The irate youths stormed the police station on Sunday, September 21, 2025, following the death of a suspect, Bright Kena, also known as D-ball.
In the viral videos online, the youth of Kukurantumi were on a rampage as they attacked the police station in retaliation for their colleague, accusing the Police of foul play.
The videos show the Irate Kukurantumi youths pelting stones and other objects at the police station and barracks and setting parts of the facility ablaze.
The police officers and their families were also captured in the video running for cover and hiding behind some buildings.
According to reports, the situation escalated when reinforcement teams from the Eastern Regional Police Command’s Counter Terrorism Unit, together with officers from the Akyem Tafo Police Division, arrived at the scene and were met with heavy resistance, as the irate youth pelted them with stones.
Two officers were hit in the eyes and were rushed to the Community Hospital for treatment.
The two police officers injured in the clash have been treated and discharged by health professionals at the Community Hospital in Kukurantumi.
The windshields of a Toyota Tundra with registration number GP 4004 and a Toyota Hilux vehicle of the Eastern Regional Police Operations Commander were all destroyed by the irate youths.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has shut down the Police Station at Kukurantumi, a community in the Eastern Region.
The Police station has been shut down, with all personnel being withdrawn following a violent clash between irate youths and the Police.
The irate youths stormed the police station on Sunday, September 21, 2025, following the death of a suspect, Bright Kena, also known as D-ball.
In a statement issued by the Police, it reads, “The Eastern Regional Police Command would like to inform the public that following attacks on the Kukurantumi Police Station in the Eastern Region by some youth of the town, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the withdrawal of all police personnel stationed at Kukurantumi and the close down of the police station”.
Preliminary investigation indicates that on 21st September, 2025 at about 0700 hours, some youth in Kukurantumi attacked the Kukurantumi Police station and the barracks with stones, clubs and other implements and attempted to set the building on fire following the death of a suspect, Bright Kena @ D-ball who had been arrested for a case of unlawful entry and stealing and was on admission at the Community Hospital, Kukurantumi”.
The Police statement further added, “A police reinforcement team, which was called in, managed to restore calm, law and order.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has engaged the deceased’s family and other community leaders and assured them of a thorough investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the Police Professional Standards Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Department have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the: death of the suspect”.
According to the police, the video footage of the attack is being reviewed, and the perpetrators will be identified, arrested and brought to justice.
They further urged the public to use lawful means to resolve issues instead of resorting to violence.
The youth of Kukurantumi in the Abuakwa North Municipality, Eastern Region, have set ablaze the Kukurantumi Police Station after the death of a suspect in police custody.
Shocking news reaching GHnow.com is that a Customer Service Manager at Ecobank’s KNUST branch, Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese allegedly stole a whopping GH¢35 million from the bank belonging to depositors.
The suspect, Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese, who has been at large since the incident, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for the offences of stealing and money laundering.
According to sources, a significant portion of the money was transferred to his wife’s account and to private accounts he held at Fidelity Bank and Access Bank. Transactions sighted in Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese’s accounts with Fidelity and Access Banks included Betway withdrawals, land purchases, Treasury bills, and foreign trips.
“The above-named person is wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for the alleged offences of stealing and money laundering. Any person(s) with information on the said Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese should contact EOCO Head Office located adjacent Old Parliament House – Barnes Road, Accra, or any of our Regional Offices or the nearest Police Station. You can also call the following numbers: 0256957742 | 0579709066,” EOCO’s wanted notice published in March 2025 reads.
Preliminary investigations by Ecobank’s internal audit at the KNUST branch traced the transactions to Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese, who authorised the transfer of GH¢23 million from the Interdepartmental Teller (IDT) account into his personal Fidelity Bank account domiciled in Sunyani.
Further investigations revealed that the transfer of the initial GH¢23 million approved by Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese was executed by another staff member of the bank named Benedict Eugene Osahof of Ecobank KNUST Branch. Benedict was in the United Kingdom (UK) and was scheduled to arrive on Monday, 10 March 2025, when the news broke.
A petition from Ecobank to EOCO sighted by GhNow.com shows a total of GH¢35,384,494.00 (Thirty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety-Four Ghana Cedis) was allegedly stolen by Akwasi Agyemang-Abebrese with the assistance of some staff members.
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North and a key figure in the Bawumia campaign, Sammi Awuku, has responded to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong’s recent remarks casting doubt on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s chances of clinching victory in the 2028 presidential election.
It will be recalled that Kennedy Agyapong, somewhere last month in one of his meetings with party delegates, stated that it took former President John Mahama eight years to return and reclaim victory after losing the 2016 election by about one million votes. He questioned how long it might take Dr. Bawumia, who lost the last election by 1.7 million votes.
Responding to this, Sammi Awuku argued that although Mr. Agyapong’s point is understandable, the factors and parameters of the 2028 presidential election are totally different. Dr. Bawumia, if he emerges victorious in the NPP flagbearer election, will not be contesting against Mahama but against a new candidate presented by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“I told one of Ken Agyapong’s campaign members that they have taken the campaign into algebra and calculus — and we will work out the calculation. You can’t fault Ken Agyapong because in campaigns you take shots. But it should not degenerate into personal attacks such as the Mamprusi or Kumasi tags. Ken has spoken and said President Mahama went home with a one-million-vote loss and it took him eight years. Dr. Bawumia went home with a 1.7-million-vote loss, so if one million equals eight years then 1.7 million equals X — find X. It’s a fair shot at the Bawumia campaign and it is not a personal attack,” he said.
“Okay, we accept the algebra and calculus analogy but disagree, because the facts are different. In 2016, Mahama was contesting Akufo-Addo for the second time as the incumbent. Bawumia will not face Mahama in 2028. It is now up to the NDC to present a new face, since Bawumia will be appearing on the ballot paper for the second time. There is wisdom in consistency,” Sammi Awuku added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia remains the favourite to win the 2026 NPP delegates’ election.
The latest polls released by Global Info Analytics have revealed that former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is leading his rivals in the national poll as well as in key regions.
The survey on the upcoming NPP presidential primaries placed Dr. Bawumia in a commanding 52 percent lead, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 17 percent and Bryan Acheampong at 2 percent.
However, the survey also revealed findings which place Dr. Bawumia ahead of second-placed Kennedy Agyapong in key regions, including his home region, the Central Region.
According to the polls, Bawumia is ahead in the Central Region with 32 percent, while Kennedy Agyapong is trailing at 25 percent, with a significant 35 percent of delegates still undecided.
Akufo-Addo boldly claimed that things are not going well for the NDC government, using the Twi description “Ɛnkɔ yie”.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed NPP Bantama Constituency office on Friday, September 19, Akufo-Addo stated, “The work the NPP did during my time and during former President Kufuor’s time is enormous, and it is that legacy we will build on to win back power in 2028”.
“We have all seen what is happening, you’ve all seen it, things are not going well. But when we unite and do things right, I know that, with God’s help, we will reclaim power in 2028,” he added.
Some Ghanaians have reacted to Akufo-Addo’s comments, stating, “Nana Addo should be the last person to talk in Ghana. Hope Mahama doesn’t reply him”.
“Nana Addo of all people? Sorry, Nana, we haven’t forgotten your abysmal performance as a president”, another stated.
One more netizen wrote, “Nana Addo is one of the shameless presidents in the history of Ghana. He is one of the presidents who has accepted of the hardships under his leadership. When he was asked about the hardships, he answered that the new president will take Ghana out of it”.
Additionally, another netizen added, “If the NPP ever wants to return to power, they should never allow the former nation wrecker, Akufo-Addo, to speak in retirement. The comment sections under every page that shared this news speak volumes. The thought of his presence alone reminds us of the cruelty endured. Ei Hmm”.
“Great, love it! Keep reminding us of the 8 years of trauma your democratic dictatorship and kleptocracy wreaked on Ghana. That way, we will be reminded every day never to bring your party back into power ever again”, one more X user wrote.
Meanwhile, a Ghanaian man in a viral video has said that the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must apologise to Ghanaians, not Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The man asserted that Dr Bawumia has begged Ghanaians, but they are not going to accept his apology, as the Ghanaian people need Akufo-Addo’s apology.
According to the man, Akufo-Addo promised the Ghanaians after taking e-levy that he was not going to the IMF, but ended up at the IMF.
He also cited the Domestic Dept Exchange Programme (DDEP) haircuts under Akufo-Addo and the $97 million spent on the National Cathedral hole.
The unidentified man also blamed Akufo-Addo for changing Ghana’s laws, which prohibited mining in forest reserves, as the cause of the galamsey menace in the country.
Speaking in a viral video, the man stated, “The former vice president, Dr Bawumia, has begged Ghanaians, but we are not going to accept his apology. We need the former president, Akufo-Addo himself, who was the one who told us that when Ghanaians pay e-levy, they were not going to the IMF.
However, he collected the e-levy and still took Ghana to the IMF, and he also changed the laws to mine in forest reserves, which has destroyed our water bodies and lands. After doing all that, he also gave us a haircut, with many Ghanaians dying as a result of the haircut”.
He further added, “He also used our money, of over $100 million, to dig a hole claiming he was building a Cathedral. When Ghanaians told him to change the finance minister, Akufo-Addo hit his chest and boldly backed him, so when he does hit his chest and begs Ghanaians, then the NPP should forget about coming back to power because Ghanaians are angry”.
The Ghanaian man’s comment comes on the heels of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia rendering an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the way they led and governed the country.
The former vice president was speaking to some party faithful in the Ashanti Region as part of his regional tour of uniting and re-energizing the base of the party.
Dr Bawumia, who did not exempt himself from the mistakes of the previous government, pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of all those who were part of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led government.
“After the 2024 elections, we have done our research. We know the NPP government and the party made a lot of mistakes in governance. There were things we needed to do which we didn’t, and others we did that, if we had had the benefit of background, we would not have done them,” he said.
He stressed that the blame was not his alone but a collective responsibility of the party’s leadership. “We are all to be blamed – Vice President, Ministers, MPs, Board Chairmen, appointees. We have all made mistakes, and please forgive us. We’re sorry. We have learned our lessons,” he added.
Dr Bawumia assured delegates that, if given the mandate as flagbearer and subsequently elected President, he would ensure that the past would not be repeated.
“If, by the grace of God, you make me the flagbearer and I become the President, these will not happen again. They will not happen again,” he pledged.
Watch the video below:
“We’ve all seen what is going on under the current government? Ɛnkɔ yie.” – Former President Akufo-Addo pic.twitter.com/lTZ6XpKh5u
The CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, has revealed that Ghana does not have any data on registered cars.
Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey announced that Ghana will be embossing its own number plates.
According to him, that is the only way to strengthen our security and stop the smuggling of cars.
He added that this is the reason why the DVLA is rolling out a new number plate that is scannable.
Speaking on Accra FM, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey detailed, “No country in this world allows individuals to emboss number plates; that thing will change. Ghana will emboss its own number plates. We went to Nigeria, you cannot go to the roadside and go and emboss number plates and put them on a car.
Ghana go to 37, just pass by the roadside, they are there, I am not going to arrest them because it is not their fault. They are working for three people, and those people have 154 companies. Ghana must emboss its own number plates; that is the only way we can strengthen our security and stop the smuggling of cars”.
“The cars on the roads have no data. Ask EOCO how many times they come to us, and we tell them we have no data on them; that is why we are changing number plates, the one coming is scannerable. I scan, and I have instant information. EOCO will have the machines, Ghana Police will have machines, National Security will have machines, and the DVLA company officers will have a machine”, he boldly detailed.
The DVLA CEO revealed that the former minister’s friend identified us as Mr Nana Bugyei, who rented the Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta and Tudu.
Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey has vowed to pursue the prosecution of the manager of the Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta and Tudu, Mr Nana Bugyei, over alleged misappropriation of funds and embezzlement.
Speaking on Accra FM, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey detailed, “I know some of them; the auditing will reveal it, and I will prosecute you before sacking you. You are not going to go scot-free; you have taken money you don’t deserve.
In their eight years, they opened only four branches, we are in eight months, next month I am adding two branches, we have opened six”.
He added, “When we got to Adenta in February with my Minister, we met a man calling himself Nana Bugyei, who said he is a close friend of Asiamah, the former transport minister. The man got a letter to manage, Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta, and he was renting and misappropriating the money.
As of now, we cannot trace Nana Bugyei; he cannot give us the account he was putting that money in, but was renting to private individuals and pocketing the money. When we got there, it was not easy. I told him I was going to get him arrested. He has created the same office at the Kinbu Office, Ayalolo office, and he has rented all the down, and the money cannot be found at the Ministry of Transport”.
The DVLA CEO further revealed that the Ayalolo office in Adenta has been renovated as a DVLA office, which is running 24 hours and has 15 million cedis in revenue for Ghana between May and now.
“I have evicted them, and we did renovation. Today, the Adenta office is doing 24-hour service for the DVLA. From May to now, we have made an access of 15 million cedis revenue for Ghana.
It is good that Ghanaians voted for change; we are not going to disappoint John Mahama. I always say a good name is better than riches, and there is one thing I am praying to God to let me achieve”, he detailed,
Watch the video below:
The CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey has vowed to pursue the prosecution of the manager of the Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta and Tudu, Mr. Nana Bugyei over alleged misappropriation of funds and embezzlement. pic.twitter.com/QboO534ncH
Lawyer Bentil noted that there are still about four suits challenging the removal of Justice Torkornoo, which must be decided before Mahama can appoint a new Chief Justice.
According to Kofi Bentil, President Mahama cannot break the law in trying to fulfil the law.
Speaking on TV3 New Day, on September 18, 2025, Kofi Bentil argued, “I have heard people saying that there should be a new appointment of a CJ (Chief Justice) … It is wrong. When you have legal processes ongoing, the parties must all be heard. You can’t break the law in trying to fulfil the law.
The proper thing for us to do is for all citizens to insist that the president does what is respectful and subject to the law, to the effect that the processes must be exhausted”.
He added, “It is important to know that she is attacking the procedure. I keep saying that you may think that, why is she doing this … it is good for us, whether she wins or she loses. It is good for us to exhaust the process.
“And please, let us all learn this fact: if you are in public office and you are wrongly removed, you have a right to be reinstated. These are all principles. When we state these principles, we don’t state them because of a particular personality”, he said.
On September 1, 2025, it will be recalled that President John Mahama sacked the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect after he received a first report from the five-member committee he constituted to investigate three petitions brought against the Chief Justice.
Hours after President Mahama received the committee reports, Chief Justice Torkornoo was sacked with immediate effect.
A statement from the presidency stated, “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect”.
“This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office.
“Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the Committee’s recommendation,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo is challenging her removal as Justice of the Supreme Court at the High Court.
Gertrude Torkonoo argue that the petitions against her were for her removal as Chief Justice, and the process for removing Justices of the Supreme Court is different.
The former Chief Justice filed an application for judicial review at the High Court, challenging the legality of her removal by President John Dramani Mahama.
Justice Torkornoo is seeking multiple declarations that the President acted outside the powers conferred by the 1992 Constitution.
Justice Torkornoo is seeking the following from the High Court:
“Declare that the President has no authority to remove a Justice of the Superior Court without adhering to the constitutionally required process.
Declare that jurisdiction to hear any removal petition against a Justice of the Superior Court lies solely with a body established under Article 146(4).
Declare that the President’s warrant of removal is “unlawful, null, void, and of no effect.”
The suit is titled The Republic v. Attorney-General, Ex Parte Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
Watch the video below:
"It is wrong to suggest that President Mahama should appoint a new Chief Justice if the processes have not been exhausted." – Lawyer Kofi Bentil#TV3GH#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/Fv9AsblpGf
The CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, has revealed how a close friend of a former Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, rented out Ayalolo offices to private individuals and pocketed the money.
The DVLA CEO revealed that the former minister’s friend identified us as Mr Nana Bugyei, who rented the Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta and Tudu.
Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey has vowed to pursue the prosecution of the manager of the Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta and Tudu, Mr Nana Bugyei, over alleged misappropriation of funds and embezzlement.
Speaking on Accra FM, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey detailed, “I know some of them; the auditing will reveal it, and I will prosecute you before sacking you. You are not going to go scot-free; you have taken money you don’t deserve.
In their eight years, they opened only four branches, we are in eight months, next month I am adding two branches, we have opened six”.
He added, “When we got to Adenta in February with my Minister, we met a man calling himself Nana Bugyei, who said he is a close friend of Asiamah, the former transport minister. The man got a letter to manage, Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta, and he was renting and misappropriating the money.
As of now, we cannot trace Nana Bugyei; he cannot give us the account he was putting that money in, but was renting to private individuals and pocketing the money. When we got there, it was not easy. I told him I was going to get him arrested. He has created the same office at the Kinbu Office, Ayalolo office, and he has rented all the down, and the money cannot be found at the Ministry of Transport”.
The DVLA CEO further revealed that the Ayalolo office in Adenta has been renovated as a DVLA office, which is running 24 hours and has 15 million cedis in revenue for Ghana between May and now.
“I have evicted them, and we did renovation. Today, the Adenta office is doing 24-hour service for the DVLA. From May to now, we have made an access of 15 million cedis revenue for Ghana.
It is good that Ghanaians voted for change; we are not going to disappoint John Mahama. I always say a good name is better than riches, and there is one thing I am praying to God to let me achieve”, he detailed,
Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey further announced that Ghana will be embossing its own number plates.
According to him, Ghana, as a country, does not have any data on registered cars.
The DVLA CEO added, “No country in this world allows individuals to emboss number plates; that thing will change. Ghana will emboss its own number plates. They should stop calling me. We went to Nigeria, you cannot go to the roadside and go and emboss number plates and put them on a car.
Ghana go to 37, just pass by the roadside, they are there, I am not going to arrest them because it is not their fault. They are working for three people, and those people have 154 companies. Ghana must emboss its own number plates; that is the only way we can strengthen our security and stop the smuggling of cars”.
“The cars on the roads have no data. Ask EOCO how many times they come to us, and we tell them we have no data on them; that is why we are changing number plates, the one coming is scannerable. I scan, and I have instant information. EOCO will have the machines, Ghana Police will have machines, National Security will have machines, and the DVLA company officers will have a machine”, he boldly detailed.
Watch the video below:
The CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey has vowed to pursue the prosecution of the manager of the Ayalolo BRT Bus Terminals in Adenta and Tudu, Mr. Nana Bugyei over alleged misappropriation of funds and embezzlement. pic.twitter.com/QboO534ncH
Fresh evidence about the suspect, Tyler Robinson, who allegedly murdered conservative Charlie Kirk in cold blood, has been released by the authorities, according to the BBC.
Hours after the shooting, the suspect, according to the FBI as reported by the BBC, had a text conversation with his roommate — a biological male transitioning from man to woman.
When the named roommate asked Robinson why he shot Charlie Kirk, Robinson replied: “I had enough of his hatred,” and added, “Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
According to the authorities, Robinson was in a romantic relationship with his male transgender roommate.
Meanwhile, Robinson’s mother had earlier disclosed to the police that her son had become involved in left-wing and had become a staunch advocate of gay and transgender rights. “He had become more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented,” his mother is reported to have said.
Prosecutors say Robinson left a message for his roommate: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
In addition, investigators have said that four shell casings were found alongside a rifle discovered in a wooded area near the Utah Valley University campus.
The shell casings had messages engraved on them which, prior to Robinson’s arrest, were among the only potential clues as to the killer’s motive — and have been the subject of much speculation.
One unfired round had the words “Hey fascist! Catch!” along with an up arrow, a right arrow and three down arrows — most likely a reference to the video game Helldivers 2, indicating one of the game’s special moves.
Another shell casing, authorities say, bore the words “NoTices Bulge OWO What’s This?” — a reference to a meme about furry subculture and online role-playing.
Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has clarified that the Goldbod is not in the market buying galamsey gold.
