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GoldBod incurring $1.7bn loss to bring in $10bn isn’t a problem – Policy analyst

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GoldBod incurring $1.7bn loss to bring in $10bn isn’t a problem – Policy analyst

Dr Steve Manteaw, the Policy analyst and co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), has jumped to the defence of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) over the reported $1.7 billion losses incurred through its gold purchasing operations.

According to Steve Manteaw, the figure should not be viewed in isolation or interpreted as evidence that the country’s gold purchase programme has failed.

He argued that there was nothing inherently wrong with the reported $1.7 billion loss, describing it as a transaction cost associated with the gold purchase programme.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Dr Steve Manteaw stated, “There is a certain level of insincerity in discussing this very issue, and we make it look like this is the first time Ghana is making losses in its gold purchase programme. I have looked at the data. 2022, we made a loss. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, we incurred losses in all those years. Why didn’t that become a problem?

“Let’s say, for instance, in 2024, we made a total loss of GH¢5.7 billion, GH¢1.8 billion from gold for oil and then GH¢3.8 billion from our domestic gold for reserves, a total of GH¢5.7 billion. How much export revenue did we bring in? A mere GH¢4 billion, and so if you had to incur a loss of $1.7 billion to bring in $10 billion, that for me shouldn’t be a problem.

“It means that what we call losses are transaction costs. For me, they are transaction costs, and all the governments over the years have been incurring transaction costs, and that has not become a problem.”

He asked, “So why this time around do we treat GoldBoard as if it is the first time we are making losses?”

“We don’t even consider the quantum of forex that GoldBoard has brought in, and so you need to look at the relativity, relativity. How much did you spend to bring in what, and what has been the impact?” he said.

“The impact, the economy-wide impact for me, exceeds the cost.”

He added, “Oh yes. You have forex stability, so a business can plan properly. Your imports have gone down. I mean, in terms of cost of your imports, have gone down”.

“Now, that gives you the opportunity if you use incentives to get people to import machinery, so that your 24-hour economy can benefit from the stability,” he said.

“Now, again, you have low inflation, you have low interest rates, and all these get to establish the foundation for economic growth.”

Meanwhile, the Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance has debunked claims by the Minority in parliament that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) recorded a loss of approximately US$1.7 billion, or GH¢22 billion, in 2025.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance, audited financial statements show a surplus of GH¢5.44 billion.

“These are not political estimates. They are figures contained in the audited financial statements of the institution,” the Institute stated.

They further accused the Minority of conflating GoldBod’s financial position with the financial consequences of the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

They highlighted that GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana are separate public institutions with distinct statutory functions, accounting records, balance sheets and reporting obligations.

The Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance argued that any loss recorded by the central bank in connection with monetary policy interventions cannot automatically be attributed to GoldBod without evidence showing the accounting and legal basis for such attribution.

According to the Institute, GoldBod’s role as an aggregator does not automatically make every cost or valuation movement recorded on the Bank of Ghana’s books a trading loss of GoldBod.

“The facts presently available are straightforward: GoldBod’s audited accounts do not report a GH¢22 billion loss. They report a surplus of approximately GH¢5.44 billion,” the Institute said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A man made some serious allegations against some politicians infront of the Parliament House #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“NPP may have gone down; under my leadership, we will rise again” – Boakye Agyarko assures

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“NPP may have gone down; under my leadership, we will rise again” – Boakye Agyarko assures

Boakye Agyarko, the former Energy Minister and aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made a bold pledge to supporters of the party after a group of NPP constituency chairpersons picked, paid for and presented nomination forms to him to contest the party’s National Chairperson position.

According to Boakye Agyarko, under his leadership, the NPP will rise again and return to power in the 2028 general elections under his leadership.

Addressing the media after receiving the forms, Mr Agyarko stated, “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Constituency Chairmen who purchased and picked this form for me and those who accompanied them. I’m truly humbled by this gesture. Chairmen, I’m truly grateful”.

“To the rest of the NPP fraternity, let me assure you that this party shall rise again. This party may have gone down, but we’re not out. With dedication and commitment…we will rise again,” he added.

“My task as a chairman is to lead in the rebuilding and rebranding of the party into a solid electoral machine upon which our flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will stand firmly and win the 2028 election with ease,” he said.

In other news, a new poll conducted ahead of the 2028 general elections has revealed that the former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, currently leads all potential National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates.

The survey was conducted by Africa Policy Lens from July 27 to August 7, 2026, and interviewed 16,963 voters across all 276 constituencies, testing Dr Bawumia in seven assumed one-on-one contests.

The Africa Policy Lens disclosed that across all the matchups, Dr Bawumia secured between 45.7 per cent and 49.9 per cent of national voter support.

Dr Bawumia led Johnson Asiedu Nketia, 45.8 per cent to 42.4 per cent; Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, 45.7 per cent to 42.8 per cent; and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, 45.9 per cent to 41.5 per cent.

They further disclosed that the NPP flagbearer margins were wider against Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, whom he led 47.4 per cent to 40.2 per cent, and Dr Julius Debrah, 48.4 per cent to 37.9 per cent.

Also, Dr Bawumia’s largest leads were recorded against Hon. Eric Opoku, 49.8 per cent to 33.9 per cent, and Prof. Joshua Alabi, 49.9 per cent to 34.4 per cent.

According to the Africa Policy Lens, undecided voters ranged from 7.2 per cent to 9.3 per cent across the different matchups.

They further disclosed that the survey revealed Dr Bawumia won between nine and eleven of Ghana’s sixteen regions in every matchup tested.

However, Africa Policy Lens stressed that the survey should not be viewed as a prediction of the outcome of the 2028 election.

According to them, the survey is a reflection of public opinion at the time the survey was conducted.

The report stated, “Although the findings should be interpreted as a reflection of public opinion at a particular point in time rather than as a prediction of future electoral outcomes, the consistency of Dr Bawumia’s advantage across all hypothetical contests constitutes a noteworthy pattern”.

@ghnow_ You take GH¢2000 and rent this rubbish to somebody’s child. Would you let your child sleep in a place like this?” #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Prophet Roja has alleged during a church service that a police inspector and a CID officer took GH¢900,000 to falsely accuse an innocent man of murder, resulting in a 45-year prison sentence. The claims have not been independently verified. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Dr Bawumia leads all potential NDC presidential candidates – Poll

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Dr Bawumia leads all potential NDC presidential candidates – Poll

A new poll conducted ahead of the 2028 general elections has revealed that the former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, currently leads all potential National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates.

The survey was conducted by Africa Policy Lens from July 27 to August 7, 2026, and interviewed 16,963 voters across all 276 constituencies, testing Dr Bawumia in seven assumed one-on-one contests.

The Africa Policy Lens disclosed that across all the matchups, Dr Bawumia secured between 45.7 per cent and 49.9 per cent of national voter support.

Dr Bawumia led Johnson Asiedu Nketia, 45.8 per cent to 42.4 per cent; Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, 45.7 per cent to 42.8 per cent; and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, 45.9 per cent to 41.5 per cent.

They further disclosed that the NPP flagbearer margins were wider against Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, whom he led 47.4 per cent to 40.2 per cent, and Dr Julius Debrah, 48.4 per cent to 37.9 per cent.

Also, Dr Bawumia’s largest leads were recorded against Hon. Eric Opoku, 49.8 per cent to 33.9 per cent, and Prof. Joshua Alabi, 49.9 per cent to 34.4 per cent.

According to the Africa Policy Lens, undecided voters ranged from 7.2 per cent to 9.3 per cent across the different matchups.

They further disclosed that the survey revealed Dr Bawumia won between nine and eleven of Ghana’s sixteen regions in every matchup tested.

However, Africa Policy Lens stressed that the survey should not be viewed as a prediction of the outcome of the 2028 election.

According to them, the survey is a reflection of public opinion at the time the survey was conducted.

The report stated, “Although the findings should be interpreted as a reflection of public opinion at a particular point in time rather than as a prediction of future electoral outcomes, the consistency of Dr Bawumia’s advantage across all hypothetical contests constitutes a noteworthy pattern”.

In other news, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said the party’s primary objective is to regain political power in the 2028 elections.

On Sunday, August 16, addressing newly elected Greater Accra Regional executives of the NPP following the party’s regional executive elections, Dr Bawumia made this known.

According to Dr Bawumia, the August 15 regional elections should not be viewed as the end of the party’s internal activities but rather as part of a broader process aimed at creating a stronger and more effective political organisation capable of winning back power in the 2028 election.

He also reminded the executives that their election should be viewed as a responsibility rather than merely a political achievement.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The goal for all of us is to win the 2028 election. This is just a stepping stone towards winning 2028. As a party, we have been engaged in an exercise of reorganisation. We have had our polling station elections, our electoral area elections, we have had our constituency elections, and we have now had our regional elections.

“We will culminate that process on October 10 with the national elections and therefore, at the end of that, the party will be in a good position to have that vehicle that drives us to victory in 2028. So there is a lot of work ahead of us.”

@ghnow_ Prophet Roja has alleged during a church service that a police inspector and a CID officer took GH¢900,000 to falsely accuse an innocent man of murder, resulting in a 45-year prison sentence. The claims have not been independently verified. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Minority acting like Ghana has never lost money on Gold? – Manteaw on GoldBod losses

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Minority acting like Ghana has never lost money on Gold? – Manteaw on GoldBod losses

Dr Emmanuel Steve Asare Manteaw, a Policy analyst and Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), has criticised the Minority in parliament over their criticism of losses recorded under the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) domestic gold purchase programme.

According to Manteaw, the Minority is acting as if Ghana has never incurred losses from gold purchase programmes in previous years.

He argued that Ghana has incurred losses from gold purchase programmes in previous years, but those losses did not attract the same level of concern.

Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, August 18, Dr Manteaw stated, “There is a certain level of insincerity in discussing this very issue, and we make it look like this is the first time Ghana is making losses in its gold purchase programme. I’ve looked at the data. 2022, we made a loss. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, we incurred losses each year. Why didn’t that become a problem?”

“Let’s say, for instance, in 2024, we made a total loss of GH¢5.7 billion, GH¢1.8 billion from gold for oil and then GH¢3.8 billion from our domestic gold for reserves, a total of GH¢5.7 billion. How much export revenue did we bring in? A mere GH¢4 billion, and so if you had to incur a loss of $1.7 billion to bring in $10 billion, that for me shouldn’t be a problem. It means that what we call losses are transaction costs.”

The development follows Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has said the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has made a GH¢22 billion loss to the state.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod must account for the GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state.

He argued that the Minority would not be deterred by attacks or criticisms from GoldBod officials as they push for public accountability.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Afenyo-Markin stated, “So they must account for the GH¢22 billion loss. It must account for it because it amounts to causing financial loss to the state”.

“GoldBod is responsible for causing financial loss to the state and the Minority will say this and say it firmly and boldly,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter the adjectives that they use to describe or to attack our personalities, and we know a day of reckoning will come,” he said.

The minority further argued that GoldBod cannot hide behind an agency role to escape accountability.

Afenyo-Markin rejected GoldBod’s claims that its role as an agent of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) shields it from responsibility for losses arising from the country’s gold trading operations.

He added, “Gold Board cannot hide behind accounting technicalities”.

“Gold Board is entitled to make the accounting point that it was purchasing gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana. But agency does not extinguish operational responsibility,” he said.

“An agent entrusted with billions of cedis or public resources remains responsible for the quality of its execution,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added, “If an institution earns transaction-based income for purchasing, assaying, and aggregating gold, while the financier bears the underlying trading losses, then increasing transaction volumes may increase the agent’s revenue, even where the overall programme destroys value for the principal”.

“Any responsible government confronted with these 22 billion losses should immediately investigate whether the incentive structure encouraged excessive volumes, inadequate pricing discipline, or insufficient attention to trading costs,” he said.

“We therefore reject any attempt to answer the public concerns merely by pointing to GoldBod’s reported surplus,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

GoldBod did not record GH¢22bn loss; audited accounts show GH¢5.4bn surplus – Minority told 

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GoldBod did not record GH¢22bn loss; audited accounts show GH¢5.4bn surplus – Minority told 

The Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance has debunked claims by the Minority in parliament that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) recorded a loss of approximately US$1.7 billion, or GH¢22 billion, in 2025.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance, audited financial statements show a surplus of GH¢5.44 billion.

“These are not political estimates. They are figures contained in the audited financial statements of the institution,” the Institute stated.

They further accused the Minority of conflating GoldBod’s financial position with the financial consequences of the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

They highlighted that GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana are separate public institutions with distinct statutory functions, accounting records, balance sheets and reporting obligations.

The Institute of Fiscal Policy Governance argued that any loss recorded by the central bank in connection with monetary policy interventions cannot automatically be attributed to GoldBod without evidence showing the accounting and legal basis for such attribution.

According to the Institute, GoldBod’s role as an aggregator does not automatically make every cost or valuation movement recorded on the Bank of Ghana’s books a trading loss of GoldBod.

“The facts presently available are straightforward: GoldBod’s audited accounts do not report a GH¢22 billion loss. They report a surplus of approximately GH¢5.44 billion,” the Institute said.

The development follows Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has said the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has made a GH¢22 billion loss to the state.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod must account for the GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state.

He argued that the Minority would not be deterred by attacks or criticisms from GoldBod officials as they push for public accountability.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Afenyo-Markin stated, “So they must account for the GH¢22 billion loss. It must account for it because it amounts to causing financial loss to the state”.

“GoldBod is responsible for causing financial loss to the state and the Minority will say this and say it firmly and boldly,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter the adjectives that they use to describe or to attack our personalities, and we know a day of reckoning will come,” he said.

The minority further argued that GoldBod cannot hide behind an agency role to escape accountability.

Afenyo-Markin rejected GoldBod’s claims that its role as an agent of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) shields it from responsibility for losses arising from the country’s gold trading operations.

He added, “Gold Board cannot hide behind accounting technicalities”.

“Gold Board is entitled to make the accounting point that it was purchasing gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana. But agency does not extinguish operational responsibility,” he said.

“An agent entrusted with billions of cedis or public resources remains responsible for the quality of its execution,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added, “If an institution earns transaction-based income for purchasing, assaying, and aggregating gold, while the financier bears the underlying trading losses, then increasing transaction volumes may increase the agent’s revenue, even where the overall programme destroys value for the principal”.

“Any responsible government confronted with these 22 billion losses should immediately investigate whether the incentive structure encouraged excessive volumes, inadequate pricing discipline, or insufficient attention to trading costs,” he said.

“We therefore reject any attempt to answer the public concerns merely by pointing to GoldBod’s reported surplus,” he said.

@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

GH¢10.8bn DDEP Coupon paid in full and on schedule – Finance Ministry announce

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GH¢10.8bn DDEP Coupon paid in full and on schedule – Finance Ministry announce

The government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry, has paid GH¢10.82 billion to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

According to the Finance Ministry, the payment, totalling GH¢10,816,840,318.26, was made in full and on schedule.

They further disclosed that the total amount paid to DDEP bondholders since 2025 is GH¢41.36 billion.

The Finance Ministry disclosed that the timely payment reflects the government’s fiscal discipline and commitment to meeting its debt obligations.

According to them, the payment will strengthen investor confidence, reduce Ghana’s sovereign default risk and reinforce the country’s financial credibility.

The latest payment follows an assurance by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament that government would honour the coupon payment due on August 18.

A press release shared by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday, 19th August 2026 read, “The Government of Ghana has paid GHc10,816,840,318.26 to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

This brings the total amount paid to bondholders since 2025 to GHe41.36 billion.

This is the third DDEP coupon payment made fully in cash. It was paid in full and on schedule.

The timely payment demonstrates Government’s fiscal discipline and firm commitment to meeting all its debt obligations. It will strengthen investor confidence, reduce sovereign default risk and reinforce Ghana’s financial credibility.

Government assures bondholders, investors and the public that all future DDEP obligations will also be paid in full and on schedule”.

Also, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s finance minister, has announced that the Government of Ghana has since January 2025 paid $2.1 billion to Eurobond holders.

 The Finance Ministry made this known while revealing that Ghana has settled a US$700 million Eurobond obligation ahead of its scheduled maturity.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the payment was made on Thursday, July 2, 2026, and comprised US$525.2 million in principal repayments and US$174.8 million in interest.

In a statement issued on July 6, 2026, the Finance Ministry detailed that with this latest transaction, Ghana has now paid a total of US$2.1 billion to Eurobond holders since January 2025, which is in line with the country’s Eurobond Debt Exchange Programme.

The Finance Ministry disclosed that the payment was executed through planned government financing arrangements, which did not place pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Parts of the Finance Ministry press release read, “The payment was made through the Government’s planned financing arrangements without undue pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The settlement reduces Ghana’s outstanding Eurobond debt, strengthens investor confidence, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to prudent debt management and macroeconomic stability.

The Ministry of Finance will continue to implement sound public financial management practices to ensure the timely servicing of Ghana’s debt obligations. The Ministry expresses its gratitude to the people of Ghana for their continued patience, support, and confidence,” the statement added.

See the press release below:

@ghnow_ Prophet Roja has alleged during a church service that a police inspector and a CID officer took GH¢900,000 to falsely accuse an innocent man of murder, resulting in a 45-year prison sentence. The claims have not been independently verified. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ You take GH¢2000 and rent this rubbish to somebody’s child. Would you let your child sleep in a place like this?” #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities to protest at Jubilee House today

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Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities to protest at Jubilee House today

The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities have served notice that they are protesting at the Jubilee House today, August 19, 2026.

 According to the Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities, the protest is due to the government’s failure to fulfil the legal requirement to recruit persons with disabilities into public institutions.

They stressed that they are protesting inadequate representation of persons with disabilities in recent public-sector recruitment exercises.

They revealed that the Coalition submitted a verified list of 200 qualified graduates with disabilities for consideration during the recent recruitment exercise conducted by the Ghana Education Service (GES), but none were employed.

The group is calling on the Ministry of Finance to provide financial clearance to facilitate the recruitment and deployment of its members to various government institutions.

