22 C
Los Angeles
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Home Blog Page 9

Mahama unveils $2bn annual investment plan to boost industrialisation and create jobs

Makay
-
0
Mahama unveils $2bn annual investment plan to boost industrialisation and create jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

‘70 years after independence, we should not be repeating yesterday’s mistakes’ – Vitus Azeem slams Mahama

Makay
-
0
‘70 years after independence, we should not be repeating yesterday’s mistakes’ – Vitus Azeem slams Mahama

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@ghnow_ “We Will Give You to the Gods to Deal With You” — Nana Yaw’s Sister Warns Against Misinformation #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Aunty Mary, mother of Nana Yaa, speaks about their upcoming trip to London, which includes a meet-and-greet event, a fundraising activity, and visits to selected autism centres to learn more about autism care and support for children with special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘We have been used and dumped’ – James Agbey cries over NDC grassroots neglect

Makay
-
0
‘We have been used and dumped’ – James Agbey cries over NDC grassroots neglect

James Agbey, an operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), cried out over the party’s neglect of the grassroots.

According to James Agbey, the party risks alienating its grassroots supporters unless government appointees address concerns about neglect and a lack of economic opportunities.

In a statement issued on October 16, James Agbey accused appointees of overlooking activists and cadres who worked to secure the party’s return to power.

He further stressed that the NDC party activists are struggling with unemployment and financial hardship, while appointees are prioritising relatives and close associates over those who supported the party in opposition.

James Agbey, in his statement, wrote, “The feeling out there at the base is that we have been used and dumped”.

“Everything seems to have changed after the elections. Appointees are now prioritising their families and close allies, some of whom were not even part of the struggle,” he alleged.

According to James Agbey, the NDC’s grassroots concerns required practical intervention rather than occasional handouts or promises of future support.

“All that these party activists are asking for is opportunities to be able to fend for themselves,” he stated.

He further warned that unresolved grievances could weaken loyalty and lead dissatisfied activists to turn against the government.

“Our support for the NDC must not be taken for granted,” he cautioned.

The NDC operative also called for urgent action, saying, “I call for urgent action, or we will have ourselves to blame come the electioneering season”.

In related NDC news, Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the party’s real danger is not the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to Mustapha Gbande, the NDC’s biggest threat ahead of the 2028 elections is the NDC itself.

The NDC man argued that the party’s fortunes will be largely determined by how it manages its internal relationships, members and governance.

He further urged the NDC to focus less on NPP’s newly elected executives and pay greater attention to maintaining unity within its own ranks.

Gbande said the party’s handling of its internal structures and relationships would determine its success in the next general election.

He denied suggestions that the NPP’s new leadership poses a major threat to the NDC.

Speaking on Onua TV’s Onua Maakye, Mustapha Gbande stated, “The real danger to the NDC is not the NPP conference; it is the NDC and its governance”.

“The danger can only come from within our own house rather than from the current crop of executives chosen by our political opponents,” he said.

“How we manage our relationships, our members and our structures ahead of 2028 is what will determine our success,” he stated.

“Our biggest threat is not the NPP,” he said.

“If the NPP believes violence is the path back to power, the NDC should not be underestimated,” he said.

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa is all smiles as she sings joyfully ahead of her trip to the UK with her mum. ❤️ Her excitement adds a beautiful touch to the journey as they prepare to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres in London. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa and her mother are travelling to London to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres. The visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about autism care, support and inclusion while exploring ways to improve the lives of children with autism and special needs. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Nurse Shelly🩺💊💉🇺🇸🇬🇭

CODEO demands resignation of newly appointed Deputy EC Chair Emelia Affi Agbenyo

Makay
-
0
CODEO demands resignation of newly appointed Deputy EC Chair Emelia Affi Agbenyo

CODEO Ghana has demanded the resignation of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

CODEO cited concerns over the Commission’s independence and public confidence. The group is also demanding reforms to safeguard electoral credibility.

According to CODEO, in a statement released on October 15, 2026 highlighted that Agbenyo’s resignation would help restore public confidence in the Electoral Commission (EC), which will strengthen trust in its impartiality and credibility.

Portions of the statement read, “Calls on Ms Emelia Affi Agbenyo to honourably resign as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission in the interest of protecting public confidence in the Commission’s impartiality and institutional credibility”.

“While CODEO recognises the President’s constitutional authority over appointments, public evidence of Ms Agbenyo’s active political engagement with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 general election campaign directly compromises the public perception of the independence, impartiality, and institutional credibility of the Electoral Commission.

“As a primary stakeholder in Ghana’s democratic process, CODEO asserts that the integrity of the Electoral Commission depends not only on the actual neutrality of its commissioners, but on the public’s absolute confidence in that neutrality,” the statement continued.

The statement further added, “The appointment of Dr Peter Appiahene rightly generated condemnation from many groups, including the National Democratic Congress, prompting its then Presidential Aspirant, now President John Mahama, to call for urgent reforms”.

CODEO also urged President John Dramani Mahama to ask Agbenyo to resign saying, “Calls on President John Dramani Mahama to demonstrate consistency with his previously stated position by urging Ms Agbenyo to resign. The President must demonstrate that the principles he advocated in opposition remain applicable under his own administration”.

Meanwhile, Kwesi Pratt Jr, a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has slammed John Dramani Mahama over the appointment decision to appoint and swear in Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to him, Agbenyo’s previous association with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raises concerns about the perceived political neutrality of the Electoral Commission.

Kwesi Pratt noted that during the Akufo-Addo administration, Ghanaians criticised appointments perceived to be politically motivated, further questioning why President Mahama would make a similar appointment.

He further stressed the need for political leaders to prioritise national interests and avoid decisions that could undermine public confidence.

Speaking during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Kwesi Pratt said, “Maybe the woman might work perfectly without her party biases, but the optics don’t look good. This morning, I read what President Mahama said to them about not working for any party but rather the nation.

“But if he didn’t appoint this woman, what would have happened? Are we saying that out of 35 million people, we couldn’t get anybody aside from someone who participated in the NDC manifesto committee? Why are we doing things anyhow?” he questioned.

Meanwhile, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has admitted that the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the statement below:

@ghnow_ Nana Yaa shares heartwarming moments with fans and well-wishers at Kotoka International Airport as she prepares to travel to the UK with her mum. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Movaldo Lyrics
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa is all smiles as she sings joyfully ahead of her trip to the UK with her mum. ❤️ Her excitement adds a beautiful touch to the journey as they prepare to attend a fundraising event and visit selected autism centres in London. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Cuty

Controller pays promotion arrears to 56,003 teachers

Makay
-
0
Controller pays promotion arrears to 56,003 teachers

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has announced the payment of promotion-related salary adjustments and arrears to 56,003 Ghana Education Service (GES) teachers.

The Controller payment meets the October 16 deadline agreed upon with teacher unions.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Department disclosed that 49,725 teachers received their payments alongside their October salaries, while another 6,278 were paid in September.

Also, the payments cover salary adjustments and arrears dating back to January 1, 2026.

The development comes on the heels of an agreement reached on October 2 during a meeting between government representatives and teacher unions at the Ministry of Education, where October 16 was set as the deadline for settling the outstanding promotion-related payments.

The CAGD revealed that the GES submitted supporting documents for 56,633 of the approximately 80,000 teachers reported to have been promoted, adding that after verifying the records, the Department approved payments for 56,003 teachers.

They further disclosed that about 630 cases remain outstanding due to discrepancies identified during the verification process.

According to CAGD, it is awaiting the necessary corrections from GES before payments can be made to the affected teachers.

They further disclosed that the remaining 23,367 promoted teachers are yet to have their cases processed and supporting documents submitted by GES for verification.

CAGD explained that it had completed payments for all teachers whose submitted records satisfied the required payroll conditions, adding that outstanding eligible payments would be processed once complete and accurate documentation is received from GES and successfully verified.

The Department further expressed appreciation to GES, teacher unions, and the relevant ministries and agencies for their cooperation in facilitating the payments.

Meanwhile, the Pre-Tertiary Teachers Association of Ghana (PRETAG) has told the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, that the government’s commitment to clear outstanding promotion arrears will not, on its own, be enough to bring an end to the nationwide teachers’ strike.

According to PRETAG, several demands of the three striking teacher unions contained in agreements with government remain unresolved.

PRETAG argued that the unresolved agreements make it difficult for the teacher unions to suspend the industrial action based solely on assurances over the payment of arrears.

The association argued that a 20% professional allowance has remained outstanding despite commitments made by successive administrations, disclosing that the teachers are still waiting for concrete action on the allowance as well as other provisions contained in their collective agreement.

PRETAG President King Ali Awudu stated, “We are in 2026, and we are talking about the same thing that His Excellency also promised”.

“Our collective agreement with government is not willing to give us anything. These last two have not been met,” he said.

“The idea of calling off the strike is such a difficult one,” Mr Awudu said,

PRETAG comment follows Haruna Iddrisu, who assured striking teachers across the country that the Mahama government will settle outstanding promotion arrears owed to them by October 30.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, the government recognises its responsibility as an employer to ensure that teachers receive all payments due to them, including arrears arising from promotions.

Speaking at a two-day symposium and exhibition organised for teachers by the National Teaching Council (NTC) at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra, assured that the government had accepted responsibility for fulfilling its financial obligations to teachers and would ensure that outstanding promotion arrears were paid.

Haruna Iddrisu added that by October 30, if teachers’ promotion arrears are not paid, then he has no honour.

The Education Minister stated, “The government has accepted that I am responsible for honouring my obligations as an employer to all teachers. And we have accepted that we will pay their arrears. We will honour them.

“If by October 30, your promotion arrears are not paid, then I will have no honour.”

@ghnow_ A heartwarming moment as Nana Yaa bids farewell to her dad before travelling to the UK with her mum. ❤️ The trip includes attending a fundraising event and visiting selected autism centres in London. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Nana Yaa shares heartwarming moments with fans and well-wishers at Kotoka International Airport as she prepares to travel to the UK with her mum. ❤️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ Piano Inspiration – Raw Vibrations

Haruna Iddrisu, Kofi Adams, Muntaka – Check out the worst-performing Ministers under Mahama’s govt

Makay
-
0
Haruna Iddrisu, Kofi Adams, Muntaka – Check out the worst-performing Ministers under Mahama’s govt

Professor Smart Sarpong, the Director of Research and Innovation at Kumasi Technical University, has named some sector ministers under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration that he believes are underperforming.

According to Professor Smart Sarpong, these Ministers have failed to bring glory to the Mahama government after two years in their respective roles. 

The professor expressed disappointment in the performance of the ministries, urging their respective ministers to improve their work to avoid becoming liabilities to the NDC ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Speaking in an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on October 15, 2026, Professor Sarpong stated, “Kofi Adams needs to work because, over the last two years, the African Athletics Championships have been a mess. The Black Stars are not doing well under your tenure, and there is also this visa scandal. As the sector minister, he needs to step up. The Sports Ministry is a disgrace to the government”.

He also criticised the Ministry of Education, citing challenges within the sector and drawing on his experience working under the ministry.

He further added, “When you look at the Education Ministry, the sector is actually in chaos because I work under this ministry. So, the Education Ministry has also not brought any glory to the government”.

Professor Sarpong further described the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts as a disappointment, arguing that it had also failed to enhance the government’s standing.

“Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture is also a disgrace to the government,” he remarked.

The Ministry of Transport, led by Joseph Bukari Nikpe, was another institution he singled out for criticism. He also raised concerns about the Ministry of the Interior, citing issues including cocaine-related matters.

“Then the Transport Ministry is the same, and the Interior Ministry too. Today, there is cocaine and other matters. So, they have just two more years to correct things; otherwise, that could cost them,” he cautioned.

Professor Sarpong further stressed that the ministers responsible for these five ministries must intensify their efforts to address the challenges within their respective sectors.

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has praised the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Mahama described Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as one of the hardest-working members of his government.

According to John Mahama, the recognition he has received internationally is due to Ablakwa’s work.

President Mahama credited Ablakwa for playing a key role in advancing Ghana’s interests on the international stage.

Mahama disclosed that Ablakwa undertook extensive diplomatic engagements that contributed to the adoption of the United Nations resolution on reparations, which was championed by Ghana some months ago. 

Speaking during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region on Thursday, July 16, Ablakwa stated, “Your Member of Parliament, our hardworking Minister of Foreign Affairs, indeed, I must tell you that he is among my hardest-working ministers. Every credit that I have attained on the international scene, it is he that has done the legwork”.

Mahama commended Ablakwa’s commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts, saying much of the recognition he has received internationally is due to Ablakwa’s work.

“The UN Resolution on Reparations, it is he who did the travelling to convince all the 123 countries to vote for us,” President Mahama said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, says political party members may be appointed to the Electoral Commission, but cautions against appointing individuals who are overly partisan. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, has cautioned politicians against acting as lords over the people instead of serving those who elected them. He further stated that politics is not a dirty game, but a dirtied game. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Good news for motorists as petrol and diesel prices set to drop today

Makay
-
0
Good news for motorists as petrol and diesel prices set to drop today

Motorists in Ghana are expected to enjoy some relief at the pumps from today as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) begin implementing reduced fuel prices for the second pricing window of October.

According to reports, Petrol prices are projected to decline by nearly 2%, while diesel prices are expected to fall by 3.32%, despite the recent depreciation of the cedi, which could limit the benefits of lower international petroleum product prices.

The information gathered detailed that on a cash-purchase basis, petrol is expected to sell at GH¢17.67 per litre, while diesel is projected to retail at GH¢19.30 per litre.

The anticipated reductions follow the first pricing window of October, during which major OMCs maintained their pump prices, partly due to government interventions aimed at cushioning consumers against rising fuel costs.

Also, the interventions included agreements by the Sentuo Oil Refinery and the Tema Oil Refinery to maintain their petroleum product supply prices to Bulk Distribution Companies at levels recorded during the previous pricing window.

Meanwhile, the Mahama government have also suspended the GH¢1-per-litre dumsor levy on diesel for October, providing additional relief amid concerns that fuel prices could reach or exceed GH¢20 per litre following earlier increases.

Under the new pricing window, the minimum pump price for petrol is expected to be GH¢16.09 per litre, while diesel has a minimum price of GH¢17.09 per litre.

Nonetheless, the actual prices motorists pay may vary across fuel stations depending on the additional costs and profit margins applied by individual OMCs.

The projected reductions are expected to provide some relief to motorists and other fuel consumers, although the recent depreciation of the cedi could limit the extent of the price cuts.

Meanwhile, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has come under scrutiny after attributing recent fuel price hikes in Ghana to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

According to the NPA CEO, Ghana is currently facing an extraordinary situation as the conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets and increase the cost of transporting petroleum products.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Edudzi Tamakloe cited International Energy Agency (IEA) reports which, he said, describe the current crisis as the worst since the 1970s.

He further pointed to rising insurance and shipping costs around the Strait of Hormuz as factors contributing to higher fuel prices.

According to Edudzi Tamakloe, the increased cost of operating in the region has contributed to the pressures currently affecting fuel prices.

Edudzi Tamakloe stated, “In fact, the International Energy Agency reports that this current crisis is, let me say, the worst since the 1970s. So what it tells you is that we are facing a certain extraordinary situation.

I’ll give you another example. Prior to the war, the insurance premium paid was about $50. Today it’s about $220. Vessels that move around the Strait of Hormuz: the crew, you needed $12,000 to manage the crew on board.

 Today, if you look at the data from the Ghana Maritime  Authority, it is between $50,000 and $80,000. What it means is that it has become more expensive to do any undertaking within the Strait of Hormuz, which has culminated in the kind of scenarios that we are having today.”

@ghnow_ The Ghana Police Service has arrested eight Nigerians during an intelligence-led anti-narcotics operation at Okaishie Drug Lane in Accra. Suspected Tramadol, Rohypnol, codeine-containing products, Benylin and other pharmaceutical substances were retrieved. The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid

Nana B breaks silence on claims Kojo Bamba was his bodyguard

Makay
-
0
Nana B breaks silence on claims Kojo Bamba was his bodyguard

Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, the Second Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has finally broken his silence over claims that the party’s First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba, previously worked as his driver and bodyguard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, Nana Frimpong Ziega, a social commentator, has provided further details about events that allegedly occurred during an attempt to alter the results of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national executive election’s vice-chairmanship race.

Ziega, who described himself as the uncle of Kojo Bamba, disclosed that his nephew resisted an alleged plot to change the results to place him third in the contest.

According to Nana Frimpong Ziega, Kojo Bamba emerged ahead of Nana Akomea and Nana B in the race but was approached after the election and asked to accept a third-place position.

Nana Frimpong Ziega stated, “He did something at the Kumasi Sports Stadium which justifies that he is ready; he is not going to be compromised. Do you know that after the election they wanted to overturn the results? They wanted to overturn it so he (Kojo Bamba) comes third because of the two people who he was ahead of, Nana Akomea and Nana B”.

Ziega alleged that the move was influenced by the political relationships between the candidates, claiming that Kojo Bamba had previously served Nana B, while Nana Akomea had been involved in politics before Bamba.

“They couldn’t afford to allow Kojo Bamba to be ahead, so they called him and said, ‘Kojo, this is the situation, help us. Let us put you in third position,’” he narrated.

Ziega further alleged that Kojo Bamba warned those involved against attempting to alter the results, claiming he had 150 “macho men” at the Kumasi Sports Stadium.

Ziega stated, “He told them that, ‘I have 150 macho men at the stadium who are watching what is happening. They know that I’m first. If you make the mistake of changing the results, we would turn the whole stadium upside down.’ And people vanished”.

He further claimed that NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia did not know about the alleged attempt to alter the results.

@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid
@ghnow_ The ruling on Chairman Wontumi’s bail application is expected to be delivered on November 4 following proceedings at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BiG VYBZ’s Lyrics.

We need your help to fight galamsey – Mahama begs Chiefs

Makay
-
0
We need your help to fight galamsey – Mahama begs Chiefs

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

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

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

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

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Western North Regional House of Chiefs to the Jubilee House, Mahama stated, “We need the help of our chiefs in the fight against galamsey because you live in the community with the people, and sometimes NAIMOS is doing a good job, but sometimes we go into some communities and the youth and the traditional authorities, and everybody fight back at NAIMOS.

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

In related news, Mahama has dismissed claims that he promised Ghanaians to declare a state of emergency to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with the Ghanaian community in the Tri-State Area of the United States of America with Ghanaians in New York on Friday, September 25, President Mahama stressed that he never announced plans to invoke a state of emergency.

According to John Mahama,  he said the use of a state of emergency should be a measure to be used only as a last resort.

Mahama claimed that the state of emergency is not useful at the moment because galamsey takes place across 10 regions of the country.

President Mahama stated, “They said I said a state of emergency. I never ever said that. I never said I’d declare a state of emergency, but states of emergency are useful; you declare them as a last resort.

If you declare a state of emergency, you normally declare it in an isolated area, and you deal with the issue. You concentrate all your energy there and deal with the issue. And you finish it, and you lift the state of emergency. They are very temporary”.

“Now, what people don’t understand is that galamsey is in 10 regions of Ghana. You declare a state of emergency; where are you going to declare the state of emergency?”

He further argued, “ That 48-hour rule doesn’t apply when there’s a state of emergency. And so the point is, we still have that power, but we must exercise it as a last resort”.

“We have forest reserves that have had incursions into them. And so what we’ve done is we’ve concentrated on the forest reserves.

“Nine of those forest reserves were considered red zones because of the degree of incursion into the forest reserves and the fact that those in those forest reserves were armed, and the forest guards could not go into the reserve for fear of their lives. Today, in those nine forest reserves, the army has cleared all the people out of them,” he added.

@ghnow_ Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh has arrived at the Accra High Court for the bail hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abama_studios🎥
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭

Obuasi SHS headmaster accused of abusing 14 female students seeks NDC chairmanship

Makay
-
0
Obuasi SHS headmaster accused of abusing 14 female students seeks NDC chairmanship

Manasseh Azure Awuni, an award-winning investigative journalist, has detailed that the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School in the Ashanti Region, Zakaria Abdulia, who has been accused of abusing 14 female students, is a serving constituency secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to Manasseh, the headmaster intends to contest the chairmanship at the party’s constituency delegates’ conference.

He further expressed alarm at what he described as widespread knowledge of the allegations among residents, including NDC members, coupled with an apparent reluctance to speak publicly about them.

Manasseh noted that his investigation suggested that the allegations were widely known within the community.

Speaking on Joy FM on Thursday, October 15, Manasseh Azure Awuni stated, “This man [the headmaster], we are told, is the Juabeng Constituency Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress, and there are posters of him wanting to contest for the constituency chairman”.

“So, a former NDC constituency executive who spoke to me, Frederick Addai, says that, anytime the issue [the alleged sexual assault] came up, some members of the party tried to come together and tried to calm tempers and get the issues resolved,” he said.

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

The investigative journalist, on JoyNews on October 13, 2026, described the alleged abuse as disturbing, particularly because several individuals and institutions expected to protect the students were reportedly aware of the complaints but failed to take decisive action for an extended period.

According to Manasseh Azure, the very disturbing aspect of the case is that it wasn’t really hidden, revealing that people in Obuasi, including some stakeholders expected to intervene, knew about the allegations.

Manasseh Azure revealed that the situation had escalated over the past year and a half, despite the apparent awareness of people within the education sector and the political class.

He disclosed that the headmaster has since been interdicted as investigations into the allegations continue.

Providing details of his investigation, Manasseh said the Municipal Education Directorate had received complaints against the headmaster months before the matter gained wider attention.

He disclosed that the Municipal Education Director told him five female students reported to the directorate in March 2026, alleging that they had been sexually assaulted by the headmaster.

However, according to Manasseh, the director explained that he fell ill around that period, resulting in the investigation into the complaints not proceeding.

The journalist further alleged that another incident occurred in June, while a female student reportedly reported being raped by the same headmaster in July.

These incidents, he said, formed part of a series of complaints allegedly raised over an extended period without an adequate response from the relevant authorities.

Manasseh also revealed that teachers responsible for girl-child education and safeguarding at the school had written several letters and petitions concerning the alleged abuse.

The disclosures have raised questions about the handling of safeguarding complaints within the school and the response of education authorities responsible for protecting students.

Manasseh said his investigation suggested that knowledge of the allegations extended beyond individual students to school management, municipal education authorities and other stakeholders.

He explained that he gathered accounts from people occupying different positions within the education sector and the political class, indicating that concerns about the alleged abuse had reportedly been raised through various channels.

The journalist questioned why decisive intervention had not occurred earlier, given the reported complaints and the number of people who allegedly knew about the situation.

His account points to concerns about whether existing reporting and safeguarding procedures were followed and why the complaints did not result in an earlier, effective response.

The allegations have also drawn attention to the responsibility of school authorities and education officials to ensure that students can report abuse safely and receive prompt protection.

Manasseh said the latest allegations were not the first case of alleged sexual misconduct involving a school official at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

He recalled investigating a similar incident at the same institution in 2018 involving a senior housemaster accused of misconduct involving a student. According to Manasseh, he was later informed that the individual had been dismissed following the incident.

The earlier case, he suggested, provides additional context to the current investigation and raises questions about the effectiveness of measures introduced to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Manasseh further revealed the full documentary detailing the investigation into the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai is scheduled for release next week.

The documentary is expected to provide further details about the reported incidents, the complaints made by students and teachers, and the responses of the individuals and institutions involved.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Chairman Wontumi has arrived at the Accra High Court from Nsawam Prison for his bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – CHRIS JNR
@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Wontumi a flight risk’ – Srem-Sai cites lawyer’s video, asks court to reject bail

Makay
-
0
‘Wontumi a flight risk’ – Srem-Sai cites lawyer’s video, asks court to reject bail

Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General, has told the Accra High Court that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is a high flight risk and should not be granted bail.

According to Srem-Sai, Wontumi’s own lawyers have shown he is a flight risk.

He further argued that the appellant’s conduct during the trial could not, on its own, serve as a reliable basis for determining whether he would abscond if granted bail.

The Deputy AG told the court that the prosecution has exhibited a video recording in which Wontumi’s own lawyer was seen on television describing his client as unruly.

The Deputy AG is quoted to have said, “It is a fact, and the affidavit in support in paragraph 15 has confirmed that the prisoner is standing trial in two other criminal courts, each of those trials staring the prisoner in the face with substantial prison terms which, as the law prescribes, would be served consecutively instead of concurrently”.

“We have also deposed and exhibited a video recording, and in that video recording, counsel for the accused was seen on television telling the public that his client, that is the prisoner, is unruly and that but for his exceptional personal management skill, the prisoner at the time of arrest would have run his car over law enforcement agents to avoid arrest,” he submitted.

“This is not the prosecution’s account of the prisoner’s character. It is the prisoner’s own lawyer giving a vivid account of what transpired on the day of arrest,” the Deputy AG said.

“That was even when nothing was at stake. Not even one day of prison sentence. When the accused person was absolutely innocent and had not been proven guilty. So my lady can imagine today when he is facing a 20-year jail term and has been declared guilty,” Dr Srem-Sai argued.

However, Atta Akyea in court on Thursday argued that the circumstances of the case warranted the grant of bail pending appeal.

He argued that temporary release would be essential to enable him to prepare his appeal and participate effectively in two other criminal cases Wontumi is facing.

According to Atta Akyea, Wontumi was not a flight risk, citing his compliance with previous bail conditions before his conviction, asking the court to consider the 19 grounds of appeal outlined in the notice of appeal.

Meanwhile, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, a High Court Judge, has set November 4, 2026, to deliver a ruling on a bail application filed by Bernard Antwi Bosiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, pending appeal.

The High Court Judge adjournment follows arguments by lawyers for Chairman Wontumi, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, and Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay then quizzed Atta Akyea about the progress of the appeal process, where he indicated that efforts were underway to compile the records of appeal for onward transmission to the Court of Appeal.

The High Court Judge subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 2026, to deliver her ruling on the bail application.

Also, Prophet Kofi Oduro, the Founder and Leader of Alabaster International Ministries, has quizzed the sense behind the 20-year prison sentence handed to Chairman Wontumi.

The man of God expressed disappointment over the imprisonment of Wontumi, arguing that the 20-year prison sentence was not in the best interest of the country.

He noted that the government will now have to spend taxpayers’ money on his feeding and welfare while he serves his sentence.

According to Prophet Kofi Oduro, Wontumi should have been given an option: 20 years or 10 billion dollars payback to reclaim the lands he helped destroy with his galamsey activities.

Speaking in a sermon shared on social media with his congregation, Prophet Kofi Oduro stated, “What is the use of Wontumi being in prison for 20 years? We should have given that guy options: 20 years or 10 billion dollars payback. He will definitely choose the latter. What is the sense of Wontumi being in Nsawam Prison? It’s true he has committed a crime, but give him an option, give him an option to pay back.

“Now that he is in Nsawam for 20 years, what is the sense of it? He has offended the law, yes, but he should be given an option to pay back. The Nation needs that money back to go and reclaim that land.

 The judiciary should give the guy an option. 20 years or pay back; nobody will take 20 years. Let him sell everything he has made to pay back, but for him to sit there while we waste money on him is nonsense,” he said.

@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has been spotted with Gifty Mawunyo Dumelo esq, wife of John Dumelo, at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Gen Z – Fameye
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭

‘The headmaster spilled his semen on her shorts’ – Manasseh reveals details of Obuasi SHTS abuse

Makay
-
0
‘The headmaster spilled his semen on her shorts’ – Manasseh reveals details of Obuasi SHTS abuse

Manasseh Azure, an Investigative Ghanaian journalist, has detailed the shocking incident involving one of the 14 young girls and the headmaster of the Obuasi Senior Technical School in the Ashanti Region in the yet-to-be-aired documentary.

Speaking on JOYNEWS, Manasseh Azure recounted that during his interaction with the young girls, one of the victims provided her panties as a form of evidence.

The investigative journalist revealed that one of the girls showed him semen on her pants, disclosing that the victim revealed that the said semen was from the headmaster nabbed in the investigation.

Manasseh, in a JOYNEWS flyer, stated, “One of the girls actually came with her shorts as evidence.

“She said that in the process, the headmaster spilled his semen on them and that this was it,” he said.

Also, the investigative journalist, on JoyNews on October 13, 2026, described the alleged abuse as disturbing, particularly because several individuals and institutions expected to protect the students were reportedly aware of the complaints but failed to take decisive action for an extended period.

According to Manasseh Azure, the very disturbing aspect of the case is that it wasn’t really hidden, revealing that people in Obuasi, including some stakeholders expected to intervene, knew about the allegations.

Manasseh Azure revealed that the situation had escalated over the past year and a half, despite the apparent awareness of people within the education sector and the political class.

He disclosed that the headmaster has since been interdicted as investigations into the allegations continue.

Providing details of his investigation, Manasseh said the Municipal Education Directorate had received complaints against the headmaster months before the matter gained wider attention.

He disclosed that the Municipal Education Director told him five female students reported to the directorate in March 2026, alleging that they had been sexually assaulted by the headmaster.

However, according to Manasseh, the director explained that he fell ill around that period, resulting in the investigation into the complaints not proceeding.

The journalist further alleged that another incident occurred in June, while a female student reportedly reported being raped by the same headmaster in July.

These incidents, he said, formed part of a series of complaints allegedly raised over an extended period without an adequate response from the relevant authorities.

Manasseh also revealed that teachers responsible for girl-child education and safeguarding at the school had written several letters and petitions concerning the alleged abuse.

The disclosures have raised questions about the handling of safeguarding complaints within the school and the response of education authorities responsible for protecting students.

Manasseh said his investigation suggested that knowledge of the allegations extended beyond individual students to school management, municipal education authorities and other stakeholders.

He explained that he gathered accounts from people occupying different positions within the education sector and the political class, indicating that concerns about the alleged abuse had reportedly been raised through various channels.

The journalist questioned why decisive intervention had not occurred earlier, given the reported complaints and the number of people who allegedly knew about the situation.

His account points to concerns about whether existing reporting and safeguarding procedures were followed and why the complaints did not result in an earlier, effective response.

The allegations have also drawn attention to the responsibility of school authorities and education officials to ensure that students can report abuse safely and receive prompt protection.

Manasseh said the latest allegations were not the first case of alleged sexual misconduct involving a school official at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

He recalled investigating a similar incident at the same institution in 2018 involving a senior housemaster accused of misconduct involving a student. According to Manasseh, he was later informed that the individual had been dismissed following the incident.

The earlier case, he suggested, provides additional context to the current investigation and raises questions about the effectiveness of measures introduced to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Manasseh further revealed the full documentary detailing the investigation into the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai is scheduled for release next week.

The documentary is expected to provide further details about the reported incidents, the complaints made by students and teachers, and the responses of the individuals and institutions involved.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ The ruling on Chairman Wontumi’s bail application is expected to be delivered on November 4 following proceedings at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BiG VYBZ’s Lyrics.
@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, says political party members may be appointed to the Electoral Commission, but cautions against appointing individuals who are overly partisan. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Galamsey has turned our rivers into chocolate milk’ – Sam Jonah

Makay
-
0
‘Galamsey has turned our rivers into chocolate milk’ – Sam Jonah

Sir Sam Jonah, the Renowned Ghanaian businessman and mining executive, has said galamsey activities are destroying Ghana’s rivers, forests and farmland.

According to Sam Jonah, galamsey activities have turned our rivers into ‘chocolate milk’

He further expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of rivers, forests and farmlands, noting that water bodies that once sustained communities had become heavily polluted by mining activities.

Sir Sam Jonah warned that the consequences of gaamsey extend far beyond environmental degradation to threaten livelihoods, food production, biodiversity and access to safe drinking water.

He cautioned that the pollution of rivers could also increase the burden on water treatment systems and the cost of providing potable water to affected communities.

Speaking at the Methodist University Ghana International Conference 2026 on Thursday, October 15, Sir Sam stated, “Illegal mining, galamsey, is destroying our rivers, our forests and our farmland. Rivers that fed our grandparents now run the colour of chocolate milk”.

Sam Jonah further noted that the crisis is a reflection of the failure of stewardship.

“It is what happens when people gain all they can and forget Wesley’s condition about not hurting their neighbour. But stewardship is not only about the land. It is also about money and talent,” he said.

In related news, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a social activist and private legal practitioner, has declared that Ghana has lost the fight against illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.

According to Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Ghanaians should not fall for any propaganda by the Mahama government that claims they are winning the fight against galamsey.

In a social media post on X, Oliver Barker-Vormawor wrote, “We have lost the fight against Galamsey. Don’t believe any propaganda. Travel and see. Shalom”.

Some Ghanaians reacting to his post stated, “How can it stop when the government itself largely depends on it to manage the economy?

We are producing more gold than ever to generate foreign exchange, and it’s all from “small scale mining”.

Not to talk about the other host of reasons why galamsey is unlikely to stop soon”.

One X user added, “In a 2024 report, WaterAid warned that Ghana might have to import water by 2030 under a “business-as-usual” scenario as drinking water sources shrink due to pollution, especially from galamsey.

The state water utility has repeatedly cautioned that without curbing illegal mining and pollution, Ghana risks becoming an importer of water by 2030.

Researchers from the University of Cape Coast have stated that Ghana may have to import water by 2030 because of the inability to treat highly turbid water.

The Water Research Institute has warned that if current pollution trends continue, there could be no treatable surface or groundwater by 2030, implying the need to import water.

The core driver is severe pollution of major rivers, such as the Pra, Ankobra, and others, from galamsey, which has:

Raised turbidity levels far beyond treatment thresholds

Reduced GWCL’s capacity to supply clean water in some areas by up to 75%

Increased treatment costs and made some sources effectively untreatable with current infrastructure

Why is the government not actively implementing measures to address galamsey?”

@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid
@ghnow_ Paul Yandoh has been spotted at the Accra High Court for the bail hearing of Chairman Wontumi #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Kofi Kinaata

SHOCKER – 14 female students allegedly sexually abused by Obuasi SHS headmaster

Makay
-
0
SHOCKER – 14 female students allegedly sexually abused by Obuasi SHS headmaster

Manasseh Azure Awuni, an award-winning investigative journalist, has disclosed details of an investigation into allegations that 14 female students of Obuasi Senior High Technical School were sexually abused by the school’s headmaster, Zakaria Abdulai.

The investigative journalist, speaking in an interview on JoyNews on October 13, 2026, described the alleged abuse as disturbing, particularly because several individuals and institutions expected to protect the students were reportedly aware of the complaints but failed to take decisive action for an extended period.

According to Manasseh Azure, the very disturbing aspect of the case is that it wasn’t really hidden, revealing that people in Obuasi, including some stakeholders expected to intervene, knew about the allegations.

Manasseh Azure revealed that the situation had escalated over the past year and a half, despite the apparent awareness of people within the education sector and the political class.

He disclosed that the headmaster has since been interdicted as investigations into the allegations continue.

Providing details of his investigation, Manasseh said the Municipal Education Directorate had received complaints against the headmaster months before the matter gained wider attention.

He disclosed that the Municipal Education Director told him five female students reported to the directorate in March 2026, alleging that they had been sexually assaulted by the headmaster.

However, according to Manasseh, the director explained that he fell ill around that period, resulting in the investigation into the complaints not proceeding.

The journalist further alleged that another incident occurred in June, while a female student reportedly reported being raped by the same headmaster in July.

These incidents, he said, formed part of a series of complaints allegedly raised over an extended period without an adequate response from the relevant authorities.

Manasseh also revealed that teachers responsible for girl-child education and safeguarding at the school had written several letters and petitions concerning the alleged abuse.

The disclosures have raised questions about the handling of safeguarding complaints within the school and the response of education authorities responsible for protecting students.

Manasseh said his investigation suggested that knowledge of the allegations extended beyond individual students to school management, municipal education authorities and other stakeholders.

He explained that he gathered accounts from people occupying different positions within the education sector and the political class, indicating that concerns about the alleged abuse had reportedly been raised through various channels.

The journalist questioned why decisive intervention had not occurred earlier, given the reported complaints and the number of people who allegedly knew about the situation.

His account points to concerns about whether existing reporting and safeguarding procedures were followed and why the complaints did not result in an earlier, effective response.

The allegations have also drawn attention to the responsibility of school authorities and education officials to ensure that students can report abuse safely and receive prompt protection.

Manasseh said the latest allegations were not the first case of alleged sexual misconduct involving a school official at Obuasi Senior High Technical School.

He recalled investigating a similar incident at the same institution in 2018 involving a senior housemaster accused of misconduct involving a student. According to Manasseh, he was later informed that the individual had been dismissed following the incident.

The earlier case, he suggested, provides additional context to the current investigation and raises questions about the effectiveness of measures introduced to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Manasseh further revealed the full documentary detailing the investigation into the allegations against Zakaria Abdulai is scheduled for release next week.

The documentary is expected to provide further details about the reported incidents, the complaints made by students and teachers, and the responses of the individuals and institutions involved.

In related news, video has surfaced of some students at a senior high school (SHS) reportedly confronting a teacher identified as Sir Rey Ray over a suspected sexual misconduct incident involving a female student.

Reports suggest the student confronted the teacher after students allegedly discovered the teacher and the female student inside the laboratory at night.

In the viral video, the teacher appears shocked after being confronted by the students and was seen pleading for mercy.

The female student, meanwhile, is reportedly heard crying following the incident.

However, details surrounding the alleged incident, including the name of the school and the circumstances that led to the students discovering the pair, remain unclear.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, says political party members may be appointed to the Electoral Commission, but cautions against appointing individuals who are overly partisan. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭

‘I didn’t plan to enter politics; I wanted to become a judge’ – Afenyo-Markin

Makay
-
0
‘I didn’t plan to enter politics; I wanted to become a judge’ – Afenyo-Markin

Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader in Parliament, has revealed that he never planned to get into politics.

According to Afenyo-Markin, he entered politics accidentally, revealing that his original ambition was to become a successful entrepreneur, practice law and eventually become a judge.

The Minority leader disclosed that he had not planned to become a politician until his former primary school classmates approached him while he was in his final year at law school.

Speaking during a visit by some members of the Anlo community on October 14, 2026, “That very evening, they came from Winneba and told me that the one who won the primaries for NPP has stepped down because the daughter had died, and he said because of juju, he could not pursue that ambition again. And our classmates were calling for me.

“I didn’t plan to get into politics. My plan was to become a lawyer, run my business, run a law firm, and later in life become a judge”, he narrated.

He further revealed that his interest in becoming a judge was inspired by his reading about prominent jurists, recalling that the former Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba had encouraged him on several occasions to leave politics and pursue a career on the bench.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “Reading about the Lord Dennings and the Atkinsons and Wilberforce and all those great jurists, I really wanted to be on the bench. And in fact, even to date, I don’t know what my Lord Atuguba saw in me”.

“But back in the days when I was doing a lot of Supreme Court practice, you know, he would send his usher to call me after court, to his office, to his chambers, and say, Afenyo, why don’t you stop this politics and become a judge? I want you on the bench”.

Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, mindful of the NPP’s long political history and the trust placed in him by the party’s elders.

Afenyo-Markin also dismissed claims of compromising videos or audios, saying he will not do anything to embarrass himself, his family or the party.

According to Afenyo-Markin, while he is not perfect, he cannot be reckless as he knows what to do.

Speaking during a solidarity visit by Asafo companies and cultural troupes from Winneba (Effutu) to his Accra residence on August 31, 2026, Afenyo-Markin stated, “I have discharged my duty as Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I sit on a seat that JB Danquah, JH Mensah, Busia, Dombo, Kyei Mensah‑Bonsu, and Paapa Owusu‑Ankomah sat on. I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect.”

“From day one, they entrusted me with this position. I have always acknowledged the weight of history to do what is right. I’m not a perfect guy. But I won’t be reckless. I know what I have to do”.

He further urged the public to ignore reports of alleged audio or video evidence purportedly connecting him to extortion.

“So people talking about they have videos and audio — some are playing games on social media. Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family, and the party. There’s nothing like that anywhere. But it’s a social media era, so as a politician I have to accept some of these things. It will come my way,” he added.

However, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has accused Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of resorting to “takashi” in Parliament because the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is “limping.”

According to Dr Ato Forson, although he disagrees with Afenyo-Markin’s approach, he acknowledges that the Minority Leader faces a difficult task due to the NPP’s lack of numbers in Parliament.

Ato Forson noted that the numerical disadvantage of the Minority explains the approach adopted by Afenyo-Markin in parliamentary proceedings.

Speaking on Ahenfie TV, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson stated, “Kwamena, we are all Central Region politicians; I have the privilege of being a minority leader representing my party in parliament. He has also had his chance to be the leader of his party and also minority leader. I have been there before.

Sometimes I look back and say I think we are privileged, the two of us, to lead our party in parliament”.

He added, “I disagree with him on a number of things that he does. I have always told him in the face. But I also recognised that he has a big task because his party is limping.

The NPP party is limping, and the party, looking at their record, they do not have any record, so they are using ‘takashi’ sayings or sort of things just to try to rebrand the party. So I can only understand him. he is using Takashi just to make sure his party get the necessary rebranding.

If you go to parliament, also their number have become Nkoko Nkitinkiti, a very small group of people, while we are very big. They don’t have the numbers also”.

Ato Forson further recounted that the NDC also faced a similar crisis and needed to rebrand, saying, “When the NDC went into opposition in 2017, we faced a similar crisis and needed to rebrand under Haruna Iddrisu; I was ranking member of the Finance Committee, and I had to put up a fight; it was tough, but gradually Ghanaians began to listen to us.

They will get there one day; I don’t know when”, he added.

@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, says political party members may be appointed to the Electoral Commission, but cautions against appointing individuals who are overly partisan. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, has cautioned politicians against acting as lords over the people instead of serving those who elected them. He further stated that politics is not a dirty game, but a dirtied game. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘In the course of time, Akufo-Addo’s name will be written in gold’ – Abu Jinapor

Makay
-
0
‘In the course of time, Akufo-Addo’s name will be written in gold’ – Abu Jinapor

Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, has said that in the course of time the legacy of former the legacy of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will be written in gold.

The Damongo MP argued that Ghanaians will eventually appreciate the legacy.

According to Abu Jinapor, Akufo-Addo will be ranked among the country’s best presidents, adding that public assessments of political leaders often change with time.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekoosisen on October 14, 2026, Abu Jinapor stated, “History is not written in the contemporary time. History is not written in the moment, and that is why they say that when it comes to history, the jury will still be out there”.

“You know, the jubilation that took place in Ghana when Nkrumah was overthrown, but I think history is now being written to accord President Nkrumah his rightful place in the annals of our country. When former President Kufuor left office in 2008, Ghanaians said lots of things about him, and the same thing happened when Mahama left office in 2016”, he noted.

He further cited former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who led the United Kingdom during World War II but lost the 1945 general election to Clement Attlee, saying, “You go to the United Kingdom, the man who’s been acclaimed as the greatest Englishman of all time, Winston Churchill. At the time Winston Churchill won the war for the United Kingdom in 1945, he was in Yalta negotiating for the UK when the election results were declared. He was defeated by Clement Attlee”.

Abu Jinapor argued that the former president’s achievements would ultimately earn him a positive place in Ghana’s history.

“In the course of time, his name will be written in gold in the history of Ghana. There are no two ways about that. Even on account of Free SHS alone, he has earned his place in Ghanaian history,” he said.

“Some of the decisions and some of the interventions which were rolled out to ensure recovery and ensure that we clean up the economic system caused pain to some Ghanaians, and that is something that we have to admit,” he said.

In related news, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, a Statesman and founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has said former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration nearly pushed Ghana back to military rule.

According to  Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe, Ghana under the Akufo-Addo administration was dangling and on the brink of falling back into military rule.

Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe recounted that two senior military officers, the late General Ashley-Larsen and General Nunu Mensah, engaged then-President Akufo-Addo to offer their advice in the interest of the country’s security.

He disclosed that the two generals believed the general situation in the country required their intervention because Ghana was “walking into the hands of the military.”

Speaking in an interview on Onua TV on September 8, 2026, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe stated, “When Akufo-Addo became president of this country, and this nation was walking into the hands of the military, two generals decided to have a chat with Akufo-Addo and advise because of the safety of this country.

“Late General Ashley Larson was, I think, the oldest general left at that time and General Nunu Mensah. They got in touch through the presidents, you know, as usual when certain things you have to pass it through somebody to get it. He was informed”.

You know the response that came from my good friend Nana Akufo-Addo”.

He further added, “General Nunu Mensah said he was driving somewhere around Cantonment when he had the call, so he parked the car and on the other side of the phone was one of the ministers. I think it was then the National Security Minister. The person was rather telling him that the President would like them to talk to the security services. Can you believe that? Two generals”.

He added, “So, what happened? There are no kids. Even in age, they are far, far older than us. So, they decided just to leave it, and we were dangling like this, dangling,” he said.

“The whole nation was dangling, and we should thank God that we are still a nation,” he stated.

@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭

‘Ghana is in a very good place’ – IMF Director tells Ato Forson

Makay
-
0
‘Ghana is in a very good place’ – IMF Director tells Ato Forson

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

The IMF also cited Ghana’s economic reform programme as an example for other countries to follow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s economy is resilient and capable of withstanding external shocks.

According to John Mahama, Ghana’s economy used to stand on broomsticks; but today it is standing on concrete pillars.

Mahama noted that in the past Ghana’s economy was vulnerable to developments in the global economic environment, but argued that today the economy is stabilised despite international challenges.

Speaking during his accountability engagement in Wa at the weekend as part of his #ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper West Region, Mahama stated, “In the past, Ghana’s economy used to stand on broomsticks. As soon as something happens in the world, it comes crashing down. Today Ghana’s economy is standing on concrete pillars, so even when there’s an earthquake, the country is still standing.

“This Iran-Israel-US war, if it had happened some years back, by now the economy would have come crashing down, but happily it’s been well managed,” the President explained.

Mahama, however, noted that while the economy remained stable, external developments had slowed the pace of progress expected by the Government.

According to John Mahama, his government planned to invest GH¢2.5 billion annually in five key sectors of the economy under its proposed “new economy” initiative aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for young people.

President Mahama disclosed that the Minister of Finance would unveil the initiative in the 2027 Budget Statement, with investments targeted at sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, and power generation.

“These are not going to be government businesses. Government is not going to set up state-owned enterprises with GH₵2.5 billion a year. It is going to go to the private sector to set up the businesses,” President Mahama indicated.

Mahama further urged entrepreneurs and private sector operators to take advantage of the opportunities to expand businesses and create employment for the youth.

Also, Haruna Iddrisu, the Education Minister, has quizzed the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on why they are dead silent about Ghana’s economy.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, the NPP’s silence on the economy at its recent delegates conference amounted to an acknowledgement that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration was performing better.

The Education Minister questioned why the NPP are not talking about inflation, debt, the debt-to-GDP rate and the number of investments in infrastructure.

@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has been spotted with Gifty Mawunyo Dumelo, wife of John Dumelo, at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Gen Z – Fameye

10 things to know about Ghana’s economy from BoG’s September report

Makay
-
0
10 things to know about Ghana’s economy from BoG’s September report

Ghana’s economy is showing signs of recovery, supported by stronger economic growth, relatively low inflation, improving credit conditions and a rally on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

However, cedi depreciation, persistent bad loans and exposure to global commodity prices remain key risks.

The Bank of Ghana’s September 2026 Monetary Policy Report highlights these developments, offering insights into the country’s economic performance and the challenges that could shape the outlook.

Here are 10 key takeaways from the report:

1. BoG maintains policy rate at 14%

The Bank of Ghana has maintained its Monetary Policy Rate at 14 per cent following significant cuts from 25 per cent in July 2025. The decision seeks to support economic activity while preserving price stability amid global energy market volatility and geopolitical tensions.

2. Inflation rises to 5.2%

Headline inflation rose to 5.2 per cent, from 4.6 per cent in July and 5 per cent in August. Non-food inflation increased to 6.8 per cent, while food inflation eased to 3 per cent. Despite the increase, inflation remains below the central bank’s medium-term target range of 6 to 10 per cent.

3. GDP growth reaches 6%

Ghana’s real GDP expanded by 6 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, driven mainly by services and industry. The Composite Index of Economic Activity also grew by 14.9 per cent year-on-year in July, up from 6.1 per cent a year earlier.

4. Gold boosts export earnings

Ghana recorded a trade surplus of approximately US$8.8 billion in the first eight months of 2026, compared with US$6.69 billion during the same period in 2025. Export earnings reached US$22.39 billion, supported by gold receipts of US$14.86 billion. However, reliance on commodities leaves the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations.

5. Cedi depreciation remains a concern

The cedi depreciated by 7.11 per cent against the US dollar, 7.78 per cent against the pound and 6.09 per cent against the euro on the interbank market in the year to August. The depreciation highlights continuing currency pressures despite stronger export earnings.

6. Lending rates decline as credit expands

Average bank lending rates fell to 15.9 per cent in August, from 24.2 per cent a year earlier. Real private-sector credit growth accelerated to 29 per cent, compared with 1.7 per cent in August 2025, signalling improved access to financing for businesses.

7. Fiscal performance exceeds targets

Provisional data for January to July 2026 showed an overall fiscal deficit of 0.2 per cent of GDP, below the programmed target of 1.9 per cent. The primary balance recorded a surplus of 1.4 per cent of GDP, exceeding the 0.2 per cent fiscal anchor target.

8. Bad loans decline, but risks persist

Banking sector assets rose by 20.5 per cent year-on-year to GH¢500.2 billion at the end of August. The capital adequacy ratio reached 19.1 per cent, above the 13 per cent regulatory minimum. The non-performing loan ratio declined to 15.7 per cent from 20.8 per cent a year earlier, although credit risks remain significant.

9. Lower rates affect bank profitability

Banks’ profit after tax reportedly fell by 5.7 per cent to GH¢9.2 billion. Net interest income declined by 4.2 per cent, while fee and commission income increased by 17.9 per cent, highlighting changing earnings conditions as interest rates fall.

10. Stock market records strong rally

The Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index surged by 105.7 per cent year-on-year to 15,076.3 points at the end of August 2026. The Financial Stocks Index gained 131.7 per cent, while market capitalisation reached GH¢285.58 billion.

Meanwhile, the report points to improving economic conditions, supported by stronger growth, rising exports, lower lending rates and improved banking indicators. However, currency depreciation, commodity price volatility and persistent bad loans remain challenges. Sustaining the recovery will depend on continued fiscal discipline, financial sector resilience and policies that translate economic gains into jobs and better living standards.

@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭

Ghana will grow beyond projected 5.7% – Ato Forson challenges IMF forecast

Makay
-
0
Ghana will grow beyond projected 5.7% – Ato Forson challenges IMF forecast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s economy is resilient and capable of withstanding external shocks.

According to John Mahama, Ghana’s economy used to stand on broomsticks; but today it is standing on concrete pillars.

Mahama noted that in the past Ghana’s economy was vulnerable to developments in the global economic environment, but argued that today the economy is stabilised despite international challenges.

Speaking during his accountability engagement in Wa at the weekend as part of his #ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper West Region, Mahama stated, “In the past, Ghana’s economy used to stand on broomsticks. As soon as something happens in the world, it comes crashing down. Today Ghana’s economy is standing on concrete pillars, so even when there’s an earthquake, the country is still standing.

“This Iran-Israel-US war, if it had happened some years back, by now the economy would have come crashing down, but happily it’s been well managed,” the President explained.

Mahama, however, noted that while the economy remained stable, external developments had slowed the pace of progress expected by the Government.

According to John Mahama, his government planned to invest GH¢2.5 billion annually in five key sectors of the economy under its proposed “new economy” initiative aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for young people.

President Mahama disclosed that the Minister of Finance would unveil the initiative in the 2027 Budget Statement, with investments targeted at sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, and power generation.

“These are not going to be government businesses. Government is not going to set up state-owned enterprises with GH₵2.5 billion a year. It is going to go to the private sector to set up the businesses,” President Mahama indicated.

Mahama further urged entrepreneurs and private sector operators to take advantage of the opportunities to expand businesses and create employment for the youth.

Also, Haruna Iddrisu, the Education Minister, has quizzed the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on why they are dead silent about Ghana’s economy.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, the NPP’s silence on the economy at its recent delegates conference amounted to an acknowledgement that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration was performing better.

The Education Minister questioned why the NPP are not talking about inflation, debt, the debt-to-GDP rate and the number of investments in infrastructure.

@ghnow_ Ayawaso East MP, Hon. Baba Jamal, has cautioned politicians against acting as lords over the people instead of serving those who elected them. He further stated that politics is not a dirty game, but a dirtied game. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has been spotted with Gifty Mawunyo Dumelo, wife of John Dumelo, at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Gen Z – Fameye

Wontumi’s bail fate to be decided on November 4

Makay
-
0
Wontumi’s bail fate to be decided on November 4

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, a High Court Judge, has set November 4, 2026, to deliver a ruling on a bail application filed by Bernard Antwi Bosiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, pending appeal.

The High Court Judge adjournment follows arguments by lawyers for Chairman Wontumi, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, and Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai.

Atta Akyea in court on Thursday argued that the circumstances of the case warranted the grant of bail pending appeal.

He argued that temporary release would be essential to enable him to prepare his appeal and participate effectively in two other criminal cases Wontumi is facing.

According to Atta Akyea, Wontumi was not a flight risk, citing his compliance with previous bail conditions before his conviction, asking the court to consider the 19 grounds of appeal outlined in the notice of appeal.

However, Dr Justice Srem-Sai opposed the application, stressing that the grounds of appeal were ordinary grounds that could be raised by any appellant challenging a conviction.

He further argued that the appellant’s conduct during the trial could not, on its own, serve as a reliable basis for determining whether he would abscond if granted bail.

 Dr Srem-Sai further referred to a video involving Wontumi’s former counsel, in which the lawyer allegedly spoke about Wontumi’s plan to run.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay then quizzed Atta Akyea about the progress of the appeal process, where he indicated that efforts were underway to compile the records of appeal for onward transmission to the Court of Appeal.

The High Court Judge subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 2026, to deliver her ruling on the bail application.

Earlier, the Accra High Court adjourned Wontumi’s bail application pending; his appeal to October 15, 2026.

Reports suggest the adjournment followed the failure of Chairman Wontumi and his lawyers who failed to appear before the court for the hearing.

However, the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, was present in court for the proceedings.

He disclosed to the media that the court is expected to consider the bail application when the case resumes on October 15.

Meanwhile, Prophet Kofi Oduro, the Founder and Leader of Alabaster International Ministries, has quizzed the sense behind the 20-year prison sentence handed to Chairman Wontumi.

The man of God expressed disappointment over the imprisonment of Wontumi, arguing that the 20-year prison sentence was not in the best interest of the country.

He noted that the government will now have to spend taxpayers’ money on his feeding and welfare while he serves his sentence.

According to Prophet Kofi Oduro, Wontumi should have been given an option: 20 years or 10 billion dollars payback to reclaim the lands he helped destroy with his galamsey activities.

Speaking in a sermon shared on social media with his congregation, Prophet Kofi Oduro stated, “What is the use of Wontumi being in prison for 20 years? We should have given that guy options: 20 years or 10 billion dollars payback. He will definitely choose the latter. What is the sense of Wontumi being in Nsawam Prison? It’s true he has committed a crime, but give him an option, give him an option to pay back.

“Now that he is in Nsawam for 20 years, what is the sense of it? He has offended the law, yes, but he should be given an option to pay back. The Nation needs that money back to go and reclaim that land.

 The judiciary should give the guy an option. 20 years or pay back; nobody will take 20 years. Let him sell everything he has made to pay back, but for him to sit there while we waste money on him is nonsense,” he said.

@ghnow_ The ruling on Chairman Wontumi’s bail application is expected to be delivered on November 4 following proceedings at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BiG VYBZ’s Lyrics.
@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Paul Yandoh has been spotted at the Accra High Court for the bail hearing of Chairman Wontumi #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Kofi Kinaata

TRIBE Culture Fest defrauded applicants – Sports Minister runs from World Cup visa scandal

Makay
-
0
TRIBE Culture Fest defrauded applicants – Sports Minister runs from World Cup visa scandal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, details have emerged in the alleged visa scandal linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with investigations revealing how prospective travellers were reportedly recruited through contractors and intermediaries and charged thousands of dollars for assistance with visa applications.

According to JoyNews journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, speaking on Monday, October 12, 2026, disclosed that a list of 90 people presented as event coordinators and volunteers for the tournament was forwarded to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation by the then Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

He disclosed that the letter, dated May 19, was intended to facilitate the applicants’ travel to the tournament, with the ministry reportedly receiving it on May 25, following an earlier directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructing government institutions and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to channel World Cup-related travel requests through the Sports Ministry for due diligence.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai disclosed that investigations established that only five of the 90 applicants obtained visas, leaving 85 unsuccessful.

The JoySports report noted that the names of the applicants had been included in a petition submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

He further disclosed that the investigation further revealed that prospective travellers were allegedly charged different amounts depending on their intended destinations, adding that applicants seeking visas for both the United States and Canada were reportedly charged US$15,000, while those applying to travel only to the United States were allegedly charged US$10,000.

According to Muftawu, applicants were often introduced to the process through contractors and sub-contractors who collected money on their behalf, rather than approaching the individuals allegedly facilitating the applications directly.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai cited several transactions uncovered during his investigation, including one intermediary who allegedly submitted a list of 47 applicants. Another reportedly brought 15 people and paid US$59,000 in a single transaction. In separate instances, an intermediary allegedly paid US$25,000 for five applicants, another paid US$20,000 for four people, and a different individual paid US$10,000 for two applicants.

He further cited a case in which a woman allegedly delivered GH¢158,000 on behalf of three other prospective travellers. He said he had spoken to individuals involved in some of the transactions as part of his investigation.

Also, details suggested that the process was facilitated through an office allegedly established at the NSA to assist prospective World Cup attendees with their visa applications.

According to Muftawu, the office had staff and served as a point of contact for applicants who submitted money in the belief that they were participating in an official arrangement.

He alleged that Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere operated the office, although the individual reportedly denied knowledge of the alleged activities.

The investigation also brought to light allegations concerning how money collected from applicants was distributed among individuals associated with the process.

He also cited a petition by former NSA chief executive Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere, who reportedly alleged that about 80 per cent of the people who approached him had been referred by the NSA.

He further detailed that the payment arrangement involved US$4,000 as the actual cost of the process, with US$1,500 allegedly allocated to the suspended NSA Director-General, another US$1,500 to the former NSA chief executive, and US$1,000 to the chief executive of TRIBE Culture Fest, Nana Boateng Gyimah. A further US$5,000 was reportedly retained under the alleged arrangement.

The claims raise questions about the roles of intermediaries, the collection and distribution of payments, and the circumstances under which applicants were led to believe they could secure visas to attend the tournament.

@ghnow_ Justice Srem-Sai has departed the Accra High Court after the judge adjourned the bail application hearing of Chairman Wontumi. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – MY WORSHIP CORNER. 🇬🇭
@ghnow_ The ruling on Chairman Wontumi’s bail application is expected to be delivered on November 4 following proceedings at the Accra High Court. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BiG VYBZ’s Lyrics.

Afenyo-Markin vows to pursue GH¢15m suit against Sammy Gyamfi

Makay
-
0
Afenyo-Markin vows to pursue GH¢15m suit against Sammy Gyamfi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seth Anyaaba, a lawyer for the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has explained why the GH¢15 million defamation suit filed against his client by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin was thrown out.

According to Seth Anyaaba, the writ was thrown out by the High Court on October 14, 2026, because it did not comply with the rules of court.

Sammy Gyamfi’s lawyer revealed that the legal team challenged the suit because Afenyo-Markin had failed to include the alleged defamatory statement in the writ, as required under Order 57 Rule 2 of the court rules.

Speaking to the media, Seth Anyaaba stated, “So, when Afenyo-Markin filed his defamation action, we took the view that the writ, which has just been set aside by the court, did not comply with the rules of court, particularly Order 57 Rule 2, which mandatorily requires that you must endorse the alleged defamatory statement of the defendant on the writ”

“Essentially, the court agreed with the argument that we conversed before it. So, what it means is that the action which was instituted by Afenyo-Markin on 24 August 2026 against Sammy Gyamfi is no more in existence in the sense that it has been set aside and dismissed by the High Court,” he added.

He further disclosed that the court did not determine whether the alleged comments by Gyamfi were defamatory, adding that the decision was based on a procedural issue concerning the validity of the suit.

He, however, added that Afenyo-Markin could still file a fresh case if he wished because the court had not considered the substance of his claims.

“So, clearly, the action was not determined on its merits. It was a procedural determination of the competence of the suit, so once the merits of the case weren’t determined, he’s entitled, if he so wishes, to file a fresh action,” he stated.

“We wish that, given the community they find themselves in as politicians, they can find a way to talk around these issues,” he added.

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

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

The Minority Leader initiated the legal action in August 2026, seeking GH¢15 million in damages over the alleged defamatory remarks, arguing that the comments were false and had the potential to damage his reputation as a lawyer, politician and public figure.

Afenyo-Markin’s suit also named Multimedia Group Limited, the parent company of JoyNews, as a defendant, with the Minority Leader seeking a retraction, an unqualified public apology and an injunction.

However, reports gathered suggest the Court, on October 14, 2026, ruled that Afenyo-Markin’s writ was “incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of properly invoking the Court’s jurisdiction”.

A Joy News flyer stated, “High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15 million defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi, says writ is incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of invoking the court’s jurisdiction”.

@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ NPP First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Bamba, has been spotted at the Accra High Court for Chairman Wontumi’s bail application hearing. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Faith – Kweku Smoke & Lasmid

“The optics don’t look good” – Kwesi Pratt tells Mahama

Makay
-
0
“The optics don’t look good” – Kwesi Pratt tells Mahama

Kwesi Pratt Jr, a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, has slammed John Dramani Mahama over the appointment decision to appoint and swear in Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to him, Agbenyo’s previous association with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raises concerns about the perceived political neutrality of the Electoral Commission.

Kwesi Pratt noted that during the Akufo-Addo administration, Ghanaians criticised appointments perceived to be politically motivated, further questioning why President Mahama would make a similar appointment.

He further stressed the need for political leaders to prioritise national interests and avoid decisions that could undermine public confidence.

Speaking during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Kwesi Pratt said, “Maybe the woman might work perfectly without her party biases, but the optics don’t look good. This morning, I read what President Mahama said to them about not working for any party but rather the nation.

“But if he didn’t appoint this woman, what would have happened? Are we saying that out of 35 million people, we couldn’t get anybody aside from someone who participated in the NDC manifesto committee? Why are we doing things anyhow?” he questioned.

His comment follows President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) has sparked debate on social media following her swearing-in.

The controversy follows the resurfacing of social media posts and an article highlighting Agbenyo’s alleged involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.

Meanwhile, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has admitted that the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to the NPP, they consider the appointment unacceptable because of Agbenyo’s previous political activities and alleged association with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement signed by the NPP National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party also accused President John Dramani Mahama of contradicting his previous position on political appointments to the EC.

In March 2023, John Mahama, then-opposition leader, criticised the appointment of people he described as party activists to the Commission and called for Article 43(2) of the Constitution to be amended to allow Parliament to approve such appointments.

Parts of the NPP statement read, “She is seen in videos on NDC campaign rally platforms campaigning with and for the NDC. She is seen in NDC campaign T-shirts openly advocating for the NDC,” the party said.

“Less than two years on, the President has placed her among the top leadership of the institution that will conduct the 2028 general elections. We find this unacceptable,” the party stated.

“The President has now done exactly what he condemned,” the NPP said.

“Public confidence in the Commission is the foundation on which every election result rests,” it underscored.

The NPP argued that the loss of public confidence could lead to suspicion over electoral processes, including voter registration, boundary decisions and the declaration of results.

They further called on President Mahama to withdraw Agbenyo’s appointment.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn has donated tools and equipment to Youth Employment Agency (YEA) trainees in Ablekuma North to support their training and skills development. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪
@ghnow_ Part 2: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘No gov’t money lost in World Cup visa scandal’ – Kofi Adams

Makay
-
0
‘No gov’t money lost in World Cup visa scandal’ – Kofi Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, Nana Boateng Gyimah, the Chief Executive Officer of Tribe Culture Fest, has demanded that the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, provide evidence following his claims that people associated with the organisation received US$611,000 in connection with visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Tribe Culture Fest CEO, in a statement, denied the allegation, claiming that his company’s agreement was with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

He further categorically denied the allegations that the Tribe Culture Fest illegally received US$611,000 and is avoiding a refund.

According to Nana Boateng Gyimah, Tribe Culture did not receive the alleged US$611,000 from any private individual in connection with the arrangements in question.

He further challenged the Sports Minister to produce the evidence supporting his claims.

Parts of the statement read, “I categorically deny the allegations attributed to the Minister for Sports, Kofi Adams, that Tribe Culture Fest or I illegally received US$611,000 and are avoiding a refund”.

“For the record, Tribe Culture’s agreement was solely with the National Sports Authority and Ghana Tourism Authority. Neither I nor Tribe Culture Fest received the alleged US$611,000 from any private individual in connection with the arrangements in question”.

“I challenge the Minister to produce the evidence supporting his claims. He must provide any agreement, authorisation or consent involving me or Tribe Culture that establishes the alleged financial arrangement. He must also provide verifiable payment records showing who paid the money, who received it, when it was paid and how he arrived at the US$611,000,” he said.

Gyimah warned that the allegations could damage his reputation and the integrity of Tribe Culture Fest.

“My reputation and the integrity of Tribe Culture must not be undermined by unsubstantiated public accusations. I call on the Minister to substantiate his allegations or withdraw them and correct the public record, or have my lawyers deal with the matter,” the statement concluded.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Part 3: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 1: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – Nkz_Lyrics & Caption – DJ NKAY HUB

Wontumi to appear in court today to seek release from Nsawam prison

Makay
-
0
Wontumi to appear in court today to seek release from Nsawam prison

The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will make an appearance in court today as his lawyers push for his release on bail pending an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence.

Wontumi’s legal team is seeking temporary freedom as he challenges his conviction over illegal mining-related offences involving a mining concession at Samreboi.

It will be recalled that Chairman Wontumi filed an application at the High Court seeking to be released on bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction and prison sentence.

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

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

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

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

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

Earlier, the Accra High Court adjourned Wontumi’s bail application pending; his appeal to October 15, 2026.

Reports suggest the adjournment followed the failure of Chairman Wontumi and his lawyers who failed to appear before the court for the hearing.

However, the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, was present in court for the proceedings.

He disclosed to the media that the court is expected to consider the bail application when the case resumes on October 15.

Meanwhile, Prophet Kofi Oduro, the Founder and Leader of Alabaster International Ministries, has quizzed the sense behind the 20-year prison sentence handed to Chairman Wontumi.

The man of God expressed disappointment over the imprisonment of Wontumi, arguing that the 20-year prison sentence was not in the best interest of the country.

He noted that the government will now have to spend taxpayers’ money on his feeding and welfare while he serves his sentence.

According to Prophet Kofi Oduro, Wontumi should have been given an option: 20 years or 10 billion dollars payback to reclaim the lands he helped destroy with his galamsey activities.

Speaking in a sermon shared on social media with his congregation, Prophet Kofi Oduro stated, “What is the use of Wontumi being in prison for 20 years? We should have given that guy options: 20 years or 10 billion dollars payback. He will definitely choose the latter. What is the sense of Wontumi being in Nsawam Prison? It’s true he has committed a crime, but give him an option, give him an option to pay back.

“Now that he is in Nsawam for 20 years, what is the sense of it? He has offended the law, yes, but he should be given an option to pay back. The Nation needs that money back to go and reclaim that land.

 The judiciary should give the guy an option. 20 years or pay back; nobody will take 20 years. Let him sell everything he has made to pay back, but for him to sit there while we waste money on him is nonsense,” he said.

@ghnow_ Part 2: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘The biggest insult to our intelligence’ – Miracles Aboagye drops details on newly appointed EC deputy chair

Makay
-
0
‘The biggest insult to our intelligence’ – Miracles Aboagye drops details on newly appointed EC deputy chair

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the NPP National Communications Director, has dropped more details surrounding the political affiliation of Emelia Afi Agbenyo, the newly elected Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

The NPP Communications Director challenged claims that Emelia Afi Agbenyo became associated with the NDC only after the party nominated Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as its running mate.

According to Miracles Aboagye, Emelia Afi Agbenyo’s political affiliation with the NDC was known during her university days.

He stressed that Agbenyo was an active student politician at the University of Ghana between 2004 and 2008 and was widely known on campus as an NDC supporter.

Miracles Aboagye further cited that Agbenyo served as the university’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) secretary in 2008, when an NPP member was SRC president.

Speaking on Joy News, Miracles Aboagye stated, “I was at the University of Ghana between 2003 and 2007. Afi was at the University of Ghana between 2004 and 2008”.

“Afi was not a private person at the University of Ghana. Afi was a student politician. Indeed, Afi became the SRC secretary of the University of Ghana in 2008,” he added.

“If the NDC comes to tell you in 2026 that she is a consultant and an advocate and that she came to join them when the female vice president was nominated, that is the biggest insult to the intelligence of the people of this country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has admitted that the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to the NPP, they consider the appointment unacceptable because of Agbenyo’s previous political activities and alleged association with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement signed by the NPP National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party also accused President John Dramani Mahama of contradicting his previous position on political appointments to the EC.

In March 2023, John Mahama, then-opposition leader, criticised the appointment of people he described as party activists to the Commission and called for Article 43(2) of the Constitution to be amended to allow Parliament to approve such appointments.

Parts of the NPP statement read, “She is seen in videos on NDC campaign rally platforms campaigning with and for the NDC. She is seen in NDC campaign T-shirts openly advocating for the NDC,” the party said.

“Less than two years on, the President has placed her among the top leadership of the institution that will conduct the 2028 general elections. We find this unacceptable,” the party stated.

“The President has now done exactly what he condemned,” the NPP said.

“Public confidence in the Commission is the foundation on which every election result rests,” it underscored.

The NPP argued that the loss of public confidence could lead to suspicion over electoral processes, including voter registration, boundary decisions and the declaration of results.

They further called on President Mahama to withdraw Agbenyo’s appointment.

@ghnow_ Part 3: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 2: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Atta Akyea sets record straight on claims he begged Mahama to pardon Wontumi

Makay
-
0
Atta Akyea sets record straight on claims he begged Mahama to pardon Wontumi

Samuel Atta Akyea, a lead counsel for former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, has set the record straight over claims he begged President John Mahama for a presidential pardon for his client.

Wontumi’s Lawyer clarified that he had not approached President John Dramani Mahama to seek clemency for Wontumi.

He, however, stressed that he expected the President to show mercy to his client, considering the widespread nature of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country.

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Atta Akyea, when asked whether he had sought a presidential pardon for his client, stated, “No, please. We didn’t do that”.

According to Atta Akyea, given the prevalence of galamsey in Ghana, he had hoped President Mahama would have exercised discretion and shown compassion in a case related to illegal mining.

“Also, when the case was galamsey-related, we thought that the President, in his own mercy, would say that, look, the nation is awash with galamsey,” he stated.

Atta Akyea further argued that some prominent members of the NDC had significant involvement in galamsey, saying, “Even we have some evidence that serious people in the party, that is what their daily bread is all about. I will not use a galamsey-tinted criminal matter to detain a man and let him remain…”

Meanwhile, Maurice Ampaw, a Private legal practitioner, has begged President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the incarceration of Chairman Wontumi.

The Private legal practitioner called on Ghanaian business mogul Ibrahim Mahama to intervene on behalf of the incarcerated Wontumi.

According to Maurice Ampaw, Ibrahim Mahama has the influence to intervene on behalf of Chairman Wontumi.

He further appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider his position on Chairman Wontumi’s case, urging the President not to allow people around him to negatively influence his decisions.

Speaking in an interview on Movement TV shared on social media, Maurice Ampaw stated, “I pray that Ibrahim Mahama will remember his junior brother because there should be sober reflection. His brother is suffering, and I believe he can do something about it. I believe that he should take advantage of this opportunity to visit Chairman Wontumi in prison and have a talk with him.

“As human beings, we must put aside all acrimonies and reconcile. Time is too short; we don’t have time. Day in and day out, we are all heading towards our graves.”

“That is why I am calling on President Mahama to reflect, with his two and a half years [in office], and reconsider. He shouldn’t allow people around him to deceive him. I know he has a good heart, but people are deceiving him,” he said.

In related news, Dr Palgrave Boakye Danquah, a spokesperson for businessman and Wontumi, has broken his silence on President John Dramani Mahama granting some 863 convicted persons granted a presidential pardon.

According to Wontumi’s team, they are yet to receive official confirmation on whether Wontumi is among the 863 convicted persons granted a presidential pardon.

Speaking on President Mahama’s presidential pardon, Dr Boakye Danquah said the team had not received any formal communication confirming that Wontumi is among those covered by the President’s decision.

He stressed that they would refrain from concluding until the relevant authorities officially communicate the names and categories of persons covered by the pardon.

Dr Boakye Danquah stated, “We don’t have the fine details yet, and so if we are yet to be communicated to, we will let the public know. Our prayer and consideration will be that if we would have our name anywhere at all, it would be within the Special Recommendation or Petition category.”

He, however, disclosed that their immediate priority is to secure bail for Wontumi on October 15, pending the determination of his appeal.

“We are just praying that the appeal goes through and also we are praying that the bail pending the appeal goes through”, he stated.

His comment follows President Mahama’s announcement of the pardon as part of Ghana’s 70th Independence celebration covering 863 convicted persons across the country.

The announcement has since sparked interest in the status of several high-profile individuals who may have been considered for clemency, including Chairman Wontumi.

@ghnow_ Part 3: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘There’s no justification to dismiss me over the World Cup visa scandal’ – Kofi Adams

Makay
-
0
‘There’s no justification to dismiss me over the World Cup visa scandal’ – Kofi Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In related news, More details have emerged in the alleged visa scandal linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with investigations revealing how prospective travellers were reportedly recruited through contractors and intermediaries and charged thousands of dollars for assistance with visa applications.

According to JoyNews journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, speaking on Monday, October 12, 2026, disclosed that a list of 90 people presented as event coordinators and volunteers for the tournament was forwarded to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation by the then Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

He disclosed that the letter, dated May 19, was intended to facilitate the applicants’ travel to the tournament, with the ministry reportedly receiving it on May 25, following an earlier directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructing government institutions and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to channel World Cup-related travel requests through the Sports Ministry for due diligence.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai disclosed that investigations established that only five of the 90 applicants obtained visas, leaving 85 unsuccessful.

The JoySports report noted that the names of the applicants had been included in a petition submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

He further disclosed that the investigation further revealed that prospective travellers were allegedly charged different amounts depending on their intended destinations, adding that applicants seeking visas for both the United States and Canada were reportedly charged US$15,000, while those applying to travel only to the United States were allegedly charged US$10,000.

According to Muftawu, applicants were often introduced to the process through contractors and sub-contractors who collected money on their behalf, rather than approaching the individuals allegedly facilitating the applications directly.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai cited several transactions uncovered during his investigation, including one intermediary who allegedly submitted a list of 47 applicants. Another reportedly brought 15 people and paid US$59,000 in a single transaction. In separate instances, an intermediary allegedly paid US$25,000 for five applicants, another paid US$20,000 for four people, and a different individual paid US$10,000 for two applicants.

He further cited a case in which a woman allegedly delivered GH¢158,000 on behalf of three other prospective travellers. He said he had spoken to individuals involved in some of the transactions as part of his investigation.

Also, details suggested that the process was facilitated through an office allegedly established at the NSA to assist prospective World Cup attendees with their visa applications.

According to Muftawu, the office had staff and served as a point of contact for applicants who submitted money in the belief that they were participating in an official arrangement.

He alleged that Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere operated the office, although the individual reportedly denied knowledge of the alleged activities.

The investigation also brought to light allegations concerning how money collected from applicants was distributed among individuals associated with the process.

He also cited a petition by former NSA chief executive Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere, who reportedly alleged that about 80 per cent of the people who approached him had been referred by the NSA.

He further detailed that the payment arrangement involved US$4,000 as the actual cost of the process, with US$1,500 allegedly allocated to the suspended NSA Director-General, another US$1,500 to the former NSA chief executive, and US$1,000 to the chief executive of TRIBE Culture Fest, Nana Boateng Gyimah. A further US$5,000 was reportedly retained under the alleged arrangement.

The claims raise questions about the roles of intermediaries, the collection and distribution of payments, and the circumstances under which applicants were led to believe they could secure visas to attend the tournament.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn and MCE Hon. Adamu Kalamu present start-up kits to beneficiaries of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in Ablekuma North Municipality. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Have Mercy 2 – Kofi Kinaata
@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn and MCE Hon. Adamu Kalamu have presented first aid kits to First Aid Responder trainees under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in Ablekuma North. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

‘Wontumi shares a prison cell with 50 other inmates at Nsawam’ – Paul Yandoh claims

Makay
-
0
‘Wontumi shares a prison cell with 50 other inmates at Nsawam’ – Paul Yandoh claims

The former Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, a close associate of Chairman Wontumi, has given some insight into the conditions of the latter, who is currently serving a 20-year jail term at Nsawam Prison.

According to Paul Yandoh, Chairman Wontumi sleeps in a cell with about 50 inmates.

Paul Yandoh dismissed rumours circulating on social media that Chairman Wontumi sleeps in a special room and is being treated differently as false.

Speaking on Neat FM, in a video shared on X, Paul Yandoh stated, “I have been visiting him in jail, and what you have heard is totally different from what I have seen. Wontumi’s cell contains about 50 inmates”.

He further claimed that Chairman Wontumi sleeps on a student mattress, claiming that Wontumi’s student mattress has been divided into two, with him getting only half of the mattress to sleep on.

Paul Yandoh added, “He sleeps on a student mattress, and even with that, he gets half of the mattress to sleep on. Who says if you are politically inclined, you will be treated differently?

“Get into trouble and see, and you will know the kind of instructions you will follow when you get there,” he added.

In related news, Ken Kuranchie, a Private legal practitioner who claims to be a longtime friend of former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, has provided an update on his condition at the Nsawam Prison.

The private legal practitioner revealed that Wontumi looks absolutely well, strong, and clean.

According to Ken Kuranchie, he is pleased that Wontumi looks well despite being in custody.

Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, Wontumi appeared cheerful as he exchanged pleasantries with his counsel and supporters who had gathered at the court to show solidarity.

Speaking to Citi News after the proceedings, Ken Kuranchie expressed excitement about Wontumi’s condition, saying, “He looks well, strong and clean. When you are in prison, that is the best thing you can hope for. He looks absolutely well. I am glad I saw him”.

His comments follow a conversation lasting more than 30 minutes with Wontumi before the EXIM Bank case was called in court.

Meanwhile, in court, Chairman Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to five charges in connection with the alleged fraudulent procurement of a GH¢30 million loan from the Ghana Exim Bank.

Following Wontumi’s not guilty plea, the case has been adjourned to Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. for a case management conference, with the prosecution given 14 days to file the relevant disclosures.

Wontumi, together with two others, was arraigned on a new charge sheet filed on September 22, 2026, over the loan obtained in 2018.

The five counts include defrauding by false pretence, two counts of uttering forged documents, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss of GH¢30 million to a public body.

Wontumi denied all the charges and has since been returned to Nsawam Maximum Security Prison, where he is serving a 20-year sentence.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn and MCE Hon. Adamu Kalamu have donated over 1,700 desks to public schools across the Ablekuma North Municipality to support teaching and learning. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Part 1: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – Nkz_Lyrics & Caption – DJ NKAY HUB

Videos – National Security busts 15 over alleged sand-winning on Accra-Kumasi Expressway

Makay
-
0
Videos – National Security busts 15 over alleged sand-winning on Accra-Kumasi Expressway

Following a video surfacing of sand-winning on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, the National Security personnel in the Ashanti Region have clamped down on 15 individuals allegedly involved in the activities.

The National Security operation led to six trucks being impounded, including a wheel loader and other machines that were being used in the activities.

The arrested individuals were reportedly picked up at the Sewua–Donyina–Appiadu enclave during a swoop by some officers and have been transported to Accra for further questioning.

The National Security officers have vowed to go after other suspects who remain at large and are said to be connected to the activities.

Ing. Abdullah Hamidu, the Bosomtwe District Chief Executive, in an interview with Citi News, confirmed the development; however, he denied that the Assembly was not informed about the activity after an opinion leader at Sewua-Ayoum handed over the land to the sandwinners.

The Bosomtwe District Chief Executive further disclosed that the Assembly has called an emergency meeting with the chiefs and Assembly Members in the area to prevent further destruction to the environment and a threat to the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that $2 billion has been set aside to finance the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.

Mahama assured Ghanaians that funding will not be a challenge once work begins.

According to John Mahama, the money, which is taxpayers’ funds, has been placed in a special account at the Bank of Ghana to ensure prompt payment to the contractor throughout the project.

President Mahama also disclosed that all certificates presented by the contractor will be paid promptly to prevent construction delays.

Mahama also directed the Minister for Roads and Highways to incorporate the Ghana Armed Forces Engineers Regiment as a major subcontractor to the main contractor for the expressway.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of a 175.6-kilometre right-of-way cleared by the Ghana Armed Forces on Monday, September 14, “And let me also announce that this is our own money. We have not gone to borrow money from anywhere. This money is the taxpayers’ money”.

Mahama stated, “When completed, as you were told, the recommended speed on the Expressway will be 120km per hour. You can drive at 120km per hour”.

“Even if he is travelling at 100km an hour, it means that the journey will take him two hours, instead of the five to six hours that we currently use on the old Accra-Kumasi highway,” President Mahama said.

Mahama emphasised that the reduced travel time would make it possible for people to commute between the two cities for business and return home the same day.

“And so Nana, when this Expressway is finished, you can leave Kumasi at 6 am, and you’ll be in Accra by 8am,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, Engineer Francisco, has disclosed that the Accra-Kumasi Expressway will feature 8 grade-separated interchanges, 11 vehicle overpasses and 55 mainline bridges.

He disclosed that the project will cover approximately 198.7 kilometres between Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region and Sewua in the Ashanti Region.

He disclosed that 176 kilometres will be of a newly constructed expressway and about 23 kilometres upgraded connector roads at the Accra and Kumasi ends.

Engineer Francisco disclosed that the mainline will be a Class A highway with a three-lane dual carriageway on a 36-metre standard roadbed and a design speed of 120 kilometres per hour, while the connector roads will be Class B roads with a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour.

He highlighted that the expressway will also include nine at-grade intersections, about 200 reinforced concrete box culverts and four service areas for motorists to rest, eat or attend to their vehicles.

Also, the project will further have eight tolling locations, one operating centre and two monitoring centres to enable authorities to monitor traffic.

Engineer Francisco further disclosed that the expressway will include a fire service and ambulance station, three maintenance depots, road safety systems and electromechanical works.

“When completed, this road will provide safer and more reliable transport and reduce the pressure on the N6,” Engineer Francisco stated.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Part 1: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – Nkz_Lyrics & Caption – DJ NKAY HUB
@ghnow_ Part 2: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 3: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Netflix, ChatGPT, Spotify users, others face 20% tax effective October 15

Makay
-
0
Netflix, ChatGPT, Spotify users, others face 20% tax effective October 15

Commercial banks in Ghana will begin collecting a 20% tax on qualifying cross-border digital services today, October 15, 2026, potentially increasing the cost of subscriptions to platforms such as Netflix, Spotify and ChatGPT where the applicable taxes are not already included in the advertised prices.

The rollout follows directives from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) requiring banks to collect and remit applicable taxes on qualifying digital transactions made with Ghana-issued bank cards.

The affected services include video and music streaming platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Showmax and beIN Sports, as well as productivity tools such as Microsoft 365, Adobe, Zoom and Google Workspace. Artificial intelligence services, including ChatGPT, may also be covered.

Other potentially affected transactions include payments for cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and DigitalOcean, alongside online advertising services offered by Google, Meta, TikTok and LinkedIn. Depending on the nature of the transaction and the applicable rules, the tax may also apply to online learning, digital gaming, virtual private networks (VPNs), cybersecurity services, travel bookings and business communication tools.

Reports suggest some banks have already notified customers that applicable taxes will be included in the total amount payable when they use their debit cards for qualifying services. The banks have, however, clarified that the charges are statutory tax obligations rather than additional fees imposed by the financial institutions.

According to the information gathered, the October 15 rollout does not introduce a new tax on digital services but changes how the existing taxes are collected. Under the arrangement, participating banks and payment service providers will assume greater responsibility for collecting the applicable taxes when qualifying transactions are processed and remitting the proceeds to the GRA.

The legal framework for the arrangement is the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), which took effect on January 1, 2026. The effective 20% rate comprises 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and a 2.5% Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy.

Also, the system is intended to improve compliance and strengthen revenue collection from cross-border digital transactions by collecting the applicable taxes at the point of payment.

For illustration, a digital subscription costing GH¢1,000 before taxes would now attract GH¢150 in VAT, GH¢25 in NHIL and GH¢25 in GETFund Levy, bringing the total payment to GH¢1,200.

Consumers could therefore pay up to 20% more for affected subscriptions where the applicable taxes have not already been factored into the price. However, the actual amount charged will depend on how the service provider prices its offering and whether the relevant taxes have already been included.

The impact could also extend to businesses that depend on foreign software, cloud infrastructure, digital advertising and artificial intelligence tools. Companies using several subscription-based services could face higher operating expenses as the taxes are applied to qualifying payments.

The new collection mechanism places renewed emphasis on transparency, with customers needing clear information about how the taxes are calculated and whether they are already included in the prices charged by service providers.

Its implementation will depend on consistent application across participating banks and payment providers, alongside effective communication to customers to prevent confusion over the charges.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed claims that it has introduced a new tax on Netflix, Google and other digital subscription services, clarifying that the updated digital VAT system does not introduce any new tax or increase existing rates.

According to the Authority, the effective tax rate remains at 20%, comprising 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and the GETFund Levy.

The GRA explained that the changes are intended to improve tax collection from non-resident digital service providers, including Netflix and Google, rather than impose additional taxes on consumers.

In an official statement, the Authority stressed that the system is designed to enhance compliance and transparency while preventing consumers from being charged twice on the same transaction.

It also urged consumers who notice any inconsistent or questionable charges on their digital subscriptions to contact the GRA for clarification.

@ghnow_ The moment Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn arrived alongside MCE Hon. Adamu Kalamu to present start-up kits to YEA beneficiaries in the Ablekuma North Municipality. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – DiamonnatrØ
@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn and MCE Hon. Adamu Kalamu have donated over 1,700 desks to public schools across the Ablekuma North Municipality to support teaching and learning. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ

Why Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15m suit against Sammy Gyamfi was thrown out by court

Makay
-
0
Why Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15m suit against Sammy Gyamfi was thrown out by court

Seth Anyaaba, a lawyer for the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has explained why the GH¢15 million defamation suit filed against his client by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin was thrown out.

According to Seth Anyaaba, the writ was thrown out by the High Court on October 14, 2026, because it did not comply with the rules of court.

Sammy Gyamfi’s lawyer revealed that the legal team challenged the suit because Afenyo-Markin had failed to include the alleged defamatory statement in the writ, as required under Order 57 Rule 2 of the court rules.

Speaking to the media, Seth Anyaaba stated, “So, when Afenyo-Markin filed his defamation action, we took the view that the writ, which has just been set aside by the court, did not comply with the rules of court, particularly Order 57 Rule 2, which mandatorily requires that you must endorse the alleged defamatory statement of the defendant on the writ”

“Essentially, the court agreed with the argument that we conversed before it. So, what it means is that the action which was instituted by Afenyo-Markin on 24 August 2026 against Sammy Gyamfi is no more in existence in the sense that it has been set aside and dismissed by the High Court,” he added.

He further disclosed that the court did not determine whether the alleged comments by Gyamfi were defamatory, adding that the decision was based on a procedural issue concerning the validity of the suit.

He, however, added that Afenyo-Markin could still file a fresh case if he wished because the court had not considered the substance of his claims.

“So, clearly, the action was not determined on its merits. It was a procedural determination of the competence of the suit, so once the merits of the case weren’t determined, he’s entitled, if he so wishes, to file a fresh action,” he stated.

“We wish that, given the community they find themselves in as politicians, they can find a way to talk around these issues,” he added.

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

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

The Minority Leader initiated the legal action in August 2026, seeking GH¢15 million in damages over the alleged defamatory remarks, arguing that the comments were false and had the potential to damage his reputation as a lawyer, politician and public figure.

Afenyo-Markin’s suit also named Multimedia Group Limited, the parent company of JoyNews, as a defendant, with the Minority Leader seeking a retraction, an unqualified public apology and an injunction.

However, reports gathered suggest the Court, on October 14, 2026, ruled that Afenyo-Markin’s writ was “incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of properly invoking the Court’s jurisdiction”.

A Joy News flyer stated, “High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15 million defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi, says writ is incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of invoking the court’s jurisdiction”.

Meanwhile, details have emerged on the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, lawsuit against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, Multimedia Group and Peace FM.

Afenyo-Markin, in a separate lawsuit, sued Sammy Gyamfi and Multimedia Group at the Accra High Court.

The Minority leader also sued Eric Adjei and Peace FM at the Achimota Circuit Court.

Speaking when Parliament reconvened on Monday, August 24, 2026, the Minority leader revealed he has initiated legal proceedings against Mr Gyamfi and media organisations that published or broadcast the statements in question.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “I have accordingly caused writs to be filed in Suit Number GT/1029/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Samuel Adu Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited at the Accra High Court, and Suit Number GR/ACH/CC/C5/02/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Eric Adjei and Peace FM at the Achimota Circuit Court”.

“I have every confidence that in the fullness of time the court will make the appropriate determination,” he added.

The legal action follows weeks of public exchanges between the Minority Leader and the GoldBod CEO over the financial performance of the DGPP, while Afenyo-Markin had appeared to have softened his earlier threat to pursue legal action over allegations made by Sammy Gyamfi.

The court cited details that the reliefs being sought by Afenyo-Markin including a retraction of the alleged defamatory statements.

“The reliefs are listed below:

a. General damages for libel;

b. Aggravated damages;

c. Exemplary damages;

d. An order directing the defendants to publish a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction of the defamatory statements;

e. An order directing the defendants to publish a full, unconditional and unequivocal public apology to the plaintiff; and

f. An order directing that the retraction and apology be published and/or broadcast with substantially the same prominence and reach as the original publication.

g. An order directing the Defendants to cause the retraction and apology to be broadcast on JoyNews and published on the relevant electronic and social media platforms through which the defamatory publication was disseminated

h. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants, their servants, agents, assigns and/or any persons acting under their authority from further publishing the defamatory words or any words to the same or substantially similar effect concerning the Plaintiff

i. Costs of Fifteen million Ghana cedis (GH¢15,000,000.00) as compensation thereof

j. Costs, including legal costs; and

k. Any further or other reliefs as this Honourable Court may deem fit”.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 3: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s eldest son, Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, dead

Makay
-
0
Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s eldest son, Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, dead

Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, the eldest son of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, has reportedly died, according to reports.

The circumstances surrounding Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah reported death remain unclear, with no further details available at the time of publication.

The late Gamal was born in Accra in 1958 to Kwame Nkrumah and his Egyptian wife, Fathia Nkrumah. He later established himself as a journalist, spending a significant part of his career in Egypt.

Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah served as a journalist and editor at Al-Ahram Weekly, an English-language publication of Egypt’s Al-Ahram press organisation, for more than 15 years. His reporting and commentary covered international affairs, with particular attention to African politics, global developments and the continent’s position in international relations.

He was a committed Pan-Africanist; Gamal frequently explored issues surrounding African unity and the political ideas associated with his father’s legacy.

He pursued his higher education at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, where he obtained a doctorate in political science, according to biographical accounts.

Gamal was a sibling of Ghanaian politician Samia Nkrumah, a former Member of Parliament for Jomoro and former chairperson of the Convention People’s Party (CPP). His younger brother, Sekou Nkrumah, is a writer and political activist based in Ghana.

His career in Egyptian journalism reflected the historical ties between Ghana and Egypt, as well as his engagement with political and social developments across Africa and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, further details regarding his reported death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn and MCE Hon. Adamu Kalamu present start-up kits to beneficiaries of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in Ablekuma North Municipality. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Have Mercy 2 – Kofi Kinaata
@ghnow_ Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn has donated tools and equipment to Youth Employment Agency (YEA) trainees in Ablekuma North to support their training and skills development. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪

GRA debunks claims of 20% new tax on Netflix, Google and other digital subscriptions

Makay
-
0
GRA debunks claims of 20% new tax on Netflix, Google and other digital subscriptions

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed claims that it has introduced a new tax on Netflix, Google and other digital subscription services, clarifying that the updated digital VAT system does not introduce any new tax or increase existing rates.

According to the Authority, the effective tax rate remains at 20%, comprising 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and the GETFund Levy.

The GRA explained that the changes are intended to improve tax collection from non-resident digital service providers, including Netflix and Google, rather than impose additional taxes on consumers.

In an official statement, the Authority stressed that the system is designed to enhance compliance and transparency while preventing consumers from being charged twice on the same transaction.

It also urged consumers who notice any inconsistent or questionable charges on their digital subscriptions to contact the GRA for clarification.

Read the GRA’s full statement below:

“Accra, 14 October 2026 – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken note of recent media reports and public discussions suggesting that the introduction of a new digital Value Added Tax (VAT) collection system will result in an additional 20% tax on subscriptions and payments for digital services such as Netflix, Google, Amazon and other international digital platforms.

The Authority wishes to clarify that the new system does not introduce a new tax or increase the existing VAT rate. Rather, it is intended to improve the collection and accounting of taxes already applicable to digital services supplied by non-resident companies to consumers in Ghana,

For the avoidance of doubt, the GRA wishes to clarify the following.

• No new tax is being introduced. VAT on electronically supplied services by non-resident providers is an existing statutory obligation under Ghana’s VAT legislation. The new system is an improvement in the mechanism for collecting taxes already due to the State

There is no additional 20% tax. The applicable effective tax rate remains 20%, comprising 15% VAT, 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and 2.5% Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy. The new system does not increase these rates

‣ Consumers already paying VAT should not be charged again. Approximately 92 non-resident digital service providers are currently registered and remitting VAT to the GRA. Where the applicable taxes are already included in subscription prices, the introduction of the new collection system will not result in an additional charge on the same transaction

Other digital service providers will be brought into compliance. The Authority has identified approximately 100 additional non-resident digital service providers that are not currently charging and remitting the applicable taxes. These providers will be progressively brought into the tax net. Consumers using these services may therefore see the applicable statutory taxes reflected in their payments where they were previously not charged.

The GRA further added, “ The new system will improve transparency and accountability. Under the existing arrangement, the GRA relies largely on foreign digital service providers to declare their transactions and remit the applicable taxes. The new system will enable the tax component of qualifying transactions to be identified and collected at the point of payment through participating financial institutions and payment service providers, improving compliance and ensuring that revenue due to the State is properly accounted for.

The system applies to digital services, not imported physical goods. It covers qualifying electronically supplied services, including streaming subscriptions, cloud computing, online gaming and digital advertising, paid for through Ghana-issued payment instruments such as bank cards, mobile money and other digital payment platforms. Physical goods purchased from international e-commerce platforms remain subject to applicable Customs procedures.

The GRA recognises the importance of ensuring that consumers are adequately informed about applicable taxes and are not subjected to duplicate taxation. The Authority will therefore continue to engage banks, payment service providers and digital service providers to ensure appropriate safeguards against duplicate collection and clear communication of applicable charges.

Members of the public who observe charges that appear inconsistent with this clarification are encouraged to contact the Authority through its official channels for clarification and redress.

The GRA wishes to emphasise that the introduction of a new tax must not be confused with improvements in the collection of an existing tax. The objective of the new system is to strengthen compliance, promote fairness between resident and non-resident service providers, and ensure that taxes already required by law are accurately collected and duly accounted for

The Authority remains committed to the fair, transparent and efficient administration of Ghana’s tax laws while leveraging technology to improve domestic revenue mobilisation and protect the interests of taxpayers”.

See the statement below:

@ghnow_ Part 2: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 1: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – Nkz_Lyrics & Caption – DJ NKAY HUB

Accra High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15m defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi

Makay
-
0
Accra High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15m defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi

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

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

The Minority Leader initiated the legal action in August 2026, seeking GH¢15 million in damages over the alleged defamatory remarks, arguing that the comments were false and had the potential to damage his reputation as a lawyer, politician and public figure.

Afenyo-Markin’s suit also named Multimedia Group Limited, the parent company of JoyNews, as a defendant, with the Minority Leader seeking a retraction, an unqualified public apology and an injunction.

However, reports gathered suggest the Court, on October 14, 2026, ruled that Afenyo-Markin’s writ was “incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of properly invoking the Court’s jurisdiction”.

A Joy News flyer stated, “High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15 million defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi, says writ is incurably defective, incompetent and incapable of invoking the court’s jurisdiction”.

Meanwhile, details have emerged on the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, lawsuit against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, Multimedia Group and Peace FM.

Afenyo-Markin, in a separate lawsuit, sued Sammy Gyamfi and Multimedia Group at the Accra High Court.

The Minority leader also sued Eric Adjei and Peace FM at the Achimota Circuit Court.

Speaking when Parliament reconvened on Monday, August 24, 2026, the Minority leader revealed he has initiated legal proceedings against Mr Gyamfi and media organisations that published or broadcast the statements in question.

Afenyo-Markin stated, “I have accordingly caused writs to be filed in Suit Number GT/1029/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Samuel Adu Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited at the Accra High Court, and Suit Number GR/ACH/CC/C5/02/2026, titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Eric Adjei and Peace FM at the Achimota Circuit Court”.

“I have every confidence that in the fullness of time the court will make the appropriate determination,” he added.

The legal action follows weeks of public exchanges between the Minority Leader and the GoldBod CEO over the financial performance of the DGPP, while Afenyo-Markin had appeared to have softened his earlier threat to pursue legal action over allegations made by Sammy Gyamfi.

The court cited details that the reliefs being sought by Afenyo-Markin including a retraction of the alleged defamatory statements.

“The reliefs are listed below:

a. General damages for libel;

b. Aggravated damages;

c. Exemplary damages;

d. An order directing the defendants to publish a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction of the defamatory statements;

e. An order directing the defendants to publish a full, unconditional and unequivocal public apology to the plaintiff; and

f. An order directing that the retraction and apology be published and/or broadcast with substantially the same prominence and reach as the original publication.

g. An order directing the Defendants to cause the retraction and apology to be broadcast on JoyNews and published on the relevant electronic and social media platforms through which the defamatory publication was disseminated

h. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants, their servants, agents, assigns and/or any persons acting under their authority from further publishing the defamatory words or any words to the same or substantially similar effect concerning the Plaintiff

i. Costs of Fifteen million Ghana cedis (GH¢15,000,000.00) as compensation thereof

j. Costs, including legal costs; and

k. Any further or other reliefs as this Honourable Court may deem fit”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Part 4: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Part 3: National Security officers have arrested a group of people allegedly involved in illegal sand winning at Sewua along the Accra–Kumasi Highway. The arrests follow the grading of the road’s right of way by military engineers ahead of the commencement of construction works. #GHNow #GhanaNews #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘NDC’s Agbenyo appointed to tilt the balance of EC’ – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

Makay
-
0
‘NDC’s Agbenyo appointed to tilt the balance of EC’ – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has admitted that the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His comment follows President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) has sparked debate on social media following her swearing-in.

The controversy follows the resurfacing of social media posts and an article highlighting Agbenyo’s alleged involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.

In one of her posts published before the election, Agbenyo expressed her intention to vote against the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing the government of disregarding the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

She wrote, “I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people. Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to celebrate. Governance is no joke; citizens are not your enemies”.

Additionally, an article detailing Agbenyo’s involvement in the NDC’s campaign efforts ahead of the 2024 elections has resurfaced online following her appointment.

According to the article, she served on the party’s governance team alongside Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sylvester Mensah as a sectoral spokesperson for the NDC’s Resetting Ghana manifesto.

The resurfaced posts and article have triggered reactions from social media users, with some questioning whether her reported political involvement makes her suitable for the role of Deputy EC Chairperson.

Some netizens have also expressed concerns about her political affiliation and its implications for the Electoral Commission’s independence and impartiality ahead of the 2028 general election.

Netizens alleged that Emelia Afi Agbenyo would not hesitate to rig the 2028 general election in favour of the NDC.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to the NPP, they consider the appointment unacceptable because of Agbenyo’s previous political activities and alleged association with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement signed by the NPP National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party also accused President John Dramani Mahama of contradicting his previous position on political appointments to the EC.

In March 2023, John Mahama, then-opposition leader, criticised the appointment of people he described as party activists to the Commission and called for Article 43(2) of the Constitution to be amended to allow Parliament to approve such appointments.

Parts of the NPP statement read, “She is seen in videos on NDC campaign rally platforms campaigning with and for the NDC. She is seen in NDC campaign T-shirts openly advocating for the NDC,” the party said.

“Less than two years on, the President has placed her among the top leadership of the institution that will conduct the 2028 general elections. We find this unacceptable,” the party stated.

“The President has now done exactly what he condemned,” the NPP said.

“Public confidence in the Commission is the foundation on which every election result rests,” it underscored.

The NPP argued that the loss of public confidence could lead to suspicion over electoral processes, including voter registration, boundary decisions and the declaration of results.

They further called on President Mahama to withdraw Agbenyo’s appointment.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Nigerian streamer Peller expresses his gratitude to his Ghanaian gifters for their love and support during the Avengers Ghana Invasion event at Madina Libya Quarters. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A long vehicle has blocked the N1 Highway between Lapaz and Achimota Overhead, causing massive traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to expect delays and exercise caution. #GHnow #fyp ♬ For Nothing – Kofi Kinaata

GH¢2m, house in Spain, GH¢10k Monthly: Inside Florence Obinim’s divorce demands

Makay
-
0
GH¢2m, house in Spain, GH¢10k Monthly: Inside Florence Obinim’s divorce demands

Fresh details have emerged in the ongoing divorce saga involving Bishop Daniel Obinim and gospel musician Florence Obinim, with the controversy surrounding their marriage showing no signs of ending soon.

In September 2026, it was reported that Florence Obinim had initiated a traditional divorce after more than two decades of marriage by returning traditional drinks to Bishop Obinim’s family.

In a new development, a video has surfaced online in which Bishop Obinim outlines what he claims are his estranged wife’s demands as part of their divorce settlement.

According to Bishop Obinim, Florence is demanding GH¢2 million, an apartment at 99 Nii Quaye Street in Accra, and Abroso Guest House.

He stated, “She is asking for GH¢2 million and an apartment in Accra at 99 Nii Quaye Street, Abroso Guest House. If she wants that, she should go and complete it because it got burnt recently”.

Bishop Obinim further claimed that Florence was seeking ownership of a house in Barcelona, Spain, as well as a monthly allowance of GH¢10,000 to cover her healthcare expenses.

He also alleged that she wanted the church’s headquarters in Tema as part of the settlement.

Reacting to the reported demands, Bishop Obinim described them as unreasonable and suggested that his estranged wife should engage more lawyers to represent her interests.

“She wants my house in Spain, Barcelona, and she also wants a GH¢10,000 monthly allowance as something she would use for her healthcare,” he said.

“She also wants the church at Tema. She wants the headquarters. Why is she mad? Can she stand on this altar and preach? What would her conscience even tell her? So, is this the reason why some people are saying I should keep quiet?” he added.

Bishop Obinim claims come amid growing public attention surrounding the couple’s reported separation and the potential terms of their divorce settlement.

See the list of things Florence Obinim reportedly wants as a divorce settlement from Bishop Obinim as shared by Bongo Ideas on X,

▪️GH¢2 million cash settlement.

▪️His mansion in Barcelona, Spain.

▪️His mansion at Trassaco Valley, East Legon.

▪️International God’s Way Church property in Tema.

▪️A 21-unit block of shops in Tema.

▪️Abroso Guest House in Accra.

▪️A multi-storey apartment property.

▪️Two luxury vehicles.

▪️GH¢10,000 for regular financial support and medical expenses.

▪️ GH¢10 K monthly allowance

▪️Other properties or compensation the court may grant.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Nigerian streamer Peller expresses his gratitude to his Ghanaian gifters for their love and support during the Avengers Ghana Invasion event at Madina Libya Quarters. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A long vehicle has blocked the N1 Highway between Lapaz and Achimota Overhead, causing massive traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to expect delays and exercise caution. #GHnow #fyp ♬ For Nothing – Kofi Kinaata

‘Unacceptable’ – NPP rejects Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Agbenyo as EC Deputy Chair

Makay
-
0
‘Unacceptable’ – NPP rejects Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Agbenyo as EC Deputy Chair

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to the NPP, they consider the appointment unacceptable because of Agbenyo’s previous political activities and alleged association with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement signed by the NPP National Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party also accused President John Dramani Mahama of contradicting his previous position on political appointments to the EC.

In March 2023, John Mahama, then-opposition leader, criticised the appointment of people he described as party activists to the Commission and called for Article 43(2) of the Constitution to be amended to allow Parliament to approve such appointments.

Parts of the NPP statement read, “She is seen in videos on NDC campaign rally platforms campaigning with and for the NDC. She is seen in NDC campaign T-shirts openly advocating for the NDC,” the party said.

“Less than two years on, the President has placed her among the top leadership of the institution that will conduct the 2028 general elections. We find this unacceptable,” the party stated.

“The President has now done exactly what he condemned,” the NPP said.

“Public confidence in the Commission is the foundation on which every election result rests,” it underscored.

The NPP argued that the loss of public confidence could lead to suspicion over electoral processes, including voter registration, boundary decisions and the declaration of results.

They further called on President Mahama to withdraw Agbenyo’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has admitted that the government wanted an NDC member on the Electoral Commission to “tilt the balance” of its composition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His comment follows President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) has sparked debate on social media following her swearing-in.

The controversy follows the resurfacing of social media posts and an article highlighting Agbenyo’s alleged involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.

In one of her posts published before the election, Agbenyo expressed her intention to vote against the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing the government of disregarding the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

She wrote, “I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people. Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to celebrate. Governance is no joke; citizens are not your enemies”.

Additionally, an article detailing Agbenyo’s involvement in the NDC’s campaign efforts ahead of the 2024 elections has resurfaced online following her appointment.

According to the article, she served on the party’s governance team alongside Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sylvester Mensah as a sectoral spokesperson for the NDC’s Resetting Ghana manifesto.

The resurfaced posts and article have triggered reactions from social media users, with some questioning whether her reported political involvement makes her suitable for the role of Deputy EC Chairperson.

Some netizens have also expressed concerns about her political affiliation and its implications for the Electoral Commission’s independence and impartiality ahead of the 2028 general election.

Netizens alleged that Emelia Afi Agbenyo would not hesitate to rig the 2028 general election in favour of the NDC.

@ghnow_ Nigerian streamer Peller expresses his gratitude to his Ghanaian gifters for their love and support during the Avengers Ghana Invasion event at Madina Libya Quarters. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A long vehicle has blocked the N1 Highway between Lapaz and Achimota Overhead, causing massive traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to expect delays and exercise caution. #GHnow #fyp ♬ For Nothing – Kofi Kinaata

Julius Kwame Anthony appointed NDC Deputy Communications Director

Makay
-
0
Julius Kwame Anthony appointed NDC Deputy Communications Director

Julius Kwame Anthony has been appointed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Deputy Communications Director of the party.

The development follows approval from the NDC’s Functional Executive Committee (FEC) at its meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

The party disclosed that the appointment is part of efforts to strengthen its communications machinery, enhance public engagement and effectively articulate the policies, programmes and achievements of the NDC-led government.

The NDC also expressed confidence that Anthony would bring dedication, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility to the role.

In a social media post, Julius Kwame Anthony, in his appreciation message, wrote, “I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Functional Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), especially Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey and National Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, for the confidence reposed in me through my appointment as Deputy Director of Communication.

This appointment is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility.

On this occasion, I pledge myself to the cause of our party, to lead a stable democracy that delivers socioeconomic development for the people of Ghana.

I further dedicate myself to the protection of the people’s mandate through accurate, factual and responsible communication.

I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the entire membership of the NDC and to all individuals who have directly or indirectly supported me throughout my journey thus far. Your encouragement, guidance, goodwill and steadfast support have been invaluable, and I remain deeply grateful for the role each of you has played in my growth and this achievement.

Thank you for the trust and confidence.

Kudi Kpekpe!!”

See the post below:

@ghnow_ Traders have returned to Madina Atomic Junction after being evicted by the assembly task force. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Top of the Morning – Black Sherif
@ghnow_ Nigerian streamer Peller expresses his gratitude to his Ghanaian gifters for their love and support during the Avengers Ghana Invasion event at Madina Libya Quarters. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow

‘Dr Amoakohene’s only achievement as a minister is giving birth’ – Paul Yandoh

Makay
-
0
‘Dr Amoakohene’s only achievement as a minister is giving birth’ – Paul Yandoh

Paul Yandoh, the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Communications Director, has said the only achievement of the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, is giving birth.

According to Paul Yandoh, he would rate the Ashanti Regional Minister at 20 per cent after his two years in office.

He argued that Dr Amoakohene has little to show in terms of completed infrastructure projects since assuming office.

Speaking on UTV’s Adekye Nsroma on October 13, 2026, Paul Yandoh stated, “I would rate Dr Frank Amoakohene’s performance at 20% because his only achievement, in my view, is giving birth”.

Paul Yandoh further noted that three bypass projects along the Kumasi-Accra Highway, which he said had reached approximately 70 per cent completion before the previous government left office.

“All the 3 bypass projects on the Accra- Kumasi Highway have stalled, and they want to construct the Kumasi Expressway”, he noted.

Mr Yandoh further cited the congestion at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), arguing that no expansion project had been undertaken to address the situation.

“About four or five months ago, there was congestion at the facility, No Bed Syndrome; up till now there hasn’t been any expansion up till now”, he stated.

In other news, Paul Yandoh has said he will not allow himself to be demeaned after President John Dramani Mahama described him as ignorant.

According to Paul Yandoh, President Mahama branded him “ignorant” after the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, reported his remarks to the presidency.

He, however, added that he is currently seeking the officials responsible for what he described as the “politics of insult,” in order to formally report the President, as he believes he has been subjected to an insult

Paul Yandoh argued that if he had insulted President John Mahama, he would have been arrested, adding that why should he be insulted without consequence?

Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Owia TV and shared on X on September 17, 2026, Paul Yandoh stated, “I was only asking why, all of a sudden, soldiers had been deployed to that area to construct the road. A soldier is a soldier; you cannot challenge him. But I am not even sure the compensation due to the farmers has been paid. People must understand my concern”.

“Soldiers are meant to be deployed for external operations. What has changed that they are now being sent for road construction?” he added.

“When I raise questions, I am told I am ignorant, which I know came from Amoakohene’s report. The President himself said he heard a radio commentator questioning the deployment, and I was the one. I am convinced Amoakohene reported me to the President, leading him to call me ignorant.

He added, “I am searching for the officials responsible for this politics of insult, because if I had insulted the President, I would have been arrested immediately. Why then should I be insulted without consequence?

I will not allow myself to be demeaned. I am deeply pained”, Yandoh insisted.

His comment follows President John Dramani Mahama who took a swipe at former Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, over his comments on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.

Paul Yandoh, during a recent radio discussion, criticised the use of the military for clearing the path for the expressway.

According to Paul Yandoh, Ghana’s soldiers have stopped fighting wars and are now constructing roads.

He stated, “Today, Ghana’s soldiers have stopped fighting wars. They (the soldiers) no longer go on missions in Lebanon and other places. Now, Ghana’s soldiers are constructing roads”.

However, President Mahama, speaking at a ceremony to mark the handing over of the right-of-way for the expressway some days ago, jabbed the NPP communicator.

According to John Mahama, only an ignorant person would say that soldiers cannot be used for the construction of roads.

He argued that during the PNDC era, the late Rawlings used the military to construct Donkorkrom Road.

“I heard one of the radio commentators say, ‘… soldiers are now constructing roads’. I mean he is ignorant. For those of us who were old enough in the PNDC era when Rawlings decided to open up Afram Plains, no civilian contractor could construct Donkorkrom Road.

“It was the Ghana Armed Forces that were asked to go and open up the road to Donkorkrom, and they accomplished the task,” he said.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Nigerian streamer Peller expresses his gratitude to his Ghanaian gifters for their love and support during the Avengers Ghana Invasion event at Madina Libya Quarters. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ A long vehicle has blocked the N1 Highway between Lapaz and Achimota Overhead, causing massive traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to expect delays and exercise caution. #GHnow #fyp ♬ For Nothing – Kofi Kinaata

‘We manufactured a flyer just to demonise Charlotte Osei as an NDC member’ – Hopeson Adorye

Makay
-
0
‘We manufactured a flyer just to demonise Charlotte Osei as an NDC member’ – Hopeson Adorye

Hopeson Adorye, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, has revealed that they manufactured a flyer falsely portraying former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Charlotte Osei as a parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) just to oppose her appointment.

According to Hopeson Adorye, the manufactured flyer formed part of a propaganda campaign by NPP members against Charlotte Osei’s appointment by then President John Dramani Mahama as EC chair.

Speaking on JoyNews on October 13, 2026, Hopeson Adorye recounted, “We manufactured a flyer. In 2016, go there and check the walls of NPP people and see.

“[It was a flyer of] Charlotte Osei being a parliamentary candidate for Komenda or Mfantsiman, something like that, and it wasn’t true. It was manufactured,” he said.

He disclosed that he was not responsible for designing the flyer; but was involved in the campaign against the former EC chairperson.

“We were using that just to demonise the whole process and say that Charlotte Osei is an NDC member, so we should reject the appointment,” he added.

“I am saying that at the national communications meeting, which I was a member of, Nana Akomea, who was a director then, put a few of us, about six, together and then named ourselves the Young Patriots,” he said.

“We were put together. All the machinations, including the flyer, we were doing it… and these are some of the propaganda we did against Charlotte Osei,” he said.

“The reason why they are hypocrites is that when President Mahama did the appointment, we opposed that appointment. We fought it. We designed this just to make it that the woman was political,” he added.

His comment follows President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), sparking debate on social media following her swearing-in.

The controversy follows the resurfacing of social media posts and an article highlighting Agbenyo’s alleged involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.

In one of her posts published before the election, Agbenyo expressed her intention to vote against the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing the government of disregarding the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

She wrote, “I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people. Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to celebrate. Governance is no joke; citizens are not your enemies”.

Additionally, an article detailing Agbenyo’s involvement in the NDC’s campaign efforts ahead of the 2024 elections has resurfaced online following her appointment.

According to the article, she served on the party’s governance team alongside Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sylvester Mensah as a sectoral spokesperson for the NDC’s Resetting Ghana manifesto.

The resurfaced posts and article have triggered reactions from social media users, with some questioning whether her reported political involvement makes her suitable for the role of Deputy EC Chairperson.

Some netizens have also expressed concerns about her political affiliation and its implications for the Electoral Commission’s independence and impartiality ahead of the 2028 general election.

Netizens alleged that Emelia Afi Agbenyo would not hesitate to rig the 2028 general election in favour of the NDC.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Peller and Humble Soul have arrived at the airport with the Avengers ahead of the highly anticipated Avengers Ghana Invasion. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – Abama_studios🎥
@ghnow_ Humble Soul have arrived at the airport with the Avengers ahead of the highly anticipated Avengers Ghana Invasion. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow

$1,500 each for Yaw Ampofo, Gyamfi – How money was allegedly shared in World Cup visa scandal

Makay
-
0
$1,500 each for Yaw Ampofo, Gyamfi – How money was allegedly shared in World Cup visa scandal

JoyNews reporter Muftawu Nabila Abdulai has dropped fresh details allgeding how how money collected from applicants in the 2026 World Cup visa racketeering scandal was distributed among individuals associated with the process.

He cited a petition by former NSA chief executive Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere, who reportedly alleged that about 80 per cent of the people who approached him had been referred by the NSA boss.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai detailed that the payment arrangement involved US$4,000 as the actual cost of the process, with US$1,500 allegedly allocated to the suspended NSA Director-General, another US$1,500 to the former NSA chief executive, and US$1,000 to the chief executive of TRIBE Culture Fest, Nana Boateng Gyimah. A further US$5,000 was reportedly retained under the alleged arrangement.

The claims raise questions about the roles of intermediaries, the collection and distribution of payments, and the circumstances under which applicants were led to believe they could secure visas to attend the tournament.

According to JoyNews journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, speaking on Monday, October 12, 2026, disclosed that a list of 90 people presented as event coordinators and volunteers for the tournament was forwarded to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation by the then Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

He disclosed that the letter, dated May 19, was intended to facilitate the applicants’ travel to the tournament, with the ministry reportedly receiving it on May 25, following an earlier directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructing government institutions and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to channel World Cup-related travel requests through the Sports Ministry for due diligence.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai disclosed that investigations established that only five of the 90 applicants obtained visas, leaving 85 unsuccessful.

The JoySports report noted that the names of the applicants had been included in a petition submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

He further disclosed that the investigation further revealed that prospective travellers were allegedly charged different amounts depending on their intended destinations, adding that applicants seeking visas for both the United States and Canada were reportedly charged US$15,000, while those applying to travel only to the United States were allegedly charged US$10,000.

According to Muftawu, applicants were often introduced to the process through contractors and sub-contractors who collected money on their behalf, rather than approaching the individuals allegedly facilitating the applications directly.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai cited several transactions uncovered during his investigation, including one intermediary who allegedly submitted a list of 47 applicants. Another reportedly brought 15 people and paid US$59,000 in a single transaction. In separate instances, an intermediary allegedly paid US$25,000 for five applicants, another paid US$20,000 for four people, and a different individual paid US$10,000 for two applicants.

He further cited a case in which a woman allegedly delivered GH¢158,000 on behalf of three other prospective travellers. He said he had spoken to individuals involved in some of the transactions as part of his investigation.

Also, details suggested that the process was facilitated through an office allegedly established at the NSA to assist prospective World Cup attendees with their visa applications.

According to Muftawu, the office had staff and served as a point of contact for applicants who submitted money in the belief that they were participating in an official arrangement.

He alleged that Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere operated the office, although the individual reportedly denied knowledge of the alleged activities.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the claims against the individuals mentioned should not be treated as established facts.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ Peller and Humble Soul have arrived at the airport with the Avengers ahead of the highly anticipated Avengers Ghana Invasion. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Peller and Humble Soul have arrived at the airport with the Avengers ahead of the highly anticipated Avengers Ghana Invasion. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow

Appoint whoever you want to EC, Ghanaians will decide in 2028 – Titus Glover tells NDC

Makay
-
0
Appoint whoever you want to EC, Ghanaians will decide in 2028 – Titus Glover tells NDC

Titus Glover, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has told the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) they can appoint whoever they want at the Electoral Commission (EC).

According to Titus Glover, Ghanaians will ultimately judge President John Dramani Mahama’s administration on December 7.

He, however, accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of applying inconsistent standards in its criticism of previous EC officials.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Titus Glover stated, “They can appoint whoever they want to the Electoral Commission. Ghanaians will make a decision on December 7”.

“They accused Bossman Asare of being an NPP member without substantial evidence and made so much noise about him and the Director of IT. But now, we have an NDC member as a Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission,” he stated.

“We are now politicising every state institution. If you are not affiliated with the ‘green’ party, you cannot benefit from anything,” he added.

Meanwhile, Haruna Iddrisu, the Tamale South Member of Parliament, has said President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is “constitutionally appropriate”.

The NDC member of parliament, however, noted that critics have the right to remind the NDC government of its actions in the past against similar appointments.

Speaking on Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, October 13, Haurna Iddrisu stated, “I know Affi very well, and I’ve worked with Affi. Affi, as at yesterday, was working under my Ministry, under TVET Services as Deputy to the Chief Executive. Now, is it constitutionally appropriate? Those are the questions you should ask. Does the President have the power under Article 45 to appoint? Now, one of the things we have not been able to do well is to use legislation to define the parameters of who is eligible. Beyond Article 45, 46, providing that there shall be an Electoral Commission, which shall have two deputies, we must have legislation which then defines a threshold as to who can enter into the Electoral Commission.”

When asked the kind of Electoral Commission he expects, he resoponded saying, “I just want an Electoral Commission that does not endanger democratic ethos and values. Persons who are independent, persons who are courageous, and persons who uphold the values of transparency”.

Haruna Iddrisu further added, “I share this crude idea with you: anytime people get worried about appointments to the Electoral Commission, you know I’ve supervised the Electoral Commission, even as its Chairman and Vice-Chairman, in terms of their budget for seven years. I’m sure I can say that probably maybe Kyei Mensa-Bonsu, I’ll come next in terms of depth and information on the Electoral Commission and its operation within the annals of Parliament”.

“Now, there’s a school of thought, and I’m sure it’s part of the constitutional review process that President Mahama has ignited, and be assured that there will be political and economic reforms led by President Mahama. There will be far-reaching changes; I’m sure when Parliament comes back, the Attorney General, on behalf of President Mahama, will introduce two important bills in Parliament. One, a bill seeking to amend the entrenched provisions of the Constitution, and two, a bill seeking to amend the non-entrenched provisions of the Constitution.”

“So, I think that the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, but politically, people have the right to remind us that if you seek equity, do equity. Maybe that’s what it is reminding us of.”

However, Haruna Iddrisu, when he was reminded that Affi Agbenyo had publicly campaigned on platforms for the NDC in the past, stated, “If she does that whilst in office, that would be unacceptable as Deputy Electoral Commissioner.”

“I was going to share my crude view with you, even though I’m hesitant. In Tamale South, the Electoral Commission, Deputy Electoral Commission- how do they impact my election? It is to provide me with a fair, open, transparent platform. But the onus of winning the election is mine. It’s not that of the Electoral Commission.

And the onus of avoiding fraud, or being cheated, or somebody treating you unfairly, is largely also mine. You know, many times, MPs abandon their role. You can check throughout history. Every day, up to the election, I spend my maximum time at the Electoral Commission. I’ll monitor every ballot box, what goes into the box, against the population of that polling station and others, into the night deployment of election officers.

“But I can understand the reservations that are being legitimately expressed by the Ghanaian people. If they are unhappy about it, the government has taken note of it,” he stated.

The development follows President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), which has since sparked debate on social media following her swearing-in.

The controversy follows the resurfacing of social media posts and an article highlighting Agbenyo’s alleged involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.

@ghnow_ Peller and Humble Soul have arrived at the airport with the Avengers ahead of the highly anticipated Avengers Ghana Invasion. #GHNow #Peller #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ American personality Gregory has arrived in Ghana alongside Peller and Humble Soul ahead of the much-anticipated Avengers Ghana Invasion. #GHNow #AvengersGhanaInvasion ♬ original sound – Fanfairwrld

World Cup visa scandal: Only 5 out of 95 applicants secured visas after paying fees – details emerge

Makay
-
0
World Cup visa scandal: Only 5 out of 95 applicants secured visas after paying fees – details emerge

More details have emerged in the alleged visa scandal linked to Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with investigations revealing how prospective travellers were reportedly recruited through contractors and intermediaries and charged thousands of dollars for assistance with visa applications.

According to JoyNews journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, speaking on Monday, October 12, 2026, disclosed that a list of 90 people presented as event coordinators and volunteers for the tournament was forwarded to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation by the then Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

He disclosed that the letter, dated May 19, was intended to facilitate the applicants’ travel to the tournament, with the ministry reportedly receiving it on May 25, following an earlier directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructing government institutions and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to channel World Cup-related travel requests through the Sports Ministry for due diligence.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai disclosed that investigations established that only five of the 90 applicants obtained visas, leaving 85 unsuccessful.

The JoySports report noted that the names of the applicants had been included in a petition submitted to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

He further disclosed that the investigation further revealed that prospective travellers were allegedly charged different amounts depending on their intended destinations, adding that applicants seeking visas for both the United States and Canada were reportedly charged US$15,000, while those applying to travel only to the United States were allegedly charged US$10,000.

According to Muftawu, applicants were often introduced to the process through contractors and sub-contractors who collected money on their behalf, rather than approaching the individuals allegedly facilitating the applications directly.

Muftawu Nabila Abdulai cited several transactions uncovered during his investigation, including one intermediary who allegedly submitted a list of 47 applicants. Another reportedly brought 15 people and paid US$59,000 in a single transaction. In separate instances, an intermediary allegedly paid US$25,000 for five applicants, another paid US$20,000 for four people, and a different individual paid US$10,000 for two applicants.

He further cited a case in which a woman allegedly delivered GH¢158,000 on behalf of three other prospective travellers. He said he had spoken to individuals involved in some of the transactions as part of his investigation.

Also, details suggested that the process was facilitated through an office allegedly established at the NSA to assist prospective World Cup attendees with their visa applications.

According to Muftawu, the office had staff and served as a point of contact for applicants who submitted money in the belief that they were participating in an official arrangement.

He alleged that Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere operated the office, although the individual reportedly denied knowledge of the alleged activities.

The investigation also brought to light allegations concerning how money collected from applicants was distributed among individuals associated with the process.

He also cited a petition by former NSA chief executive Yaw Gyamfi Kusi Awere, who reportedly alleged that about 80 per cent of the people who approached him had been referred by the NSA.

He further detailed that the payment arrangement involved US$4,000 as the actual cost of the process, with US$1,500 allegedly allocated to the suspended NSA Director-General, another US$1,500 to the former NSA chief executive, and US$1,000 to the chief executive of TRIBE Culture Fest, Nana Boateng Gyimah. A further US$5,000 was reportedly retained under the alleged arrangement.

The claims raise questions about the roles of intermediaries, the collection and distribution of payments, and the circumstances under which applicants were led to believe they could secure visas to attend the tournament.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the claims against the individuals mentioned should not be treated as established facts.

Watch the video below:

@ghnow_ A long vehicle has blocked the N1 Highway between Lapaz and Achimota Overhead, causing massive traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to expect delays and exercise caution. #GHnow #fyp ♬ For Nothing – Kofi Kinaata
@ghnow_ Traders have returned to Madina Atomic Junction after being evicted by the assembly task force. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Top of the Morning – Black Sherif

87-year-old jailed 20 years for defiling 9-year-old girl

Makay
-
0
87-year-old jailed 20 years for defiling 9-year-old girl

Yaw Gahornu, an 87-year-old man, has been sentenced to 20 years’ jail term with hard labour for defiling a nine-year-old girl at Ofankor.

The 87-year-old man’s sentence was secured by the Tesano Divisional Police Command after investigations into the case.

According to the Police, preliminary investigations indicated that on August 29, 2026, the girl’s mother returned from work and noticed bloodstains on her daughter’s clothing.

When the 9-year-old girl was questioned, the child disclosed that Mr Gahornu had allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual abuse.

The Ghana Police Service is providing more updates in a press statement, stating, “The Tesano Divisional Police Command has secured a 20-year prison sentence with hard labour for an 87-year-old man who was convicted of defiling a nine-year-old girl at Ofankor, a suburb of Accra.

Preliminary investigations indicate that on 29th August 2026, the complainant returned from work and noticed bloodstains on the clothing of her nine-year-old daughter. Upon questioning the child, she disclosed that the accused person, Yaw Gahornu, had allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual abuse between July and August 2026, involving both vaginal and anal penetration.

Further investigation also revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the child to his sleeping quarters and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the alleged abuse to her mother.

On 31st August 2026, the alleged abuse was reportedly witnessed by the accused’s granddaughter, who subsequently informed family members, including the complainant, and the matter was reported to the Police.

The accused person, Yaw Gahornu, was charged and arraigned before the Gender- Based Violence Court at the DOVVSU Headquarters, where he was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment in hard labour for the offence of defilement.

The Accra Regional Police Command welcomes the outcome of the case and reiterates its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons. The Command urges the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse to the Police for investigation and appropriate action”.

In related news, a 41-year-old accounts Clerk at Klo-Agogo Senior High School (SHS) in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, identified as Saviour Attor, has been detained by the police for allegedly defiling a 15-year-old female Junior High School (JHS) student.

Reports suggest the case was reported to the Obawale Police on September 15, 2026, by the victim’s grandfather, with assistance from the Assembly Member for the area.

After the report, the grandfather, the Assembly Member and police officers proceeded to the suspect’s residence, where he was arrested.

Saviour Attor was subsequently handed over to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigation.

The victim in her statement alleged that the suspect sent her to buy a sachet of water before forcibly having unprotected sexual intercourse with her at his residence.

The 15-year-old girl victim was subsequently referred for medical examination, with the findings forming part of the ongoing investigation.

According to the Police, Saviour Attor, in his cautioned statement, admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim at his residence.

Saviour Attor remains in police custody as investigations continue.

See the statement below:

@ghnow_ Friends and colleagues of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence gather to support her as she mourns the loss of her elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️💔 #GHNow #VivianJill #AuntieMabel #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics
@ghnow_ Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown arrives to mourn with Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence and her family at the vigil night of her late elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️ #GHNow #NanaAmaMcBrown #VivianJill ♬ original sound – John 3:16 🇬🇭

Why is NPP dead silent on the economy? – Haruna Iddrisu quizzes

Makay
-
0
Why is NPP dead silent on the economy? – Haruna Iddrisu quizzes

Haruna Iddrisu, the Education Minister, has quizzed the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on why they are dead silent about Ghana’s economy.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, the NPP’s silent on the econnomy at its recent delegates conference amounted to an acknowledgement that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration was performing better.

The Education Minister questioned why the NPP are not talking about inflation, debt, debt-to-GDP rate and the number of investment in infrastructure.

Speaking on Joy FM on Tuesday, October 13, the Tamale South MP stated, “Why were they not talking about inflation? Why were they not talking about debt? Why were they not talking about the debt-to-GDP rate? Why were they not talking about investment in infrastructure? They were dead silent on the economy”.

“They are talking about a policy intervention, which is the vision of the President to transform the economy from an import-dependent to a food-producing, self-dependent economy. But I’m talking about the real economy,” he said.

Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged that the NPP government had initiated a gold purchase programme through the Bank of Ghana.

He, however, said losses had occurred under that initiative, while admitting that similar concerns had arisen under the NDC.

Haruna Iddrisu nevertheless maintained that the gold interventions should also be assessed against their contribution to reserves and currency stability.

“Have we shored up our gold reserve? Yes, we have. Is the currency doing better? Yes, it is,” he said.

“And for many businesses, they will tell you that this has helped them practically to be able to plan,” he said.

However, Haruna Iddrisu called for stronger accountability at GoldBod and expressed support for proposals to improve its performance to prevent losses.

In related news, President John Dramani Mahama has said Ghana’s economy is resilient and capable of withstanding external shocks.

According to John Mahama, Ghana’s economy used to stand on broomsticks; but today it is standing on concrete pillars.

Mahama noted that in the past Ghana’s economy was vulnerable to developments in the global economic environment, but argued that today the economy is stabilised despite international challenges.

Speaking during his accountability engagement in Wa at the weekend as part of his #ResettingGhana Tour of the Upper West Region, Mahama stated, “In the past, Ghana’s economy used to stand on broomsticks. As soon as something happens in the world, it comes crashing down. Today Ghana’s economy is standing on concrete pillars, so even when there’s an earthquake, the country is still standing.

“This Iran-Israel-US war, if it had happened some years back, by now the economy would have come crashing down, but happily it’s been well managed,” the President explained.

Mahama, however, noted that while the economy remained stable, external developments had slowed the pace of progress expected by the Government.

According to John Mahama, his government planned to invest GH¢2.5 billion annually in five key sectors of the economy under its proposed “new economy” initiative aimed at creating jobs and opportunities for young people.

President Mahama disclosed that the Minister of Finance would unveil the initiative in the 2027 Budget Statement, with investments targeted at sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, and power generation.

“These are not going to be government businesses. Government is not going to set up state-owned enterprises with GH₵2.5 billion a year. It is going to go to the private sector to set up the businesses,” President Mahama indicated.

Mahama further urged entrepreneurs and private sector operators to take advantage of the opportunities to expand businesses and create employment for the youth.

@ghnow_ Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown arrives to mourn with Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence and her family at the vigil night of her late elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️ #GHNow #NanaAmaMcBrown #VivianJill ♬ original sound – John 3:16 🇬🇭
@ghnow_ Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown arrives to mourn with Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence and her family at the vigil night of her late elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️ #GHNow #NanaAmaMcBrown #VivianJill #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics

‘When a pin drops, they notice’ – Pius Hadzide explains why Sports Ministry attracts scandals

Makay
-
0
‘When a pin drops, they notice’ – Pius Hadzide explains why Sports Ministry attracts scandals

Pius Hadzide, a former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, has explained why Ghana’s Sports Ministry frequently finds itself at the centre of controversies and scandals.

Ghana has experienced a high turnover of Sports Ministers, with reports suggesting that 28 individuals have been appointed to the position since 1979, compared with 15 Finance Ministers over the same period.

The ministry has also faced recurring controversies, including allegations of visa racketeering, misappropriation of funds and other forms of corruption. Since 2001, such allegations have featured in the tenures of several substantive Sports Ministers.

Explaining the situation, Hadzide pointed to the ministry’s limited control over the various agencies it works with, suggesting that this makes it difficult for the ministry to exercise full oversight over their activities.

He further disclosed that in Ghana, there is a dedicated attention to sports in this country, adding that when a pin drops, sports journalists notice that something has gone amiss.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he stated, “There are peculiarities at the Ministry that make relationship management a little tricky. We work with stakeholders over whom we do not have total control. Such as the GFA, which is an independent association, not an organ of state.”

“The Minister’s influence over, for instance, the Ghana Football or Swimming Federation is limited because they have their own rules, and if you go in too much, you stand accused of interference. While with other agencies, the Minister has full grasp of the agencies they work with.”

“The other leg of the problem, which I believe is a blessing rather than a curse, is the sheer amount of work that journalists do in that area.”

“You’ll find that there is dedicated attention to sports in this country. Across the other ministries, you don’t find (spector-specific) programs like Agric programs or health programs (on radio or television) as much as sports journalists, like Muftawu Nabila Abdulai and Fentuo Tahiru, do.”

“So their eyes are always on the ball so when a pin drops, they are able to notice that something has gone amiss.”

“I suspect that if that was what was happening across other Ministries, the Sports Ministry would have paled into insignificance (presumably because the scandals from other Ministries would have been bigger).”

His comment comes on the heels of Kofi Adams the Sports Minister, who accused Gyimah of being behind allegations of visa fraud against him and other government officials.

The Sports Minister detailed that Gyimah had allegedly been providing the MP with false information to divert attention from money he claimed the Tribe Culture Fest CEO had improperly collected under an agreement with the NSA to transport Ghanaians to the 2026 World Cup.

Kofi Adams alleged that Gyimah received about US$611,000 unlawfully and was using various narratives to avoid refunding the money.

“He cannot run away with $611,000 of people’s money. We must make sure that we get him, and if it is found that right from the word go, he deceived the people, we must take the appropriate criminal actions,” the minister stated.

However, Nana Boateng Gyimah, the Chief Executive Officer of Tribe Culture Fest, has demanded that the Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, provide evidence following his claims that people associated with the organisation received US$611,000 in connection with visa arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Tribe Culture Fest CEO, in a statement, denied the allegation, claiming that his company’s agreement was with the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

He further categorically denied the allegations that the Tribe Culture Fest illegally received US$611,000 and is avoiding a refund.

According to Nana Boateng Gyimah, Tribe Culture did not receive the alleged US$611,000 from any private individual in connection with the arrangements in question.

He further challenged the Sports Minister to produce the evidence supporting his claims.

@ghnow_ Friends and colleagues of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence gather to support her as she mourns the loss of her elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️💔 #GHNow #VivianJill #AuntieMabel #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics
@ghnow_ Friends and colleagues of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence gather to support her as she mourns the loss of her elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️💔 #GHNow #VivianJill #AuntieMabel #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics

‘Wontumi looks absolutely well, strong, and clean’ – Ken Kuranchie

Makay
-
0
‘Wontumi looks absolutely well, strong, and clean’ – Ken Kuranchie

Ken Kuranchie, a Private legal practitioner who claims to be a longtime friend of former NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, has provided an update on his condition at the Nsawam Prison.

The private legal practitioner revealed that Wontumi looks absolutely well, strong, and clean.

According to Ken Kuranchie, he is pleased that Wontumi looks well despite being in custody.

Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, Wontumi appeared cheerful as he exchanged pleasantries with his counsel and supporters who had gathered at the court to show solidarity.

Speaking to Citi News after the proceedings, Ken Kuranchie expressed excitement about Wontumi’s condition, saying, “He looks well, strong and clean. When you are in prison, that is the best thing you can hope for. He looks absolutely well. I am glad I saw him”.

His comments follow a conversation lasting more than 30 minutes with Wontumi before the EXIM Bank case was called in court.

Meanwhile, in court, Chairman Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to five charges in connection with the alleged fraudulent procurement of a GH¢30 million loan from the Ghana Exim Bank.

Following Wontumi’s not guilty plea, the case has been adjourned to Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. for a case management conference, with the prosecution given 14 days to file the relevant disclosures.

Wontumi, together with two others, was arraigned on a new charge sheet filed on September 22, 2026, over the loan obtained in 2018.

The five counts include defrauding by false pretence, two counts of uttering forged documents, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss of GH¢30 million to a public body.

Wontumi denied all the charges and has since been returned to Nsawam Maximum Security Prison, where he is serving a 20-year sentence.

Earlier, the Accra High Court had ordered the prosecution to file disclosures within 14 days after plea bargain negotiations in Chairman Wontumi’s alleged GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case ended without an agreement.

Reports disclosed that the negotiations ended after the State rejected a proposal put forward by Wontumi’s legal team.

Following the failure to reach an agreement, the Accra High Court ordered the prosecution to file its disclosures within 14 days.

The disclosure process requires the prosecution to provide the defence with the evidence and documents it intends to rely on at trial.

Wontumi’s alleged GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case will now move forward, with the prosecution expected to file its disclosures within 14 days.

Earlier,  Dr Justice Srem Sai, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, revealed that the Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, EXIM Bank trial will continue despite ongoing settlement negotiations.

According to the Deputy AG, negotiations have not been abandoned, but the government has decided not to suspend the trial.

Speaking in an interview on Morning Starr, Dr Srem Sai stated, “We, as prosecutors, have decided to proceed with the trial while we continue negotiations on the side”.

He disclosed that the decision was communicated to Wontumi’s lawyers after two meetings between the parties, adding that ongoing negotiations had not produced an agreement acceptable to the state.

The Deputy Attorney General also revealed that a GH¢12 million settlement proposal falls significantly below what the bank expects to recover.

According to Srem Sai, accepting an amount substantially below the alleged losses would not be prudent, particularly after assessing the evidence and circumstances surrounding the case.

He disclosed that the government does not believe it would be appropriate to accept less than half of the losses allegedly caused simply to allow the accused to walk free.

“The 12 million you mentioned, if indeed he said that, then 12 million is far below what even the bank expects to get,” he said.

“They know what to do if they want that situation to change. We have told them what to do if they want that situation to change,” he said.

@ghnow_ Friends and colleagues of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence gather to support her as she mourns the loss of her elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️💔 #GHNow #VivianJill #AuntieMabel #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics
@ghnow_ Friends and colleagues of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence gather to support her as she mourns the loss of her elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️💔 #GHNow #VivianJill #AuntieMabel #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics

Mahama’s appointment of Affi Agbenyo constitutionally appropriate but… – Haruna Iddrisu

Makay
-
0
Mahama’s appointment of Affi Agbenyo constitutionally appropriate but… – Haruna Iddrisu

Haruna Iddrisu, the Tamale South Member of Parliament, has said President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Affi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is “constitutionally appropriate”.

The NDC member of parliament, however, noted that critics have the right to remind the NDC government of its actions in the past against similar appointments.

Speaking on Joy Super Morning Show on Tuesday, October 13, Haurna Iddrisu stated, “I know Affi very well, and I’ve worked with Affi. Affi, as at yesterday, was working under my Ministry, under TVET Services as Deputy to the Chief Executive. Now, is it constitutionally appropriate? Those are the questions you should ask. Does the President have the power under Article 45 to appoint? Now, one of the things we have not been able to do well is to use legislation to define the parameters of who is eligible. Beyond Article 45, 46, providing that there shall be an Electoral Commission, which shall have two deputies, we must have legislation which then defines a threshold as to who can enter into the Electoral Commission.”

When asked the kind of Electoral Commission he expects, he resoponded saying, “I just want an Electoral Commission that does not endanger democratic ethos and values. Persons who are independent, persons who are courageous, and persons who uphold the values of transparency”.

Haruna Iddrisu further added, “I share this crude idea with you: anytime people get worried about appointments to the Electoral Commission, you know I’ve supervised the Electoral Commission, even as its Chairman and Vice-Chairman, in terms of their budget for seven years. I’m sure I can say that probably maybe Kyei Mensa-Bonsu, I’ll come next in terms of depth and information on the Electoral Commission and its operation within the annals of Parliament”.

“Now, there’s a school of thought, and I’m sure it’s part of the constitutional review process that President Mahama has ignited, and be assured that there will be political and economic reforms led by President Mahama. There will be far-reaching changes; I’m sure when Parliament comes back, the Attorney General, on behalf of President Mahama, will introduce two important bills in Parliament. One, a bill seeking to amend the entrenched provisions of the Constitution, and two, a bill seeking to amend the non-entrenched provisions of the Constitution.”

“So, I think that the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, but politically, people have the right to remind us that if you seek equity, do equity. Maybe that’s what it is reminding us of.”

However, Haruna Iddrisu, when he was reminded that Affi Agbenyo had publicly campaigned on platforms for the NDC in the past, stated, “If she does that whilst in office, that would be unacceptable as Deputy Electoral Commissioner.”

“I was going to share my crude view with you, even though I’m hesitant. In Tamale South, the Electoral Commission, Deputy Electoral Commission- how do they impact my election? It is to provide me with a fair, open, transparent platform. But the onus of winning the election is mine. It’s not that of the Electoral Commission.

And the onus of avoiding fraud, or being cheated, or somebody treating you unfairly, is largely also mine. You know, many times, MPs abandon their role. You can check throughout history. Every day, up to the election, I spend my maximum time at the Electoral Commission. I’ll monitor every ballot box, what goes into the box, against the population of that polling station and others, into the night deployment of election officers.

“But I can understand the reservations that are being legitimately expressed by the Ghanaian people. If they are unhappy about it, the government has taken note of it,” he stated.

The development follows President John Mahama’s appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), which has since sparked debate on social media following her swearing-in.

The controversy follows the resurfacing of social media posts and an article highlighting Agbenyo’s alleged involvement in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s campaign ahead of the 2024 general election.

In one of her posts published before the election, Agbenyo expressed her intention to vote against the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing the government of disregarding the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

She wrote, “I will be voting against a government that ridiculed the pains of the people. Imposing a nuisance levy on citizens is not a thing to celebrate. Governance is no joke; citizens are not your enemies”.

Additionally, an article detailing Agbenyo’s involvement in the NDC’s campaign efforts ahead of the 2024 elections has resurfaced online following her appointment.

According to the article, she served on the party’s governance team alongside Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sylvester Mensah as a sectoral spokesperson for the NDC’s Resetting Ghana manifesto.

The resurfaced posts and article have triggered reactions from social media users, with some questioning whether her reported political involvement makes her suitable for the role of Deputy EC Chairperson.

Some netizens have also expressed concerns about her political affiliation and its implications for the Electoral Commission’s independence and impartiality ahead of the 2028 general election.

@ghnow_ Friends and colleagues of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence gather to support her as she mourns the loss of her elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️💔 #GHNow #VivianJill #AuntieMabel #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics
@ghnow_ Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown arrives to mourn with Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence and her family at the vigil night of her late elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️ #GHNow #NanaAmaMcBrown #VivianJill ♬ original sound – John 3:16 🇬🇭

Private individuals can also face financial loss charges – Srem-Sai explains

Makay
-
0
Private individuals can also face financial loss charges – Srem-Sai explains

Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has revealed that private individuals can be prosecuted for causing financial loss.

The Deputy AG dismissed claims that only public officials can be prosecuted for actions taken while in office.

According to Dr Justice Srem-Sai, private individuals who cause financial loss to the state can also be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.

He further cited provisions in the Criminal Offences Act to explain that both public and private individuals can be held liable for offences that result in financial loss.

The Deputy AG cited Section 179A(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, which deals with causing loss, damage or injury to property, noting that it states that anyone who intentionally causes economic or other loss to a public body or an agency of the Republic in the course of a business transaction commits a criminal offence.

Dr Justice Srem-Sai stressed that the two provisions make it clear that private individuals can also face prosecution when their actions contribute to the loss of public funds.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Apparently, there is a notion that only public officials could be prosecuted for causing a loss of public money; and that private persons could not be prosecuted for such losses. These two offences in the Criminal Act alone refute that notion:

Section 179A(2) – Causing Loss, Damage or Injury to Property 👇🏾

“A person who in the course of a transaction or business with a public body or an agency of the Republic intentionally causes damage or loss whether economic or otherwise to that body or agency commits a criminal offence.”

Section 179C(b)- Using Public Office for Profit 👇🏾

“A person commits a criminal offence who, not being a holder of a public office, acts or is found to have acted in collaboration with a person holding a public office for the latter to corruptly or dishonestly abuse the public office for private profit or benefit.”

Some netizens reacting to his comment stated, “You guys are pussyfooting ooooo aaah. If the energy drains, no matter what you do, the Ghanaian people will not forgive. By this time at least we should have seen 27 criminals in jail, with the loot retrieved. In fact, why can’t Ghana cut a deal with the USA to bring Ken Ofori Atta”.

Another X user added, “This goes to the he was the lawyer not an employee blablabla gang..”.

A netizen added, “Baffour and the SIC lady, that second one is dedicated to u”.

See the post below:

@ghnow_ A solemn vigil night is being held in honour of the late Auntie Mabel, elder sister of Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence, as family and loved ones gather to pay their last respects. 🕊️ #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – BLACK MAN ✪
@ghnow_ Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown arrives to mourn with Kumawood actress Vivian Jill Lawrence and her family at the vigil night of her late elder sister, Auntie Mabel. 🕊️ #GHNow #NanaAmaMcBrown #VivianJill #fyp ♬ original sound – Wasako Lyrics
1...8910...169Page 9 of 169
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv