24.3 C
Los Angeles
Monday, November 9, 2026

“Ablakwa helping Ghana rediscover its Nkrumah days glory” – Manasseh Azure

Manasseh Azure Awuni, an award-winning investigative journalist,...

Russia a better partner than ‘colonial’ West – Putin woos African leaders

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged African...
Home Blog Page 59

Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa remain strong – Mahama  

0

President John Mahama has said Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa remain strong despite the recent xenophobic attacks leading to Ghanaians being evacuated.

According to John Mahama, there has been no breach in our relations with South Africa.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, during his five-day official visit to the United Kingdom, President Mahama stated, “We do not have any breach in our diplomatic relations. What happened was that it’s not the first time there have been these xenophobic attacks in South Africa”.

“They say we shouldn’t call it xenophobia. I don’t know what else or what name you can give it. But there have been these surges in anti-foreign attacks.”

“Lately, Ghanaians have gotten involved. This is the first time we’ve really had Ghanaians getting a part of the direction of attacks,” he said.

He added, “And if you were not South African, you were asked to leave the hospital. Even if you were ill, it created a very toxic atmosphere. At this point, we had nearly 200 of our citizens in our embassy”.

“It didn’t look like the South African authorities were doing anything to try to quell what was happening and also to provide protection to those who had been displaced,” he said.

“And so we did the first evacuation flight. We’re going to do two more to take those who want to leave. It is voluntary. We asked, “Do you want to stay or leave?” And many of them say they feel threatened. And so they want to leave.”

President Mahama further added, “I think it’s unfortunate what is happening in South Africa. We need to drill down to what causes these flare-ups in terms of xenophobia. And so all of us must empathise with South Africa or must sympathise with South Africa”.

“And we must help South Africa to be able to drill down and find out what it can do to reduce unemployment rates amongst the black populations. After the last fellow African leaves, is it going to change unemployment among blacks in South Africa?” he asked.

“After the last shop has been closed and everybody has left, will it change unemployment in South Africa? And everybody brings some advantage. They either bring their knowledge or they bring investments,” he said.

“And I think we should get over this fear of foreigners coming into our countries.”

However, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has fumed at the government of Ghana over the evacuation of 297 Ghanaians from South Africa.

According to Julius Malema, the response of the Ghanaian government was not necessary as it creates an impression that “we are all like that”.

He further argued that South Africa should not respond in the same way, saying Ghana’s approach does not reinforce dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking to the media, Julius Malema argued, “The Ghana response was not necessary; it now creates an impression that we are all like that. But it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement.

One Ghanaian lady was saying I wouldn’t have taken this option, but the problem was that we are being beaten in front of the Police, and the Police are not doing anything. That is a problem. When this opportunity came for me to leave, I left.

Because if the Police cannot defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me”.

He added, “We will resolve this; the President of Ghana should have given us some time to deal with this matter. And we will get to the bottom of it; we hope they will come to their senses. We don’t have to respond the same way they did; we need to pursue diplomatic engagement with Ghana.

We don’t think Ghana reacted in a manner that reinforces disloyalty and diplomatic engagement; it actually creates a very bad extreme situation, which is not. It is a select few we are pursuing and persuading the government to act on those few.

They must give use sometime, and those who don’t feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety. The reaction of the government should have been postponed to give us an opportunity to deal with what is happening in South Africa”.

Watch the video below:

Black Stars coach names Ghana’s final 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup

0

Ghana’s senior men’s national team, the Black Stars, coach Carlos Queiroz has named his final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz’s squad list excluded Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Paul Reverson and Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, who were part of the 28-man squad.

The name was made up of 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 6 midfielders, and 8 forwards.

Also, vice-captain Alexander Djiku misses out through injury and was replaced by Derrick Luckassen

See the full list of players below:

Goalkeepers:

Benjamin Asare – Hearts of Oak

Lawrence Ati-Zigi – FC St. Gallen

Joseph Anang – St Patrick’s Athletic

Defenders:

Baba Rahman – PAOK FC

Gideon Mensah – AJ Auxerre

Marvin Senaya – RC Strasbourg

Alidu Seidu – Stade Rennais FC

Abdul Mumin – Rayo Vallecano

Jerome Opoku – İstanbul Başakşehir

Jonas Adjetey – Wolfsburg

Kojo Oppong Preprah – OGC Nice

Derrick Luckassen – Pafos

Midfielders:

Elisha Owusu – AJ Auxerre

Thomas Partey – Villarreal

Kwasi Sibo – Real Oviedo

Augustine Boakye – St. Etienne

Caleb Yirenkyi – FC Nordsjælland

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Leicester City

Forwards:

Kamaldeen Sulemana – Atalanta

Christopher Bonsu Baah – Al Qadsiah

Brandon Thomas-Asante – Coventry City

Prince Kwabena Adu – Victoria Plzen

Ernest Nuamah – Olympique Lyonnais

Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City

Inaki Williams – Athletic Club

Jordan Ayew –

See the post below:

“The anti-LGBTQ+ bill won’t be a law yet” – Mahama

0

President John Dramani Mahama has said that despite the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, a few issued has been raised.

According to John Mahama, the passage of the anti-LGBTQI Bill by Parliament won’t be a law yet, as a few procedural hurdles that must be resolved before it reaches his desk for assent.

Speaking during a Chatham House interview on Monday, June 1, as part of his trip to the United Kingdom, President Mahama stated, “Parliament has been considering it, and it was supposed to have been passed last week. There have been a few issues raised.

“One, that there wasn’t a quorum when it was passed. That’s an issue that has come up. And then, two, there were some procedural lapses in terms of its passage.

“I just got some communication that the Speaker was reading a statement to address the issue of the lapses in the passage of the Bill. And so, like I said, when I was the opposition leader, the President had a number of options in this matter. It must come for assent.

“And so, once the President gets it, you go through it, because you are not part of the discussion in Parliament. And so, the legal representative, the legal counsel in the Presidency and the Attorney General would sit on it, because it was a private member’s motion. This was not a government bill.

“And so, we’ll look at it and make sure that everything is in order before the President is advised to assent”.

He added, “The President has another option if there are some things that he thinks are a problem. He can refer it to the Council of State for advice.

The Council of State is an advisory body to the President. And so, they’ll take a look at it and then they’ll advise the President. And if there are issues — substantial issues that are raised — the President would return the Bill to Parliament, indicating exactly what the issues are.

And so, there’s still quite a while to go before that Bill becomes law”.

Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government and the ruling National Democratic Congress of weakening the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the anti-LGBTQ Bill has been weakened through extensive amendments before its passage by Parliament last week.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the member of Parliament for Assin South, questioned why the NDC, which previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill, has now significantly altered it under President Mahama.

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, addressing the press conference on Monday, June 1, stated, “22 original provisions of the bill had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would have it, desire it, and sign it. Was that the promise? Was the promise to come and dilute the bill before he signs?

“President Mahama promised that he would sign the 2024 Bill. He didn’t promise to sign an amended, deleted, mutilated, and surgically bastardised Bill. He didn’t promise he would sign another version of that, and that is the reason why, even when he promised he was bringing his own version of the bill, til date he has not brought it.

Because he is perhaps waiting for the 2024 bill. So what is so difficult in parliament giving that old one to him?

“You all remember, the promise was clear: ‘Vote for me, and I will come and sign it, vote NPP out because they won’t sign it. NDC will come and sign it’. They did not say NDC will come and amend it. That is a scam, and that is a breach of trust. That is hypocrisy, and that is deception,” he said.

His comments follow Parliament on Friday, May 30, passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with several amendments.

Under the new bill, a person who provides legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ is exempt from sanctions.

Also, Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected.

It further exempted medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological and counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, from punishment.

Watch the video below:

Newly passed anti-LGBTQ Bill seeks to promote LGBTQ+ instead of stopping it – Rev Ntim Fordjour

0

Rev Ntim Fordjour, a Lead Sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in Parliament, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, has cast doubt on the new bill passed.

The Lead Sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill argued that the newly passed anti-gay bill seeks to promote LGBTQ+ instead of stopping it.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour stated, “Clearly, if this government did not want to pass the bill, they should have stayed away from it. What we have is not any biting law; it is just for politics and optics”.

“If they have exempted those who are legally involved and others connected to it, then who are they targeting? So long as Section 9 is concerned, which could deal with homosexuality promotion, the bill becomes counterproductive,” he argued.

Also, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority caucus in parliament has fiercely resisted the changes following the passage of they described as a ‘watered-down’ Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in Parliament, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to the NPP minority, the anti-LGBTQ Bill has been weakened through extensive amendments before its passage by Parliament last week.

The minority cited that the passed bill had 22 original provisions that had to be deleted, redrafted, and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would sign it.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the member of Parliament for Assin South, questioned why the NDC, which previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill, has now significantly altered it under President Mahama.

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, addressing the press conference on Monday, June 1, stated, “22 original provisions of the bill had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would have it, desire it, and sign it. Was that the promise? Was the promise to come and dilute the bill before he signs?

“President Mahama promised that he would sign the 2024 Bill. He didn’t promise to sign an amended, deleted, mutilated, and surgically bastardised Bill. He didn’t promise he would sign another version of that, and that is the reason why, even when he promised he was bringing his own version of the bill, til date he has not brought it.

Because he is perhaps waiting for the 2024 bill. So what is so difficult in parliament giving that old one to him?

“You all remember, the promise was clear: ‘Vote for me, and I will come and sign it, vote NPP out because they won’t sign it. NDC will come and sign it’. They did not say NDC will come and amend it. That is a scam, and that is a breach of trust. That is hypocrisy, and that is deception,” he said.

It will be recalled that Parliament on Friday, May 30, passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with several amendments.

Under the new bill, a person who provides legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ is exempt from sanctions.

Also, Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected.

It further exempted medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological and counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, from punishment.

See the post below:

The anti-LGBTQ+ bill is critical; it must be passed with consensus – Speaker Bagbin

0

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for a consensus on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, passed by parliament last week.

According to Alban Bagbin, the anti-LGBTQ+ bill is critical, and it must be passed with consensus.

He disclosed that he has invited leadership from both sides of Parliament for a meeting.

Speaker Bagbin also expressed surprise following the passage of the bill, revealing that his instruction was for the consideration of the bill and not the passage.

Speaking in a video, Alban Bagbin stated, “It was even a surprise to me because I thought we were going to start consideration of the bill. This is such a critical bill which must be passed with consensus. I have asked the leaders of both sides to meet me”.

Also, President John Dramani Mahama has said that despite the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, a few issued has been raised.

According to John Mahama, the passage of the anti-LGBTQI Bill by Parliament won’t be a law yet, as a few procedural hurdles that must be resolved before it reaches his desk for assent.

Speaking during a Chatham House interview on Monday, June 1, as part of his trip to the United Kingdom, President Mahama stated, “Parliament has been considering it, and it was supposed to have been passed last week. There have been a few issues raised.

“One, that there wasn’t a quorum when it was passed. That’s an issue that has come up. And then, two, there were some procedural lapses in terms of its passage.

“I just got some communication that the Speaker was reading a statement to address the issue of the lapses in the passage of the Bill. And so, like I said, when I was the opposition leader, the President had a number of options in this matter. It must come for assent.

“And so, once the President gets it, you go through it, because you are not part of the discussion in Parliament. And so, the legal representative, the legal counsel in the Presidency and the Attorney General would sit on it, because it was a private member’s motion. This was not a government bill.

“And so, we’ll look at it and make sure that everything is in order before the President is advised to assent”.

He added, “The President has another option if there are some things that he thinks are a problem. He can refer it to the Council of State for advice.

The Council of State is an advisory body to the President. And so, they’ll take a look at it and then they’ll advise the President. And if there are issues — substantial issues that are raised — the President would return the Bill to Parliament, indicating exactly what the issues are.

And so, there’s still quite a while to go before that Bill becomes law”.

Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government and the ruling National Democratic Congress of weakening the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the anti-LGBTQ Bill has been weakened through extensive amendments before its passage by Parliament last week.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the member of Parliament for Assin South, questioned why the NDC, which previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill, has now significantly altered it under President Mahama.

Watch the video below:

Disregard the purported 20% transport fare hike – GPRTU, GRTCC tells Ghanaians 

0

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have urged Ghanaians to disregard the purported 20% fare increment.

 In a joint statement, the GPRTU and GRTCC described the purported  20% increase in public transport fares as unauthorised and not sanctioned by the appropriate bodies.

In a statement signed by GPRTU General Secretary Godfred Abulbire and GRTCC General Secretary Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, it read, “The attention of the Executives of the Road Transport Operators has been drawn to media publications of a purported Twenty Per cent (20%) upward adjustment in Public Transport Fares effective 2nd June, 2026.

We wish to inform the general public that the Executives of the Road Transport Operators have not engaged the Ministry in any transport fare upward adjustment. The decision by the supposed group is illegal as it has not gone through the fare adjustment protocol and procedure agreed between the Ministry of Transport and the Road Transport Operators.

We therefore wish to condemn this decision in no uncertain terms and request the general public to disregard the publication by the supposed group with the contempt it deserves.

Accordingly, all road transport operators, unions, associations, drivers, vehicle owners, loading point managers, and allied stakeholders are hereby requested to maintain the existing approved fares and to refrain from implementing any unilateral fare adjustments until further notice.

We are monitoring the next pricing window, and should there be a need for any fare adjustment, the public will be duly notified.

We remain committed to prioritising the interests of both our drivers and commuters and will continue to work diligently toward safeguarding their welfare”.

In related news, the GPRTU Head of Industrial Relations, Alhaji Abass Imoro, some months ago, warned of a possible increase in transport fares.

According to Alhaji Abass Imoro, if the VIP is allowed to increase transport fares by 25%, they will also increase fares.

In a post shared by TV3, Alhaji Abass Imoro is quoted to have said, “If VIP is allowed to increase transport fares by 25 per cent, the union will instruct all GPRTU members to also increase fares”.

His remarks follow the Private transport operator VIP Jeoun Transport has announced an increase in its prices effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

According to the VIP, they last reviewed fares on April, 26,2024.

The VIP, in their statement, did not disclose their reasoning behind the upward adjustment to their fares.

In a post on Facebook, VIP stated, “VIP JEOUN Transport announces a fare increase effective Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

VIP JEOUN Transport first published this notice on 14/03/25 and SUSPENDED on 18/03/25.

VIP JEOUN Transport last reviewed fares on April, 26,2024. The fares are categorised as EXECUTIVE and STANDARD TOUR”.

See the statement below:

“This is a middle finger to graduates”– Netizens BLAST Ablakwa

0

Some Ghanaians on the social media platform X have fumed, launching a scathing attack on Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, following his calls to CEOs and entrepreneurs to support the government’s jobs initiative for evacuated Ghanaians from South Africa.

In a post on X, Ablakwa shared a graphic, adding that 120 jobs had already been secured for evacuated Ghanaians from South Africa.

He disclosed that the Delivery Unit is led by Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntrakwa to support returnees following evacuations of around 300 Ghanaians in late May 2026.

In a post on X, the Foreign Affairs minister stated, “We urge Ghanaian CEOs and Entrepreneurs to support our JOBS INITIATIVE for our brothers and sisters being evacuated from South Africa.

Already, 120 job offers have been secured.

Kindly call our Delivery Unit. Ghana always cares.

For God and Country”.

However, Ghanaians under the Foreign Affairs minister post are questioning why returnees are receiving priority over long-term unemployed locals.

According to one netizen, Abalwka’s post is a middle finger to graduates who have been walking the streets of Accra in search of jobs.

The netizen wrote, “This is a middle finger to graduates that have been walking the streets of Accra every day without fail… looking for a job only to be turned down on every turn… this is not a flex the government thinks it is… It’s a big Fxck you for your loyalty and patriotism to those graduates”.

