22 C
Los Angeles
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 8

‘We have achieved some successes in galamsey fight’ – Mahama claims

0

President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that his government has achieved some successes in the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

Mahama disclosed that  135 excavators and nearly 200 firearms have been seized as part of efforts to combat illegal mining.

According to John Mahama, over 8,200 items, including changfan machines, excavators and other equipment used in illegal mining, had also been seized.

Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, President Mahama stated, “We have achieved some successes in the fight against illegal mining. We have confiscated more than 8,200 items. This includes changfan machines, excavators and other equipment used in illegal mining”.

“We’ve confiscated 135 excavators that were being used in illegal mining, and we have retrieved almost 200 firearms that the people involved in illegal mining had,” he added.

President Mahama further revealed that illegal miners had encroached on 48 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, with some areas designated as red zones.

He stated, “I’m happy to note that of those nine red zones, we have cleared all of them of illegal miners and are currently preparing those forest reserves for reclamation”.

Mahama disclosed that illegal mining had destroyed approximately 12,000 acres of land across the country, revealing that efforts are underway to reclaim degraded areas.

He further praised the GoldBod for awarding the Ghana Armed Forces a contract to reclaim 253 acres of land destroyed by galamseyers in the Tano Nimri Forest.

Earlier, President John Dramani Mahama had declared nine forest reserves in Ghana free of illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

According to Mahama, soldiers will remain stationed in nine forest reserves cleared of illegal mining to prevent operators from returning to the sites.

Mahama stressed that the decision followed previous experiences in which illegal miners returned to the reserves after military personnel deployed to flush them out had withdrawn.

President Mahama disclosed that all nine forest reserves previously designated as red zones due to the extensive destruction and the presence of heavily armed illegal miners had been cleared, with troops deployed to protect the areas.

Speaking during a courtesy call by chiefs from the Western North Region, Mahama stated, “We have now cleared all nine of those red zones. There are no galamsey operators in those forest reserves, and we have stationed soldiers there to ensure that the illegal miners do not return. The soldiers will remain in those areas”.

He further called for stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to sustain the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Mahama also noted that previous efforts to clear some forest reserves had failed because illegal miners returned shortly after soldiers withdrew.

“Whenever forest guards went there, they were fired upon, and some lost their lives,” he said.

President Mahama further disclosed that the GoldBod and the military will support forest restoration.

He revealed that the GoldBod had begun engaging the military in a programme to reclaim destroyed forest areas and replant them with trees.

Mahama detailed that under the programme, bulldozers would be used to level degraded land, while the Forestry Commission would work with the military on reclamation and reforestation.

Also, President Mahama also announced that the Finance Minister had allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit additional Blue Water Guards to patrol water bodies and intensify the fight against illegal mining.

Mahama disclosed that the guards had been instructed to destroy changfang machines used for illegal mining whenever they encountered them.

According to Mahama, several machines had already been destroyed, helping to clear many major river channels.

@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale
@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Economic stability is meaningless if Ghanaians are still suffering’ – Bawumia tells Mahama

0

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has criticised the Mahama government over the economic conditions facing Ghanaians.

Dr Bawumia argued that economic stability is meaningless if it does not translate into improved living conditions.

Speaking at the party’s Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani, Dr Bawumia drew on Ghana’s founding President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s famous statement about liberation, to question the benefits of the country’s economic indicators when citizens continue to struggle.

“Stability of the economy is meaningless if it cannot be linked up with the total liberation of the suffering of our people,” he stated.

According to Dr Bawumia, although the government points to declining inflation and a fall in the value of the dollar against the cedi as evidence of economic progress, these developments must ultimately benefit ordinary Ghanaians.

“If you look at how things are going today, we all know things are not going well. Today, if you ask the government what they have done, they will tell you they have brought down inflation and the dollar has come down,” he said.

Dr Bawumia further questioned the significance of these economic gains if citizens continue to experience financial hardship.

“The reason why we want inflation and the dollar to come down is for Ghanaians to benefit, is that not it? But if inflation is coming down and the dollar is also coming down and there is still suffering, is that what we want?” he asked.

He further argued that economic stability should be reflected in the cost of living, pointing to rising utility bills and transport fares as some of the challenges confronting households and businesses.

“You cannot have a stable economy with people suffering. Electricity bills, water bills, petrol and transport fares have all gone up. Traders are complaining because people are not buying their goods,” Dr Bawumia added.

Also, at the same event, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia urged the party to focus on making realistic and achievable promises as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

He said the party must ensure that its campaign pledges are practical and can be fulfilled if it wins power, rather than making ambitious promises that may prove difficult to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, developments under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration should serve as a lesson to political parties about the importance of making credible commitments to voters.

He argued that Ghanaians have become more cautious about lofty campaign promises and expect political leaders to present plans that can be translated into tangible results.

Dr Bawumia assured the public that the NPP would adopt a more practical approach to its 2028 campaign, with promises designed to be workable and deliverable.

He further slammed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for making many lofty promises which they have failed to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, the NDC has been exposed after a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Dr Bawumia stated, “Promises made to win power must be promises we can keep because time tests every promise. Today there is something called a few moments later.

Everything you say is on the internet, so if you are given the mandate and you fail to deliver, the Ghanaian people will play your promises back to you.

NDC made so many lofty promises in opposition, but today they have been exposed as being incompetent at fulfilling their promises. So we will go into the 2028 elections with costed ideas, practical ideas, and workable ideas. That is the lesson for all Ghanaians and all political parties”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A commuter was stunned to see the 45 Military Pattern Utility Vehicles recently delivered to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve troop mobility and strengthen operational readiness. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

ALARM BLOWS – How State Institutions drained Ghana’s public purse of GH¢88m on unearned salaries

0

An analysis of Auditor-General’s reports by The Fourth Estate has uncovered how GH¢88.33 million was paid from the taxpayer purse as unearned salaries by State institutions across Ghana between 2021 and 2025.

The analysis revealed that the money went to non-existent employees and individuals who were no longer entitled to receive salaries from the state. These included people who had resigned, retired or died, as well as individuals who had never existed on the payroll.

The affected institutions comprised Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

According to The Fourth Estate’s analysis, MDAs accounted for GH¢84.97 million of the total amount, while the assemblies paid another GH¢3.36 million in unearned salaries.

The ministries cited in the audit reports included Health, Finance, Education, the Interior, Transport, Local Government, and Trade and Industry. Others were the Ministries of Justice, Gender, Children and Social Protection, Food and Agriculture, and Lands and Natural Resources.

Also, several public agencies and services were implicated, including the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ho Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, the Electoral Commission, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Judicial Service, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Education Service across all regions.

Other institutions included the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the School Feeding Programme, the Department of Social Welfare, and regional and district health facilities and polyclinics.

The reports attributed the payments to failures by human resource administrators and payroll validators to update staff records when employees left their positions.

As a result, salaries continued to be paid into accounts associated with deceased officers and other individuals who were no longer eligible to receive public funds.

Other irregularities identified included the payment of 100 per cent salaries to staff under interdiction, although they were entitled to only 50 per cent, and continued salary payments to workers absent without leave.

According to the report, some employees were also reportedly placed on salary grades higher than their qualifications or positions justified.

Similar problems affected MMDAs with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, and a lack of accountability contributed to the GH¢3.36 million in unearned salary payments.

The analysis further revealed a sharp increase in unearned salaries paid by MDAs in 2024, with the amount rising from GH¢9.93 million in 2023 to GH¢41 million.

An additional GH¢980,319.05 was paid by MMDAs in unearned salaries in 2024, a figure excluded from the GH¢41 million recorded for MDAs.

Also, the Controller and Accountant-General Kwasi Agyei, appointed in 2024, confirmed The Fourth Estate’s analysis that GH¢41 million was spent on unearned salaries by MDAs in 2024.

However, he declined to comment on the 2025 report, explaining that he had not yet appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on the findings.

He disclosed that he could speak only to the 2024 report.

“There was GHS41 million on ancillary in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report to Parliament,” he said, adding that “I wrote to the OSP [Office of the Special Prosecutor] to investigate and then recover that amount to the state.”

When asked to explain the sharp rise from GH¢9.93 million in 2023 to GH¢41 million in 2024, he said he could not attribute the increase to any particular reason.

He nevertheless insisted that officials responsible for validating the payments should be held accountable after the money had been recovered.

“So we should recover and punish those who validated them [employees]. That is why we compiled the list of the validators to OSP,” he said.

Mr Agyei explained that payroll validation was a monthly responsibility, “Every month, somebody in any institution has to validate the payroll before we pay. So, if you are a validator and you validated people and we, [at] the Controller, pay them, then of course, the validator also has to be held responsible,” he said.

“If the person is out of station, the person has vacated the post, and you keep on validating, we will continue to pay.”

The Fourth Estate findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of existing payroll controls and the ability of public institutions to prevent, detect and recover irregular payments.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ A commuter was stunned to see the 45 Military Pattern Utility Vehicles recently delivered to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve troop mobility and strengthen operational readiness. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘The things I have seen, I believe the youth of Ghana will give us a chance in 2028’ – Afenyo-Markin

0

Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has said that he believes the youth of Ghana will give the New Patriotic Party (NPP) another chance in the 2028 general elections.

The Minority Leader, in a viral video, was addressing an audience at an event when he said that his belief was based on what he had seen.

Speaking in the viral video, Afenyo-Markin stated, “The things that I have seen, I believe that the youth of the country will give us a chance in 2028”.

Afenyo-Markin’s remarks sparked an uproar among the audience, which appeared to interrupt his address.

However, Afenyo-Markin clarified his remarks, claiming that he was urging the youth to give democracy and the political actors a chance in the 2028 general elections.

He stated, “When I say you’ll give us a chance, I’m referring to democracy. Listen, I believe that the people of Ghana will give us a chance in 2028.

“Give the political actors a chance. I’m referring to our democracy. Give democracy a chance in 2028,” he later clarified.

Some Ghanaians reacting to the Minority leader’s remarks stated, “@AfenyoMarkin you must be drinking pitoo every morning, right? Keep dreaming. I have promised you 1000x that you’ll even lose your seats, including Annoh Dompreh, and co. We are working on Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as well. We will make sure you and these criminals lose your seats and immunity, then we shall see how you operate. Go and ask KT Hammond. Mmbooa”.

A netizen added, “He just got his 2028 election outcome right there. They should give up”.

One X user added, “Give us a chance again? Shorteee. Last December the youth already spoke loud and clear, and I trust them; they won’t go back to those hard 8 years”.

A netizen added, “If you like y’all parties should agree that only youth should vote in 2028 and see if your party will get more than 10 votes. Sia! Keep on being delusional!!”.

One netizen added, “Herrrr, a chance to come and steal again; when your finance minister has run away from accountability. Bring Ofori Atta for accountability, otherwise the NPP should forget about the 2028 elections”.

Lastly, one X user added, “The day the eyes of majority Ghanaian youth will be opened errh, the rioting happening in France, Italy,  Albania and the like will happen here too. None of these two political parties has Ghana at heart. It’s all about getting into politics to be rich”.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has urged the party to focus on making realistic and achievable promises as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

He said the party must ensure that its campaign pledges are practical and can be fulfilled if it wins power, rather than making ambitious promises that may prove difficult to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, developments under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration should serve as a lesson to political parties about the importance of making credible commitments to voters.

He argued that Ghanaians have become more cautious about lofty campaign promises and expect political leaders to present plans that can be translated into tangible results.

Dr Bawumia assured the public that the NPP would adopt a more practical approach to its 2028 campaign, with promises designed to be workable and deliverable.

He further slammed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for making many lofty promises which they have failed to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, the NDC has been exposed after a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Speaking at the Party’s Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani, Dr Bawumia stated, “Promises made to win power must be promises we can keep because time tests every promise. Today there is something called a few moments later.

Everything you say is on the internet, so if you are given the mandate and you fail to deliver, the Ghanaian people will play your promises back to you.

NDC made so many lofty promises in opposition, but today they have been exposed as being incompetent at fulfilling their promises. So we will go into the 2028 elections with costed ideas, practical ideas, and workable ideas. That is the lesson for all Ghanaians and all political parties”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A commuter was stunned to see the 45 Military Pattern Utility Vehicles recently delivered to the Ghana Armed Forces to improve troop mobility and strengthen operational readiness. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘NDC made many lofty promises; today they have been exposed’ – Dr Bawumia

0

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP leader and 2028 presidential candidate, has slammed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for making many lofty promises which they have failed to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, the NDC has been exposed after a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Dr Bawumia further assured Ghanaian that in 2028, the party will come up with promises that are practical and workable to ensure that they deliver.

Speaking at the Party’s Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani, Dr Bawumia stated, “Promises made to win power must be promises we can keep because time tests every promise. Today there is something called a few moments later.

Everything you say is on the internet, so if you are given the mandate and you fail to deliver, the Ghanaian people will play your promises back to you.

NDC made so many lofty promises in opposition, but today they have been exposed as being incompetent at fulfilling their promises. So we will go into the 2028 elections with costed ideas, practical ideas, and workable ideas. That is the lesson for all Ghanaians and all political parties”.

In related news, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has criticised the John Mahama-led NDC government, describing its nearly two years in office as a period marked by a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Speaking to thousands of delegates at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Bawumia listed the NDC government’s failed promises to Ghanaians after their two years in office.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs a flagship 24-hour economy with one job, three shifts and 3 people (1-3-3). Nearly two years have passed, and the jobs have not come or even shown any signs of coming.”

“The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise of a dramatic job boom through the 1 job 3 shifts, 3 people offer under the NDC is still waiting for his or her shift. Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-hour demolition of buildings for a so-called 24-hour market, even the NDC cannot explain.”

He further added, “The NDC also promised a Women’s Development Bank. Almost two years on, that bank has not opened its doors to a single market woman.”

The NPP flagbearer reminded Ghanaians of the NDC promise to reduce electricity tariffs under its 24-hour economy, saying, “However, nearly two years on, there has rather been a dramatic increase in electricity tariffs, thus crippling households, small businesses and industries.

“Today, the barber shop owner, the hair salon operator, the bread baker and many young businesses who were promised better electricity tariffs are now striving to survive because much of their sales are going into electricity bills under the NDC government.”

Dr Bawumia further touched on the cost of living in Ghana, “As if the suffocating electricity and water tariffs are not enough, the cost of transportation continues to rise, especially in the cities, due to rising cost of spare parts and fuel. Cost of rent has also continued to rise. So even though on paper, inflation has declined to 5%, the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians has increased massively!”

“In the midst of the government failing to fulfil its promises and unleashing all these difficulties on households and businesses, its lifeline has been the relative stability of the Cedi, largely supported by our innovative Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.”

“In June 2021, on my recommendation, the Bank of Ghana launched the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme to protect our currency from global shocks. Records show how the programme saved our economy from serious crisis and revamped the Cedi.

“And the programme is today the major support behind the stability of the cedi, and with it the easing of inflation and interest rates that this government now celebrates. Ironically, key officials of the government today opposed the policy when it was introduced, vehemently claiming it was not feasible.”

He further slammed the NDC government over the Agenda 111 and Free SHS, “Also, several programs we bequeathed to this Government, designed to help Ghanaians live a higher quality of life, have been abandoned. Our crucial national healthcare intervention, Agenda 111, which was designed to provide all districts without much-needed district hospitals, has stalled”.

“If the NPP was in office, these hospitals would have been completed to provide easy access to healthcare to millions of Ghanaians and tens of thousands of jobs to health graduates”, he claimed.

“In education, Free Senior High School is suffering under the NDC. After they promised to improve meals for students, today it has deteriorated. Many of our young BECE graduates are being deliberately cut off from Free SHS, and what frustrated parents are told by the government is that their wards have deservedly failed.”

“I believe many Ghanaians are not surprised by the way the NDC government is managing the Free SHS program. They never believed in it. They bastardised it for years, election after election, until they realised its impact on every household in Ghana.”

Dr Bawumia then touched on Ghana’s galamsey menace, cocoa and Nkoko Nkitikiti, saying, “Let us be honest. Galamsey has troubled almost every government in the Fourth Republic. It is a complex national challenge that demands seriousness, not slogans. Yet this NDC government made many promises to Ghanaians. It promised to resolve it in months and restore our polluted water bodies to their natural state. Today, under their watch, in nearly two years, galamsey has grown embarrassingly worse.”

“The promises to cocoa farmers to increase the cocoa price to GH¢6500 have turned out to be a scam. The promise of automatic posting of teachers and nurses and the improvement in their conditions of service has turned out to be another scam. The promise to cancel teacher licensure examinations has proven to be another scam, just as the promise to pay all Menzgold customers and customers of all financial institutions which collapsed. Even their much-touted Nkoko nkitikiti program has failed.

Dr Bawumia added, “This is the record of the NDC two years on. As our elders say, ‘Agoro no be so a na afri anopa’. Ghana deserves better. I assure you that when the NPP assumes the reins of office in 2029, by the grace of God, we shall bring to bear the lessons of our successes and challenges to do a way better job in these and other areas than this NDC government is doing”.

@ghnow_ Watch Shatta Wale’s electrifying performance alongside Nana Ama McBrown at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Shatta Wale lights up the stage with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Use technocrats, not partisans, to balance EC – NDC’s MP boldly tells Mahama

0

Alhassan Suhuyini, the member of parliament for Tamale North and Deputy Roads Minister, has boldly told President John Dramani Mahama to use merit-based appointments to strengthen perceptions of neutrality at the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to the NDC MP, President Mahama could have used technocrats, not partisans, to balance the EC.

He argued that there were different ways to ensure that appointments to the commission did not undermine public confidence, noting that selecting technocrats with the necessary expertise and qualifications could have done that.

Speaking on NewsFile on Joy News, Alhassan Suhuyini stated, “In appointments, you have ways of ensuring balance, ensuring neutrality. You have partisan balance appointments. It’s allowed. You have technocrats and merit-based appointments.”

“The president could have done that rather than partisan balance,” Suhuyini said.

The NDC MP, however, acknowledged that partisan balance was one available approach but maintained that selecting people on merit and professional competence could help improve perceptions of the commission’s independence.