According to the group, the development raises serious concerns about the implementation of the legal provisions intended to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Speaking to Citi News, convenor of the coalition, Gilbert Boateng Agyare stated, “We want the Finance Ministry to issue 400 to 500 financial clearances to help deploy our people to the various government institutions. Recently, GES did a recruitment of about 7,000 people, and we submitted about 200 names to GES and nothing happened, and so we think that is repugnant.

“So why can’t we go to the Jubilee House to let the president know the realities faced by persons with disabilities?. We think that if these financial clarifications are given, definitely our people are going to be catered for.”

Meanwhile, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, has said the John Mahama government is set to launch a domestic care economy programme next year which will create about 100,000 jobs for Ghanaian youths.

According to George Opare-Addo, the move forms part of government’s broader efforts to tackle youth unemployment and create decent and sustainable employment opportunities.

He disclosed that the government remains committed to reducing unemployment by the end of President John Dramani Mahama’s four-year term.

George Opare Addo admitted that youth unemployment has recorded a slight increase but attributed the challenge partly to Ghana’s growing youth population.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) event in Accra on Thursday, August 13,  Opare-Addo stated, “Next year, under the YEA, we’ll be launching the domestic care economy, and that alone is supposed to employ close to 100,000 young people. Clearly, clearly, we will reduce the unemployment rate”.

George Opare Addo expressed confidence that the planned intervention, and other programmes being implemented by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), will contribute significantly to reducing unemployment among Ghanaian youths.

@ghnow_ “How Much Bail Will GoldBod Pay for the Losses?” — Minority Leader Quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A man made some serious allegations against some politicians infront of the Parliament House #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Asante Berko and associates POCKETED $42m from AKSA deal – Solomon Owusu

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Asante Berko and associates POCKETED $42m from AKSA deal – Solomon Owusu

Communications Director of the Unity Party, Solomon Owusu, has said the convicted former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Asante Berko and his associate made over $42 million from the AKSA power deal.

According to Solomon Owusu, the over $1 million bribe given to public officials was not the main reason for Asante Berko’s conviction.

He argued that the main argument should be how people looted taxpayers in the government’s quest to find a solution to Ghana’s dumsor challenges at that time.

Solomon Owusu disclosed that Ghana was overcharged in the AKSA deal, with Asante Berko and his associates allegedly making millions of dollars from the deal.

Speaking on a recent discussion on Angel FM/TV, Solomon Owusu stated, “The $1 million bribe is not even the issue. If you look at the court document beyond this (the bribe), Berko and a Turkish guy demanded that they would be given a share in all businesses if they were able to secure the contract (the AKSA deal).

“So, the agreement was that the money they were going to earn depended on the price per kilowatt they were selling the power to the government of Ghana. Initially, they were supposed to get $25 million a year, but the Turkish company said it would go against them. So, they went to meet in London and agreed that the deal should not be dependent on the price per kilowatt,” he said.

He added, “So, Berko and his associates charged $42 million. This is where the issue is and not the $1 million bribe – $1 million is chicken change; the court document captures $42 million. As Ghanaians are suffering, Berko and his associates were enjoying.”

He further called on the Mahama government to fight as companies involved in the deal, the US financial market, and Asante Berko benefited from the deal at the expense of Ghana.

Meanwhile, Asante Kwaku Berko, the former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, is facing up to 30 years in US prison after conviction in power plant bribery.

The former TOR MD was convicted by a federal jury in the United States over a bribery and money laundering scheme linked to a power plant project in Ghana.

Asante Kwaku Berko, a dual US-Ghanaian citizen, was convicted in Brooklyn on August 6, 2026, on all counts in the indictment, following a nine-day trial before US District Judge Diane Gujarati in the Eastern District of New York

According to information gathered, Asante Berko and others conspired to pay more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to help secure a multimillion-dollar power plant deal for Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S.

The shady deal centres on a power plant deal that was under development and financing between December 2014 and July 2015.

Asante Berko, who was then an executive director in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs at the time, was involved in managing the transaction between the bank’s client, Aksa Enerji, and the Republic of Ghana.

In July 2024, Asante Berko was extradited to the United States after living in the United Kingdom and being arrested in November 2022 following an Interpol Red Notice.

The US prosecution also accused him of using the American financial system to facilitate the movement of illicit payments connected to the deal.

Asante Berko was convicted of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violating the FCPA and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

He has since been remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for November 10.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Insulting us on social media won’t change what the IMF has said.” — Afenyo-Markin #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“Carry your own cross and leave Bawumia alone!” – Franklin Cudjoe tells Rev Kusi Boateng 

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“Carry your own cross and leave Bawumia alone!” – Franklin Cudjoe tells Rev Kusi Boateng 

Franklin Cudjoe, the President of IMANI Africa, has told Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, the founder and leader of Power Chapel Worldwide, to carry his own cross over his recent claims.

In a post shared on X in reaction to some claims Rev Victor Kusi Boateng made, Franklin Cudjoe stated, “This is not true.  Please carry your own cross and leave Bawumia alone!”.

Franklin Cudjoe was reacting to comments and claims made by  Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, who declared his readiness to go to jail, claiming his association with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia could send him to jail.

The man of God argued that nothing can stop his friendship with Dr Bawumia and his wife, former Second Lady Samira Bawumia.

Rev Kusi Boateng claimed the NDC want to imprison me over my friendship with Bawumia.

According to Kusi Boateng, Prison is not for animals, adding that it would not be the first time he has been incarcerated and he returned alive.

Speaking to his congregation in a viral video clip, the founder of Power Chapel Worldwide during a visit by Samira Bawumia, wife of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Rev Kusi Boateng stated, “I want to say on my own pulpit that I don’t care whoever thinks about it; Dr Bawumia is my friend and will continue to be my friend. I will not hide it. I’m not a hypocrite. And if for this reason anybody wants to imprison me, go ahead.

“Prison is not for animals. It’s for human beings. I’ve been there; I didn’t die, I came back. And so it is not a crime to be a friend. And I want to say that Dr Bawumia and Hajia Samira Bawumia are my friends, my sisters, my brothers, and my bosom friends, with no apology. Papa, am I right? With no apology, they are my friend,” he reiterated.

It will be recalled that Rev Kusi Boateng was the Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana project, which has been under investigation over corruption allegations surrounding the project.

His comments come on the heels of Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State for Government Communications, announcing that the forensic audit report into the National Cathedral is ready.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Attorney General received the forensic audit report into the National Cathedral last Friday and is currently studying its findings to determine the appropriate next steps.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu stressed that no individual would be shielded if the forensic audit establishes wrongdoing.

He further revealed that he had not personally seen the report and would not comment on its specific findings.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “Deloitte and Touche audited the financial reports of the National Cathedral, which revealed financial irregularities, but it didn’t tell all the issues”.

“So we had to go further and do the forensic audit to know the people who were responsible for those irregularities and whether it was lawful or not,” he said.

“The Attorney General received the forensic audit report last Friday and is going through it to determine the next line of action,” he stated.

“I haven’t seen the report myself, and even if I have, I won’t speak to the issues because it is not time,” he said.

“But the initial report revealed that something went wrong, so the forensic will prove those responsible,” he said.

“So if anyone is indicted, I won’t be the one to say who should face the law or not. Based on the report, the Attorney General will take the necessary steps,” he stated.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ The arrival of Ga Mantse at the National Mining Dialogue #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Nana Akomea to contest for NPP’s 1st Vice Chairman position

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Nana Akomea to contest for NPP’s 1st Vice Chairman position

Nana Akomea, a former Managing Director for the State Transport Company (STC), according to reports, is set to contest for the First Vice position in the New Patriotic Party.

The news was shared by Krobea Kwabena Asante in a social media post.

“THE VICE CHAIR RACE IS ABOUT TO GET MORE INTERESTING!

Nana Akomea is set to officially announce his bid for NPP National Vice Chairman within the week,” he said.

In related news, Kofi Ofusu Nkansah, the former Chief Executive Officer for NEIP, has backed Nana Akomea’s decision to join the race for Vice Chairman in the New Patriotic Party.

According to him, the decision will improve the quality of vice chairmen the party will have for the next four years.

His social media post read, “Nana Akomeah enters NPP Vice Chairmanship race. His entry automatically improves the quality of the 3 Vice Chairs we will have because he will surely get a slot.

Good luck Director”.

Meanwhile, the NPP has opened nominations on August 17, 2026, to allow for persons interested in contesting for national positions to pick forms.

The party is expected to elect their national executives on October 3, 2026, for preparation ahead of the 2028 elections.

In other news, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said the party’s primary objective is to regain political power in the 2028 elections.

On Sunday, August 16, addressing newly elected Greater Accra Regional executives of the NPP following the party’s regional executive elections, Dr Bawumia made this known.

According to Dr Bawumia, the August 15 regional elections should not be viewed as the end of the party’s internal activities but rather as part of a broader process aimed at creating a stronger and more effective political organisation capable of winning back power in the 2028 election.

He also reminded the executives that their election should be viewed as a responsibility rather than merely a political achievement.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The goal for all of us is to win the 2028 election. This is just a stepping stone towards winning 2028. As a party, we have been engaged in an exercise of reorganisation. We have had our polling station elections, our electoral area elections, we have had our constituency elections, and we have now had our regional elections.

“We will culminate that process on October 10 with the national elections and therefore, at the end of that, the party will be in a good position to have that vehicle that drives us to victory in 2028. So there is a lot of work ahead of us.”

Also, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, the Greater Accra regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vowed not to rest until Dr Mahamudu Bawumia becomes president of Ghana.

The newly elected NPP Accra regional chairman, in a post on social media, thanked delegates and party folks who voted for him.

He further called on all party folks to come on board to help deliver power to the NPP in 2028.

Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, in a post, stated, “I thank all constituency executives for their support and participation in yesterday’s election.

The 488–173 result represents a clear and emphatic endorsement; I am deeply grateful.

Thank you for the trust, encouragement and commitment throughout this journey. We shall not rest until we make Dr Mahamudu Bawumia President of the Republic of Ghana.

Thank you, Greater Accra. The Restoration Begins!”

@ghnow_

♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Insulting us on social media won’t change what the IMF has said.” — Afenyo-Markin #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

How can you sell gold and make GH¢22 billion loss – Minority slams GoldBod 

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How can you sell gold and make GH¢22 billion loss – Minority slams GoldBod 

Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has slammed the financial management of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

Afenyo-Markin argued that an institution trading in gold should not be recording losses.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the reported GoldBod losses could not simply be attributed to market conditions, arguing that gold trade presented opportunities for profitability.

Speaking at a Minority press conference in Parliament on August 18, Afenyo-Markin stated, “These losses are not bad luck. You don’t trade in gold and make losses. They are not a difficult market”.

“They expose the crass incompetence of GoldBod’s management and misaligned policies of the government,” he said.

“No serious institution loses this money by accident. This is what happens when an untouchable few are handed the nation’s gold with no one watching,” he said.

Also, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has made a GH¢22 billion loss to the state.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod must account for the GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state.

He argued that the Minority would not be deterred by attacks or criticisms from GoldBod officials as they push for public accountability.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Afenyo-Markin stated, “So they must account for the GH¢22 billion loss. It must account for it because it amounts to causing financial loss to the state”.

“GoldBod is responsible for causing financial loss to the state and the Minority will say this and say it firmly and boldly,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter the adjectives that they use to describe or to attack our personalities, and we know a day of reckoning will come,” he said.

The minority further argued that GoldBod cannot hide behind an agency role to escape accountability.

Afenyo-Markin rejected GoldBod’s claims that its role as an agent of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) shields it from responsibility for losses arising from the country’s gold trading operations.

He added, “Gold Board cannot hide behind accounting technicalities”.

“Gold Board is entitled to make the accounting point that it was purchasing gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana. But agency does not extinguish operational responsibility,” he said.

“An agent entrusted with billions of cedis or public resources remains responsible for the quality of its execution,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added, “If an institution earns transaction-based income for purchasing, assaying, and aggregating gold, while the financier bears the underlying trading losses, then increasing transaction volumes may increase the agent’s revenue, even where the overall programme destroys value for the principal”.

“Any responsible government confronted with these 22 billion losses should immediately investigate whether the incentive structure encouraged excessive volumes, inadequate pricing discipline, or insufficient attention to trading costs,” he said.

“We therefore reject any attempt to answer the public concerns merely by pointing to GoldBod’s reported surplus,” he said.

@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “How Much Bail Will GoldBod Pay for the Losses?” — Minority Leader Quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

62 Ghanaians have died; 15 missing in Russia-Ukraine war – Ablakwa announce

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62 Ghanaians have died; 15 missing in Russia-Ukraine war – Ablakwa announce

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that sixty-two (62) Ghanaian citizens have been killed while another 15 remain missing after travelling to Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a post shared on X, following a press conference in Moscow after bilateral talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Ablakwa stated, “During our press conference in Moscow with Foreign Minister Lavrov after our bilateral engagement, I disclosed that an important matter to Ghana was how to stop the illegal recruitment of Ghanaian youth who are lured and end up fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Unfortunately, the number of Ghanaian deaths in Russia has gone up. 62 Ghanaians have now died and 15 who travelled to Russia remain missing.

I welcome the pledge of the Russian Government to work with the Government of Ghana to stop the illegal enlistment of our youth.

The Government of Ghana will continue to lead advocacy on this matter and ensure that our youth are protected from harm’s way. This is not our war, and it should not be claiming Ghanaian lives”.

It will be recalled that some weeks ago, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that the government has launched investigations into alleged criminal recruitment networks luring Ghanaians into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through fraudulent overseas employment schemes.

According to Ablakwa, 272 Ghanaian nationals were reported to have been drafted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with 55 reported dead.

 Ablakwa disclosed that his recent visit to Kyiv revealed to him that the recruitment of Ghanaians formed part of a broader pattern involving nationals of several African countries.

He disclosed, “It is estimated that about 1,780 African nationals from 36 countries have joined Russian forces.

The Mahama Administration is committed to tracking and dismantling all dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction. This is not our war, and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others”, Mr Ablakwa stated.

“Criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable Ghanaians through false promises of employment, education and business opportunities abroad, exposing many to trafficking, forced labour, cyber-enabled criminal activities and other forms of exploitation”, he said.

Meanwhile, a Ghanaian man has shared a harrowing experience of how he was tricked into joining the Russian military to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to a report, the Ghanaian man revealed that he was promised a job when he was recruited by an agent in Dubai.

He explained, “In his search for better opportunities, he accepted the offer, completed the required steps, and eventually travelled to Moscow, the capital of Russia.”

The Ghanaian man detailed that, upon arriving at a military camp, he discovered that he was actually expected to join the military and participate in the ongoing war.

He further revealed that “he was not alone” in this ordeal, as he was among hundreds of Africans who had been similarly deceived.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_

♬ original sound – GHnow

Ghana targets 70% 5G population coverage by end of 2028

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Ghana targets 70% 5G population coverage by end of 2028

Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has said the Government has set an ambitious target to achieve 70% population coverage of 5G by the end of 2028.

He disclosed that the government is also reviewing spectrum policies to promote investment, deployment and wider public value from the country’s limited spectrum resources.

According to him, the move forms part of government plans to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation and expand access to high-speed connectivity.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National ICT Week, Mohammed Adams Sukparu stated, “We have announced an ambitious target of achieving 70 percent population coverage of 5G by the end of 2028, while reviewing spectrum policies to ensure that this scarce national resource supports investment, deployment, and wider public value”.

He further cited the One Million Coders Programme as a key investment in digital skills.

“The programme seeks to equip one million Ghanaians with practical digital and coding skills relevant to employment, entrepreneurship, and participation in the digital economy,” he said.

“Our digital transformation agenda must be underpinned by trust, security, and responsible innovation,” he stated.

“The ministry is also advancing reforms to ensure that Ghana’s communication and digital regulatory framework remains responsive to technological development. This includes the review and development of legislation, carbon communications, digital services, data governance, and emerging technologies. Our regulatory approach seeks to provide the certainty required for innovation and investment while safeguarding the public interest and strengthening confidence in Ghana’s digital environment,” the deputy minister emphasised.

Earlier, Sam George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, had announced a vision to achieve 70% 5G population density coverage.

According to Sam George, the government has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to accelerate the rollout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks to achieve a 70 per cent population coverage before Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary in 2027.

Sam George explained that the cabinet has taken a bold policy decision to democratise the deployment of 5G technology in the country.

He explained that in the coming days, the Communication Ministry will issue clear directions to the NCA to commence preparations for a spectrum auction.

Speaking at the launch of the 30th anniversary of the Communications Authority of Ghana in Accra on Wednesday, February 25, Sam George stated, “Our vision is to achieve 70% of 5G population density coverage by the 70th independence celebration of our nation, next year. So, the work is cut out for the regulator”.

“You have barely a year to roll out 5G using both the wholesale model and the network-led operations and achieve 70% population density coverage.”

“It is a steep aspiration, but I am more than confident in the resilience and abilities of the people who run the NCA,” Minister George said.

In related news, Sam George jabbed the former Akufo-Addo government over the hyped of 5G services launched by Next-Gen.

According to Sam George, the Akufo-Addo government’s claim of 5G was just a smoke screen and gaslighting.

He boldly asserted that Ghana has no 5G service in the country.

@ghnow_ Happening Now: National Mining Dialogue at Kempiski Hotel  #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – JUDITH 💞
@ghnow_ The arrival of Ga Mantse at the National Mining Dialogue #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Sammy Gyamfi will face ‘scary’ bail conditions in the future – Afenyo-Markin threatens 

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Sammy Gyamfi will face ‘scary’ bail conditions in the future – Afenyo-Markin threatens 

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has threatened the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)Sammy Gyamfi and its leadership with possible ‘scary’ bail conditions in the future.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod leadership in the future could face “scary” bail conditions if the standards being applied to some former government officials are maintained.

Afenyo-Markin, who was speaking at a press conference today, August 18, drew a comparison between what he described as stringent bail conditions imposed on some former government officials facing investigations and similar treatment of the current administration should the NPP Return to power.

The minority leader argued that the NDC government is setting a precedent through the conditions attached to bail for some accused persons, which could eventually have consequences for officials currently in government.

He warned that those currently holding public positions should consider how the standards being applied today.

Also, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has made a GH¢22 billion loss to the state.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod must account for the GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state.

He argued that the Minority would not be deterred by attacks or criticisms from GoldBod officials as they push for public accountability.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Afenyo-Markin stated, “So they must account for the GH¢22 billion loss. It must account for it because it amounts to causing financial loss to the state”.

“GoldBod is responsible for causing financial loss to the state and the Minority will say this and say it firmly and boldly,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter the adjectives that they use to describe or to attack our personalities, and we know a day of reckoning will come,” he said.

The minority further argued that GoldBod cannot hide behind an agency role to escape accountability.

Afenyo-Markin rejected GoldBod’s claims that its role as an agent of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) shields it from responsibility for losses arising from the country’s gold trading operations.

He added, “Gold Board cannot hide behind accounting technicalities”.

“Gold Board is entitled to make the accounting point that it was purchasing gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana. But agency does not extinguish operational responsibility,” he said.

“An agent entrusted with billions of cedis or public resources remains responsible for the quality of its execution,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added, “If an institution earns transaction-based income for purchasing, assaying, and aggregating gold, while the financier bears the underlying trading losses, then increasing transaction volumes may increase the agent’s revenue, even where the overall programme destroys value for the principal”.

“Any responsible government confronted with these 22 billion losses should immediately investigate whether the incentive structure encouraged excessive volumes, inadequate pricing discipline, or insufficient attention to trading costs,” he said.

“We therefore reject any attempt to answer the public concerns merely by pointing to GoldBod’s reported surplus,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Addresses GoldBod Losses #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Happening Now: National Mining Dialogue at Kempiski Hotel  #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – JUDITH 💞

“Free SHS has not been cancelled” – GES says; warns Parents against GH¢1,500 ‘chop box’ payment

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“Free SHS has not been cancelled” – GES says; warns Parents against GH¢1,500 ‘chop box’ payment

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that the Director-General has cancelled the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

The alleged claims also claim the Director-General has directed parents to pay GH¢1,500 for chop boxes and trunks.

According to the GES, the Free SHS policy remains in effect, adding that the Director-General has not issued any directive asking parents or guardians to pay for chop boxes, trunks or any other items.

The GES further stressed that the Director-General does not have the authority to cancel the Free SHS policy, calling on parents, guardians and students not to make any payments to individuals.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the GES stated, “The attention of the Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media alleging that the Director-General has cancelled the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy and directed parents to pay a compulsory GH61,500 for chop boxes and trunks.

Management wishes to state categorically that the publication is FALSE and should be disregarded.

Management has not cancelled the Free SHS policy, nor has the Director-General issued any directive requiring parents or guardians to pay any money for chop boxes, trunks or any other item.

The Director-General of GES does not have the power to cancel a policy

 Parents, guardians, students and the general public are therefore urged not to make any payments to anyone

The GES advises the public to rely only on official communications issued through the Service’s authorised channels and to treat unverified publications on social media with caution.

The Service further urges members of the public and media organisations to desist from creating, publishing or circulating false information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety and confusion among parents, students and the general public”.

See the statement below:

@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has addressed the press in Parliament on concerns over reported losses linked to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), questioning the institution’s financial management and calling for greater scrutiny #fyp #GHnow ♬ original sound – GHnow

Death threats against me have increased after Wontumi’s conviction – Deputy AG  

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Death threats against me have increased after Wontumi’s conviction – Deputy AG  

Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has said he has received more death threats following the conviction of businessman and former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Chairman Wontumi.

 According to Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the two key witnesses were placed under protection following the death threats they received.

The Deputy AG disclosed that he and members of his legal team have also received threats, with the threats increasing following Wontumi’s conviction.

He revealed that the threats have intensified following Wontumi’s conviction, disclosing that two star witnesses and police investigators have all been subjected to threats.

Speaking on Joy News PM Express, Dr Justice Srem-Sai stated, “I have received threats, and it has actually gone up [since Wontumi’s conviction]. The two witnesses are being threatened every day, and even the police investigators who testified and all were threatened”.

“People threaten you with all manner of things, and we receive such threats every day. The mere fact that you are doing your work can cause someone to just hate you, and some threaten violence, death, and all manner of things,” he said.

“Some even try to carry them out, you know, but it is not everything that we talk about. Every day, someone somewhere is unhappy,” he disclosed.

Our witnesses are every day threatened with death. The two-star witnesses and even the police investigators… they threaten everybody. But I think it comes with the job.”

“But I don’t think it’s important for us to because if you follow that, then it means people will use such threats to secure freedom to continue to do that which the law prevents.”

“My attorneys receive such threats every day, and not only in this case, but also in other cases, murder cases, armed robbery cases. Judges receive their share of the threats. It comes with the territory.”

He further added, “The point I’m making is that there is a limit to how much physical protection you can get, and even that is never enough because human beings can do so many things.”

“So I would, for my own peace of mind and everything, I discount the physical one, even though yes, it’s good, and just so I can sleep, I commit myself to the hands of the lord.”

Meanwhile,  Chairman Wontumi has filed an application at the High Court seeking to be released on bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction and prison sentence.

Wontumi’s legal team is asking the court to grant his release while the appeal challenging the judgment is heard.

The court is scheduled to hear the application on August 19, 2026. Wontumi is currently being held at Nsawam Medium Security Prison serving a 20-year jail term.

Lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, indicated that the application is in accordance with Section 96(1) of Act 30 and Section 33(1) of Act 459.

“Take Notice that this Honourable Court will be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the 1st Appellant/Applicant (“Applicant”) herein praying the Court for an order that the Applicant, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, be admitted to bail pending appeal upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem meet,” parts of the application read.

“Court to be moved on Wednesday, 19TH day of August 2026 at 9 o’clock in the forenoon or so soon thereafter as Counsel for the 1st and 3rd Appellants may be heard.”

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Firefighters recover GH¢50,000, over US$5000 at Accra-Kumasi highway crash scene

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Firefighters recover GH¢50,000, over US$5000 at Accra-Kumasi highway crash scene

Firefighters of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have announced that they have recovered GH¢50,000, US$5,231.81 and other valuables after a road crash at Suhum Niifio on the Accra-Kumasi Highway.

In addition to the cash, firefighters recovered mobile phones, power banks, National ID cards and other personal belongings from the vehicles.

According to reports, the accident occurred on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and involved a Ford F-150 and a Kia Rio.

One male occupant of the Kia was trapped inside the vehicle.

The GNFS detailed that a six-member crew from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station, led by STNO II Darkwah Prince, arrived at the scene at about 8:03 p.m. and used extrication equipment to rescue the trapped casualty.

They further disclosed that a victim has been subsequently transported to the Suhum Government Hospital for medical attention.

According to the GNFS Preliminary information, the Ford F-150 was overtaking when it collided with the rear of the Kia Rio, causing extensive damage to the Ford F-150 and partial damage to the Kia Rio, with no deaths recorded.

The GNFS attributed the crash to wrongful overtaking and called on motorists to exercise caution and strictly observe road safety regulations.

In other news, one person has died, and 14 others have sustained injuries in a road accident on the Accra–Kumasi Highway.

Reports suggest the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and involved a MAN Diesel truck and a Toyota Hiace.

According to reports, the crash occurred on the Accra–Kumasi Highway near Paradise Restaurant at Bunso.

Preliminary reports indicate that the truck veered into the opposite lane while attempting to give way to a Toyota Vitz, leading to the collision.

Firefighters at the Bunso Fire Station disclosed that they received a distress call at about 7:30 p.m. and immediately deployed a six-member team, with the team reaching the location around 7:46 p.m.

According to an eyewitness, the MAN truck, with registration number AS 4765-11, was attempting to make way for a Toyota Vitz, which was allegedly overtaking improperly.

The eyewitness disclosed that the manoeuvre reportedly caused the truck to veer across the road, where it collided with the side of the Toyota Hiace ER 655-25.

The crash left the front portion of the truck partially damaged, with the Hiace sustaining damage along its side.

Reports disclosed that one female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while 14 other occupants sustained injuries.

@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “How Much Bail Will GoldBod Pay for the Losses?” — Minority Leader Quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

GoldBod has caused GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state – Minority

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GoldBod has caused GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state – Minority

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader and Effutu MP, has said the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has made a GH¢22 billion loss to the state.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod must account for the GH¢22 billion financial loss to the state.

He argued that the Minority would not be deterred by attacks or criticisms from GoldBod officials as they push for public accountability.

Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, August 18, Afenyo-Markin stated, “So they must account for the GH¢22 billion loss. It must account for it because it amounts to causing financial loss to the state”.

“GoldBod is responsible for causing financial loss to the state and the Minority will say this and say it firmly and boldly,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter the adjectives that they use to describe or to attack our personalities, and we know a day of reckoning will come,” he said.

The minority further argued that GoldBod cannot hide behind an agency role to escape accountability.

Afenyo-Markin rejected GoldBod’s claims that its role as an agent of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) shields it from responsibility for losses arising from the country’s gold trading operations.

He added, “Gold Board cannot hide behind accounting technicalities”.

“Gold Board is entitled to make the accounting point that it was purchasing gold on behalf of the Bank of Ghana. But agency does not extinguish operational responsibility,” he said.

“An agent entrusted with billions of cedis or public resources remains responsible for the quality of its execution,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added, “If an institution earns transaction-based income for purchasing, assaying, and aggregating gold, while the financier bears the underlying trading losses, then increasing transaction volumes may increase the agent’s revenue, even where the overall programme destroys value for the principal”.

“Any responsible government confronted with these 22 billion losses should immediately investigate whether the incentive structure encouraged excessive volumes, inadequate pricing discipline, or insufficient attention to trading costs,” he said.

“We therefore reject any attempt to answer the public concerns merely by pointing to GoldBod’s reported surplus,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), had earlier bitten back at Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over his recent claims.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, Afenyo-Markin is a joke of a Minority Leader.

Sammy Gyamfi fired shots at Afenyo-Markin for his blatant lie that the GoldBod has made losses, stressing that it is a figment of the Minority Leader’s hallucinatory imagination.

The GoldBod CEO also cited page 16 of the audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, detailing that GoldBod recorded an operational surplus of GH¢907 million and an overall surplus of GH¢5.4 billion.

In a post on X, Sammy Gyamfi wrote, “The blatant lie being persistently peddled by Afenyo Markin that the GoldBod has made losses is only a figment of his hallucinatory imagination. What a joke of a Minority Leader he is.

Find attached page 16 of the audited Annual Report and Financial Statements of the @GhanaGOLDBOD for the year ended 31st December, 2025, disclosing an operational surplus/profit of GHS907 million and overall surplus/profit of GHS5.4 billion.

For the avoidance of doubt, this audit report was prepared and published by the Auditor-General of the Republic of Ghana. Facts are sacrosanct”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has addressed the press in Parliament on concerns over reported losses linked to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), questioning the institution’s financial management and calling for greater scrutiny #fyp #GHnow ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “How Much Bail Will GoldBod Pay for the Losses?” — Minority Leader Quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “Where is the money?” Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questions GoldBod over the reported losses linked to its gold trading operations, demanding answers on how the funds were used and who benefited from the transactions. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

There is no ban on AirPods, earphones while driving – Police clarify

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There is no ban on AirPods, earphones while driving – Police clarify

The Ghana Police Service has clarified that a flyer circulating on social media claiming that the use of AirPods, earphones and other audio devices while driving or riding is prohibited by law.

The Police Service urged the public to disregard a flyer circulating on social media.

In a post on X on Tuesday, August 18, the Police said the flyer was not issued or authorised by the Service.

According to the Police, they are working to identify those behind the publication.

However, they caution motorists and other road users against activities or devices that could distract them or affect their attention, hearing, vehicle control or awareness of surrounding traffic.

The Police statement issued on X read, “POLICE URGE PUBLIC TO DISREGARD FALSE FLYER ON USE OF AIRPODS AND EARPHONES WHILE DRIVING

The Ghana Police Service would like to urge the public to disregard a flyer circulating on social media, purporting to be a public safety announcement from the Service, and claiming, among other things, that the use of AirPods, earphones, or other audio devices while riding or driving is prohibited under the law.

The Service wishes to clarify that the flyer is not a communication of the Ghana Police Service. The Service has neither issued nor authorised the said publication; and our Cybercrime Unit is working on tracing those behind the false publication.

The Service, however, wishes to remind motorists and other road users that any activity or device that distracts them or compromises their attention, hearing, control of the vehicle or awareness of surrounding traffic can pose a serious risk to road safety.

Motorists and riders should therefore endeavour to avoid distractions and exercise maximum care while on the road.

The Service further urges all motorists, motorcyclists and other road users to familiarise themselves with and comply fully with the Road Traffic Regulations,

2026 (L.I. 2519) and all other applicable road traffic laws. Compliance with these regulations is essential to reducing road crashes and protecting lives. (A copy of the relevant provision is attached for ease of reference).

The Ghana Police Service entreats the public to rely on official Police communication channels for information on road traffic regulations and other public safety matters.

The Service remains committed to enforcing road traffic laws fairly and professionally while working with all stakeholders to promote safety on our roads”.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the development stated, “Inasmuch as that is a fake flyer as purported, I think it is a good call despite coming from a fake source. Most of these drivers are wasting human lives through this act”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ “How Much Bail Will GoldBod Pay for the Losses?” — Minority Leader Quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

2 witnesses in Wontumi’s conviction under police protection amid death threats – Deputy AG

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2 witnesses in Wontumi’s conviction under police protection amid death threats – Deputy AG

Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has disclosed that two key prosecution witnesses in the case involving former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, have been placed under police protection.

According to Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the two key witnesses were placed under protection following the death threats they received.

He revealed that the threats were intensified following Wontumi’s conviction, disclosing that two star witnesses and police investigators have all been subjected to threats.

Speaking on Joy News PM Express, Dr Justice Srem-Sai stated, “Our witnesses are every day threatened with death. The two-star witnesses and even the police investigators… they threaten everybody. But I think it comes with the job.”

The Deputy AG disclosed that he and members of his legal team have also received threats, with the threat increasing following Wontumi’s conviction.

“It’s actually gone up. Our witnesses are every day threatened with death”, he added.

“But I don’t think it’s important for us to because if you follow that, then it means people will use such threats to secure freedom to continue to do that which the law prevents.”

“My attorneys receive such threats every day, and not only in this case, but also in other cases, murder cases, armed robbery cases. Judges receive their share of the threats. It comes with the territory.”

He further added, “The point I’m making is that there is a limit to how much physical protection you can get, and even that is never enough because human beings can do so many things.”

“So I would, for my own peace of mind and everything, I discount the physical one, even though yes, it’s good, and just so I can sleep, I commit myself to the hands of the lord.”

The Deputy AG disclosed that the two witnesses have been given police protection when Justice Srem-Sai was asked directly about their safety.

“Yeah, we’ve given them police protection.”

Meanwhile,  Chairman Wontumi has filed an application at the High Court seeking to be released on bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction and prison sentence.

Wontumi’s legal team is asking the court to grant his release while the appeal challenging the judgment is heard.

The court is scheduled to hear the application on August 19, 2026. Wontumi is currently being held at Nsawam Medium Security Prison serving a 20-year jail term.

Lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, indicated that the application is in accordance with Section 96(1) of Act 30 and Section 33(1) of Act 459.

“Take Notice that this Honourable Court will be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the 1st Appellant/Applicant (“Applicant”) herein praying the Court for an order that the Applicant, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, be admitted to bail pending appeal upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem meet,” parts of the application read.

“Court to be moved on Wednesday, 19TH day of August 2026 at 9 o’clock in the forenoon or so soon thereafter as Counsel for the 1st and 3rd Appellants may be heard.”

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ “You have made GH¢22 billion loss just from selling gold.” — Minority Leader quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ “How Much Bail Will GoldBod Pay for the Losses?” — Minority Leader Quizzes GoldBod #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Justice Pwamang lobbying to become next Chief Justice – Afenyo-Markin alleges

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Justice Pwamang lobbying to become next Chief Justice – Afenyo-Markin alleges

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has alleged that Justice Pwamang, who chaired the committee that investigated petitions for the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, is lobbying to become the next Chief Justice.

The Minority leader fired shots at Justice Gabriel Pwamang, accusing him of lobbying to replace Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie after he exits.

Afenyo-Markin argued that the committee’s work was flawed and incomplete, alleging that Justice Pwamang may have had personal ambitions of becoming Chief Justice.

Speaking in an interview on Atinka TV, Afenyo-Markin alleged, saying, “The report that recommended her dismissal was not even complete. There were three petitioners, yet they concluded their work after dealing with only one petition and still submitted a report.

“My Lord Pwamang, if the same thing were done to you, how would you feel? There were three petitions. You completed the hearing of only one while the other two were still pending, yet you finalised your report and recommended the dismissal of Justice Torkornoo.

As my Lord Baffoe-Bonnie is exiting, I am aware you are also lobbying to become the next Chief Justice.How would you feel if someone did that to you? In this country, we are so unfair to one another,” he added.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in that same interview, also accused the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and other Supreme Court judges of being part of the grand conspiracy in the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was the “grand conspirator” behind the removal of the former Chief Justice.

Afenyo-Markin, as always, insisted that Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal was unjustified, claiming that some members of the Supreme Court were interested in occupying her position.

He further claimed, “My Lord was part of the grand conspiracy against his predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo. It was a grand conspiracy. Why should I deny what I know? I know even the Supreme Court judges who conspired against their colleague.

“One day, the full story will be told. I said during our demonstration that I do not see why that woman should not be reinstated when the NPP comes back to power. She has to be reinstated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has confidently told the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo that she will be reinstated should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) return to power in 2028.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Torkornoo should not be “saddened” by her removal from office, as she will be reinstated when the NPP comes back to power with Dr Bawumia.

Speaking at the NPP’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ demonstration in Accra on August 6, 2026, the Minority Leader boldly stated, “Let me tell the former Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, that she should not be sad. When the NPP returns to power under Bawumia, she will be reinstated as Chief Justice”.

He further boldly stated that the NPP will return to power in 2028 whether the NDC likes it or not.

“Whether the NDC likes it or not, the NPP will assume power in 2028. If you are an NPP member, work hard so that power returns to the party,” he stated.

In related news, some weeks ago, the Supreme Court of Ghana dismissed the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo challenging her removal from office.

According to the Deputy Attorney General, the Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed all four cases filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Esaaba, upholding her removal.

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, in a post on X wrote, “Following the ECOWAS Court’s judgement last week, the Supreme Court, too, has dismissed each of the 4 cases challenging Her Ladyship’s removal from the office of the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court decided the cases earlier this morning.

Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Two young men were reportedly ordered by military officers to clear muddy water from the Manso Afedie–Kumasi road after it allegedly flowed onto the road from galamsey activities. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Young Doctor Pleads With Youth to Take HIV Prevention Seriously #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“I have intel that the NPP is trying to sack Ken Agyapong” – Emmanuel Kotin

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“I have intel that the NPP is trying to sack Ken Agyapong” – Emmanuel Kotin

Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism, has alleged that the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are planning to sack the former Assin Central MP, Ken Agyapong, from the party.

According to Emmanuel Kotin, he has received intel that the NPP is trying to sack Kennedy Agyapong from the party.

Emmanuel Kotin argued that the NPP have re-elected Abronye, who sits on TV and insults party leadership for similar sins Ken Agyapong is being accused of.

He further alleged that persons around Dr Mahamudu Bawumia are his real enemies.

Speaking on TV3 New Day, Emmanuel Kotin stated, “Let’s look at the election of Abronye. Abronye will sit on TV and insult party leadership, the same sins Ken Agyapong has been accused of.  I have intel that the NPP is trying to sack Kennedy Agyapong from the party.

Yet they go ahead and elect Abronye because he is a loyalist. What are we really building? Do you take a losing team or do you retain a winning team?”

He further added, “We need a strong opposition party. Let the unity processes be in deeds and not in words. After presidential primaries, look at the fall: where is the unity everybody is glamourising around Dr Bawumia to catch his face and favour, but they are the real enemies of Dr Bawumia.

Those around Dr Bawumia are his real enemies. You know the demonstration you reference; I have a course to say that they don’t want Bawumia to be president because there was no need to embark on that demonstration. What was really the need for that demonstration? The things they were accusing this government of didn’t happen in the last eight years, even worse.  

People wanted to go on demonstration; you went to court to place injunctions, the precinct of the Jubilee House was a security zone, but you were able to walk freely and do an incident free deomonstration yet you say this democracy is under attack”.

Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council, at a meeting held yesterday, Thursday, June 25, have tasked the NPP Disciplinary Committee to sit on a petition to remove Ken Agyapong from the party.

According to the National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, the party has received petitions from some members and Members of Parliament calling for the dismissal of Hon. Ken Agyapong from the party.

Nana Boakye revealed that the petitions have been referred to the party’s disciplinary committee for review, and the party expects to receive a report on the matter within the next two weeks.

He disclosed that the decision was taken by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council at a meeting held yesterday, Thursday, June 25.

He added that the NPP’s highest decision-making organs had unanimously agreed to refer all petitions against Ken Agyapong to the disciplinary committee for consideration.

Should the petitions hold weight, Kennedy Agyapong will be invited to appear before it, ensuring he is given a fair hearing before the final report is compiled and submitted to leadership.

The members of the NPP Disciplinary Committee are as follows:

Kwasi Amoako-Atta – Chairman

Elizabeth Utuka – Secretary

Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah-Member

Diana Asonaba Dapaah – Member

Salam Ama Appianimaa Damata – Member

Kwame Osei-Prempeh – Member

Makafui Kofi Woanya – Member

Ing Kwesi Abeasi – Member

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Young Doctor Pleads With Youth to Take HIV Prevention Seriously #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Two young men were reportedly ordered by military officers to clear muddy water from the Manso Afedie–Kumasi road after it allegedly flowed onto the road from galamsey activities. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Ghanaian man in US arrested 20 times, charged with multiple sexual offences

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Ghanaian man in US arrested 20 times, charged with multiple sexual offences

A 26-year-old Ghanaian man living in the US, Jeff Kufi Asare, has been arrested and charged with multiple sexual offences.

According to reports, Jeff Kuti Asare was arrested over separate incidents dating back to 1st August, 2026.

Reports suggest that over the past two weeks, the Oklahoma resident was arrested on three occasions in relation to sexual battery. 

August 1: Arrested on probable-cause allegations of felony sexual battery.

August 6: Arrested again on allegations of felony sexual battery and attempted kidnapping.

August 12: Arrested and booked on a first-degree rape charge.

One of the women is reported to have told the police that Asare allegedly pushed her against a bus stop window and put his hands down her pants.

Additionally, another woman who also filed her complaint said Asare approached her from behind while she was walking on Classen Boulevard, pulled down her pants, and fled after she pushed him away.

Asare was arrested on allegations of sexual battery and indecent exposure, but he was later released.

Five days later, he assaulted another woman near Scissortail Park.

Police detailed that Asare allegedly approached the woman from behind, grabbed her buttocks several times, and began digging in his pants. The woman asked him to leave, and he walked away.

The Police later spotted him and arrested him on another sexual battery allegation but he was again released.

Six days after the second arrest, police said Asare allegedly approached another woman from behind while she was on the Lake Hefner Trail.

He was subsequently arrested and is now being held in the Oklahoma County Jail on a first-degree rape charge.

Meanwhile, authorities said Asare’s bond has been set at $75,000, but the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office is seeking a higher amount due to the series of incidents.

Authorities report that the Ghanaian man has been arrested at least twenty(20) times for different offences since 2022.

His lengthy record of alleged offences includes breaking and entering, resisting an officer, shoplifting, trespassing, marijuana possession, sexual battery, indecent exposure, attempted kidnapping and first-degree rape.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the development stated, “How do you get arrested TWENTY times and still end up walking the streets? The justice system is failing all of his victims. The man is even smiling in one of his mugshots. Jeff Asare might be criminally insane. Behind every violent criminal is an undiagnosed mental illness”.

A netizen added, “Why he dey smile for ein mugshots? proper madman”.

One X user added, “They will keep releasing this idiot and before we realise he has murdered someone.

Just finish him off”.

“Ah. He be kwasiaaa paaa ooo. Go Abrokyire go work bring money see the nonsense he dey do for dere. Very foolish”, a netizen added.

Additionally, a netizen added, “Are they waiting for him to kill somebody b4 they jail him? Even in Ghana here, one mediocre judge would have jailed him at least 20 years by now”.

One last X user claimed, “He is an American citizen. No sane Ghanaian will travel and be engaging in repeated criminal activities . Take away his US citizenship and see how responsible he will become”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Two young men were reportedly ordered by military officers to clear muddy water from the Manso Afedie–Kumasi road after it allegedly flowed onto the road from galamsey activities. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Young Doctor Pleads With Youth to Take HIV Prevention Seriously #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

About 99% of us have been fully paid – PRO for Coalition of unpaid Nurses & Midwives

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About 99% of us have been fully paid – PRO for Coalition of unpaid Nurses & Midwives

Jeffrey Opata, the PRO of the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses & Midwives, has announced that about 99 per cent of them have been paid fully.

According to Jeffrey Opata, there will no longer be a Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives following the payments which have been made by the government.

In a news card shared by GHOne TV, Jeffrey Opata was quoted as saying, “About 99% of us have been fully paid, so there will no longer be a Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives”.

The development follows that the government, through the Ministry of Health, has cleared the 10 to 11 months of salary arrears of the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives.

According to reports, the 13,500 coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives were initially employed without financial clearance under the previous administration.

The Health ministry have subsequenltu place them on the government payroll while clearing their outstanding arrears.

The coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives expressed their appreciation to the Minister of Health for his efforts in resolving the issue and presented him with a Fugu as a gesture of gratitude.

It will be recalled that the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives, last year, Thursday, October 2, 2025, staged a protest to demand their salary arrears owed by the government.

According to the nurses and midwives, about 7,000 of them have been working without salaries for the past nine to 10 months.

Stephen Kwadwo Takyiah, the convenor of the coalition, stated, “We are not comfortable hitting the streets, but it has become necessary. We are citizens, trained as professional nurses and midwives from nursing training colleges and universities.

“We graduated in 2020, completed our rotations, and waited at home for three years. In July 2024, the Ministry of Health announced it had secured financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance for our employment.

“The portals were opened, we registered, and by October 2024, we received postings and reported to work in December. Out of the 15,000 announced, about 13,000 took up postings.

“But in April 2025, only some of our colleagues started receiving salaries. As we speak, just over 6,500 have been paid, while nearly 7,000 of us have worked for close to 10 months without pay,” he lamented.

The protest started from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park; the demonstrators will then march to the Ministry of Finance and later the Ministry of Health to submit a petition to demand immediate resolution.

Also, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, the deputy finance minister, has told the Nurses and midwives that their salary arrears will be captured in the next budget.

He expressed gratitude to the nurses and midwives for their service and apologised for the delay.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Young Doctor Pleads With Youth to Take HIV Prevention Seriously #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Two young men were reportedly ordered by military officers to clear muddy water from the Manso Afedie–Kumasi road after it allegedly flowed onto the road from galamsey activities. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Station officers selling ammunition to armed robbers to kill officers and attack civilians’ – Police officer alleges 

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‘Station officers selling ammunition to armed robbers to kill officers and attack civilians’ – Police officer alleges 

General Lance Corporal Nicholas Ohene Ampong Kissi, a Police Officer with the Ghana Police Service, has made a wild allegation against his fellow officers.

The Police Officer alleged that station Officers at Mataheko and Odorkor police barracks are allegedly selling ammunition to armed robbers to kill fellow officers and attack civilians.

According to him, some hardened criminals have allegedly taken over the Mataheko and Odorkor police barracks, raising alarm over the alleged criminal activities in the areas.

In a video shared on Crime Check TV, the Police Officer stated, “At Mataheko Police Barracks and Odorkor Police Barracks, the current station officer is selling ammunition to armed robbers to go and kill their own police officers and attack civilians.

At Odorkor Police Barracks, hardened criminals have taken over the place and two of them came and assaulted me. One slapped me twice.

“I had intelligence that they were operating around the area and as a result, I was attacked. So, if the IGP gets this video, investigate this matter,” he said.

General Lance Corporal Nicholas Ohene Ampong Kissi was later seen at a police hospital, where he displayed a medical report bearing the police logo to authenticate his claim of having been assaulted.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the Police Officer has since called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the allegations and take the necessary action.

In other news, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has told religious leaders to use their influence in sermons to promote peace.

According to the IGP, religious leaders must use their influence to prevent religious tensions and violence.

The IGP noted that an attack on Ghana’s peace ultimately threatens the future of the country’s children.

Christian Tetteh Yohunu added that citizens must not take the law into their own hands.

Speaking at an engagement with religious leaders at the National Police Headquarters on Friday, August 14, the IGP stated, No civilised society can survive when individuals take the law into their own hands. When a citizen believes a crime or an offence has been committed, the only righteous path is to report it to statutory authorities and trust the legal process”.

“Every individual has a right to practice their faith without fear of violence,” he said.

“While speech that incites religious hatred is restricted under Article 20 of the ICCPR, due process and prohibition of extrajudicial harm, no suspect under state custody or in the public space may be subjected to torture, cruel treatment, or assault,” he said.

He added, “Our revered clergy and the imams, our beloved chief imam, they listen to your sermons, read your social media posts, and follow your gestures”.

“At this fragile moment, your words can either act as water upon an emerging fire or as petrol upon dying embers. I ask three key commitments from you today. Dedicate your Friday sermons in Islam and Sunday sermons strictly to messages of interfaith harmony, self-control, and the danger of religious conflict,” he urged.

“Remind your congregations that an attack on the peace of Ghana is an attack on the future of their own children,” Mr Yohunu said.

“ Let the public see Christians and Islamic leaders standing together, sharing meals, issuing joint statements, and walking through our communities hand-in-hand,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The moment Humble Soul’s baby mama brought tag to take Najat #GHnow #fyp ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music
@ghnow_ The moment Humble Soul’s baby mama brought tag to take Najat #GHnow #fyp ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music

Ghana ranked 6th among world’s largest gold-producing countries

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Ghana ranked 6th among world’s largest gold-producing countries

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has disclosed that Ghana has been ranked sixth among the world’s largest gold-producing countries in 2025 after producing 185 tonnes of gold.

According to the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ghana improve it traditional seventh position, with the country overtaking the United States following an increase in domestic production and a decline in US output.

Christopher Nyarko, the Director of Analysis, Research and Finance at the Chamber, made this known during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, August 17.

Christopher Nyarko stated, “We are number six. We’re number six now, right after Peru. So globally, China, Russia, Australia, Canada, Peru, then Ghana comes in, and then the United States follow”.

“Last year [2025], Ghana overtook the US, but traditionally, we’ve always been number seven,” Mr Nyarko said.

“Last year [2025], they ran into a number of technical issues. So production for the country as a whole dropped. And of course, given the dynamics in Ghana, we saw Ghana displace the United States,” he added.

He, however, noted that rankings among some of the leading producers can vary depending on the source of data.

“Even depending on the kind of source of your data, there’s always some tension between Russia, China, and Australia, in terms of who is the largest producer,” he said.

Ghana’s sixth-place ranking comes after a record year for domestic gold production, with small-scale mining accounting for 52.38 per cent of total output, overtaking the large-scale sector for the first time in more than 100-years.

Meanwhile, the Chamber has projected further growth in Ghana’s gold production in 2026, predicting national output between 6.1 million and 6.7 million ounces.

The news comes at a time when Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has narrated how Ghana lost huge sums of gold through the black market.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams, during his church sermon, revealed that a Middle Eastern buyer recorded receiving three times more Ghanaian gold via black market channels than Ghana’s government officially logged as sold.

Speaking at a church service on Sunday, August 16, Archbishop Duncan-Williams narrated, saying, “Many years ago, Rosa and I went somewhere in a very powerful country, and we were privileged to have dinner with some of the ruling families, right at the top of that country in the Middle East.

And whilst we were eating with some of the people in authority, they mentioned Ghana gold, the gold in Ghana, and did say that the amount of illegal gold that they have received and recorded from Ghana was more than the one that was recorded by the country, the nation itself.

And the amount of illegal gold they recorded that they received or bought from Ghana was three times more than what the government recorded and sold to that country.

It disturbed me. It really broke my heart. And he did mention that the people doing this are very, very powerful people and have some very serious money.  I just thought about it, and I left it”.

Duncan-Williams further revealed how a powerful Middle East royal family called me over a gold smuggling disruption being caused in Ghana following the establishment of the Goldbod.

According to Duncan-Williams, the GoldBod is facing a very powerful movement who are against efforts to ensure the right thing is done in Ghana’s gold sector, calling on Ghanaians to pray for them.

The man of God disclosed that some individuals involved in the gold trade have become concerned about the tightening of controls on illegal gold purchases in Ghana.

Duncan-Williams detailed that he received calls from individuals in countries where Ghanaian gold was previously purchased through the black market.

He disclosed that they were allegedly seeking connections to senior officials who could help them access gold through GoldBod.

See the graphic below:

@ghnow_ Shantel showed up with thugs to kidnap Najat from Humble Soul #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The moment Humble Soul’s baby mama brought tag to take Najat #GHnow #fyp ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music

“I was not among those who travelled to Turkey” – KT Hammond ran from AKSA Energy scandal

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“I was not among those who travelled to Turkey” – KT Hammond ran from AKSA Energy scandal

KT Hammond, the former Ranking Member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, has distanced himself from a delegation that travelled to Turkey in connection with the AKSA Energy transaction.

According to KT Hammond, he was not part of the delegation that travelled to Turkey in connection with the transaction.

He revealed that he only travelled to Turkey in May 2024 when he visited the country in his capacity as the Minister of Trade and Industry.

On August 17, 2026, KT Hammond, in a press statement, demanded an apology from the media organisations that published reports linking him to the alleged delegation.

KT Hammond stated that since the issue became public, he has maintained that, although he was the Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament at the time, he was not among the technical or other officials who visited Turkey.

Parts of his statement stated, “Ever since this story became public, I have consistently stated that I, as a Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament at the time, was not among those people, technical or otherwise, who visited Turkey as alleged.

“I put it on record that the only and the one occasion I visited Turkey was in May 2024, in my capacity as the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Ghana,” part of the statement said.

KT Hammond’s press statement comes after he was named by the Herald among Members of Parliament (MPS) who served on Parliament’s Select Committee on Mines and Energy when the controversial emergency power agreement between the Government of Ghana and Turkish energy company AKSA Enerji Üretim AŞ was considered and approved in 2015.

Following the conviction of Asante Berko, a Ghanaian-American businessman in Brooklyn, New York, some members of parliament (MPs) have been caught up in the scandal.

The former TOR MD was convicted by a federal jury in the United States over a bribery and money laundering scheme linked to a power plant project in Ghana.

According to information gathered, Asante Berko and others conspired to pay more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to help secure a multimillion-dollar power plant deal for Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S.

The shady deal centres on a power plant deal that was under development and financing between December 2014 and July 2015.

Asante Berko, who was then an executive director in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs at the time, was involved in managing the transaction between the bank’s client, Aksa Enerji, and the Republic of Ghana.

According to US court text, bribes were also paid to five Ghanaian officials during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to view equipment for the power plant.

The three former Members of Parliament who served on Parliament’s Select Committee on Mines and Energy have been caught up for their alleged role. Dr Kwabena Donkor, Alhaji Sorogho and KT Hammond are among those alleged to have travelled to Turkey to inspect equipment for the AKSA project.

Reports by The Herald detailed that “the parliamentary committee was led by then Madina MP Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho as chairman, with Adam Mutawakilu as vice-chairman and former Adansi Asokwa MP Kwabena Tahir Hammond as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ranking member.

The committee’s membership included the late Mahama Toure Naser; Gershon KB Gbediaeme; Salifu Ameen; Kwadwo Emmanuel Agyekum; Michael Coffie Boampong; Cletus Apul Avoka; Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka; Mathias Kwame Ntow; Edward M. Ennin; Dr Arthur Stephen Nana Ato; Isaac Kwame Asiamah; William Owuraku Aidoo; Ussif Mustapha; Benjamin Kofi Ayeh; and Joseph Cudjoe.

The administrative staff listed alongside the committee were Peace Fiawoyife, Clerk to the Committee; Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Assistant Clerk; and Cephas Egbefome, Research Officer”.

Part of a news article by the Herald details, “a technical inspection trip to Turkey was organised during the consideration of the AKSA project, with Alhaji Sorogho and Hammond among those who travelled to inspect equipment intended for the emergency power plant in Ghana to address the power crisis nicknamed “Dumsor”.

The information available to this paper is that the trip was planned and arranged through the then Ministry of Power, headed by Dr Kwabena Donkor. The minister, who was also the MP for Pru East at the time, was part of the trip with Sorogho and Hammond.

Other MPs, The Herald learnt, did not embark on the trip, but most of them were said to have collected part of the money. Members of the parliamentary staff were also not included in the trip, and it’s unclear whether they received any of the cash.

A member of the committee’s leadership was said to have been in charge of the cash received from the project’s promoters.

He allegedly kept the money from the other members or substantially reduced their shares without informing them. This often resulted in confusion at committee meetings, with some members reportedly storming his office to demand their share.

One particular MP, from the Ashanti Region, who refused to be short-changed, was repeatedly drawn into near-fistfights with members of the committee’s leadership, particularly the one who hoarded the money”.

See the statement below:

@ghnow_ The moment Humble Soul’s baby mama brought tag to take Najat #GHnow #fyp ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music
@ghnow_ Shantel showed up with thugs to kidnap Najat from Humble Soul #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Ahmed Ibrahim was reshuffled because of his National Cathedral comments – Kwesi Pratt details

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Ahmed Ibrahim was reshuffled because of his National Cathedral comments – Kwesi Pratt details

Kwesi Pratt, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has detailed the alleged reason behind the former Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, being reshuffled to the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry.

According to Kwesi Pratt, Ahmed Ibrahim’s removal from the Local Government Ministry is linked to the comments he made about the National Cathedral.

He cited the comment made by Ahmed Ibrahim that the NDC government would build the National Cathedral and that those who opposed it would face his resistance.

Kwesi Pratt disclosed that Ahmed Ibrahim’s comment regarding the controversial National Cathedral project angered some members of the NDC, which contributed to the calls for his removal.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on August 14, 2026, Kwesi Pratt stated, “The Local Government Minister who has been sent to the Works, Housing and Water Resources Ministry recently said that the NDC government would build the National Cathedral and that those who opposed it would face his resistance.

Because of that comment, a lot of people did not want him. The Cathedral was a key issue during the heat of the 2024 elections. For a long time, people wanted him out of government, but he was not sacked. Instead, he was moved to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, where he has no business with the Cathedral”.

It will be recalled that some months ago, Ahmed Ibrahim had previously stated that he would support the construction of a National Cathedral if he had the financial means.

Ahmed Ibrahim expressed regret over the intense criticism of the National Cathedral project under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

He argued that the controversy overshadowed the potential benefits of the National Cathedral project.

Speaking in an interview on Adom TV on April 2, 2025, Ahmed Ibrahim stated, “You see, the National Cathedral, we demonised it to the point that even if something good was to come out of it, you couldn’t say it”.

“The start was also problematic. You see, certain things outrun others. So, let us wait for the auditing report,” he said.

Ahmed Ibrahim added: “If I had my own money, I could build a National Cathedral for the state.”

“I am an elder, and if you go to my constituency, I use my own money to support churches, almost all churches in my constituency,” he stated.

The development follows President John Dramani Mahama has made a ministerial reshuffle, while appointing Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation-designate.

Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, the former Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, has been reassigned as the Minister for Defence as part of a ministerial reshuffle.

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, if confirmed, will replace the late Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed and former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah.

Ahmed Ibrahim has also been reassigned from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.

Mahama Ayariga has been appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs-designate.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ The moment Humble Soul’s baby mama brought tag to take Najat #GHnow #fyp ♬ Sad Music – Max-Music

‘Afenyo-Markin is a joke of a Minority Leader!’ – Sammy Gyamfi bites back

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‘Afenyo-Markin is a joke of a Minority Leader!’ – Sammy Gyamfi bites back

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has bitten back at Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over his recent claims.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, Afenyo-Markin is a joke of a Minority Leader.

Sammy Gyamfi fired shots at Afenyo-Markin for his blatant lie that the GoldBod has made losses, stressing that it is a figment of the Minority Leader’s hallucinatory imagination.

The GoldBod CEO also cited page 16 of the audited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, detailing that GoldBod recorded an operational surplus of GH¢907 million and an overall surplus of GH¢5.4 billion.

In a post on X, Sammy Gyamfi wrote, “The blatant lie being persistently peddled by Afenyo Markin that the GoldBod has made losses is only a figment of his hallucinatory imagination. What a joke of a Minority Leader he is.

Find attached page 16 of the audited Annual Report and Financial Statements of the @GhanaGOLDBOD for the year ended 31st December, 2025, disclosing an operational surplus/profit of GHS907 million and overall surplus/profit of GHS5.4 billion.

For the avoidance of doubt, this audit report was prepared and published by the Auditor-General of the Republic of Ghana. Facts are sacrosanct”.

His comment follows, Afenyo-Markin who jabbed Sammy Gyamfi, over reported losses associated with Ghana’s gold purchasing operations.

The minority leader argued that Goldbod, which engaged in gold trading, should not be making losses due to the nature of the commodity and its value on the international market.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Sammy Gyamfi is not a good trader following the loses incured by Goldbod.

Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM, Afenyo-Markin stated, “If you sell gold and make a loss, then you are not a good trader”.

His comments follow the financial losses of the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, which is implemented through GoldBod.

The IMF reported a US$214 million loss linked to the programme, although GoldBod has disputed characterising the figure as a loss incurred by the Board itself.

Also, the Minority Leader has said there is a big scandal awaiting Ghanaians at the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

According to Afenyo-Markin, there are aspects of GoldBod’s operations that are not publicly known and cautioned its management against taking its current position for granted.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “GoldBod is a very big scandal awaiting us. There are things we know that they don’t know. They should be careful”.

Similarly, Afenyo-Markin has said he will praise the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) if the institution is performing well.

According to Afenyo-Markin, his constant criticism of GOLDBOD should not be seen as envy or bitterness because he is willing to acknowledge them if they are doing well.

The minority leader argued that the IMF are the one saying Goldbod made losses, not him.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “I don’t envy success because I have seen success. I celebrate success, so I don’t envy success. If GOLDBOD is doing well, I will be one of the few or one of the many who would come and praise GOLDBOD, but GOLDBOD is failing. GOLDBOD is failing”.

“It’s not me who is saying it. It is the IMF that is saying it. The IMF is saying that the gold purchase program has led to a total of 22 billion in losses,” he indicated.

He further disclosed that when the GOLDBOD aggregators were initially paid a 15% fee, which was later reduced after the Minority raised concerns.

“When they engage these aggregators who provide them with the gold, they started by paying them 15%. When the minority raised this concern, immediately GOLDBOD and the Bank of Ghana held an emergency board meeting and reviewed the fees to 9%. That is the first point that the minority was vindicated,” he stated.

“When we raised the issue on the floor, they did a further review from 9% to 5% then, eventually, the governor announced an exit by saying that the Bank of Ghana will not finance that transaction again,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin added, “So, it would be wrong for you to describe me as ignorant, petty, or bitter. Because if what I am saying is not true, why did you review the fees from 15% to 9%?”

“What they are doing now is that they are even budgeting, putting in the 2027 budget, the costs of financing this gold purchase program. We are yet to see the figures,” he said.

“We do not want anybody to attempt to trivialise it. Then, people will be hired on social media to go and insult Afenyo-Markin,” he warned.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Opanin Garibah, a rubber tapper, has appealed to government to increase compensation for his 6.4-acre land affected by the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project. #GHnow #fyp ♬ suara asli – milenia – 🅄🅻🄸🅽🄽🆄🄷🅰
@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

“We will not give up” – Mahama assures Ghanaians on galamsey fight

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“We will not give up” – Mahama assures Ghanaians on galamsey fight

President John Dramani Mahama has said his government will not give up in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Mahama argued that Ghana is making progress in the fight against illegal mining.

According to John Mahama, the government will intensify efforts to reclaim forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas affected by illegal mining activities.

He highlighted that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has played a key role in the ongoing efforts.

Speaking during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region, Mahama stated, “NAIMOS is working very hard. We have seized excavators, we have seized Changfang machines, and we have driven illegal miners out of this area, and we are making progress. Out of the almost 49 forest reserves that were invaded [by illegal miners], we have been able to clear as many of them as possible of illegal miners.

“What we initially did was that we handed the places to the Forestry Commission after clearing them, but the illegal miners don’t fear the forest guards, and so we now put a military detachment after we clear a forest reserve.

“That means we will have to spend more money to feed the soldiers and provide logistics for them to continue to stay in the forest, but we will not give up the fight.”

The president, however, admitted that additional resources are required to sustain security deployments in reclaimed forest reserves, adding that the government would remain committed to preventing illegal miners from returning to areas already cleared.

Meanwhile, Tano North chiefs have told President John Mahama that state institutions mandated to combat illegal mining (galamsey) have failed to halt it.

According to the Chiefs, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards have all failed to halt the continued destruction of the municipality’s forests and water bodies.

The Chiefs noted that the River Tano has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, on Tuesday, the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, stated, “It brings us immense sadness to see what has become of our beloved Tano River. Today, the water has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition”.

“All the state institutions mandated to protect us and fight illegal mining, including NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, have completely failed to stop the destruction of our forests and rivers. We are left with no choice but to make an urgent appeal directly to President John Mahama to intervene immediately and save our water bodies before everything is lost.”

They further expressed their frustration after suspects who were arrested along the Tano River by residents supported by traditional authorities were released by the police.

Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV stated, “The frustration we are facing in this community is unbelievable”.

“Our people, led by the traditional authorities, risked their lives to catch these illegal miners red-handed as they were polluting the Tano River. We arrested them and handed them over to the police, expecting justice.

“But to our total dismay, the municipal police authorities simply discharged them and set them all free. This national fight against galamsey is completely useless if the very people we arrest are routinely let off the hook.”

The Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, responding to the concerns stated, “I want to commend our traditional leaders for their relentless efforts in fighting illegal mining to ensure the Tano River becomes clean again, and I urge you not to relent”.

“You have my full support in this fight. But I must also call on the residents of Tano North to direct their anger at these illegal miners and the powerful paymasters behind them.

“If the community does not stand up together against them, the severe health crisis caused by these polluted rivers will never stop.”

@ghnow_ Opanin Garibah, a rubber tapper, has appealed to government to increase compensation for his 6.4-acre land affected by the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project. #GHnow #fyp ♬ suara asli – milenia – 🅄🅻🄸🅽🄽🆄🄷🅰
@ghnow_ The first batch of police recruits take part in a lively Jama session. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NII DZANIE(God Of War 🇩🇪🦍🤴

‘I was offered a ‘Ghana Must Go’ full of money to stop speaking for NDC’ – Captain Smart alleges 

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‘I was offered a ‘Ghana Must Go’ full of money to stop speaking for NDC’ – Captain Smart alleges 

Outspoken Ghanaian media personality Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has said he was offered a ‘Ghana Must Go’ full of money to stop speaking for the NDC.

According to Captain Smart, he was arrested 39 times within two years by the NPP government over his unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He stressed that leaders of the former Akufo-Addo government were unhappy with his persistent criticism of their administration, which led to his series of arrests.

Addressing some constituents in Gomoa West, Captain Smart stated, “I have always said that politics should not be an antagonistic game. You need people who can help. Which presenter in Ghana can say he or she supported the NDC more than I did? I was arrested 39 times because of the NDC”.

He further alleged that during one of the arrests, he was offered a Ghana Must Go bag filled with money.

Captain Smart detailed that the offer was intended to persuade him to stop criticising the NPP government.

According to Captain Smart, he rejected the money because of his commitment to the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama.

He further alleged, “The day I was taken to the NIB, they offered me a bag full of money. They took me to a place called EFCC and when I got there, they showed me a Ghana Must Go bag filled with cash.

“They told me that if I stopped speaking against them, the money would be mine. Sammy Awuku can bear witness to this. One thing about me is that I am fair. If my party is wrong, I will tell them. In the same way, I will also speak against the NPP when they are wrong,” he added.

In related news, a viral video of Captain Smart and the Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan-Mensah, exchanging an awkward handshake has surfaced.

In a viral video, Captain Smart was seen exchanging pleasantries with several individuals at an event.

In the video, Captain Smart, after shaking hands with everyone, tapped their shoulders; however, when he attempted the same gesture when he shook hands with MP Richard Gyan-Mensah.

The NPP MP harshly prevented Captain Smart from tapping his shoulder after shaking hands with him.

The development stems from Captain Smart declaring that he will contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries.

Meanwhile, Captain Smart has announced his decision to end his stay with Onua TV.

Speaking on the Onua Maakye show aired on August 7, 2026, Captain Smart officially announced his resignation from the station.

“I want to withdraw. I have officially resigned. This isn’t going to be the case where I will come back again. The bosses here may not agree, but I have done my part. I want the man who mic’d me to come and take off my microphone on air,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Shantel showed up with thugs to kidnap Najat from Humble Soul #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The first batch of police recruits take part in a lively Jama session. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – NII DZANIE(God Of War 🇩🇪🦍🤴

Chief Justice a “grand conspirator” behind the removal of Torkornoo – Afenyo-Markin alleges 

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Chief Justice a “grand conspirator” behind the removal of Torkornoo – Afenyo-Markin alleges 

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has accused the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and other Supreme Court judges of being part of the grand conspiracy in the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was the “grand conspirator” behind the removal of the former Chief Justice.

Afenyo-Markin, as always, insisted that Gertrude Torkornoo’s removal was unjustified, claiming that some members of the Supreme Court were interested in occupying her position.

Speaking in an interview on Atinka TV, Afenyo-Markin alleged, saying, “My Lord was part of the grand conspiracy against his predecessor, Gertrude Torkornoo. It was a grand conspiracy. Why should I deny what I know? I know even the Supreme Court judges who conspired against their colleague.

“One day, the full story will be told. I said during our demonstration that I do not see why that woman should not be reinstated when the NPP comes back to power. She has to be reinstated,” he said.

He further fired shots at Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who chaired the committee that investigated the petitions against the former Chief Justice.

The minority leader argued that the committee’s work was flawed and incomplete, alleging that Justice Pwamang may have had personal ambitions of becoming Chief Justice.

He further alleged, “The report that recommended her dismissal was not even complete. There were three petitioners, yet they concluded their work after dealing with only one petition and still submitted a report.

“My Lord Pwamang, if the same thing were done to you, how would you feel? There were three petitions. You completed the hearing of only one while the other two were still pending, yet you finalised your report and recommended the dismissal of Justice Torkornoo. How would you feel if someone did that to you?” he added.

Meanwhile, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has confidently told the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo that she will be reinstated should the New Patriotic Party (NPP) return to power in 2028.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Torkornoo should not be “saddened” by her removal from office, as she will be reinstated when the NPP comes back to power with Dr Bawumia.

Speaking at the NPP’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ demonstration in Accra on August 6, 2026, the Minority Leader boldly stated, “Let me tell the former Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, that she should not be sad. When the NPP returns to power under Bawumia, she will be reinstated as Chief Justice”.

He further boldly stated that the NPP will return to power in 2028 whether the NDC likes it or not.

“Whether the NDC likes it or not, the NPP will assume power in 2028. If you are an NPP member, work hard so that power returns to the party,” he stated.

In related news, some weeks ago, the Supreme Court of Ghana dismissed the former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo challenging her removal from office.

According to the Deputy Attorney General, the Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed all four cases filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Esaaba, upholding her removal.

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, in a post on X wrote, “Following the ECOWAS Court’s judgement last week, the Supreme Court, too, has dismissed each of the 4 cases challenging Her Ladyship’s removal from the office of the Chief Justice. The Supreme Court decided the cases earlier this morning.

Gratitude to our team of State Attorneys and members of staff”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Shantel showed up with thugs to kidnap Najat from Humble Soul #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has concluded his programmes in Kumasi and departed the city, expressing appreciation to chiefs, party faithful and residents for their warm reception and support. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“I was arrested 39 times because of the NDC” – Captain Smart

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“I was arrested 39 times because of the NDC” – Captain Smart

Outspoken Ghanaian media personality Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has said he was arrested 39 times under the NPP because of the NDC.

According to Captain Smart, the 39 times arrest was within two years by the NPP government over his unwavering support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He stressed that leaders of the former Akufo-Addo government were unhappy with his persistent criticism of their administration, which led to his series of arrests.

Addressing some constituents in Gomoa West, Captain Smart stated, “I have always said that politics should not be an antagonistic game. You need people who can help. Which presenter in Ghana can say he or she supported the NDC more than I did? I was arrested 39 times because of the NDC”.

He further alleged that during one of the arrests, he was offered a Ghana Must Go bag filled with money.

Captain Smart detailed that the offer was intended to persuade him to stop criticising the NPP government.

According to Captain Smart, he rejected the money because of his commitment to the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama.

He further alleged, “The day I was taken to the NIB, they offered me a bag full of money. They took me to a place called EFCC and when I got there, they showed me a Ghana Must Go bag filled with cash.

“They told me that if I stopped speaking against them, the money would be mine. Sammy Awuku can bear witness to this. One thing about me is that I am fair. If my party is wrong, I will tell them. In the same way, I will also speak against the NPP when they are wrong,” he added.

In related news, a viral video of Captain Smart and the Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan-Mensah, exchanging an awkward handshake has surfaced.

In a viral video, Captain Smart was seen exchanging pleasantries with several individuals at an event.

In the video, Captain Smart, after shaking hands with everyone, tapped their shoulders; however, when he attempted the same gesture when he shook hands with MP Richard Gyan-Mensah.

The NPP MP harshly prevented Captain Smart from tapping his shoulder after shaking hands with him.

The development stems from Captain Smart declaring that he will contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries.

Meanwhile, Captain Smart has announced his decision to end his stay with Onua TV.

Speaking on the Onua Maakye show aired on August 7, 2026, Captain Smart officially announced his resignation from the station.

“I want to withdraw. I have officially resigned. This isn’t going to be the case where I will come back again. The bosses here may not agree, but I have done my part. I want the man who mic’d me to come and take off my microphone on air,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Caption it “Capt Smart power hu settings nkoa nu nu? ” #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Shantel showed up with thugs to kidnap Najat from Humble Soul #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

You’re not a good trader, how can you sell gold at a loss – Afenyo-Markin jabs Sammy Gyamfi

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You’re not a good trader, how can you sell gold at a loss – Afenyo-Markin jabs Sammy Gyamfi

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has jabbed the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, over reported losses associated with Ghana’s gold purchasing operations.

The minority leader argued that Goldbod, which engaged in gold trading, should not be making losses due to the nature of the commodity and its value on the international market.

According to Afenyo-Markin, Sammy Gyamfi is not a good trader following the loses incured by Goldbod.

Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM, Afenyo-Markin stated, “If you sell gold and make a loss, then you are not a good trader”.

His comments follow the financial losses of the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, which is implemented through GoldBod.

The IMF reported a US$214 million loss linked to the programme, although GoldBod has disputed characterising the figure as a loss incurred by the Board itself.

Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has debunked claims suggesting the institution is making losses.

The GoldBod CEO argued that the institution is financially sound since it began operations under its current mandate.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, GoldBod’s financial performance is supported by audited accounts, adding that claims suggesting that GoldBod is financially distressed do not reflect the organisation’s actual financial position.

He revealed that their audited financial statements have been made available to the public through the institution’s official website.

Speaking on Twitter Spaces on Sunday, August 9, Sammy Gyamfi stated, “GoldBod has never made a loss, and our audited financial statement is on our site.”

“GoldBod is very financially sound”, he boldly added.

Also, Sammy Gyamfi has challenged the Economic Committee, Finance Committee, and Lands and Mines Committee to invite him to parliament, stating he is ready to face them in parliament if invited.

The Goldbod CEO dared Oppong Nkrumah, Afenyo-Markin and Abena Asare to invite him to parliament and see if their reputation will be intact afterwards.

Speaking during a Space conversation on X on Sunday, August 9, Sammy Gyamfi stated, “As for Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, I can take some of the things he says seriously because they are not personal. Afenyo Markin is just being personal. He’s a bitter friend, so I can understand. You can see the hatred and the bitterness in his voice. He has no issues. A lot of bad things are happening at the GoldBod, but he does not say anything.

He is just looking for my attention, but he won’t get it. I am a very busy person”.

“If he wants me in Parliament, I’m saying they should invite me tomorrow. I am ready. Economic Committee, Finance Committee, Lands and Mines Committee, and they should bring GTV and media people and publishers, because if I call them for a debate they won’t come. They will say they want me on oath, so they should invite me,” he stated.

Public Account Committee, Abena Asare, chairwoman, you said we are siphoning money; call us there; you were not put there to just talk. Let us come and sit down, and then you can now cite the cases and instances of siphoning of public funds by Sammy Gyamfi and the GoldBod and let’s see what will become your reputation after that”.

He further added, “None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money”.

“The said Dominic Bonsu, I understand, is even a constituency executive of the NPP somewhere in the Manso area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr Gyamfi said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

“GoldBod a scandal awaiting us; they should be careful” – Afenyo-Markin warns 

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“GoldBod a scandal awaiting us; they should be careful” – Afenyo-Markin warns 

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has said there is a big scandal awaiting Ghanaians at the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

According to Afenyo-Markin, there are aspects of GoldBod’s operations that are not publicly known and cautioned its management against taking its current position for granted.

Speaking on PeaceFM, Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated, “GoldBod is a very big scandal awaiting us. There are things we know that they don’t know. They should be careful”.

Also, Afenyo-Markin has said he will praise the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) if the institution is performing well.

According to Afenyo-Markin, his constant criticism of GOLDBOD should not be seen as envy or bitterness because he is willing to acknowledge them if they are doing well.

The minority leader argued that the IMF are the one saying Goldbod made losses, not him.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “I don’t envy success because I have seen success. I celebrate success, so I don’t envy success. If GOLDBOD is doing well, I will be one of the few or one of the many who would come and praise GOLDBOD, but GOLDBOD is failing. GOLDBOD is failing”.

“It’s not me who is saying it. It is the IMF that is saying it. The IMF is saying that the gold purchase program has led to a total of 22 billion in losses,” he indicated.

He further disclosed that when the GOLDBOD aggregators were initially paid a 15% fee, which was later reduced after the Minority raised concerns.

“When they engage these aggregators who provide them with the gold, they started by paying them 15%. When the minority raised this concern, immediately GOLDBOD and the Bank of Ghana held an emergency board meeting and reviewed the fees to 9%. That is the first point that the minority was vindicated,” he stated.

“When we raised the issue on the floor, they did a further review from 9% to 5% then, eventually, the governor announced an exit by saying that the Bank of Ghana will not finance that transaction again,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin added, “So, it would be wrong for you to describe me as ignorant, petty, or bitter. Because if what I am saying is not true, why did you review the fees from 15% to 9%?”

“What they are doing now is that they are even budgeting, putting in the 2027 budget, the costs of financing this gold purchase program. We are yet to see the figures,” he said.

“We do not want anybody to attempt to trivialise it. Then, people will be hired on social media to go and insult Afenyo-Markin,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of GOLDBOD, has said the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s allegation against the gold purchasing outfit is just driven by “bitterness”.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, Afenyo-Markin and other New Patriotic Party (NPP) figures have raised concerns about GoldBod without providing specific evidence.

Sammy Gyamfi further challenged the Economic Committee, Finance Committee, and Lands and Mines Committee to invite him to parliament, stating he is ready to face them in parliament if invited.

Speaking during a Space conversation on X on Sunday, August 9, Sammy Gyamfi stated, “As for Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, I can take some of the things he says seriously because they are not personal. Afenyo Markin is just being personal. He’s a bitter friend, so I can understand. You can see the hatred and the bitterness in his voice. He has no issues. A lot of bad things are happening at the GoldBod, but he does not say anything.

He is just looking for my attention, but he won’t get it. I am a very busy person”.

“If he wants me in Parliament, I’m saying they should invite me tomorrow. I am ready. Economic Committee, Finance Committee, Lands and Mines Committee, and they should bring GTV and media people and publishers, because if I call them for a debate they won’t come. They will say they want me on oath, so they should invite me,” he stated.

Public Account Committee, Abena Asare, chairwoman, you said we are siphoning money; call us there; you were not put there to just talk. Let us come and sit down, and then you can now cite the cases and instances of siphoning of public funds by Sammy Gyamfi and the GoldBod and let’s see what will become your reputation after that”.

He further added, “None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money”.

“The said Dominic Bonsu, I understand, is even a constituency executive of the NPP somewhere in the Manso area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr Gyamfi said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭

‘Please release Chairman Wontumi for us’ – NPP activist begs Mahama

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‘Please release Chairman Wontumi for us’ – NPP activist begs Mahama

A New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist identified as Akyaa has begged President John Dramani Mahama to release Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, from prison.

Akyaa, in a viral video on social media, begged President Mahama to allow Wontumi to regain his freedom, claiming he is the only person who can bring back the NPP to power in the 2028 election.

Speaking in a viral video, the NPP activist stated, “President Mahama, please release Chairman Wontumi for us. He is the only one who can bring the NPP back to power; please release him from prison, so that he can contest for the position of National Chairman”.

“We can’t freely express ourselves. If you talk, they will arrest you, but this is an affront to Ghana’s democracy,” she said.

The NPP activist also pleaded for Ghanaians to be allowed to freely express themselves, saying they were able to do so during the previous government.

Meanwhile,  Chairman Wontumi, has filed an application at the High Court seeking to be released on bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction and prison sentence.

Wontumi’s legal team is asking the court to grant his release while the appeal challenging the judgment is heard.

The court is scheduled to hear the application on August 19, 2026. Wontumi is currently being held at Nsawam Medium Security Prison serving a 20-year jail term.

Lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, indicated that the application is in accordance with Section 96(1) of Act 30 and Section 33(1) of Act 459.

“Take Notice that this Honourable Court will be moved by Counsel for and on behalf of the 1st Appellant/Applicant (“Applicant”) herein praying the Court for an order that the Applicant, who is currently incarcerated at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, be admitted to bail pending appeal upon the grounds stated in the accompanying affidavit and for any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem meet,” parts of the application read.

“Court to be moved on Wednesday, 19TH day of August 2026 at 9 o’clock in the forenoon or so soon thereafter as Counsel for the 1st and 3rd Appellants may be heard.”

Also,  Samuel Atta Akyea has disclosed that his client is doing very fine and is in high spirits.

According to Lawyer Atta Akyea, his client has filed an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence, adding that the legal team will also file an application for bail pending the determination of the appeal.

Speaking to the media at the premises of the High Court on July 31, 2026, Atta Akyea stated, “He is very fine and in high spirits. He is also excited that we have lodged an appeal, and we will pursue it”.

“We will bring an application for bail pending appeal, so these are all the options we have, and we will exercise them properly,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

‘NAIMOS, Blue Water Guards have failed to stop galamsey’ – Chief tells Mahama

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‘NAIMOS, Blue Water Guards have failed to stop galamsey’ – Chief tells Mahama

Tano North chiefs have told President John Mahama that state institutions mandated to combat illegal mining (galamsey) have failed to halt it.

According to the Chiefs, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards have all failed to halt the continued destruction of the municipality’s forests and water bodies.

The Chiefs noted that the River Tano has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, on Tuesday, the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, stated, “It brings us immense sadness to see what has become of our beloved Tano River. Today, the water has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition”.

“All the state institutions mandated to protect us and fight illegal mining, including NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, have completely failed to stop the destruction of our forests and rivers. We are left with no choice but to make an urgent appeal directly to President John Mahama to intervene immediately and save our water bodies before everything is lost.”

They further expressed their frustration after suspects who were arrested along the Tano River by residents supported by traditional authorities were released by the police.

Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV stated, “The frustration we are facing in this community is unbelievable”.

“Our people, led by the traditional authorities, risked their lives to catch these illegal miners red-handed as they were polluting the Tano River. We arrested them and handed them over to the police, expecting justice.

“But to our total dismay, the municipal police authorities simply discharged them and set them all free. This national fight against galamsey is completely useless if the very people we arrest are routinely let off the hook.”

The Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, responding to the concerns stated, “I want to commend our traditional leaders for their relentless efforts in fighting illegal mining to ensure the Tano River becomes clean again, and I urge you not to relent”.

“You have my full support in this fight. But I must also call on the residents of Tano North to direct their anger at these illegal miners and the powerful paymasters behind them.

“If the community does not stand up together against them, the severe health crisis caused by these polluted rivers will never stop.”

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has admitted that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is difficult.

According to the Lands Minister, there are significant challenges facing the government’s fight against illegal mining.

He, however, stressed that the government will not relent ot surrender in the fight against galamsey.

The Lands Minister described illegal mining as one of the greatest environmental threats facing Ghana.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, the minister stated, “The fight against illegal mining is a defining environmental battle that our generation must fight. Our rivers are not for sale, our forests are not expendable, our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect. The era of impunity is over, and the government will continue to pursue everyone who profits from the destruction of our environment.

“The battle against illegal mining is difficult, but the Ghanaian spirit is stronger. We will not retreat, we will not relent, and we will not surrender, but we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth and secure a greener, stronger and more prosperous Ghana for posterity.”

He further added that over 200 galamsey suspects have been arrested in six months.

“In the last six months, we arrested 258 suspects, demobilised six excavators, 1,225 pumping machines were seized, we demobilised 765 Changfan machines, we destroyed 35 tricycles, motorbikes that were seized were 212, structures destroyed 430, and gold detectors that were seized were 40. All these in the forest reserves alone,” Armah-Kofi Buah noted.

“And I’m happy to say that today I’m not here to tell you about red zones, because we have not had any red zone, which means that government supporting the Forestry Commission is firmly in control of our forests,” he said.

@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭

TrustGH uncovers nearly 1,000 scam numbers cloning Google profiles of Papaye, KFC, Pizzaman, others

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TrustGH uncovers nearly 1,000 scam numbers cloning Google profiles of Papaye, KFC, Pizzaman, others

TrustGH, Ghana’s public scam-verification and reporting platform, has uncovered nearly 1,000 suspicious mobile numbers associated with fraudulent Google Business Profiles impersonating major food chains and restaurants in Ghana.

The findings follow an extensive open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital investigation conducted by TrustGH, focusing specifically on the online presence of major food businesses on Google Search and Google Maps. The investigation examined suspicious business listings, telephone numbers and other publicly available digital indicators associated with suspected fraudulent restaurant profiles.

The investigation indicates that customers of Papaye, KFC and Pizzaman Chickenman are among the most heavily targeted, with close to 100 suspected fraudulent Google Business Profiles identified in connection with each of the three brands.

Other food businesses identified during the investigation include Pinkberry, Marwako, 80/20 Burger, Pizza Inn, Eddy’s Pizza, Papa’s Pizza, Noble House, Starbite, Chicken Inn, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Frankie’s, Honeysuckle, Flicks & Licks, Chicken Republic and ChopShop.

A Digital Impersonation Threat

TrustGH’s analysis indicates that scammers are exploiting the visibility and trust associated with established food brands by creating, modifying or manipulating Google Business Profiles to make them appear to be genuine restaurant branches.

Some of these profiles contain legitimate-looking business names, locations, photographs, menus, opening hours and other information copied from genuine businesses.

The critical security concern is the telephone number displayed on the fraudulent listing.

A customer searching for a nearby Papaye, KFC or Pizzaman outlet may see what appears to be an authentic business listing and call the number provided to place an order.

The person answering the call then provide accurate information about menus, prices, branches and ordering procedures. This can create a convincing customer-service interaction and significantly reduce the likelihood that the victim will suspect fraud.

The customer may subsequently be instructed to make payment through a mobile money number or payment link controlled by the suspected scammer.

From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a form of digital identity and brand impersonation, in which criminals exploit trusted online business information to manipulate the victim into completing a fraudulent transaction.

Findings Based on OSINT and Digital Analysis

TrustGH’s findings were developed through open-source intelligence gathering, digital investigation and analysis of publicly accessible information on Google.

The investigation focused on identifying anomalies and suspicious patterns surrounding foodbusiness listings, including duplicated or suspicious profiles, telephone numbers, business information and other publicly observable indicators.

TrustGH stresses that the presence of a suspicious profile or telephone number does not, by itself, constitute conclusive proof of criminal activity. The findings represent risk indicators identified through OSINT and digital analysis, and individual cases require appropriate verification.

The number of suspicious listings may also change as fraudulent profiles are created, modified, suspended or removed.

Why Google Business Profiles Are Being Exploited

Google Search and Google Maps have become important tools for consumers looking for restaurants.

Customers can quickly identify a nearby branch, view opening hours, read reviews and obtain a telephone number without visiting the company’s official website.

This convenience also creates an opportunity for criminals to exploit the digital information ecosystem.

TrustGH believes consumers should therefore understand that a business appearing on Google does not automatically mean that every piece of information displayed on the profile is authentic.

The telephone number on a fraudulent listing can become the bridge between an apparently legitimate online search and a fraudulent payment.

Nearly 5,000 Suspicious Numbers Reported

The food-chain investigation forms part of TrustGH’s wider public database, which has received reports involving nearly 5,000 suspicious telephone numbers.

These reports cover mobile money scams, fake online sellers, fraudulent investment and banking schemes, fake recruitment offers, impersonation, social-media scams, loan scams, vehicle and property fraud, phishing and other suspicious activities.

The findings reinforce the importance of combining consumer awareness, digital investigation, public reporting and platform-level intervention to address online fraud.

TrustGH is calling for stronger collaboration among Google, affected businesses, the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant stakeholders to improve the detection, verification and removal of fraudulent business listings.

TrustGH Calls for Greater Verification

TrustGH is urging consumers to adopt a simple cybersecurity practice: verify before you pay.

Customers who find a restaurant through Google Search or Google Maps should independently verify the telephone number using the restaurant’s official website, verified social-media account or another trusted channel before sending money.

Consumers are also encouraged to use TrustGH.com to check whether a suspicious telephone number has previously been reported.

If a number appears suspicious or is associated with a suspected scam, members of the public are encouraged to report the number on TrustGH.com. Public reporting can help build a broader intelligence picture and potentially warn other consumers.

Verify before you pay. Check suspicious numbers. Report suspected scams.

Visit: TrustGH.com

Issued by:

TrustGH

Public Scam Verification & Reporting Platform Accra, Ghana

TrustGH press statement finalDownload

See the 3 former MPs fingered in controversial Turkey trip linked to $1m AKSA bribery deal

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See the 3 former MPs fingered in controversial Turkey trip linked to $1m AKSA bribery deal

Following the conviction of Asante Berko, a Ghanaian-American businessman in Brooklyn, New York, some members of parliament (MPs) have been caught up in the scandal.

The former TOR MD was convicted by a federal jury in the United States over a bribery and money laundering scheme linked to a power plant project in Ghana.

According to information gathered, Asante Berko and others conspired to pay more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to help secure a multimillion-dollar power plant deal for Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S.

The shady deal centres on a power plant deal that was under development and financing between December 2014 and July 2015.

Asante Berko, who was then an executive director in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs at the time, was involved in managing the transaction between the bank’s client, Aksa Enerji, and the Republic of Ghana.

According to US court text, bribes were also paid to five Ghanaian officials during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to view equipment for the power plant.

The three former Members of Parliament who served on Parliament’s Select Committee on Mines and Energy have been caught up for their alleged role. Dr Kwabena Donkor, Alhaji Sorogho and KT Hammond are among those alleged to have travelled to Turkey to inspect equipment for the AKSA project.

 Reports by The Herald detailed that “the parliamentary committee was led by then Madina MP Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho as chairman, with Adam Mutawakilu as vice-chairman and former Adansi Asokwa MP Kwabena Tahir Hammond as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) ranking member.

The committee’s membership included the late Mahama Toure Naser; Gershon KB Gbediaeme; Salifu Ameen; Kwadwo Emmanuel Agyekum; Michael Coffie Boampong; Cletus Apul Avoka; Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka; Mathias Kwame Ntow; Edward M. Ennin; Dr Arthur Stephen Nana Ato; Isaac Kwame Asiamah; William Owuraku Aidoo; Ussif Mustapha; Benjamin Kofi Ayeh; and Joseph Cudjoe.

The administrative staff listed alongside the committee were Peace Fiawoyife, Clerk to the Committee; Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Assistant Clerk; and Cephas Egbefome, Research Officer”.

Part of a news article by the Herald details, “a technical inspection trip to Turkey was organised during the consideration of the AKSA project, with Alhaji Sorogho and Hammond among those who travelled to inspect equipment intended for the emergency power plant in Ghana to address the power crisis nicknamed “Dumsor”.

The information available to this paper is that the trip was planned and arranged through the then Ministry of Power, headed by Dr Kwabena Donkor. The minister, who was also the MP for Pru East at the time, was part of the trip with Sorogho and Hammond.

Other MPs, The Herald learnt, did not embark on the trip, but most of them were said to have collected part of the money. Members of the parliamentary staff were also not included in the trip, and it’s unclear whether they received any of the cash.

A member of the committee’s leadership was said to have been in charge of the cash received from the project’s promoters.

He allegedly kept the money from the other members or substantially reduced their shares without informing them. This often resulted in confusion at committee meetings, with some members reportedly storming his office to demand their share.

One particular MP, from the Ashanti Region, who refused to be short-changed, was repeatedly drawn into near-fistfights with members of the committee’s leadership, particularly the one who hoarded the money”.

@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭

If GOLDBOD is doing well, I will be one of the few to praise them – Afenyo-Markin

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If GOLDBOD is doing well, I will be one of the few to praise them – Afenyo-Markin

Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, has said he will praise the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) if the institution is performing well.

According to Afenyo-Markin, his constant criticism of GOLDBOD should not be seen as envy or bitterness because he is willing to acknowledge them if they are doing well.

The minority leader argued that the IMF are the one saying Goldbod made losses not him.

Speaking on Peace FM on Monday, August 17, 2026, Afenyo-Markin stated, “I don’t envy success because I have seen success. I celebrate success, so I don’t envy success. If GOLDBOD is doing well, I will be one of the few or one of the many who would come and praise GOLDBOD, but GOLDBOD is failing. GOLDBOD is failing”.

“It’s not me who is saying it. It is the IMF that is saying it. The IMF is saying that the gold purchase program has led to a total of 22 billion in losses,” he indicated.

He further disclosed that when the GOLDBOD aggregators were initially paid a 15% fee, which was later reduced after the Minority raised concerns.

“When they engage these aggregators who provide them with the gold, they started by paying them 15%. When the minority raised this concern, immediately GOLDBOD and the Bank of Ghana held an emergency board meeting and reviewed the fees to 9%. That is the first point that the minority was vindicated,” he stated.

“When we raised the issue on the floor, they did a further review from 9% to 5% then, eventually, the governor announced an exit by saying that the Bank of Ghana will not finance that transaction again,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin added, “So, it would be wrong for you to describe me as ignorant, petty, or bitter. Because if what I am saying is not true, why did you review the fees from 15% to 9%?”

“What they are doing now is that they are even budgeting, putting in the 2027 budget, the costs of financing this gold purchase program. We are yet to see the figures,” he said.

“We do not want anybody to attempt to trivialise it. Then, people will be hired on social media to go and insult Afenyo-Markin,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of GOLDBOD, has said the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s allegation against the gold purchasing outfit is just driven by “bitterness”.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, Afenyo-Markin and other New Patriotic Party (NPP) figures have raised concerns about GoldBod without providing specific evidence.

Sammy Gyamfi further challenged the Economic Committee, Finance Committee, and Lands and Mines Committee to invite him to parliament, stating he is ready to face them in parliament if invited.

Speaking during a Space conversation on X on Sunday, August 9, Sammy Gyamfi stated, “As for Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, I can take some of the things he says seriously because they are not personal. Afenyo Markin is just being personal. He’s a bitter friend, so I can understand. You can see the hatred and the bitterness in his voice. He has no issues. A lot of bad things are happening at the GoldBod, but he does not say anything.

He is just looking for my attention, but he won’t get it. I am a very busy person”.

“If he wants me in Parliament, I’m saying they should invite me tomorrow. I am ready. Economic Committee, Finance Committee, Lands and Mines Committee, and they should bring GTV and media people and publishers, because if I call them for a debate they won’t come. They will say they want me on oath, so they should invite me,” he stated.

Public Account Committee, Abena Asare, chairwoman, you said we are siphoning money; call us there; you were not put there to just talk. Let us come and sit down, and then you can now cite the cases and instances of siphoning of public funds by Sammy Gyamfi and the GoldBod and let’s see what will become your reputation after that”.

He further added, “None of my bodyguards is involved in gold trading, and none of my bodyguards has stolen or taken Gold Board money”.

“The said Dominic Bonsu, I understand, is even a constituency executive of the NPP somewhere in the Manso area in the Ashanti Region,” Mr Gyamfi said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

“Ghana has become a looting ground for the powerful” – Dr Kofi Amoah on AKSA bribery deal

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“Ghana has become a looting ground for the powerful” – Dr Kofi Amoah on AKSA bribery deal

Dr Kofi Amoah, a Ghanaian businessman and economist, has said Ghana has become a looting ground for the powerful while the ordinary people suffer and retrogress.

According to Dr Kofi Amoah, the US court has gifted the Government of Ghana a torchlight and case records to proceed in identifying high-level Ghanaian officials and parliamentarians who benefited from  “dumsor” loot.

Dr Kofi Amoah urged President Mahama to direct the Attorney General to pursue the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, stressing that corruption must never pay.

In a strongly worded commentary on X, Dr Amoah wrote, “CORRUPTION MUST NEVER PAY, GHANA MUST ACT.

The US Govt through its Judicial Service has gifted to the Govt and people of Ghana a torchlight and case records to proceed in identifying high-level Ghanaian officials and parliamentarians who participated and/or benefitted from the corruption scandal in 2015, when President Mahama was in office.

Luckily, President Mahama is in office serving a second comeback term, and he has avowed his distaste for corruption with a popular policy directive nicknamed ORAL, Operation Recover All Loot.

Your Excellency, here is a clear, unambiguous one for you to add to your glowing list of illustrious accomplishments

Have your Attorney General pursue this case so that Ghana too can put teeth behind our avowed distaste for corruption and book the list of participants and beneficiaries of this  “dumsor” loot

Our country has become a looting ground for the powerful whilst the ordinary people suffer and retrogress regardless of how hard they work.

If Ghana truly wishes to progress, it must exorcise one of the key impediments to our progress, CORRUPTION!!

The US court system, with cooperation from the UK Govt, has done the difficult part… the rest to book the culprits and corrupt Ghanaian officials is frankly up to President Mahama.

I have the feeling, my friend, the President, may act, a feeling…”

His comments follow the former TOR MD, Asante Berko, who was convicted by a federal jury in the United States over a bribery and money laundering scheme linked to a power plant project in Ghana.

Asante Kwaku Berko, a dual US-Ghanaian citizen, was convicted in Brooklyn on August 6, 2026, on all counts in the indictment, following a nine-day trial before US District Judge Diane Gujarati in the Eastern District of New York.

According to information gathered, Asante Berko and others conspired to pay more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to help secure a multimillion-dollar power plant deal for Turkish energy company AKSA Enerji Uretim A.S.

The shady deal centres on a power plant deal that was under development and financing between December 2014 and July 2015.

However, details provided by US court documents disclosed that several Ghanaian officials allegedly received bribes to facilitate a power plant deal during Ghana’s power crisis in 2014 and 2015.

The US court documents further indicate that members of Ghana’s Parliament were among the alleged recipients of bribes

They disclosed that in August 2015, Berko and his co-conspirators discussed $250,000 in bribe payments to various individuals, including $46,000 to Members of the Ghanaian Parliament who had ratified the agreement between Aksa and the Government of Ghana, revealing that payment to the MPs was made by Berko himself.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭

“Your grossly uncultured people are they ashamed too?” – Nana Aba quizzes SA President

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“Your grossly uncultured people are they ashamed too?” – Nana Aba quizzes SA President

Nana Aba Anamoah, a Ghanaian media personality, has quizzed the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following his recent remarks on the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

In a viral video, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was captured expressing concern over the way some South Africans have treated other African nationals living in the country.

According to Cyril Ramaphosa, he deeply regrets the treatment meted out to foreign nationals.

Speaking in the viral video, Cyril Ramaphosa stated, “We South Africans are deeply concerned and ashamed that people from other nations, some whose leaders are here, were treated badly and were even forced to leave the country under threat of violence.

The criminal actions of a few within our communities are a repudiation of the solidarity upon which this Southern African community is built”.

He added, “We cannot preach integration at summits and practise exclusion in the streets of our countries. I say this as a South African, to South Africans first of all, but this is a broader challenge to which we must apply ourselves as a community. Southern Africa has borne witness to the movement of people over millennia,” he said”.

However, Nana Aba Anamoah, who shared the video, noted that while President Ramaphosa may have expressed remorse over the attacks, she quizzed whether those carrying out the xenophobic acts feel the same sense of shame.

She further described some South Africans leading the xenophobic attacks as “uncultured”.

In her post sharing the video, Nana Aba stated, “Do your grossly uncultured people who keep hounding Africans on your streets feel deeply concerned and ashamed too, Cyril Ramaphosa?”

Some netizens reacting to Nana Aba’s post stated, “He is not even ashamed; I don’t just see him as a pretty moronic and evil man at that point. The same man was funding his reek vigilantes to beat and take the lives of other countries’ citizens. He thinks he is safe since he is a member of BRICS”.

Another netizen added, “It is a deep contradiction to stand before regional leaders & preach pan-African unity while domestic policies & street-level pressures increasingly target African immigrants. Condemning xenophobia in a summit hall rather than in your own country means little when thousands”.

A netizen argued, “Nana Aba, forget about the SA people. Ah, people are being attacked in your home by your children. You’ve the power to get them arrested for their violent acts, but you sit unconcerned, having reported meetings with them… etc etc. Then you come tell me you are concerned? Jokes”.

One X user added, “He should exercise those concerns by arresting those recalcitrants, arraigning them before a court of competent jurisdiction, and paying for the loss of assets for those foreigners who were chased away. Anything else is just antics and pretence”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

“Our water has turned chocolate-brown” – Chief petition Mahama over galamsey devastation in River Tano

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“Our water has turned chocolate-brown” – Chief petition Mahama over galamsey devastation in River Tano

Tano North chief have appealed to President John Mahama to urgently intervene to halt widespread illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

According to the Tano Chiefs, the River Tano has turned completely chocolate-brown.

The Chiefs argued that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards have failed to halt the continued destruction of galamsey.

Speaking during a courtesy call by the Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, on Tuesday, the Adontehene of the Tanoso Traditional Council, Nana Kwapem Peni, stated, “It brings us immense sadness to see what has become of our beloved Tano River. Today, the water has turned completely chocolate-brown and is ruined beyond recognition”.

“All the state institutions mandated to protect us and fight illegal mining, including NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards, have completely failed to stop the destruction of our forests and rivers. We are left with no choice but to make an urgent appeal directly to President John Mahama to intervene immediately and save our water bodies before everything is lost.”

They further expressed their frustration after suspects who were arrested along the Tano River by residents supported by traditional authorities were released by the police.

Nana Oboni Nkrawiri IV stated, “The frustration we are facing in this community is unbelievable”.

“Our people, led by the traditional authorities, risked their lives to catch these illegal miners red-handed as they were polluting the Tano River. We arrested them and handed them over to the police, expecting justice.

“But to our total dismay, the municipal police authorities simply discharged them and set them all free. This national fight against galamsey is completely useless if the very people we arrest are routinely let off the hook.”

The Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, responding to the concerns stated, “I want to commend our traditional leaders for their relentless efforts in fighting illegal mining to ensure the Tano River becomes clean again, and I urge you not to relent”.

“You have my full support in this fight. But I must also call on the residents of Tano North to direct their anger at these illegal miners and the powerful paymasters behind them.

“If the community does not stand up together against them, the severe health crisis caused by these polluted rivers will never stop.”

In related news, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has warned that Ghana’s children and grandchildren are at risk due to the continued destruction caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Duncan-Williams stressed that illegal miners are destroying the country’s water bodies and farmlands.

Speaking at a church service on Sunday, August 16, Archbishop Duncan-Williams stated, “ So I’m going to dedicate a lot of time today for us to intercede for our nation because I’m concerned about some things. And I am not speaking as a prophet. As much as some may be prophetic, I am speaking as a student of prophecy and a student of history.  I take time to study history a lot. And some things are bothering me.

And one of them is how we are managing the future of our children and our grandchildren when it comes to our water bodies, when it comes to the land that produces crops and the food we eat.

We are poisoning the land.  There are so many things we are doing. If you look at the way we are running our society as a country and nation, the future is in trouble”. 

He argued the effects of illegal mining should not be viewed only as a present-day problem, noting that the destruction of water bodies and agricultural land could affect generations yet unborn.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams further criticised the politicisation of efforts to enforce laws against illegal mining.

According to him, political interests have contributed to the persistence of lawlessness.

He added, “And I’ll indulge you to allow me to speak to you for some few minutes and let’s spend quality time interceding. I don’t normally do this—interceding for country. This is very, very important because of this illegal mining thing.  I just remember yesterday the sheikh and what they were telling me: that the amount of illegal gold that they bought and they had records of it, but Ghana didn’t have a record of it.

The one Ghana has a record of was what the government sold. But the one Ghana didn’t have a record of was more than what Ghana sold to them, and they have all the records, and we don’t.  So for whatever reason, it looks like the rules and the laws are not working, because if anybody tries to make it work and enforce the law, we turn everything to politics.

And if you don’t do what I want, next time I will not vote for you. And so because people don’t want to lose their seat in parliament or they don’t want their party to lose, they give in and allow lawlessness to continue”. 

@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian suspect in the Labone bank robbery and shooting incident, has been taken back to his cells after appearing before the Circuit Court. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACKO _ VIBEZ(4GEDA4EVER)🇬🇭

Ghana’s children and grandchildren’s future at risk – Duncan-Williams warns

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Ghana’s children and grandchildren’s future at risk – Duncan-Williams warns

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the Founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has warned that Ghana’s children and grandchildren are at risk due to the continued destruction caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Duncan-Williams stressed that illegal miners are destroying the country’s water bodies and farmlands.

Speaking at a church service on Sunday, August 16, Archbishop Duncan-Williams stated, “ So I’m going to dedicate a lot of time today for us to intercede for our nation because I’m concerned about some things. And I am not speaking as a prophet. As much as some may be prophetic, I am speaking as a student of prophecy and a student of history.  I take time to study history a lot. And some things are bothering me.

And one of them is how we are managing the future of our children and our grandchildren when it comes to our water bodies, when it comes to the land that produces crops and the food we eat.

We are poisoning the land.  There are so many things we are doing. If you look at the way we are running our society as a country and nation, the future is in trouble”. 

He argued the effects of illegal mining should not be viewed only as a present-day problem, noting that the destruction of water bodies and agricultural land could affect generations yet unborn.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams further criticised the politicisation of efforts to enforce laws against illegal mining.

According to him, political interests have contributed to the persistence of lawlessness.

He added, “And I’ll indulge you to allow me to speak to you for some few minutes and let’s spend quality time interceding. I don’t normally do this—interceding for country. This is very, very important because of this illegal mining thing.  I just remember yesterday the sheikh and what they were telling me: that the amount of illegal gold that they bought and they had records of it, but Ghana didn’t have a record of it.

The one Ghana has a record of was what the government sold. But the one Ghana didn’t have a record of was more than what Ghana sold to them, and they have all the records, and we don’t.  So for whatever reason, it looks like the rules and the laws are not working, because if anybody tries to make it work and enforce the law, we turn everything to politics.

And if you don’t do what I want, next time I will not vote for you. And so because people don’t want to lose their seat in parliament or they don’t want their party to lose, they give in and allow lawlessness to continue”. 

In other news, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has admitted that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is difficult.

According to the Lands Minister, there are significant challenges facing the government’s fight against illegal mining.

He, however, stressed that the government will not relent ot surrender in the fight against galamsey.

The Lands Minister described illegal mining as one of the greatest environmental threats facing Ghana.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, the minister stated, “The fight against illegal mining is a defining environmental battle that our generation must fight. Our rivers are not for sale, our forests are not expendable, our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect. The era of impunity is over, and the government will continue to pursue everyone who profits from the destruction of our environment.

“The battle against illegal mining is difficult, but the Ghanaian spirit is stronger. We will not retreat, we will not relent, and we will not surrender, but we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth and secure a greener, stronger and more prosperous Ghana for posterity.”

He further added that over 200 galamsey suspects have been arrested in six months.

“In the last six months, we arrested 258 suspects, demobilised six excavators, 1,225 pumping machines were seized, we demobilised 765 Changfan machines, we destroyed 35 tricycles, motorbikes that were seized were 212, structures destroyed 430, and gold detectors that were seized were 40. All these in the forest reserves alone,” Armah-Kofi Buah noted.

“And I’m happy to say that today I’m not here to tell you about red zones, because we have not had any red zone, which means that government supporting the Forestry Commission is firmly in control of our forests,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the Nigerian national arrested in connection with the Labone shooting incident, has been brought before the Circuit Court as investigations continue. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – Lyrics Galore ☆
@ghnow_ Lady Falls Into Water After Slipping Off Jet Ski at Akosombo Bridge #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

Ghana Cedi “long overdue for refreshing” – Mahama

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Ghana Cedi “long overdue for refreshing” – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s currency, the Cedi, is “long overdue for refreshing”.

According to John Mahama, there is a need to periodically upgrade the Cedi security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters.

Mahama detailed that the currencies must be periodically updated to make it more difficult for criminals to reproduce them.

He, however, argued that the decision to redesign or replace the cedi rests with the Bank of Ghana.

Mahama further disclosed that he is aware of plans by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to refresh the currency, adding that he expects the central bank to announce the details to the public.

President Mahama, speaking during the Resetting Ghana Tour in the Upper East Region, stated, “Every country, every ten years, you are supposed to refresh your currency because if you use the same currency for too long, people learn how to counterfeit it”.

Mahama argued that security features on banknotes must be updated from time to time to keep pace with counterfeiting techniques.

“And so this particular currency is long overdue for refreshing,” he said.

“I know the governor has plans to refresh the currency and I am sure that at the appropriate time, the Bank of Ghana will let Ghanaians know what they are doing about it,” he said.

However, it must be noted that updating the security features on Ghana’s banknotes would not change the value of the cedi or amount to a redenomination.

Mahama highlighted that the value and performance of the currency are ultimately linked to the management of the wider economy.

“What I would say is that the cedi today is stronger than it was in the past because of good economic management,” he said.

He pointed to the government’s economic policies as a key factor supporting the cedi’s recent performance against major international currencies.

“Your currency is as strong as your economic management, and because of the good policies we put in place, the cedi is holding its own against other major currencies,” the President added.

Meanwhile, some months ago, Mahama said his government did not arrest the dollar, but rather strengthened the cedi to put up a good fight against other currencies.

According to John Mahama, his government’s objective was not to artificially control foreign currencies but to strengthen the cedi to compete effectively on the international market.

He detailed that the Ghana cedi recorded significant gains against major international currencies, appreciating by 40.7 per cent against the US dollar, 30.9 per cent against the British pound, and 24 per cent against the euro.

Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, February 27, President Mahama stated, “We made currency stability a priority, and we have delivered. We did not arrest the dollar; we strengthened the cedi to put up a good fight against other currencies”.

@ghnow_ Arrival of Nana Ama Mcbrown at her movie premiere at UPSA auditorium #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh
@ghnow_ Watch Nana Ama McBrown’s birthday dance at Ama Movie Premiere #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“This is not an issue I’m going to waste my time on” – Akwatia MP reacts to fraud allegations

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“This is not an issue I’m going to waste my time on” – Akwatia MP reacts to fraud allegations

Bernard Bediako Baidoo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, has reacted to allegations against him by the founder and leader of the Zoe Outreach Embassy Church in Ghana, Pastor Kelvin, accusing him of orchestrating a grand scheme to sell the properties and land of Air Real Estate Company Limited.

Pastor Kelvin, in a video, accused the NDC Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, of fraud.

According to Pastor Kelvin, Bernard Bediako Baidoo allegedly orchestrated a grand scheme to sell the properties and land of a company, Air Real Estate Company Limited.

The pastor alleged that the MP forged documents to win a case in court, allowing him to sell the properties.

He further accused the NDC MP of using a non-existent identity and business transaction to gain access to the said lands and properties.

Speaking in a video shared on Facebook, Pastor Kelvin alleged, saying, “From police findings, Bernard Bediako Baidoo is the brain behind the whole thing. (He) created a transaction that doesn’t exist. Filed a writ in court through Amoaku Adjei’s chambers. Executed the writ and got judgment, and then executed the auction.

“Look at the property there. He sold 14 of these, 14 of these. That’s not the entire thing, so there was bare land of about 8.2 acres, which we haven’t gotten to yet. We are dealing with these properties first,” the pastor said.

He further alleged, “So the case here is that simple. The case is number one. Augustine Ampofo Bediako cannot be found, and also had no transaction at all with Air Real Estate Limited, nor did any worker of Air Real Estate Limited ever know him?

“As we speak, nothing like that. Nobody knew him. Access Bank says he made no payment into any account that we know is associated with Air Real Estate Limited. These are your statements.

So a transaction that never existed, that never happened, is what Bernard Bediako Baidoo created only because he wanted to sell off our properties because at that he knew our hands were changed.

Sold the property out of fraud and had the confidence. A lawyer, a competent lawyer, had the confidence to go and lie to the court with this kind of attitude, this, my goodness, and won the case and executed the transaction,” he claimed.

However, reacting to the allegations, in a video shared on social media, the MP said that the allegations made against him were completely false.

According to Bernard Bediako Baidoo, although he worked at the law firm that handled the said case, he was never involved in it.

He detailed that the case was handled by a senior lawyer at the law firm.

Speaking in a viral video, Bernard Bediako Baidoo stated, “This is not an issue I’m going to waste my time on. It is simple. First of all, it is not true that I was the lawyer of Augustine and I was the person who scammed and took everything to court… in this particular case, I was not the lawyer on record.

“If Kwesi Kubiri says he has any document that shows that I was the lawyer of Augustine Ampofo, he should publish it so that the good people of Ghana would see it. There is nothing like that,” he said.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo argued that the pastor even confronted his senior, who worked on the case, and he defended it.

According to the MP, he does not know why he is being attacked now because he wasn’t involved in the case.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Watch Nana Ama McBrown’s birthday dance at Ama Movie Premiere #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of Nana Ama Mcbrown at her movie premiere at UPSA auditorium #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – vibragh

NDC want to imprison me over my friendship with Bawumia – Rev Kusi Boateng claims 

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NDC want to imprison me over my friendship with Bawumia – Rev Kusi Boateng claims 

Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, the founder and leader of Power Chapel Worldwide, has declared his readiness to go to jail, claiming his association with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia could send him to jail.

The man of God argued that nothing can stop his friendship with Dr Bawumia and his wife, former Second Lady Samira Bawumia.

According to Kusi Boateng, Prison is not for animals, adding that it would not be the first time he has been incarcerated and he returned alive.

Speaking to his congregation in a viral video clip, the founder of Power Chapel Worldwide during a visit by Samira Bawumia, wife of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Rev Kusi Boateng stated, “I want to say on my own pulpit that I don’t care whoever thinks about it; Dr Bawumia is my friend and will continue to be my friend. I will not hide it. I’m not a hypocrite. And if for this reason anybody wants to imprison me, go ahead.

“Prison is not for animals. It’s for human beings. I’ve been there; I didn’t die, I came back. And so it is not a crime to be a friend. And I want to say that Dr Bawumia and Hajia Samira Bawumia are my friends, my sisters, my brothers, and my bosom friends, with no apology. Papa, am I right? With no apology, they are my friend,” he reiterated.

It will be recalled that Rev Kusi Boateng was the Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana project, which has been under investigation over corruption allegations surrounding the project.

His comments come on the heels of Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State for Government Communications, announcing that the forensic audit report into the National Cathedral is ready.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Attorney General received the forensic audit report into the National Cathedral last Friday and is currently studying its findings to determine the appropriate next steps.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu stressed that no individual would be shielded if the forensic audit establishes wrongdoing.

He further revealed that he had not personally seen the report and would not comment on its specific findings.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “Deloitte and Touche audited the financial reports of the National Cathedral, which revealed financial irregularities, but it didn’t tell all the issues”.

“So we had to go further and do the forensic audit to know the people who were responsible for those irregularities and whether it was lawful or not,” he said.

“The Attorney General received the forensic audit report last Friday and is going through it to determine the next line of action,” he stated.

“I haven’t seen the report myself, and even if I have, I won’t speak to the issues because it is not time,” he said.

“But the initial report revealed that something went wrong, so the forensic will prove those responsible,” he said.

“So if anyone is indicted, I won’t be the one to say who should face the law or not. Based on the report, the Attorney General will take the necessary steps,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has said the John Mahama government should complete Agenda 111 rather than spend money on the National Cathedral.

According to the Attorney General, the Akufo-Addo government could have used funds committed to the National Cathedral to complete some Agenda 111 hospital projects.

Speaking during the district launch of the Free Primary Health Care programme in the Bolga East Constituency in the Upper East Region on Thursday, August 13, 2026, Dr Ayinr stated, “Mr President, it is better to complete Agenda 111 than to spend money on a National Cathedral”.

He further disclosed that he has a report prepared by audit and consulting firm PwC on the National Cathedral, adding that the findings had reinforced his concerns about the resources committed to the project.

Dr Ayine questioned the manner in which the National Cathedral project was undertaken, arguing that the construction of a religious facility should have taken a different approach.

“The PwC report on the National Cathedral was presented to me last Friday. The monies spent on the National Cathedral from that report could have been used to complete some Agenda 111 Hospitals.

“You don’t build a house of God in the manner in which they went about it,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Rockstar Kuami Eugene has arrived at the AMA movie premiere happening at UPSA Auditorium #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Watch Nana Ama McBrown’s birthday dance at Ama Movie Premiere #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“It really broke my heart” – Duncan-Williams narrates how Ghana lost huge sums of gold through the black market

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“It really broke my heart” – Duncan-Williams narrates how Ghana lost huge sums of gold through the black market

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has narrated how Ghana lost huge sums of gold through the black market.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams, during his church sermon, revealed that a Middle Eastern buyer recorded receiving three times more Ghanaian gold via black market channels than Ghana’s government officially logged as sold.

Speaking at a church service on Sunday, August 16, Archbishop Duncan-Williams narrated, saying, “Many years ago, Rosa and I went somewhere in a very powerful country, and we were privileged to have dinner with some of the ruling families, right at the top of that country in the Middle East. 

And whilst we were eating with some of the people in authority, they mentioned Ghana gold, the gold in Ghana, and did say that the amount of illegal gold that they have received and recorded from Ghana was more than the one that was recorded by the country, the nation itself. 

And the amount of illegal gold they recorded that they received or bought from Ghana was three times more than what the government recorded and sold to that country. 

It disturbed me. It really broke my heart. And he did mention that the people doing this are very, very powerful people and have some very serious money.  I just thought about it, and I left it”. 

Duncan-Williams further revealed how a powerful Middle East royal family called me over a gold smuggling disruption being caused in Ghana following the establishment of the Goldbod.

According to Duncan-Williams, the GoldBod is facing a very powerful movement who are against efforts to ensure the right thing is done in Ghana’s gold sector, calling on Ghanaians to pray for them.

The man of God disclosed that some individuals involved in the gold trade have become concerned about the tightening of controls on illegal gold purchases in Ghana.

Duncan-Williams detailed that he received calls from individuals in countries where Ghanaian gold was previously purchased through the black market.

He disclosed that they were allegedly seeking connections to senior officials who could help them access gold through GoldBod.

Duncan-Williams further narrated, “Then when the Gold Board came in this time around with this new administration and put the Gold Board in place and started dealing with the illegal mining and trying to regulate things, I had a few calls from one or two places, including that country, and they said if I knew anybody at the top because they are not getting the supply of the gold like they used to in the past.

I feel very strongly that we need to pray for the Gold Board. And I tell you why.  With what I was told by this sheikh and the calls I had, they can’t get the gold like before illegally.

So they want some channels to the Gold Board so they can purchase the gold now from the Gold Board.  It’s clear to me that the Gold Board is dealing with a very powerful movement people very, very established who know and understand the field and how to do this and don’t want the right thing to be done.  And in the name of politics, we are destroying the future of our children and our grandchildren”.

He further added, “ So I’m going to dedicate a lot of time today for us to intercede for our nation because I’m concerned about some things. And I am not speaking as a prophet. As much as some may be prophetic, I am speaking as a student of prophecy and a student of history.  I take time to study history a lot. And some things are bothering me”.

Watch the video below:

“He knows what’s coming” – Netizen reacts to Rev Kusi Boateng viral video declaring readiness to go to jail

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“He knows what’s coming” – Netizen reacts to Rev Kusi Boateng viral video declaring readiness to go to jail

A netizen on X has reacted to a viral video of Rev Victor Kusi Boateng, the founder and leader of Power Chapel Worldwide, declaring his readiness to go to jail, claiming his association with former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia could send him to jail.

The man argued that nothing can stop his friendship with Dr Bawumia and his wife, former Second Lady Samira Bawumia, who was present at the event.

According to Kusi Boateng, Prison is not for animals, adding that it would not be the first time he has been incarcerated and he returned alive.

Speaking to his congregation in a viral video clip, the founder of Power Chapel Worldwide during a visit by Samira Bawumia, wife of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Rev Kusi Boateng stated, “I want to say on my own pulpit that I don’t care whoever thinks about it; Dr Bawumia is my friend and will continue to be my friend. I will not hide it. I’m not a hypocrite. And if for this reason anybody wants to imprison me, go ahead.

“Prison is not for animals. It’s for human beings. I’ve been there; I didn’t die, I came back. And so it is not a crime to be a friend. And I want to say that Dr Bawumia and Hajia Samira Bawumia are my friends, my sisters, my brothers, and my bosom friends, with no apology. Papa, am I right? With no apology, they are my friend,” he reiterated.

The netizen reacting to the video detailed that Rev Kusi Boateng knows what is coming per the National Cathedral forensic audit report, which has been submitted to the Attorney General.

According to the netizen, Rev Kusi Boateng wants to create an impression that his problems are only because he’s Bawumia’s friend.

In the post on X, the netizen reacting to Rev Kusi Boateng’s video wrote, “He knows what’s coming per the National Cathedral forensic audit report which the Auditor General submitted to the Attorney General.

He knows the noose is tightening around his neck and wants to create an impression that his problems are only because he’s Bawumia’s friend”.

It will be recalled that Rev Kusi Boateng was the Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana project, which has been under investigation over corruption allegations surrounding the project.

His comments come on the heels of Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State for Government Communications, announcing that the forensic audit report into the National Cathedral is ready.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Attorney General received the forensic audit report into the National Cathedral last Friday and is currently studying its findings to determine the appropriate next steps.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu stressed that no individual would be shielded if the forensic audit establishes wrongdoing.

He further revealed that he had not personally seen the report and would not comment on its specific findings.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “Deloitte and Touche audited the financial reports of the National Cathedral, which revealed financial irregularities, but it didn’t tell all the issues”.

“So we had to go further and do the forensic audit to know the people who were responsible for those irregularities and whether it was lawful or not,” he said.

“The Attorney General received the forensic audit report last Friday and is going through it to determine the next line of action,” he stated.

“I haven’t seen the report myself, and even if I have, I won’t speak to the issues because it is not time,” he said.

“But the initial report revealed that something went wrong, so the forensic will prove those responsible,” he said.

“So if anyone is indicted, I won’t be the one to say who should face the law or not. Based on the report, the Attorney General will take the necessary steps,” he stated.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Watch Nana Ama McBrown’s birthday dance at Ama Movie Premiere #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Fans of Nana Ama Mc Brown on the dance floor at the movie premiere #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Watch Gomoa West MP harshly prevent Captain Smart from tapping his shoulder

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Watch Gomoa West MP harshly prevent Captain Smart from tapping his shoulder

A viral video of Captain Smart, a Ghanaian journalist-turned-politician and the Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan-Mensah, exchanging an awkward handshake has surfaced.

In a viral video, Captain Smart was seen exchanging pleasantries with several individuals at an event.

In the video, Captain Smart, after shaking hands with everyone, tapped their shoulders; however, when he attempted the same gesture when he shook hands with MP Richard Gyan-Mensah.

The NPP MP harshly prevented Captain Smart from tapping his shoulder after shaking hands with him.

The video has since sparked widespread reactions online, with many social media users saying, “Why are we pretending as if we have forgotten our culture as Africans? It is actually disrespectful to the highest level to touch the shoulders of someone whose social status is HIGHER than you. There’s no juju here, but putting him in his place”.

One X user added, “This no be juju. If you don’t like something, you just don’t like it.

If ebi me like person ein mouth go drink sobolo 10,000litres”.

“There’s nothing spiritual there; even the MP deliberately agreed to the shake for gallery sake, and you want to tap his shoulder. No way”, a netizen added.

The development stems from Captain Smart declaring that he will contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries.

According to Captain Smart, he will be contesting in the Gomoa West Constituency.

Captain Smart expressed his confidence in winning both the party’s primaries and the parliamentary election.

Speaking in an interview shared on social media on July 12, 2026, Captain Smart stated, “We need to change the face of politics…I will be contesting the NDC primaries, and I will win to become the Member of Parliament for this constituency”.

Captain Smart argued that concerns of residents have gone unheard for too long, stressing the need for responsive leadership.

“The cry is so loud, and it seems nobody is listening”, he stated.

The Ghanaian media personality also highlighted some of the initiatives he claims to have supported in the constituency; Captain Smart stated, “We already have 42 boreholes, ten six-unit classroom blocks, free Wi-Fi, free Ghana Cards and other interventions”.

Also, Captain Smart has alleged that there are attempts by the Member of Parliament for the Gomoa West Constituency, Hon Richard Gyan-Mensah, to stop his development projects.

According to Captain Smart, the Gomoa West MP, DCE and other executives held a meeting over my numerous projects in Gomoa West, suggesting he was affecting their reputation with his numerous projects.

Captain Smart insisted that nothing would stop him, revealing that he has even acquired a block-making machine, and Gomoa West will soon have its own block factory.

Meanwhile, Captain Smart has announced his decision to end his stay with Onua TV.

Speaking on the Onua Maakye show aired on August 7, 2026, Captain Smart officially announced his resignation from the station.

“I want to withdraw. I have officially resigned. This isn’t going to be the case where I will come back again. The bosses here may not agree, but I have done my part. I want the man who mic’d me to come and take off my microphone on air,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Rockstar Kuami Eugene has arrived at the AMA movie premiere happening at UPSA Auditorium #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Watch Nana Ama McBrown’s birthday dance at Ama Movie Premiere #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
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