Other netizens reacting to the development stated, “@S_OkudzetoAblak

 Good afternoon, sir, please and please again. I know you’re your best in this situation, but what about us back home who have applied for jobs for years now and nothing has happened? Where is the fairness here, sir? I’ve tried so hard to get a job and still nothing”.

A netizen added, “Incredible initiative. People confuse this with everyday job creation, but the Ministry’s real mandate is looking out for Ghanaians abroad. A rescue doesn’t end at the tarmac. Securing jobs helps them restart immediately so they don’t depend on the state. Top-tier governance”.

One X user added, “There’s definitely something wrong with people in power or those who are hungry for power. This statement is wrong on so many levels. I can’t even begin to understand how a Ghanaian who has been looking for a job in Ghana feels about this”.

“So there are initiatives to help the unemployed young who have been looking for jobs for years in Ghana but the government deliberately won’t employ them because it won’t make them look nice in the face of the world?

Wow!” a netizen added.

“Ghana ankasa. Let me keep quiet. Those of us here kwraa your government has not been able to provide any meaningful job. Implement your 24hr economy, I believe they will get work to do”, a netizen added.

“lol, so your focus is now on the Ghanaians who broke the law & overstayed their visas in a foreign land? What about the thousands unemployed who stayed home & have been applying for work with no success? This PR exercise will backfire because you’re making your own people angry”, one X user added.

Meanwhile, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that 600 more Ghanaians have registered at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.

In a post on X, he wrote, “600 more Ghanaians register at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.

When the safety and dignity of Ghanaians are at stake, the Government of Ghana does not compromise or dither.

I am immensely proud of the resilient spirit of Ghanaians.

See you soon — there’s no place like home”.

See the post below:

“Our country is back, Ghana now ranked the 8th largest economy in Africa” – Finance Minister

0

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, has said Ghana is now ranked as the eighth largest economy in Africa.

The Finance Minister asserted that under the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, the Ghana economy was rated as a junk economy.

According to Ato Forson, the fiscal policies adopted since the takeover from the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration have positioned the country to be able to attract investors.

Ato Forson disclosed that Ghana’s GDP per capita has reached $3,385 for the first time.

He further assured the diaspora community that the country’s debt is now sustainable and the economic gains made will be fully sustained.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Ato Forson stated, “Our country is back. Today, Ghana is ranked the eighth-largest economy in Africa. Our GDP per capita is now $3,385 for the first time, and our debt is now sustainable, unlike in the past. The gains made will be sustained”.

He further appealed to investors and Ghanaians in the diaspora to come and invest in Ghana.

The Finance Minister stated, “Ghana is open for business. We welcome you. Come home and contribute. And so, we see you as an important partner. We see you as our brothers and sisters in the diaspora. And you still have a role to play in nation building.”

“And London is home to some of us. Some of us had the privilege of growing up here.

“And myself, Honourable Kwami Agbodza (Minister of Roads and Highways), not long ago used to be members of this chapter until we had the privilege to go back home to serve our country. And so, you can also be one of us if you decide to come home and take part in nation building.”

“I do not recall that our country had ever gone through such a level of economic crisis. The scale of the crisis was profound. It was extremely traumatic, if not distressful.” He stated.

“Our currency, the Ghana cedi, came under intense pressure. It nearly lost its value. Inflation rose to painful levels. Investor confidence deteriorated very sharply.”

“In February 2022, Moody’s downgraded Ghana to CAA1. In August, S&P also downgraded us to CCC+,” he stated.

“Again in the same year, August, Fitch also downgraded Ghana to CCC. And in September, Fitch again downgraded Ghana further down to double C. Finally, in October 2022, Ghana lost access to the international capital market.”

“But the good news is that today our country is back. We are back.” He said.

“But let me share some of the outturn with you. I’m pleased to report that as a result of the measures that President Mahama took, today GDP growth is back. Ghana has recorded a GDP growth of six per cent in the year 2025.” He said.

“And most importantly, non-oil GDP growth was 7.6 per cent, the highest in 14 years.”

See the post below:

I was enticed with HUGE money to allow LGBTQ+ content in education documents – Ex NAGRAT President

0

Angel Carbonu, the former president of the National Graduate Association of Teachers (NAGRAT), has claimed he was enticed several times with money to allow LGBTQ+ content in education documents.

 The former NAGRAT President asserted that there is strong international backing for LGBTQ advocacy in Ghana adding that he vehemently rejected the bribes.

In a video shared on Facebook on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Angel Carbonu stated, “I have been enticed several times with huge sums of money to allow some of these sentiments of LGBTQ to pass through certain documents, albeit silently, and I can assure you and trust me on this, I vehemently rejected it”.

“The verve, the emotion, the willingness, and readiness to let out huge sums of money, the calibre of people who support these programmes all over the world- my question is: what motivates them?” he asked.

“As president of NAGRAT, I was invited to several embassies in Accra to attend meetings. The theme of these meetings was very ambiguous, to say the least. It was when you go for the meeting that you realised that the discussions begin gradually to zero down to specific issues of LGBTQ,” he said.

“There are weightier matters in the education field than LGBTQ,” he stated.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government and the ruling National Democratic Congress of weakening the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the anti-LGBTQ Bill has been weakened through extensive amendments before its passage by Parliament last week.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the member of Parliament for Assin South, questioned why the NDC, which previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill, has now significantly altered it under President Mahama.

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, addressing the press conference on Monday, June 1, stated, “22 original provisions of the bill had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would have it, desire it, and sign it. Was that the promise? Was the promise to come and dilute the bill before he signs?

“President Mahama promised that he would sign the 2024 Bill. He didn’t promise to sign an amended, deleted, mutilated, and surgically bastardised Bill. He didn’t promise he would sign another version of that, and that is the reason why, even when he promised he was bringing his own version of the bill, til date he has not brought it.

Because he is perhaps waiting for the 2024 bill. So what is so difficult in parliament giving that old one to him?

“You all remember, the promise was clear: ‘Vote for me, and I will come and sign it, vote NPP out because they won’t sign it. NDC will come and sign it’. They did not say NDC will come and amend it. That is a scam, and that is a breach of trust. That is hypocrisy, and that is deception,” he said.

His comments follow Parliament on Friday, May 30, passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with several amendments.

Under the new bill, a person who provides legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ is exempt from sanctions.

Also, Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected.

It further exempted medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological and counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, from punishment.

Watch the video below:

120 jobs secured as gov’t launches Job drive for citizens repatriated from South Africa

0

Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Minister, has called on Ghanaian CEOs and Entrepreneurs to support the government’s jobs initiative for Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa.

Ablakwa shared a graphic post noting that 120 jobs had already been secured for evacuated Ghanaians from South Africa.

He disclosed that the Delivery Unit is led by Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntrakwa to support returnees following evacuations of around 300 Ghanaians in late May 2026.

However, Ghanaians under the Foreign Affairs minister post are questioning why returnees receive priority over long-term unemployed locals.

In a post on X, the Foreign Affairs minister stated, “We urge Ghanaian CEOs and Entrepreneurs to support our JOBS INITIATIVE for our brothers and sisters being evacuated from South Africa.

Already, 120 job offers have been secured.

Kindly call our Delivery Unit. Ghana always cares.

For God and Country”.

Some netizens reacting to the development stated, “@S_OkudzetoAblak

 Good afternoon, sir, please and please again. I know you’re your best in this situation, but what about us back home who have applied for jobs for years now and nothing has happened? Where is the fairness here, sir? I’ve tried so hard to get a job and still nothing”.

A netizen added, “Incredible initiative. People confuse this with everyday job creation, but the Ministry’s real mandate is looking out for Ghanaians abroad. A rescue doesn’t end at the tarmac. Securing jobs helps them restart immediately so they don’t depend on the state. Top-tier governance”.

One X user added, “There’s definitely something wrong with people in power or those who are hungry for power. This statement is wrong on so many levels. I can’t even begin to understand how a Ghanaian who has been looking for a job in Ghana feels about this”.

“So there are initiatives to help the unemployed young who have been looking for jobs for years in Ghana but the government deliberately won’t employ them because it won’t make them look nice in the face of the world?

Wow!” a netizen added.

“Ghana ankasa. Let me keep quiet. Those of us here kwraa your government has not been able to provide any meaningful job. Implement your 24hr economy, I believe they will get work to do”, a netizen added.

One last X user added, “This is a middle finger to graduates that have been walking the streets of Accra every day without fail… looking for a job only to be turned down on every turn… this is not a flex the government thinks it is… It’s a big Fxck you for your loyalty and patriotism to those graduates”.

“lol, so your focus is now on the Ghanaians who broke the law & overstayed their visas in a foreign land? What about the thousands unemployed who stayed home & have been applying for work with no success? This PR exercise will backfire because you’re making your own people angry”, one X user added.

Meanwhile, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that 600 more Ghanaians have registered at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.

In a post on X, he wrote, “600 more Ghanaians register at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.

When the safety and dignity of Ghanaians are at stake, the Government of Ghana does not compromise or dither.

I am immensely proud of the resilient spirit of Ghanaians.

See you soon — there’s no place like home”.

See the post below:

“Local councils and traditional rulers are part of the problem” – President Mahama on Accra Floods

0

President John Dramani Mahama has said Local councils and traditional rulers are part of the problem surrounding the persistent flooding challenges in the capital today.

According to John Mahama, the lack of institutional accountability at the local level.

He also highlighted the public pushback, which often hinders the demolition of structures built illegally in waterways.

President Mahama, in a news card shared by TV3, stated, “When government takes action and collapses houses in waterways, the same people will say ‘aban tiri mu ye den’. The local councils and traditional rulers are part of the problem”.

Meanwhile, John Mahama has said the perennial flooding in Ghana’s capital, Greater Accra, is not an engineering problem.

According to John Mahama, the flooding in Accra is just a problem of indiscipline.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with Ghanaians in the diaspora on May 31st, 2026, explained, “The flooding in Accra is not an engineering problem. It is just a problem of indiscipline. It’s not an engineering problem; it’s a problem of indiscipline. We have drains, and everybody says ‘why don’t you do sealed drains?’ But the problem is, when we do sealed drains, people drink sachet water, they eat papaya in those styrofoam plastics, and they just dump them anywhere.

And these plastics wash into the drain, and they go and block the drain. And so if you have to unclog the drain, you have to remove all the drain covers and clean it out. You clean it out, and then again in the next three, four, five months, they have clogged again.

But that is not even the major problem. The major problem is the location of Accra. You have the Akuapim Mountain Range, and you have the Atlantic Ocean. Before people came to Accra, you had the Lafa stream, you had the Densu, you had the Sakumo stream, you had the Kole stream, you had the Odo stream — all of them were rainwater that falls in the mountains that flows through to the Atlantic Ocean”.

He further narrated, “Then you come and build a city in the path of those streams. What do you expect the streams to do? And even if you build, leave the courseways. If you come to London, you can see the canals in the city. If you go and build a house in that canal, where will the water go? It will go back into people’s houses.

Unfortunately, our traditional rulers are selling plots in streams. It’s not this ‘Nana nom’ I’m talking about, oh. We have places they call Ramsar sites. These Ramsar sites are wetlands. And they said that migratory birds come from Europe during the winter; they come and spend vacation with us in Africa.

Then when they finish the vacation, in the summer they fly back. And decided to protect the Ramsar sites because of the migratory birds. But let me tell you what the Ramsar sites do: they are wetlands. So when they receive the water from the Akwapim mountain range, the Ramsar sites are huge wetlands, so they absorb the water into the wetlands and discharge the water gradually into the ocean”.

Mahama added, “So if you build and you fill and build, you fill and build, you fill and build, you are reducing the size of the Ramsar site, of the wetland. And so when the water comes, what is left cannot contain the water, and so it will overflow and flood people’s houses.

I’ve seen from the air, by helicopter, a stream coming from the Akwapim range, and then it reaches somewhere, and they’ve built across it. And so the stream has nowhere to continue, so it will flood your houses and flood houses of people behind. Now, when the government takes action and begins breaking people’s houses out of the waterway, the same people will say the government is wicked”.

See the post below:

Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill diluted with 22 deletions, 31 changes – NPP Minority blows alarms 

0

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority caucus in parliament has fiercely resisted the changes following the passage of they described as a ‘watered-down’ Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in Parliament, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to the NPP minority, the anti-LGBTQ Bill has been weakened through extensive amendments before its passage by Parliament last week.

The minority cited that the passed bill had 22 original provisions that had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would sign it.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the member of Parliament for Assin South, questioned why the NDC, which previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill, has now significantly altered it under President Mahama.

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, addressing the press conference on Monday, June 1, stated, “22 original provisions of the bill had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would have it, desire it, and sign it. Was that the promise? Was the promise to come and dilute the bill before he signs?

“President Mahama promised that he would sign the 2024 Bill. He didn’t promise to sign an amended, deleted, mutilated, and surgically bastardised Bill. He didn’t promise he would sign another version of that, and that is the reason why, even when he promised he was bringing his own version of the bill, til date he has not brought it.

Because he is perhaps waiting for the 2024 bill. So what is so difficult in parliament giving that old one to him?

“You all remember, the promise was clear: ‘Vote for me, and I will come and sign it, vote NPP out because they won’t sign it. NDC will come and sign it’. They did not say NDC will come and amend it. That is a scam, and that is a breach of trust. That is hypocrisy, and that is deception,” he said.

It will be recalled, Parliament on Friday, May 30, passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with several amendments.

Under the new bill, a person who provides legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ is exempt from sanctions.

Also, Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected.

It further exempted medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological and counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, from punishment.

Meanwhile, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has taken a swipe at members of the Minority Caucus over their commentary on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, following its passage.

The Majority argued that the Minority is claiming that the bill passed is a “watered-down” version of the one passed in 2024, just to exonerate former President Akufo-Addo, who refused to act on it.

He highlighted that former President Akufo-Addo cannot be redeemed, as he is irredeemable for refusing to sign the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, his party and government have done no wrong in the passage of the bill.

The Majority leader added that the government has no interest in the anti-LGBTQ Bill, as it was a private member’s bill.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament after the bill was passed on Friday, May 29, 2026, Ayariga stated, “How does the NDC government come into this, because in the first place, this is a private member’s bill. The government has no interest in it. We, as Members of Parliament, are working on the bill because you, our colleagues, have sponsored a bill that we are working on.

“So, on what basis are you accusing the NDC government? Except that you are just seeking to equalise, because Akufo-Addo refused to sign the bill that you presented. That’s all that you are seeking to do,” he fumed.

He added, “You believe that in saying all the things that you are saying, doing all the things that you are doing, you will redeem Akufo-Addo. You cannot redeem Akufo-Addo in this matter. President Akufo-Addo is irredeemable in this matter.

“Speaker, take note of his expressions. He says that ‘the bill that you presented to Akufo-Addo to sign’. Is it we who presented it to Akufo-Addo to sign? You brought the bill to this House; the bill was passed for you the way you wanted, and then you are now accusing us of being the ones who presented the bill to Akufo-Addo to sign,” he noted.

Watch the video below:

$1.1 million spent to acquire match tickets for fans at the 2026 World Cup – Sports Minister

0

Sports Minister Kofi Adams has disclosed that approximately $1.1 million from the Blacks Stars fundraising campaign has been spent on match tickets.

According to Kofi Adams, the $1.1 million was used to acquire match tickets for Ghanaian fans to attend and support the Black Stars at the World Cup.

In a news card shared on X, the Sports Minister is quoted as having said, “We’ve spent about $1.1 million to acquire tickets for some fans to support the match”.

Also, Kofi Adams revealed that every player in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive an appearance fee of $100,000.

According to the Sports Minister, the appearance fee for the Black Stars has been maintained at $100,000 per player in recent tournaments.

The Sports Minister disclosed that appearance fees for Black Stars players have varied over the years, from $50,000 and $80,000 in earlier editions to as much as $120,000, before being standardised at $100,000.