According to Suhuyini, Ghana’s future presidents would also have a role in improving the standard of appointments, with each administration expected to build on efforts to strengthen the institution’s neutrality.

Also, Professor Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, a governance analyst, has slammed the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, over his comments claiming the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) was intended to balance political representation.

Prof Agyemang-Duah argued that Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s comments could undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission.

According to  Prof Agyemang-Duah, mistakes made by previous administrations should not be repeated.

Speaking on TV3 KeyPoint, Prof Agyemang-Duah stated, “I think my earlier comments referred to that kind of argument. The fact is, the EC is an independent body. The Constitution does not require that we balance membership on a political party basis. No, it’s independent. That’s why I referred earlier, if you recall, to those who are arguing that there are many NPP sympathisers.

“They mentioned names, but there’s no need to mention them here. And therefore, this one appointment is simply seeking to balance the scales in terms of membership of those who are so-called politically exposed. No, that’s why I’m saying we shouldn’t go through this circular argument of ‘You did it, I’m doing it. You did it, I’m balancing it with this.’ Look, we don’t commit two mistakes to ensure that one right is done. No, if the first one was a mistake, we should simply not repeat it. So I do not buy that argument that this is a balancing act,” he said.

He further added, “Not at all. So that’s a defeatist kind of argument. It’s not proper, and I appeal to those who are making that kind of statement, especially from higher levels, because that kind of argument is dangerous for us. If the foot soldiers are making those kinds of arguments, I won’t quibble so much because we know how they talk”.

Their comment comes on the heels of  Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu saying the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have orchestrated an agenda against the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that he is willing to challenge members of the NPP, highlighting that the party, while in office, appointed individuals affiliated with the party to positions at the Electoral Commission.

The Government Communications Minister also disclosed that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo is also part of President Mahama’s reset agenda, arguing that her appointment was intended to balance what he described as NPP appointments at the Electoral Commission.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu admitted that “tilting the balance” meant appointing a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Shatta Wale lights up the stage with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Promises made to win power must be promises we can keep’ – Bawumia tells NPP

0

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has urged the party to focus on making realistic and achievable promises as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

He said the party must ensure that its campaign pledges are practical and can be fulfilled if it wins power, rather than making ambitious promises that may prove difficult to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, developments under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration should serve as a lesson to political parties about the importance of making credible commitments to voters.

He argued that Ghanaians have become more cautious about lofty campaign promises and expect political leaders to present plans that can be translated into tangible results.

Dr Bawumia assured the public that the NPP would adopt a more practical approach to its 2028 campaign, with promises designed to be workable and deliverable.

He further slammed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for making many lofty promises which they have failed to deliver.

According to Dr Bawumia, the NDC has been exposed after a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Speaking at the Party’s Thanksgiving Service in Sunyani, Dr Bawumia stated, “Promises made to win power must be promises we can keep because time tests every promise. Today there is something called a few moments later.

Everything you say is on the internet, so if you are given the mandate and you fail to deliver, the Ghanaian people will play your promises back to you.

NDC made so many lofty promises in opposition, but today they have been exposed as being incompetent at fulfilling their promises. So we will go into the 2028 elections with costed ideas, practical ideas, and workable ideas. That is the lesson for all Ghanaians and all political parties”.

In related news, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has criticised the John Mahama-led NDC government, describing its nearly two years in office as a period marked by a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Speaking to thousands of delegates at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Bawumia listed the NDC government’s failed promises to Ghanaians after their two years in office.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs a flagship 24-hour economy with one job, three shifts and 3 people (1-3-3). Nearly two years have passed, and the jobs have not come or even shown any signs of coming.”

“The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise of a dramatic job boom through the 1 job 3 shifts, 3 people offer under the NDC is still waiting for his or her shift. Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-hour demolition of buildings for a so-called 24-hour market, even the NDC cannot explain.”

He further added, “The NDC also promised a Women’s Development Bank. Almost two years on, that bank has not opened its doors to a single market woman.”

The NPP flagbearer reminded Ghanaians of the NDC promise to reduce electricity tariffs under its 24-hour economy, saying, “However, nearly two years on, there has rather been a dramatic increase in electricity tariffs, thus crippling households, small businesses and industries.

“Today, the barber shop owner, the hair salon operator, the bread baker and many young businesses who were promised better electricity tariffs are now striving to survive because much of their sales are going into electricity bills under the NDC government.”

Dr Bawumia further touched on the cost of living in Ghana, “As if the suffocating electricity and water tariffs are not enough, the cost of transportation continues to rise, especially in the cities, due to rising cost of spare parts and fuel. Cost of rent has also continued to rise. So even though on paper, inflation has declined to 5%, the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians has increased massively!”

“In the midst of the government failing to fulfil its promises and unleashing all these difficulties on households and businesses, its lifeline has been the relative stability of the Cedi, largely supported by our innovative Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.”

“In June 2021, on my recommendation, the Bank of Ghana launched the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme to protect our currency from global shocks. Records show how the programme saved our economy from serious crisis and revamped the Cedi.

“And the programme is today the major support behind the stability of the cedi, and with it the easing of inflation and interest rates that this government now celebrates. Ironically, key officials of the government today opposed the policy when it was introduced, vehemently claiming it was not feasible.”

He further slammed the NDC government over the Agenda 111 and Free SHS, “Also, several programs we bequeathed to this Government, designed to help Ghanaians live a higher quality of life, have been abandoned. Our crucial national healthcare intervention, Agenda 111, which was designed to provide all districts without much-needed district hospitals, has stalled”.

“If the NPP was in office, these hospitals would have been completed to provide easy access to healthcare to millions of Ghanaians and tens of thousands of jobs to health graduates”, he claimed.

“In education, Free Senior High School is suffering under the NDC. After they promised to improve meals for students, today it has deteriorated. Many of our young BECE graduates are being deliberately cut off from Free SHS, and what frustrated parents are told by the government is that their wards have deservedly failed.”

“I believe many Ghanaians are not surprised by the way the NDC government is managing the Free SHS program. They never believed in it. They bastardised it for years, election after election, until they realized its impact on every household in Ghana.”

Dr Bawumia then touched on Ghana’s galamsey menace, cocoa and Nkoko Nkitikiti, saying, “Let us be honest. Galamsey has troubled almost every government in the Fourth Republic. It is a complex national challenge that demands seriousness, not slogans. Yet this NDC government made many promises to Ghanaians. It promised to resolve it in months and restore our polluted water bodies to their natural state. Today, under their watch, in nearly two years, galamsey has grown embarrassingly worse.”

“The promises to cocoa farmers to increase the cocoa price to GH¢6500 have turned out to be a scam. The promise of automatic posting of teachers and nurses and the improvement in their conditions of service has turned out to be another scam. The promise to cancel teacher licensure examinations has proven to be another scam, just as the promise to pay all Menzgold customers and customers of all financial institutions which collapsed. Even their much-touted Nkoko nkitikiti program has failed.

Dr Bawumia added, “This is the record of the NDC two years on. As our elders say, ‘Agoro no be so a na afri anopa’. Ghana deserves better. I assure you that when the NPP assumes the reins of office in 2029, by the grace of God, we shall bring to bear the lessons of our successes and challenges to do a way better job in these and other areas than this NDC government is doing”.

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

‘He ejaculated 4 times’ – Watch Manasseh Azure’s Obuasi SHTS sexual exposé

0

Manasseh Azure Awuni, an investigative journalist, has finally released his documentary, titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow,” exposing allegations of sexual abuse involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (Obuasi SHTS).

The investigative journalist documentary takes a closer look at the allegations, the findings of the investigation, and the issues uncovered during the inquiry.

Manasseh’s documentary titled “Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow” examines the circumstances surrounding the claims and offers viewers a deeper look into the controversy that has placed the school’s leadership under scrutiny.

The headmaster has since been interdicted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) following the report, as concerns surrounding the allegations continue to draw public attention.

Meanwhile, the case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

Ghanaians gave you 1.7m vote victory; Why are you getting it wrong? – Mahama quizzed

0

Martin Kpebu, a Private legal practitioner, has quizzed President John Dramani Mahama’s approach to governance, arguing that his appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo to the Electoral Commission (EC) appears inconsistent with his promise of a Reset agenda.

Layer Kpebu reminded President Mahama that he secured a victory of about 1.7 million votes in the last election, saying the mandate should be used to deliver the changes Ghanaians expected.

He expressed concern that Emelia Afi Agbenyo’s appointment appeared to contradict John Mahama’s previous criticisms of perceived partisanship in appointments to the Electoral Commission.

According to Martin Kpebu, the decision raises questions about Mahama’s commitment to changing the governance practices he had criticised while in opposition.

Speaking on JoyNews, Mr Kpebu directly challenged the President over the decision.

“You won the last election by about 1.7 million votes. So why are you getting it wrong?” he asked.

He further described the appointment as a reversal of the President’s Reset agenda, saying, “This one is the Reset in reverse.”

“This is running the country in reverse,” he added, warning that the approach was “not sustainable”.

Martin Kpebu urged President Mahama to reconsider his position, stressing that voters expected his administration to move away from practices he had previously criticised and deliver meaningful governance reforms.

He maintained that the President’s electoral mandate presented an opportunity to implement the changes promised to the public.

Also, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticised President John Mahama over what he describes as double standards in the debate over Emelia Affi Agbenyo’s appointment.

Ablakwa insisted that concerns about political affiliations in appointments to the Electoral Commission must be applied consistently.

According to Ablakwa, although President Mahama did not act unconstitutionally in making the appointment, the opinion of political bias remained a concern that should not be dismissed.

He argued that the Electoral Commission should be composed of neutral and independent individuals to maintain public confidence.

Speaking on JOYNEWS, Ablakwa stated, “Those double standards are not helpful in our public discourse. I would have wished for an entirely different situation. Yes, constitutionally, the President has not acted unconstitutionally, but the optics don’t look good. And those who are criticising have the right, because we criticised when we were in opposition, and we believed that we were on the right footing”.

“She is a woman of impeccable integrity. But the optics don’t look good, and I have always maintained that. Let’s have very neutral, independent arbiters appointed to the Electoral Commission. If it was wrong yesterday, it was not the best yesterday. It cannot be excellent today.”

Ablakwa nevertheless defended Ms Agbenyo’s suitability for the role, describing her as a competent woman of impeccable integrity.

He stated, “I have to emphasise that I have known Madam Affi Agbenyo since my student activism days; many student leaders know her. She is very independent, fearless, and when she makes up her mind, you cannot… She was SRC Secretary.

In terms of her competence, in terms of love for country and the fact that she will not engage in blatant bias, it breaks my heart that she is put in this storm. I am not taking anything away from her competence, and the fact that she can do the job and she is a woman of integrity”.

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of Gisela and Ama Burland at the seats of strength happening at the ESP Hotel in Labone #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

NPP raises red flags over GH¢27m SA evacuation flights, accuses Ablakwa of inflating costs

0

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, of inflating the cost of three charter flights reportedly procured for GH¢27 million to evacuate Ghanaians in South Africa following the xenophobic attacks.

Ghana’s biggest opposition party is demanding the release of documents covering the evacuation exercise, particularly the original invoices for the flights, to enable public scrutiny of the expenditure.

 Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP Director of Communications, made the demand at a press conference in Accra on Sunday, October 18, insisting that the government must account for the reported cost.

“Publish the original Ethiopia Airlines invoices for all three flights so we can have some proper conversation with the airlines and ask them questions as to how and why it ripped off this country at such a crucial time,” Dennis Miracles Aboagye stated.

The NPP demand comes amid concerns over the management of funds allocated to the evacuation exercise.

NPP alleged that more than GH¢16 million remains unaccounted for.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published the names and signatures of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, alongside records relating to the payment of reintegration and transportation allowances.

However, the NPP is seeking further documentation on the cost of the charter flights.

Also, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a seven-day deadline to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to disclose detailed records of expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, threatening to pursue additional action if the documents are not provided.

According to the NPP, they want Ablakwa to release contracts and invoices for chartered flights, payment vouchers, signed payment records and a comprehensive list of all 1,964 evacuees, including evidence of payments made in respect of each individual.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye said the documents should be made available within seven days through the relevant Right to Information (RTI) process and to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

The NPP is also demanding an explanation of the process used to select the charter flight operator, including whether the procurement complied with the Public Procurement Act.

Miracles Aboagye stated, “Produce the complete set of documents within 7 days. Lay before the RTI requisition and Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee every charter invoice and contract, every payment voucher, every signed sheet, and the full list of 1,964 evacuees with proof of payment against each name”.

Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, has rejected allegations of corruption in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

Ablakwa critiqued the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament over its analysis of the GH¢49.7 million spent on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, portraying its findings as “voodoo analysis”.

He insisted that not a Cedi or a pesewa is missing from funds spent on the exercise.

The Foreign Affairs Minister dismissed the Minority in Parliament’s claims that his handling of the operation caused financial loss to the state.

Ablakwa questioned the figures presented by the Minority, arguing that its report contained inconsistencies in the number of evacuees.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ablakwa stated, “What kind of voodoo analysis is this? If the total number is 247, how come you counted 442 minors? I mean, what’s going on here? What kind of voodoo analysis is this?”

“This is what you use to assail my character, to engage in character assassination, and there are people all over the place saying that I’m running away from accountability. From where?” he said.

“I can state unequivocally without any doubt that not a cedi, not a pesewa is missing”.

Also, Ablakwa challenged the Minority in Parliament to identify a Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa who did not receive the GH¢5,500 allowance.

Ablakwa added, “All of that propaganda out there that some people on the list cannot be found and that some voodoo analysis they have done showed that there’s some money that has not been accounted for”.

“I have been looking for one Ghanaian to step forward and say that when we were evacuated from South Africa, the 5,500 Cedi reintegration allowance I didn’t get it as a Ghanaian. Or the 500 Cedi transportation allowance, I didn’t get it. Have you heard of any one Ghanaian? One,” he said.

“So what is this desperate attempt to create a scandal when there is none? When the whole world is commending that all of that propaganda…” he said.

@ghnow_ Arrival of Gisela and Ama Burland at the seats of strength happening at the ESP Hotel in Labone #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh
@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

Revealed – Obuasi SHTS headmaster sexual abuse allegations cases rise to 19

0

Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has disclosed that the number of students who have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse involving the suspended headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School has risen from 16 to 19.

According to Manasseh Azure, three additional students had reportedly come forward.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, October 18, Manasseh Azure stated, “From yesterday, my sources at the school told me the number has grown to 19. So way more names have come up, and it is likely there will be more, because some didn’t give a report”.

It will be recalled that on Thursday, October 15, Manasseh Azure, speaking on Joy FM Inside the Dreaded Headmaster’s Bungalow, said the initial information he received concerned five students; however, the number increased to 14 when he visited the school to investigate.

“I’ve been to Obuasi twice. First in 2018, and this is my second time visiting Obuasi. The first visit was about allegations of sexual assault in the same school,” he said.

Manasseh explained that after returning from studies abroad, he received a message from a source at the school indicating that the situation had worsened.

Meanwhile, the case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

Also, the  National Democratic Congress (NDC) has ordered the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, to withdraw from the Juaben constituency chairmanship race or risk disqualification.

According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, whose exposé led to the interdiction of Zakaria Abdulai, the NDC has ordered the headmaster to withdraw from the election.

In a Facebook post on October 18, 2026, Manasseh wrote, “The NDC has ordered the Obuasi SHTS headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, to withdraw from the Juaben chairmanship race or be disqualified”.

Also, the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Director, Julius Kwame Anthony, has confirmed the development.

“The party has directed: withdraw your attempts to contest for the chairmanship or be disqualified. That is the party’s position, well communicated to the headmaster,” he said.

“Our rationale is simple: this person is currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies who essentially report to our government,” he explained.

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

NPP turns HEAT on Ablakwa, gives him 7 days to account for SA evacuation spending

0

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a seven-day deadline to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to disclose detailed records of expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, threatening to pursue additional action if the documents are not provided.

The party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, announced the demand at a press briefing on Sunday, October 18, insisting that the government must account for the public funds reportedly used for the exercise.

According to the NPP, they want Ablakwa to release contracts and invoices for chartered flights, payment vouchers, signed payment records and a comprehensive list of all 1,964 evacuees, including evidence of payments made in respect of each individual.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye said the documents should be made available within seven days through the relevant Right to Information (RTI) process and to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

The NPP is also demanding an explanation of the process used to select the charter flight operator, including whether the procurement complied with the Public Procurement Act.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, October 18, Miracles Aboagye stated, “Produce the complete set of documents within 7 days. Lay before the RTI requisition and Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee every charter invoice and contract, every payment voucher, every signed sheet, and the full list of 1,964 evacuees with proof of payment against each name”.

They further called on the Minister to account for the reported GH¢16 million expenditure, providing details of how the money was used and clarifying whether any portion was paid in cash or spent on purchases.

Questions have also been raised about information relating to ASKY Airlines and differences between two versions of a letter identified as CC/7. The NPP wants the discrepancies explained and confirmation of which version was presented to the Auditor-General.

The NPP is also proposing an independent audit by an internationally recognised firm. It wants the audit’s terms of reference and final findings published for public scrutiny.

Although the NPP welcomed the Auditor-General’s review of the expenditure, Mr Aboagye maintained that further accountability measures were necessary.

He warned that the party would support the Minority in Parliament to pursue the matter if the seven-day deadline passed without the requested information being provided. Possible steps include pressing for urgent parliamentary questions to the Foreign Affairs Minister.

Miracles Aboagye argued that Ablakwa should be held to the same transparency standards he demanded of previous governments when he was in opposition. It said the public deserved a clear account of how the evacuation funds were spent, regardless of which administration was in office.

“The 1,964 Ghanaians who fled South Africa suffered enough. They should not now become a headline figure behind which public money cannot be traced,” the party said.

However, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, has rejected allegations of corruption in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

Ablakwa critiqued the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament over its analysis of the GH¢49.7 million spent on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, portraying its findings as “voodoo analysis”.

He insisted that not a Cedi or a pesewa is missing from funds spent on the exercise.

The Foreign Affairs Minister dismissed the Minority in Parliament’s claims that his handling of the operation caused financial loss to the state.

Ablakwa questioned the figures presented by the Minority, arguing that its report contained inconsistencies in the number of evacuees.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ablakwa stated, “What kind of voodoo analysis is this? If the total number is 247, how come you counted 442 minors? I mean, what’s going on here? What kind of voodoo analysis is this?”

“This is what you use to assail my character, to engage in character assassination, and there are people all over the place saying that I’m running away from accountability. From where?” he said.

“I can state unequivocally without any doubt that not a cedi, not a pesewa is missing”.

Also, Ablakwa challenged the Minority in Parliament to identify a Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa who did not receive the GH¢5,500 allowance.

Ablakwa added, “All of that propaganda out there that some people on the list cannot be found and that some voodoo analysis they have done showed that there’s some money that has not been accounted for”.

“I have been looking for one Ghanaian to step forward and say that when we were evacuated from South Africa, the 5,500 Cedi reintegration allowance I didn’t get it as a Ghanaian. Or the 500 Cedi transportation allowance, I didn’t get it. Have you heard of any one Ghanaian? One,” he said.

“So what is this desperate attempt to create a scandal when there is none? When the whole world is commending that all of that propaganda…” he said.

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘If you had done better, would boys commit fraud?’ – Shatta Wale slams gov’t over FBI fraud crackdown

0

Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has criticised the John Mahama-led government for allowing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) into the country to arrest individuals allegedly involved in fraud.

Describing Ghana as a country that is not serious, Shatta Wale questioned why the FBI’s involvement in tackling fraud appeared to be a major issue in Ghana when similar activities occur in other countries.

He argued that he has been in music for about 25 years; I have bought a Rolls Royce, a Lamborghini, all from my fucking music. And someone will say Shatta Wale is committing fraud.

He explained that he is not a snitch and, therefore, would not give information about his friends whom he claims are fraudsters.

Speaking during his ShattaFest 2026 show at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 17, Shatta Wale stated, “Ghana is a fucking country. I have been doing music for about 25 years; I have bought a Rolls Royce, a Lamborghini, all from my fucking music. And someone will say Shatta Wale is committing fraud.

“Let me tell you today that I have a lot of fraudsters as my friends, but I am not a snitch to snitch on them. And the country isn’t even good, so if you would be a fraudster, continue,” he said.

“I do dream of prison, and it’s because of music; they jailed me, and when I think about that thing, I do get angry. If the government wants to fight you, I will ensure that we both will fight the government.

“It’s about time our old men who run the system and think they are in the offices should try and help us; otherwise, we will help ourselves and look for our own president who will rule Ghana.”

Shatta Wale also slammed the Mahama government for allowing the FBI to arrest some Ghanaians over alleged fraudulent activities.

He further urged the Ghanaian youth to look for money no matter what it takes.

“We know plenty of countries where things are going on, but only in Ghana, they are bringing the FBI, wossop? If you had done something better for us, do you think boys would commit fraud?

“Badman, wherever you are, look for your money, protect yourselves, and when they come, brush them. If the government won’t find work for us, we will look for one,” he added.

Also, Shatta Wale has fumed, criticising what he perceives as selective justice in Ghana.

The Dancehall king accused authorities of targeting young people over fraud while ministers who allegedly steal public funds escape arrest.

Shatta Wale subsequently accused ministers of stealing public funds without being arrested, comparing their perceived treatment with that of young people who are apprehended for fraud.

Shatta Wale stated, “Make I tell you, I get plenty fraud boys wey be my friends, but me, I no be snitch wey I go snitch anybody. The country no good, so if you go fraud, fraud. Ministers dey steal, they no dey catch them. Them dey steal our money, they no dey catch them, they dey catch young boys for Ghana”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

‘Our position is clear’ – Tribe Culture Fest rejects Kofi Adams $611,000 World Cup Visa payment claims

0

Nana Boateng Gyimah, the Chief Executive Officer of Tribe Culture Fest, has once again boldly denied allegations that the organisation received US$611,000 from individuals seeking to travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Nana Boateng Gyimah, Tribe Culture Fest had no direct financial dealings with the individuals challenging the Minister for Sports, Kofi Adams, to provide evidence to support the allegations.

He argued that the organisation’s engagements relating to the programmes in question were governed by institutional contracts with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and, where applicable, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Nana Boateng Gyimah disclosed that Tribe Culture Fest charged US$3,000 and US$2,000 as full and final payments for services which included event arrangements, travel logistics, hotel bookings, transportation and security.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, October 18, Mr Gyimah said, “Tribe CultureFest and its Chief Executive Officer, myself, Nana Gyimah, categorically deny the allegations attributed to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, that our organisation or its CEO illegally received $611,000 from private individuals and is avoiding a refund.

“We do not accept the presentation of this allegation as an established fact. Our position is clear. Tribe did not receive the alleged $611,000 from the private individuals referred to in the public allegation, and we do not enter into personal financial arrangements being attributed to us,” he said.

He also debunked claims that Tribe CultureFest charged individuals between $14,000 and $20,000 to facilitate their travels.

Nana Boateng Gyimah added, “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that individuals paid as high as $14,000 to $20,000 to individuals in the NSA with the promise of securing visas for their travels to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“We wish to set the record straight that, by the arrangement between Tribe and the NSA and other institutions, we charge $3,000 and $2,000 as full and final payments for our role in event logistics, travel logistics, hotel bookings, transportation and security,” he stated.

“Persons or entities that actually received these funds. The dates, amounts, currencies, methods of payment, the bank, mobile money accounts and other channels through which funds were transferred, where applicable and lawfully obtainable.

“The specific legal and contractual basis upon which a refund is alleged to be due from Tribe. The persons who authorised, facilitated or controlled the transactions in question,” he added.

The development follows Kofi Adams, the Sports Minister, having distanced himself from the 2026 World Cup visa scandal, accusing TRIBE Culture Fest of defrauding individuals who paid for assistance to secure visas.

According to Kofi Adams, the petitions submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) indicated that the company and some individuals had received money in connection with the visa arrangements.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, October 13, Kofi Adams stated, “They may have been doing a so-called genuine business, but on this occasion and in this particular matter, they have defrauded the people, and they must be held liable for it and all others, including any government official who is found to have involved himself or herself in any way”.

“One of them actually petitioned the CID to indicate that, look, when we return from the World Cup, people are pursuing us. I’ve made some refunds. The rest are refusing to make refunds even after a series of meetings,” he said.

Kofi Adams further stressed that no government funds had been lost, arguing that the money was allegedly paid by private individuals without the government’s knowledge.

“No government money has been lost. It is individuals who paid this money to them, on the blind side of the government arrangement,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh

Tragic – 15-year-old Ada SHS student dies after collapsing

0

Monde Konedu Agyemang, a 15-year-old student of Ada Senior High Technical School (ASTECH), has died after reportedly collapsing.

According to reports, the Ada SHS student died during a sporting activity organised as part of the school’s Girls’ Education Week celebration.

Reports detailed that the tragic incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, which coincided with her 15th birthday.

The late Monde Konedu Agyemang was rushed to the Sege Polyclinic but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dr Stephen Arthur, the Ada West District Director of Education, has disclosed that the cause of death had not yet been established.

He, however, revealed that arrangements were underway for an autopsy to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the Ada West District Director of Education, Monde Konedu Agyemang enrolled at the school about three weeks before her death and had no known medical condition declared on her admission form.

Monde’s body has since been transferred to the General Hospital as police investigations continue to establish the cause of death.

In other SHS-related news, the case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

@ghnow_ Arrival of guest at ESP hotel for Seats of Strength 2026 hosted by Ama Burland and Gisela #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh
@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Withdraw or face disqualification – NDC tells Obuasi SHTS headmaster

0

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has ordered the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, to withdraw from the Juaben constituency chairmanship race or risk disqualification.

According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, whose exposé led to the interdiction of Zakaria Abdulai, the NDC has ordered the headmaster to withdraw from the election.

In a Facebook post on October 18, 2026, Manasseh wrote, “The NDC has ordered the Obuasi SHTS headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai, to withdraw from the Juaben chairmanship race or be disqualified”.

Also, the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Director, Julius Kwame Anthony, has confirmed the development.

“The party has directed: withdraw your attempts to contest for the chairmanship or be disqualified. That is the party’s position, well communicated to the headmaster,” he said.

“Our rationale is simple: this person is currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies who essentially report to our government,” he explained.

Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female student.

Meanwhile, the case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

@ghnow_ Arrival of Gisela and Ama Burland at the seats of strength happening at the ESP Hotel in Labone #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – officialpm.gh
@ghnow_ A woman who was robbed of her phone at Shatta Fest yesterday recounts her ordeal. Meanwhile, another lady was reportedly stripped half-naked by armed robbers during the incident. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘GES victimised teachers who protected the girls’ – Manasseh Azure on Obuasi SHTS sex scandal

0

Manasseh Azure Awuni, a Ghanaian investigative journalist, has called out the Ghana Education Service (GES) over the handling of the alleged sexual abuse of female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School by their headmaster.

The investigative journalist detailed how an inquiry set up by the Ghana Education Service (GES) into the alleged sexual abuse rather targeted teachers who stood up for the affected students.

Manasseh Azure Awuni further disclosed how five girls who were allegedly assaulted by the headmaster in March this year were forced to remain silent after filing complaints.

Speaking on JoyNews, Manasseh Azure detailed, “I went to speak to the director of Education for Obuasi; he confirmed that as early as March this year he received complaints and he called that the girls be brought. Five girls who said they were sexually assaulted by the Headmaster came over; three of them actually came over with written report of their assault. Were their cases investigated? No.  

In July, a young lady filed a complaint against the headmaster. Then in June, there was an alleged sexual assault. In July, a young lady who said she had washed her things and went to pick them up, the headmaster invited her to come and run around for him. And when she got to the house, or the headmaster’s bungalow, he locked her inside and sexually assaulted her. The reports are very many”.

“…But we know this happened last year; similar things happened throughout this year. And then some of the girls said some house mistresses actually told them not to tell anybody when their issues came up. Some of the parents who had the courage to report to the police also told me about frustrations they faced,” he said.

Manasseh disclosed that the said teachers were pressured to leave the school to make way for new ones, while the interdicted headmaster was allegedly quietly transferred to another school.

He further disclosed that he had received several reports of alleged sexual assault involving the interdicted headmaster while he was an assistant headmaster at Toase Senior High School.

“The GES set up a committee, and it looked like that committee was rather trying to victimise the teachers who stood up for the girls. They had received calls to leave the school and find new schools, while this headmaster was going to be quietly transferred to another school.

“I can tell you on authority that I’ve spoken to people who knew this headmaster from Toase Senior High School; he was an assistant headmaster there. And they tell me that what they are hearing about him in Obuasi Senior High School isn’t new and that similar things happened in Toase Senior High School, where he was an assistant headmaster,” he added.

In related news, the case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale
@ghnow_ Happening now in La! ADB Ghana Medicals is providing free health screening for residents as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #LiveUpdate #fyp ♬ original sound – ighalo

Ministers dey steal, they no dey catch them but them dey catch fraud boys – Shatta Wale fumes

Shatta Wale, a Ghanaian dancehall artiste, has fumed, criticising what he perceives as selective justice in Ghana.

The Dancehall king accused authorities of targeting young people over fraud while ministers who allegedly steal public funds escape arrest.

Speaking during his ShattaFest 2026 show at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 17, Shatta Wale questioned why young people were being arrested for fraud while public officials accused of financial wrongdoing are not facing similar consequences.

He disclosed that he had several friends involved in fraud but insisted that he would not report them to the authorities.

Shatta Wale subsequently accused ministers of stealing public funds without being arrested, comparing their perceived treatment with that of young people who are apprehended for fraud.

Shatta Wale stated, “Make I tell you, I get plenty fraud boys wey be my friends, but me, I no be snitch wey I go snitch anybody. The country no good, so if you go fraud, fraud. Ministers dey steal, they no dey catch them. Them dey steal our money, they no dey catch them, they dey catch young boys for Ghana”.

The Dancehall king criticised what he perceives as unequal enforcement of financial crime laws, questioning why young people suspected of fraud face prosecution while public officials accused of corruption appear to receive different treatment.

In related news, some months ago, Shatta Wale, during his live performance at the Gomoa Street Carnival on April 5, 2026, called for the release of entrepreneur Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica.

According to Shatta Wale, Abu Trica must be freed, as nobody does fraud.  

Shatta Wale, during his performance at the Gomoa Street Carnival, led sections of the crowd in chants demanding Abu Trica’s freedom.

Speaking to the crowd, Shatta Wale stated, “Free Abu! Free Abu! Free Abu! Nobody does fraud here. Would they say someone is a fraudster if they had given us jobs? We all want money,” he told the audience.

Meanwhile, Shatta Wale has alleged that the government owes him about GH¢5 million.

According to Shatta Wale, the GH¢5 million owed him by the government was for promotional activities and advertisements he undertook in support of the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Shatta Wale revealed he was yet to receive any payment despite having completed the work.

Speaking in an interview with GHOne TV, Shatta Wale said, “ I am happy with President Mahama his idology.

When asked by Serwaa Amihere about his best performing minister or appointee, Shatta Wale stated,  “So, I don’t have any; I can give you examples”.

He further stated, “With the World Cup that we did, you know we had to promote whatever…We were supposed to be paid. Up till now, I have not been paid. For the postings and ads, a lot. I think now they owe me about GH₵5 million,” he said.

Shatta Wale further expressed frustration over his attempts to obtain payment.

According to him, when he calls ministers for his payment, they refuse to answer his calls.

“Oh, not a penny. You call the minister; he will not pick up. The deputy minister of finance will also not pick up. Disrespect, total disrespect in this country,” he fumed.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Shatta Wale lights up the stage with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Watch Shatta Wale’s electrifying performance alongside Nana Ama McBrown at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – GHnow

Mahama declares 9 forest reserves free of galamsey

0

President John Dramani Mahama has declared nine forest reserves in Ghana free of illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

According to Mahama, soldiers will remain stationed in nine forest reserves cleared of illegal mining to prevent operators from returning to the sites.

Mahama stressed that the decision followed previous experiences in which illegal miners returned to the reserves after military personnel deployed to flush them out had withdrawn.

President Mahama disclosed that all nine forest reserves previously designated as red zones due to the extensive destruction and the presence of heavily armed illegal miners had been cleared, with troops deployed to protect the areas.

Speaking during a courtesy call by chiefs from the Western North Region, Mahama stated, “We have now cleared all nine of those red zones. There are no galamsey operators in those forest reserves, and we have stationed soldiers there to ensure that the illegal miners do not return. The soldiers will remain in those areas”.

He further called for stronger collaboration with traditional authorities to sustain the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Mahama also noted that previous efforts to clear some forest reserves had failed because illegal miners returned shortly after soldiers withdrew.

“Whenever forest guards went there, they were fired upon, and some lost their lives,” he said.

President Mahama further disclosed that the GoldBod and the military will support forest restoration.

He revealed that the GoldBod had begun engaging the military in a programme to reclaim destroyed forest areas and replant them with trees.

Mahama detailed that under the programme, bulldozers would be used to level degraded land, while the Forestry Commission would work with the military on reclamation and reforestation.

Also, President Mahama also announced that the Finance Minister had allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit additional Blue Water Guards to patrol water bodies and intensify the fight against illegal mining.

Mahama disclosed that the guards had been instructed to destroy changfang machines used for illegal mining whenever they encountered them.

According to Mahama, several machines had already been destroyed, helping to clear many major river channels.

Meanwhile,  Mahama also appealed to Chiefs and traditional authorities across the country to support the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to Mahama, enforcement measures must be accompanied by the creation of alternative livelihood opportunities for affected communities.

Mahama stressed that the collaboration of chiefs was critical to the success of the campaign, looking at their close relationship with residents and their influence in traditional areas where galamsey persists.

President Mahama further called for stronger collaboration between the government, traditional authorities and security agencies to address Ghana’s illegal mining menace.

Mahama stated, “We need the help of our chiefs in the fight against galamsey because you live in the community with the people, and sometimes NAIMOS is doing a good job, but sometimes we go into some communities and the youth and the traditional authorities, and everybody fight back at NAIMOS.

“There are incidents where the soldiers have had to discharge firearms, which resulted in a few deaths. We want to avoid that, and so if we can get the collaboration of our chiefs to help in the fight against illegal mining, especially in our forest reserves and in our water bodies.”

@ghnow_ Black Stars goal keeper Benjamin Asare has arrived for Shattafest 2026 #GHNow #fyp ♬ Body Pains – SHATTA WALE
@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale

Jean Mensa should resign, not Emelia Agbenyo – Tanko-Computer

0

Rashid Tanko-Computer, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy Director of Elections and IT, has said demands for resignation at the Electoral Commission (EC) should be directed to Jean Mensa.

According to Tanko-Computer, calls for the resignation of Electoral Commission (EC) Deputy Chairperson Emelia Affi Agbenyo should rather be directed at Jean Mensa.

Tanko-Computer defended Mahama’s decision to appoint Mrs Agbenyo, arguing that her association with the NDC does not make her an active party member or disqualify her from serving on the Commission.

He insisted that Emelia Affi Agbenyo was qualified for the position and should not be equated with individuals who hold active political positions.

Speaking on News Digest on Saturday, October 17, Tanko-Computer stated, “The fact that she’s associated herself with the NDC during the 2024 election and became our spokesperson on governance doesn’t make her a party activist today”.

“Why are they not asking for Madam Jean Mensa to resign? The first person they should be asking to resign is Madam Jean Mensa and Salima, as well as the other gentlemen, not Emelia,” he said.

However, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticised President John Mahama over what he describes as double standards in the debate over Emelia Affi Agbenyo’s appointment.

Ablakwa insisted that concerns about political affiliations in appointments to the Electoral Commission must be applied consistently.

According to Ablakwa, although President Mahama did not act unconstitutionally in making the appointment, the opinion of political bias remained a concern that should not be dismissed.

He argued that the Electoral Commission should be composed of neutral and independent individuals to maintain public confidence.

Speaking on JOYNEWS, Ablakwa stated, “Those double standards are not helpful in our public discourse. I would have wished for an entirely different situation. Yes, constitutionally, the President has not acted unconstitutionally, but the optics don’t look good. And those who are criticising have the right, because we criticised when we were in opposition, and we believed that we were on the right footing”.

“She is a woman of impeccable integrity. But the optics don’t look good, and I have always maintained that. Let’s have very neutral, independent arbiters appointed to the Electoral Commission. If it was wrong yesterday, it was not the best yesterday. It cannot be excellent today.”

Ablakwa nevertheless defended Ms Agbenyo’s suitability for the role, describing her as a competent woman of impeccable integrity.

He stated, “I have to emphasise that I have known Madam Affi Agbenyo since my student activism days; many student leaders know her. She is very independent, fearless, and when she makes up her mind, you cannot… She was SRC Secretary.

In terms of her competence, in terms of love for country and the fact that she will not engage in blatant bias, it breaks my heart that she is put in this storm. I am not taking anything away from her competence, and the fact that she can do the job and she is a woman of integrity”.

@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Watch Shatta Wale’s electrifying performance alongside Nana Ama McBrown at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – GHnow

Video – Catholic priest dies after crucifix falls on him during mass

0

A Catholic priest in Ecuador has suddenly passed away after a crucifix of Jesus fell on him during live mass.

The Catholic priest has been identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro.

The viral footage widely shared on social media shows Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari addressing his congregation in Guayaquil on Saturday before the crucifix came tumbling down on top of him.

The news article shared by Yahoo.com read, “A Catholic priest died after a cross fell on top of him while he was performing a mass in Ecuador, which was being livestreamed at the time.

Footage shared widely on social media shows Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro, addressing his congregation in Guayaquil on Saturday before the crucifix came tumbling down on top of him.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil on Sunday confirmed that Father Molinari had died in a post on social media, which said: “We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory.”

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Watch Shatta Wale’s electrifying performance alongside Nana Ama McBrown at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – GHnow

 “If it was wrong yesterday, it cannot be right today” – Ablakwa tells Mahama over Agbenyo’s EC appointment

0

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticised President John Mahama over what he describes as double standards in the debate over Emelia Affi Agbenyo’s appointment.

Ablakwa insisted that concerns about political affiliations in appointments to the Electoral Commission must be applied consistently.

According to Ablakwa, although President Mahama did not act unconstitutionally in making the appointment, the opinion of political bias remained a concern that should not be dismissed.

He argued that the Electoral Commission should be composed of neutral and independent individuals to maintain public confidence.

Speaking on JOYNEWS, Ablakwa stated, “Those double standards are not helpful in our public discourse. I would have wished for an entirely different situation. Yes, constitutionally, the President has not acted unconstitutionally, but the optics don’t look good. And those who are criticising have the right, because we criticised when we were in opposition, and we believed that we were on the right footing”.

“She is a woman of impeccable integrity. But the optics don’t look good, and I have always maintained that. Let’s have very neutral, independent arbiters appointed to the Electoral Commission. If it was wrong yesterday, it was not the best yesterday. It cannot be excellent today.”

Ablakwa nevertheless defended Ms Agbenyo’s suitability for the role, describing her as a competent woman of impeccable integrity.

He stated, “I have to emphasise that I have known Madam Affi Agbenyo since my student activism days; many student leaders know her. She is very independent, fearless, and when she makes up her mind, you cannot… She was SRC Secretary.

In terms of her competence, in terms of love for country and the fact that she will not engage in blatant bias, it breaks my heart that she is put in this storm. I am not taking anything away from her competence, and the fact that she can do the job and she is a woman of integrity”.

Meanwhile, Professor Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, a governance analyst, has slammed the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, over his comments claiming the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) was intended to balance political representation.

Prof Agyemang-Duah argued that Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s comments could undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission.

According to  Prof Agyemang-Duah, mistakes made by previous administrations should not be repeated.

Speaking on TV3 KeyPoint, Prof Agyemang-Duah stated, “I think my earlier comments referred to that kind of argument. The fact is, the EC is an independent body. The Constitution does not require that we balance membership on a political party basis. No, it’s independent. That’s why I referred earlier, if you recall, to those who are arguing that there are many NPP sympathisers.

“They mentioned names, but there’s no need to mention them here. And therefore, this one appointment is simply seeking to balance the scales in terms of membership of those who are so-called politically exposed. No, that’s why I’m saying we shouldn’t go through this circular argument of ‘You did it, I’m doing it. You did it, I’m balancing it with this.’ Look, we don’t commit two mistakes to ensure that one right is done. No, if the first one was a mistake, we should simply not repeat it. So I do not buy that argument that this is a balancing act,” he said.

He further added, “Not at all. So that’s a defeatist kind of argument. It’s not proper, and I appeal to those who are making that kind of statement, especially from higher levels, because that kind of argument is dangerous for us. If the foot soldiers are making those kinds of arguments, I won’t quibble so much because we know how they talk”.

His comment comes on the heels of  Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu saying the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have orchestrated an agenda against the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that he is willing to challenge members of the NPP, highlighting that the party, while in office, appointed individuals affiliated with the party to positions at the Electoral Commission.

The Government Communications Minister also disclosed that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo is also part of President Mahama’s reset agenda, arguing that her appointment was intended to balance what he described as NPP appointments at the Electoral Commission.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu admitted that “tilting the balance” meant appointing a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

@ghnow_ Black Stars goal keeper Benjamin Asare has arrived for Shattafest 2026 #GHNow #fyp ♬ Body Pains – SHATTA WALE
@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale

You promised a reset, yet we are seeing scandal upon scandal – Kokofu blast Mahama govt

0

Henry Kokofu, a former Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has accused the government of deceiving Ghanaians with unfulfilled promises.

Kokofu warned the Mahama government that the Ghanaian electorate will hold them accountable at the polls.

According to Kokofu, Mahama during the 2024 campaign season promised a reset agenda, but what Ghanaians are seeing is scandal upon scandal.

Kokofu on the PEACE FM Kokrokoo show criticised the Mahama administration’s much-resetting agenda, describing it as a failed promise that has instead been overshadowed by scandal upon scandal.

He argued that the Mahama government’s reset agenda has lost credibility, with scandals eroding trust in leadership.

“The resetting promise you made was all deception, and Ghanaians will punish you for that. You deceived Ghanaians… you’ve not fulfilled the promises you made. What you’re rather giving us is scandal upon scandal”, he stated.

Also, Abanga Fuseini, the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deceiving Ghanaians, describing the government’s approach to governance as a public relations exercise.

Fuseini alleged that the John Dramani Mahama-led administration was more focused on public relations than delivering meaningful results for the country.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s *Ekosii Sen* programme, the NPP youth leader criticised the government’s performance, insisting that Ghanaians had been misled by the NDC.

“We have been scammed by the NDC. They are just doing PR,” he said.

Despite his criticism of the governing party, Fuseini maintained that the NPP was not intimidated by the NDC, arguing that several successful initiatives currently benefiting the country were introduced or championed by his party.

“Most of the successful initiatives that are working in this country were championed by the NPP, so we are not intimidated by the NDC,” he added.

Meanwhile,  Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP leader and 2028 presidential candidate, has criticised the John Mahama-led NDC government, describing its nearly two years in office as a period marked by a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Speaking to thousands of delegates at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Bawumia listed the NDC government’s failed promises to Ghanaians after their two years in office.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs a flagship 24-hour economy with one job, three shifts and 3 people (1-3-3). Nearly two years have passed, and the jobs have not come or even shown any signs of coming.”

“The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise of a dramatic job boom through the 1 job 3 shifts, 3 people offer under the NDC is still waiting for his or her shift. Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-hour demolition of buildings for a so-called 24-hour market, even the NDC cannot explain.”

He further added, “The NDC also promised a Women’s Development Bank. Almost two years on, that bank has not opened its doors to a single market woman.”

The NPP flagbearer reminded Ghanaians of the NDC promise to reduce electricity tariffs under its 24-hour economy, saying, “However, nearly two years on, there has rather been a dramatic increase in electricity tariffs, thus crippling households, small businesses and industries.

Dr Bawumia further touched on the cost of living in Ghana, “As if the suffocating electricity and water tariffs are not enough, the cost of transportation continues to rise, especially in the cities, due to rising cost of spare parts and fuel. Cost of rent has also continued to rise. So even though on paper, inflation has declined to 5%, the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians has increased massively!”

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Black Stars goal keeper Benjamin Asare has arrived for Shattafest 2026 #GHNow #fyp ♬ Body Pains – SHATTA WALE
@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale

‘It was a bait; drop the defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi’ – Brako-Powers tells Afenyo-Markin

0

Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, a Private legal practitioner, has told the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to discontinue his defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi.

According to Brako-Powers, he feels the case was a bait Honourable Afenyo-Markin shouldn’t have taken.

He further advised the Minority leader to discontinue his defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi following the High Court’s decision to strike out the case.

Speaking on GBC’s Current Agenda on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Brako-Powers stated, “I feel the case was a bait Honourable Afenyo-Markin shouldn’t have taken, and for me, I would advise him to let the matter rest”.

He further argued that Afenyo-Markin should have exercised greater caution before initiating legal action.

Brako-Powers highlighted that circumstances surrounding the dispute might have been intended to provoke him into taking the matter to court.

The Private legal practitioner, however, maintained that the ruling centred on procedural requirements and should not automatically be interpreted as a determination of the substantive allegations.

He urged the Minority Leader to reconsider that position and avoid prolonging the dispute.

Brako-Powers cautioned against allowing political pressure and public exchanges to influence decisions on legal action, stressing that the matter required careful handling given the positions held by both men.

He argued that continuing the dispute could generate further political controversy.

His comment follows, Lawyers for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have revealed that their client has instructed them to pursue his GH¢15 million defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi to its logical conclusion.

According to the Lawyers, despite the High Court decision to set aside the case over a procedural defect, their client still insists on pursuing the suit.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a statement issued by Dehyena Chambers, the legal team, revealed that they have been instructed to pursue the matter and were awaiting a copy of the court’s ruling to determine their next course of action.

The lawyer disclosed that as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the court registry had not made a copy of the ruling available to them.

“Our civil jurisprudence, including the Supreme Court authorities on non-compliance with procedural rules and Order 81 of C.I. 47, recognises that procedural irregularities are curable since equity looks at substance and not form,” the statement said.

“We will not be deterred by procedural setbacks. The Mills of Justice grind slowly, but with great surety,” the statement added. The court’s decision followed a finding that the writ of summons did not contain sufficient particulars of the alleged defamatory publication, rendering the action defective under the applicable civil procedure rules.

@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale

Airstrips coming to regions without airports – Mahama announces

0

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to construct airstrips in regions without airports to facilitate emergency air travel and medical evacuations.

According to John Mahama, Western North, which currently has no operational commercial airport, will benefit from the planned infrastructure under the initiative.

Mahama argued that the proposed facilities would provide landing sites for aircraft during emergencies.

He explained that regions with existing airports would not require the additional facilities, adding that those without airports would be provided with airstrips approximately 2 kilometres in length.

President Mahama highlighted that the project will improve access to air transport during critical situations, including cases requiring urgent medical evacuation.

Speaking during a courtesy call by chiefs of the Western North Region, President Mahama stated, “We are going to provide an airstrip in every region that does not already have an airport. Sometimes there are emergencies, and sometimes medical evacuations are necessary. At the moment, some regions do not have landing sites for aircraft.

He added, “Regions that already have airports are covered, but those without airports will receive landing strips. They will be about two kilometres long and will have a small control office so that aircraft can land in the region in an emergency. Western North will be one of the beneficiaries.”

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to invest $2 billion annually over four years under the government’s proposed $10 billion New Economy Programme to accelerate industrialisation, boost production, and create jobs.

According to Mahama, the proposed $10 billion will position Ghana as a manufacturing and logistics hub for West Africa.

Mahama highlighted that the programme would channel investment into productive sectors of the economy.

He disclosed that  50% of the funding is earmarked for agriculture and agro-processing, adding that the remaining allocation would support industry and the infrastructure that will link producers to markets.

Speaking on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when he cut the sod for the commencement of construction works on the Afienya Industrial Park, President Mahama stated, “Next year, things are going to get even faster, because we are launching the new economy programme,” he said during a tour of industrial facilities.

“The new economy programme is a programme where we invest $2 billion every year in sectors that are rich with job creation,” he added.

“This is what we talk about when we say the 24-hour economy. It is beginning to show the job creation aspect of it,” he said.

Mahama further disclosed that next year things are going to move faster with the investment of the new economy programme.

“The new economy programme is a programme where we invest $2 billion every year in sectors that are rich with job creation,” he added.

“This is what we talk about when we say the 24-hour economy. It is beginning to show the job creation aspect of it,” he said.

@ghnow_ Dr Esther Yesutor Agbozo educates men on how they can support their wives in checking their breasts and identifying unusual changes early as part of efforts to promote breast cancer awareness. #GHNow #BreastCancerAwareness #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Shatta Wale lights up the stage with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“Dangerous argument” – Prof Agyemang-Duah slams Kwakye Ofosu over ‘balancing’ EC comment

0

Professor Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, a governance analyst, has slammed the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, over his comments claiming the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) was intended to balance political representation.

Prof Agyemang-Duah argued that Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s comments could undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission.

According to  Prof Agyemang-Duah, mistakes made by previous administrations should not be repeated.

Speaking on TV3 KeyPoint, Prof Agyemang-Duah stated, “I think my earlier comments referred to that kind of argument. The fact is, the EC is an independent body. The Constitution does not require that we balance membership on a political party basis. No, it’s independent. That’s why I referred earlier, if you recall, to those who are arguing that there are many NPP sympathisers.

“They mentioned names, but there’s no need to mention them here. And therefore, this one appointment is simply seeking to balance the scales in terms of membership of those who are so-called politically exposed. No, that’s why I’m saying we shouldn’t go through this circular argument of ‘You did it, I’m doing it. You did it, I’m balancing it with this.’ Look, we don’t commit two mistakes to ensure that one right is done. No, if the first one was a mistake, we should simply not repeat it. So I do not buy that argument that this is a balancing act,” he said.

He further added, “Not at all. So that’s a defeatist kind of argument. It’s not proper, and I appeal to those who are making that kind of statement, especially from higher levels, because that kind of argument is dangerous for us. If the foot soldiers are making those kinds of arguments, I won’t quibble so much because we know how they talk”.

His comment comes on the heels of  Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu saying the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have orchestrated an agenda against the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that he is willing to challenge members of the NPP, highlighting that the party, while in office, appointed individuals affiliated with the party to positions at the Electoral Commission.

The Government Communications Minister also disclosed that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo is also part of President Mahama’s reset agenda, arguing that her appointment was intended to balance what he described as NPP appointments at the Electoral Commission.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu admitted that “tilting the balance” meant appointing a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on JoyFM, Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated, “I have challenged the NPP, and indeed, I will address the NPP because they are the ones who have started this narrative and are creating the impression that they have bought the appointment of people with personal affiliation to the EC,” he said.

“The other issue is that, you see, a reset could also mean balancing a lopsided state institution.

“Why is it acceptable for us to have a situation where, out of seven commissioners who manage Ghana’s elections, almost four of them are NPP? What is wrong with tilting the balance?” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Watch Shatta Wale’s electrifying performance alongside Nana Ama McBrown at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – GHnow

“What kind of voodoo analysis is this?” – Ablakwa quizzes Minority over SA evacuation claims

0

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, has rejected allegations of corruption in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

Ablakwa critiqued the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament over its analysis of the GH¢49.7 million spent on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, portraying its findings as “voodoo analysis”.

He insisted that not a Cedi or a pesewa is missing from funds spent on the exercise.

The Foreign Affairs Minister dismissed the Minority in Parliament’s claims that his handling of the operation caused financial loss to the state.

Ablakwa questioned the figures presented by the Minority, arguing that its report contained inconsistencies in the number of evacuees.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ablakwa stated, “What kind of voodoo analysis is this? If the total number is 247, how come you counted 442 minors? I mean, what’s going on here? What kind of voodoo analysis is this?”

“This is what you use to assail my character, to engage in character assassination, and there are people all over the place saying that I’m running away from accountability. From where?” he said.

“I can state unequivocally without any doubt that not a cedi, not a pesewa is missing”.

Also, Ablakwa challenged the Minority in Parliament to identify a Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa who did not receive the GH¢5,500 allowance.

Ablakwa added, “All of that propaganda out there that some people on the list cannot be found and that some voodoo analysis they have done showed that there’s some money that has not been accounted for”.

“I have been looking for one Ghanaian to step forward and say that when we were evacuated from South Africa, the 5,500 Cedi reintegration allowance I didn’t get it as a Ghanaian. Or the 500 Cedi transportation allowance, I didn’t get it. Have you heard of any one Ghanaian? One,” he said.

“So what is this desperate attempt to create a scandal when there is none? When the whole world is commending that all of that propaganda…” he said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister’s comment comes on the back of the Minority demanding an independent audit of the GH¢49.72 million exercise.

The Minority caucus alleged that the Ministry’s expenditure records leave more than GH¢16.4 million requiring further explanation.

The NPP minority raised concerns of alleged discrepancies in reintegration grants, transport allowances and flight records.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, announced a detailed breakdown of the cost involved in the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

Ablakwa disclosed that the total cost of the evacuation exercise amounted to GHS 49,721,786.00, covering chartered flights, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care, and reintegration support.

The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, as well as medical and hospitalisation requirements.

He added that another GH¢10.8 million was allocated as reintegration and transportation allowances for the returning nationals.

Ablakwa disclosed that each of the 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and GH¢500 for transportation, bringing the total support per person to GH¢5,500.

Also, GH¢84,274 was spent to repatriate the remains of two Ghanaians who lost their lives during the crisis.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that the total amount has been fully settled, with no outstanding liabilities arising from the evacuation, adding that out of the GH¢49.72 million spent, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while Ibrahim Mahama contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.

Also, on September 18, the Ministry submitted a report exceeding 200 pages to the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, following a Right to Information request.

Reports suggest the documents included evacuees’ contact details and signatures.

@ghnow_ Black Stars goal keeper Benjamin Asare has arrived for Shattafest 2026 #GHNow #fyp ♬ Body Pains – SHATTA WALE
@ghnow_ Watch Shatta Wale’s electrifying performance alongside Nana Ama McBrown at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – GHnow

If you have any sense of dignity, resign to save the face of the Minority – Afenyo-Markin told 

0

Emmanuel Kotin, the Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism, has told the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to resign.

According to Emmanuel Kotin, if Afenyo-Markin have any sense of dignity, resign to save the face of the Minority.

He argued that the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, must resign as Minority Leader due to the allegations of extortion levelled against him.

Kotin argued that the allegation alone had damaged the reputation of the Minority caucus and the NPP.

Speaking during a panel discussion on GBC’s Current Agenda on October 17, 2026, Kotin stated, “To save the face of the Minority, if Honourable Afenyo-Markin had any sense of dignity in him, he should have resigned as the Minority Leader”.

“He should have resigned because of the claim of him being an extortionist,” he added.

“So if you could file a defective application in court seeking defamation, what have you done to your party?” Mr Kotin questioned.

He further disclosed that his outfit had contacted some individuals within the party to understand why action had not been taken against the Minority Leader.

Kotin revealed that the response suggested that party members feared political repercussions.

He added, “When we contacted people within the party [to ask] why they are not pushing him to resign, it was an allegation of being connected to a certain politician, and if they push him now, the party will suffer some harm”.

“It is better to push him out now, repair whatever damage the party seeks to get, than leaving him there for another issue of this nature to come. Who will take Afenyo-Markin seriously again in this country?” he asked.

Kotin further lamented that the extortion allegation had dominated national discourse for weeks, distracting attention from pressing social and economic issues, including a recent World Bank report on financial losses.

Also, Ross Osei Owusu, a Private legal practitioner and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legal team, has said Alexander Afenyo-Markin should not remain Minority Leader in Parliament.

According to Ross Osei Owusu, Afenyo-Markin should not remain Minority Leader in Parliament if he fails to clear his name over allegations of extortion levelled against him by Sammy Gyamfi.

He argued that the Minority Leader must take steps to exonerate himself from the allegations, stressing that the matter should be pursued through the courts.

Osei Owusu recognised that the allegations remained unproven but argued that the Minority Leader needed to take steps to exonerate himself.

Speaking on GHOne TV’s Breakfast Review on October 15, 2026, Osei Owusu stated, “If he’s an extortionist, then we don’t want him as a Minority Leader of Parliament”.

“It remains an allegation, but he needs to purge himself of that allegation,” he stated, adding that Afenyo-Markin should be removed as Minority Leader if he failed to clear his name.

The development follows the Accra High Court dismissing the GH¢15 million defamation suit filed by the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.

Afenyo-Markin’s suit stemmed from comments allegedly made by Sammy Gyamfi during JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, where he described the Minority Leader as an “extortionist”.

Meanwhile,  Lawyers for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have revealed that their client has instructed them to pursue his GH¢15 million defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi to its logical conclusion.

According to the Lawyers, despite the High Court decision to set aside the case over a procedural defect, their client still insists on pursuing the suit.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a statement issued by Dehyena Chambers, the legal team, revealed that they have been instructed to pursue the matter and were awaiting a copy of the court’s ruling to determine their next course of action.

The lawyer disclosed that as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the court registry had not made a copy of the ruling available to them.

“Our civil jurisprudence, including the Supreme Court authorities on non-compliance with procedural rules and Order 81 of C.I. 47, recognises that procedural irregularities are curable since equity looks at substance and not form,” the statement said.

“We will not be deterred by procedural setbacks. The Mills of Justice grind slowly, but with great surety,” the statement added. The court’s decision followed a finding that the writ of summons did not contain sufficient particulars of the alleged defamatory publication, rendering the action defective under the applicable civil procedure rules.

@ghnow_ Shatta Wale lights up the stage with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🔥🎤 #GHNow #ShattaFest2026 #ShattaWale #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Ayigbe Edem sets the stage ablaze with an energetic performance at Shatta Fest 2026! 🎤🔥#GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Mahama saved the Special Prosecutor – Felix Kwakye Ofosu reveals

0

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, has explained how President John Dramani Mahama saved the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from being scrapped by Parliament from scrapping it.

According to  Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Mahama opposed a bill introduced by the then Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, which sought to scrap the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

He further revealed that President John Mahama personally contacted him after learning of the proposed legislation, ordering him to hand over the phone to the Majority Leader.

Speaking on Key Point on TV3, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “I was sitting in Parliament, right behind the then Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and his Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, when they slapped in the bill to scrap the OSP’s office”.

“When President Mahama heard it, he called me to hand over the phone to the Majority Leader, and he told him that he was not in favour of such an action.”

“The president said, ‘No, I’m not having it.’ That very afternoon … he publicly voiced support and said that the OSP may have had its flaws, but it is a young institution, and therefore to expect that they would work at the same level of proficiency and efficiency as decades-old institutions was calling for too much,” he said.

Kwakye Ofosu further added that the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, subsequently applauded the president for the intervention.

The Minister further rejected suggestions that the decision was influenced by diplomatic pressure, saying, “What can anybody do to President Mahama if he decides to take a certain course of action? What can happen to you? He’s the president of a sovereign country”.

He made these disclosures while refuting suggestions that President Mahama’s recent appointment of two deputies to the Electoral Commission of Ghana was politically motivated.

It will be recalled that President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the Majority Leader and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament to withdraw their Private Member’s Bill seeking to scrap the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act.

The Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a statement released, stated, “President John Dramani Mahama has requested the Majority Leader and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament to withdraw the Private Member’s Bill tabled for the repeal of the Act establishing the Office of Special Prosecutor.

The President’s request follows his public expression of support for the strengthening of the Office of Special Prosecutor as a vital cog in the fight against corruption at a meeting with the Peace Council yesterday.

The President also reiterates his call on the Office of the Special Prosecutor to do more to boost public confidence in its work and frontally tackle corruption in line with the objectives informing the establishment of the office”.

The statement follows: the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga and his Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, have drafted a private member’s bill to repeal the OSP Act and abolish the OSP.

The draft bill, however, is yet to be presented to Parliament for consideration.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (Repeal) Bill, dated December 8, 2025, reveals Parliament’s intent to return full prosecutorial authority over corruption cases to the Attorney-General, in line with Article 88 of the Constitution.

Also, John Mahama on December 10, 2025, said that it was premature for the closure of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

During a courtesy visit by the National Peace Council, Mahama urged that the office be given more time to operate, whilst also encouraging the OSP to accelerate some of its investigations and demonstrate its continued relevance to the public.

Speaking during a meeting with the National Peace Council on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, explained, “I think it’s premature to call for the closure of that office. The unique thing about that office is it is the only anti-corruption agency that has prosecutorial powers to be able to prosecute themselves without going through the Attorney General, and so people had mistrust for the Attorney General because the Attorney General normally is a member of government and is a Minister of State, and so they believe that the Attorney General would be very reluctant to prosecute his own.

“But if there’s an independent office like the Office of the Special Prosecutor, it won’t matter who you are because they have security of tenure and they have prosecutorial powers whether you’re a member of government or you’re a member of a previous government or you are anybody who has misappropriated public funds; they have the law behind them to be able to prosecute you”, he stated.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Black Stars goal keeper Benjamin Asare has arrived for Shattafest 2026 #GHNow #fyp ♬ Body Pains – SHATTA WALE
@ghnow_ The moment Shatta Wale and medikal departed Kempiski to the Stadium to perform #GHNow #fyp #shattafest ♬ original sound – Shatta wale

The whole of XYZ campaigned for NDC, yet you denied us World Cup slots – Presenter slams Kofi Adams

0

A TV XYZ Sports Presenter has slammed the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams accusing him of failing to grant the media station’s journalists slots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The TV XYZ Sports Presenter argued that the media outlet campaigned extensively for the NDC to win power, however the sports minister failed to secure even one visa slot for a journalist from the station.

The presenter expressed disappointment that despite what he described as the station’s extensive support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 general elections, none of its journalists was selected to travel to the tournament.

He argued that the station had openly campaigned for the party to win power but was overlooked when opportunities were allocated to media personnel for the World Cup.

Speaking on TV XYZ in a video shared on X, the Presenter fumed, saying, “The whole of XYZ, we were solidly behind this government and made noise to bring them to power. When it came to the slots for media personnel, we did not get even one to travel to America for the World Cup. Disgraceful. I won’t talk about him; he should do whatever he wants. If you have sold visas and they’re coming to arrest you guys, take it.

“Time will tell. Kofi Adams could not consider the stations that openly campaigned for the NDC. TV XYZ, you can’t bypass us, yet we did not get one slot. Then you sat at the NSA office to sell visas, and there is controversy. What should I say? They should go ahead with the investigation,” he fumed.

Beyond his criticism of the sports minister, the TV XYZ presenter took aim at the leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), headed by Kurt Okraku.

“Having someone like Kurt Okraku as GFA President is a joke. You have been disgraced. You don’t even pick up calls from people who helped you. It is left with two years; we shall see. Keep treating the grassroots badly,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Kofi Adams, has insisted that there is justification for calls for his removal over alleged irregularities in visa arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and officials over the 2026 World Cup visa scandal.

According to Kofi Adams, there’s no justification to dismiss him over the World Cup visa scandal, insisting that no government money has been lost.

In a GHOne NEWS card, Kofi Adams stated, “There’s no justification to dismiss me over the World Cup visa scandal, because no government money has been lost”.

Also, Kofi Adams has insisted that the Sports Ministry was unaware of the process until a letter concerning event coordinators and volunteers was brought to his attention.

The Sports Minister disclosed that the National Sports Authority, the GTA, the United States Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest had handled the arrangements without the Ministry’s knowledge.

He stated, “Well, I don’t see the justification. Both the American Embassy and TRIBE Culture Fest, the NSA and the GTA were doing their thing behind the Ministry. The Ministry didn’t know”.

“The first time I ever sat and had a conversation in relation to that matter was when the May 19 letter requested the forwarding of event coordinators and volunteers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy. That’s when I got to know the details of what was happening,” he said.

Kofi Adams revealed that the letter was forwarded to the Ministry’s Chief Director, who serves on the technical committee overseeing the arrangements.

According to Kofi Adams, the committee had agreed that the names of individuals expected to perform specific duties related to the World Cup be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy, maintaining that his role was limited to forwarding the letter through the appropriate administrative channels and that he had no knowledge of the alleged financial transactions.

“Government money has not been lost,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Happening now in La! ADB Ghana Medicals is providing free health screening for residents as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #LiveUpdate ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A beneficiary of the free breast cancer screening exercise in La has expressed gratitude to ADB Ghana Medicals for the initiative, describing it as a valuable intervention during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #BreastCancerAwareness #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

“Nana B is still my boss” – Kojo Bamba

0

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), First Vice Chairman Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba has clarified his relationship with Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B.

Kojo Bamba once again dismissed speculation of a rift between himself and Henry Nana Boakye.

According to Kojo Bamba, Nana B is still his boss despite the NPP  leadership changes.

Speaking in a viral video shared on TikTok, Kojo Bamba stated, “Nana B is still my boss. Once a boss, always a boss. People think we have issues, but we don’t, and we won’t have any issues.”

Also, Kojo Bamba has clarified that there are no issues with Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) or any of the newly elected national executives, adding that they are all committed to working together for the good of the party.

He also clarified rumours suggesting there were attempts to exchange his position with Nana B after he won the election are untrue.

Speaking in a video shared on social media on October 7, 2026, Kojo Bamba stated, “Some of you are also saying that I have an issue with Nana B. I want you people to know that I don’t have any issue with Nana B. In fact, I have worked with him for about 10 years now, and we haven’t once argued.

“Before the delegate conference, we went our separate ways because we were all focused on campaigning, but after the conference, I called him and Nana Akomea… So there is no problem between us,” he added.

In related news, Henry Nana Boakye, has finally broken his silence over claims that the party’s First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba, previously worked as his driver and bodyguard.

Nana B dismissed claims, stating that Kojo Bamba was neither his driver nor his bodyguard.

According to Nana B, he rather appointed Kojo Bamba to be in charge of the national youth wing’s operations and security.

He further disclosed that he had worked with Bamba for more than 10 years and was confident in his abilities.

Speaking in an interview with Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday, October 15, Nana B stated, “I have heard a lot of narratives that he was my driver; he was my bodyguard. He was never my driver. He was never my bodyguard”.

“I rather appointed him to be in charge of the national youth wing’s operations and security. And again, when I was National Organiser, I appointed him again to be in charge of operations and security at the office of the National Organiser,” he added.

Nana B further described Mr Bamba as experienced and capable, expressing confidence that he would contribute to the NPP’s efforts to return to power in 2028.

“What is important is for us to work together. And as I said, we have already worked together for 10 years, and we’ve had some results,” he said.

“I believe that he is going to add something very unique to our quest to recapture power in 2028,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ “Nana B is still my boss. Once a boss, always a boss. People think we have issues, but we don’t, and we won’t have any issues.” Newly elected NPP National First Vice Chairman Kojo Bamba clarifies his relationship with Nana B, the newly elected Second Vice Chairman, dismissing speculation of a rift between them. #GHNow #NPP #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Dr Esther Yesutor Agbozo has raised concerns about the low rate of hospital visits among residents of La, revealing that over 70% of those screened who are aged 40 and above were found to be hypertensive. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

President Mahama could sack Jean Mensa if… – Kwakye Ofosu

0

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, has revealed what could make President John Dramani Mahama to remove Jean Mensa as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, President Mahama has no appetite to remove the EC chair, Jean Mensa or any head of an independent body just for the sake of it.

He, however argued that President Mahama would only sack Jean Mensa unless there is a absolutely compelling and serious evidence of wrongdoing.

Speaking on The Key Points, aired on TV3 on October 17, 2026, Kwakye Ofosu stated, “As far as President Mahama is concerned, no basis has been established for the removal of Jean Mensa.

I can also assure you that he’s not, he has no appetite to do such a thing unless there is absolutely compelling and serious evidence of wrongdoing against her or any other person that requires a certain course of action. But President Mahama is not inclined to remove any head of a constitutional or independent body just for the sake of it”.

He further added, “I’m not aware of any such evidence that has come to light. I may have to check with the president’s secretary to see if they received anything in the months between the dismissal of the initial petition and now.

“But as I sit here, I can assure you there’s no such appetite on the part of the president to do any such thing. And the president, by nature, is not one inclined to take actions purely based on partisan consideration,” he said.

In related news, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the party will no longer pursue the removal of Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa.

According to Asiedu Nketiah, the resignation and retirement of Jean Mensa’s two deputies are enough to reset.

In a news card shared by JOYNEWS stated, “We (NDC) will no longer pursue removal of EC Chairperson. Resignation and retirement of 2 deputies enough reset”.

Also, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said he believes the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Jean Mensa has been neutralised.

According to Asiedu Nketia, Jean Mensa has been neutralised with the departure of his two deputies.

He argues that the changes had limited the EC Chairperson’s ability to act in the same manner as before when her two deputies were still around.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Asiedu Nketia stated, “When you go for anything, you don’t expect to get everything 100%. At least you have seen that if three people were taking decisions and two are gone, I’m sure that she may find it difficult to do whatever they were doing together”.

“So, either she may wish to go out herself, or even if she’s there, I believe she’s been neutralised,” he said.

When asked if the NDC was now comfortable working with Jean Mensa, Asiedu Nketia stated, “We don’t have an option. If the Supreme Court says she should stay, who am I”.

Asiedu Nketia further recalled that before the 2024 elections, his preference was for the EC Chairperson to be removed, but the NDC still won the election despite her remaining in office.

He added, “She remained and we won the election. So, even if I wish her gone and she’s still there, it means that we will have to work harder than if she were not there. And we can still win our elections”.

In another interview, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stated that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa, should begin to feel lonely in her office following the resignation and retirement of her two deputies.

According to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the three Musketeers- two have left- so Jean Mensa needs to cry.

The NDC argued that if the EC Chairperson feels comfortable remaining in office after the departure of her two deputies, then she should be prepared to experience loneliness.

Speaking in an interview on Ambassador TV, a YouTube channel, Asiedu Nketiah stated, “We took the issue to court, and the court said they should do their work. After the court ruling, have you seen me pulling a gun on Jean Mensa or mobilising NDC people against her? We are just watching her”.

“If she feels she can stay there, fine, she should continue to be there. Bossman Asare has resigned, and Tettey has gone on pension. The Three Musketeers, two have left, so she needs to cry; I am left alone. If she wants to stay there, she should start crying; I am left alone.

“Even though we suffered before winning the election, whether she stays or leaves, we will still win the election,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ “Nana B is still my boss. Once a boss, always a boss. People think we have issues, but we don’t, and we won’t have any issues.” Newly elected NPP National First Vice Chairman Kojo Bamba clarifies his relationship with Nana B, the newly elected Second Vice Chairman, dismissing speculation of a rift between them. #GHNow #NPP #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ This is how Chef Abys arrived The Big Street Food earlier today at Gud Park #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah

RNAQ refusal to pay rent leaves ex-wife, children homeless

Reports suggest that Ghanaian business mogul Richard Nii Armah Quaye (RNAQ) has failed to renew the rent for a house secured for his ex-wife, Joana Quaye, and their children, leaving them without accommodation.

According to reports, the children are reportedly receiving shelter support from philanthropists following the development.

The situation marks a fresh twist in the couple’s ongoing divorce dispute, with the rent on the house RNAQ was reportedly compelled by the court to secure for Joana during the divorce proceedings having expired.

In September, Joana Quaye’s lawyers, Dame and Partners, stated that their client had yet to take possession of several assets awarded to her, including access to one-third of the couple’s matrimonial home and a 2014-registered Jaguar saloon car.

The lawyers alleged that RNAQ had refused to grant her access to the property and the vehicle.

The seven-bedroom matrimonial home has reportedly been locked up for renovation, while Joana is yet to receive the car. She currently drives an old Daewoo Matiz, which she uses for school runs and her daily activities.

Meanwhile, Dame and Partners has filed an injunction application at the High Court seeking to prevent RNAQ from transferring, selling or otherwise dealing with assets acquired during the couple’s marriage between 2010 and 2025.

The assets covered by the application reportedly include houses, vehicles and other properties acquired during their marriage.

The dispute over the couple’s assets has also drawn attention to the origins of Bills Micro Credit. Evidence presented in court has reportedly indicated that Joana’s earnings contributed to the establishment of the business, which is now part of the wider disagreement over the division of assets acquired during their marriage.

In related news, counsel for Mrs Joana Quaye, the former wife of businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye (RNAQ), has told the High Court that RNAQ has refused to pay the paltry GH¢5,000 monthly upkeep for his 3 children awarded by the court.

According to Joana’s lawyers, RNAQ has not been consistent with his attitude of nonchalance and disregard for the interests of the children; RNAQ has been failing to discharge his obligation to pay the paltry and unrealistic amount of GH¢5,000 monthly ordered by the court to be paid for the upkeep of the three children of the marriage.

They further disclosed that even when RNAQ decides to pay, he habitually delays until the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week of the ensuing month, before paying the monthly maintenance of GHC5,000.

Mr Dame further submitted that this results in Mrs. Quaye bearing needs affecting the welfare of the children of the marriage, particularly their Nutritional Needs, Educational Requirements, Healthcare and Medical Needs, Clothing and transportation needs, since the 2010 model Jaguar cars awarded by the court to her are both not in good condition. She therefore uses a Daewoo Matiz car to convey the children of the marriage.

It will be recalled that when the court granted a divorce, it officially dissolved the marriage between the parties.

“At the close of evidence and trial, this court on the 11th day of March 2025 decreed the dissolution of the marriage contracted by the parties and cancelled the certificate so obtained under the marriage contract,” portions of the court documents read.

The court also awarded Joana the custody of her three children while Richard Nii Armah Quaye was granted reasonable access, including fortnightly weekend visits and shared custody during school vacations (half with each parent).

“After due consideration of the best interest of the child principle, the need of the children of a family to live and grow up as a unit, the fact that the biological mother is not impaired in any way as far as looking after the children is concerned, I feel obligated to maintain the existing arrangement which I hereby do by placing the custody of the children with the Petitioner, their biological mother with reasonable access to the Respondent who shall have custody or visitation rights at weekends fortnightly and also during vacations.

“The children shall spend the first half of every vacation with the Respondent and the other half with the Petitioner for purposes of preparing them to return to school,” the document added.

The court also directed RNAQ to pay all school fees and educational expenses, cover health/medical needs, and pay GH¢5,000 monthly maintenance for the children.

@ghnow_ Dr Esther Yesutor Agbozo has raised concerns about the low rate of hospital visits among residents of La, revealing that over 70% of those screened who are aged 40 and above were found to be hypertensive. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Most of the people of La were coming with hypertensive emergencies #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘She is a woman of integrity, but the optics don’t look good’ – Ablakwa on Agbenyo’s EC appointment

0

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, has weigh in on the controversy over President John Mahama appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Ablakwa addimtted that the  appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo raises concerns over his political neutrality due to her affiliation with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to Ablakwa, Emelia Affi Agbenyo is a woman of integrity, but the optics don’t look good.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on October 17, 2026, Ablakwa stated, “

“She [Affi Agbenyo] is a woman of integrity, but the optics don’t look good. I have always maintained that let us have very neutral, independent architects appointed to the EC,” he said.

Ablakwa nevertheless defended Ms Agbenyo’s suitability for the role, describing her as a competent woman of impeccable integrity.

He stated, “I have to emphasise that I have known Madam Affi Agbenyo since my student activism days; many student leaders know her. She is very independent, fearless, and when she makes up her mind, you cannot… She was SRC Secretary.

In terms of her competence, in terms of love for country and the fact that she will not engage in blatant bias, it breaks my heart that she is put in this storm. I am not taking anything away from her competence, and the fact that she can do the job and she is a woman of integrity”.

In related news, Martin Kpebu, a Private legal practitioner, has slammed President John Dramani Mahama over his decision to appoint and swear in Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to Lawyer Kpebu, President Mahama’s decision to appoint Emelia Afi Agbenyo, a previous associate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is a reset in reverse.

He argued that he was shocked when he learned of the President’s decision, adding that it contradicts the reset agenda Mahama promised Ghanaians.

Speaking on TV3 Key Points, aired on TV3 on October 17, 2026, Martin Kpebu stated, “This one is a reset in reverse; that is not the legacy. It was like a fairy tale in the negative sense. I couldn’t believe my ears; I was like, ‘What is this?’”

Lawyer Kpebu further disclosed that he might reconsider his support for President Mahama if future appointments continue in that manner.

He stressed that such an appointment undermines the integrity of the Electoral Commission.

“We made all the noise against Akufo-Addo’s appointment. In 2024, the NDC raised issues against the Director of the EC; we were here making all the noise. This is a strong race to the bottom. I am not sure that after a year I will continue to support JM. This appointment doesn’t look like him, the reset he promised,” he said.

Also, Vitus Azeem, an Anti-corruption campaigner, has slammed President John Dramani Mahama over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The Anti-corruption campaigner warned against appointing individuals with political affiliations to positions in independent state institutions.

According to Vitus Azeem, Ghana is 70 years after independence, and should not be doing the very things that it did yesterday.

He cautioned that Emelia Afi Agbenyo, as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), risks continuing a cycle of partisan appointments whenever power changes hands.

Speaking to Citi News, Vitus Azeem stated, “We are progressing 70 years after independence, and we should not be doing the very things that we did yesterday. We should be developing a democracy, and so if you have some party affiliation, whether you have ever held a position in the party as executive or not, if you are known to have party affiliation and appeared on a party platform to campaign, then definitely your independence can be compromised.

“Sometimes, you have to take some decisions, and even though you take that decision honestly without being influenced by your party affiliation, it can be perceived as having been influenced by your party, and so we need people whose actions will not be blamed on any party’s affiliations.”

He further rejected arguments that appointing Emelia Afi Agbenyo was to help balance the composition of the Electoral Commission.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Dr Esther Yesutor Agbozo has raised concerns about the low rate of hospital visits among residents of La, revealing that over 70% of those screened who are aged 40 and above were found to be hypertensive. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Most of the people of La were coming with hypertensive emergencies #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Ghana moving in the right direction’ – IMF

0

Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) African Department, Zeine Zeidane has stated things are moving in Ghana in the right direction.

Zeine Zeidane disclosed that Ghana is better positioned to withstand potential global commodity-price shocks.

The IMF offered an optimistic assessment of the economy as the Fund and World Bank conclude their 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

Zeine Zeidane, highlighted that Ghana’s strong economic performance and recent credit-rating upgrade point to progress in the country’s recovery, as it moves beyond the completed Extended Credit Facility (ECF) bailout programme to a new phase of reforms under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI).

Director of the IMF’s African Department expressed confidence in the direction of the economy.

Speaking at a Sub-Saharan African press briefing during the meetings, Zidane stated, The performance has been strong up to now. And also, you certainly have seen that recently, there was an upgrade of Ghana. So, things are moving in Ghana in the right direction”.

He however, acknowledgied the risks posed by fluctuations in global commodity prices adding that Ghana was entering this period from a stronger position.

“Of course, the risk in terms of commodity prices, every country can face them, but I think Ghana is, if that happens, we will face them from a very strong position,” he added.

Also, the IMF has cited Ghana’s economic reform programme as an example for other countries to follow.

The IMF African Department Director, Zeine Zeidane, praised the country’s progress under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

During a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Zeine Zeidane told Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. “We tell others to follow your steps”.

He further commended Ghana’s performance under the programme, describing it as a success and acknowledging the government’s efforts to strengthen economic management.

“I want to first commend you on how you are performing. The ECF was a great success,” he said.

He further expressed a positive assessment of Ghana’s current economic position, declaring that “Ghana is in a very good place.”

Meanwhile,  Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister, has expressed confidence that Ghana’s economy will outperform the International Monetary Fund’s revised growth forecast of 5.7% for 2026.

Ato Forson, reacting to the IMF’s upward revision from its April projection of 4.6%, stressed that the government remained committed to fiscal discipline and reforms supporting the country’s economic turnaround.

Ato Forson stated, “The IMF has upgraded Ghana’s 2026 growth forecast from 4.6% to 5.7%. We are confident we will exceed that projection”.

The IMF’s revision represents an increase of 1.1 percentage points in the Fund’s growth forecast.

Dr Forson stated, “In Bangkok, I met with the IMF’s African Department Director, Zeine Zeidane, and reaffirmed our commitment to the fiscal credibility, discipline and bold reforms powering Ghana’s economic turnaround,” he said.

@ghnow_ Dr Esther Yesutor Agbozo has raised concerns about the low rate of hospital visits among residents of La, revealing that over 70% of those screened who are aged 40 and above were found to be hypertensive. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A beneficiary of the free breast cancer screening exercise in La has expressed gratitude to ADB Ghana Medicals for the initiative, describing it as a valuable intervention during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #BreastCancerAwareness #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘They said I wouldn’t last five years’ – Alpha hour Pastor says as he talks about attacks from senior pastors

0

Alpha hour Pastor Elvis Agyemang, the Leader of Grace Mountains Ministry Church, has revealed attempts by some fellow senior pastors to plot his downfall.

According to Pastor Elvis Agyemang, some members of his church were allegedly hired by some individuals to ruin his reputation, adding that the person who was hired has suffered a severe accident, resulting in his leg being broken.

The man of God also shared how some senior pastors allegedly orchestrated attempts to bring down his ministry and was seen shedding tears.

Pastor Elvis Agyemang disclosed that some pastors held a meeting where they allegedly concluded that his ministry would not last more than five years.

In a video shared on social media, Pastor Elvis Agyemang, during one of his Alpha Hour sessions, revealed, “Some people were hired to go about saying things about me. During the person’s usual routine of spreading false news about me, his leg got broken. When he couldn’t do anything, I was the same person who took care of his child and even took his child abroad to further his education.

“If you have become a vessel of the enemy, being effectively used by the devil to frustrate the vessels of God, watch out because you may not like your reward. Too many Christians are being used. They have become vessels of Satan… Many pastors have given up,” he said.

He further added, “I have had my own fair share. Recently, they brought me a recording, and some big pastors were talking about me. They said I should be left alone because I will not cross five years in my ministry.

“What have I done to you? I don’t even know you, nor have I spoken to you before… What wrong have I done to you? So, should I stop the work of God?” he added.

“There is a young man that the hands of the Lord are upon strongly. I admire the young boy. He also wants to grow his denomination and become a pastor.

“He went to an interview for a pastoral position and was rejected because they claim he has taken a picture with me before, so he can’t become a pastor… That is the level of hatred for serving Jesus,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rev. Abraham Lamptey, the Leader of Believers House of Worship, has slammed some senior pastors in the country following claims by Pastor Elvis Agyemang of plotting his downfall.

In a video, Rev. Lamptey defended Pastor Elvis Agyemang over the alleged attacks by some senior pastors.

Preaching to his congregation, Rev. Lamptey stated, “Here, it’s about salvation… Let the pure and holy have a pure-holy church. The church is killing its own people because we have the nartha attitude. Nothing good should happen to anybody because of you”.

“I was watching Pastor Elvis crying because pastors have gathered as if they are God, saying that they were giving him five years from now.

“Your mother and father. Five years from now, you born am. Are you God? Did you call him? Even in those five years, he has done more than you… Witches in clerical colours and murderers with Bibles,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ ADB Ghana Medicals has organised a free breast cancer screening exercise for residents of La and its surrounding communities as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #BreastCancerAwareness ♬ original sound – Mr.Drew
@ghnow_ ADB Ghana Medicals has organised a free breast cancer screening exercise for residents of La and its surrounding communities as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #BreastCancerAwareness ♬ original sound – Mr.Drew

Name one evacuee who didn’t receive GH¢5,500 – Ablakwa challenges Minority

0

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister has challenged the Minority in Parliament to identify a Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa who did not receive the GH¢5,500 allowance.

According to Ablakwa, the Minority in Parliament are trying to create a scandal which does not exiest.

Ablakwa further questioned claims by the Minority that some people on the evacuation list could not be traced and that the funds allocated for the exercise had not been fully accounted for.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ablakwa stated, “All of that propaganda out there that some people on the list cannot be found and that some voodoo analysis they have done showed that there’s some money that has not been accounted for”.

“I have been looking for one Ghanaian to step forward and say that when we were evacuated from South Africa, the 5,500 Cedi reintegration allowance I didn’t get it as a Ghanaian. Or the 500 Cedi transportation allowance, I didn’t get it. Have you heard of any one Ghanaian? One,” he said.

“So what is this desperate attempt to create a scandal when there is none? When the whole world is commending that all of that propaganda…” he said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister comment comes on the back of the Minority demanding for an independent audit of the GH¢49.72 million exercise.

The Minority caucus alleged that the Ministry’s expenditure records leave more than GH¢16.4 million requiring further explanation.

The NPP minority raised concerns of alleged discrepancies in reintegration grants, transport allowances and flight records.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, announcing a detailed breakdown of the cost involved in the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

Ablakwa disclosed that the total cost of the evacuation exercise amounted to GHS 49,721,786.00, covering chartered flights, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care, and reintegration support.

The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, as well as medical and hospitalisation requirements.

He added that another GH¢10.8 million was allocated as reintegration and transportation allowances for the returning nationals.

Ablakwa disclosed that each of the 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and GH¢500 for transportation, bringing the total support per person to GH¢5,500.

Also, GH¢84,274 was spent to repatriate the remains of two Ghanaians who lost their lives during the crisis.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that the total amount has been fully settled, with no outstanding liabilities arising from the evacuation, adding that out of the GH¢49.72 million spent, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while Ibrahim Mahama contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.

Also, on September 18, the Ministry submitted a report exceeding 200 pages to the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, following a Right to Information request.

Reports suggest the documents included evacuees’ contact details and signatures.

@ghnow_ “Nana B is still my boss. Once a boss, always a boss. People think we have issues, but we don’t, and we won’t have any issues.” Newly elected NPP National First Vice Chairman Kojo Bamba clarifies his relationship with Nana B, the newly elected Second Vice Chairman, dismissing speculation of a rift between them. #GHNow #NPP #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ ADB Ghana Medicals has organised a free breast cancer screening exercise for residents of La and its surrounding communities as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #GHNow #BreastCancerAwareness #fyp @adbmedicals ♬ Onyame Mmo – Mandem Yopic

‘Don’t be surprised if these sexual allegations disappear’ – NDC man backs Obuasi SHS headmaster

0

Mahdi Gibril, the Acting Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has shockingly stated that the party is proud to have the services of interdicted Obuasi SHS headmaster Zakaria Abdulai as the Juaben Constituency Secretary for the party.

According to Mahdi Gibril, the NDC is proud to have Zakaria Abdulai but stressed that his bid for the party’s chairmanship would be affected if investigations into the allegations against him establish his guilt.

Mahdi Gibril explained that even if Zakaria wins the contest, he would not be allowed to retain the position if he is found guilty.

Speaking in an interview on GhanaAkoma, Mahdi Gibril stated, “What I know is that I have a competent secretary at Juaben, and the party is proud to have him”.

“If the outcome of the investigation proves that he is guilty, he will not hold the chairmanship position despite winning. On the other hand, he will continue to serve when proven innocent,” he stated.

“Don’t be surprised if these sexual allegations disappear after our elections on October 24. There is a possibility that they could be part of an agenda against him, but only time will tell,” he said.

Meanwhile, the case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School who were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

The investigative journalist, on JoyNews on October 13, 2026, described the alleged abuse as disturbing, particularly because several individuals and institutions expected to protect the students were reportedly aware of the complaints but failed to take decisive action for an extended period.

According to Manasseh Azure, the very disturbing aspect of the case is that it wasn’t really hidden, revealing that people in Obuasi, including some stakeholders expected to intervene, knew about the allegations.

Manasseh Azure revealed that the situation had escalated over the past year and a half, despite the apparent awareness of people within the education sector and the political class.

He disclosed that the headmaster has since been interdicted as investigations into the allegations continue.

@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah
@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah

“Not a cedi, not a pesewa is missing” – Ablakwa on South Africa evacuation exercise

0

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, has rejected allegations of corruption in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

Ablakwa insisted that not a Cedi or a pesewa is missing from funds spent on the exercise.

The Foreign Affairs Minister dismissed the Minority in Parliament’s claims that his handling of the operation caused financial loss to the state.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ablakwa stated, “I can state unequivocally without any doubt that not a cedi, not a pesewa is missing”.

Also, Ablakwa challenged the Minority in Parliament to identify a Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa who did not receive the GH¢5,500 allowance.

Ablakwa added, “All of that propaganda out there that some people on the list cannot be found and that some voodoo analysis they have done showed that there’s some money that has not been accounted for”.

“I have been looking for one Ghanaian to step forward and say that when we were evacuated from South Africa, the 5,500 Cedi reintegration allowance I didn’t get it as a Ghanaian. Or the 500 Cedi transportation allowance, I didn’t get it. Have you heard of any one Ghanaian? One,” he said.

“So what is this desperate attempt to create a scandal when there is none? When the whole world is commending that all of that propaganda…” he said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister comment comes on the back of the Minority demanding for an independent audit of the GH¢49.72 million exercise.

The Minority caucus alleged that the Ministry’s expenditure records leave more than GH¢16.4 million requiring further explanation.

The NPP minority raised concerns of alleged discrepancies in reintegration grants, transport allowances and flight records.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister, announcing a detailed breakdown of the cost involved in the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

Ablakwa disclosed that the total cost of the evacuation exercise amounted to GHS 49,721,786.00, covering chartered flights, ground transportation, feeding, accommodation, medical care, and reintegration support.

The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that GH¢38.84 million was spent on chartered flights, tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation in South Africa, as well as medical and hospitalisation requirements.

He added that another GH¢10.8 million was allocated as reintegration and transportation allowances for the returning nationals.

Ablakwa disclosed that each of the 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 as a reintegration grant and GH¢500 for transportation, bringing the total support per person to GH¢5,500.

Also, GH¢84,274 was spent to repatriate the remains of two Ghanaians who lost their lives during the crisis.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that the total amount has been fully settled, with no outstanding liabilities arising from the evacuation, adding that out of the GH¢49.72 million spent, the government financed GH¢33.72 million, while Ibrahim Mahama contributed GH¢16 million towards the exercise.

Also, on September 18, the Ministry submitted a report exceeding 200 pages to the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, following a Right to Information request.

Reports suggest the documents included evacuees’ contact details and signatures.

@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah
@ghnow_ “Nana B is still my boss. Once a boss, always a boss. People think we have issues, but we don’t, and we won’t have any issues.” Newly elected NPP National First Vice Chairman Kojo Bamba clarifies his relationship with Nana B, the newly elected Second Vice Chairman, dismissing speculation of a rift between them. #GHNow #NPP #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Ato Forson acting like a DEMIGOD while ministries are struggling’ – Hassan Ayariga fumes

0

Hassan Ayariga, the founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), has criticised the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, over his handling of government funds.

According to Hassan Ayariga, Ato Forson is holding on to funds approved by Parliament, leaving several ministries struggling to carry out their activities.

He described Ato Forson as sitting on so much money and acting like a demigod while ministries are struggling.

Speaking in an interview on Metro TV, Hassan Ayariga fumed, saying, “We have a Finance Minister today who is sitting on so much money, and all the ministries are struggling. With the intention that we don’t want to give money to the ministries because we have to do what is called commitment authorisation before you are given money to do a project.

“Some ministers have projects in front of them that have gone through Parliament, received ratification and had their budgets approved by Parliament. The Minister for Finance sits in his office and becomes a demigod and is not releasing resources to any of them,” he said.

He further alleged that despite the delays in releasing funds to the various ministries, the Finance Minister has been holding meetings in other regions every week.

Hassan Ayariga questioned the need for the minister to travel regularly for press conferences and meetings while funds needed by the ministries remained unavailable.

He alleged, “I saw him say something like that, which actually made me so upset, that he doesn’t want to release money for them to go and be having conferences and travel anyhow and do what? What do you mean? Every week, you go to Volta Serene Hotel.

“Drive from Accra every week. The hotel is owned by Sky, something like that. You are driving every day, every week, to go and have press conferences and to go and have meetings. That is not an expenditure,” he added.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) African Department Director, Zeine Zeidane, praised the country’s progress under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

The IMF also cited Ghana’s economic reform programme as an example for other countries to follow.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Zeine Zeidane told Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. “We tell others to follow your steps”.

He further commended Ghana’s performance under the programme, describing it as a success and acknowledging the government’s efforts to strengthen economic management.

“I want to first commend you on how you are performing. The ECF was a great success,” he said.

He further expressed a positive assessment of Ghana’s current economic position, declaring that “Ghana is in a very good place.”

Also, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister, has expressed confidence that Ghana’s economy will outperform the International Monetary Fund’s revised growth forecast of 5.7% for 2026.

Ato Forson, reacting to the IMF’s upward revision from its April projection of 4.6%, stressed that the government remained committed to fiscal discipline and reforms supporting the country’s economic turnaround.

Ato Forson stated, “The IMF has upgraded Ghana’s 2026 growth forecast from 4.6% to 5.7%. We are confident we will exceed that projection”.

The IMF’s revision represents an increase of 1.1 percentage points in the Fund’s growth forecast.

Dr Forson stated, “In Bangkok, I met with the IMF’s African Department Director, Zeine Zeidane, and reaffirmed our commitment to the fiscal credibility, discipline and bold reforms powering Ghana’s economic turnaround,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ This is how Chef Abys arrived The Big Street Food earlier today at Gud Park #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah
@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah

“You are a guest in Ghana, act like it” – Ras Mubarak tackles Israeli Ambassador over disrespectful Mahama remarks

0

Ras Mubarak, a former Member of Parliament, has tackled Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, Roey Gilad, over comments he says disrespect President John Mahama and undermine Ghana’s sovereignty.

According to Ras Mubarak, Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana is a guest and must act like one.

He urged the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to summon Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana over his disrespectful Mahama remarks.

Ras Mubarak argued that for Roey Gilad to ‘stand on Ghanaian soil, in Accra, and publicly interrogate and lecture the President of the Republic of Ghana on what he should or should not say, and to demand why Ghana condemns the genocide in Palestine but is “silent” on Ukraine, is not diplomacy. It is insolence. It is brass neck of the highest order’.

In a Facebook post Ras Mubarak wrote, “You Are A Guest In Ghana. Act Like It.

The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has once again overstepped the bounds of diplomatic decency.

To stand on Ghanaian soil, in Accra, and publicly interrogate and lecture the President of the Republic of Ghana on what he should or should not say, and to demand why Ghana condemns the genocide in Palestine but is “silent” on Ukraine, is not diplomacy. It is insolence. It is brass neck of the highest order.

Mr Gilad seems to forget where he is.

Ghana is a sovereign state. Our foreign policy is not dictated from Tel Aviv. It is set in Accra, by the President of Ghana, in line with Article 40 of our 1992 Constitution and our historic non-aligned tradition dating back to Kwame Nkrumah.

Ghana recognised the State of Palestine long before his country’s genocide in Palestine. Ghana supports a two-state solution. Ghana has every right, and indeed a moral duty, to call a genocide a genocide when “it looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck,” as President Mahama told the UNGA.

This is the same Ambassador who, after President Mahama’s UNGA speech, called our President “wrong” on genocide, held a press conference in Accra to “educate” Ghanaians on why Israel’s war crime is justified, and argued that peace can only be achieved through settler terrorism, criminal annexation of Palestinian lands and gross disregard for the UN and international law.

Now he wants to drag Ghana into whataboutism on Russia-Ukraine to deflect from the genocide, the war crimes, settler violence, collective punishment and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank that the whole world is condemning.

Ghana’s position on Russia-Ukraine is public record. Ghana voted to condemn Russia’s invasion at the UN. Ghana has consistently called for respect for international law and sovereignty everywhere. The difference is Ghana does not need to be loud to be principled, and Ghana does not take lectures on selectivity from a government currently on trial for genocide at the ICJ.

This pattern of disrespect is becoming habitual. I call on the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP., to immediately summon Mr. Roey Gilad and give him a formal dressing down.

He must be reminded of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations: an Ambassador is a guest. He may explain his country’s position. He must not publicly chastise, fact-check, or second-guess the Head of State of his host country in the media.

If Israel wants a spokesperson to attack the President of Ghana, let them hire one in Israel. While he carries the title of Ambassador to Ghana, he will respect the office of the President of Ghana, respect the people of Ghana, and respect Ghana’s sovereign right to speak on Palestine without being gaslit with Ukraine.

His comments are downright insulting to the President of the Republic and the people of Ghana. Enough of his racist disrespect of Ghanaians”.

His comment follows Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, HE Roey Gilad, has questioned the Mahama government’s diplomatic approach to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana questioned why President John Dramani Mahama has been more outspoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and not the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking at an event, the Israeli envoy noted that Ghana had maintained a largely non-aligned position on the war between Russia and Ukraine, with limited public criticism of Moscow’s invasion.

He stated, “On the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ghana is very much non-aligned. We don’t hear much criticism of Russia for their aggression against Ukraine”.

HE Roey Gilad contrasted this with what he described as the Ghanaian government’s vocal position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He further asked Rev Ntim Fordjour, who also attended the event, whether he understood the apparent difference in the government’s responses to the two international conflicts.

He questioned, “But as for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the current government is very loud; bear in mind that you are a member of the opposition. Can you understand the two different patterns?”

However, the NPP MP distanced himself from speaking on behalf of the government, explaining that he was not a government spokesperson or an official representative of Ghana’s foreign policy.

Ntim Fordjour stated, “I cannot pretend to be an authority on the foreign policy of Ghana. Neither am I the government spokesperson or representative on government foreign policy”.

The NPP MP, however, noted that from a security-based perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel faces threats from both non-state actors and, at times, other states.

Ntim Fordjour added, “One country faces existential threats from non-state actors, and even at some point from state actors. So, at both asymmetric and symmetric levels, we are facing threats”.

Also, the Assin South MP referenced Ghana’s national security strategy, highlighting that it recognises terrorism as a global and regional threat capable of undermining domestic security.

According to Ntim Forjour, the strategy acknowledges the need for states to take essential measures to safeguard their national security interests.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah
@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah

“This one is a reset in reverse” – Martin Kpebu slams President Mahama

0

Martin Kpebu, a Private legal practitioner, has slammed President John Dramani Mahama over his decision to appoint and swear in Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to Lawyer Kpebu, President Mahama’s decision to appoint Emelia Afi Agbenyo, a previous associate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is a reset in reverse.

He argued that he was shocked when he learned of the President’s decision, adding that it contradicts the reset agenda Mahama promised Ghanaians.

Speaking on TV3 Key Points, aired on TV3 on October 17, 2026, Martin Kpebu stated, “This one is a reset in reverse; that is not the legacy. It was like a fairy tale in the negative sense. I couldn’t believe my ears; I was like, ‘What is this?’”

Lawyer Kpebu further disclosed that he might reconsider his support for President Mahama if future appointments continue in that manner.

He stressed that such an appointment undermines the integrity of the Electoral Commission.

“We made all the noise against Akufo-Addo’s appointment. In 2024, the NDC raised issues against the Director of the EC; we were here making all the noise. This is a strong race to the bottom. I am not sure that after a year I will continue to support JM. This appointment doesn’t look like him, the reset he promised,” he said.

Also, Vitus Azeem, an Anti-corruption campaigner, has slammed President John Dramani Mahama over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The Anti-corruption campaigner warned against appointing individuals with political affiliations to positions in independent state institutions.

According to Vitus Azeem, Ghana is 70 years after independence, and should not be doing the very things that it did yesterday.

He cautioned that Emelia Afi Agbenyo, as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), risks continuing a cycle of partisan appointments whenever power changes hands.

Speaking to Citi News, Vitus Azeem stated, “We are progressing 70 years after independence, and we should not be doing the very things that we did yesterday. We should be developing a democracy, and so if you have some party affiliation, whether you have ever held a position in the party as executive or not, if you are known to have party affiliation and appeared on a party platform to campaign, then definitely your independence can be compromised.

“Sometimes, you have to take some decisions, and even though you take that decision honestly without being influenced by your party affiliation, it can be perceived as having been influenced by your party, and so we need people whose actions will not be blamed on any party’s affiliations.”

He further rejected arguments that appointing Emelia Afi Agbenyo was to help balance the composition of the Electoral Commission.

Meanwhile,  Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has said the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have orchestrated an agenda against the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that he is willing to challenge members of the NPP, highlighting that the party, while in office, appointed individuals affiliated with the party to positions at the Electoral Commission.

The Government Communications Minister also disclosed that the appointment of Emelia Afi Agenyo is also part of President Mahama’s reset agenda, arguing that her appointment was intended to balance what he described as NPP appointments at the Electoral Commission.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu admitted that “tilting the balance” meant appointing a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on JoyFM, Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated, “I have challenged the NPP, and indeed, I will address the NPP because they are the ones who have started this narrative and are creating the impression that they have bought the appointment of people with personal affiliation to the EC,” he said.

“The other issue is that, you see, a reset could also mean balancing a lopsided state institution.

“Why is it acceptable for us to have a situation where, out of seven commissioners who manage Ghana’s elections, almost four of them are NPP? What is wrong with tilting the balance?” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ This is how Chef Abys arrived The Big Street Food earlier today at Gud Park #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah
@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah

Kwasi Kwarteng breaks silence on Ken Agyapong’s reported resignation from NPP

0

A former spokesperson for the campaign team of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Ken Agyapong, Kwasi Kwarteng, has broken his silence on the reported resignation of his former boss from the NPP.

Kwasi Kwarteng dismissed reports that the politician has resigned from the party.

According to Kwasi Kwarteng, Ken Agyapong is currently in China conducting business and has not submitted any resignation letter to the party.

He further urged the public to disregard any such report.

In a Facebook post, Kwasi Kwarteng wrote, “Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong is currently in China conducting business. He’s not submitted any letter of resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to anyone. Please disregard any such report”.

Kwasi Kwarteng’s comments come amid reports circulating about the former Assin Central Member of Parliament’s alleged departure from the NPP, which has since sparked reactions among party supporters and social media users.

In related news, Nana Akomea, a newly elected Third Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said the party is yet to receive a report from its disciplinary committee on the case involving former presidential aspirant Ken Agyapong.

He disclosed that the NPP disciplinary committee was initially given two weeks to conclude its work but subsequently sought and received an extension to complete its mandate.

According to Nana Akomea, despite the pending disciplinary process, the NPP remains open to reconciliation with members and former members who may have fallen out with the party, including Ken Agyapong.

Nana Akomea, however, noted that reconciliation must be a two-way process and requires the individual concerned to demonstrate a willingness to engage with the party.

He further stressed that he would not want to anticipate the committee’s findings, adding that the National Council deliberately referred the matter to the disciplinary committee for consideration.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News on October 5, 2026, Nana Akomea stated, “Frankly, I haven’t had any update. They were given a two-week period. I was at the National Council meeting. They were given a two-week period, and I know at the next council meeting there was a report that they had asked for an extension.

“So I haven’t followed it after that extension was granted to the committee. So I don’t think they have brought their report yet. I suspect that with the national elections over, some attention will now be focused on it,” he said.

He further added, “That determination has been given to the disciplinary committee.

“…I’m a member of the National Council. We’ve given work. We sublet work to a committee. Now, if members of the National Council are now going to be stating their opinions, that will prejudice the work of the committee.”

“The person himself or herself should want to reconcile and work with the party,” he said.

“Once that is there, we even want floating voters who are not members of our party. We want NDC people to vote for us. How about members of our party?” he asked.

“But there must be a willingness to engage. That’s the basic thing…the disciplinary committee will come up with it, and if the report is that there has been a willingness to engage and move on.”

“The disciplinary committee will come up with it, and if the report is that there has been a willingness to engage and move on”, he added.

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

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

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

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

See the post below:

@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah
@ghnow_ A look back at the exciting moments from Big Street Food by Chef Abys, which took place earlier today! 🍕🔥 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abenah

Why are you loud on Israel-Palestine but silent on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? – Israeli ambassador quizzes Mahama

0

Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, HE Roey Gilad, has questioned the Mahama government’s diplomatic approach to the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana questioned why President John Dramani Mahama has been more outspoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and not the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking at an event, the Israeli envoy noted that Ghana had maintained a largely non-aligned position on the war between Russia and Ukraine, with limited public criticism of Moscow’s invasion.

He stated, “On the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ghana is very much non-aligned. We don’t hear much criticism of Russia for their aggression against Ukraine”.

HE Roey Gilad contrasted this with what he described as the Ghanaian government’s vocal position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He further asked Rev Ntim Fordjour, who also attended the event, whether he understood the apparent difference in the government’s responses to the two international conflicts.

He questioned, “But as for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the current government is very loud; bear in mind that you are a member of the opposition. Can you understand the two different patterns?”

However, the NPP MP distanced himself from speaking on behalf of the government, explaining that he was not a government spokesperson or an official representative of Ghana’s foreign policy.

Ntim Fordjour stated, “I cannot pretend to be an authority on the foreign policy of Ghana. Neither am I the government spokesperson or representative on government foreign policy”.

The NPP MP, however, noted that from a security-based perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel faces threats from both non-state actors and, at times, other states.

Ntim Fordjour added, “One country faces existential threats from non-state actors, and even at some point from state actors. So, at both asymmetric and symmetric levels, we are facing threats”.

Also, the Assin South MP referenced Ghana’s national security strategy, highlighting that it recognises terrorism as a global and regional threat capable of undermining domestic security.

According to Ntim Forjour, the strategy acknowledges the need for states to take essential measures to safeguard their national security interests.

Their comment comes on the back of criticism from President John Dramani Mahama over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the application of international law.

President John Mahama, addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026, called for stronger international action to address conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and other parts of the world.

Mahama cautioned that the credibility of the international system was being undermined by what he described as the selective application of international law.

He stated, “The time has come for us to stop using diplomatic euphemisms to veil the human carnage that is taking place in Gaza and the West Bank”.

“How many more lives must be lost before the world acts with decisive moral authority?” he asked.

“The blood of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and the more than 20,000 children that have been killed in this brutal conflict cries out to the conscience of the world,” he said.

Mahama condemned the collective punishment, forced starvation and mass displacement, calling for a stronger international response to the suffering of civilians.

The contrasting positions highlighted by Ambassador Gilad raise questions about how Ghana balances its diplomatic relationships, security considerations and positions on international conflicts.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

‘If Afenyo-Markin is an extortionist, we don’t want him as a Minority Leader’ – NPP’s Ross Owusu

0

Ross Osei Owusu, a Private legal practitioner and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legal team, has said Alexander Afenyo-Markin should not remain Minority Leader in Parliament.

According to Ross Osei Owusu, Afenyo-Markin should not remain Minority Leader in Parliament if he fails to clear his name over allegations of extortion levelled against him by Sammy Gyamfi.

He argued that the Minority Leader must take steps to exonerate himself from the allegations, stressing that the matter should be pursued through the courts.

Osei Owusu recognised that the allegations remained unproven but argued that the Minority Leader needed to take steps to exonerate himself.

Speaking on GHOne TV’s Breakfast Review on October 15, 2026, Osei Owusu stated, “If he’s an extortionist, then we don’t want him as a Minority Leader of Parliament”.

“It remains an allegation, but he needs to purge himself of that allegation,” he stated, adding that Afenyo-Markin should be removed as Minority Leader if he failed to clear his name.

Also, Julius Kwame Anthony, the Deputy Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), backed calls for Afenyo-Markin to lose his position if he failed to exonerate himself.

According to Julius Kwame Anthony, the Minority Leader should not continue leading the NPP’s Minority Caucus while the allegations remained unresolved.

“If not, I side with Ross that he should not remain Minority Leader with allegations around his neck as an extortionist,” Julius Kwame Anthony stated.

The development follows the Accra High Court dismissing the GH¢15 million defamation suit filed by the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.

Afenyo-Markin’s suit stemmed from comments allegedly made by Sammy Gyamfi during JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, where he described the Minority Leader as an “extortionist”.

The Minority Leader initiated the legal action in August 2026, seeking GH¢15 million in damages over the alleged defamatory remarks, arguing that the comments were false and had the potential to damage his reputation as a lawyer, politician and public figure.

Afenyo-Markin’s suit also named Multimedia Group Limited, the parent company of JoyNews, as a defendant, with the Minority Leader seeking a retraction, an unqualified public apology and an injunction.

However, reports gathered suggest the Court, on October 14, 2026, ruled that Afenyo-Markin’s writ was “incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of properly invoking the Court’s jurisdiction”.

A Joy News flyer stated, “High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15 million defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi, says writ is incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of invoking the court’s jurisdiction”.

Meanwhile, Lawyers for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have revealed that their client has instructed them to pursue his GH¢15 million defamation suit against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi to its logical conclusion.

According to the Lawyers, despite the High Court decision to set aside the case over a procedural defect, their client still insists on pursuing the suit.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a statement issued by Dehyena Chambers, the legal team, revealed that they have been instructed to pursue the matter and were awaiting a copy of the court’s ruling to determine their next course of action.

The lawyer disclosed that as of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the court registry had not made a copy of the ruling available to them.

“Our civil jurisprudence, including the Supreme Court authorities on non-compliance with procedural rules and Order 81 of C.I. 47, recognises that procedural irregularities are curable since equity looks at substance and not form,” the statement said.

“We will not be deterred by procedural setbacks. The Mills of Justice grind slowly, but with great surety,” the statement added. The court’s decision followed a finding that the writ of summons did not contain sufficient particulars of the alleged defamatory publication, rendering the action defective under the applicable civil procedure rules.

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

Obuasi SHTS Headmaster’s alleged rape case takes new turn

0

The case involving the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, popularly known as Paapaa, has taken a new turn after the case docket was forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Regional Police Command in Bekwai has forwarded the case docket to the Attorney-General’s Office for study and advice.

The police disclosed that a 20-year-old Form Two student of the school, accompanied by her father, lodged a complaint at the Obuasi DOVVSU on August 4, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the police said the student alleged that the headmaster forcibly had sexual intercourse with her at his official residence on the school’s campus.

According to the Police, the girl had gone to an area near the headmaster’s official residence where students dry their clothes to retrieve her dresses when he allegedly lured her into the residence to run an errand for him.

The Police disclosed that upon entering the residence, the suspect allegedly began caressing and fondling her against her will while she was seated on a sofa.

Also, the student alleged that when she resisted his advances, he dragged her into his bedroom and forcibly had sexual intercourse with her, adding that the headmaster subsequently gave her GH¢100 to keep the incident secret.

According to the police, investigations were immediately initiated following the complaint.

The DOVVSU disclosed that the necessary investigative procedures, including a medical examination, reconstruction of the scene, photography and the collection of witness statements, had been completed.

“The Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ashanti South Region, Bekwai, has forwarded the case docket on the investigation into the alleged rape case by the Headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Mr Zakaria Abdulai, alias Paapaa, to the Attorney-General’s office for study and advice,” the statement said.

The development follows Manasseh Azure’s investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School who were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

The investigative journalist, on JoyNews on October 13, 2026, described the alleged abuse as disturbing, particularly because several individuals and institutions expected to protect the students were reportedly aware of the complaints but failed to take decisive action for an extended period.

According to Manasseh Azure, the very disturbing aspect of the case is that it wasn’t really hidden, revealing that people in Obuasi, including some stakeholders expected to intervene, knew about the allegations.

Manasseh Azure revealed that the situation had escalated over the past year and a half, despite the apparent awareness of people within the education sector and the political class.

He disclosed that the headmaster has since been interdicted as investigations into the allegations continue.

Providing details of his investigation, Manasseh said the Municipal Education Directorate had received complaints against the headmaster months before the matter gained wider attention.

He disclosed that the Municipal Education Director told him five female students reported to the directorate in March 2026, alleging that they had been sexually assaulted by the headmaster.

However, according to Manasseh, the director explained that he fell ill around that period, resulting in the investigation into the complaints not proceeding.

The journalist further alleged that another incident occurred in June, while a female student reportedly reported being raped by the same headmaster in July.

These incidents, he said, formed part of a series of complaints allegedly raised over an extended period without an adequate response from the relevant authorities.

Manasseh also revealed that teachers responsible for girl-child education and safeguarding at the school had written several letters and petitions concerning the alleged abuse.

The disclosures have raised questions about the handling of safeguarding complaints within the school and the response of education authorities responsible for protecting students.

Manasseh said his investigation suggested that knowledge of the allegations extended beyond individual students to school management, municipal education authorities and other stakeholders.

He explained that he gathered accounts from people occupying different positions within the education sector and the political class, indicating that concerns about the alleged abuse had reportedly been raised through various channels.

The journalist questioned why decisive intervention had not occurred earlier, given the reported complaints and the number of people who allegedly knew about the situation.

His account points to concerns about whether existing reporting and safeguarding procedures were followed and why the complaints did not result in an earlier, effective response.

The allegations have also drawn attention to the responsibility of school authorities and education officials to ensure that students can report abuse safely and receive prompt protection.

Manasseh said the latest allegations were not the first case of alleged sexual misconduct involving a school official at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

He recalled investigating a similar incident at the same institution in 2018 involving a senior housemaster accused of misconduct involving a student. According to Manasseh, he was later informed that the individual had been dismissed following the incident.

The earlier case, he suggested, provides additional context to the current investigation and raises questions about the effectiveness of measures introduced to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Manasseh further revealed the full documentary detailing the investigation into the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai is scheduled for release next week.

The documentary is expected to provide further details about the reported incidents, the complaints made by students and teachers, and the responses of the individuals and institutions involved.

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

CID boss blows alarm on fraudulent football contracts linked to human trafficking

0

COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has blown an alarm on fraudulent football contracts linked to human trafficking, urging young athletes to exercise extra caution.

COP Lydia Yaako Donkor urged young athletes to exercise extra caution when considering overseas offers that promise lucrative football contracts, international trials and scholarships.

According to COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, sports must build dreams, not become a trap for human trafficking.

In a social media post on X, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor disclosed that criminals are exploiting the dreams of young people by using such offers to deceive and traffic them.

COP Lydia Yaako Donkor in his post wrote, “SPORTS MUST BUILD DREAMS, NOT BECOME A TRAP FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

Every young athlete dreams of an opportunity to succeed. For some, it is a professional football contract, an international trial, or a scholarship abroad. Unfortunately, criminal networks are exploiting these dreams to deceive and traffic vulnerable young people.

I delivered an address on “Addressing Human Trafficking in Sports in Ghana” at a training programme supported by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, focused on strengthening the capacity of officers to identify, investigate, and prevent human trafficking.

In my remarks, I emphasised the need for parents, coaches, football academies, sports administrators, and young athletes to remain vigilant. Promises of international contracts, scholarships, and professional opportunities must be carefully verified. No young person should lose their freedom, dignity, or future while pursuing a sporting dream.

At the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), we remain committed to strengthening intelligence-led investigations, protecting victims, and working with sporting institutions and international partners to identify and dismantle trafficking networks.

Sports should remain a pathway to opportunity, discipline, and national pride. As we strengthen Ghana’s fight against human trafficking, our responsibility is to ensure that young talents are protected from exploitation and given the opportunity to pursue their dreams safely.

Let us protect their dreams, safeguard their future, and ensure that no child becomes a victim of trafficking in the name of sports”.

In related news, the Upper East Regional Police Command has announced the arrest of three Nigerian suspects, Peace Agbede, Favour Sunday Udo, and Faith Levy.

According to the Police statement, the three have been arrested for their involvement in human trafficking and forcing young women into prostitution.

In a statement issued by the Police on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, it read, “POLICE ARREST THREE SUSPECTS IN BOLGATANGA FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

The Upper East Regional Police Command has arrested suspects Peace Agbede, Favour Sunday Udo and Faith Levy for trafficking young girls and forcing them into prostitution at Gbane, a suburb of Talensi District.

Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect Peace Agbede met the victim in Nigeria and promised to help her join the Ghana movie industry because of her beauty. The victim accepted and reluctantly followed her to Ghana. On their arrival, Peace Agbede failed to fulfil her promise but rather took her to the mining site at Gbane-Tongo and coerced the victim into prostitution.

The victim is made to pay Four Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHC 400.00) a day to her madam, suspect Peace Agbede.

The victim, who had gotten pregnant, gave birth on 26/06/2026, following which suspect Peace Agbede and her accomplice, Favour Sunday Udo, visited her and tried convincing her to sell the baby for Twenty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 20,000.00) to an interested party who was ready to pay the said amount for the child.

A search conducted in the room of suspect Peace Agbede led to the recovery of six sales recording books bearing the names Esther, Mary, Bright and Silver, and 265 unused condoms.

Police also rescued four (4) female victims aged 18 to 20 years.

Suspects are in Police custody and will be put before court”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

‘Ghanaians have been scammed by the NDC’ – Abanga Fuseini

0

Abanga Fuseini, the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deceiving Ghanaians, describing the government’s approach to governance as a public relations exercise.

Fuseini alleged that the John Dramani Mahama-led administration was more focused on public relations than delivering meaningful results for the country.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s *Ekosii Sen* programme, the NPP youth leader criticised the government’s performance, insisting that Ghanaians had been misled by the NDC.

“We have been scammed by the NDC. They are just doing PR,” he said.

Despite his criticism of the governing party, Fuseini maintained that the NPP was not intimidated by the NDC, arguing that several successful initiatives currently benefiting the country were introduced or championed by his party.

“Most of the successful initiatives that are working in this country were championed by the NPP, so we are not intimidated by the NDC,” he added.

His comments come as the NPP seeks to consolidate its political base and strengthen its support ahead of the next general election.

Fuseini also urged NPP youth members to intensify efforts to promote the achievements of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and communicate his vision for the country.

He called on the party’s young supporters to serve as ambassadors for Bawumia by highlighting his record, explaining his policy proposals and making a case for his leadership to voters.

Abanga Fuseini’s remarks form part of the party’s broader efforts to mobilise its grassroots supporters and position Bawumia as a credible choice for Ghana’s political future.

In related news, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP leader and 2028 presidential candidate, has criticised the John Mahama-led NDC government, describing its nearly two years in office as a period marked by a catalogue of unfulfilled promises to Ghanaians.

Speaking to thousands of delegates at the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Bawumia listed the NDC government’s failed promises to Ghanaians after their two years in office.

Dr Bawumia stated, “The NDC promised Ghanaians and the youth of this country in search of jobs a flagship 24-hour economy with one job, three shifts and 3 people (1-3-3). Nearly two years have passed, and the jobs have not come or even shown any signs of coming.”

“The young graduate and artisan who voted for the NDC because of this sweet promise of a dramatic job boom through the 1 job 3 shifts, 3 people offer under the NDC is still waiting for his or her shift. Sadly, the promised 24-hour economy jobs have now turned into 24-hour demolition of buildings for a so-called 24-hour market, even the NDC cannot explain.”

He further added, “The NDC also promised a Women’s Development Bank. Almost two years on, that bank has not opened its doors to a single market woman.”

The NPP flagbearer reminded Ghanaians of the NDC promise to reduce electricity tariffs under its 24-hour economy, saying, “However, nearly two years on, there has rather been a dramatic increase in electricity tariffs, thus crippling households, small businesses and industries.

“Today, the barber shop owner, the hair salon operator, the bread baker and many young businesses who were promised better electricity tariffs are now striving to survive because much of their sales are going into electricity bills under the NDC government.”

Dr Bawumia further touched on the cost of living in Ghana, “As if the suffocating electricity and water tariffs are not enough, the cost of transportation continues to rise, especially in the cities, due to rising cost of spare parts and fuel. Cost of rent has also continued to rise. So even though on paper, inflation has declined to 5%, the cost of living for ordinary Ghanaians has increased massively!”

“In the midst of the government failing to fulfil its promises and unleashing all these difficulties on households and businesses, its lifeline has been the relative stability of the Cedi, largely supported by our innovative Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.”

“In June 2021, on my recommendation, the Bank of Ghana launched the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme to protect our currency from global shocks. Records show how the programme saved our economy from serious crisis and revamped the Cedi.

“And the programme is today the major support behind the stability of the cedi, and with it the easing of inflation and interest rates that this government now celebrates. Ironically, key officials of the government today opposed the policy when it was introduced, vehemently claiming it was not feasible.”

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

‘Atta Mills told me someone put drugs in his pool’ – Pastor Abdulah alleges  

0

Pastor Abdulah has revealed a conversation he had with the late former President John Evans Atta Mills before his death.

According to Pastor Abdulah, who claims to have had a close relationship with the late former President disclosed that the Atta Mills told him someone put drugs in his pool.

Speaking on ‘Biribi Wo Wiase’ in a discussion, Pastor Abdulah described the late president as a God-fearing individual who had a strong love for God.

He revealed that Atta Mills was one of the most religious presidents he had encountered, adding that he visited him on two occasions at the Castle.

Pastor Abdulah stated, “He was a God-loving man, and he loved God more than any president I have come across. He invited me to the Castle on March 25, 2009, and also in May 2012. I was very close to him”.

He recounted that during one of his visits, security personnel initially prevented him from entering the Castle because of his appearance.

“When I got there, the soldiers didn’t want me to enter because of the way I was dressed. He even said I was crazy. I was standing outside when Atta Mills called to find out where I had gotten to. I told him, and he sent a car to come pick me up,” Pastor Abdulah stated.

According to Pastor Abdulah, during their interactions, the late Atta Mills told him about the circumstances surrounding the onset of his illness.

He disclosed that Atta Mills’ health problems began while he was in Canada, where he had previously worked as a teacher.

He also alleged that the former president told him that someone had put drugs in his swimming pool which he believed was connected to his cancer.

Pastor Abdulah stated, “He told me that his sickness started when he was in Canada. He said he was a teacher there. I was even a CPP member until Rawlings asked him to come back to Ghana and support the NDC.

“He made me aware that someone placed drugs into his swimming pool, and after he bathed in the pool, some of the water entered his eyes, which caused his cancer,” he added.

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama narrated how he received the news of the death of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

In the video, which has resurfaced on X, President Mahama narrated the emotional moment he learned about the passing of Atta Mills.

According to John Mahama, he collapsed in his chair and broke down crying like a baby after receiving the devastating news that the president had died.

Speaking to KSM in the resurfaced video, John Mahama narrated, “If I remember properly, it was about 2:30 pm when I got a call from the Chief of Staff. He asked where I was, and I told him I was just leaving to come and join them at the hospital. He then told me to wait in my office and that there was no need to come because the president had just passed away. This was about 2:30 or shortly before that.

“It was a very sad day. I just collapsed in my chair, broke down, and wept like a baby. It’s not something I like to recall. That same evening, here you are, having to be sworn in as president,” he said.

Mahama further narrated, “My ADC locked up my office, so I was there by myself, just trying to gather my thoughts. I stayed there for about an hour when the Speaker, the Attorney General, and some other officials came to see me. My ADC called me on the intercom and said they wanted to see me, so I went into the washroom, washed my face, and tried to compose myself.

“They came in and said they had referred to the Constitution and that the swearing-in had to take place immediately. I protested because I thought we could do it the next day. I didn’t see how I could bring myself to go through a ceremony like that after receiving such tragic news. But they insisted and explained that, by the provisions of the Constitution, there could not be a vacuum in leadership,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

Ghanaians have sacrificed enormously to be where we are – Isaac Adongo on economic recovery

0

Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, has warned that Ghana cannot afford to reverse its economic gains through excessive spending.

According to Isaac Adongo, Ghanaians had made significant sacrifices during the country’s recent economic crisis.

He argued that the government had a responsibility to prevent a repeat of the hardship. citing the debt exchange programme, high inflation and the depreciation of the cedi as examples of the costs borne by Ghanaians during the crisis.

Isaac Adongo further recalled that inflation had reached between 50% and 54%, while the exchange rate had depreciated by about 54%, intensifying the economic difficulties faced by households and investors.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Isaac Adongo stated, “We are very much aware that this country suffered multiple crises of credibility and confidence. And that hurt our country”.

“The people of Ghana have sacrificed enormously to be where we are,” he said.

Isaac Adongo further warned that the gains made so far could not be taken for granted.

He further called for systems that would protect economic progress regardless of which political party was in power.

“The temptation to want to loosen the belt is what led us where we are,” Adongo said.

Meanwhile, Isaac Adongo disclosed that Parliament would continue to scrutinise government decisions and support measures aimed at maintaining fiscal discipline.

In related news, the  International Monetary Fund (IMF) African Department Director, Zeine Zeidane, praised the country’s progress under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

The IMF also cited Ghana’s economic reform programme as an example for other countries to follow.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Zeine Zeidane told Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. “We tell others to follow your steps”.

He further commended Ghana’s performance under the programme, describing it as a success and acknowledging the government’s efforts to strengthen economic management.

“I want to first commend you on how you are performing. The ECF was a great success,” he said.

He further expressed a positive assessment of Ghana’s current economic position, declaring that “Ghana is in a very good place.”

Also, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Finance Minister, has expressed confidence that Ghana’s economy will outperform the International Monetary Fund’s revised growth forecast of 5.7% for 2026.

Ato Forson, reacting to the IMF’s upward revision from its April projection of 4.6%, stressed that the government remained committed to fiscal discipline and reforms supporting the country’s economic turnaround.

Ato Forson stated, “The IMF has upgraded Ghana’s 2026 growth forecast from 4.6% to 5.7%. We are confident we will exceed that projection”.

The IMF’s revision represents an increase of 1.1 percentage points in the Fund’s growth forecast.

Dr Forson stated, “In Bangkok, I met with the IMF’s African Department Director, Zeine Zeidane, and reaffirmed our commitment to the fiscal credibility, discipline and bold reforms powering Ghana’s economic turnaround,” he said.

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