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Video – Akufo-Addo and former First Lady arrive at the State Burial to honour the fallen 8

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The former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have joined Ghanaians at the State Burial to honour the fallen 8 who died on August 6 fatal helicopter crash.

In a video shared online. Akufo-Addo and his wife Rebecca Akufo-Addo were spotted at the State Funeral as they joined other host of other guests to bid a final farewell helicopter crash victims.

The solemn state funeral is being held at the Black Star Square in Accra.

The occasion will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, government officials, members of the security services, traditional leaders, and the bereaved families.

Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The victims lost their lives en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi on August 6, 2025.

The interdenominational service will be followed by the burial at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo for Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, were earlier buried on August 10.

 Meanwhile, President John Mahama has revealed plans to create a dedicated fund for the eight victims in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

According to John Mahama, all those who died were at the prime of their lives and had so many responsibilities.

Speaking during an address on Tuesday, August 12, John Mahama stated, “It’s a difficult calamity. Because if you look at all those who died, they were at the prime of their lives and had so much responsibility, children still in school, and some even with infants as young as two months… These responsibilities are what we have to take up to make sure that the absence of the parents does not adversely affect the innocent children.”

“At the funeral, we will announce a programme for creating a fund that will assist with the education of their children,” he said.

He added, “Persons who want to contribute to the future of the children they’ve left behind would have the opportunity to do so”.

Watch the video below:

“If anyone tells you the Golden Stool was summoned from the sky, it’s a lie” – Dormaahene

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The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has said anyone who claims the Golden Stool was summoned to descend from the sky is a liar.

According to the Dormahene, the Golden Stool, when it was recently outdoored, looked welded when it was displayed in public.

Speaking during the launch of the Bonokyempem Council in the Bono Region on August 14, 2025, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, stated, “If anyone tells you they can summon something to descend from the sky, I, Agyeman Badu II, am saying it is a lie”.

“Didn’t you see when the Golden Stool was recently outdoored, it looked welded? Didn’t you see?” he quizzed.

Meanwhile, the Golden Stool of the Ashanti people is known as Sika Dwa Kofi, was said to have been summoned down from the sky by the high priest Okomfo Anokye.

According to history, the Golden Stool descended in a cloud of white dust, amidst thunder.

History further asserts that the Golden Stool landed on the lap of the first Asante king, Osei Tutu I, by the command of the Okomfo Anokye, a fetish priest.

It must be noted that the Dormaahene is a critic of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and historical narratives that he claims are distorted facts in the country’s history.

Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have reacted to the comments made by the Dormaahene, saying, You have to throw a dig at the Asante man before you’ll be relevant, so it’s understandable Make he go on”.

“This is incorrect. This Paramount Chief is a High Court Judge, rumored to be considered for the Appeals Court. This comment, even if deemed true, mocks the Asante Kingdom and could spark conflict. A judge and Omanhene shouldn’t speak this way”, another stated.

One more netizen added, “This man needs to stop belittling himself, you don’t believe the golden stool descended from the sky, but you believe a certain man ascended to the sky”.

Additionally, a netizen wrote, “He’s from the aduana clan and according to legend, their forefathers came out of a rock, and they were led by a dog that spit fire from its mouth. Does he believe in those as well?”.

One more Ghanaian wrote, “Why does this leader prioritise conflict over the progress of his people? Even Jnana, in just one year as a ruler, managed to uplift his village significantly. This man’s excessive focus on violence is unnecessary and detrimental to the development his people deserve… tswwww”.

Another Ghanaian also suggested the myth surrounding the golden stool si just a myth, “This is basic knowledge. The story of the golden stool and most Ashanti traditional narratives are merely Ashanti myths. Just like the ancient Greeks, the Ashantis’ mythology is just to find a nostalgic way of telling their story. They have no proof to back the stories”.

Similarly, a netizen also took a jab at the Dormahene for not respecting the ancestors and gods as a King, “A king saying this means he never respected the ancestors and gods. He pour Schnapp to call upon their names. You cannot respect your ancestors while throwing shade at the gods of other regions. Onyɛ ohene papa”.

Watch the video below:

“It’s the State against NPP, in anything you do, be careful” – KOKA tells NPP members

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Ghanaian personality Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, known as KOKA, has urged his fellow NPP members to exercise caution in all their actions.

He warned NPP members that the Police Service is currently not in their favour and will not hesitate to arrest them.

According to KOKA, the police are not for Ghanaians, as they are only interested in protecting NDC members.

Speaking to the media, KOKA stated, “Right now, it’s the State against the NPP; it’s a lesson, so if you are doing something, just be careful. Because even the police are not for Ghanaians, they do not protect the NPP; it is strictly the NDC they protect, so just be careful in anything you do”.

Yesterday, the doors were blocked so that no one could come to the CID office. I never knew there was selective justice at the police station. Today, Justice is becoming “dokomi” so just be careful in what you do”.

His comments come following TikTok personality Prince Ofori, alias Fante Comedy, and Social media activist Daniel Adomako, known as Sir Obama Pokuase, who were both granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court after they were arrested.

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof were arrested following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

The Circuit Court granted Fante Comedy a GH¢100,000  bail with three sureties. He is to provide two people who are gainfully employed. He is also to deposit his passport with the police.

Also, Sir Obama Pokuase was granted GH¢50,000 with three sureties.

He is to provide two salaried workers and a government employee earning not less than GH¢3,000 as sureties.

Sir Obama Pokuase was picked up over false publications on issues relating to national security.

In a series of posts on social media, Sir Obama Pokuase made a series of allegations against the Inspector General of the Ghana Police, Christian Yohonu.

According to the Police, he is assisting them with investigations into videos and images allegedly showing individuals brandishing high-grade firearms.

Meanwhile, the Accra Circuit Court has rejected a bail application from the legal team of Wontumi TV presenter Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare.

Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare was denied bail and has been remanded into police custody for one week over his controversial comments against President Mahama.

Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare was arrested on August 12 over allegations claiming President John Mahama had a hand in the GAF Z9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians.

Speaking on Wontumi TV, Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare stated, “Mahama should be held accountable; he is aware of everything. Asiedu Nketia should be asked why he said he would not attend the event but delegated responsibility to Samuel Sarpong.

The document was also given to Fiifi Kwetey to go, and he also refused, asking the NDC’s first vice, Samuel Sarpong, to attend instead.”

He further claimed, “Another instance, the plane was there, the delegates and protocols were on board, and Ato Forson pulled out Muntaka for a meeting, is it madness?

Eight people’s husbands, fathers, and you are telling us this nonsense to believe”. 

Watch the video below:

“Your vow was a standing declaration of human sacrifice” – Kwamena Duncan to Asiedu Nketia

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Kwamena Duncan, the former Central Regional Minister, has reminded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Asiedu Nketia of his vow in the past that they were prepared to sacrifice everything, including their lives, for the country.

According to Kwamena Duncan, Asiedu Nketia’s vow is a standing declaration of human sacrifice.

It will be recalled Asiedu Nketia, speaking at the 10th National Delegates Congress of the NDC on December 17, 2022, vowed that the NDC is prepared to sacrifice everything, including their lives, to make sure Ghana is delivered.

He stated, “You, the delegates of our party, have given us the mandate to secure the second independence of Ghana.

“We know the path will not be smooth, but we will stand up to the challenge, and we are prepared to sacrifice everything, and I mean everything, including our lives, to make sure this country is delivered”, he added.

Kwamena Duncan, however, asserted that Asiedu Nketiah’s comments in the past are a declaration of human sacrifice.

He noted from a Bible quotation, Proverbs 18:21, that death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show on Thursday, August 14, 2025, Kwamena Duncan stated, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit.”

“anything and everything, including human lives”, he recalled Asiedu Nketia comments.

“At the time he made that statement, he had the potential to carry it out. When you declare such a thing to the whole world and it still stands unrevoked, it becomes a standing declaration of human sacrifice, which makes every NDC member a potential victim,” Duncan asserted.

His comment comes following Ghana’s loss of eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

Meanwhile, in recent times, following the Helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, Asiedu Nketia has said the NDC government will not be deterred from their commitment to resetting Ghana despite the growing number of prophecies predicting doom.

According to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, he believes that what will happen will happen.

He boldly emphasised that whether there are prophecies or no prophecies, President John Mahama will continue to take bold decisions to reset the country.

Speaking to the media on August 13, 2025, Asiedu Nketia stated, “You’ve all heard about various prophecies, some claiming to play the role of God and others threatening our leadership that more calamities are on the way unless certain things are done. My belief is that what will happen will happen, and we won’t be deterred from taking necessary decisions to restore this country,” he stated.

“I know our chiefs are rallying around His Excellency the President, and I know he will continue to be emboldened to take the right decisions to reset this country, whether there are prophecies or no prophecies, and I will urge all of us to use this moment as a solemn occasion to find out what went wrong.”

He further called on traditional leaders to remain resolute, saying, “I want to urge our Chiefs and Traditional rulers that there is nothing shameful about our culture, let us do honour to our culture”.

Watch the video below:

LIVESTREAM – State Funeral for the eight fallen Ghanaian heroes

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Ghanaians will bid farewell to the August 6 military helicopter crash victims who died in Adansi Akrofrom District, Ashanti Region.

The solemn state funeral is being held at the Black Star Square in Accra.

The occasion will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, government officials, members of the security services, traditional leaders, and the bereaved families.

Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The victims lost their lives en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi on August 6, 2025.

The interdenominational service will be followed by the burial at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo for Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, were earlier buried on August 10.

 Meanwhile, President John Mahama has revealed plans to create a dedicated fund for the eight victims in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

According to John Mahama, all those who died were at the prime of their lives and had so many responsibilities.

Speaking during an address on Tuesday, August 12, John Mahama stated, “It’s a difficult calamity. Because if you look at all those who died, they were at the prime of their lives and had so much responsibility, children still in school, and some even with infants as young as two months… These responsibilities are what we have to take up to make sure that the absence of the parents does not adversely affect the innocent children.”

“At the funeral, we will announce a programme for creating a fund that will assist with the education of their children,” he said.

He added, “Persons who want to contribute to the future of the children they’ve left behind would have the opportunity to do so”.

Watch the livestream of the state funeral below:

“Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey” – Ablakwa

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama will lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey.

According to Ablakwa, Ghana is going to see John Mahama lead the charge to stop the existential threat of illegal mining confronting Ghanaians.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, August 14, Mr Ablakwa stated, “I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed before in this country. President Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey.

He didn’t mince his words. We had a brief cabinet meeting, and the President was very clear that he would lead a war we have never seen before to stop this existential threat confronting us,” he stated.

Ablakwa’s announcement follows the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

Also,  Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has said an all-out war must be declared on galamsey in memory of all those who died in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

According to him, there must be decisive action in the fight against galamsey, which is non-negotiable.

Sam George noted that it would be a disservice to the memory of the eight Ghanaians and his colleagues if decisive action is not taken to end illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show, Sam George stated, “My belief and resolve in the fight against galamsey is as strong as it has ever been”

“I lost my big brother, Kofi Omane Boamah, and seven other sons of our land because of galamsey. The least we can do in their memory is to wage an all-out war on it.”

“Omane had refused to sit in helicopters or planes since he became Defence Minister. This was literally one of the only times he agreed to fly – and it was because of galamsey. That should tell you how deeply invested he was in this fight,” Mr George noted.

He added that the late Omane Boamah believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology to fight galamsey.

Sam George revealed, “As Communications Minister, Omane had given me an assignment in the fight against galamsey. He believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology as part of a holistic solution.”

“It would be a disservice to the memory of our colleagues if we do not take decisive action. We failed to act meaningfully after the tragic death of Major Mahama, and now eight more brave souls have been lost. How many more are we waiting for?”

“There must be decisive action; it’s non-negotiable,” he said.

In addition, Dr Tony Aidoo, a former Ambassador to the Netherlands, has boldly told President John Dramani Mahama to kill the illegal mining menace commonly known as galamsey before it kills his cabinet.

According to Dr Tony Aidoo, President Mahama must not let the eight people who died in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash go in vain.

He emphasised that the best tribute to the eight fallen Ghanaian heroes is for John Mahama to end the galamsey menace once and for all.

Dr Aidoo noted that victims, including two cabinet ministers, lost their lives in the line of duty in an initiative to tackle galamsey.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Tony Aidoo stated, “Why were they in the air? They were in the air because they were going to fight galamsey”.

“President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it ends his members [of cabinet].”

He added, “God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle. What is President Mahama waiting for? Yesterday, I heard Kwame Mpianim say we must ban galamsey for three months.

In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey.

So for God’s sake, Mr President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can say to these patriotic deaths.”

Dr Tony Aidoo further revealed his relationship with the late Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Sarpong, and Dr Murtala Mohammed.

He added, “To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash — Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Sarpong and Dr Murtala Mohammed”.

“Anytime I remember the departed, it is usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise nor to pay another apologetic tribute. This will be a very tiny voice among the worldwide tributes following the avoidable national tragedy”.

Dr Tony Aidoo added, “Even though faith says we must eulogise the dead, we must look behind and look for the cause — why did they die? People will say, ‘Oh, the Lord gave us and the Lord takes.’ I say that God did not take. It was we who gave by our mistake of an avoidable death.”

Watch the video below:

“70–80% is of no substance” – Afriyie Ankrah justifies decision to examine prophecies

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Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, has justified the government’s decision to receive and review prophecies about the nation.

The presidential envoy emphasised that about 70–80% of prophecies have no substance, but the 20 per cent deserved some probe.

 Speaking to JoyNews, Afriyie Ankrah detailed, “By and large, 70–80% is of no substance. Then you look at the rest of the 20% and you sift through, and maybe 2–3–5% may deserve some further probe. It’s not a full-time job or an office set up solely to receive prophecies; that’s not how it works.”

“If you say a Ghana Air Force plane is going to crash, whichever way, it’s a security matter. Those specific ones, we are saying, don’t put it out there in a raw form that will create problems. We’ve created a WhatsApp platform and an email address. Send it to us, and then we will review,” he said.

He further added, “Testing means there is room for review, to assess and evaluate, because some will definitely be chaff. There’s a lot that is completely bogus and will be discarded. But there may be a few that have some substance.”

According to Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, it was not set up solely to receive and review prophecies.  

He added, “I got my appointment letter about two weeks ago. People didn’t know about the office, so when the statement came out, maybe some thought an office had been set up solely to collect prophecies. That’s why you saw all those memes. But the office is meant to coordinate with all religious bodies, Christian, Muslim, and others, to help foster unity and oneness in the country.”

He further emphasised the importance of his work, adding that religion plays a dominant role in Ghanaian life.

“If you look at the last population census, the religious community constitutes over 90% of the population. They are critical in society. Governance is about protecting and advancing the interests of citizens, and faith is part of our social reality”.

In addition, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the  National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the NDC government will not be deterred from their commitment to resetting Ghana despite the growing number of prophecies predicting doom.

According to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, he believes that what will happen will happen.

He boldly emphasised that whether there are prophecies or no prophecies, President John Mahama will continue to take bold decisions to reset the country.

Speaking to the media on August 13, 2025, Asiedu Nketia stated, “You’ve all heard about various prophecies, some claiming to play the role of God and others threatening our leadership that more calamities are on the way unless certain things are done. My belief is that what will happen will happen, and we won’t be deterred from taking necessary decisions to restore this country,” he stated.

“I know our chiefs are rallying around His Excellency the President, and I know he will continue to be emboldened to take the right decisions to reset this country, whether there are prophecies or no prophecies, and I will urge all of us to use this moment as a solemn occasion to find out what went wrong.”

He further called on traditional leaders to remain resolute, saying, “I want to urge our Chiefs and Traditional rulers that there is nothing shameful about our culture, let us do honour to our culture”.

Meanwhile, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican, His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, has urged prophets to plead with God before announcing prophecies of disaster.

Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson noted that people are advised to listen only to credible prophets, but what defines the credibility of prophets?

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 13, ahead of the inauguration of the John Kofi Turkson Memorial Institute in the Central Region, he stated, “If a prophecy reveals the possibility of disaster, your first act should be to intercede with God before announcing it”.

“When God shared with Abraham His intent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham pleaded for mercy. Likewise, if God shares such knowledge with you, pray first and ask for His intervention.”

“It is interesting when people advise others to listen only to credible prophets, but who defines credibility, and by what criteria? These are questions that need answers. In any case, wherever prophecies occur and God makes His knowledge known to you, consider the content carefully. If it requires intervention, please do that before communicating it to anyone,” he added.

“Who will we call in the middle of the night?” – Omane Boamah’s children mourn

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The children of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, delivered a deeply moving tribute to their late father on Thursday, August 14, at the Christ the King Parish in Accra.

Omane Boamah’s children, in their tribute, describe their late father as irreplaceable, whose love was steady and gentle.

Speaking through emotions, they stated, “Daddy, why did you leave us so soon? Never in a million years would we have imagined this,” they said, their voices trembling. “Who will we call in the middle of the night when we have questions? Who will have the answers? You are irreplaceable, Edwardo.”

“Your love was steady, your love was gentle, and it was the warmth that filled our home,” they recalled.

“Dream big but stay grounded.” To him, success was never about personal glory but about the lives touched. “You showed us that compassion is strength, truth is a duty, and service to others is the greatest legacy one can leave,” they shared.

“You called us every day when you travelled. You never missed our special moments. You taught us to dream big but stay grounded. You showed us that compassion is strength, but speaking the truth is an obligation, and that service to others is the greatest legacy one can leave,” they added.

Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

In addition, the son of late National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong Jr, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to eradicate illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

According to Samuel Sarpong Jnr, his father, Dr Samuel Sarpong, never liked galamsey.

Samuel Sarpong Jnr made this appeal on Wednesday, August 13, when he laid flowers in honour of his late father and seven others who died in the Adansi helicopter crash. 

Sarpong Jnr expressed sadness over the loss of his father but stated he hoped his father’s vision for Ghana would be realised.

Also, President John Mahama has revealed plans to create a dedicated fund for the eight victims in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

According to John Mahama, all those who died were at the prime of their lives and had so many responsibilities.

Speaking during an address on Tuesday, August 12, John Mahama stated, “It’s a difficult calamity. Because if you look at all those who died, they were at the prime of their lives and had so much responsibility, children still in school, and some even with infants as young as two months… These responsibilities are what we have to take up to make sure that the absence of the parents does not adversely affect the innocent children.”

“At the funeral, we will announce a programme for creating a fund that will assist with the education of their children,” he said.

He added, “Persons who want to contribute to the future of the children they’ve left behind would have the opportunity to do so”.

Meanwhile, a state funeral will be held for Ghana’s eight fallen heroes today, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

“Lives are at stake, enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes” – Asantehene

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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on all political actors to stop playing politics with the procurement of presidential planes and helicopters.

According to the Asantehene, lives are at stake, and Ghana must ensure the safety and efficiency of the president and its personnel in the security service.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made this known when the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace following last week’s tragic helicopter crash.

He described the incident as a national concern and further expressed deep sympathy to President John Mahama and the bereaved families.

The Asantehene stated, “Enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes and helicopters. Human lives are at stake here. We must invest to safeguard their safety and efficiency”.

He further noted that most of the military aircraft currently in use are not in good condition.

He emphasised the need for investment in modern and reliable alternatives.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further urged all political divides to come together to address Ghana’s aviation and security logistics challenges.

Ghana’s Falcon 900 EX Presidential Jet was purchased in 2009 and arrived in the country in 2010.

It replaced a 37-year-old Foker 27 aircraft, which was regarded as a flying coffin.

The Falcon 900 EX Presidential Jet has since been grounded at the Dassault Falcon Service facility in Le Bourget, France, due to massive wear and tear issues.

In 2021, the former Akufo-Addo government sought to purchase a new and bigger jet for the Presidency, but faced public backlash over accusations of extravagant travels by Akufo-Addo.

It will be recalled that social media, some months ago, was set on fire with Ghanaians speculating after President Mahama travelled on the private jet owned by his businessman brother, Ibrahim Mahama, to the Gambia.

John Mahama was criticised for using his brother’s Dzata jet but was defended by government officials as cost-saving and timely for the state.

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister, Dr Omane Boamah, before his passing, revealed that Ghana’s presidential jet is sick and heavily corroded.

According to the Defence Minister, the Presidential jet is in France due to serious technical faults.

Omane Boamah further revealed that the return date for the Presidential jet keeps changing.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, Dr Omane Boamah stated, “It is sad to note that for some time now, whenever the president’s jet goes for either maintenance or overhaul, the date that is scheduled for it to return to Ghana keeps changing”.

“They have extended it to two months before, and later two and a half. In this case, as we speak, the aircraft is still not in.”

“We are hoping that the date that has been given will see the Falcon in Ghana,” he said.

“The truth is that the presidential jet is heavily corroded… However, that does not in any way justify hiring or renting luxurious aircraft persistently for presidential use,” he asserted.

Also, Franklin Cudjoe, the President of IMANI Africa, has said no serious addition of helicopters and maintenance has been done for the last eight years.

In a social media post on X, Franklin Cudjoe wrote, “We are mourning, but we must demand answers! I am in touch with the highest echelons of power and the truth, my dear brothers and sisters, is that the state of Ghana’s Armed Forces was and is still alarmingly terrible.

He added, “No serious additions and maintenance in the last 8 years. My brother, Omane Boamah, consistently raised these issues at almost every Armed Forces Security Council meeting”.

Franklin Cudjoe recounted what a top Military liaison once told him that Ghana would want even if Togo were to attack the country.

“One top  Military liaison” if even Togo were to attack us, we would be wanting”. And yet, we had $58m to mess around with some crap edifice. More details later!   Not all mourners are genuine! I am very, very angry. You should be”, he added.

“Your witchcraft has made your people die” – NPP’s Ellen Daaku attacks Ablakwa  

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Ellen Ama Daaku, a communications officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has shockingly attacked the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the horrific helicopter crash.

According to Ellen Ama Daaku, the tragic Helicopter crash would not have happened if the NDC in opposition had not opposed Akufo-Addo’s attempt to retool the Ghana Armed Forces.

Ellen Ama Daaku specifically aimed at Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who, in opposition, constantly attacked the Akufo-Addo government over his private jet travels and the issue of the country seeking to purchase new aircraft.

Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV/FM, Ama Daaku shockingly stated, “As for you, your witchcraft has made your people die in a plane crash. We are all quiet, but it was because of their witchcraft. Let me explain to you why I said this happened because of their witchcraft.

“Two years ago, His Excellency Nana Addo, through his defence minister, Dominic Nitiwul, went to Parliament and said that we need to retool our military. What transpired? Okudzeto Ablakwa, with his teeth like a plier used to break glass, descended on Akufo-Addo in this country, a whole president”.

“Anytime Nana Addo travels, he (Ablakwa) goes to the airlines to ask how much it costs. Were we not in this country? Did they call him to order? During that time, if they had been quiet for us to order the planes and helicopters (sic)… we might not have encountered this tragedy,” she added.

Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to rise above political divisions and unite in this time of national mourning.

According to Mahama, Ghanaians must come together and bid a fitting farewell to the deceased.

Speaking to the nation on August 7, 2025, John Mahama stated, “This is not a time for division, speculation or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.

“To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and legacy.

“May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”

John Mahama further revealed that the government will initiate a full-scale investigation into the tragic helicopter crash.

He added, “As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight bodies of our departed comrades have been recovered, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families regarding the identification of the bodies and their final interment.”

He further added, “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians, united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity and now shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.

Watch the video below:

$97m was used to dig a hole, but $15m could not be used for a new helicopter – Solomon Owusu

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Solomon Owusu, a leading member of the Movement for Change, has fired shots at the former President Akufo-Addo-led administration over their misplaced priorities in allocating over $22 million to architect David Adjaye for the design of the National Cathedral project.

According to Solomon Owusu, $97 million was spent to dig a hole at the National Cathedral project site, while the former government failed to procure military helicopters for the country.

Solomon Owusu noted that Col. Aboagye and other top men in the military must point fingers at those who failed to invest in the military rather than attacking the NDC communicator Hamza Suhuyini over comments he made about the military’s poor handling of the tragic helicopter crash on August 6.

Speaking on TV3’s New Day, Solomon Owusu stated, “That is why resource allocation, buying a robust helicopter, wouldn’t cost you more than US$15 million.

“But we found US$22 million and gave it to David Adjayi to just design. David Adjaye got more than US$22 million to just design what we call the National Cathedral. We found US$97 million just to go and dig a hole. That is the priority of the nation, and not the army.

…and so, when these things come, I expect Col. Aboagye [and others] to face the music, look straight into those who have misinvested in this country to tell them enough is enough. Let us not embellish anything”, Solomon Owusu added.

Solomon Owusu noted that if indeed Ghana has only two active helicopters and one has crashed, the army is useless.

According to him, if Ghana is attacked today, the military cannot do anything because there are no helicopters to fly them.

Solomon Owusu on the show added, “Don’t let the military think they are above criticism. In any case, when someone uses the word useless, what does it mean? It means you are not being used to your optimal levels. He himself concluded that the Ghana Armed Forces is left with two helicopters, meaning that the army is below its level. Therefore, it is being used less; therefore, it is useless”.

“The Ghanaian can only measure whether or not the Ghana Armed Forces have done well by their actions and inactions after the fact. I dare say the way and manner they handled this issue from the civilian perspective was totally wrong, though we are waiting for a final report,” he stressed.

Somolon Owusu noted, “The visuals we have seen and the whole manner in which the military responded do not give us encouragement”.

“If those that are flying are only two, and one has crashed, it means that today, if we are attacked, our army will not be able to do anything; and so they are useless.”

If the army is supposed to fly in times of need, in times of difficulty, the army is supposed to go to the front line. We have no means for flying, they will just be idle, won’t they be useless?”.  

Somolon Owusu further went on to call on the military to address Ghanaians, as they must not see themselves as an Island.

“The military must not assume that whatever they are doing, they are on an island and not responsible to us. They have to be explaining matters to us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Also, a state funeral will be held for Ghana’s eight fallen heroes tomorrow, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

“What will happen will happen” – Asiedu Nketia on doom prophecies

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Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the  National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the NDC government will not be deterred from their commitment to resetting Ghana despite the growing number of prophecies predicting doom.

According to Johnson Asiedu Nketia, he believes that what will happen will happen.

He boldly emphasised that whether there are prophecies or no prophecies, President John Mahama will continue to take bold decisions to reset the country.

Speaking to the media on August 13, 2025, Asiedu Nketia stated, “You’ve all heard about various prophecies, some claiming to play the role of God and others threatening our leadership that more calamities are on the way unless certain things are done. My belief is that what will happen will happen, and we won’t be deterred from taking necessary decisions to restore this country,” he stated.

“I know our chiefs are rallying around His Excellency the President, and I know he will continue to be emboldened to take the right decisions to reset this country, whether there are prophecies or no prophecies, and I will urge all of us to use this moment as a solemn occasion to find out what went wrong.”

He further called on traditional leaders to remain resolute, saying, “I want to urge our Chiefs and Traditional rulers that there is nothing shameful about our culture, let us do honour to our culture”.

His comments come following a series of prophets prophesying more doom for Ghana.

Ghanaian pastor, Samuel Henry, popularly known as Prophet Roja, has once again caused a stir over his latest pronouncements.

According to Prophet Roja, he wants to meet President John Dramani Mahama.

Prophet Roja boldly claimed that there is an attack on President Mahama in the realms of the spirit.

Speaking to his congregants, Prophet Roja stated, “I want to meet the President of Ghana. If you are watching me, I don’t know where the office is, but I want to meet you in all humility and respect.

Where Ghana has gotten to, everyone is saying things, but our leaders are not listening. I am saying to men of God to rise up and pray; Muslims should also rise up.

Mr President, there is an attàck on you in the realms of the spirit. That is what they do not want us to say for God to save you. We will speak in the Lord’s voice”, he added.

Also, Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah, the Leader of the Glorious Word Power, has shockingly stated that the helicopter crash on August 6 that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians is not the end.

According to the man of God, the tragedy that befell the nation could have been averted if government officials had not ignored his calls continuously for three months.

Speaking to his congregation on the military Helicopter crash, Rev Owusu Bempah stated, “I talked to the Archbishop and told him I have made several calls, but I hardly get anyone. I called somebody for three months and informed him about a looming tragedy, but we couldn’t meet.

“I wanted to discuss with him so that we can see his bosses and find a way to deal with it, but he always had one excuse or the other to give me for three months and never showed up,” he added.

He added, “No one should go and sit somewhere that the prophets didn’t see the tragedy coming”

He recounted, “I told Archbishop to inform Opanyin (Mahama) to avoid local flights or travelling by flights within the country, otherwise the news will be bad, and Archbishop is my witness.”

Do you know what has happened that is not the end?” he firmly added.

Meanwhile, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican, His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, has urged prophets to plead with God before announcing prophecies of disaster.

Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson noted that people are advised to listen only to credible prophets, but what defines the credibility of prophets?

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 13, ahead of the inauguration of the John Kofi Turkson Memorial Institute in the Central Region, he stated, “If a prophecy reveals the possibility of disaster, your first act should be to intercede with God before announcing it”.

“When God shared with Abraham His intent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham pleaded for mercy. Likewise, if God shares such knowledge with you, pray first and ask for His intervention.”

“It is interesting when people advise others to listen only to credible prophets, but who defines credibility, and by what criteria? These are questions that need answers. In any case, wherever prophecies occur and God makes His knowledge known to you, consider the content carefully. If it requires intervention, please do that before communicating it to anyone,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Court rejects bail application for Wontumi TV Presenter 

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The Accra Circuit Court has rejected a bail application from the legal team of Wontumi TV presenter Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare.

Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare was denied bail and has been remanded into police custody for one week over his controversial comments against President Mahama.

Speaking to the media, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, the lawyer for the Wontumi TV presenter, criticised the court’s decision as a miscarriage of justice.

According to Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, they will challenge the Circuit Court ruling at the High Court.

Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare was arrested on August 12 over allegations claiming President John Mahama had a hand in the GAF Z9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians.

Speaking in a viral video while being escorted back into custody, Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare stated, We are strong, we are still strong, the elephant is strong, I am strong, we are stronger than apartheid. I’m the hero”.

It was earlier reported that Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare was allegedly abducted by unknown armed men.

Reports suggest Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare was whisked away in a dramatic “Rambo-style” operation.

Eyewitnesses say the assailants, heavily armed, arrived in unmarked vehicles, firing warning shots all over, forcibly picked up the journalist, and sped off without revealing their identities or intentions.

Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare, after the tragic Helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed eight lives, boldly stated that President John Mahama could be held accountable for the accident.

Speaking on Wontumi TV, Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare stated, “Mahama should be held accountable; he is aware of everything. Asiedu Nketia should be asked why he said he would not attend the event but delegated responsibility to Samuel Sarpong.

The document was also given to Fiifi Kwetey to go, and he also refused, asking the NDC’s first vice, Samuel Sarpong, to attend instead.”

He further claimed, “Another instance, the plane was there, the delegates and protocols were on board, and Ato Forson pulled out Muntaka for a meeting, is it madness?

Eight people’s husbands, fathers, and you are telling us this nonsense to believe”.  

In addition, the Wontumi TV issued a public apology to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the general public over recent comments made by one of our on-air presenters, alleging that the President had a hand in the recent tragic military helicopter crash.

Wontumi TV statement read, “The management of Wontumi TV wishes to inform the general public that comments made by our presenter, Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, on Saturday, 9th August 2025, do not in any way represent the views, position, or policy of Wontumi TV.

We acknowledge that the statement was inappropriate, unfounded, and contrary to our station’s values of professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in broadcasting. The remarks were made without evidence and do not reflect the views, policies, or editorial position of Wontumi TV”.

The statement added, “As a responsible media house, we deeply regret the distress and reputational harm this may have caused to the President, the NDC, and the affected families.

We wish to assure our cherished audience and the public that immediate steps are being taken to address the matter. Disciplinary action will be taken against the presenter in question, and we have reinforced our editorial guidelines to ensure that all on-air personalities speak only to verified facts and credible records”.

“Wontumi TV remains committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ethical broadcasting. We will continue to provide our viewers with accurate, balanced, and respectful content at all times.

We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and call for unity and sensitivity in discussing matters of national grief”, the statement concluded.

However, a management member of Wontumi Radio in Accra, Gordon Asare Bediako, has said Wontumi Multimedia has not issued any apology to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, August 12, Mr. Asare Bediako stated, “That came to us in Accra as a surprise. When we checked with Kumasi, we were told that there was nothing like that official apology or retraction or whatever. In fact, because of this communication from the NCA and the subsequent action, we were in the office of the lawyer for hours. While at that, somebody called to tell us that there was a letter in circulation.