Speaking in an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues programme, Kofi Adams explained, “The appearance fee has been pegged at $100,000 for quite some time, and this year it remains the same. We have not changed it”.

“Some say because the cedi has become stronger, we should increase it, and we said no. If the cedi had become weaker, would you have said we should reduce the dollar amount so that it gives the same cedi equivalent? You wouldn’t,” he said.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has asserted that the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by three countries, presents significant logistical and financial challenges.

He disclosed that the cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000.

According to John Mahama, the government cannot be in a position to fully sponsor large numbers of supporters travelling from Ghana due to the estimated cost per supporter being about $11,000.

He revealed that the government plans to buy match tickets for Ghanaians abroad to support Black Stars.

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama stated, “We are restricted because of the nature of this particular World Cup – it is being held in three countries. We are playing our first match in Canada, then we will be moving to Boston, and from there to Philadelphia. The cost of transporting, feeding, and accommodating each supporter is beyond our means.

“We say we are being fiscally disciplined. We cannot spend our money in that manner. The cost for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that, including tickets to watch the games, is estimated at almost $11,000,” he stated.

President added that, as a result, his government will focus its support on organised supporters’ groups and Ghanaian communities already based in host cities.

He further disclosed, “What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game.

“We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches,” he stated.

See the post below:

Mahama didn’t promise to sign an amended, deleted, mutilated anti-LGBTQ Bill – Minority blasts NDC MPs

0

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the government and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of weakening the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the anti-LGBTQ Bill has been weakened through extensive amendments before its passage by Parliament last week.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the member of Parliament for Assin South, questioned why the NDC, which previously urged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill, has now significantly altered it under President Mahama.

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, addressing the press conference on Monday, June 1, stated, “22 original provisions of the bill had to be deleted, redrafted and 31 insertions made before President Mahama would have it, desire it, and sign it. Was that the promise? Was the promise to come and dilute the bill before he signs?

“President Mahama promised that he would sign the 2024 Bill. He didn’t promise to sign an amended, deleted, mutilated, and surgically bastardised Bill. He didn’t promise he would sign another version of that, and that is the reason why, even when he promised he was bringing his own version of the bill, til date he has not brought it.

Because he is perhaps waiting for the 2024 bill. So what is so difficult in parliament giving that old one to him?

“You all remember, the promise was clear: ‘Vote for me, and I will come and sign it, vote NPP out because they won’t sign it. NDC will come and sign it’. They did not say NDC will come and amend it. That is a scam, and that is a breach of trust. That is hypocrisy, and that is deception,” he said.

His comments follow Parliament on Friday, May 30, passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with several amendments.

Under the new bill, a person who provides legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ is exempt from sanctions.

Also, Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected.

It further exempted medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological and counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, from punishment.

Meanwhile, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has taken a swipe at members of the Minority Caucus over their commentary on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, following its passage.

The Majority argued that the Minority is claiming that the bill passed is a “watered-down” version of the one passed in 2024, just to exonerate former President Akufo-Addo, who refused to act on it.

He highlighted that former President Akufo-Addo cannot be redeemed, as he is irredeemable for refusing to sign the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, his party and government have done no wrong in the passage of the bill.

The Majority leader added that the government has no interest in the anti-LGBTQ Bill, as it was a private member’s bill.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament after the bill was passed on Friday, May 29, 2026, Ayariga stated, “How does the NDC government come into this, because in the first place, this is a private member’s bill. The government has no interest in it. We, as Members of Parliament, are working on the bill because you, our colleagues, have sponsored a bill that we are working on.

“So, on what basis are you accusing the NDC government? Except that you are just seeking to equalise, because Akufo-Addo refused to sign the bill that you presented. That’s all that you are seeking to do,” he fumed.

He added, “You believe that in saying all the things that you are saying, doing all the things that you are doing, you will redeem Akufo-Addo. You cannot redeem Akufo-Addo in this matter. President Akufo-Addo is irredeemable in this matter.

“Speaker, take note of his expressions. He says that ‘the bill that you presented to Akufo-Addo to sign’. Is it we who presented it to Akufo-Addo to sign? You brought the bill to this House; the bill was passed for you the way you wanted, and then you are now accusing us of being the ones who presented the bill to Akufo-Addo to sign,” he noted.

Watch the video below:

Focus on the Reset Agenda; the time for internal contests will come – NDC Council of Elders tells appointees

0

The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed a ban on all party members engaging in early presidential campaigns to succeed President John Mahama and focus on the Reset Agenda.

According to the NDC Council of Elders, the directive follows a meeting between them and President John Dramani Mahama.

The NDC Council of Elders noted that they have observed the premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by some individuals and groups within the party, adding that the party’s current focus should be supporting the government to deliver on its mandate and improve the lives of Ghanaians.

The Council stressed that the focus should be on the President Mahama Reset Agenda, highlighting that the time for internal contests will come.

In a statement issued on May 29, 2026, the NDC Council on May 29, 2026 read, “The Council wishes to remind all members that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate entrusted to it by the people of Ghana. At this critical stage of national reconstruction and renewal, every member of the Party is expected to devote his or her energies, resources, and commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts to reset the country and improve the lives of Ghanaians, rather than engaging in activities that have the potential to create division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition”.

“The date and venue for the election of the Presidential Candidate shall be decided by the National Executive Committee (NEC), but that election shall take place at least twelve (12) months before a national election date if the Party is in power and at least twenty-four (24) months if the Party is not in power,” it stated.

“The Council emphasises that, until the appropriate constitutional processes have been initiated and the National Executive Committee has determined the timetable and guidelines for the conduct of presidential primaries, no individual, group, or interest bloc is authorised to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly,” the statement noted.

“Accordingly, the Council of Elders directs all persons engaged in such activities to cease forthwith. These include all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity, or related activities intended to advance the presidential ambitions of any prospective candidate,” it said.

“The time for internal contests will come. For now, our collective responsibility is to serve the nation and successfully implement the mandate entrusted to us,” the statement added.

The NDC’s Council of Elders statement comes at a time when Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a Veteran journalist and political commentator, has fired shots at President John Dramani Mahama’s appointees.

According to Kwesi Pratt, Mahama’s appointees are dancing around him in circles, making nonsense of all his proclamations.

He stressed that President Mahama’s appointees don’t care about the Reset agenda of his supposed legacy term, adding that they are more focused on succession battles than helping him deliver on his promises to Ghanaians.

He recounted that President Mahama came to solve Ghana’s problems, but many of the people he appointed do not care about the Reset Agenda.

Kwesi Pratt highlighted that President Mahama is being politically undermined by people within his own government who are more focused on succeeding him.

Speaking in an interview on PanAfrica TV, Kwesi Pratt argued, “To be honest, I feel very sad for President John Dramani Mahama; the betrayal of President John Dramani Mahama is monumental”.

“This is a gentleman who came to the people of Ghana and said, ‘ Look, there are problems with the country, and I want to solve the problems in the educational sector, health sector and so on. He proclaimed a reset agenda,” he stated.

He added, “And he appointed people to assist him to realise that objective. Many of the people he appointed to help him realise that objective don’t just care. They don’t care about reset. They don’t care about restructuring the economy. All they care about is replacing him”.

“Poor Mahama. Poor Mahama. And he’s sitting there being held hostage,” he said.

“He’s not been able to crack the whip. They’re dancing around him in circles and making nonsense of all the proclamations he has made. It’s unbelievable,” Pratt added.

“Visit the NDC social media platforms and see what is happening there. Who is talking about how to achieve the 24-hour economy? That’s not their concern. It’s about who is going to replace Mahama,” he said.

“So the people he appointed to help him leave a legacy are saying to us, ‘Oh, don’t worry, very soon you’ll become a lame duck. That’s what they say. They say, ‘By next year, you’ll be a lame dog. You have no power. We don’t have to respect him. So let’s start our campaign,” he added.

See the post below:

CID and Apple Inc join forces to dismantle fake Apple products on Ghana’s market

0

COP Lydia Donkor, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has announced a collaboration with Apple Inc and the CID to dismantle fake Apple products on Ghana’s market.  

According to COP Lydia Donkor, she received a delegation from Apple Inc. focused on trade mark and brand protection and the fight against counterfeit Apple products.

She disclosed that the CID is actively pursuing leads on major investigations involving the use of fraudulent trademarks and the distribution of counterfeit products used to defraud Ghanaians.

In a post shared on TikTok by the CID Boss read, “I received a delegation from Apple Inc., led by Collin Denyer, in an operational engagement focused on trade mark and brand protection and the fight against counterfeit Apple products in Ghana.

The engagement highlighted the growing threat of fake devices and accessories that are often used to deceive the public and, in some cases, cause harm to users.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is actively pursuing leads on major investigations involving the use of fraudulent trademarks and the distribution of counterfeit products used to deceive and defraud the good citizens of Ghana. These activities undermine legitimate businesses, expose consumers to risk, and fuel organized criminal networks.

This collaboration between Apple and the Criminal Investigation Department strengthens intelligence sharing, supports technical verification of products, and enhances our ability to identify and dismantle networks involved in counterfeit trade.

Protecting consumers, enforcing intellectual property laws, and disrupting criminal activity remain key priorities”.

In other news, Lydia Donkor has revealed she has been trained and ready for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) role.

According to Lydia Donkor,  if the appointing authority deems it fit for her to be appointed, she will accept the offer, as anybody is capable of becoming IGP once they are at the rank of commissioner.

Speaking on Starr FM on March 26, 2026, COP Donkor stated, “Everybody’s capable of being an IGP. Once you’re at the rank of commissioner, anybody can be picked to be IGP… Of course, I mentioned that every commissioner at this level is capable of being appointed.

“So, if the appointing authorities deem it fit for me to be appointed, why not? I’ve been trained to be ready,” she said.

“I used to be a girl’s guide. You know, Girl’s Guide and brownies and all of that, so you’ve been trained to be ready at all times,” she added.

Watch the video below:

@yaakodonkor I received a delegation from Apple Inc., led by Collin Denyer, in an operational engagement focused on trade mark and brand protection and the fight against counterfeit Apple products in Ghana. The engagement highlighted the growing threat of fake devices and accessories that are often used to deceive the public and, in some cases, cause harm to users. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is actively pursuing leads on major investigations involving the use of fraudulent trademarks and the distribution of counterfeit products used to deceive and defraud the good citizens of Ghana. These activities undermine legitimate businesses, expose consumers to risk, and fuel organized criminal networks. This collaboration between Apple and the Criminal Investigation Department strengthens intelligence sharing, supports technical verification of products, and enhances our ability to identify and dismantle networks involved in counterfeit trade. Protecting consumers, enforcing intellectual property laws, and disrupting criminal activity remain key priorities. #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #trending #viralvideo ♬ original sound – Lydia Yaako Donkor

Present your audited accounts, or go home – Mahama warns Heads of State-owned enterprises

0

President John Dramani Mahama has warned Chief Executive Officers of state-owned enterprises (SOE) that they risk losing their jobs if they fail to submit audited accounts and annual reports.

According to John Mahama, Chief Executive Officers of state-owned enterprises who fail to submit audited accounts and annual reports by the deadline set by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) will be sacked.

He disclosed that his government is strengthening oversight of state-owned enterprises as part of broader efforts to improve accountability and management.

President asserted that several state institutions had operated for years without presenting audited accounts or annual reports, adding that the practice is unacceptable.

 Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in the UK on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama, stated, “We found out that some state-owned enterprises had not presented annual reports or audited accounts for seven years. I mean, who runs an organisation like that for seven years without audited accounts and annual reports?

“So we have made the submission of audited accounts and annual reports part of their key performance indicators. I’ve told the CEOs that SIGA has set a deadline, I think by the middle of this year. If you have not presented your audited accounts and you have not presented your annual report, the road is your face; you go home,” he said.

Also, President John Dramani  Mahama at the townhall meeting sent a message to public officials who have been implicated in financial irregularities captured in the Auditor-General’s reports.

Mahama told audit offenders to either refund the stolen money or they will be sent to Nsawam prison for misappropriation of funds.

According to President Mahama, he is concern of the recurring financial losses highlighted in annual audit reports.

He described the recurring financial losses as a significant burden on the national economy, adding that constant audit findings point to deep-rooted weaknesses in public financial management and accountability.

John Mahama stated, “Every year, you hear the Auditor General’s report; Ghana loses 12 billion cedis from misappropriations and things. The Chief Justice has graciously set up audit courts,” he disclosed.

“The Attorney General and the Auditor General are going to take out all the people who have misappropriated, and we’re putting them in front of those special courts to either refund our money or proceed to NSAWAM and go and catch some rest there,” he noted.

Watch the video below:

“Accra floods not an engineering problem; it is just…” – Mahama explains

0

President John Dramani Mahama has said the perennial flooding in Ghana’s capital, the Greater Accra, is not an engineering problem.

According to John Mahama, the flooding in Accra is just a problem of indiscipline.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with Ghanaians in the diaspora on May 31st, 2026, explained, “The flooding in Accra is not an engineering problem. It is just a problem of indiscipline. It’s not an engineering problem; it’s a problem of indiscipline. We have drains, and everybody says ‘why don’t you do sealed drains?’ But the problem is, when we do sealed drains, people drink sachet water, they eat papaya in those styrofoam plastics, and they just dump them anywhere.

And these plastics wash into the drain, and they go and block the drain. And so if you have to unclog the drain, you have to remove all the drain covers and clean it out. You clean it out, and then again in the next three, four, five months, they have clogged again.

But that is not even the major problem. The major problem is the location of Accra. You have the Akuapim Mountain Range, and you have the Atlantic Ocean. Before people came to Accra, you had the Lafa stream, you had the Densu, you had the Sakumo stream, you had the Kole stream, you had the Odo stream — all of them were rainwater that falls in the mountains that flows through to the Atlantic Ocean”.

He further narrated, “Then you come and build a city in the path of those streams. What do you expect the streams to do? And even if you build, leave the courseways. If you come to London, you can see the canals in the city. If you go and build a house in that canal, where will the water go? It will go back into people’s houses.

Unfortunately, our traditional rulers are selling plots in streams. It’s not this ‘Nana nom’ I’m talking about, oh. We have places they call Ramsar sites. These Ramsar sites are wetlands. And they said that migratory birds come from Europe during the winter; they come and spend vacation with us in Africa.

Then when they finish the vacation, in the summer they fly back. And decided to protect the Ramsar sites because of the migratory birds. But let me tell you what the Ramsar sites do: they are wetlands. So when they receive the water from the Akwapim mountain range, the Ramsar sites are huge wetlands, so they absorb the water into the wetlands and discharge the water gradually into the ocean”.

Mahama added, “So if you build and you fill and build, you fill and build, you fill and build, you are reducing the size of the Ramsar site, of the wetland. And so when the water comes, what is left cannot contain the water, and so it will overflow and flood people’s houses.

I’ve seen from the air, by helicopter, a stream coming from the Akwapim range, and then it reaches somewhere, and they’ve built across it. And so the stream has nowhere to continue, so it will flood your houses and flood houses of people behind. Now, when the government takes action and begins breaking people’s houses out of the waterway, the same people will say the government is wicked”.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has boldly stated that public officials who approved building permits within the Weija Dam spillway will be sacked.

According to John Mahama, persons who sign the permits must be punished.

He further disclosed that he has ordered the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, to inspect those responsible for issuing the permits.

President Mahama further attributed the Weija flood situation to the actions of some traditional leaders, landowners and local assembly officials.

Watch the video below:

“My minister misspoke” – Mahama speaks on Linda Ocloo’s transfer to the North as punishment comment

0

President John Dramani Mahama has for the first time spoken about the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo’s comments about transferring public officials to the North as punishment.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting with Ghanaians in the diaspora on May 31st, 2026, John Mahama clarified that Linda Ocloo misspoke, adding that officials who approve developments on waterways will be dismissed rather than transferred.

President Mahama stated, “Is flooded with water, and he says, ‘ Why isn’t the government doing anything about the flooding problem? It’s because you went and built in a place you shouldn’t have built, and so we need to punish those who signed the permits for that.

“The District Chief Executives, I told the Minister of Local Government we should find out who is signing the permits for people to build in these waterways,” he said.

“My minister misspoke. She said we’ll transfer them to the North. We are not transferring them to the North; we’re sacking them so that it serves as a deterrent; otherwise, we’ll continue to have this problem,” he stated.

“We must have the hard hats to remove those houses that are blocking the waterways, and so if you see demolitions going on and other things, it’s to protect the property of everybody,” he added.

Mahama’s comments come on the back of the heels of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, who once again caused a stir with her public remarks after revealing that some officials have been transferred to the North as punishment.

According to Linda Ocloo, officials of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) who are issuing illegal building permits have been transferred to the north, just to serve as a kind of punishment for them.

Speaking during a demolition exercise on May 5, 2026, the Greater Accra Regional Minister stated, “If you issue a permit to an illegal structure, knowing very well that the place is illegal, you will also face the law…some of them have been transferred to the north, just to serve as a kind of punishment for them, so that when they realize that what they did was wrong, they are brought back to Accra or other places.”

Meanwhile, Linda Ocloo has issued an apology, following public backlash over comments suggesting that postings to the northern part of Ghana could be perceived as a form of punishment.

According to Linda Ocloo, her remarks in the viral video were just a genuine slip, which does not reflect her considered views.

In a press statement issued by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), the minister stated, “My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated video in which I made remarks suggesting that postings to the northern part of our beloved country could be considered as a form of punishment”.

“I wish to state, without reservation, that the comments captured in the video were a genuine slip in communication and do not reflect my considered views.”

“Regrettably, my choice of words created the unintended impression that such postings were punitive,” she said.

“I sincerely acknowledge the concerns that this has generated and offer my unreserved apology to all Ghanaians, especially my brothers and sisters in the northern regions, for any misunderstanding, offence, or discomfort caused,” she stated.

Watch the video below:

“President Mahama will not sign this foolish bill into law” – Ghanaian transgender Angel Maxine claims  

Ghanaian transgender artiste Angel Maxine has boldly claimed President John Dramani Mahama will not sign the  anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.

According to Angel Maxine, the anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by parliament is a useless bill passed by politicians just to score some cheap political points.

Angel Maxine urged members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana to remain calm following Parliament’s approval of a new anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

In a video shared on social media, Angel Maxine stated, “President Mahama will not sign this foolish bill into law. The politicians just passed the bill because they want to score some cheap political points. The reality is that it will not be signed into law”.

Angel Maxine added, “ The Ghanaian anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been passed today in Parliament. As we continue to fight it, please do not panic.

“Do not be afraid. Nobody can do anything to you. It’s the politicians sitting in Parliament who are fooling themselves,” she said.

“This is just the bill that they have passed. The President has not signed it, and the President will not sign it. The President is not foolish. He will not sign this f00lish bill. So don’t be afraid,” she stated.

However, President John Dramani Mahama has made a definitive statement on the pending anti-LGBTQ bill legislation, declaring that he will assent to the bill if it is passed by Parliament.

According to John Mahama, a person’s gender is determined at birth, adding that the family is the foundation of our nation.

He added that there is no question about what Ghanaians believe in.

Meanwhile, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has jabbed the Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin following the passage of the anti-LGBTQ Bill, disclosing that President Mahama is eagerly waiting to assent to the bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, he will invite Afenyo-Markin to accompany him to the Flagstaff House to witness President John Mahama’s signing of the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament after the bill was passed on Friday, May 29, 2026, Ayariga stated, “When President John Mahama is going to assent to the bill, I will invite you to accompany me to Flagstaff House to witness the President signing the assenting to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

There will be no letter threatening the clerk of this parliament asking him to desist from bringing the bill to the Flagstaff House. Mr Clerk, the president is eagerly waiting for you. He says as soon as he returns, you should hasten with the bill to him so that, as promised to Ghanaians, he will a pen his signature to it”.

Watch the video below:

Senior Ghanaian miners in South Africa seeking evacuation – Ghana’s High Commissioner

0

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie have revealed that some Senior Ghanaian workers in the mining sector in South Africa have reportedly asked to be evacuated to Ghana.

According to Benjamin Quashie, the Ghanaian miners have asked to be included in Ghana’s evacuation exercise amid rising fears of xenophobic attacks.

In a post shared by DW Africa, read, “Senior Ghanaian workers in South Africa’s mining sector have asked to be included in Ghana’s evacuation exercise amid rising fears of xenophobic attacks. Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, said the workers reached out through their leaders, saying they feel unsafe ahead of a planned demonstration on June 30.

Ghana has already evacuated 300 citizens from South Africa following protests and demands by a section of South Africans for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.

Quashie also rejected claims by South African immigration officials that only 10 of the 300 evacuees were legally in the country, insisting that about 80 per cent were lawful migrants”.

In related news, Ghana Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that 600 more Ghanaians have registered at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.

In a post on X, he wrote, “600 more Ghanaians register at our High Commission to be evacuated from South Africa.

When the safety and dignity of Ghanaians are at stake, the Government of Ghana does not compromise or dither.

I am immensely proud of the resilient spirit of Ghanaians.

See you soon — there’s no place like home”.

Meanwhile, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has fumed at the government of Ghana over the evacuation of 297 Ghanaians from South Africa.

According to Julius Malema, the response of the Ghanaian government was not necessary as it creates an impression that “we are all like that”.

He further argued that South Africa should not respond in the same way, saying Ghana’s approach does not reinforce dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking to the media, Julius Malema argued, “The Ghana response was not necessary; it now creates an impression that we are all like that. But it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement.

One Ghanaian lady was saying I wouldn’t have taken this option, but the problem was that we are being beaten in front of the Police, and the Police are not doing anything. That is a problem. When this opportunity came for me to leave, I left.

Because if the Police cannot defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me”.

He added, “We will resolve this; the President of Ghana should have given us some time to deal with this matter. And we will get to the bottom of it; we hope they will come to their senses. We don’t have to respond the same way they did; we need to pursue diplomatic engagement with Ghana.

We don’t think Ghana reacted in a manner that reinforces disloyalty and diplomatic engagement; it actually creates a very bad extreme situation, which is not. It is a select few we are pursuing and persuading the government to act on those few.

They must give use sometime, and those who don’t feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety. The reaction of the government should have been postponed to give us an opportunity to deal with what is happening in South Africa”.

See the post below:

“You cannot redeem Akufo-Addo; he is irredeemable”– Majority leader blasts NPP minority

0

Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has taken a swipe at members of the Minority Caucus over their commentary on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, following its passage.

The Majority argued that the Minority is claiming that the bill passed is a “watered-down” version of the one passed in 2024, just to exonerate former President Akufo-Addo, who refused to act on it.

He highlighted that former President Akufo-Addo cannot be redeemed, as he is irredeemable for refusing to sign the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, his party and government have done no wrong in the passage of the bill.

The Majority leader added that the government has no interest in the anti-LGBTQ Bill, as it was a private member’s bill.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament after the bill was passed on Friday, May 29, 2026, Ayariga stated, “How does the NDC government come into this, because in the first place, this is a private member’s bill. The government has no interest in it. We, as Members of Parliament, are working on the bill because you, our colleagues, have sponsored a bill that we are working on.

“So, on what basis are you accusing the NDC government? Except that you are just seeking to equalise, because Akufo-Addo refused to sign the bill that you presented. That’s all that you are seeking to do,” he fumed.

He added, “You believe that in saying all the things that you are saying, doing all the things that you are doing, you will redeem Akufo-Addo. You cannot redeem Akufo-Addo in this matter. President Akufo-Addo is irredeemable in this matter.

“Speaker, take note of his expressions. He says that ‘the bill that you presented to Akufo-Addo to sign’. Is it we who presented it to Akufo-Addo to sign? You brought the bill to this House; the bill was passed for you the way you wanted, and then you are now accusing us of being the ones who presented the bill to Akufo-Addo to sign,” he noted.

It will be recalled, Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQ bill under the former Akufo-Addo government faced several lawsuits filed against the bill, leading to a delay in its signing.

Eventually, the bill, which became a burden for the previous government, remained just a bill and was not passed into law before Akufo-Addo left power.

The bill sought to criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) activities in Ghana, was passed by the 8th Parliament, but remained unsigned before the 8th Parliament was dissolved.

Furthermore, conversations and discussions about the controversial anti-LBGTQ bill have resurfaced under the John Mahama government.

Meanwhile, the Parliament of Ghana, on Friday, May 29, 2026, passed the anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-gay bill.

Also, President John Dramani Mahama has made a definitive statement on the pending anti-LGBTQ bill legislation, declaring that he will assent to the bill if it is passed by Parliament.

According to John Mahama, a person’s gender is determined at birth, adding that the family is the foundation of our nation.

He added that there is no question what Ghanaians believe in.

Watch the video below:

“I funded the NDC, but my property has been demolished” – Former parliamentary candidate fumes 

0

Kobby Mensah, a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate (PC) for Ablekuma West, has fumed following the demolition of his property.

According to Kobby Mensah, he sponsored the NDC while in opposition with his own money and resources, only for the party to appoint minister and MCE who are now preventing him from carrying out his project.

He alleged that the minister and MCE appointed by John Mahama are intimidating him by targeting his projects, adding that his property was legally developed, backed by documentation from the relevant state institutions, but was demolished on the orders of the MCE and the MP.

Kobby Mensah further claimed that the demolition exercise was selective, stressing that he is going to sue the MCE and the MP for demolishing his structure.

Speaking in an interview shared by the Free Your Mind podcast on X, Kobby Mensah stated, “I sponsored the party when we were in opposition. I funded the party with my money and resources. The national executives are aware”.

“Since 1997, when I acquired this property, I have followed the necessary processes. I wrote to the Lands Commission, and they, in turn, wrote to the Metropolitan Assembly in 2014. The Assembly surveyed the area and confirmed that BNN is a residential zone. The MCE is not being fair to me at all,” he said.

“If you are carrying out demolitions, then clear everyone in that area, not just me. He went to my hotel. There are more than 40 containers in that particular area, yet only my property was affected. Today again, he is targeting my property, even though it is registered land,” he fumed.

“So, if I was part of the party that came to power, and the party appoints ministers and MCEs who then intimidate me and prevent me from carrying out legitimate activities on my property, I will sue the MCE and the MP.

“I will make sure the law takes its course. They will not go scot-free. If they are carrying out demolitions, why demolish part of my building and leave the rest?” he questioned.

In related news, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has asserted that demolitions are painful, but the laws must be enforced.

According to the Ga Mantse, Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable.

The Ga Mantse touring communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice and parts of Weija, were hit by flooding following the opening of the Weija Dam spill gates due to heavy rains, and made these remarks.

He added that without strict action, flooding will continue to destroy lives and property every rainy season.

The Ga Mantse, on his tour on Thursday, May 28, expressed deep worry over the continued intrusion of Ghanaians building on natural drainage channels and green belts.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Ga Mantse stated, “Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable”.

“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II acknowledged, “Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life”.

Watch the video below:

“I will invite you to accompany me to witness the signing of the anti-LGBTQ Bill” – Ayariga jabs Afenyo-Markin

0

Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, has jabbed the Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin following the passage of the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, he will invite Afenyo-Markin to accompany him to the Flagstaff House to witness President John Mahama’s signing of the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament after the bill was passed on Friday, May 29, 2026, Ayariga stated, “When President John Mahama is going to assent to the bill, I will invite you to accompany me to Flagstaff House to witness the President signing the assenting to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

There will be no letter threatening the clerk of this parliament asking him to desist from bringing the bill to the Flagstaff House. Mr Clerk the president is eargearly waiting for you. He says as soon as he returns you should hasten with the bill to him so that as promised to Ghanaians he will a pen his signature to it”.

Also, Mahama Ayariga in his closing remarks took a swipe at members of the Minority Caucus over their commentary on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, following its passage.

The Majority argued that the Minority is claiming that the bill passed is a “watered-down” version of the one passed in 2024, just to exonerate former President Akufo-Addo, who refused to act on it.

He highlighted that former President Akufo-Addo cannot be redeemed, as he is irredeemable for refusing to sign the anti-LGBTQ Bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, his party and government have done no wrong in the passage of the bill.

The Majority leader added that the government has no interest in the anti-LGBTQ Bill, as it was a private member’s bill.

Mahama Ayariga stated, “How does the NDC government come into this, because in the first place, this is a private member’s bill. The government has no interest in it. We, as Members of Parliament, are working on the bill because you, our colleagues, have sponsored a bill that we are working on.

“So, on what basis are you accusing the NDC government? Except that you are just seeking to equalise, because Akufo-Addo refused to sign the bill that you presented. That’s all that you are seeking to do,” he fumed.

He added, “You believe that in saying all the things that you are saying, doing all the things that you are doing, you will redeem Akufo-Addo. You cannot redeem Akufo-Addo in this matter. President Akufo-Addo is irredeemable in this matter.

“Speaker, take note of his expressions. He says that ‘the bill that you presented to Akufo-Addo to sign’. Is it we who presented it to Akufo-Addo to sign? You brought the bill to this House; the bill was passed for you the way you wanted, and then you are now accusing us of being the ones who presented the bill to Akufo-Addo to sign,” he noted.

It will be recalled, Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQ bill under the former Akufo-Addo government faced several lawsuits filed against the bill, leading to a delay in its signing.

Eventually, the bill, which became a burden for the previous government, remained just a bill and was not passed into law before Akufo-Addo left power.

The bill sought to criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) activities in Ghana, was passed by the 8th Parliament, but remained unsigned before the 8th Parliament was dissolved.

Furthermore, conversations and discussions about the controversial anti-LBGTQ bill have resurfaced under the John Mahama government.

Meanwhile, the Parliament of Ghana, on Friday, May 29, 2026, passed the anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-gay bill.

Also, President John Dramani Mahama has made a definitive statement on the pending anti-LGBTQ bill legislation, declaring that he will assent to the bill if it is passed by Parliament.

According to John Mahama, a person’s gender is determined at birth, adding that the family is the foundation of our nation.

He added that there is no question what Ghanaians believe in.

Watch the video below:

400 Ghanaian nurses to be sent to Jamaica to boost health delivery – Ablakwa

0

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that 400 Ghanaian nurses will be sent to Jamaica to boost health delivery in the Caribbean nation.

According to Ablakwa, Ghana–Jamaica has revived the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) after a 21-year hiatus.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs disclosed that a key outcome of the PJCC was the agreement signed, which will ensure that some 400 Ghanaian nurses are sent to Jamaica to boost health delivery in the friendly nation.

In a post shared on X, Ablakwa wrote, “A key outcome of the PJCC was the agreement we signed, which will ensure some 400 Ghanaian nurses are sent to Jamaica to boost health delivery in the friendly nation.

We also signed additional agreements for defence cooperation and tourism”.

He also disclosed that some Ghanaian teachers will be sent to Jamaica by August this year/

His post added, “Ghana and Jamaica have also agreed to complete ongoing negotiations to send Ghanaian teachers to Jamaica by August this year.

We must all be proud to see how Ghanaian professionals are in high demand all over the world.

I also took the opportunity to celebrate Jamaica for their unwavering support during the landmark adoption of the Ghana-led UN resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.

Jamaica renewed their appreciation of Ghana’s humanitarian support when we sent our gallant soldiers and donated relief items in the aftermath of Hurricane Melisa.

It is worthy of note that the Jamaican Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Andrew Holness has extended a special invitation to President John Mahama to serve as guest of honour at this year’s Jamaican National Day celebrations.

I am deeply elated and inspired by the renewed enthusiasm in our ancestral Ghana-Jamaica relations”.

In related news, some 130 Ghanaian health workers left Ghana for Antigua under the government’s Labour Exchange Programme some months ago.

The health workers left the country on Monday, January 26, 2026, to undertake a three-year contract in Antigua.

The move is part of the Mahama government’s plans to tackle unemployment in Ghana while strengthening Ghana’s presence in the international health sector.

A departure ceremony was held at Kotoka International Airport with the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, seeing off the health workers.

Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, highlighted that the intervention aimed at addressing the backlog of more than 80,000 unemployed health professionals.

Speaking on the initiative, the Minister of Health stated, “The Ghana Labour Exchange Programme is an initiative of the President to create jobs for citizens. Today, it is the turn of health workers. We inherited a backlog of more than 80,000 health professionals who have completed various degrees but are without employment.

“As part of efforts to create jobs, the government is exploring avenues where countries have requested that our health professionals work with them. Today, it is Antigua. We are also working on similar arrangements with Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. These deployments will be done in batches,” he said.

See the post below:

Black Stars to receive $100,000 as appearance fee for the 2026 World Cup – Sports Minister

0

Kofi Adams, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, has revealed that every player in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive an appearance fee of $100,000.

According to the Sports Minister, the appearance fee for the Black Stars has been maintained at $100,000 per player in recent tournaments.

The Sports Minister disclosed that appearance fees for Black Stars players have varied over the years, from $50,000 and $80,000 in earlier editions to as much as $120,000, before being standardised at $100,000.

Speaking in an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues programme, Kofi Adams explained, “The appearance fee has been pegged at $100,000 for quite some time, and this year it remains the same. We have not changed it”.

“Some say because the cedi has become stronger, we should increase it, and we said no. If the cedi had become weaker, would you have said we should reduce the dollar amount so that it gives the same cedi equivalent? You wouldn’t,” he said.

Also, Kofi Iddie Adams has declared that the Black Stars will head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup not as mere participants.

He added, “We are not going there as just mere participants; we’re going there as a team that is capable of also winning the trophy, and so that is the mentality we are going with”.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has asserted that the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by three countries, presents significant logistical and financial challenges.

He disclosed that the cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000.

According to John Mahama, the government cannot be in a position to fully sponsor large numbers of supporters travelling from Ghana due to the estimated cost per supporter being about $11,000.

He revealed that the government plans to buy match tickets for Ghanaians abroad to support Black Stars.

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama stated, “We are restricted because of the nature of this particular World Cup – it is being held in three countries. We are playing our first match in Canada, then we will be moving to Boston, and from there to Philadelphia. The cost of transporting, feeding, and accommodating each supporter is beyond our means.

“We say we are being fiscally disciplined. We cannot spend our money in that manner. The cost for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that, including tickets to watch the games, is estimated at almost $11,000,” he stated.

President added that, as a result, his government will focus its support on organised supporters’ groups and Ghanaian communities already based in host cities.

He further disclosed, “What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game.

“We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches,” he stated.

Watch the video below:

“Refund our money or proceed to NSAWAM to catch some rest” – Mahama boldly tells audit offenders

0

President John Dramani Mahama has boldly sent a message to public officials who have been implicated in financial irregularities captured in the Auditor-General’s reports.

Mahama told audit offenders to either refund the stolen money or they will be sent to Nsawam prison for misappropriation of funds.

According to President Mahama, he is concern of the recurring financial losses highlighted in annual audit reports.

He described the recurring financial losses as a significant burden on the national economy, adding that constant audit findings point to deep-rooted weaknesses in public financial management and accountability.

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in the United Kingdom on Sunday, May 31, John Mahama stated, “Every year, you hear the Auditor General’s report; Ghana loses 12 billion cedis from misappropriations and things. The Chief Justice has graciously set up audit courts,” he disclosed.

“The Attorney General and the Auditor General are going to take out all the people who have misappropriated, and we’re putting them in front of those special courts to either refund our money or proceed to NSAWAM and go and catch some rest there,” he noted.

In related news, three top officials at the heart of Ghana’s organisation of the 13th Africa Games have been ordered by the Auditor-General to refund GHC579 million.

Reports suggest the forensic audit commissioned by President Mahama last year uncovered several widespread instances of cost inflation, irregular payments, and unsupported expenditure across contracts linked to the event.

The three officials include Mustapha Ussif (former Minister of Youth and Sports), William Kartey (former Chief Director)and Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare (former LOC Chairman).

Although the Auditor-General did not make any criminal findings, it recommended that the three officials refund the money to the state.

Also, the Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Prof. Amin Alhassan, was named in relation to a training contract.

The auditors have recommended the recovery of an estimated GHC 579,114,352.24, alongside $44,354,881.77 and €629,070, quoting overpricing, unjustified payments, undelivered goods, and contractual variances.

According to the report, the findings cut across catering, accommodation, transport, equipment procurement, infrastructure, and administrative spending, painting a picture of systemic cost inflation during Ghana’s hosting of the continental multi-sport event.

However, the Former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has broken his silence concerning the irregularities of the 2023 African Games Forensic Audit attributed to him.

According to Mustapha Ussif, he is not responsible for any such irregularities.

He disclosed that he looks forward to the report being presented to Parliament for him to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report.

In a press statement, Mustapha Ussif wrote, “My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report, which report is titled, Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023.

The said report, I understand, attributes various irregularities to me. I, however, deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,

It is my understanding that the report of the audit will be presented to Parliament, and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to respond accordingly.

Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report”.

$11,000 per fan is too expensive; we cannot spend our money in that manner – Mahama on 2026 World Cup

0

President John Dramani Mahama has admitted that the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by three countries, presents significant logistical and financial challenges to Ghana.

He disclosed that the cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000.

According to John Mahama, the government cannot be in a position to fully sponsor large numbers of supporters travelling from Ghana due to the estimated cost per supporter being about $11,000.

He revealed that the government plans to buy match tickets for Ghanaians abroad to support Black Stars.

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama stated, “We are restricted because of the nature of this particular World Cup – it is being held in three countries. We are playing our first match in Canada, then we will be moving to Boston, and from there to Philadelphia. The cost of transporting, feeding, and accommodating each supporter is beyond our means.

“We say we are being fiscally disciplined. We cannot spend our money in that manner. The cost for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that, including tickets to watch the games, is estimated at almost $11,000,” he stated.

President added that, as a result, his government will focus its support on organised supporters’ groups and Ghanaian communities already based in host cities.

He further disclosed, “What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game.

“We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches,” he stated.

Some Ghanaians reacting to President Mahama’s remarks stated, “I am tempted to believe that most of the supporters in Ghana who went for their visa-appointment interviews failed to secure visas.

If that isn’t the case, why wait till some of them have gone for the interview before the Prez comes out with this?

Anyways, it is a prudent decision”.

“If you are talking about fiscal discipline, why are you procuring tickets for people in the diaspora to attend the games? Don’t they have money to buy their own tickets if they truly love Ghana and want to watch the matches? Useless policies just to waste our money. Twaiii”, a netizen added.

A netizen added, “When you have a brilliant and smart leader who is ready to change the wrong ways of spending state resources, you get the best results. Thank you Mr. President. We don’t need to send people across three countries to watch a game. Ghana is moving in the right direction”.

One X user added, “I fully support this. There are more than 100K legal Ghanaians in the US, so purchasing a WC ticket for them to support the #BlackStars is more feasible than flying them abroad. Let’s be financially responsible here. Kudos @JDMahama, we support this wholeheartedly”.

“I don’t know why u guys wanna waste this money when there are Ghanaians already living there that can equally represent the country. Just buy them the tickets that’s it”, one X user added.

Watch the video below:

Actress Beverly Afaglo goes home on August 7

Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo’s final funeral rites will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The late Ghanaian actress’s final funeral rites will be held at Lashibi Funeral Home in the Greater Accra Region.

During her one-week memorial held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Green Flavour Events Centre in Community 9, Tema, Beverly Afaglo’s final funeral arrangements were disclosed.

It will be recalled that Eugene Kwadwo Boadu Baah, popularly known as Choirmaster (formerly of the music group Praye), who confirmed the death of his wife, a Popular Ghanaian actress, Beverly Afaglo Baah.

In a social media post on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Praye Honeho announced the unfortunate news.

Praye Honeho described her late wife as his “strength,” “happiness”.

He disclosed that Beverly’s death comes just days before her birthday, which makes her loss even more crushing for the family.

In his post, he wrote, “My heart is shattered beyond words over the death of my beloved wife Beverly Afaglo!!! It would have been just like 4 More days to your birthday, but I guess the Lord wanted to celebrate with you, so he called you 🙏😢 You were my strength, My Happiness, and the reason my life felt Complete.

Every Moment with you was a blessing I will Cherish Forever !!

I am hearing your voice right now, cheering me up as always, my Number one☝️fan!! I promise to take care and continue everything we planned and started !! Until my last breath, you will remain in My Heart ❤️ Forever!!! Sleep well, my babe!!!

R. I. P to a #Legend

Sesei Akaminkoaaaa 😢😢!!

It’s a Dark Day Choristerz 😢 we all lost a big one !!!”

Meanwhile, Abu Iddris, the manager of late Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur Beverly Afaglo, has disclosed that the actress was battling cancer for two years.

He revealed that the actress died on Saturday night at the International Maritime Hospital in Tema.

The manager disclosed that the cancer started as breast cancer but later spread due to its genetic nature.

Speaking in an interview with Ghana Weekend on Sunday, May 24, Abu Iddris stated, “She’s been battling cancer for two years. It’s been a relentless war. She really fought hard, and this is where it ended”.

Abu Iddris explained that despite her deteriorating condition, Beverly remained committed to her career and family.

“In fact, we shot things for her while she was undergoing treatment. The premieres, the promotions, she was undergoing treatment. She lived while doing her very best until the cancer really overtook her,” he stated.

“She chose to come be with her kids, knowing the situation. This is the kind of person she is. She chose to come see her kids and spend the last days with them at a cost,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Gov’t to buy match tickets for Ghanaians abroad to support Black Stars – Mahama reveals

0

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the government plans to buy match tickets for Ghanaians abroad to support Black Stars at the 2026 World Cup.

Mahama asserted that the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by three countries, presents significant logistical and financial challenges.

He disclosed that the cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000.

 According to John Mahama, the government cannot be in a position to fully sponsor large numbers of supporters travelling from Ghana,

Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama stated, “We are restricted because of the nature of this particular World Cup – it is being held in three countries. We are playing our first match in Canada, then we will be moving to Boston, and from there to Philadelphia. The cost of transporting, feeding, and accommodating each supporter is beyond our means.

“We say we are being fiscally disciplined. We cannot spend our money in that manner. The cost for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that, including tickets to watch the games, is estimated at almost $11,000,” he stated.

President added that, as a result, his government will focus its support on organised supporters’ groups and Ghanaian communities already based in host cities.

He further disclosed, “What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game.

“We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches,” he stated.

Some Ghanaians reacting to President Mahama’s remarks stated, “I am tempted to believe that most of the supporters in Ghana who went for their visa-appointment interviews failed to secure visas.

If that isn’t the case, why wait till some of them have gone for the interview before the Prez comes out with this?

Anyways, it is a prudent decision”.

“If you are talking about fiscal discipline, why are you procuring tickets for people in the diaspora to attend the games? Don’t they have money to buy their own tickets if they truly love Ghana and want to watch the matches? Useless policies just to waste our money. Twaiii”, a netizen added.

A netizen added, “When you have a brilliant and smart leader who is ready to change the wrong ways of spending state resources, you get the best results. Thank you Mr. President. We don’t need to send people across three countries to watch a game. Ghana is moving in the right direction”.

One X user added, “I fully support this. There are more than 100K legal Ghanaians in the US, so purchasing a WC ticket for them to support the #BlackStars is more feasible than flying them abroad. Let’s be financially responsible here. Kudos @JDMahama, we support this wholeheartedly”.

“I don’t know why u guys wanna waste this money when there are Ghanaians already living there that can equally represent the country. Just buy them the tickets that’s it”, one X user added.

Watch the video below:

Afenyo-Markin sabotaging anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Majority Leader

0

Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, has accused the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, of trying to sabotage the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

According to Mahama Ayariga, Alexander Afenyo-Markin is deliberately obstructing the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

The Minority leader on the floor of parliament argued that the Majority Leader is of the view that the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill was passed in the 8th parliament and therefore should not go through the process again.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “By constitutional imperative, the law was already passed, and it was for the president to sign; for him, it will therefore be constitutionally superfluous for another bill to go through the process. I want to know whether or not that position of the Majority Leader is the view of this house or otherwise”.

However, the Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding over proceedings, highlighted that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has already given his ruling on that issue and should not have been raised by a leader or any member of parliament.

Afenyo-Markin further added, “Speaker with respect, can an application be repeated? The application can be repeated when your application is denied, and the majority leader has not departed from his own application. Mr Speaker, can the same application be made in the circumspect?”.

The Majority leader, reacting to Afenyo-Markin’s argument, stressed that the Minority leader is raising all sorts of issues to impede the passage of this bill.

He further assured the Minority and Ghanaians that the bill will be passed, and when it is passed, President John Mahama will assent to it.  

Speaking on the floor of parliament, the Minority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated, “He is guilty of obstructing the passage of this bill; he does not want the bill. He is not out of order innocently, Mr Speaker; he is deliberately obstructing the passage of this bill. He does not want this bill passed, so he would be raising all sorts of issues to impede the passage of this bill, but I want to assure him that this Bill will be passed and when it is passed, the President will give his assent”.

“There will be no directive to the clerk of parliament to cease and desist in presenting the bill to the presidency; there will be no threat to the clerk of this parliament, so please let us take the bill to the consideration stage.

This parliament has indicated to Ghanaians that within the next two weeks, we want this bill passed. So cooperate with us and let the Bill pass”.

Meanwhile, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has urged Ghanaians not to listen to persons who do not know what is happening in Parliament regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently before Parliament.

According to Speaker Bagbin, the bill has already gone through the necessary processes in Parliament, and he expressed confidence that it will be passed when the House reconvenes.

Speaking at an event, Alban Bagbin disclosed, “I’m sure one of the reasons we punished him and his party is one of these, so we started, and we processed it, it has gone through all the stages, and the next meeting of Parliament will get us asking to pass that bill into law”.

“So, don’t listen to people who don’t know what is in Parliament. Please, I repeat, don’t listen to people who don’t know what is in Parliament,” he cautioned.

“They can play that kind of bad politics. That is not what we are here for. We are different from those practising it. Our cultures, values, and principles are different. They know the effect and what it is doing to them. We resist it today; we will not be colonised again. That is gone; it’s history,” he added.

Speaker Babgin further disclosed that the president gave him his assurance that he will sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law once the House passes it.

Watch the video below:

@degreatmantv #duetwith DE Great man tv Afenyo don't the Lgbtq bill to passing #ghanatiktokers#fyp#ndc ♬ original sound – DE GREAT MAN TV.

He is well-regarded, respected, and knowledgeable- Jamaica’s Foreign Minister sing praises of Ablakwa

0

Jamaica’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Johnson Smith, shares high praise for Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

According to the Jamaican Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is well-regarded, respected, knowledgeable, and results-oriented.

She highlighted that Ghana’s  Minister for Foreign Affairs is nation-minded, globally-minded and believes in foreign affairs delivering for the benefit of people at every level of every nation.

Speaking in a video shared on X, H.E. Johnson Smith stated, “Things take so long until you make them happen. What don’t happen in a year happens in a day, Minister. And so it is with a deep sense of appreciation, of kinship, of commendations and appreciation. And Excellencies, you all clearly would understand why it is Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP, is so well regarded, respected and well liked by his colleagues and counterparts on the world stage.

“Because he’s excellent. He is knowledgeable, he is results-oriented, he is nation-minded, globally-minded. And he is one who believes in ensuring that foreign affairs deliver for the benefit of people at every level of every nation”.

She added, “I want to ask you to join me in commending him for this work, because it is that very commitment to excellence and partnership that ensures we are able to do things in a shorter period of time. And I want to believe getting your team to move at Usain Bolt speed, Minister. We’re going to cross the finish line together.”

Some netizens reacting to Jamaica’s Minister for Foreign Affairs’ praises of Ablakwa wrote, “@S_OkudzetoAblak Your work is speaking for you. Keep on doing what you are doing. Ghana is proud of you”.

“Our societies needs such people to mentor the next generation”, a netizen added.

In related news, Manasseh Azure Awuni, an award-winning investigative journalist, has praised Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ablakwa has proven that, without procurement and projects, a ministry can be visibly impactful.

He highlighted that Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister is helping the country rediscover its Nkrumah days glory as a leader of the continent and a torchbearer of the black race.

In a Facebook post, Manasseh Azure wrote, “Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is proving that, without procurement and projects, a ministry can be visibly impactful. He’s helping Ghana rediscover its Nkrumah days glory as a leader of the continent and a torchbearer of the black race.

Becoming a minister of state after being the leading light in highlighting the rot of the previous administration, many on the touchline of opposition probably waited for Mr Ablakwa to flop so they could gloat. Today, some of those people may have changed their minds and are admiring quietly.

Nothing engenders patriotism more than knowing that your country will not abandon you when you get stranded.

I’m particularly proud of how the Israelis were swiftly denied entry into Ghana and returned home after they denied Ghanaians entry into Israel.

Long may this continue.

If such hard work and zeal are replicated in other ministries and sectors, the numerous Ghanaians sitting on the fence of ambivalence and despair would come forward and play their part as we mend our broken nation.

Kudos, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa!”.

Watch the video below:

Ato Forson is winning the NDC flagbearership race – Paul Adom-Otchere

0

Paul Adom-Otchere, a veteran journalist and host of Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana, has said Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson is winning the NDC flagbearer race.

The veteran journalist claimed that President John Dramani Mahama is giving Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson a full presidential red carpet. 

He argued that President John Mahama is grooming Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to succeed him.

According to Paul Adom-Otchere, President Mahama’s plan is for  Ato Forson to smash Asiedu Nketia to become the NDC presidential candidate and to face Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in 2028.

He highlighted that President Mahama, who received an invitation to be at the new Benin President’s inauguration, chose Ato Forson to attend instead of the Vice President or the Chief of Staff.

Speaking in one of the episodes of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere detailed, “President Mahama nailed it. All of this Asiedu Nketia matter happened on Friday, Asiedu Nketia statement, Haruna Iddrisu’s response, it all happened on Friday, but President Mahama nailed it.

On Sunday, when the invitation had come for the Beninua government for the President of Ghana to attend the inauguration of the President of Benin, His Excellency the President John Dramani Mahama decided to send Cassiel Ato Forson to represent him. He is already building Ato Forson for the job. There is Ato Forson margetoically, incoming President of Ghana”.

He further added, “The new president of Benin was also the Finance Minister; he ran for President and won. Who is Ato Forson today, the Finance Minister? Does he want to run for president? Yes, does he want to win? Yes. If he runs for president, does he mean Asiedu Nketia can also run? No, unless he joins The Base party.

Ato Forson is winning this thing. So President Mahama sends Ato Forson to Benin to represent Ghana. This is a presidential event; if the president cannot come it is the vice president who will go; if he cannot, the Chief of Staff will go. This is President Mahama giving Ato Forson a full presidential red carpet in Benin, preparing him for the job.

Whoa.

That’s Cassiel Ato Forson… Viewers, please clap for him… This is the president of Ghana who has then given the opportunity to his finance minister, whom he is grooming, to smash Asiedu Nketiah out of the race to become the NDC flag bearer and then do will fight the election in 2028. If he does not win, he is young. If Dr Bawumia wins, he will serve two terms. After two terms, they will remove you. Ato Forson will run in 2032, that is the plan of John Mahama. Goodnight to Asiedu Nketia for the NDC flagbearership”.

Meanwhile, Paul Adom-Otchere on Accra-based Joy Prime on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, claimed that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is planning to elect a flagbearer from the Ashanti Region.

According to Paul Adom-Otchere, an important member of the NDC revealed this to him during a conversation.

Paul Adom-Otchere highlighted that the individual who revealed this to him is currently outside the country.

The veteran journalist asserted that a senior NDC member told him internal discussions are underway regarding the party’s choice of candidate.

Paul Adom-Otchere stressed that the decision by the NDC stems from the NPP electing Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer.

Watch the video below:

Ghana finalising new agreement to establish one of the World’s largest gold refineries – GoldBod CEO

0

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, has said they are finalising a new agreement to establish one of the World’s largest gold refineries in Ghana.

The GoldBod CEO revealed that the refinery will have a processing capacity of 600 tonnes, which will make it one of the largest on the continent.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, the sod cutting for the commencement of the project will be later this year, with completion expected in 2027.

He further disclosed that the project forms part of the government’s agenda to position Ghana as a leading gold refinery hub in Africa.

Speaking to members of the National House of Chiefs during a meeting in the Ashanti Region on Friday, May 29, Sammy Gyamfi disclosed, “We’re in the process of signing a new agreement that will see to the establishment of what is going to be one of the biggest refineries in the World in Ghana.

“We will cut a sod for the establishment this year [2026], and we hope to complete it by next year [2027]. It’s going to be a 600-tonne-capacity refinery. It will refine all the gold we produce here [Ghana]; it can also refine gold from Burkina Faso, Togo, and other places. The idea is to make Ghana a hub for gold refinery,” he announced.

In related news, Sammy Gyamfi has said President John Dramani Mahama wants Ghana to establish its own Gold Souk.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the GoldBod CEO said, “President Mahama wants us to have our own mini gold souk like Dubai has. Dubai does not have gold, but they have a gold souk where people trade in gold jewellery.

He wants us to create a golden kilometre, and on that kilometre stretch of road, we will be selling only gold jewellery, so that if anyone comes to Ghana and wants to see our gold, they can be taken there”.

A Gold Souk is dedicated to trading gold jewellery, precious stones, and rare metals.

In other news, Sammy Gyamfi has spoken about President John Dramani Mahama appointing him as the GoldBod CEO.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, President Mahama is a great visionary who saw what he did not see.

Sammy Gyamfi asserted that many predicted he would have landed a communication-related job based on what he was doing for the party in opposition, but Mahama saw something in him that many had not noticed at the time.

Speaking on PM Express Business Edition, Sammy Gyamfi stated, “For me, it was an exciting call made by the president. The president, to some of us as a father figure, is not just a flagbearer. He’s not just our President, but somebody that I’ve enjoyed the father-son relationship with for some time now, and he’s a great visionary”.

“So what he may see in you, you may not even have seen in yourself. Maybe many never expected that, upon winning power, I would find myself where I am. I’m sure many have predicted that I may, I may have landed some communication-related job based on what I was doing, for the party in opposition,” he said.

Sammy Gyamfi added, “But the president, I think, saw something in me that many had not noticed at the time, and he decided to give me this opportunity”.

“Supported by my able minister, who is like a brother to me as well, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, we have been able to push the agenda of the president for the gold sector,” he noted.

Also, Sammy Gyamfi has said Gold is essential to President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda.

The GoldBod CEO highlighted that Mahama believes that Ghana could have maximised national benefits and exerted its sovereignty over its gold resources more than it has since independence.

Over 100 homes submerges following Weija Dam spillage

0

Reports suggest the spillage from the Weija Dam has left over a hundred homes submerged.

According to reports, Schools and businesses in communities including Tetegu, Oblogo, and parts of Weija have been shut down as floodwaters inundated homes and submerged roads; some areas are now only accessible by canoe.

Residents of Weija have revealed that the floodwaters have risen to window level in some homes, with families having to relocate belongings to higher ground or seek temporary shelter elsewhere.

According to one resident, his television and other belongings had been destroyed by the floodwaters, revealing that he was unable to salvage any of his livestock.

Another affected resident also revealed that his household appliances had been damaged, calling for the need for urgent desilting of choked gutters.

Residents further expressed concern that no officials had visited the area to assess the damage, and they are appealing to government authorities and disaster management agencies to provide immediate relief support and also implement long-term measures to prevent other occurrences.

Meanwhile, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, has called on the government to intervene to support residents affected by flooding from the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam.

The Weija-Gbawe MP disclosed that the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam has displaced families and submerged homes and businesses.

According to Jerry Ahmed Shaib, he has been “swimming for the past three days”  to help evacuate his constituents from flood-hit communities.

Speaking on the floor of parliament on Thursday, May 28, Jerry Ahmed Shaib stated, “Mr Speaker, it hasn’t been easy at all. I have been swimming for the past three days, helping people to evacuate. My people are suffering. Weija Gbawe is under siege”.

Also, Felix Odartey Lamptey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, has said that they were not given prior notice before the spillage of the Weija Dam.

According to him, the Ghana Water Company Limited failed to inform the Municipal Assembly ahead of the dam spillage.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on May 28, 2026, the MCE stated, “We were not given any prior notice, so we could not prepare adequately as a municipal assembly,”

“They opened the spillway and suddenly saw water entering houses. It was not expected to rise to that level so quickly,” he noted.

He asserted that previous years had seen better coordination and early warning systems among stakeholders.

He, however, added that emergency response measures have been activated, with small boats and vehicles deployed to evacuate affected residents and move them to safer locations.

“Nothing is going to happen to South Africans living in Ghana” – Kofi Okyere-Darko

0

Kofi Okyere-Darko, the Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, has said nothing is going to happen to South Africans living in Ghana.

According to Kofi Okyere-Darko, South Africans businesses will run as they should if they abide by the laws of Ghana.

He also added that there won’t be any demonstrations in Ghana aimed at sending South Africans back to their country.

Kofi Okyere-Darko added that Ghana still positions itself as the leading force in the “Borderless Africa” movement, driven by significant policy implementations.

Speaking to the media, “Nothing is going to happen to South Africans living in Ghana; their businesses will run as they should”.

In related news, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has urged Ghanaians to remain calm amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

The Catholic Bishops’ President urged Ghanaians to desist from retaliatory calls to shut down South African businesses operating in Ghana.

He argued that retaliatory action would escalate the tensions across the continent, which would undermine African unity and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking to Citi News, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi advised, “I believe that Ghanaians who have been repatriated, and indeed all Africans, should see this as a misunderstanding by some people in South Africa and should not react by repatriating South Africans back”.

“Once you begin that, it will have a snowball effect all over Africa. We just want everybody to keep calm. Initially, people may want to act emotionally to settle scores, but that is not the proper way to handle these issues,” he added.

He added, “Ghanaians will continue to live in South Africa and South Africans will also continue to live in Ghana. Ghanaians have businesses there, and South Africans also have businesses here. Let us live in unity and love”.

He highlighted that misunderstandings and isolated incidents may occur but warned against allowing the situations to define relationships among African nations.

“There will always be some aberrations. You should not build on the deviations. It is very sad that Africans continue to build on the divisions created by Europeans instead of breaking away from them. We keep emphasising artificial boundaries and differences,” he lamented.

The Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi also cited historical parallels between Ghana and Nigeria, during which both countries expelled each other’s citizens.

“Ghana once made the mistake of asking Nigerians to go back home, and later Nigerians also repatriated Ghanaians. I do not think the two countries will ever repeat those mistakes again because they have learned their lesson,” he added.

Watch the video below:

There is too much unnecessary remand and terrible bail conditions – Interior Minister calls for reforms

0

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Interior Minister, has raised concerns over the unnecessary remand, terrible bail conditions by the police and the courts.

The Interior Minister asserted that the Police remand people anyhow, adding that the court also gives terrible bail conditions that people are not able to meet.

He disclosed that his ministry has been working with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, on the constitutional amendment.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak asserted that the passage of the Community Service Bill would help address the challenge, reduce overreliance on remand, and ease congestion in prisons and police cells.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, May 28, Muntaka stated, “I’ve been working with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, on the constitutional amendment that is currently ongoing, that we should make remand very restrictive because currently it is massively abused.

With the least provocation, they say they’ve remanded somebody. You go to the police, and they remand people anyhow,” he said.

He added: “Sometimes they give terrible bail conditions that people are not able to meet. We want to take the opportunity in this constitutional amendment to restrict this unnecessary remand. I’m sure that if we’re able to get these three things working together, it is going to help us to decongest our prisons and also ourselves and make life a little better.”

Also, Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has fired shots at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Judiciary, and the Police over their burdensome bail conditions and denials.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, the highhandedness and excessive practices surrounding bail, its denial, and its conditions must come to an end.

He argued that the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Speaking in a video shared on X, Haruna Iddrrisu stated, “In Ghana today, we have seen excesses, excesses from the police, excesses from the courts, and excesses from EOCO, where persons are denied bail and bail is used as punishment for accused persons.

“That is not the law. It is settled knowledge and settled law that you do not deny an accused person bail or impose excessively burdensome bail conditions,” he said.

“If you uphold the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence, then every person must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“So, I expect that in Ghana today, we must end the high-handedness and excessiveness in matters relating to bail, the denial of bail, and related conditions,” he added.

In related news, Sam Pyne, a Former Ashanti Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Kumasi Mayor, has warned the NDC-led government over their excessive bail conditions in recent corruption-related cases.

According to Sam Pyne, if such trends continue, the next NPP government might as well launch a One District, One EOCO Office initiative.

He further warned that when the NPP comes to power, the NDC appointees will have to bring the crucified Christ on the cross as their bail conditions.

Mr Pyne urged State authorities to be measured and fair in everything as they pursue justice.

He warned that excessive bail terms could erode public confidence in the legal process.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, Sam Pyne stated, “With what is happening now, maybe when NPP comes into power, we’ll build EOCO offices in every district, office by office, department by department. The bail condition unless they bring the crucified Christ on the cross before they will be allowed to go”.

He further expressed worry about the over GH¢800 million bail imposed on the former NSA boss, whom he described as his own brother. 

“Imagine my own brother Osei Assibey’s GH¢800 million bail and six sureties to be justified. That is a lot. We may laugh about it, but it is no joke,” he moaned.

Mr Pyne explained that bail conditions should not be too punitive.

“I believe bail conditions shouldn’t be punitive because we can even take people’s passports. There’s no way someone can travel with a passport or even apply for a new one without their biometric data showing up,” Mr Pyne explained.

“I have not been served” – Nduom says GN Savings will resume operations unless stopped by SC

0

Papa Kwesi Nduom, the Businessman and President of Groupe Nduom, has said GN Savings and Loans is moving ahead with plans to resume operations following a Court of Appeal ruling.

According to Dr Nduom said the group remains committed to complying with the law and will continue preparations to restart operations.

He disclosed that as things stand, he has not been served with anything that says the Bank of Ghana is appealing the matter.

His comment follows reports that the  Bank of Ghana (BoG) has filed an application at the Supreme Court challenging the Court of Appeal ruling that restored the licence of GN Savings and Loans Company Limited, formerly the GN Bank.

According to reports, the Bank of Ghana is seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision.

BoG argued that the Appeals Court erred in law when it proceeded “to hear and determine the appeal filed by applicants to the Court of Appeal.”

Speaking on the development, Papa Kwesi Nduom stated, “Let me be very clear, because I told you that we are law-abiding and we believe in the rule of law and we have orders. The orders that we have as I stand here are orders from the Court of Appeal, nowhere else”.

“So as I stand here, Bank of Ghana itself has not even been served with what the lawyers call the consequential orders,” he stated.

“And then, again as I stand here, I have not been served with anything that says somebody is appealing the matter. It may be true, it may not be true, but I cannot rely on word of mouth or what’s on social media or what’s on radio or television,” he said.

He further added, Papa Kwesi Nduom, “But when we get anything at all from anybody, we are ready with our attorneys to deal with anything with dispatch”.

“But even if something is served on us, until someone gives us an order different and also superior to what the Court of Appeal had given, we are not moving. We are not waiting for anybody,” he said.

“So I hope you understand that we are working. We are on the road. We are working, restoring, repairing, putting our things together, looking for people, and so on,” he added.

It will be recalled that the Court of Appeal’s ruling on May 21, 2026, ordered the  Bank of Ghana (BoG) to restore the licence of GN Bank, now GN Savings and Loans Company Limited.

The appeal court ruling follows an earlier High Court ruling that upheld the revocation of the financial institution’s operating licence.

The Court of Appeal three-member panel directed that all assets of the bank be returned to its original owners.

The receiver has also been ordered to hand over management of the company to its previous management team.

The Court of Appeal ruling marks a major development in the long-running legal battle between GN Bank and the Bank of Ghana.

GN Bank, which officially commenced operations in 1997 as First National Savings and Loans (FNSL) Company Limited, was upgraded to a universal bank on September 4, 2014.

It expanded rapidly across the country, establishing one of the largest branch networks in the banking sector.

The central bank, however, at the time argued that its regulatory assessments revealed that GN Bank’s expansion was not supported by adequate capital buffers and sound risk management practices.

BoG discovered that GN Bank regularly breached key prudential requirements, including capital adequacy and liquidity ratios.

Also, the BoG, in its statement, showed high levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), significant exposure to related-party transactions, and poor corporate governance structures, which weakened the bank’s financial position over time.

Reports suggest that despite several directives and corrective measures issued by the BoG, comprising capital restoration plans and restrictions on certain banking activities, GN Bank was incapable of raising the required additional capital or restructuring its operations to restore solvency.

The bank was deemed severely undercapitalised and technically insolvent, prompting the BoG to ask the bank to downgrade to a savings and loans company, using the name GN Savings and Loans Company Ltd.

GN Bank’s license was then revoked in 2019 as part of the central bank’s efforts to protect depositors’ funds and stabilise the country’s financial sector.

Chiefs selling lands in flood-prone areas must be arrested – Ga Mantse declares 

0

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas.

According to the Ga Mantse, Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable.

The Ga Mantse touring communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice and parts of Weija, were hit by flooding following the opening of the Weija Dam spill gates due to heavy rains, and made these remarks.

He added that without strict action, flooding will continue to destroy lives and property every rainy season.

The Ga Mantse, on his tour on Thursday, May 28, expressed deep worry over the continued intrusion of Ghanaians building on natural drainage channels and green belts.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Ga Mantse stated, “Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable”.

“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II acknowledged, “Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life”.

Meanwhile, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, has called on the government to intervene to support residents affected by flooding from the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam.

The Weija-Gbawe MP disclosed that the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam has displaced families and submerged homes and businesses.

According to Jerry Ahmed Shaib, he has been “swimming for the past three days”  to help evacuate his constituents from flood-hit communities.

Speaking on the floor of parliament on Thursday, May 28, Jerry Ahmed Shaib stated, “Mr Speaker, it hasn’t been easy at all. I have been swimming for the past three days, helping people to evacuate. My people are suffering. Weija Gbawe is under siege”.

In related news, Felix Odartey Lamptey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, has said that they were not given prior notice before the spillage of the Weija Dam.

According to him, the Ghana Water Company Limited failed to inform the Municipal Assembly ahead of the dam spillage.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on May 28, 2026, the MCE stated, “We were not given any prior notice, so we could not prepare adequately as a municipal assembly,”

“They opened the spillway and suddenly saw water entering houses. It was not expected to rise to that level so quickly,” he noted.

He asserted that previous years had seen better coordination and early warning systems among stakeholders.

He, however, added that emergency response measures have been activated, with small boats and vehicles deployed to evacuate affected residents and move them to safer locations.

“In the next two weeks, the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill must be passed” – Majority Leader

0

Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, has stated it is his commitment to seeing the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed within the next two weeks.

As debates and discussions surrounding the bill intensify in Parliament, the Majority leadership is pushing for a swift conclusion to the legislative process.

In a news card shared by TV3, Mahama Ayariga is quoted to have said, “It is my commitment to that in the next two weeks, we must pass the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill”.

Also, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip, has disclosed that parliament could pass the anti-LGBTQ bill within weeks, not months.

The Majority of Chief Whip revealed that the parliamentary committee handling the proposed legislation has completed its work and is prepared to present its report before the parliament.

Speaking on PM Express on May 26, 2026, the South Dayi MP disclosed, “The report will be laid on Thursday,” he stated.

“When it’s laid, we can take the report, debate it, that’s as part of the principles for second reading, and adopt it,” he explained.

“Once it’s adopted, we move into consideration. Consideration, we can even decide to do consideration on Friday, and pass.”

“You see, the Ghanaian family values bill, we have already passed it,” he said.

“It was a certain president who decided not to sign, so the terms of the bill are essentially what Parliament had already passed.”

When quizzed by the host on whether the bill would be passed this year, Dafeamekpor disclosed that Parliament would conclude work on it within weeks.

“Yes, in a couple of weeks, not even months,” he said.

“We’ll pass it once we do the second reading on Thursday or Friday, and with consideration, we can pass it.”

“But when we do consideration expeditiously, let the NPP not shout that we are abusing the certificate of urgency,” he stated.

“It will be rapidly done, because we cannot be reenacting what we have already read,” he added.

Meanwhile, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of parliament, has urged Ghanaians not to listen to persons who do not know what is happening in parliament regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently before parliament.

According to Speaker Bagbin, the bill has already gone through the necessary processes in Parliament and expressed confidence that it will be passed when the House reconvenes.

Speaking at an event, Alban Bagbin disclosed, “I’m sure one of the reasons we punished him and his party is one of these, so we started, and we processed it, it has gone through all the stages, and the next meeting of Parliament will get us asking to pass that bill into law”.

“So, don’t listen to people who don’t know what is in Parliament. Please, I repeat, don’t listen to people who don’t know what is in Parliament,” he cautioned.

“They can play that kind of bad politics. That is not what we are here for. We are different from those practising it. Our cultures, values, and principles are different. They know the effect and what it is doing to them. We resist it today; we will not be colonised again. That is gone, it’s history,” he added.

Speaker Babgin further disclosed that the president gave him his assurance that he will sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law once the House passes it.

See the post below:

85 Ghanaians evacuated from Cambodia, 76 more to follow – Ablakwa  reveals

0

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced that 85 Ghanaians were evacuated from Cambodia between March and May 2026.

According to Ablakwa, before the publication of this fake notice, several Ghanaians in Cambodia had reached out to us requesting to be evacuated.

In a post shared by the Ghana Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okduzeto Ablakwa read, “Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions that the notice in circulation claiming that Ghanaians have been asked to leave Cambodia is FAKE.

Cambodian authorities have confirmed to us that they have issued no such notice. The Cambodian Ministry of Interior has proceeded to issue a press clarification today stating that the purported notice is “completely untrue” (see attached).

I can, however, assure Ghanaians that prior to the publication of this fake notice, a number of Ghanaians in Cambodia had reached out to us requesting to be evacuated, and are already being assisted by the Foreign Ministry and our High Commission in Malaysia.

Between March and May this year, we have evacuated 85 Ghanaians from Cambodia. 76 more are being evacuated to complete the exercise.

The welfare of Ghanaians anywhere in the world remains our priority”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement comes following claims that Cambodia has ordered Ghanaians and other Africans to leave the country by May 31, 2026 or face arrest.

According to reports, Cambodia is ending its immigration waiver for African nationals (including Ghanaians) on May 31, 2026.

Reports suggest that any African who remains in the country after that date faces arrest, up to 2 years imprisonment, and an $8,000 fine.

Authorities have warned that enforcement will be zero tolerance.

The statement issued by the immigration authority on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia read, “The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the General Department of Immigration, Ministry of Interior, wishes to inform all African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and others that the waiver granted to you will officially end on 31st of May 2026”.

“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026. Any foreign national who enters, remains or is found in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 will be arrested at the airport or at any location,” it continued.

“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstay and will hand over to the immigration authorities for legal action,” the statement stressed.

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation bordering Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

See the post below:

Cambodia deportation notice FAKE – Foreign Ministry

0

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the notice in circulation claiming that Ghanaians have been asked to leave Cambodia is FAKE.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the alleged immigration notice was “completely untrue”.

In a press release issued on May 29, the ministry stated, “The Ministry wishes to assure the public that following diplomatic engagements with the relevant Cambodian authorities, it has been confirmed that the said notice is absolutely fake and was not issued by any state institution in Cambodia”.

“The general public and the Ghanaian media are advised to disregard the discredited document and avoid sharing unverified information capable of creating unnecessary fear and anxiety among affected persons and their families,” the ministry stated.

The statement further disclosed that between March and May this year, we have evacuated 85 Ghanaians from Cambodia.

“It is worth noting that arrangements are ongoing to equally facilitate the evacuation of an additional seventy-six Ghanaian nationals who are currently in Cambodia and have expressed the desire to return home”.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working in conjunction with competent authorities in Cambodia to ensure the safe return of these Ghanaians,” the release noted.

“The Government of Ghana reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ghanaian nationals and urges the public to rely solely on official sources for information on matters concerning Ghanaian nationals,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement comes following claims that Cambodia has ordered Ghanaians and other Africans to leave the country by May 31, 2026 or face arrest.

According to reports, Cambodia is ending its immigration waiver for African nationals (including Ghanaians) on May 31, 2026.

Reports suggest that any African who remains in the country after that date faces arrest, up to 2 years imprisonment, and an $8,000 fine.

Authorities have warned that enforcement will be zero tolerance.

The statement issued by the immigration authority on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia read, “The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the General Department of Immigration, Ministry of Interior, wishes to inform all African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and others that the waiver granted to you will officially end on 31st of May 2026”.

“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026. Any foreign national who enters, remains or is found in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 will be arrested at the airport or at any location,” it continued.

“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstay and will hand over to the immigration authorities for legal action,” the statement stressed.

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation bordering Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

See the post below:

“Really? Were your citizens treating Ghanaians with diplomacy and dialogue?” – UG Lecturer tackles Julius Malema

0

Clara Kowlaga Kasser-Tee, a Private Legal Practitioner and Lecturer at the University of Ghana, has tackled the Leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, after he criticised the government of Ghana over the evacuation of 297 Ghanaians from South Africa.

The UG Lawyer, in a post on Facebook, quizzed Julius Malema on whether South Africans were treating Ghanaians with diplomacy and dialogue.

In a Facebook post shared on May 28, 2026, Clara Kowlaga Kasser-Tee wrote, “Really?

Were your citizens treating Ghanaians with diplomacy and dialogue?

What did your government do? What did your leaders do? What did corporate South Africa do?”.

Her post further added, “The African continent has overindulged the South African government in the matter of these xenophobic attacks. It is time for accountability – politically and in business. No renewals on expiries. Introduce the reciprocity clause in all relevant agreements.

That is how to drive home the lesson on interdependence and interconnectedness, since obviously, South African leadership is not doing so”.

Clara Kowlaga Kasser-Tee further called on the South African government to take the required steps to protect the businesses, assets and properties of Ghanaians.

The South African government must take responsibility for these attacks. How long? Thumbs up to the Ghanaian government. Our compatriots’ lives and businesses matter. We are still expecting the South African government to still take the required steps to protect the businesses, assets and properties of our compatriots. Yes, still, rather than pontificating on the measures that our government took to secure the lives of our compatriots. You have work to do”.

It will be recalled that Julius Malema fumed at the government of Ghana over the evacuation of 297 Ghanaians from South Africa.

According to Julius Malema, the response of the Ghanaian government was not necessary as it creates an impression that “we are all like that”.

He further argued that South Africa should not respond in the same way, saying Ghana’s approach does not reinforce dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking to the media, Julius Malema argued, “The Ghana response was not necessary; it now creates an impression that we are all like that. But it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement.

One Ghanaian lady was saying I wouldn’t have taken this option, but the problem was that we are being beaten in front of the Police, and the Police are not doing anything. That is a problem. When this opportunity came for me to leave, I left.

Because if the Police cannot defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me”.

He added, “We will resolve this; the President of Ghana should have given us some time to deal with this matter. And we will get to the bottom of it; we hope they will come to their senses. We don’t have to respond the same way they did; we need to pursue diplomatic engagement with Ghana.

We don’t think Ghana reacted in a manner that reinforces disloyalty and diplomatic engagement; it actually creates a very bad extreme situation, which is not. It is a select few we are pursuing and persuading the government to act on those few.

They must give use sometime, and those who don’t feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety. The reaction of the government should have been postponed to give us an opportunity to deal with what is happening in South Africa”.

See the post below:

Watch dashcam footage of how an ambulance manoeuvres heavy Accra traffic to convey a patient

0

A viral video has surfaced showing how personnel of the National Ambulance Service manoeuvre their way in heavy Accra traffic to convey a referred patient to a hospital.

The viral video showed personnel of the National Ambulance Service urgently conveying a critical referral patient from Dzorwulu to the Family Health Hospital in Teshie.

In a post shared on X by SIKAOFFICIAL, read, “Dashcam footage showing a National Ambulance Service ambulance urgently conveying a critical referral patient from Dzorwulu to the Family Health Hospital in Teshie”.

Netizens reacting to the viral video wrote, “Even in an emergency abroad like in Europe, ambulances 🚑 and emergency vehicles will never follow one way.

Instead, citizens know to pull up by the side and allow passage.

What if an accident happens when taking one way?”.

One X user added, “Wrong, very wrong. You can only do this if the traffic control room gives access by redirecting traffic and giving you a motorcade escort. Very unprofessional. Even the traffic he has running from it is not heavy.  Misuse of emergency vehicle for right call”.

A netizen added, “Some of the drivers weren’t helpful. More education needs to be done. You hear the siren of an emergency vehicle; you yield the right-of-way”.

“Hmm, it’s not easy, but we will surely get there 🙏🏽

1. Emergency lanes at major traffic intersections

2. Not too distant referral facilities”, a netizen added.

“I think our national TV stations and police have to educate people concerning about these emergency cases. Sometimes it seems people don’t understand the meaning of an ambulance. @GhPoliceService please educate people and drivers concerning our emergency vehicles”, one last netizen added.

The video has surfaced at a time when the family of the late engineer Charles Amissah has filed a lawsuit against three hospitals, several medical professionals and the Attorney General following the death of their brother.

According to the family, the suit follows a chain of negligent acts that led to her brother’s death after a road accident in Accra.

Dr Matilda Amissah, acting as administratrix of the estate of her late brother, Charles Amissah, is seeking GH¢20 million in damages, alleging negligence across multiple health facilities led to his death at the High Court in Accra over the February 2026 incident.

The Ghana Police Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, several doctors and nurses attached to the facilities, as well as the Attorney General’s Department, have all been named in the suit.

According to the statement of claim filed before the High Court, Charles Henry Amissah was involved in a hit-and-run accident on the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Overpass at about 10:30 p.m. on February 6, 2026.

It added that after Amissah failed to return home, relatives reported him missing at the Adentan Police Station. Four days later, the family was contacted by officers at the Nima Police Station and informed that an accident victim.

She further told the court that upon arrival at the hospital mortuary, the family found the body in a decomposing state outside the cold room, infested with maggots.

It will be recalled that for close to three hours on February 6, 2026, Charles Amissah, the victim, was denied treatment by Ridge, Police, and Korle Bu hospitals before passing away.

He was later identified as 29-year-old Charles Amissah, an engineer working at Promasidor Ghana Limited, producers of Cowbell milk and other food products.

Watch the video below:

“We could not prepare adequately” – MCE on Weija dam spillage

0

Felix Odartey Lamptey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, has said that they were not given prior notice before the spillage of the Weija Dam.

According to him, the Ghana Water Company Limited failed to inform the Municipal Assembly ahead of the dam spillage.

He asserted that because of that, the municipal assembly could not prepare adequately before the spillage of the Weija Dam.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on May 28, 2026, the MCE stated, “We were not given any prior notice, so we could not prepare adequately as a municipal assembly.”

“They opened the spillway and suddenly saw water entering houses. It was not expected to rise to that level so quickly,” he noted.

He asserted that previous years had seen better coordination and early warning systems among stakeholders.

He, however, added that emergency response measures have been activated, with small boats and vehicles deployed to evacuate affected residents and move them to safer locations.

Also, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, has called on the government to intervene to support residents affected by flooding from the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam.

The Weija-Gbawe MP disclosed that the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam has displaced families and submerged homes and businesses.

According to Jerry Ahmed Shaib, he has been “swimming for the past three days”  to help evacuate his constituents from flood-hit communities.

Speaking on the floor of parliament on Thursday, May 28, Jerry Ahmed Shaib stated, “Mr Speaker, it hasn’t been easy at all. I have been swimming for the past three days, helping people to evacuate. My people are suffering. Weija Gbawe is under siege”.

Meanwhile, Hundreds of homes in parts of Weija in Accra have been submerged following a controlled spillage of the Weija Dam.

The spillage of the Weija Dam has left thousands of residents stranded and forced many to flee their homes.

The flooding follows the Ghana Water Limited (GWL), which announced that it had begun releasing excess water from the dam due to rising water levels.

In a statement issued on May 27, 2026, the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) revealed the dam’s water level had risen above 48 feet, adding that it necessitated the opening of all spill gates as a precautionary measure to protect the structural integrity of the facility.

Also, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas.

According to the Ga Mantse, Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable.

The Ga Mantse touring communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice and parts of Weija, were hit by flooding following the opening of the Weija Dam spill gates due to heavy rains, and made these remarks.

He added that without strict action, flooding will continue to destroy lives and property every rainy season.

The Ga Mantse, on his tour on Thursday, May 28, expressed deep worry over the continued intrusion of Ghanaians building on natural drainage channels and green belts.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Ga Mantse stated, “Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable”.

“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II acknowledged, “Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life”.

“Weija Gbawe under siege; I have been swimming for the past 3 days” – Jerry Ahmed Shaib

0

Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, has called on the government to intervene to support residents affected by flooding from the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam.

The Weija-Gbawe MP disclosed that the controlled spillage of the Weija Dam has displaced families and submerged homes and businesses.

According to Jerry Ahmed Shaib, he has been “swimming for the past three days”  to help evacuate his constituents from flood-hit communities.

Speaking on the floor of parliament on Thursday, May 28, Jerry Ahmed Shaib stated, “Mr Speaker, it hasn’t been easy at all. I have been swimming for the past three days, helping people to evacuate. My people are suffering. Weija Gbawe is under siege”.

Also, Felix Odartey Lamptey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, has said that they were not given prior notice before the spillage of the Weija Dam.

According to him, the Ghana Water Company Limited failed to inform the Municipal Assembly ahead of the dam spillage.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on May 28, 2026, the MCE stated, “We were not given any prior notice, so we could not prepare adequately as a municipal assembly,”

“They opened the spillway and suddenly saw water entering houses. It was not expected to rise to that level so quickly,” he noted.

He asserted that previous years had seen better coordination and early warning systems among stakeholders.

He, however, added that emergency response measures have been activated, with small boats and vehicles deployed to evacuate affected residents and move them to safer locations.

Meanwhile, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas.

According to the Ga Mantse, Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable.

The Ga Mantse touring communities, including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice and parts of Weija, were hit by flooding following the opening of the Weija Dam spill gates due to heavy rains, and made these remarks.

He added that without strict action, flooding will continue to destroy lives and property every rainy season.

The Ga Mantse, on his tour on Thursday, May 28, expressed deep worry over the continued intrusion of Ghanaians building on natural drainage channels and green belts.

Speaking to journalists during the tour, the Ga Mantse stated, “Chiefs who are selling lands in flood-prone areas and places that are supposed to remain green areas must be held accountable”.

“We believe that everything is on course. What we are asking is that government agencies, the Regional Minister, and the MMDAs enforce the by-laws. Nobody should be allowed to build in waterways. If it is wrong, it is wrong, and we have to deal with it,” he said.

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II acknowledged, “Demolitions are painful, and I sympathise with those affected, but we will have to enforce the laws because these situations continue to cause loss of life”.

Watch the video below:

Keep calm, don’t act emotionally to settle scores – Catholic Bishops urged Ghanaians over SA tensions

0

Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has urged Ghanaians to remain calm amid rising xenophobic tensions in South Africa.

The Catholic Bishops’ President urged Ghanaians to desist from retaliatory calls to shut down South African businesses operating in Ghana.

He argued that retaliatory action would escalate the tensions across the continent, which would undermine African unity and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking to Citi News, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi advised, “I believe that Ghanaians who have been repatriated, and indeed all Africans, should see this as a misunderstanding by some people in South Africa and should not react by repatriating South Africans back”.

“Once you begin that, it will have a snowball effect all over Africa. We just want everybody to keep calm. Initially, people may want to act emotionally to settle scores, but that is not the proper way to handle these issues,” he added.

He added, “Ghanaians will continue to live in South Africa and South Africans will also continue to live in Ghana. Ghanaians have businesses there, and South Africans also have businesses here. Let us live in unity and love”.

He highlighted that misunderstandings and isolated incidents may occur but warned against allowing the situations to define relationships among African nations.

“There will always be some aberrations. You should not build on the deviations. It is very sad that Africans continue to build on the divisions created by Europeans instead of breaking away from them. We keep emphasising artificial boundaries and differences,” he lamented.

The Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi also cited historical parallels between Ghana and Nigeria, during which both countries expelled each other’s citizens.

“Ghana once made the mistake of asking Nigerians to go back home, and later Nigerians also repatriated Ghanaians. I do not think the two countries will ever repeat those mistakes again because they have learned their lesson,” he added.

In related news, a  Ghanaian man in a viral video has sent a message to South Africans ahead of their June 30 ultimatum for all illegal immigrants to leave the country.

According to the Ghanaian man, if South Africans touch any Ghanaian on June 30, 2026, Ghanaians will reciprocate by invading MTN.

He further disclosed that Ghanaians will also go after South African women who, he claims many are into prostitution in Ghana, and mentioned some location one can find them.

Speaking in a viral video, the Ghanaian man sends a message to South Africans ahead of their June 30 ultimatum for all illegal immigrants to leave the country, saying, “They said on June 30, we are left with 32 days if we do not leave their countries. Whatever happens to you, you caused it. On that same day, we are going to protest against South Africa in this country. If they touch one Ghanaian again, we will touch two of them. If they touch three, we will touch four.

We know where they are, you see MTN, that day, unless the police come there. If they touch Ghanain again, destroy… we don’t want to go there. They have been doing it so many times, and we have been urging them to stop”.

He further added, “A lot of South African ladies are doing prostitution in Cantoment, Togo Embassy, Lapaz, we will go there, we will touch them, do me, I do you man no go vex. On the 30th, if they touch any Ghanaian, South Africans should be ready to leave”.

Pope Leo’s apology on slave trade is significant and refreshing – President Mahama

0

President John Dramani Mahama, through a statement issued by the Government of Ghana, has welcomed a statement by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV acknowledging and apologising for the historical role played by the Holy See of Catholic Church in legitimising and sustaining the transatlantic slave trade.

According to President Mahama, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s apology is particularly significant and refreshing, as it demonstrates a willingness to confront difficult historical truths in the interest of justice, understanding and reconciliation.

Parts of the statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Thursday, May 28, read, “The Government of the Republic of Ghana warmly welcomes the historic statement by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV acknowledging and apologising for the role played by the Holy See in legitimising and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade. The statement represents an act of moral courage on the part of the Pope and an important contribution to the ongoing global pursuit of historical truth, human dignity and justice.

Ghana recognises His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding commitment to service, compassion and the dignity of the human person. Throughout his work, he has advanced principles of social justice, solidarity with the vulnerable, dialogue across communities and moral responsibility in responding to the challenges of our changing world.”

The statement added, “For five centuries, millions of Africans and people of African descent endured unimaginable suffering and dehumanisation through systems of racialised chattel enslavement whose effects continue to shape societies and communities across the world today. Honest recognition of this painful history remains an essential step toward healing, reconciliation and a more just future.

President John Mahama considers this acknowledgement particularly significant at a time when the international community is undertaking deeper reflection on the historical consequences of slavery and colonialism. It reinforces the growing global understanding that confronting historical injustices demands truth-telling and moral responsibility as essential foundations for justice and reconciliation.

Ghana notes that during negotiations on the Resolution, questions relating to historical references concerning the role of the Church, including references to Papal Bulls and related historical issues associated with the transatlantic slave trade, generated extensive discussions. Against this background, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s apology is particularly significant and refreshing, as it demonstrates a willingness to confront difficult historical truths in the interest of justice, understanding and reconciliation”.

The Government of Ghana’s statement follows Pope Leo’s apology for the Church’s historical role in slavery.

According to reports, Pope Leo XIV made this historic apology on Monday for the Holy See’s role in legitimising slavery and for having failed to condemn it for centuries.

The Pope described slavery as “a wound in Christian memory” and issued an apology on behalf of the Church for its complicity in the transatlantic slave trade.

“Although Past popes have apologised for Christians’ involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, no pope has ever publicly acknowledged, much less apologised for, the role that past popes played in giving European sovereigns explicit authority to subjugate and enslave ‘infidels’”, an AP report stated.

“It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord,” Leo wrote. “For this, in the name of the church, I sincerely ask for pardon.”

Pope Leo XIV also stressed the need for “restorative justice,” arguing that historical injustices such as colonialism, racial discrimination and exploitation continued to affect many communities even till today.

According to the Pope,  justice should not only punish wrongdoing but also seek to “mend broken bonds” and address the lasting effects of past abuses.

In his encyclical, he argued that “restorative justice could include restoring dignity and voice to affected communities, healing collective memory and providing support to people who continued to bear the consequences of historical exploitation”, reports stated.

See the statement below:

Nigeria will evacuate its citizens next week – Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa reveals

0

H.E. Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, has revealed that Nigeria is expected to begin evacuating its citizens from South Africa next week.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News, Benjamin Quashie stated, “A lot of them are following what we have done. I am aware that Nigeria will be evacuating its citizens next week”.

He further revealed why the Ghana government decided to begin evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa after continued unrest and hostility.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa revealed that Ghanaian authorities initially engaged South African officials to find solutions to address the growing tensions.

However, the situation persisted despite expectations that the demonstrations would subside.

“We realised that in our engagement with the South African authorities, while we were offering solutions to what was happening, they took an entrenched position. But it kept happening, and most of our people had economic challenges,” he stated.

“When we got to the point where we realised if we don’t take a stance it will hurt our people, that was where we decided to start evacuating those who want to go home,” he added.

He added, “I must say it went well and we are continuing with the evacuation of all our citizens who want to go home voluntarily”.

“The government of Ghana cares about its citizens both home and abroad, and we have a President and a Foreign Affairs Minister who care deeply about what Ghanaians go through abroad,” he added.

Benjamin Quashie remarks come on the heels of criticism from some South African politician, Julius Malema, who has claimed that Ghana overstated its decision to evacuate its nationals.

Leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, in a viral video, fumed at the government of Ghana over the evacuation of 297 Ghanaians from South Africa.

According to Julius Malema, the response of the Ghanaian government was not necessary as it creates an impression that “we are all like that”.

He further argued that South Africa should not respond in the same way, saying Ghana’s approach does not reinforce dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

Speaking to the media, Julius Malema argued, “The Ghana response was not necessary; it now creates an impression that we are all like that. But it is a certain section of our society that needs to be contained by law enforcement.

One Ghanaian lady was saying I wouldn’t have taken this option, but the problem was that we are being beaten in front of the Police, and the Police are not doing anything. That is a problem. When this opportunity came for me to leave, I left.

Because if the Police cannot defend me, it means the state is in agreement with the people who are beating me”.

He added, “We will resolve this; the President of Ghana should have given us some time to deal with this matter. And we will get to the bottom of it; we hope they will come to their senses. We don’t have to respond the same way they did; we need to pursue diplomatic engagement with Ghana.

We don’t think Ghana reacted in a manner that reinforces disloyalty and diplomatic engagement; it actually creates a very bad extreme situation, which is not. It is a select few we are pursuing and persuading the government to act on those few.

They must give use sometime, and those who don’t feel safe, especially the legally documented Ghanaians, should be able to run to the police station for safety. The reaction of the government should have been postponed to give us an opportunity to deal with what is happening in South Africa”.

“That is not the law; stop using bail as punishment” – Haruna Iddrisu blasts EOCO, Police, Courts

0

Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has fired shots at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Courts, and the Police over their burdensome bail conditions and denials.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, the highhandedness and excessive practices surrounding bail, its denial, and its conditions must come to an end.

He argued that the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Speaking in a video shared on X, Haruna Iddrrisu stated, “In Ghana today, we have seen excesses, excesses from the police, excesses from the courts, and excesses from EOCO, where persons are denied bail and bail is used as punishment for accused persons.

“That is not the law. It is settled knowledge and settled law that you do not deny an accused person bail or impose excessively burdensome bail conditions,” he said.

“If you uphold the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence, then every person must be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“So, I expect that in Ghana today, we must end the high-handedness and excessiveness in matters relating to bail, the denial of bail, and related conditions,” he added.

In related news, Sam Pyne, a Former Ashanti Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Kumasi Mayor, has warned the NDC-led government over their excessive bail conditions in recent corruption-related cases.

According to Sam Pyne, if such trends continue, the next NPP government might as well launch a One District, One EOCO Office initiative.

He further warned that when the NPP comes to power, the NDC appointees will have to bring the crucified Christ on the cross as their bail conditions.

Mr Pyne urged State authorities to be measured and fair in everything as they pursue justice.

He warned that excessive bail terms could erode public confidence in the legal process.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, Sam Pyne stated, “With what is happening now, maybe when NPP comes into power, we’ll build EOCO offices in every district, office by office, department by department. The bail condition unless they bring the crucified Christ on the cross before they will be allowed to go”.

He further expressed worry about the over GH¢800 million bail imposed on the former NSA boss, whom he described as his own brother. 

“Imagine my own brother Osei Assibey’s GH¢800 million bail and six sureties to be justified. That is a lot. We may laugh about it, but it is no joke,” he moaned.

Mr Pyne explained that bail conditions should not be too punitive.

“I believe bail conditions shouldn’t be punitive because we can even take people’s passports. There’s no way someone can travel with a passport or even apply for a new one without their biometric data showing up,” Mr Pyne explained.

Also, the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has accused the John Mahama government of using state institutions as political weapons to orchestrate harassment and intimidation against its members.

Justin Kodua, speaking at a press conference in Accra, lamented the Mahama government’s continuous interference in the work of the security agencies and sections of the judiciary.

According to Justin Kodua, state institutions, which are supposed to operate independently, have become political weapons used to silence critics and opposition voices.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, stated, “The party has held demonstrations and numerous press conferences reminding President John Mahama and his government that we are a nation of rule of law”.

“We have asked the NDC government to stop its continuous weaponisation of the state security and the judiciary against political opponents.”

He added that despite several appeals from the NPP, the government has remained deaf to calls for fairness.

Justin Kodua argued that Ghana’s democracy is being “slowly poisoned by the abuse of power.”

“It is increasingly concerning that the state security agencies continue to flout with impunity the Constitution of Ghana, particularly Article 14. Unfortunately, all our calls are falling on deaf ears, but as a party we shall not back down on our resolve to fight this injustice,” he emphasised.

Watch the video below: