The committee includes Amb. Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio, Peter Zwennes Esq., Ekow Asmah, Samuel Bartels Esq., Eddie Pappoe, Juliana Addo-Yobo Esq. (Secretary), and Dr. Martin Engmann.
Amarkai Amarteifio, a retired soldier, lawyer, sports administrator, and politician, will serve as a key figure on the committee.
The committee has been given 21 days to provide a detailed report on their findings.
The committee’s mandate includes investigating the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death, evaluating the security and safety measures put in place by the event organizers, verifying whether the boxer had proper clearance from the Nigeria Boxing Authority for the fight, reviewing the conduct of officials during and after the incident, and making recommendations for improving medical procedures at boxing events.
Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju tragically collapsed during his match with Ghana’s John Mbanugu on March 29, 2025, at the Bukom Boxing Arena. He was later confirmed dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Sports Minister Kofi Adamshas revealed that he initially questioned the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) decision to keep Otto Addo as the head coach of the Black Stars.
However, after the GFA explained their reasons, he chose not to challenge the decision further. Instead, he is waiting to see how Otto Addo performs in the upcoming matches.
As the Member of Parliament for Buem, Adams acknowledged that with the World Cup qualifiers approaching, he had to respect the GFA’s choice, even though he had some doubts.
In an interview with TV3 on March 17, 2025, he stated that, given the ongoing qualifiers, removing Otto Addo is not currently a priority for the government.
“The GFA brought the coach and the other persons to introduce them to me. At that meeting, I raised all those issues. Am I satisfied? I would say time will tell, but I had my concerns, and those concerns, I registered them. But I think at this moment, and at the time that I became the minister, we were too close to these qualifiers.
“So, the issue of changes should not be on the table. That should be the last thing. The issue on the table now is how to prepare the team for the tasks ahead of us,” he said.
Despite calls for Addo’s dismissal, the GFA decided to allow him to lead Ghana in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars will face Chad on March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium before facing Madagascar in an away fixture on March 24, 2025.
During an interview on Kessben FM in Kumasi, the former AshantiGold SC executive voiced his concerns about Adams’ frequent media appearances. He noted that the Buem constituency MP has been discussing sports matters publicly without consulting key stakeholders first.
Acheampong recommended that the minister should engage with essential bodies like the GFA and the National Sports Authority (NSA) before making public statements on sports issues. He stressed that understanding the sector thoroughly would be vital for Adams’ success in his role as the minister.
“Coming from a political background, he feels compelled to be seen taking action, but personally, I think the interviews are excessive. So far, he hasn’t achieved anything as sports minister, yet he’s been doing multiple interviews,” he said.
“He [Kofi Adams] should have done a comprehensive interview after visiting various sectors like the NSA, GFA, and others. I think he could tone down, acquaint himself with the happenings, and speak from experience. Then he would understand why there are problems with the Black Stars,” Acheampong said.
Kofi Adams is set to meet with theGhana Football Association (GFA)next week to discuss the Black Stars’ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Chad and Madagascar.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II,has urged the newly appointed Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, to closely monitor the Black Stars to prevent favoritism and nepotism within the team.
During a recent visit, Otumfuo acknowledged the declining performance of the senior national team over the past few years, attributing it to nepotism by influential figures in the Ghana Football Association.
The Black Stars have failed to advance from the group stage in their last three competitions and missed out on qualifying for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Otumfuo’s comments underscore the need for vigilance and accountability to restore the team’s former glory.
“The Black Stars have been disgraceful these days. You have to get the Black Stars on the winning track,” Otumfuo challenged Kofi Adams.
“Make sure the technical team invites players who deserve to be in the national team. No other person should be allowed to bring their players to the team.”
Ghanaians will be keeping a close eye on that request with the Black Stars set to assemble next month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has strongly criticized Black Stars coach Otto Addo for his performance with the team.
The 49-year-old, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year deal, has dominated the headlines for the wrong reasons after failing to steer the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not compete in the AFCON tournament after failing to win any of their six qualification games. The team recorded three defeats and three draws, finishing at the bottom of their group.
