are currently confiscated and are parked at the Air Force Base in Accra.

“I would encourage all of you to go to the Air Force Base. I will seek special clearance for you to go and inspect the seized Gulfstream jets. There are two, and these jets were confiscated in 2023. They brought cocaine into this country,” he said.

He further defended the government’s handling of drug-related cases, “I thought we should have been showering praises on the security agencies of this country, because the amount of cocaine that was seized at Pedu Junction is colossal and it was as a result of intelligence-led operations. So, the narrative is not that bad after all”.

“But my brother has chosen to lump the two together. Be that as it may, I want to take us down memory lane, because he’s saying that the seizures are becoming too numerous and rampant, and that is a manifestation of something fundamentally wrong with drug law enforcement in this country.

“I say no. If you are counting the numbers, then the Minority Leader should remember that when his own government was in power, when he was Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, we recorded more seizures, more arrests under their watch,” he added.

Meanwhile, the  Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced the arrest of three foreign nationals in Ghana in connection with a 46.7-kilogramme cocaine consignment seized at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon.

According to NACOC, the suspects comprise a Syrian, Tunisian and Lebanese national.

They disclosed that the three suspects were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations on Tuesday, November 3, after information shared by Lebanese law enforcement authorities.

Two of the suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested in Accra, while the third was also arrested in a separate operation.

Their arrest forms part of ongoing investigations by Ghanaian and Lebanese security agencies to identify individuals suspected of facilitating the movement of the cocaine shipment.

The development follows a Syrian national who was busted in Lebanon after arriving from Ghana with 40 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine concealed in two bags at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Reports suggest the suspect was apprehended shortly after arriving on a flight from Accra International Airport, following what reports describe as surveillance that began before he departed from Ghana and continued until he arrived in Lebanon.

According to reports, officers from Lebanon’s General Security monitored the passenger from the moment he disembarked from the aircraft until he collected his two bags.

The officers subsequently coordinated with Customs officials to conduct a search, which led to the discovery of 40 boxes containing cocaine, with each box weighing approximately one kilogramme.

Electronic tracking devices, identified as AirTags, were also reportedly found fitted within the packages.

The Syrian national was arrested, while the suspected cocaine was seized and taken into custody.

@ghnow_ Multiple Vehicles Involved in Near-Simultaneous Accidents on Nsawam Crossing Road #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Traders at Makola Market were excited to see Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during her four-day official visit to Ghana as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Stop acting like a PR officer; allow your departments to function – Kwesi Pratt tells Ablakwa

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Stop acting like a PR officer; allow your departments to function – Kwesi Pratt tells Ablakwa

Kwesi Pratt Jr, a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has sent a word of caution to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa amid calls by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for his dismissal.

According to Kwesi Pratt, Ablakwa’s approach to handling issues within the Foreign Affairs Ministry exposes him to unnecessary public scrutiny.

He urged the Foreign Affairs Minister to allow his subordinates, officials and departments within the ministry to perform their respective duties instead of him personally taking the lead in addressing every issue.

He argued that the ministry has a clear administrative structure, including deputy ministers, chief directors and departmental heads, who should be allowed to handle matters within their respective areas of responsibility.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on November 4, 2026, Kwesi Pratt stated, “I have a little advice for the minister himself. It’s a huge position and comes with huge responsibility… And anybody occupying that position ought to take steps, take steps to distance himself from the potential fallout of some administrative actions”.

“That is why in the ministry, you have a minister, you have Deputies, you have Chief Directors, you have Directors for different desks. There are so many departments in that ministry. The ministers should allow the departments to function and the officers to function”.

“The minister is the last resort. When everything has gone haywire, when nothing has been solved, that’s when the minister starts to think,” he said.

Pratt questioned why Ablakwa appeared to be at the forefront of public communication on issues concerning the ministry, noting that the ministry’s public relations department and other responsible officers should ordinarily handle communication on administrative.

“Ministries have public relations officers. And yet, it is always the minister who is standing there, ready to face the storm. What is your public relations department supposed to do if not answer questions?” he asked.

The veteran journalist stressed that allowing the relevant officials to handle such matters would help protect ministers from being drawn into controversies that arise from routine administrative decisions.

Kwasi Pratt further called for proper training and orientation for ministers after their appointments.

He explained that political loyalty and campaign contributions should not be the only considerations in appointing public officers.

Kwesi Pratt stated, “Just throwing them into the crowd doesn’t help the ministers. It doesn’t help the government. It doesn’t help the country. It doesn’t help anybody”.

His comment follows the NPP youth wing, which took to the streets of Accra to protest against what it describes as a lack of accountability in the Mahama government’s handling of public funds and the issuance of diplomatic and service passports.

The demonstration, dubbed ‘Yɛgye Yɛ Sika’, saw party supporters gather to demand answers from the government over two major issues they believe require urgent public scrutiny.

The NPP protesters demanded a detailed account of the reported GH¢16.4 million discrepancy in the expenditure on the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa.

They also called for the government to publish the original invoices, contracts and proof of payment for all charter flights used in the evacuation exercise.

Also, they demanded that a full passenger manifest and beneficiary list be released to enable the public to verify the reported number of evacuees to ascertain who benefited from the evacuation.

The youth wing also demanded an independent audit of the total expenditure.

Watch the video below:

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Four people have been captured repackaging ketchup from larger containers into smaller bottles at Tudu in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – C2 TV
@ghnow_ Traders at Makola Market were excited to see Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during her four-day official visit to Ghana as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Don’t confuse punishing an offender with ending an entire crime’ – A Plus schools Sefa Kayi

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‘Don’t confuse punishing an offender with ending an entire crime’ – A Plus schools Sefa Kayi

Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, has tackled Ghanaian media personality Kwami Sefa Kayi over his remarks questioning why illegal mining activities continue despite the imprisonment of Wontumi.

According to A Plus, the imprisonment of individuals involved in criminal activities does not automatically bring an end to the crimes.

The Gomoa Central MP questioned the reasoning behind Sefa Kayi’s question, citing Pablo Escobar death in 1993, quizzing whether it ended cocaine trafficking.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, Kwame A Plus wrote, “Don’t confuse punishing an offender with ending an entire crime.

Pablo Escobar was killed on 2 December 1993. Did cocaine trafficking die with him? Since then, El Chapo and the Cali Cartel leaders have also been convicted and sentenced to decades in prison.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in 2023 alone, an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide were prosecuted for drug offences and 1.4 million were convicted. Yet the drug trade continues.

Imprisonment holds individuals accountable. It does not automatically eliminate the crime!

Police have been arresting ashawo people at East Legon since. Has ashawo stopped? Ataa Ayi was jailed for armed robbery; has armed robbery stopped?”

His comment follows Kwami Sefa Kayi has questioned why illegal mining activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies despite the arrest and jailing of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Sefa Kayi raised the concern during an interview with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for the Krowor Constituency, Abdulai Sakara, on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The discussion centred on the NDC’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and its promise to pursue individuals suspected of financing or facilitating the destructive activity.

Abdulai Sakara maintained that the party would not protect anyone involved in galamsey, insisting that the government remained committed to holding those responsible accountable.

However, Sefa Kayi challenged the position, pointing to the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves despite the prosecution and imprisonment of Wontumi, who has been accused of involvement in illegal mining.

Sefa Kayi questioned what tangible impact the action against the former NPP regional chairman had made in the broader fight against the menace.

“But how come that after arresting Wontumi and jailing him, galamsey hasn’t stopped?” he asked.

The broadcaster’s question also came amid concerns over allegations linking some NDC officials, including National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Third National Vice Chairman Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, to illegal mining activities.

It will be recalled that Wontumi has been in custody at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison since his conviction in July in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.

Wontumi was sentenced by an Accra High Court to 20 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of offences related to mining activities on the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

Some netizens reacting to the development stated, “When Atta Ayi was jailed, I guess there are no more robberies in the country. Sometimes I am worried about the certificates we hold oo”.

An X user added, “Honourable, for the first time commenting on ur post and I must say you nailed it. What a perfect answer to a sinister question lol”.

“But NDC made us believe he’s the head of the galamsey kingpins so once they get hold of him, galamsey will end”, a netizen stated.

One more Ghanaian added, “Very good response to someone who thought he was making sense without considering the flawed logic/assumption in his statement.”

Additionally, one last X user added, “Anyway, this analogy of yours brings out the victimisation truly well. Wontumi didn’t start Galamsey, and neither is he ending it. He is only carrying the cross of all Galamseyers. He was selected to suffer it”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Traders at Makola Market were excited to see Queen Máxima of the Netherlands during her four-day official visit to Ghana as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Multiple Vehicles Involved in Near-Simultaneous Accidents on Nsawam Crossing Road #GHNow ♬ original sound – GHnow

IMF delivers good news on Ghana’s economy, but raises fresh concerns

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IMF delivers good news on Ghana’s economy, but raises fresh concerns

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has welcomed Ghana’s improving economic conditions, pointing to strong growth, declining inflation and better public finances, but has also raised concerns about falling foreign exchange reserves and fiscal pressures in key sectors.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Fund announced that it had reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the first review of the country’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), following discussions held in Accra from October 22 to November 4.

The IMF described Ghana’s economic recovery as encouraging, suggesting that improvements in key macroeconomic indicators were helping to establish a more stable economic environment.

IMF Mission Chief Ruben Atoyan stated, “Macroeconomic stability is becoming entrenched”.

The agreement, however, remains subject to approval by IMF Management and the Executive Board.

IMF highlighted Ghana’s economic growth as one of the major achievements, revealing that the economy expanded by 6.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, largely driven by investment.

According to the IMF, Ghana is projected to record an overall growth rate of 5.7 per cent for the full year.

The fund highlighted that inflation has declined to 5.5 per cent in October, placing it below the Bank of Ghana’s target range of six to 10 per cent.

The IMF further commended the government’s fiscal management, noting that the country was on course to achieve its targeted primary surplus by the end of the year, while public debt had remained relatively low following significant reductions in recent years.

“The fiscal position is strong, with the primary surplus on track to meet the end-year program target, and public debt remains low following rapid declines in recent years.”

According to the Fund, the improvements in economic conditions, coupled with the financial buffers accumulated by the country, had helped Ghana absorb some of the external economic shocks associated with the war in the Middle East.

The IMF  also gave a positive assessment of the country’s performance under the PCI, indicating that most of the quantitative targets for the first review had been achieved.

“Performance under the PCI has been broadly satisfactory. Most quantitative targets under this review are met.”

The latest assessment follows Ghana’s completion of its US$3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, after the IMF Executive Board concluded the sixth and final review on July 27, 2026.

However, despite the positive assessment, the IMF has fresh concerns over forex reserves and fiscal pressures, cautioning that some emerging challenges could threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s economic recovery if not properly addressed.

Another major concern highlighted by the Fund is the recent decline in the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

In response, the authorities have introduced measures to shift foreign exchange intermediation from the Bank of Ghana to GoldBod and increased the gold sale requirements for large-scale mining companies.

The IMF stressed that consistent implementation of these measures, alongside greater exchange rate flexibility, would be necessary to rebuild the country’s reserves.

On structural reforms, the Fund acknowledged progress in several areas, including parliamentary approval of a new Cocoa Board Act and the continued quarterly adjustments to electricity tariffs.

However, the IMF also expressed concern over delays in publishing the audit of the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) collection accounts.

Meanwhile, the IMF, turning to the government’s fiscal plans, described the 2027 Budget as being underpinned by a strong economic foundation.

They disclosed that budget targets a primary surplus of 0.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with available fiscal resources expected to support investment, job creation and infrastructure development.

@ghnow_ Ghanaian fashion designer and reality TV personality Elikem the Tailor has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ Onyame Mmo – Mandem Yopic
@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Anti-LGBTQ bill will reach Mahama this month – Majority Leader says 

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Anti-LGBTQ bill will reach Mahama this month – Majority Leader says 

James Agalga, the Majority Leader, has said the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, will reach President John Dramani Mahama this month.

The Majority leader on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, November 4, 2028, when asked whether the bill would go before the President this month, emphatically responded, “Absolutely”.

When asked whether that would happen before Parliament rises, James Agalga added: “Yes, yes, yes.”

The Minority leader’s assurance sets a new deadline for legislation that has sparked fierce political exchanges, legal challenges, and criticism.

He disclosed that the latest delay stemmed from errors Parliament itself needed to correct in the revised version passed in May 2026.

“For instance, how to compute penalty units was completely done in error, in some cases,” he said.

The Majority leader argued that penalties did not properly align with existing legislation.

“Otherwise, the bill as it stands in this current form would have serious challenges when it comes to implementation,” he warned.

“So, not much of substance would change,” Mr Agalga said.

James Agalga stated, “It’s Parliament’s work. We have the duty of enacting laws”.

“We think that we are the proper forum to correct those anomalies to pave the way for the bill to be transmitted to the president.”

Meanwhile, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has vowed to publicly expose any member of Parliament who attempts to obstruct the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

According to Bagbin, he remains committed to ensuring that Parliament revisits the legislation and completes the processes required for its passage.

Speaking in Parliament at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Bagbin stated, “I remain committed within the applicable rules and procedures of the House to ensure that the House proceeds with the motion to rescind its earlier decision at the third reading of the bill and to have a second consideration stage of the bill with a view to concluding its processing and securing its passage during this meeting”.

“I will assure you that I will mention names, names of any person who tries to obstruct the legitimate processes to see this bill through. That I leave to your conscience”, he said.

Earlier, Alban Bagbin assured the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will be passed before Parliament rises for recess on Friday, July 31, 2026.

According to Speaker Bagbin, the bill in its current form requires further review, particularly three key clauses relating to sentencing provisions.

Speaker Bagbin argued that the reconsideration is necessary to address concerns over the punishment regime outlined in the legislation.

He highlighted that Parliament intends to complete the process before going on recess, adding that the matter should not be viewed through a political lens.

Speaking during a visit to the National Chief Imam, the Speaker of Parliament stated, “I have gone through it, and I am not happy with the sentencing regime, the sanctions, because I think it did not reflect what you conveyed to me as my father. That is why I called for it to be reintroduced at the end so that we just tweak and refine those clauses; they are only three to make it better.

“I have told His Excellency the President, and he is in total agreement with me, and so the Bill is now going through that stage again. Our intention is to finish it before we go on the recess at this meeting,” he stated.

“We are likely to even do so by tomorrow, Friday,” Bagbin disclosed.

Speaker Bagbin added, “Our intention is to do it before we go on recess. We are likely to do so even by tomorrow so that it assures you that the members you elected to Parliament are doing what you have asked them to do”.

“There is no politics at all. Anybody who wants to take political advantage, just disregard it. Both Muslims and Christians agree; even the unbelievers know that if we don’t pass it, we are acting against the decree of God,” Mr Bagbin added.

@ghnow_ Ghanaian fashion designer and entrepreneur, Mrs. Linda Yaa Ampah, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs. Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ original sound – King Paluta

 $21.19bn estimated recovery under ORAL Ablakwa’s personal comment – Martin Kpebu

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 $21.19bn estimated recovery under ORAL Ablakwa’s personal comment – Martin Kpebu

Martin Kpebu, a former member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, has said the $21.19 billion estimated recovery under ORAL was the Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s personal comment.

 Lawyer Kpebu disputed claims by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that the government could recover up to $21.19 billion from stolen state assets.

He argued that said the figure cited by Ablakwa was his personal assessment and did not represent an amount collectively established or agreed upon by members of the ORAL Committee.

Lawyer Kpebu maintained that the committee did not conduct an assessment that established the potential recovery figure of $21.19 billion.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s SMS on Wednesday, November 4, Martin Kpebu stated, “Let us remember that the comment that was made (by Mr Ablakwa) was a personal comment; it was not by the committee, it was one of our members who made the comment, and I didn’t endorse it neither any of our member endorsed it”.

“It is not a collective decision. He (Mr Ablakwa) said ‘if we are successful’, so it is a conditional clause,” he argued.

It will be recalled that the ORAL team, on February 10, 2025, submitted their final report to President John Mahama.

The chairman of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that with just 36 cases, Ghana can potentially recover $ 20.49 billion in stolen state resources.

In related news, Data Scientist and Policy Analyst, Alfred Appiah, has called out Dominic Ayine, the Attorney-General (AG) and Minister for Justice, over the lack of recoveries under the Mahama government’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.

Alfred Appiah asserted that Ghanaians were told to expect $21 billion to be recovered through ORAL, but 18 months down the line, the people of Ghana are yet to see any significant recoveries.

In a post shared on X, Aifred Appiah wrote, “We have been told that there is about $21 billion to be recovered through ORAL. That could fund government spending for more than a year. That naturally raises questions about how the Attorney General’s Department is prioritising its cases.

For example, how does the alleged $2 million Sky Train case become a priority over the multibillion-dollar allegations surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s cash printing? Or why does Wontumi’s galamsey-related cases receive early attention while other cases with potentially much larger financial implications appear to be moving more slowly?

It has been about 18 months since ORAL was launched, yet we are still waiting to see significant recoveries that can be directly attributed to it. Recoveries that would have occurred through the normal work of EOCO or other state institutions should not be presented as evidence of ORAL’s success.

The Attorney General’s Department has also not indicated how much it realistically expects ORAL to recover. Without clear targets and timelines, it becomes difficult for the public to assess whether the initiative is delivering on its promise.

The public deserves more transparency on the prioritisation of cases, the value of assets targeted for recovery, the amounts recovered so far through ORAL itself, and the expected recoveries going forward!”.

Also, Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, has disclosed that the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) is the John Mahama government’s weakest-performing area.

He disclosed that from the June 2026 Global InfoAnalytics national tracking poll, noted that ORAL ranked as the joint fourth worst-rated area of government performance, with 29 per cent of respondents identifying it as an area where the government had performed poorly.

“In the June 2026 national tracking poll, ORAL was the fourth worst area of performance for the government,” Dankwah said.

@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, interacts with guests at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪

“The roads are not perfect in the UK, yet they have speed cameras” – Mahama replies critics of TraffiTech

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“The roads are not perfect in the UK, yet they have speed cameras” – Mahama replies critics of TraffiTech

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed calls for the government to fix Ghana’s roads and related infrastructure before implementing the TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system.

According to Mahama, the roads are not perfect in the UK, yet they have speed cameras, insisting that road safety measures must not wait for perfect road conditions.

Mahama also backed the TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system, telling motorists unhappy with the penalties under the system to avoid speeding rather than complain about the cost of fines.

President Mahama stressed that drivers who observed prescribed speed limits would have no reason to worry about penalties.

He noted that compliance with traffic regulations was the straightforward way to avoid sanctions.

Speaking in an interview with 1957 News on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at Jumby Bay Island in Antigua and Barbuda, Mahama stated, “If the [fines are too expensive, then don’t overspeed; that’s all; there is a solution to it”.

Mahama argued that the enforcement of speed limits was necessary to address dangerous driving and reduce preventable road crashes.

President Mahama also rejected suggestions that the government should postpone the deployment, saying, “My understanding is that Traffitech has begun with overspeeding; they have not yet added the other components of jumping red light, parking wrongly”.

“And so I hear they [the public] say we should fix the roads before we introduce Traffitech. I mean, it doesn’t happen like that. The roads are not perfect in the UK, and yet they have speed cameras,” he added.

However, President Mahama directed the police and agencies responsible to install clear warning signs ahead of locations where speed cameras are deployed.

Mahama added, “All I will urge is that the police and those implementing Traffitech should put signs showing where the cameras are, because that is one of the things you need to do if you are introducing this kind of innovation”.

“You need to put signposts, warning motorists that there is a speed camera ahead. I think that transparency is important”.

“If you look at the number of children knocked down every year in Ghana when they are coming from school, you will understand why it is important for us to check over speeding. Children coming from school are knocked down and killed or permanently injured, and so it is important for us to check speeding”, he said.

Meanwhile, information gathered detailed that the Government of Ghana receives GH¢60 out of every GH¢100 generated by the TraffiTech-GH revenue, while the private partner, NTMEL, retains the remaining GH¢40 under the revenue-sharing arrangement.

Reports suggest the arrangement forms part of an 11-year agreement valued at GH¢77.73 million, which is expected to run until December 2033.

Under the deal, revenue generated from the traffic camera system is shared between the government and NTMEL, with the state taking the larger portion of the proceeds.

According to the figures, for every GH¢100 earned through the system, GH¢60 goes to the government, while GH¢40 is retained by the private partner.

Also, under the original contract arrangement, NTMEL’s shareholders injected a further €550,000 in November 2024 to support the continuation of the project.

Reports suggest the additional funding was intended to keep the project running and sustain its operations.

Meanwhile, the TraffiTech-GH system is part of Ghana’s efforts to use technology to improve road traffic monitoring and enforcement, including the detection of traffic violations.

The revenue-sharing structure, contract value and additional shareholder investment provide an insight into the financial arrangements underpinning the project, which is scheduled to remain in operation until the end of 2033.

Additionally, reports detailed that the contract was signed on December 23, 2022, under Akufo-Addo’s NPP administration.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Renowned Ghanaian media personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, popularly known as KKD, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – FAMOUZ DAILY
@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“You don’t understand how the military operates” – Military officer BLASTS Sam George

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“You don’t understand how the military operates” – Military officer BLASTS Sam George

Physical Training Instructor Twumasi Barimah, popularly known as the Commander General of the Ghana Armed Forces, has slammed the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, over his confrontation with a military lieutenant at Ningo-Prampram.

Instructor Twumasi Barimah argued that the minister’s actions suggested a lack of understanding of how military operations are conducted, insisting that he should have sought clarification from the appropriate military authorities before confronting the officer.

According to him, the Ningo Prampram MP was wrong to challenge the lieutenant without first establishing the purpose and circumstances surrounding the military operation in his constituency.

He further questioned the minister’s decision to make public comments about the officer, particularly his disclosure of the lieutenant’s service number, maintaining that such actions were inappropriate and could create tension between the military and residents of Ningo-Prampram.

Instructor Twumasi Barimah insisted that public officials must understand the procedures governing military operations and use the appropriate channels to address concerns rather than confronting officers in the course of their duties.

Speaking in a video shared on YouTube, Physical Training Instructor Twumasi Barimah stated, “It has gotten to the point where you are quick-tempered, and your inability to control your emotions has led you to publicly mention the service number of a lieutenant. Your statement also appears to be instigating the public by suggesting that the next time the lieutenant or any soldier comes around, he will face the laws of the streets”.

“George, you don’t understand how the military operates. Even the signing of rifles for a place led by a lieutenant, you don’t understand how operations work. So, since you have said your friend and colleague is the Minister of Defence, you should have taken your time.

“You should have come down and found out. Calling the lieutenant a mere lieutenant? No. Do you know what it takes to become a lieutenant? And you are calling the lieutenant a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces? No. Come back again, Honourable,” he said.

Instructor Twumasi Barimah further warned the minister against allowing his emotions to influence his public statements.

He warned that such conduct could have serious consequences.

“You see, sometimes, some of you think you are right because you believe you know better. You think you are right. You think you are right. You will one day find yourself in somebody’s left. I am telling you the truth. Take it straight,” he warned.

His remarks follow Sam George, who once again lost his cool in a viral video, fuming at a military officer identified as Lieutenant Albert Goh.

The MP’s outbursts follow allegations that the officer had been terrorising residents of the Ningo-Prampram Constituency.

According to Sam George, Lieutenant Albert Goh allegedly stormed the constituency with heavily armed soldiers and seized several trucks without any lawful order.

Sam George further warned that any soldier who returned to Ningo-Prampram to brutalise residents would face the consequences.

Speaking in a viral video shared on X, Sam George stated, “Any soldier who comes to Ningo-Prampram to brutalise the people of Ningo-Prampram again, you will face the law of the streets. The streets. Because it means you have breached your oath as a soldier.

“And to Lieutenant Albert Goh, who came here yesterday with his men, this is a warning to you. It should be your last time because you are a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces. Albert Goh, your official number, your Ghana Army number is 5666”.

“And I’m saying that Lieutenant Albert Goh, you are a disgrace to the uniform that you wear. And I expect the Chief of Defence Staff, the CDS, to dismiss you from the Armed Forces for bringing disgrace to the Army. What you did yesterday was akin to armed robbery,” he said.

He further added, “Picking weapons from the Ghana Armed Forces armoury, coming here, seizing the tracks of citizens without any lawful order, driving that track for two weeks, somebody’s property. You are a thief.”

Sam George further disclosed that he would take up the matter with the Minister of Defence to ensure that the soldiers involved were held accountable.

Sam George added, “And I’m going to have a conversation with my colleague, the Minister of Defence, to make sure that he insists that the Army disciplines you, Albert Goh.

“They stopped you and asked you to come, but you disrespected an officer. The police commander here was a Chief Superintendent. A Chief Superintendent talks to you, and you disrespect him and get your men to cock their weapons at him.

“Who are you? Is that what you were trained to do in the Ghana Armed Forces? As an officer of the Ghana Armed Forces? They celebrate the Ghana Army, so we will get to the bottom of it. We have the names of every single one of them, and we will demand justice within the military system for the actions of those officers, because they are a disgrace to the Ghana Armed Forces. We will abide by the law, but we will not allow anybody to take the law into their hand and come and misbehave here, not in Ningo Prampram, ” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Ghanaian fashion designer and reality TV personality Elikem the Tailor has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ Onyame Mmo – Mandem Yopic
@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Justice for Javits Frimpong!’ – Ghanaians, sympathisers in US intensify calls for justice

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‘Justice for Javits Frimpong!’ – Ghanaians, sympathisers in US intensify calls for justice

A video has surfaced of Ghanaians and sympathisers in the United States stepping up their demands for justice for Javits Frimpong, who was fatally shot while on his way to school in the Bronx, New York.

The renewed calls come nearly a week after the tragic incident, with authorities yet to make any arrests or provide substantial details about the circumstances leading to his death.

In a viral video circulating on social media, hundreds of Ghanaians and other sympathisers were seen and heard drumming, chanting and demanding justice for the deceased.

The demonstrators repeatedly chanted, “Javits Frimpong, Justice for Javits and Justice for the Bronx,” as they called for accountability over his killing.

Their demonstration forms part of growing demands for answers and justice as concerns mount over the lack of arrests and limited information surrounding the fatal shooting.

Meanwhile, Madam Doris Adu Gyamfi, the mother of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong who was shot dead in the United States, has demanded justice for her son.

According to Javits Frimpong’s mother, all she wants is justice for her son.

She made this known after arriving in New York ahead of her son’s funeral.

In a video shared on X, Javits Frimpong’s mother stated, “I want justice for my son”.

The mother also disclosed that Javits had dreams of becoming a medical doctor.

It will be reaclled, Javits Frimpong was shot dead in the Bronx, New York, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

According to reports, Javits Frimpong was shot near the intersection of Crotona Place and East 171st Street shortly before 9:30 a.m. while reportedly on his way to school.

The information gathered suggests the teenager was shot in the abdomen and was found in and out of consciousness.

Police are searching for three male suspects, but no arrests have been made. The motive remains unclear.

Reports suggest the suspects, who were last seen wearing black clothing, were fleeing down Fulton Avenue, with two of them wearing surgical masks.

Meanwhile, Surveillance video shows a person fleeing the scene who matched a description released by police.

The video showed someone wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and a mask.

According to authorities, the victim ran about a block after being shot before collapsing. He later died at a hospital.

Following the shooting, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that US President Donald Trump has agreed to facilitate an immediate visa for the mother of 15-year-old Ghanaian boy Javits Frimpong, who was shot dead in the United States.

Mamdani said Trump gave the assurance during a telephone conversation, following concerns over the mother’s ability to travel to the US to bid farewell to her son.

In a social media post on October 31, 2026, the New York City mayor said he had personally spoken with the US president, who agreed to grant the bereaved mother a visa without delay.

“The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away.

“Javits Frimpong’s mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. I just got off the phone with President Trump, and he has agreed to grant her visa immediately.

“All of New York City is mourning this tragedy,” Mamdani wrote.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, interacts with guests at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪
@ghnow_ Ghanaian footwear brand Free the Youth President, Joey Lit has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nuel Lyrics 🎧❤️

If elections are held today, the NDC will lose over 35 seats – Afenyo-Markin

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If elections are held today, the NDC will lose over 35 seats – Afenyo-Markin

Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has said that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) would lose more than 35 parliamentary seats if a general election were held today.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would regain its parliamentary majority in the 2028 elections and secure victory for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the presidential race.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Afenyo-Markin, addressing Parliament at the opening of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, noted that recent research findings suggested a decline in the NDC’s electoral fortunes.

He stated, “Mr Speaker, I want to tell my colleagues that just yesterday, research findings were published that clearly state that if elections were to be held today, the NDC will be losing over 35 seats”.

“So Mr Speaker, what it means is that if we press on, if we press on like we are doing, come 2028, we will overtake them and remain the majority and elect Dr Mahamadu Bawumia as the president of Ghana”, he added.

He further addressed the NDC’s organisational preparedness, “Mr Speaker, we are done with all our internal processes. We have a national chairman. They don’t have a national chairman. We are starting the process of selecting parliamentary candidates. They have not gotten anywhere at all”.

However, beyond the political contest, Afenyo-Markin criticised the Mahama government over unemployment, the cost of living, illegal mining, cocoa prices and the management of public resources.

“A 24-hour economy that cannot keep a single factory switched on. A 24-hour economy that cannot build a single market is not an economy. It is a hopeless slogan,” he said.

The minority leader’s comment follows Global InfoAnalytics has predicted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) could lose 29 parliamentary seats in the 2028 general elections.

According to Global InfoAnalytics, its first parliamentary seat projection predicts that the NDC could lose 29 seats in the next parliamentary election.

The Global InfoAnalytics Multilevel Regression and Poststratification (MRP) model estimates that the governing party could secure 154 seats, representing a decline from the 185 seats it won in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

However, despite the projection, the NDC is expected to retain its parliamentary majority if the estimates materialise.

On the other hand, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is projected to increase its representation from 88 seats in 2024 to 100 in the next election, potentially gaining 12 additional seats.

Also, Global InfoAnalytics left 22 constituencies without definite projections. Twenty of these have been classified as “not disclosed”, while the remaining two are categorised as toss-ups.

In the regional breakdown of the 20 undisclosed constituencies, the Eastern Region was at the top with five seats, followed by the Ashanti Region with four and the Western Region with three.

The Upper East Region accounts for two undisclosed seats, while Central, Greater Accra, Oti, Upper West, Western North and Bono each have one.

The two constituencies classified as toss-ups are located in the Ashanti and Bono regions, with their projected outcomes remaining uncertain.

However, in percentage terms, the NDC is expected to capture 55.8 per cent of parliamentary seats, while the NPP is projected to secure 36.2 per cent, with the 20 undisclosed constituencies representing 7.2 per cent of the total seats, with the two toss-up constituencies accounting for the remaining 0.7 per cent.