The CEO explained that licensed private individuals make the purchases of gold, not GoldBod.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Sammy Gyamfi explained, “To create the impression that nobody was buying galamsey gold and all of a sudden GoldBod is now giving it a market is clearly wrong”.
“There has always been a market for gold anywhere in the world, including Ghana. Have we ever woken up to any news that there is stranded gold in Ghana? There’s always demand,” he said.
He detailed, “Gold Board itself is not on the market buying gold. These licensed buyers are not stationed at mining sites. They sit in their offices, mostly in district and regional capitals, and buy gold brought to them. They have no technology or system to tell whether the gold was mined responsibly or not”.
“It is this five-month-old corporation called Gold Board that has now been given the mandate to find a solution to that problem. You think we can find a solution in five months to a problem that has existed for decades?” he asked.
Sammy Gyamfi further revealed Goldbod’s plans for next year, “By next year, we will commence the rollout of this system. Licensed miners will have to seal and scan their gold with unique codes so buyers can know exactly where it is coming from. Aggregators will also have to trace the origin even after melting.
Currently, because small-scale gold is not traceable, we are limited to markets in Dubai, Hong Kong, India, and Turkey. With traceability, we can access LBMA refineries in Switzerland and China, where prices are higher.
“People are having the wrong impression that Gold Board is in the market buying galamsey gold. Nothing of that sort is happening,” he said.
Sammy Gyamfi, also quizzed critics, claiming the GoldBod is responsible for promoting illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Goldbod CEO quizzed how a five-month-old Goldbod could be responsible for an age-long galamsey problem?
Sammy Gyamfi explained, “Let me clear some misconceptions that GoldBod is promoting galamsey. And my simple question to them is how can a five-month-old statutory corporation, GoldBod, be responsible for an age-long galamsey problem?”
“Galamsey has been with us for decades. Last year, there was no GoldBod, but we saw a lot of protests against galamsey because galamsey has reached unprecedented and alarming levels. So how can you say that a corporation that was established barely five months ago is the one to blame for galamsey?” he added.
Sammy Gyamfi, however, clarified that the Goldbod was established to promote environmentally friendly mining practices.
He added, “GoldBod was established to promote sustainability initiatives and environmentally friendly mining practices. If you look at section 31G and H of the GoldBod Act, we have that function. So GoldBod is rather supposed to come and support the fight”.
He further added that the Ministry of Lands and other agencies are responsible for the fight against galamsey.
“We don’t have that mandate; the mandate is that of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and their allied agencies. They have that statutory obligation to fight galamsey. But in stipulating our functions, Parliament said, GoldBod, since you will be in that space, you should support the fight,” he explained.
Mr Gyamfi added. “And in less than five months since our establishment, we’ve done what no institution in Ghana has done”.
“This national anti-illegal mining operation secretariat, which was formed to be a multisectorial central coordinating body for this galamsey fight, for us to optimise resources, they didn’t have money, they didn’t have vehicles.
“In less than five months, GoldBod has given them GH₵5m and five Toyota Hilux vehicles, and we plan to give them more vehicles. And since we gave them support, you’ve seen the renewed fight all over the place,” he said.
“So how can the same GoldBod, established to support the fight against illegal mining and actually supporting the fight against illegal mining by putting in resources, be accused of promoting galamsey?” he questioned.
The late Asantehemaa Nana Konadu Yiadom III was buried on the night of Thursday, September 19, 2025, after her four-day traditional funeral rites.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is now expected to choose a successor to the late Konadu Yiadom III.
After a new queen mother is enthroned, the Asantehene, together with the queen mother, will organise the final funeral rites of the late Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III in a year.
Like the Asantenene and the late Astantehemaa, Kokofuhemaa Osagyefo Kissiwa Baayie II is also a royal of the Oyoko royal clan.
She is the paramount queen of Asanteman with the title, Osagyefo.
Osagyefo Kissiwa Baayie II is known privately as Christiana Adu Gyamfi.
According to reports, she worked as a professional nurse in North Carolina in the US.
She attended Aggrey Memorial SHS in Cape Coast.
In a viral video, Kokofuhemaa Osagyefo Kisiwaa Mmua Baayie II, the regent of the Asantehemaa stool, arrived in a war chant during the Asantehemaa doteyie.
The late Nana Konadu Yiadom III died at the age of 91 after reigning for eight years.
She was the second most powerful person in Asanteman after the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The news of her death was announced following an emergency Asanteman Traditional Council meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Reports suggest the Asantehemaa passed at the dawn of August 7, 2025.
Biography of the late Asantehemaa
The late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa, was enstooled on February 6, 2017, as the 14th Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom.
She succeeded her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who reigned for 39 years until her passing in 2016 at age 109.
She was born in 1927 at Benyaade Shrine at Merdan, a small town located at Kwadaso, Kumasi, in the days of the restoration of the Asante Confederacy.
Born to Nana Afia Kobi and Opanin Kofi Fofie, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, known as Nana Panin, is the eldest sister of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
She was chosen as the customary heir after her mother’s death, despite other eligible relatives.
The Asantehemaa was raised by her aunt in Kumasi. She received no formal education but underwent rigorous informal training, equipping her with wisdom equivalent to formal schooling.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III married Kwame Boateng, a blacksmith, and is a member of the Saviour Church.
As Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III advises the Asantehene, preserves Ashanti traditions, and champions women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare.
She also holds court twice weekly to resolve cultural and spiritual conflicts.
Traditionally, the Asantehemaa is the mother of the Otumfuo.
Dr Tony Aidoo, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart, has said President John Mahama’s success will create a wind for his successor to ride on.
According to Tony Aidoo, he has no desire to witness the party’s succession after President Mahama’s tenure.
He emphasised that he is old and does not want to see the party’s future.
In an interview on Radio Gold on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Dr Toney Aidoo stated, “I don’t want to be here. Maybe by the time it comes to that point, I’ll be gone,” he said when asked about the next flagbearer.
“No… I don’t want to… I’m old, though. I try, but I’m old. God has been good to me, but I wouldn’t mind if he takes me today.”
He added, “Whoever is planning to take over from Mahama, a great deal depends upon the outcome of the Mahama administration”.
“If it does well, it inures to the party, and therefore it creates a wind on which the potential or prospective person can ride,” he added.
Also, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated that whoever succeeds President John Dramani Mahama as NDC flagbearer will ride on the achievements of the current government.
Asiedu Nketia called for calm and urged persons interested in contesting for the NDC flagbearer to be very careful about the way they express their ambitions.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, Asiedu Nketia detailed, “The party has not declared anything,” he noted. “I keep repeating my caution that we have to be very careful about the way we express our ambitions. Whoever succeeds President Mahama will ride on the achievements of the current government.”
He added, “If you conduct yourself in ways that will disrupt the activities of this government in ways that will make the government less successful, then you have a bigger problem,” he said. “President Mahama is only about eight months in office now, and you want to struggle to decide who will replace him—you know what it can cause.”
“If all of us decide today that, ‘Well, people say I can be president, so let me start organising,’ then everybody will be going across the country appointing campaign coordinators. How do you think that President Mahama can focus on achieving anything?”
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2028 elections is expected to field a new candidate as current President John Dramani Mahama is serving his constitutionally mandated second term in office.
The unofficial report gathered suggests that Haruna Iddrisu, Julius Debrah, Eric Opoku, and Johnson Asiedu Nketia are rumoured to be eyeing the NDC 2028 flagbearership.
Additionally, a recent Global InfoAnalytics survey on the NDC flagbearer race indicates Haruna Iddrisu, the education minister, has become the National Democratic Congress (NDC )’s most preferred candidate to lead the country for the 2028 general elections.
The recent poll shows Haruna Iddrisu is slightly ahead of the NDC Chairman, Asiedu Nketia.
Haruna Iddrisu in the poll garnered a total of 27 per cent, followed by Asiedu Nketia pulling 26 per cent.
The finance minister, Ato Forson, pulled 22 per cent, with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah securing 11 per cent.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also garnered 8 per cent, with the member of parliament for Korle Klottey, Zanetor Rawlings, polling 4 per cent.
Ghanaian socialite and on-screen personality Abena Moet has set tongues wagging with a controversial statement she made about cheating husbands and their wives.
According to her, women whose husbands cheat are “the happiest in the world.”
Speaking on GHOne’s relationship talk show Toast, Abena said:
“Wait, what are you talking about? My husband is not stupid. If you’re with another woman you know, the men who cheat, they actually have the happiest wives. Do you know why? They make sure that when they get there, because they already know there’s another woman.”
“So it’s the first thing that I say: ‘Hey babe, I’m here, okay, me and my friend.’ The moment you don’t get that, because the men will actually give you the follow-up, Abena, I disagree… Ah, I said the men who will actually give you the follow-up. Call your video. Ah, Mommy, they will call your video. They will say, ‘Oh, I want to come; I’m coming to sleep.’”
Abena’s comment was a sharp reply in contrast to the host of the show, Maame Animwaa.
According to Animwaa, she can forgive a cheating husband, but forgetting the fact that he cheated is nearly impossible.
“When my husband cheats, I’ll forgive him but I’ll never forget. You will never forget — don’t lie. Because listen, even though he’s apologised to you and everything, best believe that on a weekend when your husband comes to you and tells you, ‘Oh babe, I have to go out of town for the weekend,’ sure, he gets there and let’s say something happens — his phone gets lost or he can’t find his charger, blah blah — you can’t reach him for that weekend. The first thing that will cross your mind is, ‘He’s with another woman.’” She said:
Dr Shafic Suleman, the Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has revealed that the new utility tariffs will take effect in January 2026, following a stakeholder consultation.
The PURC Executive Secretary highlighted that the adjustment process is aimed at striking a balance between protecting consumers and enabling utility providers to sustain and improve their operations.
According to the PURC, the stakeholder consultations and public hearings would play a significant role in determining the final utility tariff adjustment.
Dr Shafic Suleman, speaking on the issue, stated, “Our objective is to ensure that consumers are not overburdened with high tariffs while at the same time allowing utility providers to invest in keeping the lights on”.
“Keeping the lights on is complex and expensive. But we are working to ensure that investments in utility infrastructure can continue without passing undue hardship onto consumers”, he added.
Also, Nana Yaa Jantuah, a Board Member of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has highlighted that the Commission must balance the interests of both consumers and utilities.
According to Nana Yaa Jantuah, there must be a win-win situation in the PURC utility tariff adjustments.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on a proposal from the ECG and GWL, Nana Yaa Jantuah stated, “The cost of energy is expensive, so we need to keep the lights on. We must ensure that energy is available for industry, for the economy to run, and to guarantee consumer comfort.
“The quality of service is key, but we also have a very difficult job—to ensure improved service delivery while keeping the utilities financially viable. Ultimately, we must find a win-win situation,” she said.
It must be noted that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in April 2025 announced an adjustment in electricity and water tariffs.
The PURC, in a statement, announced that electricity and water tariffs will be increased by an average of 14.75%, while water tariffs will go up by 4.02%.
“The commission, in their decision today at 6 pm, reviewed upward the average end-user tariff for electricity by 14.75 per cent and also 4.02 per cent upward for water supply across board for all categories of consumers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) are each seeking more than a 200% increase in utility tariffs to meet rising operational costs.
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has proposed a jump in water tariff from GH¢5.28 per cubic metre to GH¢20.09 per cubic metre, which is a 281 per cent increase.
Also, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) is demanding a 130% transmission tariff hike to sustain operations from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
GRIDCo, in its proposal to the PURC, argue that the existing tariff is inadequate.
The Acting Director of Corporate Strategy at GRIDCo, Samuel Kow Acquah, argued that the sharp increase in the first year will lead to subsequent adjustments will be modest.
Samuel Kow Acquah explained, “We’ve looked at a lot of cost rationalisation measures so that we don’t pass on some costs to the consumers. If you look at the first year, we require that much leap in our tariff to GHS12.96 per kilowatt hour… After the first year, an increment of 0.5% will be okay to sustain our operations.
“If we are able to do that, we can give you back 0.5%. So there can’t be a reduction of 0.5 in 2027, and for the other years, 2028 through to 2030, we are doing 0.1% and 2.5% in 2030.
“So it is very critical that we have what we are asking for so that all these investments that we enumerated we can serialise their deployment within the years we have stipulated,” he added.
Additionally, the Volta River Authority (VRA) is requesting a 59 per cent increase in its Bulk Generation Charge (BGC) from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
VRA is seeking PURC to approve their demands to raise the tariff from 45.0892 Ghana pesewas per kilowatt-hour to 71.8862 pesewas per kilowatt-hour.
According to VRA, the increase is critical to fully recover the cost of power generation supplied to distribution companies (DISCOs).
VRA added that the adjustment will help sustain reliable electricity generation and meet its operational and financial obligations.
Speaking during a public hearing on Tuesday, September 9, Senior Economic Analyst at VRA, Evans Somuah Mensah, detailed, “Over the years, VRA has not been compensated for doing this work to assist the national connectivity system. We are saying that on an annual basis, VRA should be given compensation $30.49 million for Akosombo power generation, and Kpone Thermal plant, a little bit of $30,000.
“Justification for tariff increase, we are saying that we want to recover the cost of our power supply to the distribution companies, and recover the cost of transmission and also be compensated for the provisions of ancillary services. We are requesting the PURC to increase the existing tariff of BGC from 45.0892 Ghana pesewas per kilowatt-hour to 71.8862 Ghana pesewas per kilowatt-hour.”
VRA demands if approved, it will hike electricity tariffs substantially for Ghanaian households and businesses.
The VRA and GRIDCO demands follow: the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which is also proposing a 224 per cent increase in tariff hike.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has proposed a 225% increase in its Distribution Service Charge for the 2025 to 2029 tariff period.
The power distribution company is seeking an adjustment from the current GHp19.0875/kWh to an average of GHp61.8028/kWh to restore the company’s financial stability.
Their proposal notes the rising inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and interest rates.
According to ECG projections, its annual revenue requirements are rising steadily, averaging GHS 9.1 billion across the five years.
ECG’s significant tariff review has been necessitated as they expect its operational costs, human resource expenses, depreciation, capital recovery payments, and tax obligations will continue to climb.
The power distribution company, according to reports, is also recommending a wide-ranging set of reforms to the tariff structure, which include the following,
“Collapse of tariff bands to two categories for residential customers and one for non-residential users, aimed at simplifying billing. Elimination of cross-subsidisation to ensure equitable allocation of costs and non-discriminatory tariffs.
Net Metering Tariff Structure for customers with grid-connected renewable energy, in line with the government’s renewable energy policy. Adoption of the Bank of Ghana exchange rate for tariff determination to cushion against forex volatility.
Service charge allocation exclusively to ECG for meter maintenance and replacement. Introduction of a public lighting tariff to resolve funding shortfalls for street lighting.
Full recovery of investment costs for completed and ongoing projects. Inclusion of liquid fuel costs during plant shutdowns in the Weighted Average Cost of Fuel (WACOF).
Factoring in the full reserve margin cost of 18 per cent into tariffs. Monthly automatic tariff adjustments instead of the current quarterly system”, the recommendations added.
ECG proposes a 225% increase in its Distribution Service Charge for the 2025 to 2029 tariff period if approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), which would mark one of the steepest adjustments in Ghana’s electricity pricing history, putting more burden on Ghanaian households.
Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has quizzed critics claiming the GoldBod is responsible for promoting illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The Goldbod CEO quizzed how a five-month-old Goldbod could be responsible for an age-long galamsey problem?
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Sammy Gyamfi explained, “Let me clear some misconceptions that GoldBod is promoting galamsey. And my simple question to them is how can a five-month-old statutory corporation, GoldBod, be responsible for an age-long galamsey problem?”
“Galamsey has been with us for decades. Last year, there was no GoldBod, but we saw a lot of protests against galamsey because galamsey has reached unprecedented and alarming levels. So how can you say that a corporation that was established barely five months ago is the one to blame for galamsey?” he added.
Sammy Gyamfi, however, clarified that the Goldbod was established to promote environmentally friendly mining practices.
He added, “GoldBod was established to promote sustainability initiatives and environmentally friendly mining practices. If you look at section 31G and H of the GoldBod Act, we have that function. So GoldBod is rather supposed to come and support the fight”.
He further added that the Ministry of Lands and other agencies are responsible for the fight against galamsey.
“We don’t have that mandate; the mandate is that of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and their allied agencies. They have that statutory obligation to fight galamsey. But in stipulating our functions, Parliament said, GoldBod, since you will be in that space, you should support the fight,” he explained.
Mr Gyamfi added. “And in less than five months since our establishment, we’ve done what no institution in Ghana has done”.
“This national anti-illegal mining operation secretariat, which was formed to be a multisectorial central coordinating body for this galamsey fight, for us to optimise resources, they didn’t have money, they didn’t have vehicles.
“In less than five months, GoldBod has given them GH₵5m and five Toyota Hilux vehicles, and we plan to give them more vehicles. And since we gave them support, you’ve seen the renewed fight all over the place,” he said.
“So how can the same GoldBod, established to support the fight against illegal mining and actually supporting the fight against illegal mining by putting in resources, be accused of promoting galamsey?” he questioned.
Sammy Gyamfi further debunked claims that the Goldbod was encouraging illegal mining by buying galamsey gold.
He explained, “To create the impression that nobody was buying galamsey gold and all of a sudden GoldBod is now giving it a market is clearly wrong,” he said.
“There has always been a market for gold anywhere in the world, including Ghana. Have we ever woken up to any news that there is stranded gold in Ghana? There’s always demand,” he said.
The CEO also explained that licensed private individuals make the purchases of gold, not GoldBod.
“Gold Board itself is not on the market buying gold. These licensed buyers are not stationed at mining sites. They sit in their offices, mostly in district and regional capitals, and buy gold brought to them. They have no technology or system to tell whether the gold was mined responsibly or not,” he noted.
The NDC Chairman revealed that his Thank You tour is to appreciate party executives and grassroots organisers for their contributions to the party’s 2024 Election victory.
According to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the NDC campaign was in three folds, one led by President John Dramani Mahama, another by the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the third by the National Chairman.
Asiedu Nketiah highlighted that while President Mahama focused on the presidential race, he was tasked with steering the parliamentary campaign.
Speaking to party executives and members in the Akuapem North Constituency on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Asiedu Nketia stated, “Indeed, it is true that President Mahama is already thanking Ghanaians in regional capitals. When I was coming, people were saying the president had already thanked us, so what am I coming to do? I told them, during the campaign, the President took his part, and I also took my party, so the places I went to campaign, I informed them after the election, and NDC won, I would come back to thank them. So that is why I am here today”.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s three-day tour, scheduled for September 17 to 19, 2025, will cover 16 constituencies in the Eastern Region.
Meanwhile, Ras Mubarak, a former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, has bluntly told the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, that he is setting a dangerous precedent with his Thank You Tour across the country.
According to Ras Mubarak, never in the NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an election victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour”.
He emphasised that, thank you, tours are led by Presidential or Parliamentary candidates.
Ras Mubarak, in a post, wrote, “Thank you, tours are led by candidates (Presidential or Parliamentary candidates if it’s a constituency tour) who lead a party into an election in partnership with party executives.
Never throughout NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an NDC victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour” aside what the flag bearer in collaboration with the party has done or is doing”.
Ras Mubarak also accused Asiedu Nketia of creating an unnecessary distraction to the ruling NDC government.
He added that the National Chairman must not hide under a “Thank You Tour” to advance his premature presidential ambitions.
“This is a dangerous precedent and an unnecessary distraction to the government. Nobody must be allowed to hide under a “Thank You Tour” to advance their premature presidential ambitions. It’s intolerable, and the Chairman must be bluntly told”, Ras Mubarak added.
However, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, has tackled former Kumbungu MP, Ras Mubarak, following his criticism of the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
Taking to social media on September 17, 2025, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo stated, “Dear Comrade Ras Mubarak, I come in peace. If indeed the Chairman is acting wrongly, why not petition the General Secretary to suspend him? You and I know that the NDC is a democratic party, unless you think otherwise, my brother.
Why was there no complaint when the Chairman formed his campaign team and toured the country? Since when has a thank-you tour become a cardinal sin in our party?”
“What is wrong if the National Chairman and his team return to the same people they went to for votes, simply to express gratitude? Similarly, when Hon. Joseph Yamin and Mustapha Gbande recently embarked on regional tours to thank constituency executives, no objections were raised”.
The NDC MP added, “As a true party person, you should know that the party’s work does not cease simply because our government is in power. No one has declared an intention to contest any election. It is far too early for such divisions. Let us not start what could divide us”.
He also cited an example using his constituency, “In Hohoe, for instance, after my own thank you tour as MP, my Chairman and the Council of Elders will also visit branch executives to thank them and take stock of developments at the grassroots. From my experience as a former Regional Youth Organiser, I know that leadership must always find new ways of keeping the party vibrant and alive.
President John Dramani Mahama is our leader; let us all support him to succeed. Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia is our National Chairman; let us also support him to keep the party strong and active. The party must be allowed to function while the government delivers”, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo post added.
Watch the video below:
Chairman Asiedu Nketiah Elucidates the Rationale Behind His Thank You Tour and How It Differentiates from President Mahama's Regional Thank You Tour
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the minority leader of Parliament, has said allowing illegal mining (galamsey) to continue means we are complicit in selling tomorrow for today’s greed.
Afenyo-Markin noted that the destructive practice of illegal mining is destroying. Ghana’s future.
The minority leader charged Ghanaian youths to take charge in the fight against illegal mining, as the destructive practice is stealing their future, farmland, and poisoning the water bodies.
Delivering a keynote address at the Young Commons Forum Summit held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Afenyo-Markin stated, “As we dream together, let us also confront the dangers that threaten our future. None is more urgent than the menace of illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey.
This destructive practice is stealing your future. It is robbing farmers of fertile soil, poisoning the water of our children and destroying the environment you and I must inherit,” he declared.
He further added, “If we allow galamsey to continue unchecked, then we are complicit in selling tomorrow for today’s greed. I therefore challenge you, the youth, to be at the forefront of this fight to speak up, protect our rivers and insist on sustainable ways of harnessing Ghana’s natural resources”.
“Enough of the political rhetoric and games. The situation is real and the consequences are dire,” he added.
“If Ghana is to rise, it will not be because of one President, the Parliament or one policy. It will be because young people choose to rise to the occasion. It will be because you decide to serve a cause greater than yourselves. A degree or a job title is admirable, but character and integrity and service are what truly build a nation”, Afenyo-Makrin highlighted.
Meanwhile, a Fetish Priest protecting illegal miners (galamseyers) at a galamsey site has bolted following the Western Regional Anti-Galamsey Task Force storming the area.
The Anti-Galamsey Task Force discovered a shrine within a makeshift structure at the banks of the River Ankobra.
According to reports, the room is used for purification rituals.
One Sheep, One Goat, Six Fowls, One Guinea Fowl, 3,000 cedis worth of cowries and an additional cash payment of GHC 300.00 were found at the makeshift structure.
Two sheep and one fowl were also found near the shrine, tied, likely awaiting sacrifice.
Also, the Western Naval Command discovered a shrine dedicated to Maame Wata, known locally as Togbe Nana Benin.
The fetish priest, upon noticing the anti-galamsey team bolted without attempting to use his spiritual powers, which he claimed to possess.
A naval officer at the scene stated, “This room is designated for the mallam or juju man. You’ve escaped, yet you’re supposed to wait and meet with us. We don’t have time for this; we only answer to God. You’re running away? Next time, we expect to see you with the juju.”
“This is where they consult the gods—their operating bed, so to speak. That’s the Maame Wata shrine. They believe that by doing this, they’ll be granted more gold, but in reality, they’re destroying our water bodies. We won’t forgive them; we’ll destroy everything.
“Wherever their gods reside, we’re ready to confront them. We’ve encountered various rituals white sheep, white fowls, and other things but we won’t back down. We’ll take them down and move forward,” the naval officer stated.
Charles Owusu, a former member of the Forestry Commission, has quizzed the General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministries, Prophet Kofi Oduro, following his criticism of his fellow men of God in Ghana.
Charles Owusu noted that Prophet Kofi Oduro has constantly branded Ghanaian pastors as fake and false prophets.
He accused the man of God of seeing himself as the only genuine man of God.
Mr Owusu further fired Prophet Oduro, reminding him that no one has appointed him as the leader of pastors in Ghana.
According to Charles Owusu, Prophet Kofi Oduro must tone down his criticism as he does not have the authority to determine who is right or wrong.
Speaking in an interview on Okay FM, Charles Owusu said, “A pastor has no reason to attack his fellow men of God because it is the same work they are all doing”.
The insults are too much. There is nothing that happens in this country that Kofi Oduro doesn’t add his voice to, and most of the time, it is negative and insulting.
“Who made you the class captain of pastors in this country? Who appointed you to determine which pastor is correct or not? Who gave you that position?”
He added, “If you don’t drink, how would you know someone who drinks? If you are not into prostitution, how would you know someone is into prostitution?”
Prophet Kofi Oduro is noted for his passionate criticism of pastors he accuses of delivering fake prophecies, particularly regarding elections.
The man of God has openly attacked several prophets, alleging that their prophecies do not come from God.
In related news, Prophet Kofi Oduro fired shots at the Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, following his calls for the submission of prophecies to his office for review.
According to Prophet Kofi Oduro, the prophecy door must be shut, as Ghana does not need an office for reviewing prophecies.
He asserted that Ghana needs hospitals, schools and roads, but the government is opening doors for nonsense.
Speaking to his congregation, Prophet Oduro stated, “We are here talking nonsense. If someone receives a prophecy, he should bring it. What kind of nonsense is that? Do you know the nonsense prophecies some people want to prophesy?
Shut that door, we don’t need it, we need Hospitals, we need schools, look at the rubbish roads we have, and you are opening a table for what nonsense?”, he added.
Additionally, Prophet Kofi Oduro also called out Health workers, particularly Nurses and Doctors, following the recent ongoing brouhaha over the Ridge Hospital incident.
The man of God, speaking to his congregation, recounted some incidents of medical negligence he experienced first-hand at the Tema General Hospital and the Achimota Hospital.
According to Prophet Kofi Oduro, the majority of Nurses and Doctors are so heartless.
Speaking to his congregation in a short video shared by SIKAOFFFICIAL on X, Prophet Kofi Oduro stated, “I went to the Tema General, and a patient fell from his bed to the floor. The patient was lying there for 40 minutes. I went to the Achimota Hospital, where five nurses, one a doctor they were on tablets, laughing, and a patient was lying next to us, screaming, ‘I am dying, I am dying’, and they were just giggling on the internet”.
“You are so heartless, most of you, Nurses and most of you doctors are so heartless”, the man of God confidently added.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament for Ketu South, has said her constituency deserves a Tertiary Institution.
According to Dzifa Gomashie, one of the reasons why she fought hard for the NDC to win the 2024 election is so she will be able to push for a Tertiary Institution in Ketu South
Speaking to Bola Ray of Starr Chat, Abla Dzifa Gomashie stated, “The second one will be education, it is a big constituency, but as I speak to you now, I don’t have even one Tertiary Institution in the community, and I am not happy about that.
It is the reason I fought as hard as I could so my party would win, so that I could champion that cause. So, I am not going to relent on it, I am going to push as hard as I can, but we do need a Tertiary Institution in Ketu South”.
Dzifa Gomashie also added that although she is happy to be known as the MP who brings in more votes for the National Democratic Congress, it must reflect the lives of the people in the constituency.
She asserted that dealing with the issues of Ketu South is very daunting and knows her predecessor will agree with her for the constituency to be divided.
According to her, she will push for Ketu South to be divided as the constituency is too huge.
Dzifa Gomashie, “Division of the Constituency, I think it should be divided. I am happy to be known as the person who brings in the biggest vote and all of that, but it must reflect in the lives of the people.
I will champion the division of the constituency because it is too large, and dealing with the issues that come with it is really daunting. I know from the bottom of my heart that all the MPs before me will attest to this fact”.
“It is a nice feeling to say I come with the votes, but for the sake of the people, I would rather the people benefit than to have personal glory for bringing the big votes, so what?”, she added.
When asked about her three main issues she wants to tackle and be known for, Dzifa Gomashie added, “I have said this in the constituency so many times, the human resources that I have there, their development are my most pressing need.
The Children of Ketu South, the youths of Ketu South, the women, and everybody within the space have the opportunity to improve upon who they are and where they are.
All the lists you gave me gave me a bittersweet feeling, because I have the opportunity to explore, I wish the same for Ketu South and the people in it”.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has assured Ketu South residents of a lasting solution to tidal waves.
The coastal communities of Agavedzi, Sallakope, and Amutinu in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have been constantly hit by tidal waves in the past.
President Mahama in Agavedzi on Independence Day, after touring the flood-stricken areas, stated, “We already have a comprehensive report on the situation. The feasibility studies and design for the Blekusu Phase 2 (sea defence) project are ready; we just have to allocate the funding for the project”.
“The government has not forgotten you; we will do everything possible to ameliorate the plight you are going through”, Mahama affirmed.
Additionally, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, has pledged to deliver key infrastructure projects in Ketu South.
Togbui Fiti, speaking to the regional minister, stated, “We are ever ready with a very beautiful land befitting such a market”.
“The Komla Dumor Road is a big name indeed, with a poor road which is not befitting of the name. We are calling on the Regional Minister to take the proper step to call that contractor to order.”
“For over 20 years now, we don’t have enough water… No water is going through the pipelines in Aflao. Resetting should not be just a slogan. It should reflect in every corner, every activity, every action that we are taking as Ghanaians,” he added.
Mr James Gunu expressed self-assurance that the government would deliver on the market promise, noting that the site inspection was a key milestone.
The lawmaker called on the Transport Minister and the President to urgently intervene and stop private individuals from taking over the Abuja CMB Market.
Dr Zanetor warned that thousands of livelihoods and Accra’s food supply chain are at risk if the situation is not resolved.
Speaking at a press conference on the matter in Parliament, “The reality of it is that the CMB Abuja enclave is one that holds a very key part, in commerce in Greater Accra, also a very important part of our food chain in an Urban centre, because most of our food that comes from the hinterlands actually arrives at the Abuja CMB market.
So, what I will want to do is to stand unequivocally to condemn what is happening in this enclave because it is very clear that the land is state land and should not be taken over by a private individual. We are not sure who is giving the permission”.
“I would like to call on the Minister of Transport to come out and give clear guidance on this, and to the President to intervene on this issue to stop private individuals from taking over land for the railways department under the Ministry of Transport”, she added.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings highlighted that the CMB Abuja lands are state lands, and the people have been there since the 80s.
She further added that the drivers are positioned there and their livelihoods are key, and in the name of development, we must not destroy the livelihoods of people.
Dr Zanetor added, “I would like to call on EOCO to investigate this, because this is causing a huge uproar in terms of people’s stability, as a huge part of our informal sector is situated in the Abuja market enclave”.
“Sometimes it appears as though some of these things may not be related, but this is related to our very livelihood and our food security. It’s the reason why, during the lockdown of COVID, the market was allowed to continue operating,” she added.
“I do have a lot of questions about what is happening on the railway lines. Those who are working and residing there have called on me several times to intervene in this issue, and perhaps for once, a full investigation must be undertaken to know who is involved and why land belonging to the state is seems to be taken over by people who claim to supposedly have rights to the land”.
She added that clarity is needed to know what the land is being used for.
Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings’ request follows the demonstrations by drivers of the Ghana Private Roads Union (GPRTU), who are demanding the return of land they say was originally earmarked for a lorry station.
Traders and transport operators in the enclave have also accused developers of encroaching on land belonging to the Ghana Railway Development Authority.
According to the aggrieved traders, the development has forced many of them onto the streets, worsening congestion and raising safety concerns in one of Accra’s busiest commercial areas.
Watch the video below:
The Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called on the Transport Minister and the President to urgently intervene and stop private individuals from taking over the Abuja CMB Market.#3NewsGH#TV3GHpic.twitter.com/DckZMbThgH
A viral video of an Executioners at Manhyia Palace (Obrafo) is trending on social media, chasing after Kumasi residents after curfew hours.
Curfew was declared in Kumasi from 8 pm on Thursday, September 18, 2025, till dawn on September 19, 2025, due to the solemn procession to finally lay the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, to rest.
The Executioner had earlier issued a strong caution ahead of the burial rites of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
Ahead of the night’s proceedings, one of the Abrofour warned the public, he declared, “I can see you, but you can’t see me. If you see me and I don’t see you, you may lose consciousness. If you are bold, try it — let’s see. With my shell costume, no spirit can overcome me. If my mother comes, I will cut them; if my father comes, I will cut them. I don’t know you”.
The curfew forms part of the traditional restrictions surrounding the burial rites of the Asantehemaa.
In the viral video, the Executioner was spotted chasing after a person flouting the Manhyia Palace directives.
The late Nana Konadu Yiadom III died at the age of 91 after reigning for eight years.
She was the second most powerful person in Asanteman after the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The news of her death was announced following an emergency Asanteman Traditional Council meeting on Monday, August 11, 2025.
Reports suggest the Asantehemaa passed at the dawn of August 7, 2025.
The late Asantehemaa was buried on the night of Thursday, September 19, 2025, after her four-day traditional funeral rites.
Meanwhile, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is now expected to choose a successor to the late Konadu Yiadom III.
After a new queen mother is enthroned, the Asantehene, together with the queen mother, will organise the final funeral rites of the late Nana Ama Konadu Yiadom III in a year.
Biography of the late Asantehemaa
The late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, Asantehemaa, was enstooled on February 6, 2017, as the 14th Queen Mother of the Ashanti Kingdom.
She succeeded her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, who reigned for 39 years until her passing in 2016 at age 109.
She was born in 1927 at Benyaade Shrine at Merdan, a small town located at Kwadaso, Kumasi, in the days of the restoration of the Asante Confederacy.
Born to Nana Afia Kobi and Opanin Kofi Fofie, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, known as Nana Panin, is the eldest sister of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
She was chosen as the customary heir after her mother’s death, despite other eligible relatives.
The Asantehemaa was raised by her aunt in Kumasi. She received no formal education but underwent rigorous informal training, equipping her with wisdom equivalent to formal schooling.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III married Kwame Boateng, a blacksmith, and is a member of the Saviour Church.
As Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III advises the Asantehene, preserves Ashanti traditions, and champions women’s empowerment, education, and healthcare.
She also holds court twice weekly to resolve cultural and spiritual conflicts.
Traditionally, the Asantehemaa is the mother of the Otumfuo.
Watch the video below:
Executioners chase individuals in Kumasi who defied directives against going out at night.#GHnow Bantama | FC Barcelona | Sammy Gyamfi | Burna | Rashford and Flick | Newcastle | Barcelona | Pedri | Ankrah Emmanuel pic.twitter.com/3wAnN7WmRN
Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Member of Parliament for Ketu South, has said her constituency is too large, and it should be divided.
According to Dzifa Gomashie, she is happy to be known as the MP who brings in more votes for the National Democratic Congress, but it must reflect the lives of the people in the constituency.
She asserted that dealing with the issues of Ketu South is very daunting and knows her predecessor will agree with her for the constituency to be divided.
Speaking to Bola Ray of Starr Chat, Abla Dzifa Gomashie stated, “Division of the Constituency, I think it should be divided. I am happy to be known as the person who brings in the biggest vote and all of that, but it must reflect in the lives of the people.
I will champion the division of the constituency because it is too large, and dealing with the issues that come with it is really daunting. I know from the bottom of my heart that all the MPs before me will attest to this fact”.
“It is a nice feeling to say I come with the votes, but for the sake of the people, I would rather the people benefit than to have personal glory for bringing the big votes, so what?”, she added.
When asked about her three main issues she wants to tackle and be known for, Dzifa Gomashie added, “I have said this in the constituency so many times, the human resources that I have there, their development are my most pressing need.
The Children of Ketu South, the youths of Ketu South, the women, and everybody within the space have the opportunity to improve upon who they are and where they are.
All the lists you gave me gave me a bittersweet feeling, because I have the opportunity to explore, I wish the same for Ketu South and the people in it”.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie further added that Ketu South need a Tertiary Institution.
The Tourism minister added, “The second one will be education, it is a big constituency, but as I speak to you now, I don’t have even one Tertiary Institution in the community, and I am not happy about that.
It is the reason I fought as hard as I could so my party would win, so that I could champion that cause. So, I am not going to relent on it, I am going to push as hard as I can, but we do need a Tertiary Institution in Ketu South”.
Meanwhile, President Mahama has assured Ketu South residents of a lasting solution to tidal waves.
The coastal communities of Agavedzi, Sallakope, and Amutinu in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have been constantly hit by tidal waves in the past.
President Mahama in Agavedzi on Independence Day, after touring the flood-stricken areas stated, “We already have a comprehensive report on the situation. The feasibility studies and design for the Blekusu Phase 2 (sea defence) project are ready; we just have to allocate the funding for the project”.
“The government has not forgotten you; we will do everything possible to ameliorate the plight you are going through”, Mahama affirmed.
Additionally, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, has pledged to deliver key infrastructure projects in Ketu South.
Togbui Fiti, speaking to the regional minister, stated, “We are ever ready with a very beautiful land befitting such a market”.
“The Komla Dumor Road is a big name indeed, with a poor road which is not befitting of the name. We are calling on the Regional Minister to take the proper step to call that contractor to order.”
“For over 20 years now, we don’t have water enough… No water is going through the pipelines in Aflao. Resetting should not be just a slogan. It should reflect in every corner, every activity, every action that we are taking as Ghanaians,” he added.
Mr James Gunu expressed self-assurance that the government would deliver on the market promise, noting that the site inspection was a key milestone.
Deputy Medical Director of Korle Bu, Dr Harry Akoto, has revealed that approximately 300 highly skilled and specialised health professionals left the health facility between January and June 2025.
Dr Harry Akoto, the health workers left in search of better opportunities abroad.
According to him, Ghana risks losing more experienced medical professionals to developed countries if the conditions of health workers’ remuneration and training opportunities are not improved.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Thursday, September 18, Dr Harry Akoto disclosed, “When we look at our data, we have approximately 300 people leaving between January and June this year. These are people who are highly skilled and highly specialised.
“The issues are multifactorial; some are based on a poor work environment. But the chunk of it is remuneration. People feel they can get more out there than being here,” he explained.
In related news, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, the Chief Executive of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), has assured Ghanaians that the faulty elevator at the Surgical Department will be fixed within the next two months.
According to the Korle Bu CEO, the delay was caused by challenges with approvals at the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Speaking to Parliament’s Health Committee on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam stated, “The procurement has been done. There was some delay with the PPA, but it was finally approved, and we have given it to the vendor. The vendor has also engaged the manufacturer, and we have been assured that within two months, the elevator should be installed and operational. At the moment, only one elevator is working”.
Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam also urged Parliament to expedite the passage of legislation on organ harvesting.
He stressed that it would significantly reduce the cost of transplants for patients.
“Currently, anyone who needs a kidney transplant must travel to India, America, or the UK, even though we have the expertise here. For cornea transplants, we have to import corneas from America at prices ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. With legislation, we could harvest corneas locally, bringing the cost down to about GHC500 for patients,” he explained.
Also, Dr Yakubu Seidu has proposed increasing the levy from GHC2 to GHC5 to sustain the Intensive Care Unit of the Children’s Ward.
According to the management of Korle Bu, approximately 64 per cent of patients in the ICU of the Children’s Ward are unable to pay for services rendered to them.
They noted that these services are not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, speaking to the Parliament Health Committee on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, when they visited the facility, stated, “We’re making a case to engage NHIS. We’re also proposing that we increase the levy from GHC2 to GHC5 for patients who come here [Korle-Bu]. Some small levy”.
“64% of the bill is outstanding. The social welfare unit keeps them, because you cannot keep them here; if you do, you have to feed them. Here, there’s no NHIS”, he added.
According to Franklin Cudjoe, Ghana has become dangerously xenophobic and quizzed what was wrong with the government accepting West African neighbours who have been deported.
In a social media post on X, Franklin Cudjoe wrote, “What even beats my mind is how dangerously xenophobic we have become. What is wrong with accepting our neighbours who, admittedly, wrongly overstayed their visas and have been brought here? And they are not proven hardened criminals. Why all this viciousness? What is wrong with some of you?”
The IMANI president noted, “Every day, thousands of our West African neighbours enter Ghana through our porous borders illegally. Have we accounted for them? You are lucky these harmless West African deportees are officially being ‘dumped’ here, who can all be identified and fed by whoever is sending them here. And you call yourselves Christians and Muslims? Ever heard of the story of the Good Samaritan in the bible?”
“Stop it already!!”, he boldly added.
It will be recalled that President John Mahama, speaking to the media some weeks ago, revealed that some 14 US deportees arrived in Ghana, with several of them being Nigerians and a Gambian.
He cited the regional bloc Ecowas’s free movement protocol that allows citizens of member states to enter other West African countries without a visa for up to 90 days.
John Mahama further revealed that Ghana had already facilitated the return of the Nigerians to their country, while the Gambian was still being assisted.
He stated, “We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US. And we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable”.
“The government of Ghana took the principled and humanitarian decision to accept the limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States under exceptional circumstances, in line with Ghana’s long-standing Pan-African ideals and unwavering commitment to regional solidarity,” President Mahama stated.
He added, “Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian principles and Pan-African solidarity to offer temporary refuge where needed, to prevent further human suffering, and to maintain our credibility as a responsible regional actor. Ghana’s decision must be understood as an act of Pan-African empathy. It is not transactional like Rwanda, Eswatini, Uganda, or South Sudan”.
Mahama, however, clarified that the arrangement should not be seen as an endorsement of President Donald Trump’s new U.S. immigration policies.
Additionally, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has disclosed that Ghana is expecting 40 West African deportees from the US to arrive in the coming days.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Ablakwa revealed stated, “I can reveal to you that we’re expecting another 40 in the next few days. We vet them before they come”.
“We didn’t agree to this because we agree with President Trump’s immigration policies. We’re not doing the US a favour. We’re doing our fellow Africans a favour; we’re offering them refuge, hope, and we want them to come back home and be comfortable.
“We solidarised with them when we saw those images, the arrests, the violation of their rights, and their being detained against their will.
“It’s as if nobody wants to take them. It was purely on a humanitarian basis; we did not take any financial benefits. We’re doing this because we want to continue to position Ghana as the Mecca for Africans,” he said.
Meanwhile, some 11 US deportees have sued Ghana over alleged unlawful detention.
The eleven individuals, including three Nigerians, Daniel Osas Aigbosa, Ahmed Animashaun, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, and Taiwo K. Lawson.
Liberian national Kalu John; Togolese nationals Zito Yao Bruno and Agouda Richarla Oukpedzo Sikiratou; Gambian national Sidiben Dawda; and Malians Toure Dianke and Boubou Gassama.
They sued the Attorney-General, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service for violating their fundamental rights.
The Labour Division of the High Court in Accra has fixed Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to hear two ex parte applications.
See the post below:
What even beats my mind is how dangerously xenophobic we have become. What is wrong with accepting our neighbours who admittedly, wrongly overstayed their visas and have been brought here? And they are not proven hardened criminals. Why all these viciousness? What is wrong with…
Beatrice Agyemang, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Media General, has paid a courtesy call on the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board(GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, to fraternise.
According to a post by the Ghana GOLDBOD page on X, the TV3 boss visit was to discuss various areas of mutual interest.
In a post on X, the GoldBod wrote, “CEO and management of Media General paid a courtesy call on the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board( GoldBod) to discuss various areas of mutual interest”.
Although the mutual interest of the meeting was not disclosed, netizens have questioned what interest the Media General Group has in the GoldBod.
Some netizens alleged that the meeting with the GoldBod CEO, who is also the NDC National Communication, was to discuss Media General’s continuous support for the party.
It will be recalled that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has withdrawn from all Media General’s platforms, including TV3, 3 FM, and Onua FM.
The party’s communications director, Richard Ahiagbah, communicated through a press release issued on January 26, made this known.
According to the NPP, this follows months of supposed failed attempts to address concerns over biased and unprofessional conduct by Media General hosts and management.
One netizen stated, “To discuss how to continue supporting the NDC”.
Another described the meeting as, “Family and friends”.
A netizen wrote, “What areas of interest does a radio station have with the GoldBod? Is the Media General group involved in galamsey?”.
“Mutual interest indeed, no wonder they are a biased media station”, another added.
Another netizen stated, “Twea Wei nso yɛ surprise. You met one of your own, so what is news about this?”
In related news, the GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., has announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with a gold smuggling case.
The three suspects linked to Rafmoh Gold Ltd. & NK Benark Enterprise have been accused of smuggling 100 kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth GH¢100 million, out of the country over the past two months.
The Goldbod also issued a wanted notice for two Indian nationals and two Ghanaians over their alleged involvement in illegal gold smuggling and dealing.
The Ghana Gold Board placed a GH¢1 million bounty to be awarded for any credible information which would lead to their arrest.
Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, announced that the four are part of a group of seven individuals engaged in the illicit trade.
According to him, three of the seven suspects have been arrested and are in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, Mr. Gyamfi stated, “We have an arrest warrant for all of them; they are wanted by the police and the GoldBod.
If you have any information about them, you can report to the nearest police station or the GoldBod head office. We have a bounty of GHC1 million on each of them”.
Also, Sammy Gyamfi has revealed plans for Ghana to refine gold before export from October 2025.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, the Goldbod will establish a wholly state-owned and international-standard gold refinery.
He highlighted that the reset agenda of Mahama is aimed at transitioning Ghana from the export of raw doré to refined bullion.
He further argued that it was unacceptable for Ghana, as a leader in gold production on the continent, to be exporting raw gold without significant value addition.
See the post below:
CEO and management of Media General paid a courtesy call on the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board( GoldBod) to discuss various areas of mutual interest . pic.twitter.com/nVquWTN2c1
A Ghanaian man has narrated how a simple act of kindness landed him in trouble after he offered a woman a lift from Amasaman to Pokuase.
According to him, the woman had pleaded with him at Amasaman for a ride to Pokuase to attend to an emergency.
He explained that during the journey, the woman suddenly asked him to stop so she could alight.
However, after stopping, she refused to get down and shockingly insisted that he must pay her before she would leave the vehicle.
The situation escalated into a confrontation, drawing the attention of some men nearby who approached the scene.
The woman then accused him of having an affair with her and claimed he owed her GHS1,000 for her services. The man said the onlookers forced him to bargain with the woman.
Speaking in the viral video, the man narrated, “ Today I have cried a lot. I left the house going to work, when I got to Amasaman, a lady was standing by the roadside and begged me for a lift. The lady claimed he had an emergency at Pokuase, so I should take her there, as she was dressed nicely. I agreed to offer her the ride.
Getting to Pokuase, the lady asked me to stop so she could alight there after parking. She was looking at my face and asked me to give her his money”.
The man added. “Two men arrived, and the woman claimed he slept with me last night, and I am refusing to pay her. I told the people the lady was lying and that I just gave her a lift. But the two men supported the lady after all I said. Another man also joined in the confrontation, and they narrated the situation to her. The men even threatened to harm me, and I begged them, but they still insisted I pay her”.
The lady claimed we had bargained, and I told her I was going to pay her a thousand cedis. The men even wanted to enter my car, so I locked the door, but the lady was in the car talking to the men. The man pleaded with the lady to reduce the money as I will not be able to pay everything. The lady then asked for 800 cedis”.
The man added that he was compelled to pay GHS700 through a mobile money transfer.
Meanwhile, some netizens have commented on the situation, saying, “ Do not give strangers a lyft..The best you can do is help with money or book bolt for them”.
“A few loopholes, sure, but not outrageous. It’s a mad world out there. If it were me, I’d have tried to secretly record for later ID. But looking at it, those guys seemed in on it, and in that case, pulling your phone could’ve made things a whole lot riskier”, another stated.
“I now understand why my neighbour doesn’t like giving females a lift. Edey make sense now”, one more netizen added.
Additionally, another X user added, “Dear men, it’s not so common for a lady to stop you for a lift in this Accra, when that happens you have to know she’s up to something; run”.
“The story doesn’t make sense to me oo. So why didn’t ask her to show you and them prove that you booked her and slept with her.. if truly you didn’t do anything, u should have called someone u spoke with before going to sleep or someone you live with”, one more X user added.
A netizen wrote, “After you send, you immediately have to call MTN to tell them that you have done a wrong transaction to a wrong number, so they should hold the money for you. They will do it right away.
You have to be vigilant when you are on the street, sorry 😢 bro next time you have to be sharp”.
Watch the video below:
A man has narrated how a simple act of kindness ended in trouble after he offered a woman a lift from Amasaman to Pokuase. According to him, the woman had pleaded with him at Amasaman for a ride to Pokuase to attend to an emergency.
A Fetish Priest protecting illegal miners (galamseyers) at a galamsey site has bolted following the Western Regional Anti-Galamsey Task Force storming the area.
The Anti-Galamsey Task Force discovered a shrine within a makeshift structure at the banks of the River Ankobra.
According to reports, the room is used for purification rituals.
One Sheep, One Goat, Six Fowls, One Guinea Fowl, 3,000 cedis worth of cowries and an additional cash payment of GHC 300.00 were found at the makeshift structure.
Two sheep and one fowl were also found near the shrine, tied, likely awaiting sacrifice.
Also, the Western Naval Command discovered a shrine dedicated to Maame Wata, known locally as Togbe Nana Benin.
The fetish priest, upon noticing the anti-galamsey team bolted without attempting to use his spiritual powers, which he claimed to possess.
A naval officer at the scene stated, “This room is designated for the mallam or juju man. You’ve escaped, yet you’re supposed to wait and meet with us. We don’t have time for this; we only answer to God. You’re running away? Next time, we expect to see you with the juju.”
“This is where they consult the gods—their operating bed, so to speak. That’s the Maame Wata shrine. They believe that by doing this, they’ll be granted more gold, but in reality, they’re destroying our water bodies. We won’t forgive them; we’ll destroy everything.
“Wherever their gods reside, we’re ready to confront them. We’ve encountered various rituals white sheep, white fowls, and other things but we won’t back down. We’ll take them down and move forward,” the naval officer stated.
Also, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners commonly known as galamseyers.
The land minister revealed President John Mahama’s focus is clear as he wants to take direct control of every river body.
According to the lands minister, there will be a clear occupation by security agencies on all Ghana’s river bodies.
Armah-Kofi Buah warned galamseyers violating and destroying water bodies to stop, as the government is determined to turn the water blue again.
Speaking during an anti-galamsey operation with officers of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Ankobra River from Wiawso Armah-Kofi Buah stated, “We are sending a warning to anybody who has been violating our laws and destroying our water bodies. We are determined to turn them blue again.
“This order has already been given — stay out, or you do so at your own peril,”
“We are moving to another major phase of our fight against illegal mining. There is no law in Ghana that allows anybody to mine in any river body,” he said. “Yet, our major rivers that are key to our survival are being destroyed.”
“In the coming months, you will see a new shift. President Mahama’s focus is clear — we are going to take direct control of every river body. There will be a clear occupation by our security forces on all the major rivers,” he said.
Additionally, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, has revealed that the John Mahama-led government will intensify their fight against galamsey.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the military will be stationed permanently in 44 galamsey areas.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence”.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have a permanent military presence”.
He added, “All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence”.
See the post below:
In a dramatic turn, a spiritualist allegedly protecting galamsey operators at River Ankobra makes a quick escape as security forces approach.#TV3GH#3NewsGHpic.twitter.com/Wix8hTPM7M
However, the law professor noted that Gertrude Torkonoo’s return to the bench may be impractical.
According to Prof Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, a toxic environment has been created, with many of the decisions in Court going against those that were taken by her colleagues.
Speaking to Channel One News on Thursday, September 18, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua stated, “It spells out why there’s a need to amend Article 146, because as it is now, I see a loophole. And that loophole is that you can be a chief justice, you are removed, but you can remain as a Supreme Court judge.
In that sense, the practicality is that there has been a toxic environment created. Most of the decisions are made against her. How is she going to relate to her colleagues who made those decisions against her?”.
He added, “That is where the gap is. I think that in practical terms, it may be difficult for her to come back. But in terms of law, she has the right to go there”.
The law professor’s remarks come following former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo’s challenging her removal as Justice of the Supreme Court at the High Court.
Gertrude Torkonoo argue that the petitions against her were for her removal as Chief Justice, and the process for removing Justices of the Supreme Court is different.
The former Chief Justice filed an application for judicial review at the High Court, challenging the legality of her removal by President John Dramani Mahama.
Justice Torkornoo is seeking multiple declarations that the President acted outside the powers conferred by the 1992 Constitution.
Justice Torkornoo is seeking the following from the High Court:
“Declare that the President has no authority to remove a Justice of the Superior Court without adhering to the constitutionally required process.
Declare that jurisdiction to hear any removal petition against a Justice of the Superior Court lies solely with a body established under Article 146(4).
Declare that the President’s warrant of removal is “unlawful, null, void, and of no effect.”
The suit is titled The Republic v. Attorney-General, Ex Parte Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has blocked lawyers of former Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo’s attempts to orally withdraw the case challenging her removal process.
The High Court ordered lawyers of former Chief Justice Torkornoo to follow the appropriate procedure in withdrawing the case challenging her removal process.
According to the court, the lawyers for the former Chief Justice must use an appropriate process to file their withdrawal.
Presiding Judge Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei blocked efforts by the lawyer for the former Chief Justice to withdraw the suit filed on June 23, orally.
Background
President John Mahama sacked the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect after he received a first report from the five-member committee he constituted to investigate three petitions brought against the Chief Justice.
Hours after President Mahama received the committee reports, Chief Justice Torkornoo was sacked with immediate effect.
A statement from the presidency stated, “President John Dramani Mahama has, in accordance with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution, removed the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, from office with immediate effect”.
“This follows receipt of the report of the Committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition submitted by a Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Ofori. After considering the petition and the evidence, the Committee found that the grounds of stated misbehaviour under Article 146(1) had been established and recommended her removal from office.
“Under Article 146(9), the President is required to act in accordance with the Committee’s recommendation,” the statement concluded.
Ghanaian TikTokers Bornbold, Pikaboo, Pricy 1 and Queenflow have been arrested following the publication of false information.
According to TikTok IGP, she had the information some days ago, but has been contemplating whether to disclose it.
She revealed that there are more TikTokers who are yet to be arrested for sharing false information.
Speaking in a viral video on TikTok, TikTok IGP stated, “The information reaching me is that my four sisters have been arrested by Olivia. Bornbold, Pikaboo, Pricy one and Queenflow, today the information got to me a long time ago, but I have been contemplating whether to address it or keep quiet.
There are other people who have yet to be arrested. When I found out about this issue, I started calling and reaching out to some of my sisters. Some didn’t pick up my call, some when I call them, they tell me I don’t have the right to tell them they were wrong, that they put false information out there. They spoke to me badly. All of a sudden, they are turning against me”.
She further added, “I came on live to tell you guys that there is a list of some people who have gone contrary to the laws of Ghana, and the fact that I was arrested does not mean I will sit and want you all to be arrested.
I am the one in the soup, and I am the one who realises that when I was arrested, the same people who were pushing my head IGP, go nothing will happen, none of them came through for me, none of them bailed me”.
In a separate video, TikTok IGP added that she never betrayed Bornbold, as she is claiming she did.
TikTok IGP stated, “ She is the one I beg most, but they are saying I betrayed her, no problem, because they told her that the court requested her, and I told the court he is in the house. The court we went to was me, Ida and Olivia.
Even the court we have yet to go to for trials, and the trial date is not out, and it has nothing to do with Bornbold. I am not even going to clear the air about anything anybody says about me, I believe.
TikTok IGP boldly added that at this point, she only cares about his peace of mind as she does not wish this for anybody.
The TikToker’s arrest comes following false claims they made about a business owner.
According to a TikToker, the four were arrested after claiming a restaurant owner (Ida) was selling food full of maggots and insects to customers.
In a viral video, another TikToker detailed the situation, “ We have sinned against this lady, and we have destroyed her business. We said a lot of bad things about the business”.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have reacted to the news saying, “We are all humans but if it wasn’t for social media Anka Priscy wan you are insulting Olisto.And you don’t have anything too when I met you I was like Awurade..Hmm Wonni wo ho hwee twea”.
“olisto is a wicked person paa”, another wrote.
A netizen added, “She never said anything bad honestly. Those audios were brought out by one of Olivia’s workers. Why doesn’t she go and arrest that worker becos that was the downfall of her business?”.
Additionally, another wrote, “Fans of TikTok IGP, those of us who still stood by her through the storm in comment sections, shall we all say, 🎤God is Gooood”
“I feel for Olisto tho..buh then with her restaurant issue, abi her own friends sent her a recording that they found insect in her food and her kitchen were dirty then stuff…”, a netizen added.
According to the GMA, they are joining the galamsey fight to reduce preventable diseases in the country.
Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Dr Frank Serebour stated, “When the GMA asked political parties to declare their positions and sign a pact, we wanted clarity on where they stand.
Some called for strike action, but strikes aren’t sustainable. The only consequence politicians fear is electoral loss. My message is: if you don’t fight it, we’ll boot you out”.
He further highlighted, “We should continue to apply pressure. We will continue to talk and to advocate”.
Pressure has been mounting on the Mahama-led government to declare a state of emergency on galamsey and intensify its fight against galamsey.
Also, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners commonly known as galamseyers.
The land minister revealed President John Mahama’s focus is clear as he wants to take direct control of every river body.
According to the lands minister, there will be a clear occupation by security agencies on all Ghana’s river bodies.
Armah-Kofi Buah warned galamseyers violating and destroying water bodies to stop, as the government is determined to turn the water blue again.
Speaking during an anti-galamsey operation with officers of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Ankobra River from Wiawso Armah-Kofi Buah stated, “We are sending a warning to anybody who has been violating our laws and destroying our water bodies. We are determined to turn them blue again.
“This order has already been given — stay out, or you do so at your own peril,”
“We are moving to another major phase of our fight against illegal mining. There is no law in Ghana that allows anybody to mine in any river body,” he said. “Yet, our major rivers that are key to our survival are being destroyed.”
“In the coming months, you will see a new shift. President Mahama’s focus is clear — we are going to take direct control of every river body. There will be a clear occupation by our security forces on all the major rivers,” he said.
Additionally, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, has revealed that the John Mahama-led government will intensify their fight against galamsey.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the military will be stationed permanently in 44 galamsey areas.
The minister highlighted that, unlike in the past administration, where security forces would conduct short-term operations before withdrawing, the military will be stationed permanently in the galamsey areas.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence”.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have a permanent military presence”.
He added, “All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence”.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has admitted that the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress government can do better in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
Ablakwa highlighted that Ghana is on a suicidal path if the country does not win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He, however, expressed confidence in President Mahama’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace, adding that he believes the government will succeed.
The NDC Regional Chairman emphasised that he has never faked any degree, as his academic journey is well documented.
According to him, GTEC is deliberately attempting to damage his reputation.
GTEC revealed that the Dr title adopted by the NDC Central Regional Chairman is inappropriate, as it was conferred as an honorary degree.
The commission on July 31, 2025, also ordered Richard Kofi Asiedu to cease using the Professor title.
GTEC, in a letter, stated, “Despite prior communication and your own disclaimer regarding the use of the title ‘Professor’ and the nature of the Doctorate, the Commission has not received the required documentation. Intelligence available to the Commission indicates that the Doctorate in question is honorary.
“As such, and in accordance with academic standards and protocols in Ghana, the use of the title ‘Dr’ in public or official capacities is not permissible for honorary degrees”.
“Pending the submission and successful verification of a formally earned Doctorate certificate, you are hereby directed to immediately cease the use of the title ‘Doctor’ or the abbreviation ‘Dr’ in all official, professional and public contexts”, part of the letter stated.
However, in a statement by St. Andrews Group reacting to GTEC, part of the statement read, “We are compelled to state on record that this development appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Dr. Asiedu, a man who has devoted his life to education, philanthropy, and national service”.
The statement further detailed, “While Dr Asiedu was in Japan, officials from GTEC contacted him by phone requesting that he make his academic documents available. He informed them that he would do so and initially set 15th September 2025 as the date. However, some of the documents were in the custody of his former spouse, and the court needed to issue directions for their release. When the court did not sit as expected, Dr. Asiedu promptly communicated this challenge to GTEC. At no point has GTEC provided him with an official written directive; the first he and Management learned of any public action was through media publications.
When GTEC earlier directed that the honorary title of “Professor” should not be used, Dr. Asiedu immediately complied and publicly announced that he would henceforth not use that title. Since then, he has only used the academic title “Dr.”, which reflects his earned qualification. This demonstrates that he is law-abiding and respectful of regulatory authority”.
“We further wish to place on record that Dr Asiedu has never faked any degree”.
Read the statement by St. Andrews Group below:
Press Statement To All Media Houses
St. Andrews Group Defends Dr Richard Asiedu: Academic Credentials Authentic, Reputation Under Unfair Attack
Press Statement For Immediate Release
The Management of St. Andrews Group of Schools & Companies has noted with deep surprise and disappointment the recent public statement by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) concerning our Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu.
We are compelled to state on record that this development appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Dr. Asiedu, a man who has devoted his life to education, philanthropy, and national service.
While Dr. Asiedu was in Japan, officials from GTEC contacted him by phone requesting that he make his academic documents available. He informed them that he would do so and initially set 15th September 2025 as the date. However, some of the documents were in the custody of his former spouse, and the court needed to issue directions for their release. When the court did not sit as expected, Dr. Asiedu promptly communicated this challenge to GTEC. At no point has GTEC provided him with an official written directive; the first he and Management learned of any public action was through media publications. This sequence of events raises serious questions and gives us reason to believe GTEC may be being used as an instrument for mischief or to serve political interests.
When GTEC earlier directed that the honorary title of “Professor” should not be used, Dr. Asiedu immediately complied and publicly announced that he would henceforth not use that title. Since then, he has only used the academic title “Dr.”, which reflects his earned qualification. This demonstrates that he is law-abiding and respectful of regulatory authority.
We further wish to place on record that Dr. Asiedu has never faked any degree. His academic journey is well documented as follows:
After completing his Advanced Level education, he enrolled at the Takoradi Polytechnic (now Takoradi Technical University), where he pursued a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Purchasing and Supply Management from 1997 to 2000.
From 2002 to 2005, he undertook a top-up programme leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) under the public admission scheme.
In 2009, he successfully completed a Master’s degree at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
Between 2009 and 2012, he pursued and completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Atlantic International University, Hawaii, USA. His doctorate is purely academic, and he possesses all relevant documents, including transcripts, to verify this qualification.
Dr. Asiedu has nothing to hide. All his academic qualifications and honorary recognitions can be independently verified with the respective institutions that awarded them.
For his outstanding contributions to education, Dr. Asiedu has also been honoured internationally:
In February 2022, the Alfred Nobel University in Ukraine conferred on him the honorary title of Professor in Human Development, during a public ceremony to which he invited John Dramani Mahama, then-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and now President of the Republic of Ghana, who delegated Prof. Joshua Alabi to represent him.
In October 2023, he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Resource Management by Azteca University, Mexico, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to education and national development.
It is important to note that Dr. Asiedu is currently not using any honorary titles, even though they were conferred by accredited institutions both in Ghana and abroad.
With respect to GTEC’s current directive, Dr. Asiedu has already indicated his readiness to submit all relevant academic documents. He is set to receive the last batch of documents on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, following the court’s direction for their release, and will accordingly submit the complete set to GTEC on Thursday, 25th September 2025, in the company of his lawyers.
Against this background, the premature release of GTEC’s directive into the public domain—despite his formal communication and ongoing arrangements—comes as a shock to us. It is unfair, unnecessary, and damaging to the reputation of a distinguished Ghanaian educationist who has consistently acted in good faith and complied with directives.
We also wish to caution political actors who may be attempting to feed into this development for partisan gain. Matters of academic verification should remain professional and above politics.
Finally, we call on the public, stakeholders and media houses to hold regulatory bodies to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. We urge the media to exercise restraint and circumspection in their reportage and to allow due process to run its course before rushing to judgment.
Signed William Mintah Hayford Management Secretary St. Andrews Group of Schools & Companies
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has warned that Ghana is on a suicidal path if the country does not win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Ablakwa admitted that the John Mahama-led government, of which he is a part, can do better in the fight against galamsey.
He, however, expressed confidence in President Mahama’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace, adding that he believes the government will succeed.
According to Ablakwa, he still stands by all the pronouncements he made in past about illegal mining.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, September 17, Ablakwa stated, “Let me be honest with you, on galamsey, I believe that we can do better. And all the propositions I made in the past, I stand by them. We’re on a suicidal path if we don’t stop this. We must take this up and win this war,” he said.
Also, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in a statement issued on Monday, September 15, 2025, once again reiterated its calls for President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining (galamsey).
According to the Catholic Bishops’ in January and May 2025, they met President Mahama, but his response to their demand for a declaration of a state of emergency was unsatisfactory.
The Catholic Bishops cried out that once-pristine rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Offin, and Ayensu are now poisoned with mercury and toxic effluents.
They cited that turbidity levels in the Ayensu River have reached 32,000 NTU compared to the Ghana Water Company’s treatment threshold of 2,500 NTU, warning that purification is now impossible.
The Bishops wrote, “Illegal and unregulated mining, commonly known as galamsey, has become one of the gravest afflictions of our time.
It ravages our rivers and forests, poisons our soil, endangers public health, corrupts governance, erodes our moral fibre, and extinguishes livelihoods.
This is not a routine challenge to be managed with half-measures; it is a national emergency requiring decisive, extraordinary response,” the bishops said.
The Bishop highlighted that the desecration of creation through galamsey is a grave sin against God.
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. To desecrate creation through galamsey is not only an offence against neighbour; it is a grave sin against God Himself, the Creator and Owner of all,” they declared.
The Catholic Bishops statement added, “Farmers can no longer trust the land to sustain their families, and our capacity to feed the nation diminishes. Children, seduced by the mirage of quick riches, forsake school for perilous pits, many losing their lives in collapses that are both tragic and preventable.”
“This betrayal of trust cuts to the very marrow of our national identity. We call such leaders to repentance without delay.”
The Catholic Bishops further expressed dismay at President Mahama’s refusal to declare a state of emergency.
They added, “In both January and May 2025, delegations of our Conference raised these concerns directly with him, only to be met with unsatisfactory responses focused narrowly on economic gain.
“At his ‘Meet the Press’ session of 10 September 2025, he dismissed calls for a state of emergency. This is profoundly troubling. The hour is late. Delay is betrayal. Now, not tomorrow, not later, is the time to act.”
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, however, warned that declaring a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas may be necessary, but it is not sufficient to address the full extent of the devastation.
“While urgent, a declaration is insufficient. Ghana requires a holistic, integrated national strategy”, the statement read.
According to the Bishops, the government must prosecute not only the poor but also the powerful.
“His government must prosecute not only the poor but also the powerful; not only the weak but also the well-connected. Without courage, no policy will stand, no law will hold, no declaration will succeed.”
“This struggle is not merely about law enforcement. It concerns the very soul of Ghana. It is about whether we choose life or death, blessing or curse. With God’s grace, let us choose life, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet unborn.”
Meanwhile, Andy Appiah-Kubi, a former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, has called for a ‘wartime’ approach and presidential commitment in the fight against galamsey.
According to Andy Appiah-Kubi, galamsey is a war situation, and President John Mahama must show commitment.
He further asserted that when Akufo-Addo declared he would put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey, it was just words.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Appiah-Kubi stated, “When the NPP was in power, I spoke against our commitment to fight galamsey. Even in my constituency, I did not allow galamsey operations. All those who made an attempt were arrested and handed over to the police”.
“I never got afraid and stood my ground to stop the menace, even if it meant putting my life on the line. When Akufo-Addo declared he would put his presidency on the line, it was just words. True commitment must trickle down to those mandated to fight,” he argued.
The former lawmaker stressed, “If the President is committed, only one battalion can fight them. This is like a war situation; if the illegal miners want to threaten our survival, we must defeat them before they defeat us”.
Private legal practitioner Thaddeus Sory has showered praise on his arch-rival and nemesis, Godfred Yeboah Dame, the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice.
Mr. Sory commended Mr. Dame for the professionalism he demonstrated in handling the bail conditions for Collins Dauda, the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asutifi South Constituency, when he was arrested and arraigned for allegedly causing a public disturbance at a voter registration centre.
Speaking on the KSM Show, Sory’s words of praise came as a shock to many, given that the two legal juggernauts have crossed swords in the public sphere on several occasions and over several cases.
According to him, Mr. Dame did not oppose the bail conditions for the former MP during a court hearing. Instead, he supported the bail motion so that Collins Dauda could continue to discharge his mandate as a Member of Parliament.
“I am going to mention Godfred Dame — the credit I give to him. People read my publications and think I have something against him, but I don’t. I just speak my mind. There was a case he came to court to prosecute. It involved Collins Dauda. When it was time for me to move an application for bail, I said no.
“Godfred Dame was the Minister for Justice, and I didn’t think that I should be moving a motion for a bail application for a sitting Member of Parliament. He was supposed to inform the court he was not opposed to granting bail for a sitting MP, and honestly he got up and did it. Credit to Godfred Dame for making sure the right thing was done.”
Mr Sory’s comment came at the back of the arrest and delay application of Bono Regional NPP Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC.
Kwame Baffoe Abronye was detained by the Ghana Police Service for days over alleged breach of peace and publication of false news.
He was subsequently granted bail by the court in the sum of GH¢50,000 with one surety, without justification.
Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, has recounted how he escaped death in the line of duty for Ghana.
The former Education Minister revealed he was almost killed during a regional tour to promote the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy while returning from Bawku to Buipe.
According to Dr Adutwum, the attackers were masked and fired multiple shots at his vehicle.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Dr Adutwum narrated, “One of my journeys back from Bawku, Buipe, my car was shot at, literally killed on the line of duty. I almost lost my life,” he said.
When I went to the Buipe Police Station, they said it had never happened before. Nobody has ever shot into a government vehicle because they know you don’t carry money. Normally, they will attack traders and not somebody in a Land Cruiser. I almost lost my life”, he recounted.
When asked if he thinks it was a targeted assassination, he replied, “I don’t know, but all that I know is that the side of my car was bullet-ridden, and I saw these people who had masks on.
“We turned a corner; we saw them with their masks on, and then they started shooting. My driver had to do a zigzag, go this way, come this way, to dodge the bullets. It was a very difficult day, and we escaped that”, Dr Adutwum narrated.
Dr Adutwum continued, “I remember the Chief of Staff on the phone with me throughout the night to make sure I arrived in Kumasi safely. When we got to the Buipe Police station, and we stopped, that is when the tyre went flat. They shot into the tyre nonstop, so that they could stop there. So, I was almost killed in the line of duty for this country.
Dr Adutwum, in that same interview, has said the greatest threat facing Ghana is poverty.
He highlighted that Ghana must confront poverty head-on with bold and innovative solutions.
According to Dr Adutwum, his presidential ambition is anchored on fighting poverty through education reform.
He added, “The President of Ghana means that you have a mindset that tells you that things can be better than what I’ve inherited or what I see today.
“If I ask anybody, what’s the greatest challenge facing Ghana on the street, a number of them will talk about the cost of living, issues, things are very difficult.
“At the end of the day, I conclude that the greatest threat facing this nation is poverty, and that we have to be frontal with it”.
The former Education Minister further added that Ghana’s development history shows lost opportunities.
He added, “Why is it that we built factories in the 1960s, but they are gone. Why is it that we started so well, and countries like Singapore come here and they marvel at the pace of transformation of Ghana?
“In fact, some economists thought that Ghana will be the first black nation to become developed. What went wrong? What did we miss?”
Dr Adutwum further cited Singapore, saying, “When Lee Kuan Yew came to Ghana and visited us in 1963, he was amazed as to the Ghanaian transformation that was taking place at the time.
“In fact, it is on record that he wrote in his diary that he had seen something in Africa, and Ghana has gold, diamonds, cocoa, and other resources that he didn’t have, but he was going to focus on human capital development.
It is also said that he mentioned the fact that he didn’t understand why a developing country would have such a great university, but the university was being headed by a non-scientist”.
The former education minister added, “So in his mind, he knew clearly that education was what was going to change Singapore, but not just any education, STEM education at the foundation, built on it with engineering innovation. Then, before you know, you have a country that is emerging out of poverty.
So essentially, my quest to become, first the flag bearer of the NPP and then to become the president of Ghana is for us to do what we have never done, for us to directly look at poverty and say, what kind of education system should we create that will enable us to become innovators, critical thinkers, collaborators, effective communicators, what is called the four CS, so that we can begin to tackle our issues around it through a different prism. We need to be able to look at age-old problems with a new set of eyes and devise solutions that we’ve never seen before.”
Watch the video below:
NPP 2028 Presidential Hopeful Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum recounts escaping death in the line of duty for his party.#JoyNewspic.twitter.com/FBqCqR1uxG
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners commonly known as galamseyers.
The land minister revealed President John Mahama’s focus is clear as he wants to take direct control of every river body.
According to the lands minister, there will be a clear occupation by security agencies on all Ghana’s river bodies.
Armah-Kofi Buah warned galamseyers violating and destroying water bodies to stop, as the government is determined to turn the water blue again.
Speaking during an anti-galamsey operation with officers of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) at Ankobra River from Wiawso Armah-Kofi Buah stated, “We are sending a warning to anybody who has been violating our laws and destroying our water bodies. We are determined to turn them blue again.
“This order has already been given — stay out, or you do so at your own peril,”
“We are moving to another major phase of our fight against illegal mining. There is no law in Ghana that allows anybody to mine in any river body,” he said. “Yet, our major rivers that are key to our survival are being destroyed.”
“In the coming months, you will see a new shift. President Mahama’s focus is clear — we are going to take direct control of every river body. There will be a clear occupation by our security forces on all the major rivers,” he said.
Additionally, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, has revealed that the John Mahama-led government will intensify their fight against galamsey.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the military will be stationed permanently in 44 galamsey areas.
The minister highlighted that, unlike in the past administration, where security forces would conduct short-term operations before withdrawing, the military will be stationed permanently in the galamsey areas.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence”.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have a permanent military presence”.
He added, “All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence”.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has admitted that the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress government can do better in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
Ablakwa highlighted that Ghana is on a suicidal path if the country does not win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He, however, expressed confidence in President Mahama’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace, adding that he believes the government will succeed.
According to Ablakwa, he still stands by all the pronouncements he made in past about illegal mining.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, September 17, Ablakwa stated, “Let me be honest with you, on galamsey, I believe that we can do better. And all the propositions I made in the past, I stand by them. We’re on a suicidal path if we don’t stop this. We must take this up and win this war,” he said.
Also, Dr Ken Ashigbey, the Convener of the Coalition Against Galamsey, has confidently told President John Dramani Mahama to sack all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in areas where illegal mining (galamsey) is prevalent.
According to Dr Ken Ashigbey, the galamsey fight requires urgent action as it is not progressing the way it should be.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr Ashigbey stated, “We believe it is not only us talking about it, but churches are also speaking about it. We all have to come on board to work on it.
But if galamsey is still ongoing in areas like Tarkwa, Obuasi, Prestea, then the DCEs and MCEs there must be sacked,” he insisted.
He added, “After sacking them, the government can investigate further to find out if they are part of the activities. If they are, then deal with them, because clearly, they are not helping matters”.
Dr Ken Ashigbey, in a separate interview, quizzed what the national security is not telling President John Mahama about galamsey.
According to Dr Ken Ashigbey, the Mahama himself said that galamsey has become a national emergency, but State institutions have not followed through with decisive measures.
He added that there are conditions for declaring a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Dr. Ashigbey stated, “We know the president, and that he is not a person who will implement a law in its draconian nature. So, we believe that under a state of emergency, we can be specific in the way we apply it and what it is that we do”.
“Currently, if we take all our water bodies, there is no fishing going on in them. But the ‘chamfans’ are still on them. There are many places where people have blocked portions of rivers and are mining illegally. You can declare a state of emergency in those areas,” he explained.
“The president said they have reclaimed about nine. Their grading used to be red and now some have improved to amber. But people are still destroying them. You can declare a state of emergency in those as well so that no excavator moves into those communities,” he added.
Dr Ken Ashigbey cited that Article 39 of the Constitution provides clear grounds for a national emergency as the destruction of galamsey meets the criteria.
“The president has said it himself that it is a national emergency, and it is because the ingredients that constitute a national emergency in Article 39 are all clearly shown. So, I don’t know what the national security is not telling the president,” he lamented.
According to Asiedu Nketia, the NDC didn’t pull out of the Akwatia by-election because we wanted to expose the Electoral Commission and the NPP.
Asideu Nketia alleged that the Electoral Commission and the NPP rigged the 2024 elections in Akwatia for the NPP candidate, the late Ernest Kumi.
The NDC Chairman is quoted by GHOne TV to have said, “NDC didn’t pull out from the Akwatia by-election because we wanted to expose the Electoral Commission and NPP for rigging the 2024 elections in favour of the NPP candidate”.
The late Ernest Kumi secured the Akwatia seat for the NPP in a closely contested election marked by allegations of vote buying and irregularities at some polling stations, with his victory ending up in court.
The lawmaker’s death came just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.
Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the minority leader called the National Democratic Congress (NDC) shameless for contesting in the Akwatia by-election.
The minority leader confidently stated that the NDC as a party has no shame; if they did, they would not contest the Akwatia by-election after the NPP decided not to contest the Tamale Central by-election because of the tragic demise of the MP in a helicopter crash.
Afenyo-Markin urged NPP supporters not to be intimidated and to stand firm, even if their opponents come with guns during the by-election.
Speaking at the 40-day observation of the late Akwatia Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, Afenyo-Markin stated, “If the NDC brings guns, face them squarely with confidence and prayers.”
“Do not let anyone instil fear in you. The things going on in parliament are painful. Go out in your numbers and vote.
The NDC has no shame as a party. If the NDC had shame when we (NPP) decided not to contest the Tamale Central by-election, they should have done the same at Akwatia”, he added.
Meanwhile, Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was confirmed the winner of the Akwatia by-election by the Electoral Commission.
The NDC candidate delivered a crucial victory for the Mahama-led government in a tight, contested election.
The Electoral Commission’s certified results, the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo secured 18,199 votes of the total valid votes cast, with the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu garnering 15,235 votes.
The Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Owusu Patrick, trailed far behind with 82 votes.
In all, 33,819 total ballots were cast, while 303 were rejected.
Additionally, Mussa Dankwa, the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, has revealed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), before the Akwatia by-election, reached out for their data on Akwatia.
According to Mussa Dankwa, the NDC used their data to flip 5 areas in Akwatia where the NPP was leading.