The poor performance has led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to augment the Black Stars’ technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“The data is very poor; in fact, it’s terrible. Looking at only the data, there is no way he [Otto Addo] should’ve stayed on,” Adams told Metro TV.
“The GFA took a decision to do away with those around him, but what was surprising was that the head coach was maintained.
“Maybe something informed that decision.
“It may be financial, but an engagement with the GFA will certainly let us know what led to that decision,” he added.
Ghana will take on Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, marking their first outing since the AFCON qualification disappointment.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced thatOtto Addo’sposition as head coach of the Black Stars will be reviewed.
Despite signing a three-year contract in March 2024, with an option for an additional two years, Addo has come under fire after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years. The team’s inability to win any qualifiers has led to widespread calls for a complete overhaul of the technical staff.
As the Black Stars gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has bolstered the coaching team. However, Kofi Adams stressed in an interview with Woezor TV that the government, not the GFA, funds the national team’s technical staff, and any decisions should involve state consultation.
By emphasizing state involvement, Adams highlighted the need for a collective approach to address the current challenges facing the team and to ensure a successful future.
“First of all, the GFA doesn’t pay the Black Stars technical team; the government does, so you cannot go and appoint someone and say this is what I have appointed to manage a team that does not belong to you,” he said.
“The national team does not belong to the GFA, and neither do they pay the coaches. It is the state that pays, so nobody can sit anywhere and say that when they decide, they cannot consult anybody in making that decision. If that is the mindset of how they approach their work, then they will have issues.
“The country has only asked the GFA to manage the national teams, and that is why the state pays the coaches and still funds all the qualifiers. So how do you appoint somebody that the state will pay but don’t involve the state in decision-making?” he quizzed.
German coach Winfried Schäfer has been brought in as a technical advisor for the Black Stars and as the technical director for the association. Additionally, Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei has joined the technical team, while John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda continue in their roles as second assistant coach and goalkeepers’ trainer, respectively.
Kris Perquy has been appointed as the team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.
Despite these changes, Sports Minister Kofi Adams has expressed concerns over the GFA’s approach to decision-making regarding coaching appointments.
With Ghana missing out on AFCON 2025, the Black Stars will shift their focus to the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in the next round of matches next month.
Sports Minister Kofi Adamshas proposed that revenue from the betting tax be allocated to a dedicated sports fund to support the growth and development of the country’s sporting sector.
He emphasized that directing a portion of the tax into this fund would ensure long-term sustainability for sports in Ghana.
Additionally, the Buem constituency MP revealed plans to introduce a sports lottery as another means of generating revenue to further strengthen the sector.
“I believe the time has come for this to be done. A percentage of the bet stake tax should be allocated to the sports fund. We will introduce a sports lottery,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
Mr. Adams further highlighted the need for a structured sports fund, drawing comparisons to past government initiatives such as the GETFund for education and the Health Fund established during President Rawlings’ administration.
“We established GETFund for education and the Health Fund to support health issues during President Rawlings’ era. We must recognize the importance of sports. Investing in sports can reduce diseases by promoting physical exercises and other activities,” he explained.
Meanwhile, various stakeholders are advocating for greater financial investment to enhance sports infrastructure, athlete development, and overall management of the sector.
However, this proposal differs from the Mahama administration’s position, as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to abolish the betting tax in the upcoming budget presentation to Parliament.
Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has pledged to do everything possible to ensure the Black Stars secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following intense criticism over their surprising failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the first time in twenty years—the national team has faced significant backlash. Ghana finished at the bottom of Group F, earning just three points from six matches.
With the Black Stars set to resume their World Cup qualification campaign next month against Chad and Madagascar, Mr. Adams has promised fans that he will leave no stone unturned in helping the team secure their fifth World Cup appearance, scheduled to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“Whatever I will have to do as the Sports Minister to ensure that Ghana qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, I’ll do it,” the Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
He acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on AFCON but emphasized that the World Cup remains a top priority.
“It is unfortunate that African countries will be meeting at AFCON, and Ghana will not be present, but the World Cup is different, and I know the government also has an interest in that.”
Mr. Adams also called for unity and support from Ghanaians as the team embarks on this crucial journey.
“If the team has wronged anyone, I will appeal that we all unite for the good cause of the team and ensure that we qualify for the tournament.”
Ghana will host Chad on March 17 before traveling to face Madagascaron March 24 in two decisive fixtures.
Minister-designate for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has promised to step up security at stadiums across the country after the tragic stabbing of a football player following a league match.
The incident, which took place after a Ghana Premier League game in Nsoatre, resulted in the death of an Asante Kotoko fan during their match with Nsoatreman FC on matchday 19.
As a result, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has decided to suspend all Premier League matches while investigations are ongoing.
In an interview with JoyNews’ The Pulse, Kofi Adams condemned the violent act, emphasizing that no one is above the law. He assured the public that the police will fully investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The police have also invited the team owner linked to the incident for questioning as part of their investigation into the deadly attack.
Minister-Designate for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has promised that Parliament will carefully review the money spent on hosting the2023 African Games in Ghana.
Ghana hosted the 13th edition of the African Games in 2024, but the amount of money the government spent caused a lot of debate.
The former Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, faced criticism from the public over the reported $245 million used for the event.
This included $195 million for building facilities, $15 million for feeding athletes during the 15-day event, and $48 million for other operational expenses.
The Local Organising Committee defended the spending, saying it was necessary to make the event successful.
Speaking to the media at the Accra Sports Stadium, Kofi Adams assured that the investigation would be done properly to ensure transparency and accountability.
“I remember in Parliament, issues were raised about it. The only unfortunate thing is that we couldn’t take the report of the committee that looked into areas of sports before the 8th Parliament was dissolved.
“But the 9th Parliament is back, and we can see what we can do about that report—whether it will be retabled or the issues will be referred to the committee again for review and resubmission for consideration.
“So, we are not ruling out anything. But let’s go through the processes first, and then we’ll see what they look into and what will come out of it,” Adams said.
Kofi Adams stated that the investigation will reveal important details about the spending.
He is currently waiting for Parliament to approvehis nomination after his vetting. Once confirmed, he will take on the role and work to promote transparency in the country’s sports management.
President John Mahama has nominated him for the position, and he will now face vetting by the Appointments Committee.
At 49 years old, Kofi Adams is set to take over from Mustafa Ussif, who served as Sports Minister since 2021 under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.
“As a party member, I have done enough and knew I was going to play a role in the administration in one form or the other,” he told GHOne TV.
“I was prepared to serve in any Ministry but two [Attorney General and Finance Ministry] and so I am not surprised where I am taking to.
“It is a responsibility. I have identified, studied, followed it [sports] and we can work together as a country and bring our sports to a level that we all desire it should be.”
Kofi Adams is expected to improve the sports sector by upgrading facilities, securing funds for national teams, and boosting their performance in major competitions.
During a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting with the Bank of Ghana, the Member of Parliament for Buem and a PAC member, Kofi Adams, expressed alarm over Ghana’s rising liabilities, which surged from GHC459 billion in 2021 to GHC810 billion in 2022.
Mr Adams attributed this increase to mismanagement by the Bank.
Adams highlighted several questionable transactions, including a $12 million payment to MS Power China International Group Limited for the Pwalugu Irrigation Project, despite no visible progress on the project.
He also noted a $2.5 million payment to Morta Engils for the Accra-Tema Motorway project, which was allegedly awarded without a proper contract.
In response, the PAC has requested documentation from the Bank of Ghana to conduct further investigations into these transactions.
“You go to the site now there’s absolutely nothing it’s just a bush with about 25 pieces of blocks on the site but they have been dashed $12 million by this government. Again, another company, MS Motor Angels, was paid almost $3 million, that’s about $2,577,269 for the Tema Motorway extension project. This company had no contract to execute that project and did not do anything on the Tema -Motorway that required payment of, what, $2,577 million to them,” he said.
The PAC has demanded documentation from the Bank of Ghana to investigate these transactions further.
Govt paid Chinese contractor MS PowerChina $11.9 million for no work done on the Pwalugu irrigation dam. Govt further paid morta engils $2.57 million dollars for no work down on the motorway expansion currently been done by MS Maripoma pic.twitter.com/tyjcZvFPrg
In January this year, it was reported that Ghanaian-owned construction company, Maripoma Enterprise Limited, has begun the reconstruction of the 19.5km Accra-Tema Motorway.
The contractor started clearing the road alignment, building his site camp as well as mobilizing equipment and other logistic for the works.
The 19.5-kilometre project involves a 10-lane span from the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout to the Tema roundabout. The project, which has been divided into 3 phases to ensure efficient execution has the construction of the Accra-Tema Motorway as the first phase..
The second phase is from Tetteh Quarshie to Apenkwa, while the third phase is from Apenkwa to Neoplan.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah during a tour of road projects in Accra.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, on Tuesday, January 2 2024, toured the project site to inspect ongoing preparatory activities for the works.
The Minister urged the contractor to “maintain excellent traffic management measures in order not to create unnecessary inconvenience to the motoring public”.
Meanwhile, almost five years after sod was cut for work to begin on the construction of the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam, work on the much touted project is yet to commence.
The project, estimated at $993 million, would be the single largest investment ever made by the government in the northern part of the country to address three main issues namely; provision of water for irrigation, generation of electricity, and control of the annual flooding of communities in the Upper East and North East regions.
It is also expected to control the perennial flooding in the five northern regions caused by heavy rains and the spillage of the Bagre dam in Burkina Faso.
Buem Member of Parliament, Kofi Adams, has urged for calm in Bawku, emphasizing its status as a crucial ‘business hub’ for both the northern region and the entire nation.
He stressed that stability in Bawku is essential for the overall prosperity of the country. Adams made these remarks on the Key Points show on TV3 on Saturday, January 20.
The call for peace comes in the wake of an unfortunate incident on Wednesday, January 17, where unknown gunmen fired into a group at the community center in Bawku, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries.
“Bawku is a business hub for the country and the northern part, a lot could be gained from having a stable Bawku. We must all be interested in having lasting peace in Bawku,” he said on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, January 20.
“…those who were killed yesterday, that was dastardly, that was unacceptable and the perpetrators must be searched for by the law enforcement agencies and dealt with.”
The incident was strongly condemned by the Member of Parliament for Bawku, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, who described it as both dastardly and unacceptable.
Mr. Ayariga urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend and take action against the perpetrators.
Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 on Thursday, January 19, he expressed his dismay over the ongoing violence in Bawku and stressed the need for decisive action against those responsible.
Last week, the Minister for the Interior, through an Executive Instrument, extended the curfew hours in Bawku Municipality and its surroundings from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am, effective Friday, January 12, 2024.
The government called on community leaders and residents to exercise restraint and employ non-violent means to address challenges and maintain peace.
Furthermore, there is a complete ban on carrying arms, ammunition, or offensive weapons in the specified areas, and anyone found in possession of such items will face arrest and prosecution.
“It is unfortunate that we continue to experience this situation that has caused so many lives to be lost, so many people to be injured and hospitalized and so much property to be lost in Bawku central constituency.
“…those who were killed yesterday, that was dastardly, that was unacceptable and the perpetrators must be searched for by the law enforcement agencies and dealt with.”
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, is advocating for Parliament to forego its typical out-of-town post-budget workshops.
He proposes holding the workshop within the parliamentary chamber, aiming to cut costs. The Finance Minister is set to unveil the 2024 budget shortly.
However, the suggestion faced opposition from Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who challenged Adams, questioning why he wasn’t willing to forgo his salary.
Adams reiterated his stance after the session, emphasizing the importance of considering cost-saving measures in the country’s economic climate.
“This year’s post-budget workshop, my position is that considering the situation we find ourselves in, it is really possible to have the post-budget workshop held here in Parliament instead of stepping out of Parliament“.
“I did just a simple calculation and realized that for just accommodation for the honorable Members of Parliament if you are using an average of 1,700 per room that makes the amount to 1.4 million Ghana Cedis plus. Before you talk about transport, feeding, and other stuff,” Mr. Adams stated.
He continued: “My view is that we could save this money and use it for many other very important things. As Parliament, we should lead the way to say that if we should cut down the cost of doing business for the government we must also lead the way and save this money.”
Former National Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and current Buem Member of Parliament, Kofi Adams, has joined the growing demand for the Bank of Ghana’s governor and deputy governors to step down. This appeal comes in response to allegations of extravagant expenditures that resulted in a staggering GHC60 billion deficit in 2022.
Mr Adams suggested that the central bank’s irresponsibility has now reached its zenith, leaving no alternative but for those accountable for the chaos to depart, allowing capable individuals to take over and restore financial stability to the institution.
In a conversation with Selorm Adonoo on The Big Issue program aired on Citi TV and Citi FM, Kofi Adams, the former NDC organizer, expressed that the governor and deputy governors have consistently ignored alerts from the Minority group. He asserted that their ongoing mishandling of the economy has led to the present turmoil, and therefore, they should step down due to their lack of competence.
“We have reached a point where we cannot let the one that created the mess to continue to be there, and like many economists have said, the economy is not yet recovering and so if the person that caused this mess continues to superintend over the economy, the entire economy will collapse.”
“It is very clear that many of the things that are being reported today as a result of the economy being in the intensive care unit were known long ago. The Minority raised issues right from the word go and the Bank of Ghana ignored them. We raised issues with the printing of banknotes to support the reckless expenditure of the government.”
“They have violated the very Act that governs them so what more can we do as a Minority than to ask the governors to leave for a more competent person to come take over and work things around for us,” Mr. Adams further charged.
Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Kofi Adams, has called the government’s $2.6 million investment in developing a sky railway in Accra a swindle.
According to Mr Adams, the project’s contracting company lacks a license, and there is no feasibility report for the deal.
He feels that such a disastrous contract, along with many others under the Akufo-Addo administration, is to blame for the current economic crisis, rather than the Russia-Ukraine war or the covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s one of the scams. It’s a scam because there has not been any feasibility study, there’s nothing, the company has no license, we don’t know it from anywhere and you just give away $2 million dollars and nothing has happened,” he told the media.
He further said that the project is a sham because of inconsistencies in information provided by authorities.
“The current Minister for Railway Development is saying that we can’t have any sky train now. The CEO is saying it’s a project that is still alive. Who’s telling us the truth?” he quizzed.
In 2019, an agreement for a 194 km train track above ground, transporting nearly 400,000 passengers annually across five routes in Greater Accra, was signed at the Africa Investment Forum in Johannesburg.
However, due to its high cost, the Minister of Railway Development, John Peter Amewu, reveals the project’s delay, citing other pressing needs in the country.
“I don’t see a sky train being done in the next three to four years, let’s be very frank to ourselves.”
“A kilometre of a railway line is about four to five times the cost of building concrete infrastructure in terms of building an asphaltic road,” Mr Amewu said.
NDC MPs condemn government’s payment of US$2 million to African Investor Holding Limited, located in Mauritius, for a train project that seems unlikely to proceed. They argue that the deal lacked parliamentary approval.
The Caucus urges the government to ensure a refund for the payment made to the company, which, according to the Minister, was made even before the project’s feasibility study had commenced.
“What was the reason for the government to act in a way to give out two million dollars? Who actually took the decision to pay this entity in Mauritius?
“Who authorised the payment of the two million dollars in terms of the feasibility studies and which normal decision maker pays out two million dollars as feasibility; before as they put it to determine whether the project is bankable?” the NDC MP for Adaklu Constituency, Kwame Governs Agbodza, said.
Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, has affirmed that the Electoral Commission (EC) has not expressed any grievances regarding allegations of deceit in the case involving James Gyakye Quayson.
According to him, the EC is aware that Quayson underwent the necessary legal processes to renounce his Canadian citizenship before contesting the seat in the 2020 election.
Adams further highlighted that the EC scrutinized Quayson’s eligibility and deemed him qualified to contest the election. He explained that when Quayson took the oath of office upon his election, he did so as a Ghanaian.
“They saw everything about it and still thought that he was qualified to contest that election. That is why the Electoral Commission is not a complainer. That is why the Electoral Commission is not saying that they have been deceived by anybody because they were never deceived,” myjoyonline quoted Adams.
According to Adams, when reports regarding the citizenship status of the Assin North MP surfaced, the authorities in the Central Region acknowledged that it was beyond their jurisdiction. The matter was subsequently referred to the Chair of the EC, Madam Jean Mensa, who established a committee involving legal practitioners to review the reports and documentation related to Gyakye Quayson’s identity.
The committee examined the documents, including the renunciation certificate of the MP, and determined that Gyakye Quayson was qualified to contest the election, Adams noted.
James Gyakye Quayson, a candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently lost his position as the constituency’s MP after a court ruled that he held dual citizenship, which is illegal for anyone occupying a public office. Consequently, the seat was declared vacant, leading to a by-election.
Amidst the court case, the NPP capitalized on the issue to campaign against Quayson, suggesting that he would be unable to serve the constituency if imprisoned. However, experts caution that such a strategy may backfire, as it could lead to perceptions of persecution among the constituency’s youth.
Despite winning the seat by a significant margin, Gyakye Quayson will continue to pursue the legal process until the case is concluded.
Some individuals are now calling for the discontinuation of the court proceedings in the interest of democracy.
A member of parliament for the Buem Constituency, Kofi Adams, has accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of selecting an electoral commissioner who is a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to a 3newsonline story, he asserts that Dr. Peter Appiahene, one of the recently selected members of the EC, is a well-known NPP activist and a part of the party’s Bono Region media team.
“Dr Peter Appiahene is known NPP activist in the Bono Region, he is a member of the NPP communications team in the Bono region…clearly, there is everything wrong with the persons the president has appointed. The President has appointed known activists of the NPP.
“President Akufo-Addo has been appointing persons known to be NPP activists, we saw the Bossman Asares and the Jean Mensas,” he said.
Speaking in an interview with TV3 on March 22, 2023, he further criticized the Council of State members for also giving the president the go-ahead for the said appointment.
“The Council of State who are supposed to be advising the president gave the go-ahead to make such an appointment. I am not just disappointed in the president but also the Council of State, they gave the go-ahead.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently swore in three new members of the Electoral Commission (EC).
The three are Dr. Peter Appiahene, Madam Salima Ahmed Tijani, and Reverend Akua Ofori Boateng.
They took office at a short Jubilee House ceremony on Monday, March 20, 2023.
The appointments have, however, seen some criticisms by some factions in the public with members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) accusing President Akufo-Addo of packing the commission with members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Akufo-Addo appoints NPP man, two others as EC commissioners
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday (March 20) swore in three new Electoral Commissioners at the Jubilee House in a brief ceremony.
The three were: Dr. Peter Appiahene, Salima Ahmed Tijani and Rev Akua Ofori Boateng.
Out of the three, the appointment of Dr. Appiahene in particular has drawn a lot of political controversy.
This is because of his known role as a patron of the New Patriotic Party’s tertiary institutions wing, TESCON, specifically the University of Energy and Natural Resources branch.
Some Civil Society Organizations including the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, have expressed misgivings over the appointment of Dr. Appiahene calling on the president to withdraw his appointment.
In his comments on the appointment, Bright Simons of Imani Ghana tweeted: “Seeing how Ghana’s Electoral Commission is always on the defensive about being totally independent & professional, I expect the top bosses to inform the Prez that they’d rather resign than work with partisan activists as that’ll sully the EC’s reputation!”
ie Member of Parliament for the Buem constituency, Kofi Adams is threatening to haul the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Owusu Afriyie Akoto before the Privileges Committee.
He contends that the Minister peddled falsehood on the floor of Parliament when he made contradictory remarks on two different occasions on whether or not equipment was imported into the country for the cultivation of maize.
Speaking to Citi News, Kofi Adamscalled on the Minister to apologize or face the Privileges Committee.
“I will be applying to the Speaker for the Minister to be referred to the Privileges Committee unless he comes back to withdraw his earlier answer and apologize before I initiate that process. But clearly, we have to test the provisions in our standing orders and the constitution.â€
Recently, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisudemanded the urgent summoning of the Minister for Food and Agriculture over the state of the poultry industry in the country.
According to him, the scarcity of ingredients like maize for poultry feed and other teething challenges is gradually crippling the sector.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has left Ghana and the rest of the world short of important grains.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has publicly expressed concern about the shortage of fertiliser and its relationship with the production of grains.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 17, 2022, Mr. Iddrisubemoaned the current state of the poultry industry and underscored the need for urgent action.
“There is a seeming problem with the poultry industry in Ghana. Poultry farmers have difficulty accessing what they call poultry feed,†the Minority Leader said.
He noted that the closure of some poultry-related businesses because of some difficulties had come to his attention.
“We are already an unacceptable net importer of poultry when we have the capacity and capability to produce the poultry that we need,†Mr. Iddrisu said.
He noted further that the poultry industry “remains a major source of employment apart from satisfying the protein needs of Ghanaians.â€
In 2021, chicken imports were estimated at 350,000 metrictonnes.
According to forecasts for 2022, imports of chicken could rise to 400,000 metric tonnes.
Kofi Adams, a member of parliament from the Buem constituency, has threatened to summon Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the minister of food and agriculture, before the Privileges Committee.
He claims that when the Minister stated conflicting things on two separate times about whether or not machinery was imported into the nation for the production of maize, he was spreading misinformation on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Kofi Adamsurged the Minister to apologize or face the Privileges Committee in a statement to Citi News
“Unless the Minister withdraws his previous response and apologizes, I will be requesting to the Speaker that the Minister be referred to the Privileges Committee.
However, it is obvious that we must put both the constitution’s and our standing rules to the test.
Recently, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu demanded the urgent summoning of the Minister for Food and Agriculture over the state of the poultry industry in the country.
According to him, the scarcity of ingredients like maize for poultry feed and other teething challenges is gradually crippling the sector.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has left Ghana and the rest of the world short of important grains.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has publicly expressed concern about the shortage of fertiliser and its relationship with the production of grains.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 17, 2022, Mr. Iddrisu bemoaned the current state of the poultry industry and underscored the need for urgent action.
“There is a seeming problem with the poultry industry in Ghana. Poultry farmers have difficulty accessing what they call poultry feed,†the Minority Leader said.
He noted that the closure of some poultry-related businesses because of some difficulties had come to his attention.
“We are already an unacceptable net importer of poultry when we have the capacity and capability to produce the poultry that we need,†Mr. Iddrisu said.
He noted further that the poultry industry “remains a major source of employment apart from satisfying the protein needs of Ghanaians.â€
Kofi Adams, the Member of Parliament for the Buem Constituency in the Oti Region has stated that, information on the Jasikan Township Road Contract has been too scanty making it difficult to resolve the challenge.
The MP made it known that, he had a meeting with the various Heads of Department at the District Assembly to deliberate on trivial issues.
“On Monday, February 14, 2021, I held a meeting with all Heads of Department in the Jasikan District to deliberate on some trivial issues. We all expected the acting DCE, Hon. Kwame Aziale Lawrence to be present to brief us more on issues relating to the contract but he wasn’t. That has actually made it difficult to get the contractor back to site” he stated.
Kofi Adams further stated that, it would be a bit difficult to call on Rollider to come in since the main contractor on the road is unknown.
“Personally, I was of the view that, we get Rollider to come in and clear the heaps of sand and debris on the road but you know, the contractor has not handed over the road so it would be a bit awkward to get another contractor to work on the road” he added.
The Jasikan Township Road was awarded as contract some few months prior to the December 2020 Election. The road, however, has been abandoned after the election making it difficult to use. The road has been blocked with heaps of sand and debris from the gutters that were excavated in the process.
A section of the youth on Monday blocked the road over the delay of work but later cleared the road after the intervention of the District Police Command, Chiefs and Elders and Assembly Members.
Speaking on the next step to take in resolving the issue, the Member of Parliament stated that he will contact the Regional Director for Feeder Roads.
“Since we have not been able to get enough details on the contract from the District Chief Executive, I will get in touch with the Regional Director for Feeder Roads to get details from there. We will then know what to do after that” he said.
Currently, information on the whereabouts of the contractor and the reasons for which he has left the site are not available.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said they yet to serve Member of Parliament-elect for the Buem Constituency, Kofi Adams, an injunction suit against his election.
National Campaign Manager of the NPP for the 2020 polls, Peter Mac Manu, the party is in search of Kofi Adams to be served because the case will take place at the Hohoe court.
Some Constituents have filed a suit arguing that Kofi Adams cannot hold himself as MP for the constituency since thousands of voters in the Satrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) were disenfranchised.
The petitioners are therefore seeking an “order of perpetual injunction restraining Kofi Adams from holding himself out as Member of Parliament-elect for the constituency and or presenting himself to be sworn in as such.â€
Furthermore, the petitioners are also praying the court to cancel the result of the parliamentary election for the constituency and order the organization of a new one.
Speaking on Citi News, Peter Mac Manu said the party will not do an ex-parte.
“We are looking for Kofi Adams to serve him because it [the case] is coming on at the Hohoe High Court. We are not doing ex-parte, it is on notice so on Wednesday we will meet him at the Hohoe court,†he said.
But the petitioners contend that the total registered voters for the 13 Electoral Areas in the traditional areas of SALL are 17,764 voters.
Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Kofi Adams has described the late announcement made by the Electoral Commission with regards to Parliamentary elections in the Buem Constituency as a mark of incompetence.
According to him, the late announcement will have an adverse effect on the elections to be held today December 7, 2020 in the area.
Kofi Adams who is seeking power to represent the people in the Buem Constituency who spoke to Accra-based Onua TV said “the last hour decision by the EC to halt parliamentary elections in my constituency shows her gross incompetenceâ€.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana announced that citizens in the yet to be created Guan Constituency in the Guan District will not be made to partake in the Parliamentary election.
The people of the Guan Constituency in the Oti Region will only vote in the Presidential election.
The Guan District was carved out of the Buem Constituency and its Constituency is yet-to-be carved out of Buem hence the decision to leave them out of the Parliamentary election.
“However as a result of the creation of the Guan District Local Government Instrument 2020 and pending the creation of the Guan Constituency, eligible voters in the Guan District will vote only in the Presidential election but not in the Parliamentary election in the Buem Constituency,†a statement from the Election Management body said.
Former spokesperson of ex-president Jerry John Rawlings, Kofi Adams has revealed that contrary to perceptions that Rawlings may be a strict non-smiling person in private, he is actually a very kind, accommodating person who makes the environment very relaxed for people in his company.
Kofi Adams, a former organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) revealed in an interview with Joy Prime Monday monitored by MyNewsGh.com that the former President is someone who gives a listening ear to people who approach him with their challenges.
“Till you get close to him you will never know how Rawlings is, he makes the environment around him very relaxing. He will always crack a joke for those around him to fill relaxed, especially when the atmosphere is tensed,†he noted.
“I have worked with a lot of leaders, but his leadership style is different and it has influenced me a lot, even with how I relate with people,†he revealed.
Former President Rawlings, founder of the NDC, is widely respected as a statesman of high repute.
He became military leader in 1981 and President in 1993 when the country adopted multi-party democracy and also considered as the founding father of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