The projections point to a potentially reduced parliamentary majority for the NDC in 2028, with a slight improvement in the NPP’s representation compared to their 2024 performance.

Meanwhile, the figures are estimates generated by Global InfoAnalytics’ MRP model and should not be regarded as a definitive outcome of the 2028 elections.

Also, Global InfoAnalytics has not revealed the projected party preferences in the 20 undisclosed constituencies, while the two toss-up seats remain uncertain.

@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Social media influencer Aba Dope has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek #fyp ♬ LASMID LIQUOR STORE DANCE CHALLENGE BY KAY – BIGGEST KAY💜💫

Mahama backs TraffiTech; fires back at motorists complaining about expensive fines

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Mahama backs TraffiTech; fires back at motorists complaining about expensive fines

President John Dramani Mahama has backed the newly introduced TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system, telling motorists unhappy with the penalties under the system to avoid speeding rather than complain about the cost of fines.

According to John Mahama, drivers who observed prescribed speed limits would have no reason to worry about penalties.

He noted that compliance with traffic regulations was the straightforward way to avoid sanctions.

Speaking in an interview with 1957 News on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at Jumby Bay Island in Antigua and Barbuda, Mahama stated, “If the [fines are too expensive, then don’t overspeed; that’s all; there is a solution to it”.

Mahama argued that the enforcement of speed limits was necessary to address dangerous driving and reduce preventable road crashes.

President Mahama also rejected suggestions that the government should postpone the deployment of the TraffiTech technology until roads and related infrastructure had been fully improved.

He stated, “My understanding is that Traffitech has begun with overspeeding; they have not yet added the other components of jumping red light, parking wrongly,” he said.

“And so I hear they [the public] say we should fix the roads before we introduce Traffitech. I mean, it doesn’t happen like that. The roads are not perfect in the UK, and yet they have speed cameras,” he added.

However, President Mahama directed the police and agencies responsible to install clear warning signs ahead of locations where speed cameras are deployed.

Mahama added, “All I will urge is that the police and those implementing Traffitech should put signs showing where the cameras are, because that is one of the things you need to do if you are introducing this kind of innovation”.

“You need to put signposts, warning motorists, that there is a speed camera ahead. I think that transparency is important”.

“If you look at the number of children knocked down every year in Ghana when they are coming from school, you will understand why it is important for us to check over speeding. Children coming from school are knocked down and killed or permanently injured, and so it is important for us to check speeding”, he said.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has said that the Traffitech system will, for now, only be deployed on roads where speed limits are clearly displayed.

According to the NRSA, the move is to avoid penalising motorists for the failure of authorities to provide the necessary road infrastructure.

He disclosed that the decision was intended to ensure fairness in the implementation of the digital traffic enforcement system.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, November 4, Abraham Amaliba stated, “So we cannot use 21st-century digital policing to apply to 19th-century broken-down infrastructure. You know what that means. Our infrastructure is broken”.

“But we need to implement the digital Traffitech. So what we have agreed is that we’ll deploy the cameras to only the routes or streets that have the road signs and speed limits because it’s unfair to, as it were, punish a driver when you have not provided infrastructure,” he stated.

“So, for instance, if you’re on the Boundary Road, going up to the Mahama Road, you will see that there are traffic indicators, that there are speed limits there, 50 kilometres per hour. There, the cameras will catch you,” he said.

“But where we don’t have the road infrastructure, I mean the signs, the cameras will not be used in those places,” he explained.

“Our cameras are only on streets that have the speed limits,” he added.

“So it is only fair that we do not punish people for our own inadequacies.”

He further disclosed that the decision to restrict the cameras to roads with speed limit signs was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, November 3, which brought together the Minister for the Interior, the Minister for Local Government, the Minister for Transport, the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the NRSA and transport operators.

He stated, “So there was a meeting yesterday [Tuesday]. That meeting brought together the Interior Minister, the Local Government Minister, the Transport Minister, the Police MTTD, myself and operators of our transport system”.

“At that meeting, it was made clear, and if you ask ACP Obeng, that has been the modus operandi. It was not explained for people to know that the cameras are only deployed in areas where the speed limits exist,” he said.

“There’s a Traffictech committee that meets, and before the rollout, this committee met regularly. And that committee is what did its work till this day, so we have the rollout,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Renowned Ghanaian media personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, popularly known as KKD, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 💜LONER LYRICS🎧

Akwatia MP drops fresh details on Foreign Affairs employee fingered in passport scandal

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Akwatia MP drops fresh details on Foreign Affairs employee fingered in passport scandal

Bernard Bediako, the Akwatia MP, has dropped fresh details about an employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who has been interdicted over alleged irregularities involving the sale of passports.

The Akwatia MP dismissed the claims linking the ongoing investigation to diplomatic passports, insisting that the case involved service passports instead.

According to him, the employee at the centre of the investigation was recruited in November 2024 and had been interdicted after the alleged misconduct came to light.

The Akwatia MP cautioned against misrepresenting the matter, noting that the distinction between service passports and diplomatic passports was important in understanding the allegations.

Speaking on TV3 on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Bernard Bediako stated, “Let me tell you, the issue at hand, the narrative all over, has nothing to do with a diplomatic [passport]. It has everything to do with a service passport, if they don’t know the difference. It has nothing to do with a diplomatic passport. There is nothing about a diplomatic passport; if they have any evidence, they should say.

“In fact, with the service passport, it is an employee they recruited in November 2024. Because the matter is under investigation, it’s not even fair to the gentleman. Let’s be fair. It’s under investigation. We know, we all know what happened. As we speak, the gentleman is no longer working there. He’s been interdicted,” he said.

The Akwatia MP further defended the Foreign Affairs Minister’s handling of the matter, saying, “There is no issue as we speak now, because the minister acted swiftly. Those who were supposed to be interdicted were interdicted,” he stated.

He further challenged Abu Jinapor to produce evidence backing his claims that diplomatic passports were being sold, maintaining that the allegations being investigated should not be confused with the reported sale of diplomatic travel documents.

The Akwatia MP reiterated that the employee’s alleged involvement concerned service passports and not diplomatic passports.

“This matter, where the gentleman and then some other people were allegedly involved in whatever they did, has nothing to do with diplomatic passports, but rather service passports,” he insisted.

The Akwatia MP disclosure follows concerns raised by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, who alleged that diplomatic passports were being sold for between US$10,000 and US$50,000.

It will be recalled that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, ordered the Damongo Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Abu Jinapor, to leave the Chamber.

The development followed a heated disagreement over claims that Ghanaian diplomatic passports were allegedly being sold for between US$10,000 and US$50,000.

The confrontation erupted when Jinapor, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, raised concerns about the alleged sale of the passports and called for a parliamentary investigation into the matter.

Abu Jinapor insisted that there was credible evidence to support the allegations, describing it as a serious issue that could undermine Ghana’s international reputation.

However, his remarks drew an objection from the Majority Leader, James Agalga, who argued that the allegation amounted to an accusation of criminal conduct and therefore required evidence to substantiate it.

Agalga urged Bagbin to direct the Damongo MP to withdraw the claim and have the relevant portion expunged from the parliamentary records.

Speaker Bagbin subsequently directed Jinapor to withdraw the allegation, indicating that he could return to the matter with supporting evidence.

The MP, however, appeared reluctant to comply, leading the Speaker to order the Marshal of Parliament to ensure that he left the Chamber.

In a firm warning, Bagbin told Jinapor: “Marshal, please carry out the orders immediately. Honourable Abu Jinapor, please walk out of this place, or you will be taken out.”

Following the directive, Jinapor was seen gathering his books and belongings before leaving the Chamber.

His departure was followed by a walkout by Minority MPs, who left the Chamber in solidarity with their colleague.

Before the disagreement, Jinapor had told Parliament that there was compelling evidence that diplomatic passports were being sold, with prices allegedly ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000.

“As we speak today, there is evidence, unimpeachable evidence, that today diplomatic passports are being sold, Mr Speaker,” he told the House.

He described the alleged practice as a matter requiring urgent attention, warning of the possible consequences for Ghana’s image and relations with the international community.

Jinapor also questioned the circumstances surrounding the issuance of diplomatic passports, stressing that the process was governed by law and required strict adherence to established procedures.

“By law, it is only the Minister who has the authority to grant diplomatic passports in our country,” he said.

The incident turned the parliamentary sitting into a tense affair, with the disagreement over the allegations eventually resulting in the Damongo MP’s removal from the Chamber and a solidarity walkout by the Minority.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, showcases her Abadza dance skills at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Renowned Ghanaian fashion designer Joyce Ababio has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek #fyp ♬ original sound – Bra. Zack

Asante Akyem North seat will not be declared vacant – Majority Leader

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Asante Akyem North seat will not be declared vacant – Majority Leader

James Agalga, the Majority Leader, has said the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat will not be declared vacant over the detention of its MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, in the Netherlands.

The Majority Leader ruled out declaring the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant, arguing that removing Ohene Kwame Frimpong from Parliament would violate his rights.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, James Agalga stated, “No, we can’t do that. He’s not been convicted. If you declare the seat vacant and the courts clear him, what happens?”

“Yes, we have to respect his rights. Doing otherwise would violate his rights. His right to innocence, the presumption of innocence, is well enshrined in our constitution.”

“So we wish our colleague well. He’s innocent until proven guilty. Then there’s unanimity in Parliament that we must respect that principle.”

He further disclosed he had been formally briefed on attempts to secure bail that have failed.

“I do not know the actual details. In fact, when the pressures of work ease a bit, I intend to pay him a visit.”

“He’s a Member of Parliament, so our mission in Brussels is assisting.”

“We pray for our colleague that the applications that are currently before the court would come out favourably for him”.

Meanwhile, A Dutch court has rejected two attempts by the legal team of Asante Akyem North MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, to secure his release on bail, leaving the Ghanaian legislator in custody as he awaits an extradition hearing scheduled for November 18, 2026

It will be recalled that Ohene Kwame Frimpong has been detained in the Netherlands since May 10, 2026, when he was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport following an extradition request from the United States over alleged involvement in romance scams and money laundering.

Despite efforts by his lawyers to secure his temporary release, both an initial bail application and a subsequent appeal have failed.

Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, disclosed the latest development, confirming that the two attempts to obtain bail had been unsuccessful.

Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor stated, “The update is that we have failed to secure bail for him in respect of the two applications that were brought before the court for the tribunal to sit. And so he’s still in custody”.

Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor further revealed that the substantive extradition hearing is expected to take place on November 18, 2026, provided there are no unforeseen developments.

He added, “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the extradition hearing, properly so-called, will take place on the 18th of this month, 18th November. And so we are still before the court”.

The MP also dismissed reports suggesting that the Asante Akyem North MP had already been transferred to the United States, insisting that the extradition process was still ongoing in the Netherlands.

“So he’s not been taken to the US as has been alleged. No, we’re still going through the records of the extradition process”, he added.

Also, following his arrest, Parliament confirmed his detention and engaged Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also disclosed that consular support had been extended to the MP, including a visit while he remained in detention.

Ohene Kwame Frimpong’s lawyers have reportedly challenged aspects of the extradition request, arguing that the warrant issued by a US magistrate’s court was intended to facilitate questioning and did not contain formal criminal charges.

The November 18 hearing is expected to examine the extradition request and determine whether the legal conditions for his transfer to the United States have been satisfied.

However, for now, the MP remains in Dutch custody as the proceedings continue. He has not been convicted of the allegations against him.

@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, interacts with guests at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪

Mahama won’t sack appointees just because NPP demands it – Shamima Muslim

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Mahama won’t sack appointees just because NPP demands it – Shamima Muslim

Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, has stated that the Mahama administration will not act on allegations levelled by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against public appointees without first establishing the facts through a thorough investigation.

According to Shamima Muslim, the Mahama government would not allow accusations from the opposition to dictate decisions on whether officials should be dismissed or compelled to resign.

She stressed that disciplinary measures must be based on verified findings rather than claims made in the public domain.

Shamima Muslim made the remarks in response to the NPP’s calls for action against certain government officials following concerns raised during its Yɛgye yɛ sika demonstrations.

She stated, “I have taken a personal stance not to make any further commentary on it until after the processes that have been initiated to establish exactly what the concerns are are determined”.

Shamima Muslim further argued that neither public debate nor political commentary could be used to determine whether an individual had committed a criminal offence or breached the law.

According to her, such conclusions could only be reached after the relevant investigative procedures had been completed.

“My brother, between you, me and Abanga, we cannot make a determination of any criminal activity or any criminal breach until the matter is fully investigated,” she said.

She also consequently declined to pronounce judgment on the allegations, insisting that the government would allow the appropriate processes to run their course.

Shamima Muslim nevertheless reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, saying no individual found culpable of misconduct would receive protection because of their position in government.

To support her position, Shamima Muslim cited the NDC’s Resetting Ghana manifesto, which identifies accountability, job creation and prosperity as the party’s three central pillars.

She recalled President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge that individuals who engage in wrongdoing under his administration would be held responsible for their actions.

“President Mahama, in his Resetting Ghana manifesto, popularly acclaimed that no one under his government will be shielded if the person is found to have engaged in any wrongdoing,” she said.

Also, she pointed to the government’s code of conduct, explaining that it provides guidelines on misconduct by public officials and the sanctions applicable when breaches are established.

She also pushed back against the NPP’s demand for immediate dismissals and resignations, particularly its threat to initiate a motion of censure if the government failed to act on the allegations, insisting that the administration would not take disciplinary decisions simply because the opposition had made demands.

“We are not going to take the claims of the New Patriotic Party as sacrosanct and proceed, therefore, to ask members of government to either resign or be sacked,” she said.

Beyond the NPP allegations, Shamima Muslim also criticised what she described as the contrast between the NDC government’s treatment of opposition activities and the NPP’s conduct while in office.

She said the current administration had consistently allowed the opposition to present its petitions and organise demonstrations without intimidation or the use of excessive police force.

According to her, the NPP had been accorded the respect and recognition expected of an opposition party in a democratic society whenever it had engaged the government through protests or petition presentations.

Shamima Muslim added, “On each occasion, they have been welcomed with dignity, with respect, with the honour that they, as members of an opposition and key players in our democracy, deserve”.

@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Renowned Ghanaian media personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, popularly known as KKD, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 💜LONER LYRICS🎧

‘Pablo Escobar was killed in 1993; did cocaine trafficking die?’ – A Plus tackles Sefa Kayi

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‘Pablo Escobar was killed in 1993; did cocaine trafficking die?’ – A Plus tackles Sefa Kayi

Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, has tackled Ghanaian media personality Kwame Sefa Kayi over his remarks questioning why illegal mining activities continue despite the imprisonment of Wontumi.

According to A Plus, the imprisonment of individuals involved in criminal activities does not automatically bring an end to the crimes.

The Gomoa Central MP questioned the reasoning behind Sefa Kayi’s question, citing Pablo Escobar death in 1993, quizzing whether it ended cocaine trafficking.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, Kwame A Plus wrote, “Don’t confuse punishing an offender with ending an entire crime.

Pablo Escobar was killed on 2 December 1993. Did cocaine trafficking die with him? Since then, El Chapo and the Cali Cartel leaders have also been convicted and sentenced to decades in prison.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in 2023 alone, an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide were prosecuted for drug offences and 1.4 million were convicted. Yet the drug trade continues.

Imprisonment holds individuals accountable. It does not automatically eliminate the crime!

Police have been arresting ashawo people at East Legon since. Has ashawo stopped? Ataa Ayi was jailed for armed robbery; has armed robbery stopped?”

His comment follows Kwami Sefa Kayi has questioned why illegal mining activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies despite the arrest and jailing of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Sefa Kayi raised the concern during an interview with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for the Krowor Constituency, Abdulai Sakara, on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The discussion centred on the NDC’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and its promise to pursue individuals suspected of financing or facilitating the destructive activity.

Abdulai Sakara maintained that the party would not protect anyone involved in galamsey, insisting that the government remained committed to holding those responsible accountable.

However, Sefa Kayi challenged the position, pointing to the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves despite the prosecution and imprisonment of Wontumi, who has been accused of involvement in illegal mining.

Sefa Kayi questioned what tangible impact the action against the former NPP regional chairman had made in the broader fight against the menace.

“But how come that after arresting Wontumi and jailing him, galamsey hasn’t stopped?” he asked.

The broadcaster’s question also came amid concerns over allegations linking some NDC officials, including National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Third National Vice Chairman Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, to illegal mining activities.

It will be recalled that Wontumi has been in custody at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison since his conviction in July in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.

Wontumi was sentenced by an Accra High Court to 20 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of offences related to mining activities on the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

Some netizens reacting to the development stated, “When Atta Ayi was jailed, I guess there are no more robberies in the country. Sometimes I am worried about the certificates we hold oo”.

An X user added, “Honourable, for the first time commenting on ur post and I must say you nailed it. What a perfect answer to a sinister question lol”.

“But NDC made us believe he’s the head of the galamsey kingpins so once they get hold of him, galamsey will end”, a netizen stated.

One more Ghanaian added, “Very good response to someone who thought he was making sense without considering the flawed logic/assumption in his statement.”

Additionally, one last X user added, “Anyway, this analogy of yours brings out the victimisation truly well. Wontumi didn’t start Galamsey, and neither is he ending it. He is only carrying the cross of all Galamseyers. He was selected to suffer it”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ A PassionAir flight carrying Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, actor Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win and former Bantama MP Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu reportedly encountered a frightening mid-air incident while travelling from Kumasi to Accra. Lil Win has since shared scenes from the experience. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Ghanaian fashion designer and reality TV personality Elikem the Tailor has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ Onyame Mmo – Mandem Yopic

‘NDC appointees have lost touch with grassroots’ – Fifi Kwetey

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‘NDC appointees have lost touch with grassroots’ – Fifi Kwetey

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, has admitted that some government appointees under President John Dramani Mahama have become disconnected from the party’s grassroots following their appointments.

According to Fifi Kwetey, some officials appear to have lost the close relationship they previously maintained with party supporters and grassroots members who worked to bring the NDC back to power.

Speaking on Good Morning Ghana, Fifi Kwetey admitted that the demands of their government positions may have contributed to the situation, noting that some appointees are genuinely overwhelmed by their official responsibilities.

He, however, stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with the grassroots, whose support and commitment played a significant role in the party’s return to government.

“Some NDC appointees have lost touch with grassroots,” Fifi Kwetey stated.

Fifi Kwetey’s remarks highlight concerns within the governing party about the relationship between its government appointees and grassroots members, particularly after the transition from opposition into government.

In related news, James Agbey, an operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), cried out over the party’s neglect of the grassroots.

According to James Agbey, the party risks alienating its grassroots supporters unless government appointees address concerns about neglect and a lack of economic opportunities.

In a statement issued on October 16, James Agbey accused appointees of overlooking activists and cadres who worked to secure the party’s return to power.

He further stressed that the NDC party activists are struggling with unemployment and financial hardship, while appointees are prioritising relatives and close associates over those who supported the party in opposition.

James Agbey, in his statement, wrote, “The feeling out there at the base is that we have been used and dumped”.

“Everything seems to have changed after the elections. Appointees are now prioritising their families and close allies, some of whom were not even part of the struggle,” he alleged.

According to James Agbey, the NDC’s grassroots concerns required practical intervention rather than occasional handouts or promises of future support.

“All that these party activists are asking for is opportunities to be able to fend for themselves,” he stated.

He further warned that unresolved grievances could weaken loyalty and lead dissatisfied activists to turn against the government.

“Our support for the NDC must not be taken for granted,” he cautioned.

The NDC operative also called for urgent action, saying, “I call for urgent action, or we will have ourselves to blame come the electioneering season”.

Meanwhile, A Global Info Analytics poll has disclosed that 78 per cent of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) delegates are concerned about the lack of job opportunities for grassroots.

The Global Info Analytics poll was conducted between 31st March and 9th April among nearly 10,400 delegates across all 16 regions.

The Poll detailed that 78% of delegates were concerned about the lack of job opportunities, with 13% are not concerned, and 9% are neither concerned nor unconcerned.

Serwaa Amihere shared a portion of the Global Info Analytics poll summary report on X, with the captioned it, “Growing anxiety among NDC grassroots as 78% of delegates concerned about lack of job opportunities- Global Info latest report”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Social media influencer Aba Dope has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek #fyp ♬ LASMID LIQUOR STORE DANCE CHALLENGE BY KAY – BIGGEST KAY💜💫
@ghnow_ Ghanaian media personality and fashion enthusiast Kofi Okyere Darko, popularly known as KOD, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #fyp #BlackStarFashionWeek ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪

Ken Ofori-Atta used Arise Ghana protest to claim his life was in danger – Victor Smith

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Ken Ofori-Atta used Arise Ghana protest to claim his life was in danger – Victor Smith

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has disclosed that embattled former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta relied on videos of protests held outside the United States Embassy in Accra to support his claim that his life would be in danger should he return to Ghana.

According to Victor Smith, Ken Ofori-Atta presented the videos as part of his immigration case, where he argued that he would not be safe in Ghana and might not receive a fair trial.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on November 2, 2026, Victor Smith stated, “When people went to picket around the US Embassy; if you remember the day that he was arrested, people went there demanding that Ken be brought back, so those videos were used to say that his life would be in danger. He wouldn’t get a fair trial”.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States explained that Ofori-Atta’s immigration case was separate from Ghana’s efforts to extradite him to face prosecution, adding that the stay of deportation granted to the former minister did not bring the extradition process to an end, adding that it remained active.

He explained, “There are two issues here and people don’t understand. There’s the immigration aspect, which has granted him a stay, then there’s the extradition aspect that is being done by the Justice Department”.

“I was here when the Attorney General and the EOCO came here. We went to meetings on that one. They are working on it. It’s too early to determine that we have a case to have him,” he stated.

Victor Smith added, “Now that has to do with us bringing a case against an individual, in this case Ken Ofori-Atta, who has committed a crime, has done something wrong to our nation, and we want to prosecute him. If we make a good case to the Department of Justice, they will let us have him. It’s much the same way that we let them have Abu Trica”.

“As far as I’m concerned, the government of Ghana is still pursuing Ofori-Atta’s extradition, yes,” he concluded.

It will be recalled that in January 2026, pressure group Arise Ghana staged a protest outside the United States Embassy in Accra, demanding that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta be returned to Ghana.

The Arise Ghana  group, dressed in red and black, gathered outside the embassy with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Bring Ken Home” and “No Hiding Place for Corruption.”

Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has given the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) four more weeks to complete efforts to serve former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, with summons in the United States.

On September 29, the prosecution told the court that a team that travelled to the United States to engage the US Department of Justice over the service of the summons was yet to return to Ghana.

The prosecution therefore asked the High Court for additional time to enable it to complete the necessary processes, a request the court granted.

On August 27, 2026, during the previous hearing, the case was adjourned to September 29, 2026, to allow the prosecution time to serve Ofori-Atta and Akore with the necessary processes in the United States.

The High Court has since adjourned the case involving Ofori-Atta and seven others to October 29, 2026.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) was well represented at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Media personality Doreen Avio has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week, currently underway at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. #GHNow #BlackStarFashionWeek #fyp ♬ original sound – Fameye

EOCO chases Baffour Awuah’s law firm for nine years of financial and tax records

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EOCO chases Baffour Awuah’s law firm for nine years of financial and tax records

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has demanded nine years of financial, tax and operational records from Accra-based law firm Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners as part of its ongoing investigations into alleged financial and other criminal offences.

In a letter dated October 30, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Raymond Archer, the anti-graft agency requested documents covering the period from 2017 to 2025.

EOCO’s letter, addressed to the firm at No. 9 Wawa Drive, North Dzorwulu, Accra, and marked confidential required to assist with ongoing investigations.

The letter stated, “The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) presents its compliments to you and respectfully requests information to assist with the ongoing investigations”.

Among the documents requested are the firm’s audited financial statements for the nine years, as well as evidence of tax payments made to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

According to the letter, EOCO specifically wants records covering corporate tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), applicable levies and withholding tax.

EOCO also requested details of all bank accounts operated by the law firm, together with their corresponding bank statements.

Additionally, the firm has been directed to provide copies of its operating permit and renewal documents issued by the relevant local assembly, as well as a list of its employees, if any.

EOCO, in its letter, invoked Section 19 of the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804), in making the request and has given the firm until Friday, November 6, 2026, to submit the documents.

The request comes amid a wider investigation into allegations of criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, tax-related offences and other matters.

Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is a senior partner at the law firm, has also been implicated in the investigation. He previously surrendered to EOCO and was subsequently arrested in connection with the probe.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General has filed three criminal charges against Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

The AG charged the Manhyia South MP with alleged financial misconduct in his handling of a legal case involving SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited.

The charges against Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah were filed at the High Court’s Specialised Jurisdiction Division in Accra on October 3, 2026,

The charges include conspiracy to commit a crime, intentionally causing financial loss to a public body and money laundering.

According to the Office of the Attorney-General charge sheet, Mr Awuah, while acting as a lawyer for SIC Life, conspired with the company’s then Managing Director in 2024 to intentionally dissipate GH¢9.85 million belonging to the company.

Also, the second count alleges that he intentionally caused SIC Life to suffer a financial loss of GH¢9.85 million in the course of a business transaction.

Additionally, a third count alleges that Mr Awuah transferred GH¢1 million to the then Managing Director of SIC Life, knowing that the money had been acquired through crime and to assist the recipient to evade the legal consequences of an offence.

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Traffitech will operate on roads with clearly displayed speed limits – NRSA

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Traffitech will operate on roads with clearly displayed speed limits – NRSA

The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has said that the Traffitech system will, for now, only be deployed on roads where speed limits are clearly displayed.

According to the NRSA, the move is to avoid penalising motorists for the failure of authorities to provide the necessary road infrastructure.

He disclosed that the decision was intended to ensure fairness in the implementation of the digital traffic enforcement system.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, November 4, Abraham Amaliba stated, “So we cannot use 21st-century digital policing to apply to 19th-century broken-down infrastructure. You know what that means. Our infrastructure is broken”.

“But we need to implement the digital Traffitech. So what we have agreed is that we’ll deploy the cameras to only the routes or streets that have the road signs and speed limits because it’s unfair to, as it were, punish a driver when you have not provided infrastructure,” he stated.

“So, for instance, if you’re on the Boundary Road, going up to the Mahama Road, you will see that there are traffic indicators, that there are speed limits there, 50 kilometres per hour. There, the cameras will catch you,” he said.

“But where we don’t have the road infrastructure, I mean the signs, the cameras will not be used in those places,” he explained.

“Our cameras are only on streets that have the speed limits,” he added.

“So it is only fair that we do not punish people for our own inadequacies.”

He further disclosed that the decision to restrict the cameras to roads with speed limit signs was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, November 3, which brought together the Minister for the Interior, the Minister for Local Government, the Minister for Transport, the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the NRSA and transport operators.

He stated, “So there was a meeting yesterday [Tuesday]. That meeting brought together the Interior Minister, the Local Government Minister, the Transport Minister, the Police MTTD, myself and operators of our transport system”.

“At that meeting, it was made clear, and if you ask ACP Obeng, that has been the modus operandi. It was not explained for people to know that the cameras are only deployed in areas where the speed limits exist,” he said.

“There’s a Traffictech committee that meets, and before the rollout, this committee met regularly. And that committee is what did its work till this day, so we have the rollout,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana will receive GH¢60 out of every GH¢100 generated by the TraffiTech-GH revenue, while the private partner, NTMEL, retains the remaining GH¢40 under the revenue-sharing arrangement.

Reports suggest the arrangement forms part of an 11-year agreement valued at GH¢77.73 million, which is expected to run until December 2033.

Under the deal, revenue generated from the traffic camera system is shared between the government and NTMEL, with the state taking the larger portion of the proceeds.

According to the figures, for every GH¢100 earned through the system, GH¢60 goes to the government, while GH¢40 is retained by the private partner.

Also, under the original contract arrangement, NTMEL’s shareholders injected a further €550,000 in November 2024 to support the continuation of the project.

Reports suggest the additional funding was intended to keep the project running and sustain its operations.

The 60-40 deal has raised questions about the financial benefits to the state, the role of the private operator and whether the government could have pursued a fully state-funded alternative.

Also, the Traffitech-GH system, run by the Ghana Police Service’s MTTD, targets speeding, red-light running, and other violations with speed limits of 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on highways, and 100 km/h on motorways.

Lawbreakers will get 14 days to pay fines from GH¢120 for basics like speeding up to GH¢600 for phone use while driving or contest with evidence, building on a pilot that cut crashes.

Motorists have cheered the safety push, though some question the private operator’s 40% cut of fines and call for better roads and signage first.

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Why has galamsey not stopped after Wontumi’s arrest? – Sefa Kayi quizzes

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Why has galamsey not stopped after Wontumi’s arrest? – Sefa Kayi quizzes

Ghanaian veteran broadcaster Kwami Sefa Kayi has questioned why illegal mining activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies despite the arrest and jailing of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Sefa Kayi raised the concern during an interview with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for the Krowor Constituency, Abdulai Sakara, on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The discussion centred on the NDC’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and its promise to pursue individuals suspected of financing or facilitating the destructive activity.

Abdulai Sakara maintained that the party would not protect anyone involved in galamsey, insisting that the government remained committed to holding those responsible accountable.

However, Sefa Kayi challenged the position, pointing to the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves despite the prosecution and imprisonment of Wontumi, who has been accused of involvement in illegal mining.

Sefa Kayi questioned what tangible impact the action against the former NPP regional chairman had made in the broader fight against the menace.

“But how come that after arresting Wontumi and jailing him, galamsey hasn’t stopped?” he asked.

The broadcaster’s question also came amid concerns over allegations linking some NDC officials, including National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Third National Vice Chairman Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, to illegal mining activities.

It will be recalled that Wontumi has been in custody at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison since his conviction in July in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.

Wontumi was sentenced by an Accra High Court to 20 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of offences related to mining activities on the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

In related galamsey news, A suspected galamseyer has been killed and another injured following a gun battle between security operatives and a group of suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve.

The gunfire occurred during Operation GREEN SHIELD, leading to four other suspects, including three Malian nationals and a Ghanaian, being arrested during the operation.

According to the operational account, officers of the Anti-Small-Scale Mining Operations Brigade (ASOB) advanced approximately 10 kilometres into the forest after drone surveillance identified a suspected illegal mining site.

The team reportedly encountered about 50 suspected miners during a foot patrol conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

However, the situation escalated when some of the miners allegedly opened fire after spotting the approaching security personnel, while others fled the scene.

The operatives returned fire, resulting in the death of one suspected illegal miner and injuries to another.

Also, two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were subsequently recovered at the site, with the injured suspect receiving first aid before being taken to the Kyebi Government Hospital for further medical attention.

Meanwhile, the four arrested galamsey suspects have been transferred to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further action.

The Operation GREEN SHIELD reportedly ended with no security personnel injured or killed during the operation.

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