“When we checked, we realised that it was not on the official social media handle of Wontumi Multimedia. There are several fake, unauthorised social media handles of Wontuni Multimedia, which are not utilised, and it was one of these that they used. Later, I saw that a ‘fake’ stamp had been used on it,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a state funeral will be held for Ghana’s eight fallen heroes tomorrow, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

“I hope Mahama will eradicate galamsey” – Son of late NDC Vice Chair

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The son of late National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong Jr, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to eradicate illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.

According to Samuel Sarpong Jnr, his father, Dr Samuel Sarpong, never liked galamsey.

Samuel Sarpong Jnr made this appeal on Wednesday, August 13, when he laid flowers in honour of his late father and seven others who died in the Adansi helicopter crash.  

Sarpong Jnr expressed sadness over the loss of his father but stated he hoped his father’s vision for Ghana would be realised.

Also, Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has said an all-out war must be declared on galamsey in memory of all those who died in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

According to him, there must be decisive action in the fight against galamsey, which is non-negotiable.

Sam George noted that it would be a disservice to the memory of the eight Ghanaians and his colleagues if decisive action is not taken to end illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show, Sam George stated, “My belief and resolve in the fight against galamsey is as strong as it has ever been”

“I lost my big brother, Kofi Omane Boamah, and seven other sons of our land because of galamsey. The least we can do in their memory is to wage an all-out war on it.”

“Omane had refused to sit in helicopters or planes since he became Defence Minister. This was literally one of the only times he agreed to fly – and it was because of galamsey. That should tell you how deeply invested he was in this fight,” Mr George noted.

He added that the late Omane Boamah believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology to fight galamsey.

Sam George revealed, “As Communications Minister, Omane had given me an assignment in the fight against galamsey. He believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology as part of a holistic solution.”

“It would be a disservice to the memory of our colleagues if we do not take decisive action. We failed to act meaningfully after the tragic death of Major Mahama, and now eight more brave souls have been lost. How many more are we waiting for?”

“There must be decisive action; it’s non-negotiable,” he said.

In addition, Dr Tony Aidoo, a former Ambassador to the Netherlands, has boldly told President John Dramani Mahama to kill the illegal mining menace commonly known as galamsey before it kills his cabinet.

According to Dr Tony Aidoo, President Mahama must not let the eight people who died in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash go in vain.

He emphasised that the best tribute to the eight fallen Ghanaian heroes is for John Mahama to end the galamsey menace once and for all.

Dr Aidoo noted that victims, including two cabinet ministers, lost their lives in the line of duty in an initiative to tackle galamsey.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Tony Aidoo stated, “Why were they in the air? They were in the air because they were going to fight galamsey”.

“President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it ends his members [of cabinet].”

He added, “God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle. What is President Mahama waiting for? Yesterday, I heard Kwame Mpianim say we must ban galamsey for three months.

In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey.

So for God’s sake, Mr President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can say to these patriotic deaths.”

Dr Tony Aidoo further revealed his relationship with the late Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Sarpong, and Dr Murtala Mohammed.

He added, “To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash — Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Sarpong and Dr Murtala Mohammed”.

“Anytime I remember the departed, it is usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise nor to pay another apologetic tribute. This will be a very tiny voice among the worldwide tributes following the avoidable national tragedy”.

Dr Tony Aidoo added, “Even though faith says we must eulogise the dead, we must look behind and look for the cause — why did they die? People will say, ‘Oh, the Lord gave us and the Lord takes.’ I say that God did not take. It was we who gave by our mistake of an avoidable death.”

“I’m the hero” – Wontumi TV presenter boldly states while being escorted back into custody

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Wontumi TV presenter, Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, has boldly stated he is a hero whilst being escorted back into custody, following his arraignment before the Accra Circuit Court.

Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare was arrested over allegations claiming President John Mahama had a hand in the GAF Z9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians.

Speaking in a viral video while being escorted back into custody, Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare stated, We are strong, we are still strong, the elephant is strong, I am strong, we are stronger than apartheid. I’m the hero”.

It was earlier reported that Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare was allegedly abducted by unknown armed men.

Reports suggest Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare was whisked away in a dramatic “Rambo-style” operation.

Eyewitnesses say the assailants, heavily armed, arrived in unmarked vehicles, firing warning shots all over, forcibly picked up the journalist, and sped off without revealing their identities or intentions.

Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare, after the tragic Helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed eight lives, boldly stated that President John Mahama could be held accountable for the accident.

Speaking on Wontumi TV, Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare stated, “Mahama should be held accountable; he is aware of everything. Asiedu Nketia should be asked why he said he would not attend the event but delegated responsibility to Samuel Sarpong.

The document was also given to Fiifi Kwetey to go, and he also refused, asking the NDC’s first vice, Samuel Sarpong, to attend instead.”

He further claimed, “Another instance, the plane was there, the delegates and protocols were on board, and Ato Forson pulled out Muntaka for a meeting, is it madness?

Eight people’s husbands, fathers, and you are telling us this nonsense to believe”.  

In addition, the Wontumi TV issued a public apology to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the general public over recent comments made by one of our on-air presenters, alleging that the President had a hand in the recent tragic military helicopter crash.

Wontumi TV statement read, “The management of Wontumi TV wishes to inform the general public that comments made by our presenter, Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, on Saturday, 9th August 2025, do not in any way represent the views, position, or policy of Wontumi TV.

We acknowledge that the statement was inappropriate, unfounded, and contrary to our station’s values of professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in broadcasting. The remarks were made without evidence and do not reflect the views, policies, or editorial position of Wontumi TV”.

The statement added, “As a responsible media house, we deeply regret the distress and reputational harm this may have caused to the President, the NDC, and the affected families.

We wish to assure our cherished audience and the public that immediate steps are being taken to address the matter. Disciplinary action will be taken against the presenter in question, and we have reinforced our editorial guidelines to ensure that all on-air personalities speak only to verified facts and credible records”.

“Wontumi TV remains committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ethical broadcasting. We will continue to provide our viewers with accurate, balanced, and respectful content at all times.

We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and call for unity and sensitivity in discussing matters of national grief”, the statement concluded.

However, a management member of Wontumi Radio in Accra, Gordon Asare Bediako, has said Wontumi Multimedia has not issued any apology to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, August 12, Mr. Asare Bediako stated, “That came to us in Accra as a surprise. When we checked with Kumasi, we were told that there was nothing like that official apology or retraction or whatever. In fact, because of this communication from the NCA and the subsequent action, we were in the office of the lawyer for hours. While at that, somebody called to tell us that there was a letter in circulation.

“When we checked, we realised that it was not on the official social media handle of Wontumi Multimedia. There are several fake, unauthorised social media handles of Wontuni Multimedia, which are not utilised, and it was one of these that they used. Later, I saw that a ‘fake’ stamp had been used on it,” he explained.

Watch the video below:

Thanks for opting out of Tamale Central, but NDC will be at Akwatia – Asiedu Nketia

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The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has thanked the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for opting out of the Tamale Central by-election.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia thanked the NPP for their decision to withdraw from the Tamale Central by-election and later used an Akan proverb suggesting one should leave a fight rather than wait to be beaten before leaving.

He boldly declared that although the NPP has withdrawn from the Tamale Central by-election, the NDC will still contest the Akwatia by-election.

The NPP paid a courtesy visit to the NDC following the tragic Helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

Speaking during the engagement, Asideu Nketia stated, “I want to use this opportunity to thank you. I have heard that Tamale Central. You have issued a statement that when the time comes, you will not partake. We thank you”.

He added, “If someone beats you for you to go to private, it is better for you to go by yourself, that will be simple. So we thank you, but Akwatia, we are coming”.  

 The NPP’s decision not to contest the Tamale Central follows a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The NPP asserts that they believe it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

In a statement signed by Justin Kodua, the NPP General Secretary, on August 11, 2025, read, “The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resolved that it would not take part in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to elect a replacement for the late Alhaji Hon. Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, who was among the ecight (8) who lost their lives in service of the Republic in the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The statement added, “In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.

The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided”.

The NPP statement continued, “It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.

In addition, Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said his expectation is for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to withdraw from the upcoming parliamentary by-election for the Akwatia Constituency.

According to Nana Boakye, the NDC has lost five important party dignitaries and going into a fierce contest for them after their burial will not serve their memory.

He noted that the NDC, in respect of their five members who died in the helicopter crash, should not go into active politics just after their burial.

He asserted that the NDC, in respect of their five members who died in the helicopter crash, should not go into active politics just after their burial.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, Nana Boakye stated, “That is my expectation, but then we leave it to them. The reason why I say so is that Akwatia is in the Eastern Region, and the NDC has lost five important party dignitaries, and we are mourning with them.

So, for me, you have a stalwart like Hon. from the Eastern Region, I would say that right after the state burial, then we enter into such fierce contest, for me it will not serve his memory right”.

He added, “I would say that if I were in the NDC, I think that the tension in the country, we can lower it, we can bring it down”.

“Recently, we had Ablekuma, which was a negative story, and then we’ve had this devastating news of this helicopter crash, and after this, we have a by-election ahead of us… It is their decision to make. For us, we are of the view that we do not think that we need to contest in the Tamale Central by-election,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially scheduled Tuesday, September 2, 2025, for the by-election in the Akwatia Constituency.

This follows the passing of Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.

Watch the video below:

“If indeed we have only two active helicopters, it proves the army is useless” – Solomon Owusu

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Solomon Owusu, a leading member of the Movement for Change, has noted that if indeed Ghana has only two active helicopters and one has crashed, the army is useless.

According to him, if Ghana is attacked today, the military cannot do anything because there are no helicopters to fly them.

Solomon Owusu on  TV3’s New Day expressed his disappointment over comments made by Colonel Retired Festus Aboagye when he sought to attack NDC communicator Hamza Suhuyini over the military’s poor handling of the tragic helicopter crash on August 6.

Solomon Owusu on the show stated, “Don’t let the military think they are above criticism. In any case, when someone uses the word useless, what does it mean? It means you are not being used to your optimal levels. He himself concluded that the Ghana Armed Forces is left with two helicopters, meaning that the army is below its level. Therefore, it is being used less; therefore, it is useless”.

“The Ghanaian can only measure whether or not the Ghana Armed Forces have done well by their actions and inactions after the fact. I dare say the way and manner they handled this issue from the civilian perspective was totally wrong, though we are waiting for a final report,” he stressed.

Somolon Owusu noted, “The visuals we have seen and the whole manner in which the military responded do not give us encouragement”.

“If those that are flying are only two, and one has crashed, it means that today, if we are attacked, our army will not be able to do anything; and so they are useless.”

If the army is supposed to fly in times of need, in times of difficulty, the army is supposed to go to the front line. We have no means for flying, they will just be idle, won’t they be useless?”.  

Somolon Owusu further went on to call on the military to address Ghanaians, as they must not see themselves as an Island.

“The military must not assume that whatever they are doing, they are on an island and not responsible to us. They have to be explaining matters to us,” he added.

Somolon Owusu further lambasted the former President Akufo-Addo-led administration over their misplaced priorities in allocating over US$22 million to architect David Adjaye for the design of the National Cathedral project.

Also, spending US$97 million to dig a hole at the National Cathedral project site while failing to procure military helicopters for the country.

He added, “That is why resource allocation, buying a robust helicopter, wouldn’t cost you more than US$15 million.

“But we found US$22 million and gave it to David Adjayi to just design. David Adjaye got more than US$22 million to just design what we call the National Cathedral. We found US$97 million just to go and dig a hole. That is the priority of the nation, and not the army.

“…and so, when these things come, I expect Col. Aboagye [and others] to face the music, look straight into those who have misinvested in this country to tell them enough is enough. Let us not embellish anything”, Solomon Owusu added.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

Watch the video below:

“NPP has set multiple traps for Mahama on the presidential jet” – Gov’t spokesperson

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Kwaku Owusu Banahene, a government spokesperson, has shockingly levelled serious allegations against the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of setting multiple traps for President John Dramani Mahama.

According to Kwaku Owusu Banahene, the NPP has poured acid in the pipes of the presidential jet, which has now corroded.

He further alleged that because of that, the NPP have opposed President John Mahama’s use of his brother’s private jet for his official travels.

Speaking in an interview on Angel TV on August 13, 2025, Kwaku Owusu Banahene alleged, “Some of the issues have to do with the presidential jet that has now been taken to France.

Everywhere you look at the NPP poured acid on all the pipes, and they are corroding. We cannot even bring back the presidential jet. So when the President uses his brother’s jet, they oppose it, questioning why he is using his brother’s jet”.

He further added, “When we talk about the traps they have set in the country, our eyes must be opened. The NPP has set multiple traps for President Mahama on the presidential jet and is constantly forcing him to use it”.

Kwaku Owusu Banahene made this comment following Ghana losing eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

It will be recalled that social media, some months ago, was set on fire with Ghanaians speculating after President Mahama travelled on the private jet owned by his businessman brother, Ibrahim Mahama, to the Gambia.

John Mahama was criticised for using his brother’s Dzata jet but was defended by government officials as cost-saving and timely for the state.

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister, Dr Omane Boamah, before his passing, revealed that Ghana’s presidential jet is sick and heavily corroded.

According to the Defence Minister, the Presidential jet is in France due to serious technical faults.

Omane Boamah further revealed that the return date for the Presidential jet keeps changing.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 21, Dr Omane Boamah stated, “It is sad to note that for some time now, whenever the president’s jet goes for either maintenance or overhaul, the date that is scheduled for it to return to Ghana keeps changing”.

“They have extended it to two months before, and later two and a half. In this case, as we speak, the aircraft is still not in.”

“We are hoping that the date that has been given will see the Falcon in Ghana,” he said.

“The truth is that the presidential jet is heavily corroded… However, that does not in any way justify hiring or renting luxurious aircraft persistently for presidential use,” he asserted.

Ghana’s Falcon 900 EX Presidential Jet was purchased in 2009 and arrived in the country in 2010.

It replaced a 37-year-old Foker 27 aircraft, which was regarded as a flying coffin.

The Falcon 900 EX Presidential Jet has since been grounded at the Dassault Falcon Service facility in Le Bourget, France, due to massive wear and tear issues.

In 2021, the former Akufo-Addo government sought to purchase a new and bigger jet for the Presidency, but faced public backlash over accusations of extravagant travels by Akufo-Addo.

Watch the video below:

Squadron Leader Anala was a top-certified VIP Pilot – Col Aboagye

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Festus Aboagye, a retired Colonel and security analyst, has said the pilot of the August 6 helicopter crash, Squadron Leader Anala, was a top-certified VIP Pilot.

According to Festus Aboagye, Squadron Leader Anala has 13 years of experience flying as a pilot.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV on August 13, Col Aboagye stated, “If we zero in on the Captain — Squadron Leader Anala, he’s got 13 years of experience flying as a pilot. Before he passed, he was the most senior, most competent helicopter pilot.

His grading was Category C certified for flying VIP flights, and he has been flying VIPs in helicopters. This is to disabuse the minds of Ghanaians that some people say, ‘oh, he was not competent,’” he said.

 He added, “Last point is that he has been trained in Aircraft investigation at Cranfield University, UK. Since his training, whatever that year was, he has been going back to Cranfield. The white man, Oyibo, Muzungo has been inviting him every year to come and deliver aircraft investigation training. He was very competent”.

“Among the three crew, he has 13 years, the Flying Officer has 5 years, the Flight Sergeant, the Engineer has 14 years. Ghanaians must throw away that stuff that maybe they were not competent”, he further detailed the experience of the other crew members.

In addition, Festus Aboagye has said there is no evidence of a mid-air explosion in the fatal Helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region.

According to Festus Aboagye, if the Helicopter exploded mid-air, the tops of the trees would be burnt, which would be evidence.

Col. Aboagye added, “Let me try and clear some of these conspiracies, about somebody emphatically saying that the helicopter crashed mid-air.

“The first thing is that there’s no evidence. The evidence that I have, call it empirical or recorded, is BBC. When the BBC does a report, they have done a lot of fact-checking. So BBC is saying that the eyewitness told us ‘loud noise’, ‘a ‘bang’, suggesting that there was an impact, and then there was an explosion,” he stated.

He added, “Assuming that it exploded mid-air, we must see the tops of the trees burnt, which will be part of the evidence”.

However, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, has alleged that available evidence implies the GAF Z-9 helicopter was blasted mid-air.

According to the deputy Majority Whip, the retrieval of the black box will let Ghanaians know what really caused the aircraft to blast before coming down.

Speaking on OKAY FM, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah stated, “The aircraft exploded; it did not crash. Let me tell you something: with all the crashes that have happened in the past, we see that the aircraft lands at a specific location. You would usually find it at a given location where the victims can all be found”.

But in this instance, the parts of the helicopter were scattered, and the victims were found at separate locations. In an aircraft where one is in a seatbelt, how did the victims end up scattered? We are told some of them were found in a deep valley. So, the aircraft blasted before reaching the ground,” she added.

The Deputy Majority Whip added, “We thank God that the black box has been found. Whatever the details are, the government should make them available because we are all interested parties. We want to know what happened that caused the aircraft to blast before coming down”.

Meanwhile, the  Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

Also, a state funeral will be held for Ghana’s eight fallen heroes tomorrow, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

Watch light light-hearted moment between Asiedu Nketia and NPP leadership

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A video has emerged of the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, sharing a light-hearted moment with some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership at the NDC headquarters.

The NPP paid a courtesy visit to the NDC following the tragic Helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia thanked the NPP for their decision to withdraw from the Tamale Central by-election and later used an Akan proverb suggesting one should leave a fight rather than wait to be beaten before leaving.

However, Asiedu Nketia boldly declared that although the NPP has withdrawn from the Tamale Central by-election, the NDC will still contest the Akwatia by-election.

Speaking during the engagement, Asideu Nketia stated, “I want to use this opportunity to thank you. I have heard that Tamale Central. You have issued a statement that when the time comes, you will not partake. We thank you”.

He added, “If someone beats you for you to go to private, it is better for you to go by yourself, that will be simple. So we thank you, but Akwatia, we are coming”.  

 The NPP’s decision not to contest the Tamale Central follows a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The NPP asserts that they believe it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

In a statement signed by Justin Kodua, the NPP General Secretary, on August 11, 2025, read, “The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resolved that it would not take part in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to elect a replacement for the late Alhaji Hon. Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, who was among the ecight (8) who lost their lives in service of the Republic in the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The statement added, “In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.

The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided”.

The NPP statement continued, “It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.

Meanwhile, Justin Frimpong Koduah, the General Secretary New Patriotic Party (NPP), during the engagement with the NDC, condemned threats targeted at President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, by their foot soldiers.

According to Justin Kodua, the NPP can never condone such activity, as it is not in the party’s character.

 Justin Frimpong Koduah stated, “Indeed, there are certain comments that are made by foot soldiers or even people who are not close to the party.

But when such unfortunate, condemnable statements are made, it is important for the leadership to distance ourselves and make it clear that this is not the character of our party”.

He added, “Some are claiming that the NPP is behind it, and some are even saying they expected other people to die. These things are not healthy for our democracy. Death is something that shouldn’t be wished for your worst enemy.

“So, if anything came from our side, on behalf of the party, we apologise to the NDC through you to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. It is not the position of the New Patriotic Party, and we never condone such activity,” he emphasised.

Watch the video below:

Richard Jakpa ‘fingered’ for blocking Journalists from interviewing GHS Director-General

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The information gathered suggests, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, has blocked a Journalist from interviewing the acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea.

According to reports, two journalists from The Fourth Estate, on August 11, were blocked by Richard Jakpa after reaching the Ghana Health Service headquarters for a scheduled interview.

Reports indicated the journalists were investigating a major health sector scandal and needed Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea to clarify some issues.

The acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service agreed to the interview and suggested the interview be held at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital).

Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, after the Journalist arrived, instructed a staff member to call National Security.

Richard Jakpa later called the journalist on the phone, saying, “So you went there, what are you working on?” and quizzed what exactly they were interviewing him about what exactly.

The reporters refused to give details of their interview due to journalistic confidentiality with Jakpa, then ordered them to leave.

The Fourth Estate journalist then left the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) after they felt threatened and later filed a complaint at the Ministries Police Station in Accra.

In addition, Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the MFWA, has asserted that the National Security is fast gaining notoriety for press freedom violations.

Speaking in an interview, he stated, “The National Security is fast gaining notoriety for press freedom violations in a way that is seriously disturbing”.

 “What has national security got to do with journalists doing a harmless exercise such as interviewing a public official? Why should national security officials be at the beck and call of public officials to do crude work for them?” he quizzed.

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has strongly condemned Richard Jakpa’s conduct as a blatant breach of Article 162 (4) of the 1992 Constitution.

They further cited the manhandling of Multimedia Group by National Security, also the three-hour interrogation of Prosper Agbenyegah, Editor of Current Issues newspaper by the National Security Secretariat into the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Also, MFWA is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to call his national security appointees to order following their constant disregard to press freedom under his regime.

In a related threat to journalists, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called for the arrest and interdiction of the National Security operatives who assaulted a JoyNews Journalist.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 30, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour stated, “We expect the government, even though we welcome their condemnation, to immediately interdict and arrest the security officers involved and begin investigations.

If, after investigations, they are not guilty, then they can be released. But what is the meaning of just issuing a directive for investigations while we sit back and watch?” he queried.

Meanwhile, Ghana has continued to drop in the Global Press Freedom Index.

Ghana improved on its ranking on the Index for 2024, moving from 62 to 5o, but has now dropped two places to 2025 in the latest press freedom index.

Journalists’ safety has seriously deteriorated in recent years as their work is frequently obstructed by politicians and Security Agencies.

Also, the brutal death of investigative reporter Ahmed Hussein-Suale some years ago has still not been resolved, although some progress has been made this year with a suspect now in court.  

NPP ‘runs’ from death threats against Mahama and Lordina Mahama

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Justin Frimpong Koduah, the General Secretary New Patriotic Party (NPP), has condemned threats targeted at President John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, by their foot soldiers.

According to Justin Kodua, the NPP can never condone such activity, as it is not in the party’s character.

 Justin Frimpong Koduah, during a visit to the NDC national headquarters, in a meeting with the National Chairman, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah and other executives, stated, “Indeed, there are certain comments that are made by foot soldiers or even people who are not close to the party.

But when such unfortunate, condemnable statements are made, it is important for the leadership to distance ourselves and make it clear that this is not the character of our party”.

He added, “Some are claiming that the NPP is behind it, and some are even saying they expected other people to die. These things are not healthy for our democracy. Death is something that shouldn’t be wished for your worst enemy.

“So, if anything came from our side, on behalf of the party, we apologise to the NDC through you to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. It is not the position of the New Patriotic Party, and we never condone such activity,” he emphasised.

Justin Frimpong Koduah’s comments come following the Ghana Police’s arrest of TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, the Police said, “The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral TikTok video in which an individual is heard threatening the lives of the President of the Republic, H E John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady.

The Ghana Police Service also revealed that other individuals believed to be accomplices are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

“So far, two people, Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are underway to get other persons believed to be connected to the video to assist with the investigation.”

However, TikTok personality Prince Ofori, alias Fante Comedy, has been granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court granted Fante Comedy a GH¢100,000  bail with three sureties. He is to provide two people who are gainfully employed. He is also to deposit his passport with the police.

His case is scheduled for further hearing on August 25, 2025.

However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Youth Wing had earlier condemned the Ghana Police Service for arresting a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy, Akosua Jollof and Sir-Obama Pokuase.

According to NPP, they are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens.

“NDC have already chosen their candidate, how do they change their mind?” – NPP on Akwatia by-election

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Haruna Mohammed, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Deputy General Secretary, has refuted claims that the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election was a political strategy aimed at getting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pull out of the Akwatia by-election.

The NPP man asserted that the NDC have already chosen their candidate for the Akwatia by-election, questioning the logic being made against the NPP for withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election.

Speaking on Channel One on Tuesday, August 12, Haruna Mohammed stated, “They have already chosen their candidate. How do they change their mind? We know very well that they have chosen a candidate. Once they have chosen a candidate, there is no way we can bait them.

“I have heard that they came to issue a statement. It is not different. You have already chosen a candidate and so why come back to tell the people that you are contesting? Who does not know that you are contesting?” he stated.

However, Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said his expectation is for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to withdraw from the upcoming parliamentary by-election for the Akwatia Constituency.

According to Nana Boakye, the NDC has lost five important party dignitaries and going into a fierce contest for them after their burial will not serve their memory.

He asserted that the NDC, in respect of their five members who died in the helicopter crash, should not go into active politics just after their burial.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, Nana Boakye stated, “That is my expectation, but then we leave it to them. The reason why I say so is that Akwatia is in the Eastern Region, and the NDC has lost five important party dignitaries, and we are mourning with them.

So, for me, you have a stalwart like Hon. from the Eastern Region, I would say that right after the state burial, then we enter into such fierce contest, for me it will not serve his memory right”.

He added, “I would say that if I were in the NDC, I think that the tension in the country, we can lower it, we can bring it down”.

“Recently, we had Ablekuma, which was a negative story, and then we’ve had this devastating news of this helicopter crash, and after this, we have a by-election ahead of us… It is their decision to make. For us, we are of the view that we do not think that we need to contest in the Tamale Central by-election,” he added.

Nana Boakye’s comments come following the NPP’s decision not to contest following a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The NPP asserts that they believe it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

In a statement signed by Justin Kodua, the NPP General Secretary, on August 11, 2025, read, “The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resolved that it would not take part in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to elect a replacement for the late Alhaji Hon. Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, who was among the ecight (8) who lost their lives in service of the Republic in the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The statement added, “In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.

The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided”.

The NPP statement continued, “It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.

There’s no evidence of a mid-air explosion in the fatal Helicopter crash – Col Aboagye

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Festus Aboagye, a retired Colonel and security analyst, has said there is no evidence of a mid-air explosion in the fatal Helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 at Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region.

According to Festus Aboagye, if the Helicopter exploded mid-air, the tops of the trees would be burnt, which would be evidence.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV on August 13, Col. Aboagye stated, “Let me try and clear some of these conspiracies, about somebody emphatically saying that the helicopter crashed mid-air.

“The first thing is that there’s no evidence. The evidence that I have, call it empirical or recorded, is BBC. When the BBC does a report, they have done a lot of fact-checking. So BBC is saying that the eyewitness told us ‘loud noise’, ‘a ‘bang’, suggesting that there was an impact, and then there was an explosion,” he stated.

He added, “Assuming that it exploded mid-air, we must see the tops of the trees burnt, which will be part of the evidence”.

However, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, has alleged that available evidence implies the GAF Z-9 helicopter was blasted mid-air.

According to the deputy Majority Whip, the retrieval of the black box will let Ghanaians know what really caused the aircraft to blast before coming down.

Speaking on OKAY FM, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah stated, “The aircraft exploded; it did not crash. Let me tell you something: with all the crashes that have happened in the past, we see that the aircraft lands at a specific location. You would usually find it at a given location where the victims can all be found”.

But in this instance, the parts of the helicopter were scattered, and the victims were found at separate locations. In an aircraft where one is in a seatbelt, how did the victims end up scattered? We are told some of them were found in a deep valley. So, the aircraft blasted before reaching the ground,” she added.

The Deputy Majority Whip added, “We thank God that the black box has been found. Whatever the details are, the government should make them available because we are all interested parties. We want to know what happened that caused the aircraft to blast before coming down”.

Meanwhile, the  Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

Also, a state funeral will be held for Ghana’s eight fallen heroes tomorrow, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.

“Ghanaians will know exactly what happened in the tragic crash ” – Deputy Defence Minister

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Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, has said whatever caused the Helicopter crash a week ago, on August 6, will be made known to Ghanaians once the investigation is over.

Brogya Genfi announced that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced investigations and is working with foreign experts to ensure a thorough and transparent probe.

Brogya Genfi made this known when the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs visited the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, August 13.

According the Brogya Genfi, the probe will be transparent and Ghanaians will know exactly what happened in the Helicopter crash.

Speaking to the Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Brogya Genfi stated, “We also want to assure you that the Ghana Armed Forces has already begun investigations into the incident. We have requested international collaboration and have received a positive response.

“And so we want to assure you, our Chiefs, that nothing will be covered; it will be transparent, and the public will know exactly what happened in the course of this tragic accident,” he said.

He further cautioned the media and analysts from churning out misinformation and untruths.

The deputy minister added, “We also want to caution the media and some analysts who have been churning out misinformation and untruths about this whole incident. All I want to say is that Ghanaians should trust that the Ministry and the Ghana Armed Forces will be diligent in the investigations and transparent about it.

“Whatever was the cause will be made known to the people of Ghana, and we will take some lessons from that. I don’t want to say anything beyond that.”

“Our minister was so fantastic. Even in the short period that he served at the Ministry, there are many people who have good stories to tell about him. We know the aggressive strategy that he undertook to retool the Ghana Armed Forces. Unfortunately for us, he didn’t live to see the fruits of that strategic step,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

In addition, President John Dramani Mahama had already announced that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full-scale investigation into the tragic helicopter crash.

According to John Mahama, an investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to lead the full-scale investigations.

Addressing the nation on August 7, 2025, John Mahama stated, “As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight bodies of our departed comrades have been recovered, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families regarding the identification of the bodies and their final interment.”

He added, “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians, united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity and now shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.

Watch the video below:

Plead with God before announcing prophecies of disaster – Cardinal Turkson tells Prophets

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Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican, His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, has urged prophets to plead with God before announcing prophecies of disaster.

Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson noted that people are advised to listen only to credible prophets, but what defines the credibility of prophets?

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 13, ahead of the inauguration of the John Kofi Turkson Memorial Institute in the Central Region, he stated, “If a prophecy reveals the possibility of disaster, your first act should be to intercede with God before announcing it”.

“When God shared with Abraham His intent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham pleaded for mercy. Likewise, if God shares such knowledge with you, pray first and ask for His intervention.”

“It is interesting when people advise others to listen only to credible prophets, but who defines credibility, and by what criteria? These are questions that need answers. In any case, wherever prophecies occur and God makes His knowledge known to you, consider the content carefully. If it requires intervention, please do that before communicating it to anyone,” he added.

His comments comes on the back of Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, in a statement on Sunday, August 10, called on all prophets, pastors, men and women of God in the Republic of Ghana to submit any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature for urgent review and appropriate escalation.

The statement read, “On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the Office of the Presidential Envoy, I extend heartfelt appreciation to you and your various denominations for your unwavering spiritual support, intercessory prayers, and sustained leadership in promoting peace, moral integrity, and national unity. Your role in Ghana’s spiritual and civic life remains indispensable”.

 “As part of strengthening national coordination on spiritual matters, especially in these times of uncertainty and complexity, we kindly encourage you to inform all Prophets, Men and Women of God under your oversight that any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature, especially those with implications for high-profile political leaders, governance, national security, or public stability should be formally relayed to the Office of the Presidential Envoy for urgent review and appropriate escalation. This is in the spirit of responsibility, discernment, and stewardship over the nation’s destiny.”

Also, Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, a former President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop Emeritus of the Konongo-Mampong Catholic Diocese, has urged Ghanaian prophets to learn and stop prophesying doom and gloom.

Meanwhile, a Ghanaian pastor, Samuel Henry, popularly known as Prophet Roja, has once again caused a stir over his latest pronouncements.

According to Prophet Roja, he wants to meet President John Dramani Mahama.

Prophet Roja boldly claimed that there is an attack on President Mahama in the realms of the spirit.

Speaking to his congregants, Prophet Roja stated, “I want to meet the President of Ghana. If you are watching me, I don’t know where the office is, but I want to meet you in all humility and respect.

Where Ghana has gotten to, everyone is saying things, but our leaders are not listening. I am saying to men of God to rise up and pray; Muslims should also rise up.

Mr President, there is an attàck on you in the realms of the spirit. That is what they do not want us to say for God to save you. We will speak in the Lord’s voice”, he added.

Fante Comedy, Sir Obama Pokuase granted GH¢100k and GH¢50k bail

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TikTok personality Prince Ofori, alias Fante Comedy, and Social media activist Daniel Adomako, known as Sir Obama Pokuase, have both been granted bail by the Accra Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court granted Fante Comedy a GH¢100,000  bail with three sureties. He is to provide two people who are gainfully employed. He is also to deposit his passport with the police.

His case is scheduled for further hearing on August 25, 2025.

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof were arrested following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, the Police said, “The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral TikTok video in which an individual is heard threatening the lives of the President of the Republic, H E John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady.

The Ghana Police Service also revealed that other individuals believed to be accomplices are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

“So far, two people, Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are underway to get other persons believed to be connected to the video to assist with the investigation.”

Also, Sir Obama Pokuase was granted GH¢50,000 with three sureties.

He is to provide two salaried workers and a government employee earning not less than GH¢3,000 as sureties.

Sir Obama Pokuase was picked up over false publications on issues relating to national security.

In a series of posts on social media, Sir Obama Pokuase made a series of allegations against the Inspector General of the Ghana Police, Christian Yohonu.

According to the Police, he is assisting them with investigations into videos and images allegedly showing individuals brandishing high-grade firearms.

However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the Ghana Police Service for arresting a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy, Akosua Jollof and Sir-Obama Pokuase.

According to NPP, they are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens.

Meanwhile, Salam Mustapha, the NPP National Youth Organiser, has described Sir Obama Pokuase’s arrest as proof of selective justice.

According to him, law enforcement has yet to deal with the person who attacked NPP’s Hawa Koomson and Chris Loyd during the July 11 rerun of elections in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, he stated, “These are known people and have even been identified, yet the police haven’t arrested a fly. Meanwhile, they have gone after others whose only offence was making a comment or two deemed inappropriate”.

“It cannot be established anywhere in the video that he was holding any weapon. Yet his home was ransacked, his door broken down, and heavily armed men arrested this harmless young man before taking him to the CID headquarters. Is this the democracy we are building?” he questioned.

“NDC witchcraft has made their people die in a plane crash” – NPP’s Ama Daaku

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Ellen Ama Daaku, a communications officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has shockingly stated that the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people a week ago was caused by the NDC witchcraft.

According to Ellen Ama Daaku, the tragic Helicopter crash would not have happened if the NDC in opposition had not opposed Akufo-Addo’s attempt to retool the Ghana Armed Forces.

Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV/FM, Ama Daaku shockingly stated, “As for you, your witchcraft has made your people die in a plane crash. We are all quiet, but it was because of their witchcraft. Let me explain to you why I said this happened because of their witchcraft.

“Two years ago, His Excellency Nana Addo, through his defence minister, Dominic Nitiwul, went to Parliament and said that we need to retool our military. What transpired? Okudzeto Ablakwa, with his teeth like a plier used to break glass, descended on Akufo-Addo in this country, a whole president”.

“Anytime Nana Addo travels, he (Ablakwa) goes to the airlines to ask how much it costs. Were we not in this country? Did they call him to order? During that time, if they had been quiet for us to order the planes and helicopters (sic)… we might not have encountered this tragedy,” she added.

Ghana lost eight people, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama has called on Ghanaians to rise above political divisions and unite in this time of national mourning.

According to Mahama, Ghanaians must come together and bid a fitting farewell to the deceased.

Speaking to the nation on August 7, 2025, John Mahama stated, “This is not a time for division, speculation or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.

“To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and legacy.

“May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”

John Mahama further revealed that the government will initiate a full-scale investigation into the tragic helicopter crash.

He added, “As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight bodies of our departed comrades have been recovered, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families regarding the identification of the bodies and their final interment.”

He further added, “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians, united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity and now shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.

Watch the video below:

“I want to meet Mahama, there is an attack on you in the realms of the spirit” – Prophet Roja

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A Ghanaian pastor, Samuel Henry, popularly known as Prophet Roja, has once again caused a stir over his latest pronouncements.

According to Prophet Roja, he wants to meet President John Dramani Mahama.

Prophet Roja boldly claimed that there is an attack on President Mahama in the realms of the spirit.

Speaking to his congregants, Prophet Roja stated, “I want to meet the President of Ghana. If you are watching me, I don’t know where the office is, but I want to meet you in all humility and respect.

Where Ghana has gotten to, everyone is saying things, but our leaders are not listening. I am saying to men of God to rise up and pray; Muslims should also rise up.

Mr President, there is an attàck on you in the realms of the spirit. That is what they do not want us to say for God to save you. We will speak in the Lord’s voice”, he added.

Meanwhile, a Ghanaian pastor has tackled Samuel Henry, popularly known as Prophet Roja, over his prophecy about the helicopter crash.

According to the Ghanaian pastor, Prophet Roja’s helicopter prophecy is divination and sorcery.

He noted that a prophecy must have a way out, adding that one can stand and make statements and projections, and it will come to pass.

Speaking at a vigil on August 9, 2025, the pastor stated, “He [Roja] is not part of the prophetic and apostolic ministry. He doesn’t understand. Even in life, when you travel, some people will ask about your credentials if they want you to preach to them.

They’ll ask about your level of experience. But it’s only in Ghana that someone will just get up, go on social media, and make these kinds of statements”.

He added, “I don’t believe this is what the Lord revealed. It’s divination. I’m telling you that Roja man should be careful. He’s not mature at all. This is not prophecy. A prophecy must have a way out. This is what we call divination and sorcery. I can stand and make a statement, and I’ll make projections, and it will come to pass”.

However, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, in a statement on Sunday, August 10, called on all prophets, pastors, men and women of God in the Republic of Ghana to submit any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature for urgent review and appropriate escalation.

The statement read, “On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the Office of the Presidential Envoy, I extend heartfelt appreciation to you and your various denominations for your unwavering spiritual support, intercessory prayers, and sustained leadership in promoting peace, moral integrity, and national unity. Your role in Ghana’s spiritual and civic life remains indispensable”.

 “As part of strengthening national coordination on spiritual matters, especially in these times of uncertainty and complexity, we kindly encourage you to inform all Prophets, Men and Women of God under your oversight that any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature, especially those with implications for high-profile political leaders, governance, national security, or public stability should be formally relayed to the Office of the Presidential Envoy for urgent review and appropriate escalation. This is in the spirit of responsibility, discernment, and stewardship over the nation’s destiny.”

Also, Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, a former President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop Emeritus of the Konongo-Mampong Catholic Diocese, has urged Ghanaian prophets to learn and stop prophesying doom and gloom.

Watch the video below:

“I have never been an NDC Member” – Kojo Choi

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Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has said he is not politically aligned with any political party.

According to Kojo Choi, he is not a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) despite his appointment by John Mahama.

He further revealed he has never been part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that he knows and has a lot of connections within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Kojo Choi, a co-founder of PaySwitch, also revealed his company was launched by Bawumia due to his strong interest in digitalisation.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 12, stated, “I have never been political. I know a lot of people in the NPP. For example, our company PaySwitch was launched by Dr Bawumia, who came because he is very interested in digitalisation, not for political reasons.

The company is one I co-founded with my partner, and people assumed there was a political connection, but there wasn’t,” he said.

He also narrated how Rebecca Akufo-Addo attended his art gallery due to her passion for art.

According to him, he has never lobbied or sponsored any political cause and has always been a quiet entrepreneur.

He added, “ I had Rebecca Akufo-Addo to launch and open our gallery, which was in Osu Oxford Street, she happens to love arts and she knew what I was doing. I was trying to support artists, not well-known ones”.

I have a lot of friends in the NPP, also in the NDC, but I have never lobbied or sponsored any political cause. I have always been a quiet entrepreneur and a missionary.

Mr Choi further touched on his relation with President Mahama, “He is a Vandal. When he first became a vice president, the Vandal sent five members to go and congratulate him, and I happened to be one of the five”.

I used to run a restaurant, so running such fine dining, you have politicians from every corner walking in, so I became close to them. His Excellency, the president, I met him there, also a few other places”.

Mr Choi added, “The place that caught my attention of me was when he was invited to speak as the keynote speaker two years ago for a Korean Africa Business summit, and I was also invited to speak on the panels. So he basically saw me working with high-level Koreans and saw that he is one of us, but so fluid. So he believes I will do very well for Ghana if appointed to Korea.

“It is nothing political, purely based on competence, and time is the only judge to show whether the decision was the right decision”, he boldly added.

The Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, also revealed he scored an aggregate 5 in Asnati Twi in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to Kojo Choi, his two fully Ghanaian friends, on the other hand, had six and seven in Ashanti Twi during the BECE.

Kojo Choi, speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, shared his personal academic experience.

Mr Choi revealed he attended a school in Tema called SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School and later joined the University of Ghana to pursue his university studies.

He recounted, “I couldn’t speak Twi when I first arrived in Ghana. I attended SOS Junior High School in Tema, and that’s where I learnt it. I had an aggregate 5 in Ashanti Twi for BECE, while my Ghanaian friend, who is fully Ghanaian, had six, and another had seven. I had a pass mark, but it’s not easy to get that”.

He also explained that his early education at SOS College, a boarding school, restricted students to speaking only English, French, or Swedish.

“I was privileged to pick pidgin language as my third language,” he recalled.

According to him his his exposure to various cultures across Ghana also shaped his linguistic capabilities.

 “I used to go to the Upper East Region when I was very young, and because they speak just the Frafra language, I can speak a little,” he noted.

He added that he is fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra and also stressed his Ghanaian roots.

Kojo Choi, in the interview, also stressed that he is a full Ghanaian citizen and holds only a Ghanaian passport.

He revealed that he was born to Korean parents, but he moved to Ghana at the age of 14 and naturalised as a Ghanaian in 1999.

Kojo Choi affirmed, “I am a full Ghanaian; I don’t hold any other passport apart from the Ghanaian passport. This is my home”.

However, Kojo Choi’s appointment by President John Dramani Mahama to serve as Ghana Ambassador-Designate to South Korea stirred controversy.

Some Ghanaians quizzed the President on why someone of Korean descent was chosen to represent Ghana in South Korea.

However, Kojo Choi fortified his selection, emphasising that he has spent most of his life in Ghana and voluntarily acquired Ghanaian citizenship.

Watch the video below:

“Foolishness! A serious example needs to be made” – Kwesi Pratt on TikTokers who threatened Mahama

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Kwesi Pratt Jr, a veteran journalist and managing editor of the Insight Newspaper, has called for strict punishment for TikTokers who threatened to end the life of President John Dramani Mahama and Lordina Mahama.

According to Kwesi Pratt, it is foolishness and would not be tolerated in any country.

Speaking on Good Morning Ghana, Kwesi Pratt did not mince words, calling for an example to be made, saying, “ I think they should make a serious example of them; this is not a matter to be treated lightly. Threatening people with death doesn’t matter if the person threatened is not the president”.

“I think we should make a serious example out of these people, foolishness. I mean, you just take your phone and video yourself threatening to kill the president and put his body in a cocoa sack and throw him away and behead his wife. Who will tolerate this? In which country will this be tolerated? We need to make a serious example of them”, he added.

Kwesi Pratt’s comments follow the Ghana Police Service announcing the arrest of a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof, over threatening the lives of President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof were arrested following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, the Police said, “The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral TikTok video in which an individual is heard threatening the lives of the President of the Republic, H E John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady.

The Ghana Police Service also revealed that other individuals believed to be accomplices are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

“So far, two people, Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are underway to get other persons believed to be connected to the video to assist with the investigation.”

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the Ghana Police Service for arresting a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy, Akosua Jollof and Sir-Obama Pokuase.

According to NPP, they are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens.

In a statement signed by Salam Mustapha, the NPP’s National Youth Organiser, read, “The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has noted with disdain the arrest and detention of two TikTokers yesterday over a viral video, as well as the arrest of Sir-Obama Pokuase, a social media activist, this morning.

We are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens who, out of exuberance, made comments deemed unsuitable for the moment. These Social Media Activists, like all of us, acknowledge the grief that has gripped the nation. These Social Media Activists have no actionable ability to cause any harm nor intend to do so, except for their comments, which, however unsavoury, are opinions they are entitled to”.

The statement further urged the Ghana Police that there is freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens.

It added, “We need not remind the Ghana Police that freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens and that the partisan approach being adopted by the current security system of the state is very worrisome.

The current IGP, who was a Deputy IGP under the erstwhile NPP administration, should know that there is are plethora of more, if not worse, reckless comments and videos of NDC activists that his outfit tolerated. Why the intolerance today? Why is the malicious treatment of all persons who identify with the NPP the new issue for the security setup? Is it a deliberate attempt to intimidate us?

The Ghana Police Service should not be a wimp for the executive. Your motto is ‘Service with Integrity`, so we ask you, where is the INTEGRÍTY you speak off?”.

Salam Mustapha’s statement further reminded the Police of the violent attack on Hawa Koomson and Chris Lloyd during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun.

The statement added, “Ghana Police Service, on the 11th of July, there was a violent attack on a former Minister of State and MP for Awutu Senya East – Hon. Hawa Koomson, Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd and other ‘members of the NPP by known attackers during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun. You have woefully failed to do your work to arrest and prosecute them because they are NDC members. They are walking free men. Yet you arrest harmless youth for just a social media conversation. This is shamelessly biased and absolutely partisan.

We strongly condemn these arrests. It flies in the face of our democratic ethos. We demand the unconditional and immediate release of Fante Comedy, AY and Sir-Obama Pokuase”

Watch the video below:

Gov’t requests international help in probing Z-9 helicopter crash – Deputy Defence Minister

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Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, has announced that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced investigations and is working with foreign experts to ensure a thorough and transparent probe.

Brogya Genfi made this known when the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs visited the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday, August 13.

According the Brogya Genfi, the probe will be transparent and Ghanaians will know exactly what happened in the Helicopter crash.

Speaking to the Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Brogya Genfi stated, “We also want to assure you that the Ghana Armed Forces has already begun investigations into the incident. We have requested international collaboration and have received a positive response.

“And so we want to assure you, our Chiefs, that nothing will be covered; it will be transparent, and the public will know exactly what happened in the course of this tragic accident,” he said.

He further cautioned the media and analysts from churning out misinformation and untruths.

The deputy minister added, “We also want to caution the media and some analysts who have been churning out misinformation and untruths about this whole incident. All I want to say is that Ghanaians should trust that the Ministry and the Ghana Armed Forces will be diligent in the investigations and transparent about it.

“Whatever was the cause will be made known to the people of Ghana, and we will take some lessons from that. I don’t want to say anything beyond that.”

“Our minister was so fantastic. Even in the short period that he served at the Ministry, there are many people who have good stories to tell about him. We know the aggressive strategy that he undertook to retool the Ghana Armed Forces. Unfortunately for us, he didn’t live to see the fruits of that strategic step,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

In addition, President John Dramani Mahama had already announced that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full-scale investigation into the tragic helicopter crash.

According to John Mahama, an investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to lead the full-scale investigations.

Addressing the nation on August 7, 2025, John Mahama stated, “As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight bodies of our departed comrades have been recovered, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families regarding the identification of the bodies and their final interment.”

He added, “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians, united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity and now shared sorrow. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.

Watch the video below:

National Security picks up NPP’s Sir Obama Pokuase over false publications

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The National Security operatives have reportedly picked up NPP member and serial commentator, Sir Obama Pokuase.

According to reports, Sir Obama Pokuase was picked up over false publications on issues relating to national security.

In a series of posts on social media, Sir Obama Pokuase made a series of allegations against the Inspector General of the Ghana Police, Christian Yohonu.

Also, the Ghana Police Service announced the arrest of a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof, over threatening the lives of President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof were arrested following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, the Police said, “The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral TikTok video in which an individual is heard threatening the lives of the President of the Republic, H E John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady.

The Ghana Police Service also revealed that other individuals believed to be accomplices are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

“So far, two people, Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are underway to get other persons believed to be connected to the video to assist with the investigation.”

However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the Ghana Police Service for arresting a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy, Akosua Jollof and Sir-Obama Pokuase.

According to NPP, they are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens.

In a statement signed by Salam Mustapha, the NPP’s National Youth Organiser, read, “The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has noted with disdain the arrest and detention of two TikTokers yesterday over a viral video, as well as the arrest of Sir-Obama Pokuase, a social media activist, this morning.

We are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens who, out of exuberance, made comments deemed unsuitable for the moment. These Social Media Activists, like all of us, acknowledge the grief that has gripped the nation. These Social Media Activists have no actionable ability to cause any harm nor intend to do so, except for their comments, which, however unsavoury, are opinions they are entitled to”.

The statement further urged the Ghana Police that there is freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens.

It added, “We need not remind the Ghana Police that freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens and that the partisan approach being adopted by the current security system of the state is very worrisome.

The current IGP, who was a Deputy IGP under the erstwhile NPP administration, should know that there is are plethora of more, if not worse, reckless comments and videos of NDC activists that his outfit tolerated. Why the intolerance today? Why is the malicious treatment of all persons who identify with the NPP the new issue for the security setup? Is it a deliberate attempt to intimidate us?

The Ghana Police Service should not be a wimp for the executive. Your motto is ‘Service with Integrity`, so we ask you, where is the INTEGRÍTY you speak off?”.

Salam Mustapha’s statement further reminded the Police of the violent attack on Hawa Koomson and Chris Lloyd during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun.

The statement added, “Ghana Police Service, on the 11th of July, there was a violent attack on a former Minister of State and MP for Awutu Senya East – Hon. Hawa Koomson, Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd and other ‘members of the NPP by known attackers during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun. You have woefully failed to do your work to arrest and prosecute them because they are NDC members. They are walking free men. Yet you arrest harmless youth for just a social media conversation. This is shamelessly biased and absolutely partisan.

We strongly condemn these arrests. It flies in the face of our democratic ethos. We demand the unconditional and immediate release of Fante Comedy, AY and Sir-Obama Pokuase”

See the post below:

“My appointment is nothing political, purely based on competence” – Kojo Choi

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Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, Kojo Choi, has said his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama is nothing political but purely based on competence.

Kojo Choi revealed that President John Mahama took notice of him when the president was invited as a keynote speaker at the Korean Africa Business Summit two years ago.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 12, Kojo Choi narrated the first time he met John Mahama saying, “He is a Vandal. When he first became a vice president, the Vandal sent five members to go and congratulate him, and I happened to be one of the five”.

I used to run a restaurant, so running such fine dining, you have politicians from every corner walking in, so I became close to them. His Excellency, the president, I met him there, also a few other places”.

Mr Choi added, “The place that caught my attention of me was when he was invited to speak as the keynote speaker two years ago for a Korean Africa Business summit, and I was also invited to speak on the panels. So he basically saw me working with high-level Koreans and saw that he is one of us, but so fluid. So he believes I will do very well for Ghana if appointed to Korea.

“It is nothing political, purely based on competence, and time is the only judge to show whether the decision was the right decision”, he boldly added.

Kojo Choi added that he is not a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) despite his appointment by John Mahama.

He further revealed he has never been part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that he knows and has a lot of connections within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Kojo Choi, a co-founder of PaySwitch, also revealed his company was launched by Bawumia due to his strong interest in digitalisation.

I have never been political. I know a lot of people in the NPP. For example, our company PaySwitch was launched by Dr Bawumia, who came because he is very interested in digitalisation, not for political reasons.

The company is one I co-founded with my partner, and people assumed there was a political connection, but there wasn’t,” he said.

He also narrated how Rebecca Akufo-Addo attended his art gallery due to her passion for art.

According to him, he has never lobbied or sponsored any political cause and has always been a quiet entrepreneur.

He added, “ I had Rebecca Akufo-Addo to launch and open our gallery, which was in Osu Oxford Street, she happens to love arts and she knew what I was doing. I was trying to support artists, not well-known ones”.

I have a lot of friends in the NPP, also in the NDC, but I have never lobbied or sponsored any political cause. I have always been a quiet entrepreneur and a missionary.

The Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, also revealed he scored an aggregate 5 in Asnati Twi in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to Kojo Choi, his two fully Ghanaian friends, on the other hand, had six and seven in Ashanti Twi during the BECE.

Kojo Choi, speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, shared his personal academic experience.

Mr Choi revealed he attended a school in Tema called SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School and later joined the University of Ghana to pursue his university studies.

He recounted, “I couldn’t speak Twi when I first arrived in Ghana. I attended SOS Junior High School in Tema, and that’s where I learnt it. I had an aggregate 5 in Ashanti Twi for BECE, while my Ghanaian friend, who is fully Ghanaian, had six, and another had seven. I had a pass mark, but it’s not easy to get that”.

He also explained that his early education at SOS College, a boarding school, restricted students to speaking only English, French, or Swedish.

“I was privileged to pick pidgin language as my third language,” he recalled.

According to him his his exposure to various cultures across Ghana also shaped his linguistic capabilities.

 “I used to go to the Upper East Region when I was very young, and because they speak just the Frafra language, I can speak a little,” he noted.

He added that he is fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra and also stressed his Ghanaian roots.

Kojo Choi, in the interview, also stressed that he is a full Ghanaian citizen and holds only a Ghanaian passport.

He revealed that he was born to Korean parents, but he moved to Ghana at the age of 14 and naturalised as a Ghanaian in 1999.

Kojo Choi affirmed, “I am a full Ghanaian; I don’t hold any other passport apart from the Ghanaian passport. This is my home”.

However, Kojo Choi’s appointment by President John Dramani Mahama to serve as Ghana Ambassador-Designate to South Korea stirred controversy.

Some Ghanaians quizzed the President on why someone of Korean descent was chosen to represent Ghana in South Korea.

However, Kojo Choi fortified his selection, emphasising that he has spent most of his life in Ghana and voluntarily acquired Ghanaian citizenship.

Watch the video below:

“I got an aggregate 5 in Twi, while my fully Ghanaian friends got 6 and 7” – Kojo Choi

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Kojo Choi, Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, has revealed he scored an aggregate 5 in Asnati Twi in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to Kojo Choi, his two fully Ghanaian friends, on the other hand, had six and seven in Ashanti Twi during the BECE.

Kojo Choi, speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, shared his personal academic experience.

Mr Choi revealed he attended a school in Tema called SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School and later joined the University of Ghana to pursue his university studies.

He recounted, “I couldn’t speak Twi when I first arrived in Ghana. I attended SOS Junior High School in Tema, and that’s where I learnt it. I had an aggregate 5 in Ashanti Twi for BECE, while my Ghanaian friend, who is fully Ghanaian, had six, and another had seven. I had a pass mark, but it’s not easy to get that”.

He also explained that his early education at SOS College, a boarding school, restricted students to speaking only English, French, or Swedish.

“I was privileged to pick pidgin language as my third language,” he recalled.

According to him his his exposure to various cultures across Ghana also shaped his linguistic capabilities.

 “I used to go to the Upper East Region when I was very young, and because they speak just the Frafra language, I can speak a little,” he noted.

He added that he is fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra and also stressed his Ghanaian roots.

Kojo Choi, in the interview, also stressed that he is a full Ghanaian citizen and holds only a Ghanaian passport.

He revealed that he was born to Korean parents, but he moved to Ghana at the age of 14 and naturalised as a Ghanaian in 1999.

Kojo Choi affirmed, “I am a full Ghanaian; I don’t hold any other passport apart from the Ghanaian passport. This is my home”.

He further revealed he has never been part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that he knows and has a lot of connections within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Kojo Choi, a co-founder of PaySwitch, also revealed his company was launched by Bawumia due to his strong interest in digitalisation.

“I have never been political. I know a lot of people in the NPP. For example, our company PaySwitch was launched by Dr. Bawumia because he is very interested in digitalisation—not for political reasons,” he explained.

He also narrated how Rebecca Akufo-Addo attended his art gallery due to her passion for art.

According to him, he has never lobbied or sponsored any political cause and has always been a quiet entrepreneur.

Meanwhile, Kojo Choi’s appointment by President John Dramani Mahama to serve as Ghana Ambassador-Designate to South Korea stirred controversy.

Some Ghanaians quizzed the President on why someone of Korean descent was chosen to represent Ghana in South Korea.

However, Kojo Choi fortified his selection, emphasising that he has spent most of his life in Ghana and voluntarily acquired Ghanaian citizenship.

His appointment is historical, as Choi is the first individual of Korean descent to hold such a diplomatic post in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Watch the video below:

“I am a full Ghanaian, this is my home” – Kojo Choi

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Kojo Choi, Ghana’s Ambassador-Designate to South Korea, has reaffirmed that he is fully Ghanaian.

According to him, Ghana is his home after being naturalised as a Ghanaian in 1999.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 12, stated, “I am a full Ghanaian; I don’t hold any other passport apart from the Ghanaian passport. This is my home”.

He further revealed he has never been part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding that he knows and has a lot of connections within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Kojo Choi, a co-founder of PaySwitch, also revealed his company was launched by Bawumia due to his strong interest in digitalisation.

“I have never been political. I know a lot of people in the NPP. For example, our company PaySwitch was launched by Dr Bawumia, who came because he is very interested in digitalisation, not for political reasons. The company is one I co-founded with my partner, and people assumed there was a political connection, but there wasn’t,” he said.

He also narrated how Rebecca Akufo-Addo attended his art gallery due to her passion for art.

According to him, he has never lobbied or sponsored any political cause and has always been a quiet entrepreneur.

Mr Choi also revealed he attended a school in Tema called SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School and later joined the University of Ghana to pursue his university studies.

Speaking in that same interview on Channel One, Mr Choi shared his personal academic experience.

Kojo Choi revealed he scored an aggregate 5 in Asnati Twi in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to Kojo Choi, his two fully Ghanaian friends, on the other hand, had six and seven in Ashanti Twi during the BECE.

He recounted, “I couldn’t speak Twi when I first arrived in Ghana. I attended SOS Junior High School in Tema, and that’s where I learnt it. I had an aggregate 5 in Ashanti Twi for BECE, while my Ghanaian friend, who is fully Ghanaian, had six, and another had seven. I had a pass mark, but it’s not easy to get that”.

He also explained that his early education at SOS College, a boarding school, restricted students to speaking only English, French, or Swedish.

“I was privileged to pick pidgin language as my third language,” he recalled.

According to him his his exposure to various cultures across Ghana also shaped his linguistic capabilities.

 “I used to go to the Upper East Region when I was very young, and because they speak just the Frafra language, I can speak a little,” he noted.

He added that he is fluent in Twi and conversant in Frafra and also stressed his Ghanaian roots.

Meanwhile, Kojo Choi’s appointment by President John Dramani Mahama to serve as Ghana Ambassador-Designate to South Korea stirred controversy.

Some Ghanaians quizzed the President on why someone of Korean descent was chosen to represent Ghana in South Korea.

However, Kojo Choi fortified his selection, emphasising that he has spent most of his life in Ghana and voluntarily acquired Ghanaian citizenship.

Watch the video below:

“Multichoice thinks Ghanaians will turn on me because of the EPL” – Sam George 

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Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, has said that MultiChoice, the operator of DStv Ghana, has taken a recalcitrant position.

According to Sam George, Multichoice thinks Ghanaians will turn on him because of the English Premier League (EPL).

He noted that, as a regulator, they have a responsibility when there is a monopoly to act in the interest of Ghanaians.

Sam George on JOY FM Super Morning Show on August 12, 2025, broke down the Impasse with DStv.  

He stated, “I had made a request for 30%. There’s a reason behind the 30%. In April this year, MultiChoice increased their prices by 15%… at that time, the cedi had appreciated by about 10% against the dollar… So there was absolutely no justification for that 15%. So I’m reversing that 15% and then demanding a further 15% for the Ghanaian people.

They have said to me that they have a position we are not going to drop by even one cent. My advice to businesses is that you don’t fight your regulator”.

He added, “When I say that I have engaged, I have gone as far as speaking to the South African Minister of ICT to speak to them, but Multichoice has taken a recalcitrant position because they think it is wrong calculations, that Ghanaian people will turn on Sam George because of the EPL.

As a regulator, we have a responsibility when there is a monopoly to act in the interest of the people”.

Sam George further revealed that DStv wrote to NCA without copying him in the message, stating they would not comply with his directive for a price reduction in subscription prices.

The sector minister fumed, “They wrote to my regulator, the NCA [National Communications Authority], asking the NCA to write to them confirming that the NCA would not comply with my directive as minister… You write to my regulator; you don’t copy me”.

“When you say you have a low subscription in Ghana, it’s because your prices are not uniform and have led to cross-border piracy on your platform”, he charged.

Sam George further cited MultiChoice court cases in Malawi and in Nigeria, which led to a price drop.

“In Malawi, in 2023… they just shut them down… MultiChoice went to court, lost the case, and four months later came back, offered one week free… and dropped the prices. In Liberia… they slashed the premium package by $30. In Nigeria in 2024… the Nigerian House of Reps passed an instruction prohibiting the increases”, he detailed.

Sam George further announced that Canal+ has reached out to him, and he made Ghana’s request clear to them.

Canal+ has acquired MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, in a $3 billion deal, which will give it control over DStv and GOtv.  

Sam George added, “Canal+ has reached out and I’ve made it clear to them if they want to come into Ghana and operate… this is our request. Canal Plus’s attitude is light-years more positive than that of MultiChoice”.

It will be recalled that Sam George, speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, announced MultiChoice broadcast license will be suspended by the National Communications Authority (NCA) if they fail to reduce subscription prices by August 7, 2025.

The NCA has subsequently written to MultiChoice DStv, issuing a 30-day notice to suspend the DStv broadcasting licence.

Meanwhile, the countdown is on and ticking towards the September 6 deadline, with many Ghanaians patiently waiting to see how the DStv subscription prices will be resolved.  

In addition, Fuseini Issah, former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, has told Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, to desist from fighting DStv Ghana publicly.

The former member of parliament noted that Sam George publicly fighting DStv will deter the investors from entering the market the Ghanaian market.

According to Fuseini Issah, a calm dialogue will be better than public confrontation.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, August 4, Fuseini Issah stated, “If you are fighting DStv publicly, I don’t see how another company will find this environment attractive enough to bring their investment.

You don’t know how this is going to affect the business environment in Ghana and our foreign investment,” he said.

He added, “I think we should find cool heads, go back to the table, and resolve this matter.”

Watch the video below:

NPP Youth Wing condemns the arrest of Fante Comedy, AY and Sir-Obama Pokuase

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the Ghana Police Service for arresting a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy, Akosua Jollof and Sir-Obama Pokuase.

According to NPP, they are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens.

In a statement signed by Salam Mustapha, the NPP’s National Youth Organiser, read, “The National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has noted with disdain the arrest and detention of two TikTokers yesterday over a viral video, as well as the arrest of Sir-Obama Pokuase, a social media activist, this morning.

We are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens who, out of exuberance, made comments deemed unsuitable for the moment. These Social Media Activists, like all of us, acknowledge the grief that has gripped the nation. These Social Media Activists have no actionable ability to cause any harm nor intend to do so, except for their comments, which, however unsavoury, are opinions they are entitled to”.

The statement further urged the Ghana Police that there is freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens.

It added, “We need not remind the Ghana Police that freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens and that the partisan approach being adopted by the current security system of the state is very worrisome.

The current IGP, who was a Deputy IGP under the erstwhile NPP administration, should know that there are plethora of more, if not worse, reckless comments and videos of NDC activists that his outfit tolerated. Why the intolerance today? Why is the malicious treatment of all persons who identify with the NPP the new ish for the security setup? Is it a deliberate attempt to intimidate us?

The Ghana Police Service should not be a wimp for the executive. Your motto is ‘Service with Integrity`, so we ask you, where is the INTEGRÍTY you speak off?”.

Salam Mustapha’s statement further reminded the Police of the violent attack on Hawa Koomson and Chris Lloyd during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun.

The statement added, “Ghana Police Service, on the 11th of July, there was a violent attack on a former Minister of State and MP for Awutu Senya East – Hon. Hawa Koomson, Deputy National Organiser of the NPP, Chris Lloyd and other ‘members of the NPP by known attackers during the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun. You have woefully failed to do your work to arrest and prosecute them because they are NDC members. They are walking free men. Yet you arrest harmless youth for just a social media conversation. This is shamelessly biased and absolutely partisan

We strongly condemn these arrests. It flies in the face of our democratic ethos. We demand the unconditional and immediate release of Fante Comedy, AY and Sir-Obama Pokuase”

Meanwhile, TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof were arrested following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, the Police said, “The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral TikTok video in which an individual is heard threatening the lives of the President of the Republic, H E John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady.

The Ghana Police Service also revealed that other individuals believed to be accomplices are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

“So far, two people, Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are underway to get other persons believed to be connected to the video to assist with the investigation.”

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof’s comment comes after the helicopter crash carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The eight were on their way to Obuasi to attend an event aimed at fighting illegal mining.

See the statement below:

Unknown armed men allegedly abduct Wontumi TV presenter

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The information gathered suggests that unknown armed men allegedly abducted Wontumi TV presenter Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare.

According to reports, Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare was whisked away in a dramatic “Rambo-style” operation.

Eyewitnesses say the assailants, heavily armed, arrived in unmarked vehicles, firing warning shots all over, forcibly picked up the journalist, and sped off without revealing their identities or intentions.

The motive behind the abduction remains unclear.

However, Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare, after the tragic Helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed eight lives, boldly stated that President John Mahama could be held accountable for the accident.

Speaking on Wontumi TV, Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare stated, “Mahama should be held accountable; he is aware of everything. Asiedu Nketia should be asked why he said he would not attend the event but delegated responsibility to Samuel Sarpong.

The document was also given to Fiifi Kwetey to go, and he also refused, asking the NDC’s first vice, Samuel Sarpong, to attend instead.”

He further claimed, “Another instance, the plane was there, the delegates and protocols were on board, and Ato Forson pulled out Muntaka for a meeting, is it madness?

Eight people’s husbands, fathers, and you are telling us this nonsense to believe”.  

In addition, the Wontumi TV issued a public apology to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the general public over recent comments made by one of our on-air presenters, alleging that the President had a hand in the recent tragic military helicopter crash.

Wontumi TV statement read, “The management of Wontumi TV wishes to inform the general public that comments made by our presenter, Akyenkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, on Saturday, 9th August 2025, do not in any way represent the views, position, or policy of Wontumi TV.

We acknowledge that the statement was inappropriate, unfounded, and contrary to our station’s values of professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in broadcasting. The remarks were made without evidence and do not reflect the views, policies, or editorial position of Wontumi TV”.

The statement added, “As a responsible media house, we deeply regret the distress and reputational harm this may have caused to the President, the NDC, and the affected families.

We wish to assure our cherished audience and the public that immediate steps are being taken to address the matter. Disciplinary action will be taken against the presenter in question, and we have reinforced our editorial guidelines to ensure that all on-air personalities speak only to verified facts and credible records”.

“Wontumi TV remains committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ethical broadcasting. We will continue to provide our viewers with accurate, balanced, and respectful content at all times.

We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident and call for unity and sensitivity in discussing matters of national grief”, the statement concluded.

However, a management member of Wontumi Radio in Accra, Gordon Asare Bediako, has said Wontumi Multimedia has not issued any apology to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, August 12, Mr. Asare Bediako stated, “That came to us in Accra as a surprise. When we checked with Kumasi, we were told that there was nothing like that official apology or retraction or whatever. In fact, because of this communication from the NCA and the subsequent action, we were in the office of the lawyer for hours. While at that, somebody called to tell us that there was a letter in circulation.

“When we checked, we realised that it was not on the official social media handle of Wontumi Multimedia. There are several fake, unauthorised social media handles of Wontuni Multimedia, which are not utilised, and it was one of these that they used. Later, I saw that a ‘fake’ stamp had been used on it,” he explained.

Gordon Asare Bediako further revealed that no official communication from security agencies has been made regarding the arrest of Akyemkwa Nana Kofi Asare.  

Also, the identity of those who apprehended him remains unknown.

See the post below:

“DStv not willing to drop its prices by even 1 cent” – Sam George details

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Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, has detailed that MultiChoice, the operator of DStv Ghana, is not willing to drop its prices by even one cent.

It will be recalled that Sam George, speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, announced MultiChoice broadcast license will be suspended by the National Communications Authority (NCA) if they fail to reduce subscription prices by August 7, 2025.

The NCA has subsequently written to MultiChoice DStv, issuing a 30-day notice to suspend the DStv broadcasting licence.

Sam George on JOY FM Super Morning Show on August 12, 2025, broke down the Impasse with DStv.  

He stated, “I had made a request for 30%. There’s a reason behind the 30%. In April this year, MultiChoice increased their prices by 15%… at that time, the cedi had appreciated by about 10% against the dollar… So there was absolutely no justification for that 15%. So I’m reversing that 15% and then demanding a further 15% for the Ghanaian people.

They have said to me that they have a position we are not going to drop by even one cent. My advice to businesses is that you don’t fight your regulator”.

“They wrote me a nine-page letter with six graphs and bar charts explaining to me the instability of Ghana’s economy and how our cedi appreciation cannot be trusted to be sustainable,” he recounted with disbelief.

“I wrote back to them and asked them, ‘Since when did MultiChoice become an economic forecasting institution?’ … and sent them links from the IMF, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s on the future outlook of Ghana’s economy”, he added.

Sam George further revealed that DStv wrote to NCA without copying him in the message, stating they would not comply with his directive for a price reduction in subscription prices.

The sector minister fumed, “They wrote to my regulator, the NCA [National Communications Authority], asking the NCA to write to them confirming that the NCA would not comply with my directive as minister… You write to my regulator; you don’t copy me”.

“When you say you have a low subscription in Ghana, it’s because your prices are not uniform and have led to cross-border piracy on your platform”, he charged.

Sam George further cited MultiChoice court cases in Malawi and in Nigeria, which led to a price drop.

“In Malawi, in 2023… they just shut them down… MultiChoice went to court, lost the case, and four months later came back, offered one week free… and dropped the prices. In Liberia… they slashed the premium package by $30. In Nigeria in 2024… the Nigerian House of Reps passed an instruction prohibiting the increases”, he detailed.

Sam George further announced that Canal+ has reached out to him, and he made Ghana’s request clear to them.

Canal+ has acquired MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, in a $3 billion deal, which will give it control over DStv and GOtv.  

Sam George added, “Canal+ has reached out and I’ve made it clear to them if they want to come into Ghana and operate… this is our request. Canal Plus’s attitude is light-years more positive than that of MultiChoice”.

Meanwhile, the countdown is on and ticking towards the September 6 deadline, with many Ghanaians patiently waiting to see how the DStv subscription prices will be resolved.  

In addition, Fuseini Issah, former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, has told Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, to desist from fighting DStv Ghana publicly.

The former member of parliament noted that Sam George publicly fighting DStv will deter the investors from entering the market the Ghanaian market.

According to Fuseini Issah, a calm dialogue will be better than public confrontation.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, August 4, Fuseini Issah stated, “If you are fighting DStv publicly, I don’t see how another company will find this environment attractive enough to bring their investment.

You don’t know how this is going to affect the business environment in Ghana and our foreign investment,” he said.

He added, “I think we should find cool heads, go back to the table, and resolve this matter.”

Watch the video below:

“I sold my Range Rover to buy land for God, and now I don’t own a car” – Prophet Fire Oja

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Prophet Ogyaba, popularly known as Prophet Fire Oja, founder of the Holiness of Christ Zion Ministry, has reiterated that he has no car after he was exposed for owning a customised Range Rover with his number plate in his name.

According to Prophet Fire Oja, he sold his Range Rover to buy land for God.

It will be recalled that Prophet Fire Oja, in an interview, urged the government to give prophets cars and fuel for them to be able to convey their prophecies, claiming he does not own a car.

Speaking in an interview, Prophet Fire Oja stated, “We will follow the directives, and we are still going to say it. They must add a car and transportation to it. Probably it is not everyone will get money to board a car to deliver the message.

I am begging the leaders of Ghana, the directives that they have put out, we respect them and we will continue to pray for them and listen to them, but my only request is that if the prophecy comes and we are to bring them, we are pleading with them to help us with fuel and a car”.

Prophet Fire Oja added, “For me, I do not have a car, so when it comes, I will suffer”. 

Barely 24 hours after his interview went viral, a viral photo of Prophet Fire Oja standing beside a customised Range Rover with his number plate in his name has surfaced on social media, exposing the man of God badly.

However, in a separate interview on Joy Prime, Prophet Fire Oja reiterated his call for the government to buy prophets’ cars to convey their prophecies.

Speaking in the interview, Prophet Fire Oja stated, “Yes, I said I want a car, and I don’t think there is something wrong about it. No, I don’t own a car. It is not only me, we have a lot of prophets and men of God, who don’t have a car.

So if they want us to respect whatever they want us to do, they have to at least give us fuel so that we can deliver the message to them.

There is nothing wrong with what I said”.

When asked about his Range Rover, Prophet Fire Oja responded, “It’s true, the last two years, but it is not there no more. I have sold it to buy land for God”.

Meanwhile, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, in a statement on Sunday, August 10, called on all prophets, pastors, men and women of God in the Republic of Ghana to submit any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature for urgent review and appropriate escalation.

The statement read, “On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the Office of the Presidential Envoy, I extend heartfelt appreciation to you and your various denominations for your unwavering spiritual support, intercessory prayers, and sustained leadership in promoting peace, moral integrity, and national unity. Your role in Ghana’s spiritual and civic life remains indispensable”.

 “As part of strengthening national coordination on spiritual matters, especially in these times of uncertainty and complexity, we kindly encourage you to inform all Prophets, Men and Women of God under your oversight that any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature, especially those with implications for high-profile political leaders, governance, national security, or public stability should be formally relayed to the Office of the Presidential Envoy for urgent review and appropriate escalation. This is in the spirit of responsibility, discernment, and stewardship over the nation’s destiny.”

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah’s statement added, “The President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama; the Government and all State institutions; the bereaved families and the entire nation of Ghana.”

“May the Lord comfort the afflicted, guide our leaders, and continue to preserve our beloved country. We look forward to continued partnership and shared spiritual responsibility as we work together for the peace and prosperity of Ghana.”

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah’s directive comes after the tragic helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of 8 high-profile personalities, with many prophets claiming to have received insight before the crash.

Also, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, has clarified that Prophets who defy the prophecy directive will be judged by society.

According to Elvis Afryie Ankrah, there is nothing like legal sanctions, but public opinion will be against them if they disobey the directive, which he notes as a powerful tool for accountability.

Watch the video below:

“I gave GHS2m each to 26,000 NPP polling station executives” – Bryan Acheampong 

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Dr Bryan Acheampong, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, has revealed he personally financed the NPP’s campaign in the Eastern Region during the 2024 election season.

According to Bryan Acheampong, he funded the party’s campaign activities by giving each NPP polling station executive in November, numbering about 26,000, GHS 2 million each.

Dr Bryan Acheampong further revealed that he also financed 33 parliamentary candidates in the Eastern region with GH¢100,000 every month from May to October.

In a viral video sighted Dr Bryan Acheampong stated, “In 2020, we were in government, so nobody needed my money. But in 2024, the regional chairman and the regional secretary are here, in the Eastern Region, except for about six MPs who were financially independent. I gave each of the remaining parliamentary candidates GH¢100,000”.

“It was from May to October — May, June, July, August, September, October. In November, my regional chairman and regional secretary can bear witness, we have 26,000 polling station executives in the Eastern Region, and I gave each of them GH¢2,000,000 in November to work with at their polling stations,” he added.

Also, Dr Bryan Acheampong has already officially announced his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer position.

According to Bryan Acheampong, he will contest when the NPP officially opens nominations.

Bryan Acheampong made the announcement after the leadership of the Presbyterian Church offered prayers for him.

In the viral video, Bryan Acheampong was on his knees surrounded by some clergy members as they offered prayers for him.

Shortly after the prayers, he officially declared his intention.

He revealed that his decision is influenced by an exploratory team he set up, which spent a month assessing the sentiments of NPP delegates.

Speaking to the media, on Tuesday, June 24, Dr. Acheampong stated, “…A decision has been made that I will contest when the party opens nominations, but to do that, as a product of the church, it will be a disappointment per my tradition, if the moderator of the church hears it for the first time on the radio.

“So, before the formal announcement is made, I thought it wise to inform the general council and the moderator of the presby church. Most importantly, I am here to also seek the blessings of God.”

In addition to Bryan Acheampong, some months ago detailed that his years of dedication and experience to the party have prepared him to lead the party into a new era.

Dr Acheampong recounted his journey within the NPP, from grassroots mobilisation to serving as a Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.

Speaking at the NPP’s Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference on Saturday, June 21 stated, “I’m not here to test the waters. I’m here for power”.

His declaration drew loud applause from the auditorium.

“I have walked the path, I have served, and I have built. I am ready to take this party to victory in 2028,” he added.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gearing up for its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026.

The former Minister for Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, will have to tussle with Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong to stand a chance of contesting in the 2028 elections on the ticket of the NPP.

The primary will mark a pivotal moment for the NPP as it seeks to elect a flagbearer capable of steering the party into the 2028 general elections, building upon its legacy.

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“I never thought I would witness that level of inefficiency” – Hamza Suhuyini fires GAF

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Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, has criticised the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) over its response to the tragic military helicopter crash.

According to Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, he never thought he would witness that level of inefficiency from the Ghana Armed Forces.

Speaking on TV3 New Day on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Hamza Suhuyini stated, “I am in pain. I have struggled because of this, and the pain is yet to leave my chest. I was thinking that the grief that has engulfed our state institutions, excluded the military due to their conduct”.

“For hours, after the Ghana military issued a statement about the missing helicopter and the news about the discovery, it had to take civilians to be seen actively on the site of the crash, trying to salvage the situation,” he added.

“They could not dignify their gallant service by even taking charge of the remains of our fallen heroes and conducting it as a military duty. What I witnessed, I never thought in my lifetime I would have witnessed that level of inefficiency,” he stated.

Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu further questioned, “There is a military base in Kumasi. Where was our military? The defence minister of Ghana?”

“It is not just about the death of these people. It also sends a signal internationally about the reputation of the Ghana Army. This conduct has exposed the country badly,” he said.

Also, Bright Simons the IMANI Africa’s Honorary Vice President, has questioned whether the Ghana Armed Forces are trained to operate in the forest following the August 6 tragic military helicopter crash.

According to Brigt Simons, how do Ghanaians expect the military to respond if they are not trained to operate in difficult forest terrain?

He noted that there are global standards that exist for such operations, and Ghana must follow them.

Brigt Simons boldly emphasised that the Authorities, citing the challenging forest terrain as their delay in responding following the tragic incident, is not acceptable.

 Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, August 12, Bright Simons detailed, “You have to start by saying, what are the rules that are established globally in this country? And I’m saying that for a search and rescue operation, there are response times. There are designated first responders.

“There are rules around trying to make sure you have site containment. There are rules around trying to preserve evidence, preventing unauthorised access. These are all rules that we all saw on TV that were not met.”

He added, using situations in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin as examples, “Now, the argument is that the terrain was difficult. My response to that is that, of course, the terrain was difficult. Some of the training that the Armed Forces received, or members of the Armed Forces received, is specifically in difficult terrain, because we know, for instance, that in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, in Benin and some of these countries, we’ve seen that bad actors tend to use a masking to prevent easy response.”

“So in Nigeria, the case with a famous Sambisa forest matter, that is where they were hiding in the forest, if you don’t train your soldiers so they can go into the forest and respond to a situation, then how are you going to do that?”, he added.

Bright Simons reiterated, “So when we say that, you know, because the place was a forest area, but I beg to differ, I think that we have soldiers that, if that situation were an insurgency, for instance, we would expect that they respond quicker.”

However, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

“My expectation is for NDC to exit the Akwatia by-election”  –  Nana B 

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Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said his expectation is for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to withdraw from the upcoming parliamentary by-election for the Akwatia Constituency.

According to Nana Boakye, the NDC has lost five important party dignitaries and going into a fierce contest for them after their burial will not serve their memory.

He asserted that the NDC, in respect of their five members who died in the helicopter crash, should not go into active politics just after their burial.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, Nana Boakye stated, “That is my expectation, but then we leave it to them. The reason why I say so is that Akwatia is in the Eastern Region, and the NDC has lost five important party dignitaries, and we are mourning with them.

So, for me, you have a stalwart like Hon. from the Eastern Region, I would say that right after the state burial, then we enter into such fierce contest, for me it will not serve his memory right”.

He added, “I would say that if I were in the NDC, I think that the tension in the country, we can lower it, we can bring it down”.

“Recently, we had Ablekuma, which was a negative story, and then we’ve had this devastating news of this helicopter crash, and after this, we have a by-election ahead of us… It is their decision to make. For us, we are of the view that we do not think that we need to contest in the Tamale Central by-election,” he added.

Nana Boakye’s comments come following the NPP’s decision not to contest following a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The NPP asserts that they believe it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

In a statement signed by Justin Kodua, the NPP General Secretary, on August 11, 2025, read, “The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resolved that it would not take part in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to elect a replacement for the late Alhaji Hon. Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, who was among the ecight (8) who lost their lives in service of the Republic in the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The statement added, “In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.

The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided”.

The NPP statement continued, “It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.

However, Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary, has refuted claims that the NPP’s withdrawal from the Tamale Central by-election was a political strategy aimed at getting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to pull out of the Akwatia by-election.

Speaking on Channel One on Tuesday, August 12, Haruna Mohammed stated, “They have already chosen their candidate. How do they change their mind? We know very well that they have chosen a candidate. Once they have chosen a candidate, there is no way we can bait them.

“I have heard that they came to issue a statement. It is not different. You have already chosen a candidate and so why come back to tell the people that you are contesting? Who does not know that you are contesting?” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially scheduled Tuesday, September 2, 2025, for the by-election in the Akwatia Constituency.

This follows the passing of Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi.

Police arrest TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof after threatening the lives of Mahama and his wife

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a viral content creator identified as Fante Comedy, commonly known as TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof, over threatening the lives of President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof were arrested following the sighting of disturbing videos from a TikTok live stream session of him and some other users mocking the victims of the tragic GAF Z9 crash and issuing threats against Sammy Gyamfi and President Mahama.

Reports suggest TikToker Fante Comedy threatened to kill President John Mahama and behead First Lady Lordina Mahama.

TikToker Fante Comedy also made some other conspiracy comments concerning the tragic GAF Z9 helicopter crash.

In a statement issued on August 12, 2025, the Police said, “The Ghana Police Service has commenced investigations into a viral TikTok video in which an individual is heard threatening the lives of the President of the Republic, H E John Dramani Mahama and the First Lady.

The Ghana Police Service also revealed that other individuals believed to be accomplices are on the run, and a manhunt is underway to apprehend them.

“So far, two people, Prince Ofori and Yayra Abiwu, are in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation, while efforts are underway to get other persons believed to be connected to the video to assist with the investigation.”

TikToker Fante Comedy and Akosua Jollof’s comment comes after the helicopter crash carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The eight were on their way to Obuasi to attend an event aimed at fighting illegal mining.

In a brief statement, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) stated that a helicopter, identified as a Z-9, had reportedly gone off the radar after taking off on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The aircraft was headed to Obuasi when contact was lost.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

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“Conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, premature and misleading” – GAF on helicopter crash

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The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has urged the media to exercise restraint and accuracy in their commentary on the recent Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

GAF is calling on media practitioners, commentators, bloggers, and content creators not to draw conclusions based on opinion, perceptions.

According to GAF, premature conclusions risk misleading the public, but also deepen the pain of the bereaved families.

Captain VA Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, in a statement wrote, “For the sake of the bereaved families and loved ones, the Armed Forces urge media practitioners, panelists, social commentators, bloggers, and content creators to be circumspect in their reportage as a way of according respect to the memories of the fallen heroes and to mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved families”.

“At this point in time, any purported conclusions based on opinion, perceptions, and conjectures will be premature and misleading. The public is therefore advised to be wary of such reportage,” the statement emphasised.

The statement concluded, “May the souls of our patriots continue to rest in peace”.

Meanwhile, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, has alleged that available evidence implies the GAF Z-9 helicopter was blasted mid-air.

According to the deputy Majority Whip, the retrieval of the black box will let Ghanaians know what really caused the aircraft to blast before coming down.

Speaking on OKAY FM, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah stated, “The aircraft exploded; it did not crash. Let me tell you something: with all the crashes that have happened in the past, we see that the aircraft lands at a specific location. You would usually find it at a given location where the victims can all be found”.

But in this instance, the parts of the helicopter were scattered, and the victims were found at separate locations. In an aircraft where one is in a seatbelt, how did the victims end up scattered? We are told some of them were found in a deep valley. So, the aircraft blasted before reaching the ground,” she added.

The Deputy Majority Whip added, “We thank God that the black box has been found. Whatever the details are, the government should make them available because we are all interested parties. We want to know what happened that caused the aircraft to blast before coming down”.

Also, Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, a member of the NDC Communications Team, has criticised GAF over its response to disasters and security.

Speaking on TV3 New Day on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Hamza Suhuyini stated, “I am in pain. I have struggled because of this, and the pain is yet to leave my chest. I was thinking that the grief that has engulfed our state institutions, excluded the military due to their conduct”.

“For hours, after the Ghana military issued a statement about the missing helicopter and the news about the discovery, it had to take civilians to be seen actively on the site of the crash, trying to salvage the situation,” he added.

“They could not dignify their gallant service by even taking charge of the remains of our fallen heroes and conducting it as a military duty. What I witnessed, I never thought in my lifetime I would have witnessed that level of inefficiency,” he stated.

Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu further questioned, “There is a military base in Kumasi. Where was our military? The defence minister of Ghana?”

“It is not just about the death of these people. It also sends a signal internationally about the reputation of the Ghana Army. This conduct has exposed the country badly,” he said.

“Dr Bawumia doesn’t shout, threaten, blackmail, or send out fear” – Miracles jabs Ken Agyapong 

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Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a former spokesperson for the Dr Mahamudu Bawumia campaign in the 2024 elections, has subtly jabbed Kennedy Agyapong.

According to Miracles Aboagye, Dr Bawumia is a known entity and their surest path to victory in the 2028 elections and does not shout, threaten, blackmail, or send out fear.

He further emphasised that Dr Bawumia is the most marketed and known in every corner of Ghana.

Miracles Aboagye revealed that it is only 1,215 days to the next elections, and it is too short a period for the NPP to gamble with what they do not know.

In a social media post, he stated, “We have only 1,215 days to the next elections. Too short a period to gamble with what we do not know. We know what Dr. Bawumia has, 41.7% and we know how much more we need to cross the 50% + 1.

It’s too risky to ignore the known and go after the unknown especially at a time when we have to execute in such a short time”.

He added, “Dr. Bawumia Is the most marketed, known by face and name in every corner of this country. Considering our party members unanimous resolve to win election 2028 without excuses within a tight timeline, we reduce our risk and increase our chances by going for Dr. Bawumia who has been at the frontlines of our party on several occasions.

Dr. Bawumia is Decisive and assertive, a quiet winner, intelligent, credible, incorruptible, respect for all, doesn’t shout or threaten, doesn’t blackmail, doesn’t send out fear, he appeals to both the young and old, rich and poor and doesn’t look down upon any party member or fellow citizen”.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Agyapong has said the New Patriotic Party has a fighting chance in the 2028 elections if the party chooses him as the flagbearer.

According to Kennedy Agyapong, he is the NPP’s best bet to win the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He boldly emphasised that he is going to beat the NDC hands down if voted as the NPP presidential candidate.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Pan African Television, Kennedy Agyapong stated, “The party has a fighting chance, but it depends on the candidate they choose. If they choose Kennedy Agyapong, they have a fighting chance; I will beat NDC hands down”.

Read His Post Below:

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is our Fastest path to victory in Election 2028. Let’s vote for him 🙏

He is the MOST

– PREPARED

– FORMIDABLE

– WINNABLE candidate

We have only 1,215 days to the next elections. Too short a period to gamble with what we do not know. We know what Dr. Bawumia has, 41.7% and we know how much more we need to cross the 50% + 1.

It’s too risky to ignore the known and go after the unknown especially at a time when we have to execute in such a short time.

Political consistency has proven to work for political parties in this country and that’s supported with facts and data. We can only rely on what is proven, that’s the best thing to do.

Dr. Bawumia Is the most marketed, known by face and name in every corner of this country. Considering our party members unanimous resolve to win election 2028 without excuses within a tight timeline, we reduce our risk and increase our chances by going for Dr. Bawumia who has been at the frontlines of our party on several occasions.

Dr. Bawumia is Decisive and assertive, a quiet winner, intelligent, credible, incorruptible, respect for all, doesn’t shout or threaten, doesn’t blackmail, doesn’t send out fear, he appeals to both the young and old, rich and poor and doesn’t look down upon any party member or fellow citizen.

Let’s remain consistent with Dr. Bawumia and work together to cross the 50+1, he’s our best bet right now.

3 helicopters recently bought for police are 1976-made and a flying coffin – MP

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Ernest Henry Norgbey, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman and a member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has said the three helicopters recently bought for the police are 1976-made.

According to Ernest Henry Norgbey, the three helicopters are flying coffins and cannot be used after they have been grounded since their delivery.

It will be recalled that in 2022, the Akufo-Addo Bawumia government approved the procurement of a helicopter for the Ghana Police Service, $2 million was budgeted for the project, with the Vice President Dr Bawumia in charge of the procurement process.

Speaking on Joy FM, Ernest Henry Norgbey stated, “The 1976 helicopters that were delivered, as we speak now, they cannot be used because they were not fit for purpose. A 1976 aircraft that is a flying coffin”.

In addition, Lawyer Twum Barima, a member of the NDC legal team, some months ago accused the former vice president of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, of allegedly procuring Helicopters made in 1974 for the Ghana Police Service.

According to him, Dr Bawumia, who was then the Police Council chairperson, got the courage to buy archaic Helicopters for the Ghana Police Service.

He claimed that Dr Bawumia procured three Helicopters for the Ghana Police Service, two made in 1974 and one made in 2005.

Speaking on Lawson TV, Lawyer Twum Barima revealed, “Nana Addo and the Bawumia government, when Dr Bawumia was the Police council chairperson. When they were going to buy Helicopters for the Ghana Police, they got the courage to buy archaic Helicopters and very old helicopters for them to use.

I will give you more details later, but for now, let me give you just the year. The expected life cycle of a Helicopter is 20 years, so if you are going to buy a helicopter in 2022, when you could get 2021, or you can even get a helicopter made in 2022”, he added.

Lawyer Twum Barima further detailed, “Even you can order from a particular company that you want new Helicopters, so they should make some for you, and they can do new ones for you. They were bold enough to go and buy Helicopters manufactured in 1974, and in the year 2005, two were 1974 range and one was from 2005”.

Ernest Henry Norgbey’s comments follow the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, which claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Meanwhile, Franklin Cudjoe, the President of IMANI Africa, has said the whole country is mourning, but Ghanaians must also demand answers.

According to Franklin Cudjoe, no serious addition of helicopters and maintenance has been done for the last eight years.

He further questioned the state of Ghana’s Armed Forces as alarmingly terrible

In a social media post on X, Franklin Cudjoe wrote, “We are mourning, but we must demand answers! I am in touch with the highest echelons of power and the truth, my dear brothers and sisters, is that the state of Ghana’s Armed Forces was and is still alarmingly terrible.

He added, “No serious additions and maintenance in the last 8 years. My brother, Omane Boamah, consistently raised these issues at almost every Armed Forces Security Council meeting”.

Franklin Cudjoe recounted what a top Military liaison once told him that Ghana would want even if Togo were to attack the country.

“One top  Military liaison” if even Togo were to attack us, we would be wanting”. And yet, we had $58m to mess around with some crap edifice. More details later!   Not all mourners are genuine! I am very, very angry. You should be”, he added.

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“We have to wage an all-out war on galamsey in memory of all those who died” – Sam George

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Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has said an all-out war must be declared on galamsey in memory of all those who died in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

According to him, there must be decisive action in the fight against galamsey, which is non-negotiable.

Sam George noted that it would be a disservice to the memory of the eight Ghanaians and his colleagues if decisive action is not taken to end illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

His comments come on the back of Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.

The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show, Sam George stated, “My belief and resolve in the fight against galamsey is as strong as it has ever been”

“I lost my big brother, Kofi Omane Boamah, and seven other sons of our land because of galamsey. The least we can do in their memory is to wage an all-out war on it.”

“Omane had refused to sit in helicopters or planes since he became Defence Minister. This was literally one of the only times he agreed to fly – and it was because of galamsey. That should tell you how deeply invested he was in this fight,” Mr George noted.

He added that the late Omane Boamah believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology to fight galamsey.

Sam George revealed, “As Communications Minister, Omane had given me an assignment in the fight against galamsey. He believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology as part of a holistic solution.”

“It would be a disservice to the memory of our colleagues if we do not take decisive action. We failed to act meaningfully after the tragic death of Major Mahama, and now eight more brave souls have been lost. How many more are we waiting for?”

“There must be decisive action; it’s non-negotiable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Tony Aidoo, a former Ambassador to the Netherlands, has boldly told President John Dramani Mahama to kill the illegal mining menace commonly known as galamsey before it kills his cabinet.

According to Dr Tony Aidoo, President Mahama must not let the eight people who died in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash go in vain.

He emphasised that the best tribute to the eight fallen Ghanaian heroes is for John Mahama to end the galamsey menace once and for all.

Dr Aidoo noted that victims, including two cabinet ministers, lost their lives in the line of duty in an initiative to tackle galamsey.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Tony Aidoo stated, “Why were they in the air? They were in the air because they were going to fight galamsey”.

“President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it ends his members [of cabinet].”

He added, “God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle. What is President Mahama waiting for? Yesterday, I heard Kwame Mpianim say we must ban galamsey for three months.

In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey.

So for God’s sake, Mr President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can say to these patriotic deaths.”

Dr Tony Aidoo further revealed his relationship with the late Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Sarpong, and Dr Murtala Mohammed.

He added, “To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash — Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Sarpong and Dr Murtala Mohammed”.

“Anytime I remember the departed, it is usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise nor to pay another apologetic tribute. This will be a very tiny voice among the worldwide tributes following the avoidable national tragedy”.

Dr Tony Aidoo, added, “Even though faith says we must eulogise the dead, we must look behind and look for the cause — why did they die? People will say, ‘Oh, the Lord gave us and the Lord takes.’ I say that God did not take. It was we who gave by our mistake of an avoidable death.”

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“You choose your battles” – Adomako Kissi on NPP’s Tamale Central withdrawal

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Dr Adomako Kissi, a former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, has backed the New Patriotic Party’s decision to withdraw from the Tamale Central by-election.

He noted that the battles are chosen and the NPP has chosen theirs by not contesting.

According to Dr Adomako Kissi, the hustle related to a by-election won’t be worth it as Tamale Central is predominantly an NDC seat.

Adomako Kissi emphasised that the move by the NPP is calculated and pragmatic and not necessarily about death.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 12, Dr. Kissi explained, “This is not necessarily about the death. The numbers for specifically Tamale Central are not favourable, and I think that as a serious country, all the hustle related to a by-election won’t be worth it. Some places are very strongholds for a particular party, no doubt.

“From time in history, it has been NDC. The reality is that this seat has consistently been held by the NDC, and it will undoubtedly remain so. For lack of a better word, you choose your battles, so the NPP has chosen theirs. This is not a favour but a pragmatic decision made, and out of all of this, it is the future that matters,” he said.

Dr. Kissi also called for an enactment that would allow political parties to retain parliamentary seats for a full four-year term when vacancies arise.

He added, “I support the idea where the seat is left for the party for the four years, so that these hotly contested things based on the current behaviour of Ghanaians will be stopped.

“Because of our Ghanaian nature, and looking at the security issues and the deaths that occur during by-elections, including the near-death of a former Minister of State at Ablekuma North, I think it is worth considering,” he said.

His comments follow the NPP’s decision not to contest following a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025.

The NPP asserts that they believe it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

In a statement signed by Justin Kodua, the NPP General Secretary, on August 11, 2025, read, “The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resolved that it would not take part in the Tamale Central Parliamentary by-election to elect a replacement for the late Alhaji Hon. Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency, who was among the ecight (8) who lost their lives in service of the Republic in the helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The decision was taken by the Party at a National Steering Committee meeting held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Party Headquarters pursuant to Article 10(10)(1) of the Party Constitution”.

The statement added, “In arriving at the decision, the Party considered many factors, including the circumstances under which the Tamale Central seat has become vacant and the possibility of a further polarisation of the country at this critical time.

The NPP is of the belief that it would be inhumane and unconscionable to subject the nation to a competitive process in search of a replacement for the departed MP. The Party believes that the tension and acrimony often associated with the conduct of by-elections in the country should be avoided”.

The NPP statement continued, “It is the considered view of the Party that the greatest tribute that the NPP and the rest of the nation can pay in honour of the departed is not only to win the fight against Galamsey but also to ensure a smooth and peaceful replacement for the good people of Tamale Central.

Consequently, the NPP hereby announces that when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opens nominations for the Tamale Central by-election in line with Article 12 (5) of Ghana’s Constitution, the Party will, in accord with the national interest, not take part in the contest”.

Meanwhile, Mussa Dankwa, the Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, has said it’s against democratic principles for the NPP to withdraw from a by-election because someone died.

According to Mussa Dankwa, the NPP cannot pick and choose, and there must be a contest.

He is quoted by JOY NEWS to have stated, “It’s against democratic principles for the NPP to withdraw from a by-election because of death. We can’t pick and choose. There must be a contest”.