Speaking to Kafui Day in an exclusive interview shared on social media, Mussa Dankwa detailed, “NDC did in the last before the election, they wanted to see the entire election by electoral area, which areas they have lost. This is when we did the last poll, which came on Friday. Somebody reached out to me on Saturday because we had published only ten electoral areas, and they wanted the entire thing.
We gave it to them free of charge; we didn’t charge them because that was just public data we wanted to share”.
He added, “So they knew where the NPP was leading, and where they were leading and even places where people were undecided. NDC came for the date and went to the areas where they were undecided. NPP was leading with 12, NDC was leading in 9 in the final poll.
Mussa Dankwa further revealed that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s visit to Kusi did not help the NPP, as they were already losing the area.
“When the election was done, the NDC had gone to flip 5 of the 12 that the NPP was holding, using the data. Remember, Bawumia went to Kusi, which was an NPP area, but his visit didn’t help; they lost Kusi”, he added.
Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, has tackled former Kumbungu MP, Ras Mubarak, following his criticism of the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
Ras Mubarak bluntly told the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, not to hide behind his Thank you tour” to advance your premature presidential ambitions.
The former lawmaker highlighted that Asiedu Nketia is setting a dangerous precedent with his Thank You Tour across the country.
According to Ras Mubarak, never in the NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an election victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour”.
He emphasised that, thank you, tours are led by Presidential or Parliamentary candidates.
Ras Mubarak, in a post, wrote, “Thank you, tours are led by candidates (Presidential or Parliamentary candidates if it’s a constituency tour) who lead a party into an election in partnership with party executives.
Never throughout NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an NDC victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour” aside what the flag bearer in collaboration with the party has done or is doing”.
Ras Mubarak also accused Asiedu Nketia of creating an unnecessary distraction to the ruling NDC government.
“This is a dangerous precedent and an unnecessary distraction to the government. Nobody must be allowed to hide under a “Thank You Tour” to advance their premature presidential ambitions. It’s intolerable, and the Chairman must be bluntly told”, Ras Mubarak added.
Ras Mubarak’s remarks come after Asiedu Nketia officially announced an appreciation exercise to acknowledge the contributions of party executives and grassroots for their role in the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s three-day tour, scheduled for September 17 to 19, 2025, will cover 16 constituencies in the Eastern Region.
NDC officials claim the planned thank-you tour is strictly meant to celebrate and encourage the NDC’s base for their efforts; however, some Ghanaians are not convinced.
However, taking to social media on September 17, 2025, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo stated, “Dear Comrade Ras Mubarak, I come in peace. If indeed the Chairman is acting wrongly, why not petition the General Secretary to suspend him? You and I know that the NDC is a democratic party, unless you think otherwise, my brother.
Why was there no complaint when the Chairman formed his campaign team and toured the country? Since when has a thank-you tour become a cardinal sin in our party?”
“What is wrong if the National Chairman and his team return to the same people they went to for votes, simply to express gratitude? Similarly, when Hon. Joseph Yamin and Mustapha Gbande recently embarked on regional tours to thank constituency executives, no objections were raised”.
The NDC MP added, “As a true party person, you should know that the party’s work does not cease simply because our government is in power. No one has declared an intention to contest any election. It is far too early for such divisions. Let us not start what could divide us”.
He also cited an example using his constituency, “In Hohoe, for instance, after my own thank you tour as MP, my Chairman and the Council of Elders will also visit branch executives to thank them and take stock of developments at the grassroots. From my experience as a former Regional Youth Organiser, I know that leadership must always find new ways of keeping the party vibrant and alive.
President John Dramani Mahama is our leader; let us all support him to succeed. Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia is our National Chairman; let us also support him to keep the party strong and active. The party must be allowed to function while the government delivers”, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo post added.
Kwesi Pratt Jr, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, has quizzed why the former vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, is apologising to Ghanaians.
Mr Pratt recounted that before the election, the NPP were telling Ghanaians their government had performed better than any other government, even better than that of Kwame Nkrumah, so why is Dr Bawumia apologising?
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana, Kwesi Pratt stated, “Watch the scenario, the horrible performance in an election, and everyone agrees, there is no dispute about that at all.
You just heard the clip of the presidential candidate himself; the results were very bad; it was horrible. It appears to be going down and down; you need to do something extraordinary to jack up public confidence in the party”.
The Veteran Journalist added, “What is he apologising for? Do you have any idea? He hasn’t told us anything about why he is apologising, that is number one. Number two, just two, three months ago, he was saying he lost because he was a first timer and that in Ghana it is normal for first timers to lose.
Before then, the claim was that, even your Kwame Nkrumah could not better us, we have done so; what is the true position? I don’t know. If it was the best-performing government in our history, why the apology? Even your Kwame Nkrumah doesn’t come anywhere near then, why the apology? “
“This party need to have people who are sombre, who are reflective, who can imagine and who can design a better future for the party”, Kwesi Pratt noted.
Kwesi Pratt’s remarks come on the heels of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia rendering an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the way they led and governed the country.
The former vice president was speaking to some party faithful in the Ashanti Region as part of his regional tour of uniting and re-energising the base of the party.
Dr Bawumia, who did not exempt himself from the mistakes of the previous government, pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of all those who were part of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led government.
“After the 2024 elections, we have done our research. We know the NPP government and the party made a lot of mistakes in governance. There were things we needed to do which we didn’t, and others we did that, if we had had the benefit of background, we would not have done them,” he said.
He stressed that the blame was not his alone but a collective responsibility of the party’s leadership. “We are all to be blamed – Vice President, Ministers, MPs, Board Chairmen, appointees. We have all made mistakes, and please forgive us. We’re sorry. We have learned our lessons,” he added.
Dr Bawumia assured delegates that, if given the mandate as flagbearer and subsequently elected President, he would ensure that the past would not be repeated.
“If, by the grace of God, you make me the flagbearer and I become the President, these will not happen again. They will not happen again,” he pledged.
Meanwhile, a Ghanaian man in a viral video has said that the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must apologise to Ghanaians, not Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The man asserted that Dr Bawumia has begged Ghanaians, but they are not going to accept his apology, as the Ghanaian people need Akufo-Addo’s apology.
According to the man, Akufo-Addo promised the Ghanaians after taking e-levy that he was not going to the IMF, but ended up at the IMF.
He also cited the Domestic Dept Exchange Programme (DDEP) haircuts under Akufo-Addo and the $97 million spent on the National Cathedral hole.
The unidentified man also blamed Akufo-Addo for changing Ghana’s laws, which prohibited mining in forest reserves, as the cause of the galamsey menace in the country.
Speaking in a viral video, the man stated, “The former vice president, Dr Bawumia, has begged Ghanaians, but we are not going to accept his apology. We need the former president, Akufo-Addo himself, who was the one who told us that when Ghanaians pay e-levy, they were not going to the IMF.
However, he collected the e-levy and still took Ghana to the IMF, and he also changed the laws to mine in forest reserves, which has destroyed our water bodies and lands. After doing all that, he also gave us a haircut, with many Ghanaians dying as a result of the haircut”.
He further added, “He also used our money, of over $100 million, to dig a hole claiming he was building a Cathedral. When Ghanaians told him to change the finance minister, Akufo-Addo hit his chest and boldly backed him, so when he does hit his chest and begs Ghanaians, then the NPP should forget about coming back to power because Ghanaians are angry”.
Ras Mubarak, a former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, has bluntly told the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, not to hide behind his Thank you tour” to advance your premature presidential ambitions.
The former lawmaker highlighted that Asiedu Nketia is setting a dangerous precedent with his Thank You Tour across the country.
According to Ras Mubarak, never in the NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an election victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour”.
He emphasised that, thank you, tours are led by Presidential or Parliamentary candidates.
Ras Mubarak, in a post, wrote, “Thank you, tours are led by candidates (Presidential or Parliamentary candidates if it’s a constituency tour) who lead a party into an election in partnership with party executives.
Never throughout NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an NDC victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour” aside what the flag bearer in collaboration with the party has done or is doing”.
Ras Mubarak also accused Asiedu Nketia of creating an unnecessary distraction to the ruling NDC government.
“This is a dangerous precedent and an unnecessary distraction to the government. Nobody must be allowed to hide under a “Thank You Tour” to advance their premature presidential ambitions. It’s intolerable, and the Chairman must be bluntly told”, Ras Mubarak added.
Ras Mubarak’s remarks come after Asiedu Nketia officially announced an appreciation exercise to acknowledge the contributions of party executives and grassroots for their role in the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s three-day tour, scheduled for September 17 to 19, 2025, will cover 16 constituencies in the Eastern Region.
NDC officials claim the planned thank-you tour is strictly meant to celebrate and encourage the NDC’s base for their efforts; however, some Ghanaians are not convinced.
Also, a netizen on social media has fired shots at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for subtly focusing on who takes over from President John Mahama after he exits office in 2028.
The netizen on the social media page X highlighted that the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, is thanking voters while the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, is walking.
He noted that the NDC’s flagship program, the 24-hour economy, is nowhere to be found, and the galamsey menace is getting worse.
The netizen further labelled the NDC as a Qnet Party, accusing them of only focusing on the next election.
In a post on X, the netizen wrote, “Eiii, these People are they serious Aseidu Nketiah is thanking. Julius is walking. But 24 24-hour economy is nowhere to be found.
Galamsey is worse than ever. Qnet Party, all they think is elections”, he wrote.
Some Ghanaians have claimed that Asiedu Nketia and Julius Debrah’s thank-you tour and walks are a subtle attempt to position themselves for a possible presidential bid.
Meanwhile, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has reiterated that whoever succeeds President John Dramani Mahama as NDC flagbearer will ride on the achievements of the current government.
Asiedu Nketia called for calm and urged persons interested in contesting for the NDC flagbearer to be very careful about the way they express their ambitions.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, Asiedu Nketia detailed, “The party has not declared anything,” he noted. “I keep repeating my caution that we have to be very careful about the way we express our ambitions. Whoever succeeds President Mahama will ride on the achievements of the current government.”
He added, “If you conduct yourself in ways that will disrupt the activities of this government in ways that will make the government less successful, then you have a bigger problem,” he said. “President Mahama is only about eight months in office now, and you want to struggle to decide who will replace him—you know what it can cause.”
“If all of us decide today that, ‘Well, people say I can be president, so let me start organising,’ then everybody will be going across the country appointing campaign coordinators. How do you think that President Mahama can focus on achieving anything?”
Founder and CEO of IMPC, a leading technology training and solutions giant in West Africa, Mr. Amardeep Singh Hari, was arrested by the National Security of Ghana sometime in April 2025.
The respected Indian businessman, who also serves as a shareholder and Board Chairman of Goldcrest — the second-largest gold refinery in Africa — was arrested at the request of his business partner and son, who, as has since emerged, are now wanted fugitives for various crimes including money laundering and identity fraud.
This information is contained in a petition dated September 4, 2025, signed by Mr. Amardeep Singh Hari and submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service, seeking their arrest and prosecution.
Mr. Amardeep Singh Hari, who was released shortly after his arrest, stated that Ms. Handa and her son, Punar Vasu Handa, falsified records of Goldcrest, including board resolutions and board documents, to incorporate companies abroad. Ms. Handa, in particular, he added, misrepresented to Austrian authorities that Goldcrest had resolved to incorporate a new legal entity named Goldcrest Trading GmbH, headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
With the help of other employees of the firm, the two allegedly misappropriated USD 7,660,000 plus €2,499,671.82 belonging to the company.
According to the petition, USD 1,550,000 was transferred from the company’s accounts with ABSA Bank (No. 0641580554) and Republic Bank (No. 0040181301102) into an account belonging to Trassaco Estates Development Company Limited for the acquisition of a property within the estate by Ms. Niharika Handa and Mr. Punar Vasu Handa. Evidence of the transfer and the offer for the sale of the property was also provided.
It is further alleged that Niharika Handa obtained Ghanaian citizenship without meeting key immigration requirements and may also have engaged in identity fraud not only in Ghana but also in several other countries.
This follows earlier concerns raised by investigators about how Ms. Handa and her son, Vasu Handa, obtained Ghanaian citizenship and passports after residing in the country for fewer years than the mandatory requirement, as well as why the birth year listed in her Ghanaian passport (September 14, 1965) differs from that in her Indian passport (September 14, 1961).
Read the full petition below
4 SEPTEMBER 2025
THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT
GHANA POLICE SERVICE
ACCRA
ATTN: COP LYDIA YAAKO DONKOR
Dear Madam,
PETITION TO INVESTIGATE CONCEALMENT OF IDENTITY AS AFUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE, FRAUDULENT ACQUISITION OF GHANAIANCITIZENSHIP, FALSIFICATION OF ACCOUNTS, MISSAPROPRIATIONOF COMPANY VEHICLES, STEALING OF COMPANY MONIES, ANDMONEY LAUNDERING AGAINST MS. NIHARIKA HANDA, MR. PUNARVASU HANDA AND MR. PULKIT ARORA
A. The Petitioner:
1. I am Amardeep Singh Hari. I am an Indian National living at Adjiringanor-Accra. I am a Business Executive. I have lived, conducted business and invested in Ghana for over thirty (30) years. I am also a philanthropist.
2. I am a Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of IPMC Ghana Limited-a leading IT Solutions Company headquartered in Accra. I am also a Founding Shareholder (with 50% shares) and Chairman of the Board of Goldcrest Refinery Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Goldcrest”), a limited liability Company, duly incorporated and licensed under the Laws of the Republic of Ghana and engaged in the business of trading and refinery of gold. (Please see Annexure
1). Currently, I am the acting CEO of Goldcrest.
3. I bring this petition in my tripartite capacity as 50% Shareholder of Goldcrest, Chairman of the Board of Goldcrest and acting CEO of Goldcrest.
B. The Suspects
4. Ms. Niharika Handa is the mother of Mr. Punar Vasu Handa. Ms Niharika is a 50% shareholder of Goldcrest. Ms. Handa’s son, Mr. Punar Vasu Handa was nominated by the Board of Goldcrest to be in charge of the operations and administration of the Company as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
15. Mr. Pulkit Arora is the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Goldcrest. He has, since April 09, 2024 ceased to be an employee of the company having voluntarily resigned from the company. (See Annexure “2”-Evidence of the resignation).
6. Ms Niharika Handa and Mr. Punar Vasu Handa though originally of Indian Nationality have, in furtherance of their common criminal enterprise acquired Ghanaian citizenship. (See Annexure “3 series”– copies of their Ghanaian Passports and photographs).
7. Mr. Pulkit Arora is an Indian National. (See Annexure “4 series” –his Indian Passport and Photograph).
8. The three suspects, Ms. Niharika Handa, Mr. Punar Vasu Handa and Mr. Pulkit Arora agreed to work together, and did work together with a common purpose to steal monies and properties belonging to Goldcrest and/or launder the monies within and out of the jurisdiction of Ghana
9. Ms. Niharika Handa is also, a fugitive from justice in India. Fourteen (14) nonbailable arrest warrants have been issued against her. She has also, fraudulently acquired a Ghanaian Citizenship and has concealed her identity from law enforcement authorities.
10. It is believed, that Ms. Niharika Handa and Mr.Punar Vasu Handa are currently hiding in London, United Kingdom, UAE, Austria, Ghana or some of the Shengen States whiles Mr. Pulkit Arora is believed to be currently in India, London, Ghana or Nigeria.
11. To the best of my knowledge, Ms. Niharika Handa and Mr. Punar Vasu Handa have since March 2025 been out of the jurisdiction of Ghana and have refused to return to Ghana, having been demanded by my goodself to come and account for their operations with the company.
12. It is important to add, that, the suspects in most of their criminal dealings conspired with other former employees of Goldcrest being: Lakhwinder Singh, Martin Amevor, Ashok Kumar Dobbal (hereinafter referred to as the four ex- employees)
C. The Allegations against Ms. Niharika Handa and/or Mr. PunarVasu Handa
2(i) Fugitive from Justice
13. The New Delhi District Court in India has issued fourteen (14) non-bailable arrest warrants against Ms. Handa having allegedly committed criminal offences and supposed to stand trial under Section 82 of the Indian Criminal ProcedureCode in Criminal Revision No. 198/21 in the case of Niharika Handa vs Statebefore the New Delhi District Court. (Please see Annexure 5-evidence of this fact).
14. However, she managed to flee India to Ghana. The arrest warrants remain pending to date.
(ii) Fraudulent Acquisition of Ghanaian Citizenship
15. I am legally advised, and I believe same to be true, that under Ghanaian law, an applicant for Ghanaian Citizenship (naturalization) should meet certain mandatory conditions including that:
a. He has resided in Ghana throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application.
b. During the seven (7) years immediately preceding the period of twelve months, he has resided in Ghana for periods amounting in aggregate to not less than five (5) years.
c. He has not been involved in fraudulent or illegal transactions to which he or she is being wanted by Ghanaian or other countries amongst others.
d. He makes full disclosure of his particulars especially regarding his identity (actual name, date of birth, place of residence, nationality etc) and not conceal any fact, which to his knowledge, upon disclosure can disqualify him.
16. At the time of her application for citizenship, Ms. Handa had not lived in Ghana throughout for a period of twelve (12) months. Again, she had never lived in Ghana for an aggregate period of seven (7) years immediately preceding the twelve months required (of which she did not even meet). Yet, she concealedand/or misrepresented these mandatory statutory conditions from government officials. Moreso, Ms. Handa never disclosed the fact of her criminal records and being on the wanted list of the Indian Authorities prior to applying and even upon acquisition of the Ghanaian Citizenship.
317. Further, the date of birth of Ms. Handa is 14 September 1961. (Please See Annexure 6-her Indian Passport). Yet, she procured her passport with, and misrepresented, that her date of birth is actually 14 September 1965 (please see Annexure “7”-the Ghanaian passport).
18. Indeed, the principal reason for her fraudulent acquisition of the Ghanaian Citizenship was to change her identity and seek solace in Ghana from the Indian Law Enforcement Agencies.
19. With her new status and identity, Ms. Handa has secured visas, travelled to and resided freely in the United Kingdom, UAE and other Schengen states.
(iii) Falsification of Accounts and Forgery of Corporate Documents
20. Ms. Handa and her son Punar Vasu Handa falsified records of Goldcrest, board resolutions and board documents to incorporate companies abroad. Ms. Handa in particular misrepresented to Austrian authorities, that Goldcrest had resolved to incorporate a new legal entity with the name GOLD CREST TRADINGGmbH and to be headquartered in Vienna, Austria. She further misrepresented to the Austrian Authorities, that Goldcrest had resolved, that she be the only shareholder of the new entity. (Please see Annexure “8”) evidence of her fraudulently procured resolution.
21. Based on these fraudulent arrangements, Ms Handa, using her falsified date ofbirth, and Mr. Punar Vasu Handa were successful in incorporating the company. (Please see Annexure “9”) the Austrian incorporation Documents.
22. I state that, the Board of Goldcrest never at any point in time, met or had any meeting or agreement anywhere to incorporate another company affiliated to Goldcrest in Austria.
23. It has now dawned on me, that the Austrian Company, was a conduit to launder monies belonging to Goldcrest.
24. In furtherance of their criminal enterprise, Ms. Niharika Handa, using herfalsified date of birth, and Mr. Vasu Handa have incorporated several companies in the United Kingdom. (Please see Annexure “10 series”).
25. In order to further conceal her identity, Ms. Niharika Handa included a further addition to her name “Ajay” as part of incorporation documents in the United Kingdom. It is important to point out that, Mr. Ajay Kumar Handa is the former husband of Ms. Niharika Handa. They divorced several years ago, yet, Ms. Niharika Handa has found it convenient, yet, rather fraudulent to include the ex-husband’s name in her documentations in the United Kingdom to further conceal her true identity and to evade KYC checks. (Please see Annexures “11series”) evidence of these.
D. The allegations against all three suspects-Ms. Niharika Handa, Mr. VasuHanda and Mr. Pulkit Arora
(i) Stealing and laundering of company monies.
26. At all material times, until their respective exit from Ghana, Mr. Punar Vasu Handa was the principal operations person of the Company, under the directions mainly of his mother, Ms. Niharika Handa. Mr. Pulkit Arora was also in charge of the financial accounts of the Company as well as withdrawals of cash from the banks, buying of gold etc (Please see Annexures “11-B”).
27. I however began suspecting the operations of the company and demanded an auditing, yet the three (3) of them were not forthcoming. My enquiries revealed that they (including the four ex-employees) were withdrawing large amounts of monies from the banks and pocketing them or using them for other activitiesunknown to me. Especially considering that we are a gold trading company, this became of serious concern to me.
28. Following an internal audit of Goldcrest, it was revealed, that the three suspects had misappropriated an amount of Seven Million, Six Hundred and SixtyThousand United States Dollars (USD$7,660,000) plus 2,499,671.82 Euros all belonging to the company. (Please see Annexure “12”-Evidence of theaudit).
29. Most of these funds were withdrawn in cash or transferred from the Company’s accounts (without any Board approval) into several personal accounts bearing the name of the suspects. (Please see Annexure “13” -a list of about 26 bankaccounts connected to the suspects). 30. Infact, One Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars (USD$1,550,000.00) was transferred from the company’s account withABSABank – No. 0641580554 and Republic Bank – 0040181301102] into an account belonging to Trassaco Estates Development Company Limited towards the acquisition of a property within the estate by Ms. Niharika Handa and Mr.Punar Vasu Handa. (please see Annexure “14 series”) evidence of the transfer and the offer for the sale of the property.
31. Again, an amount of USD324,233.00 out of the total amount stolen was transferred by the suspects towards satisfying a personal debt owed by Mr. Vasu Handa from the company’s accounts without any approval from the Board. (Please see Annexure “15”).
32. Additionally, monies belonging to Goldcrest was utilised in incorporating the Austrian Company as well as various transfers from Goldcrest Bank accounts in Ghana into the Austrian Bank Account being Oberbank with IBAN: AT531500004601047105 and Account No. 4601-047105. (Further evidence of the transfers are Annexure “16”)
(ii) Misappropriation of Company Vehicles and Motorcycles
33. The company acquired several vehicles and motorcycles for its operations. (Please see Annexure “17”–a list of the vehicles and motorcycles). None of these vehicles or motorcycles (numbering about 17) is available at the offices of the company. It is believed, that most of these vehicles and motorcycles are hidden at the last known residence of Ms. Niharka Handa and Mr. Vasu Handa being No. 266, Trassaco Valley, Phase 2-Accra.
34. These vehicle have been unlawfully taken without the consent of the company by the suspects together with the four(4) ex-employees.
35. It is further believed, that some of these vehicles and motor cycles have also been unlawfully sold and the proceeds repatriated outside the jurisdiction of the country and / or transferred or deposited into the personal accounts of the suspects as per Annexure 13 above.
(iii) Misrepresentation to and Abuse of Law Enforcement Agencies
36. When as Chairman of the Board, these matters came to my attention, I made various demands on the suspects to account for their stewardship and operations in the company. They kept on dilly-dallying with me. In a very surprise turn of events, they rather, submitted a petition (falsely alleging same to be emanating from the company) and claimed, that a certain amount of gold that was non-existent was stolen by me and my nephew, when as per the company’s audited accounts of March 31, 2024, the gold in stock was zero.
37. They consequently deceived officers of National Security to launch an investigation and caused my arrest. (See annexure “18 series” evidence of these).
38. I find it quite troubling and worrying, that the very people who are involved in these criminal enterprise were able to ‘swindle’ the state’s security agencies to hide their nefarious activities.
F. Reliefs Sought :
39. By this petition, I respectfully request your high office to launch an investigation into this criminal enterprise, and in particular, but where you find appropriate :
a. Cause an arrest of the suspects (including their various accomplices) and prosecute them but based on due process.
b. Immediately sanction the revocation of the passports fraudulently acquired by any of them.
c. Deport Ms. Niharika Handa to India to face her criminal charges.
d. Recover all the proceeds of the crimes committed.
e. And do any such activity which will safeguard, and protect the security of the state, including its investors such as myself and the company Goldcrest Refinery Limited.
40. I trust in your processes and I respectfully request your urgent intervention.
41. Please, do not hesitate to revert to me for any further information and/or evidence.
A Ghanaian man has tackled President John Dramani Mahama after he agreed to accept people deported from the US as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
President John Mahama, speaking to the media some weeks ago, revealed that some 14 US deportees arrived in Ghana, with several of them being Nigerians and a Gambian.
He cited the regional bloc Ecowas’s free movement protocol that allows citizens of member states to enter other West African countries without a visa for up to 90 days.
John Mahama further revealed that Ghana had already facilitated the return of the Nigerians to their country, while the Gambian was still being assisted to get back home.
He stated, “We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US. And we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable”.
“All our fellow West African nationals don’t need visas to come to our country”, John Mahama added.
However, reacting to the news, the young man noted that 48,000 of President Mahama’s tribesmen fled Ghana seeking refuge, but he is rather concerned about bringing in deportees.
Speaking on Property TV, the man stated, “When I heard this, I was not surprised, because in 2015, President Mahama had a relationship with deportees. We were in this country when two people from Guantanamo Bay were sneaked into the country, and we had to speak against it, with the case ending up in court.
We are in our own country, we cannot even solve our own problems, why do you go and take deportees who are not even Ghanaians, Nigerians and Gambians? Let’s put the laws aside”.
He added, “As president, in his own backyard, about 48,000 of his people have been displaced to another country in Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina, but you are not speaking about that. A different country is even looking after them, but some say he is deporting people you have gone for them”.
He further cited that the laws of Ghana are clear that President Mahama needs parliament approval before accepting deportees.
“Coming to laws, our constituency is very clear, such things should pass through parliament for ratification and transparency.
President Mahama did the same in 2016, and parliament spoke about it, so why will you repeat the same again? Your own people, just in your country, have turned refugees in another country, but you want to take another refugee from another country into your country when they are not even Ghanaians”, the young man added.
It will be recalled that Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, the Minister for Interior, revealed that 13,253 Ghanaians have crossed into neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire following clashes over land at Gbiniyiri in the Savannah Region.
Speaking in a radio interview with Joy FM, he stated, “The exact number confirmed by the authorities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire is 13,253, who have been displaced, and they are there”.
However, NADMO had earlier claimed that they estimated that more than 48,000 people, mainly women and children, were affected.
Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka added, “This morning, the delegation of the Gonjaland leadership with the peace council [is meeting] the Yagbonwura. And I’m very optimistic with the way we are working. Hopefully by tomorrow or at least by Monday, we are setting up a committee to investigate all this and then come out with a report on how best we can avoid this from recurring”.
“Many of them left their farms to the areas where they find themselves now. Their animals, their food, their farms and all those are left unattended. And if we don’t resolve this quickly, we are going to lead to a lot of food insecurity in that area,” he cautioned.
However, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the Cabinet approved Ghana’s participation in a third-country deportation arrangement with the United States.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, Mr. Ablakwa stated, “Let me emphasise that under this understanding with the United States, Ghana must first independently vet the background of those the U.S. intends to deport, to satisfy ourselves that they do not pose any threat to the security of our country and that they cannot harm our citizens”.
“The Mahama administration would never compromise the safety and well-being of Ghanaians”, he added.
He further clarified, “By established convention, MoUs are not sent to Parliament for ratification. I have inherited hundreds of MoUs from the previous administration, which were not sent to Parliament for ratification. May I assure the nation that if this initial understanding is elevated into a full-blown agreement, we shall not hesitate to comply with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution by proceeding to Parliament for ratification”.
Additionally, Ablakwa has revealed that an additional 40 West African deportees from the United States will be arriving in Ghana in the coming days.
Speaking on Channel One TV, he stated, “I can reveal to you that we’re expecting another 40 in the next few days. We vet them before they come”.
“We didn’t agree to this because we agree with President Trump’s immigration policies. We’re not doing the US a favour. We’re doing our fellow Africans a favour; we’re offering them refuge, hope, and we want them to come back home and be comfortable.
“We solidarised with them when we saw those images, the arrests, the violation of their rights, and their being detained against their will.
“It’s as if nobody wants to take them. It was purely on a humanitarian basis; we did not take any financial benefits. We’re doing this because we want to continue to position Ghana as the Mecca for Africans,” he said.
Watch the video below:
Mahama is ready to accept deportees, yet under his watch, his own people fled and became refugees elsewhere. Leadership must first protect its citizens! pic.twitter.com/dJwmgOhV3q
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has disclosed that Ghana is expecting 40 West African deportees from the US to arrive in the coming days.
It will be recalled that President John Mahama, speaking to the media some weeks ago, revealed that some 14 US deportees arrived in Ghana, with several of them being Nigerians and a Gambian.
He cited the regional bloc Ecowas’s free movement protocol that allows citizens of member states to enter other West African countries without a visa for up to 90 days.
John Mahama further revealed that Ghana had already facilitated the return of the Nigerians to their country, while the Gambian was still being assisted.
He stated, “We were approached by the US to accept third-party nationals who were being removed from the US. And we agreed with them that West African nationals were acceptable”.
“The government of Ghana took the principled and humanitarian decision to accept the limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States under exceptional circumstances, in line with Ghana’s long-standing Pan-African ideals and unwavering commitment to regional solidarity,” President Mahama stated.
He added, “Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian principles and Pan-African solidarity to offer temporary refuge where needed, to prevent further human suffering, and to maintain our credibility as a responsible regional actor. Ghana’s decision must be understood as an act of Pan-African empathy. It is not transactional like Rwanda, Eswatini, Uganda, or South Sudan”.
Mahama, however, clarified that the arrangement should not be seen as an endorsement of President Donald Trump’s new U.S. immigration policies.
“Since the days of our forebears, Ghana has hosted freedom fighters, welcomed Africans in the diaspora, offered them safe haven, resources, citizenship, and even passports. That is why we are seen as the maker of Pan-Africanism. We shall not depart from that inspiring track record,” Mahama added.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Ablakwa revealed stated, “I can reveal to you that we’re expecting another 40 in the next few days. We vet them before they come”.
“We didn’t agree to this because we agree with President Trump’s immigration policies. We’re not doing the US a favour. We’re doing our fellow Africans a favour; we’re offering them refuge, hope, and we want them to come back home and be comfortable.
“We solidarised with them when we saw those images, the arrests, the violation of their rights, and their being detained against their will.
“It’s as if nobody wants to take them. It was purely on a humanitarian basis; we did not take any financial benefits. We’re doing this because we want to continue to position Ghana as the Mecca for Africans,” he said.
Also, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had earlier revealed that the Cabinet had approved Ghana’s participation in a third-country deportation arrangement with the United States.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, Mr. Ablakwa stated, “Let me emphasise that under this understanding with the United States, Ghana must first independently vet the background of those the U.S. intends to deport, to satisfy ourselves that they do not pose any threat to the security of our country and that they cannot harm our citizens”.
“The Mahama administration would never compromise the safety and well-being of Ghanaians”, he added.
He further clarified, “By established convention, MoUs are not sent to Parliament for ratification. I have inherited hundreds of MoUs from the previous administration, which were not sent to Parliament for ratification. May I assure the nation that if this initial understanding is elevated into a full-blown agreement, we shall not hesitate to comply with Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution by proceeding to Parliament for ratification”.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament had demanded the suspension of what it described as an unconstitutional deal.
A netizen on Facebook, identified as Eric Abavare, has fired shots at President John Mahama for ignoring the galamsey fight for economic gains.
Eric Abavare accused John Mahama of abandoning his social contract to Ghanaians to root out galamsey.
In a Facebook post on September 18, 2025, the netizen identified as Eric Abavare wrote, “Dear Ghanaian, do you know that Ghanaians are 100% the root cause of the problems in Ghana? The Kwaku Ananse’s trick stories you imbibed during childhood are ingrained in our subconscious minds to be evil and liars? That the presidential candidate of NDC promised a cause and then reneged after being voted for? If someone lied for your vote through Kwaku Ananse’s scheme, is he a con person?
The conman didn’t know gold was the one commodity holding Ghana’s economy before the election and promised to root out galamsey?. He just blatantly ignored his so-called social contract and justified the galamsey menace”.
He added, “Did the conman say, because of gold, Ghana must burn to keep the economy going?. Listen to his own words.
My question to him is, what would be the essence of the existence of an economy if Ghanaians don’t exist?. What would posterity live on?
This is the man who thinks Ghana will not exist after tomorrow and has no plans for the future of this country. If he has any plans for posterity, his utterances would be different”.
The netizen added, “Unfortunately, Major Maxwell Mahama died painfully, and the 8-Officials died needlessly. We never learned anything from their deaths. Their deaths never served any lesson”.
Also, a brother of the late President, Prof. John Evans Atta-Mills, Cadman Atta-Mills, has said illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is killing Ghanaians.
Cadman Atta Mills criticised the John Mahama-led NDC government over their poor handling of illegal mining.
According to Cadman Atta-Mills, he refuses to pay for the accolades the government is receiving for the cedi recovery at the expense of his health or life.
In a post on X, accompanied by a video of the galamsey menace, Cadman Mills wrote, “I refuse to pay for the accolades President Mahama and the NDC are receiving for the cedi’s recovery with my health or life.
Call it galamsey or ‘legal’ small-scale mining (when bankrolled by the politically connected). It is killing us. #StopGalamseyNow”, he added.
Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has said that Ghana’s gold could be blacklisted as blood gold.
Joe Jackson noted that if the world realises Ghana is not selling sustainable gold, the country could be blacklisted.
According to him, Goldbod, which was set up as a game changer, could fail if the Mahama government does not tackle illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, with the necessary urgency.
However, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, has revealed that the John Mahama-led government will intensify their fight against galamsey.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the military will be stationed permanently in 44 galamsey areas.
The minister highlighted that, unlike in the past administration, where security forces would conduct short-term operations before withdrawing, the military will be stationed permanently in the galamsey areas.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence”.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have a permanent military presence”.
He added, “All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence”.
Prof Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, has asked NPP members why they are blaming the party’s defeat on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, when the party could not maintain its 138 seats in parliament.
The lawmaker asserted that he does not understand why people blame the party’s defeat in the 2024 election on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He emphasised that it is irrational to blame the defeat solely on Bawumia, as the party had 138 parliamentarians across the 276 constituencies but could not maintain its seat in the 2024 general election.
According to him, if the NPP had won more seats or maintained their seat with Dr Bawumia losing, he would have sided with those accusing the former vice president of the party’s defeat.
Speaking during Dr Bawumia’s Ashanti Region tour, Prof Kingsley Nyarko stated, “I don’t really understand when I hear people blame the NPP 2024 loss on Dr Bawumia. What if we had won? What would those people say? Wouldn’t these same people be crediting themselves if the party had won? Were they not part of the campaign? Why blame it on Dr. Bawumia?”.
He further detailed, “Before the elections, we had 138 parliamentarians across the 276 constituencies in Ghana. If we had won more seats or maintained the 138 seats for Dr Bawumia to lose, then I would side with those blaming the defeat on him. Now the 138 has reduced to 87.
Why do you make such an argument that Dr. Bawumia is the cause of our defeat? It doesn’t make any sense to me. If the majority of MPs reduced to 88, now 87, for one man to gain almost 42 per cent, why do you blame him for the defeat? It doesn’t make sense”, Prof Nyarko explained.
Prof Nyarko further declared his support for Dr Bawumia’s flagbearer bid, “Dr. Bawumia, we are behind you. I, Kingsley Nyarko, I am by your side and I will support you till your leadership, and I know God will surely honour Dr Bawumia”.
“Dr Bawumia, we will not change him… he’ll be our flagbearer into the 2028 elections. Let’s support our party in good faith. It’s not normal to speak against our own party in a negative manner; anyone who does that is not a good party member”, he concluded, urging party members to unite behind Dr Bawumia.
Meanwhile, Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has rejected claims that the party’s electoral loss was due to his religion or ethnicity.
According to Bawumia, he told former president Akufo-Addo he would not run again if Prof Mike Ocquaye’s report attributed the party’s defeat to me.
Dr Bawumia stressed that if the report had held him responsible for the defeat, he would have prioritised the party’s interests over his personal ambitions.
Speaking to delegates at Abuakwa on Saturday, September 13, 2025, Dr. Bawumia detailed, “Before Ocquaye report came out, I had a meeting with Akufo-Addo and others. We were having a discussion about reasons on why we lost the 2024 election.
“I told Akufo-Addo that if the findings of the Ocquaye report indicate that because I’m a Muslim or because or I’m a Mamprusi-Kusasi, we lost the election, I will step down and not contest anymore. This is what I told Akufo-Addo. Because I will not choose my interest over the party’s interest. The party’s interest must always be ahead of me.
“I told Akufo-Addo that because of the party, I will sacrifice any ambition including the fact that if I contest, we will lose. But when the Ocquaye report, Ashanti report and Konrad Adenauer Foundation report came out, all of them pointed to the same conclusion – religion, tribe was not a factor in the 2024 election,” Dr. Bawumia added.
In a separate video, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said he cannot be blamed for the party’s poor performance in the Bawku zone in the 2024 elections.
The NPP during the 2024 election failed to secure a seat in any of the six constituencies.
Dr Bawumia argued that the NPP’s struggles in the Bawku enclave are historical,
He noted that the area has traditionally been a stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking to NPP party supporters at Effiduase in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, September 11, Dr Bawumia stated, “They claim we lost the 2024 elections because of the Mamprusi-Kusasi conflict. Those claims will not wash. They would have given me a knock-out if it’s true because I’m a Mamprusi. I was not even born when the conflict started”.
“Since 1965, there have been 11 elections in Ghana, in the Bawku zone, which has six constituencies. The NPP has won only two seats, being the highest. In most of the elections, we had zero seats in six of the 11 elections,” Bawumia explained.
Dr Bawumia further recalled, “In 2004, former president J. A. Kufuor won the election, but the NPP scored zero in the Bawku zone. In 2012, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was the flagbearer, but we had zero seats in the Bawku zone. We were not part of the conflict.
In 2024, we had zero seats in the Bawku enclave. If you look at the trajectory, was I the cause? I can’t be blamed for our poor performance in the Bawku zone, which is an NDC stronghold,” he emphasised.
A Nigerian man in a viral video has confidently claimed that Ghanaians cannot send Nigerians back home, as they rule the people of Ghana in their own country.
According to the man, Nigerians are the giants of Africa.
He boldly claimed that Ghanaians can only try, but they cannot send them back home.
Speaking in the viral video shared on X, the Nigerian man claimed, “We cannot let Ghanaians send us back to our homes, and we cannot let them insult us. If they want to try to send us back to our home, we are the ones ruling them; they cannot send us back to our country.
We are the ones ruling Ghanaians; they cannot have the veto power to send us back to our country. They can only try to make it so, but it is not possible”.
“As a Nigerian, I am a giant of Africa. I am not saying anything bad against them; they are my neighbours”, he aded.
Some Ghanaians have reacted to the video, saying, “But it’s a fact. A Nigerian has every right to live in Ghana and vice versa. Because of the ECOWAS thing. It would be impossible for any government to deport all Nigerians, but it must be on record these two nations are sovereign states and no one rules them but themselves”.
“Ghainans would learn the hard way, allowing these foreigners to feel free to think that they’re part of us and even better than we, the citizens.
Very soon, they’ll start dictating, and more of them are already controlling some lands. No hope for the kantry”, another added.
One more Ghanaian wrote, “We no go mind am, if there is no justification to send Nigerians back to their country, why should we do so, but if he strongly believes that we can’t send them back, then they should sack our people from their country and see if we will stand aloof..kasa by heart nkoaa”.
Meanwhile, there is a growing tension in Ghana as some groups of Ghanaians gathered at Accra’s Obra Spot to stage a protest demanding the immediate expulsion of Nigerians from the country.
They accused Nigerians of being behind a rise in crime and social vices.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages saying “Nigerians Must Go,” “End Kidnapping,” “End Prostitution,” “End Armed Robbery,” and “End Ritual Murders.”
Also, Ghanaian traders have claimed Nigerian traders are violating the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act 865 of 2013, which bars non-citizens from engaging in small-scale trading. Many Ghanaian traders argue that they are increasingly dominated by foreigners.
Additionally, Chief Albert Baylor Ashaolu, the president of the All Nigerian Community in Ghana, has urged Ghana and Nigeria to come together and find a lasting solution to the dispute.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show, he stated, “This matter has lingered for some time now, and it will not help the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana. Our governments, the higher leaders of the two countries, should look into this matter and find a lasting solution”.
“The same consideration given to foreigners from the West should not be applied to West Africans, especially Nigerians. You can walk from Nigeria into Ghana without borders stopping you. Our forefathers wanted integration, and they would be disappointed to see Africans treating each other this way”, he added.
He added, “Ghana and Nigeria cannot be compared with other countries. We are brothers through business, marriage, and history. We should be finding ways to strengthen this bond, not weaken it.”
Watch the video below:
A Nigerian man claims Ghana 🇬🇭 can’t deport Nigerians because they, Nigerians, “rule Ghana” 😂.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has admitted that the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress government can do better in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
Ablakwa highlighted that Ghana is on a suicidal path if the country does not win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He, however, expressed confidence in President Mahama’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace, adding that he believes the government will succeed.
According to Ablakwa, he still stands by all the pronouncements he made in past about illegal mining.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, September 17, Ablakwa stated, “Let me be honest with you, on galamsey, I believe that we can do better. And all the propositions I made in the past, I stand by them. We’re on a suicidal path if we don’t stop this. We must take this up and win this war,” he said.
Also, Dr Ken Ashigbey, the Convener of the Coalition Against Galamsey, has confidently told President John Dramani Mahama to sack all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in areas where illegal mining (galamsey) is prevalent.
According to Dr Ken Ashigbey, the galamsey fight requires urgent action as it is not progressing the way it should be.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr Ashigbey stated, “We believe it is not only us talking about it, but churches are also speaking about it. We all have to come on board to work on it.
But if galamsey is still ongoing in areas like Tarkwa, Obuasi, Prestea, then the DCEs and MCEs there must be sacked,” he insisted.
He added, “After sacking them, the government can investigate further to find out if they are part of the activities. If they are, then deal with them, because clearly, they are not helping matters”.
Dr. Ken Ashigbey, in a separate interview, quizzed what the national security is not telling President John Mahama about galamsey.
According to Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the Mahama himself said that galamsey has become a national emergency, but State institutions have not followed through with decisive measures.
He added that there are conditions for declaring a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Dr. Ashigbey stated, “We know the president, and that he is not a person who will implement a law in its draconian nature. So, we believe that under a state of emergency, we can be specific in the way we apply it and what it is that we do”.
“Currently, if we take all our water bodies, there is no fishing going on in them. But the ‘chamfans’ are still on them. There are many places where people have blocked portions of rivers and are mining illegally. You can declare a state of emergency in those areas,” he explained.
“The president said they have reclaimed about nine. Their grading used to be red and now some have improved to amber. But people are still destroying them. You can declare a state of emergency in those as well so that no excavator moves into those communities,” he added.
Dr Ken Ashigbey cited that Article 39 of the Constitution provides clear grounds for a national emergency as the destruction of galamsey meets the criteria.
“The president has said it himself that it is a national emergency, and it is because the ingredients that constitute a national emergency in Article 39 are all clearly shown. So, I don’t know what the national security is not telling the president,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, has revealed that the John Mahama-led government will intensify their fight against galamsey.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the military will be stationed permanently in 44 galamsey areas.
The minister highlighted that, unlike in the past administration, where security forces would conduct short-term operations before withdrawing, the military will be stationed permanently in the galamsey areas.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, September 16, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “All the 44 areas that are threatened by galamsey, there is going to be a permanent military presence”.
“In the past, they would go and flush out the characters engaged in galamsey and then leave, but now they will have a permanent military presence”.
He added, “All the rivers we have will have a permanent military presence”.
President John Dramani Mahama has said that the launch of the $10-billion ‘Big Push’ project will make the whole of Ghana a construction site.
John Mahama highlighted that GH¢30 billion had been allocated in next year’s budget to support the ‘Big Push’ infrastructure project.
Speaking at the sod cutting for the redevelopment works on the 117-kilometre stretch from Atimpoku in the Eastern Region to the Volta Region towns of Asikuma through Anyrawasi, Ho and Denu to Aflao, John Mahama stated, “The whole of Ghana is going to become a construction site.
“Today, we are delivering that bouncing baby, Big Push. The Volta Region has had some of the most neglected, abandoned roads in the country, and year in, year out, the chiefs have cried for repair and maintenance.”
He added, “The ‘Big Push’ is a concerted effort to bridge our infrastructure gap and propel Ghana towards sustainable development.
This is not just about asphalt and concrete; it is about building the foundations for a stronger economy, improved connectivity, and a better quality of life for all Ghanaians”.
President Mahama also revealed that priority has been given to Ghanaian construction companies.
He added, “We have given priority to Ghanaian contracting companies because we believe that Ghanaian companies can do as well as foreign companies.
“Once you have First Sky on the road, you can rest assured they will do a good job,” the President added.
Additionally, President John Dramani Mahama has said his government’s flagship Big Push infrastructure programme is for competent and well-resourced contractors, not wheelbarrow contractors.
According to John Mahama, some friends have approached him to secure contracts under the scheme, but he made it clear to them that the project was designed to accelerate large-scale national infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the official launch of the programme at Afienya in the Greater Accra region on Tuesday, September 16, John Mahama stated, “There are a few wheelbarrow contractors who have come to me saying, ‘Oh, I hear they are distributing projects under the Big Push.
I want one.’ I say, ‘My friend, this is not for wheelbarrow contractors.’ You are my friend, but I won’t give it to you because it is not meant for wheelbarrow contractors,” he stated.
President Mahama further added that every region in Ghana will benefit from his government’s flagship Big Push infrastructure programme.
The president explained that the project is designed to revolutionise Ghana’s road network and improve national connectivity.
According to him, the Big Push programme is aimed at opening economic opportunities, improving food distribution networks, and making travel between regions and districts easier.
John Mahama added, “From January 7, we have been designing road projects across the length and breadth of the country. The Big Push touches all 16 regions of the country. Every region is going to benefit from its share of the Big Push programme”.
“Our priority was to take roads that connect one regional capital to another. We believe that it should be easy for people to travel from one capital to another, for example, from Accra to Ho, or Accra to Cape Coast,” he explained.
He further revealed that the second priority is roads linking district capitals. “We have 261 districts in Ghana, and we believe that districts that are close should have good roads linking their district capitals to each other”.
President Mahama added that the third priority is road infrastructure in food-producing and industrial manufacturing areas.
“We selected all the major food-growing areas in the country, looked at the roads in those areas, and added them to the Big Push,” he added.
Also, Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Minister for Roads and Highways, has promised Ghanaians that the results of the newly launched Big Push road project will be there for everyone to see.
The road minister described the Big Push as a bold intervention that goes beyond politics.
According to Governs Kwame Agbodza, the former Akufo-Addo government left a 40 billion Ghana cedis in debt to contractors, yet, going round the 16 regions, it was difficult to see what the money was spent on.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Mr Agbodza stated, “Mr President, if you come to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, we owe probably 40 billion Ghana cedis in debt to contractors”.
“But when we went round the country, the 16 regions, it was difficult to see what the money was spent on.”
He added, “Despite all that, Mr President, you made a bold commitment to institute an intervention that will go down in history as the president that gave the biggest dose of intervention at a single time on our roads”.
“The Big Push is not a campaign promise; it is a bold intervention by your government.”
Mr Agbodza further assured, “When we say we can do this project within four months, we mean business. The people of Greater Accra and Ga-Dangbe, don’t be worried”.
“The contractor that is on this stretch, I believe, can do this project in less than 24 months.”
“We shall implement Big Push, and the results will be there for everyone to see,” he confidently added.
See the post below:
Apologies to Ghanaians, but with the Big Push launch, the whole country will become a construction site pic.twitter.com/1bYlUGBw71
Ras Mubarak, a former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, has bluntly told the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, that he is setting a dangerous precedent with his Thank You Tour across the country.
According to Ras Mubarak, never in the NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an election victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour”.
He emphasised that, thank you, tours are led by Presidential or Parliamentary candidates.
Ras Mubarak, in a post, wrote, “Thank you, tours are led by candidates (Presidential or Parliamentary candidates if it’s a constituency tour) who lead a party into an election in partnership with party executives.
Never throughout NDC’s history has a National Chairman after an NDC victory decided he is going on a “Thank You Tour” aside what the flag bearer in collaboration with the party has done or is doing”.
Ras Mubarak also accused Asiedu Nketia of creating an unnecessary distraction to the ruling NDC government.
He added that the National Chairman must not hide under a “Thank You Tour” to advance his premature presidential ambitions.
“This is a dangerous precedent and an unnecessary distraction to the government. Nobody must be allowed to hide under a “Thank You Tour” to advance their premature presidential ambitions. It’s intolerable, and the Chairman must be bluntly told”, Ras Mubarak added.
Ras Mubarak’s remarks come after Asiedu Nketia officially announced an appreciation exercise to acknowledge the contributions of party executives and grassroots for their role in the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s three-day tour, scheduled for September 17 to 19, 2025, will cover 16 constituencies in the Eastern Region.
NDC officials claim the planned thank-you tour is strictly meant to celebrate and encourage the NDC’s base for their efforts; however, some Ghanaians are not convinced.
Also, a netizen on social media has fired shots at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for subtly focusing on who takes over from President John Mahama after he exits office in 2028.
The netizen on the social media page X highlighted that the National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, is thanking voters while the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, is walking.
He noted that the NDC’s flagship program, the 24-hour economy, is nowhere to be found, and the galamsey menace is getting worse.
The netizen further labelled the NDC as a Qnet Party, accusing them of only focusing on the next election.
In a post on X, the netizen wrote, “Eiii, these People are they serious Aseidu Nketiah is thanking. Julius is walking. But 24 24-hour economy is nowhere to be found.
Galamsey is worse than ever. Qnet Party, all they think is elections”, he wrote.
Some Ghanaians have claimed that Asiedu Nketia and Julius Debrah’s thank-you tour and walks are a subtle attempt to position themselves for a possible presidential bid.
Meanwhile, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has reiterated that whoever succeeds President John Dramani Mahama as NDC flagbearer will ride on the achievements of the current government.
Asiedu Nketia called for calm and urged persons interested in contesting for the NDC flagbearer to be very careful about the way they express their ambitions.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 26, Asiedu Nketia detailed, “The party has not declared anything,” he noted. “I keep repeating my caution that we have to be very careful about the way we express our ambitions. Whoever succeeds President Mahama will ride on the achievements of the current government.”
He added, “If you conduct yourself in ways that will disrupt the activities of this government in ways that will make the government less successful, then you have a bigger problem,” he said. “President Mahama is only about eight months in office now, and you want to struggle to decide who will replace him—you know what it can cause.”
“If all of us decide today that, ‘Well, people say I can be president, so let me start organising,’ then everybody will be going across the country appointing campaign coordinators. How do you think that President Mahama can focus on achieving anything?”
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that plans are in motion to help resolve the ongoing feud between Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Ahmed Ibrahim revealed he has engaged some stakeholders to help mediate the feud that appears to be escalating.
Speaking in an interview on Peace FM, Ahmed Ibrahim detailed, “The Dormahene is my father, and the Otumfuo is also my father, but looking at the way things are going, they are part of the two powerful Kings we have in the country, and their efforts in resolving most issues in the country are high. They are structures we cannot do without as a country.
Ahmed Ibrahim cited the Saudi King, Morocco and Dubai using their Chieftaincy to transform their country.
“If you listen to what I said about the Saudi King, Morocco and Dubai, their Chieftaincy transformed their country so clearly, Ghana, we can use our chieftaincy to transform the country”, he added.
The minister noted, “In Ghana, we can also use our Chieftaincy to develop the country. When we had the Dagbon issue, was it not Opemsuo (Otumfuo Osei Tutu II) who resolved it?
“As Minister responsible for Chieftaincy, I have spoken to some people about this matter, and we will engage them further. So, we will speak to them. This is the first time I am saying it. I respect authority”, he stated.
The Dormaahene and the Asantehene feud stems from historical claims, which Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II believes are being misrepresented in the public domain.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, some weeks ago punched holes in the historical tales of Okomfo Anokye.
History tells us that the Asante Kingdom was founded in the 18th century by King Osei Tutu I, with the direction of his spiritual leader, Okomfo Anokye.
According to historical accounts, Okomfo Anokye planted two trees in a forest, saying one would grow to become the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, with the other dying.
However, in a recent viral video, the Dormahene has debunked the tales as lies.
The Dormahene in the video stated, “They said Komfo Anokye planted two trees, that one survived and the other did not, which gave the names to Kumawu and Kumasi. That is not true.
When we say Kumasi today, I am teaching you live and clear. In the olden days, the place they called Asante was under the Denkyira chief. The Kumasi people were under Denkyira and were fetching firewood for him. The name of the tool used for cutting firewood is the axe, akuma. So, the actual name was ‘Akuma Ase Hene’, not Kumasi. It is a lie.
If you are a chief who can read and write, you should fear nobody. If everyone keeps quiet, the Dormaa people will not keep quiet or hide”, he confidently added.
It will be recalled, Dormahene, in another interview stated that anyone who claims the Golden Stool was summoned to descend from the sky is a liar.
According to the Dormahene, the Golden Stool, when it was recently outdoored, looked welded when it was displayed in public.
Speaking during the launch of the Bonokyempem Council in the Bono Region on August 14, 2025, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, stated, “If anyone tells you they can summon something to descend from the sky, I, Agyeman Badu II, am saying it is a lie”.
“Didn’t you see when the Golden Stool was recently outdoored, it looked welded? Didn’t you see?” he quizzed.
However, Otumfuo’s Nanahene, speaking in an interview on Adum TV on August 24, 2025, claimed the Dormaahene was being haunted by the ghost of his late mother after he had ignored investigating the cause of her death.
According to Otumfuo’s Nanahene, the Dormahene’s hatred against the Asantehene will not work.
Otumfuo’s Nanahene stated, “Did he see the Golden Stool that he is questioning whether it is from the sky? Everything the Dormaahene is saying about the Golden Stool does not make sense. He does not know what he is talking about”.
He further revealed that the Dormahene’s own uncle once served at the Manhyia Palace and also respected the Golden stool and quizzed why the Dormahene has changed since he became a chief and is now disrespecting the Golden stool.
Kennedy Agyapong, a former member of parliament for Assin Central and a NPP presidential candidate hopeful, has subtly told NPP delegates to reject presidential aspirants who are apologising to them.
According to Kennedy Agyapong, he would speak the truth by apologising to NPP members in Techiman South, as the party has not been fair to them in the last eight years they were in power.
The former lawmaker noted that the NPP members’ wealth is now being felt as the party is now in opposition, going through hardship.
Speaking at Techiman South during a campaign tour, Kennedy Agyapong stated, “Before I speak, I would like to apologise to all delegates here, from the constituency executive, patrons, Council of elders, electoral area coordinators, and polling station executives, as for me, I will speak the truth, the party for eight years has not been fair to us. I am standing on behalf of the party to beg you.
It is because of that that you did not come out in your numbers to vote; in just these 8 months, we have noticed your wealth. The hardship that we are going through now and the things the NDC are doing to the NPP members, please forgive us”.
Mr Agyapong further urged NPP delegates not to repeat the mistake of the past by voting against him.
According to him, in every corner of Ghana, the Ghanaian people are saying they want Kennedy Agyapong.
Kennedy Agyapong added, “However, what I am putting before you on January 31st 2026, is that the mistake that we made in the past by letting people intimidate us, people using money to entice us not to vote for someone, Ghanaians are saying, when we bring him, they will vote for. By now we will be in power, let me ask, if I were in power, would I sack NPP workers? But you knew plainly that Ghanaians wanted Kennedy Agyapong.
The last time we made a mistake, I have forgiven you, and I am here today this time around. Try me for four years, if the things I say today I am not able to fulfil them, vote against me after four years”.
Also, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia rendered an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the way they led and governed the country.
The former vice president was speaking to some party faithful in the Ashanti Region as part of his regional tour of uniting and re-energising the base of the party.
Dr Bawumia, who did not exempt himself from the mistakes of the previous government, pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of all those who were part of the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led government.
“After the 2024 elections, we have done our research. We know the NPP government and the party made a lot of mistakes in governance. There were things we needed to do which we didn’t, and others we did that, if we had had the benefit of background, we would not have done them,” he said.
He stressed that the blame was not his alone but a collective responsibility of the party’s leadership. “We are all to be blamed – Vice President, Ministers, MPs, Board Chairmen, appointees. We have all made mistakes, and please forgive us. We’re sorry. We have learned our lessons,” he added.
Dr Bawumia assured delegates that, if given the mandate as flagbearer and subsequently elected President, he would ensure that the past would not be repeated.
“If, by the grace of God, you make me the flagbearer and I become the President, these will not happen again. They will not happen again,” he pledged.
Prof Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, has said he does not understand why people blame the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defeat on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He emphasised that it is illogical to blame the defeat solely on Bawumia, as the party had 138 parliamentarians across the 276 constituencies but could not maintain its seat in the 2024 general election.
According to him, if the NPP had won more seats or maintained their seat with Dr Bawumia losing, he would have sided with those accusing the former vice president of the party’s defeat.
Speaking during Dr Bawumia’s Ashanti Region tour, Prof Kingsley Nyarko stated, “I don’t really understand when I hear people blame the NPP 2024 loss on Dr Bawumia. What if we had won? What would those people say? Wouldn’t these same people be crediting themselves if the party had won? Were they not part of the campaign? Why blame it on Dr Bawumia?”.
He further detailed, “Before the elections, we had 138 parliamentarians across the 276 constituencies in Ghana. If we had won more seats or maintained the 138 seats for Dr Bawumia to lose, then I would side with those blaming the defeat on him. Now the 138 has reduced to 87.
Why do you make such an argument that Dr Bawumia is the cause of our defeat? It doesn’t make any sense to me. If the majority of MPs reduced to 88, now 87, for one man to gain almost 42 per cent, why do you blame him for the defeat? It doesn’t make sense”, Prof Nyarko explained.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah has outrightly rejected every call to adopt extreme aggression to combat the activities of illegal miner (popularly known as galamseyer) in Ghana.
The galamseyers who are fast decimating Ghana’s river bodies and forest reserves with impunity have to been described by many well-meaning Ghanaians, Civil Society Organisations, Clergy Groups, journalists and even some government officials as “hardened criminals”.
Despite the extreme measures rolled out in recent past to mitigate the menace including burning of galamsey site, equipment like excavators, hundreds of arrest and prosecution, the canker still festers with many now calling for a declaration of state of emergency. Others even suggest a “shoot-to-kill” but the minister rebuffed all these calls.
According to the minister, dialogue and education of illegal miner will help win their hearts and end the menace that has reached a disastrous level.
The Minister speaking at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, said the fight against illegal mining is centered on sensitization, education and active engagement with communities. These methods he said will help people understand the harmful effects of galamsey on the environment and human life.
“The nation is under no illusion that we can end illegal mining through armed force. What will work is winning the hearts and minds of the people. Through education and dialogue, they will come to realize that destroying our environment is destroying our future,”
Mr. Armah Buah also stressed that the fight against galamsey is a collective responsibility. He called on all citizens to play their part in safeguarding the environment, adding that it cannot be left to government and security agencies alone.
