Tag: NPP

  • Campaign with integrity – Kwabena Frimpong to NPP flagbearer hopefuls

    Campaign with integrity – Kwabena Frimpong to NPP flagbearer hopefuls

    Deputy Director of Protocol for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwabena Frimpong, has urged flagbearer hopefuls to conduct their campaigns with respect and decorum.

    He warned that internal divisions fueled by personal attacks could jeopardise the party’s strength and electoral success in 2028.

    “The unity of the party after these internal contests will be critical to our success in 2028. If campaigns are based on insults and personal vendettas, it will be difficult for those who lose to join hands with those who win, and that puts our collective goal at risk,” he added.

    The NPP will hold its presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

    The decision was taken at a crucial meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held on Tuesday, 17th June 2025, and later confirmed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua and also in an official statement.

    “And the National Council today also made the decision that the date for our presidential primaries is set for January 31, 2026. That will be the date that we shall hold our presidential primaries” parts of the statement said.

    This sets the stage for a decisive contest to elect the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

    The statement also revealed that “the Committee also spoke about the time for our presidential primaries. And again, the Committee agrees that that decision does not warrant amendment of our Constitution”.

    The primaries are anticipated to attract significant interest from both longstanding members and new contenders seeking to lead the NPP into the next electoral cycle.

    Party officials also noted that nomination guidelines, timelines for campaign activities, and the code of conduct for aspirants will be released in the coming weeks, with the NEC promising party members a transparent and credible process that upholds the democratic values of the NPP.

    Also speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 17, Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, explained that the seemingly early date slated for the party’s primaries is intentional.

    He noted that it is meant to give the chosen flagbearer a head start in policy communication and to foster stronger connections with both the international community and the business sector.

    He believes this will reposition the party as a credible and prepared alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

    “It is going to market the candidate enough, particularly in terms of building contacts with the international community, the business community, and stakeholders across the globe,” he noted.

    “We will have sufficient time to communicate our policies effectively and hold the government accountable.”

    Also, given the NPP’s current minority status in Parliament, with only 88 seats, he believes an early start will help intensify external engagements.

    “We need someone who can rise above internal distractions and rally support nationally and beyond to keep the government in check,” he added.

  • Video: EOCO flooded with security officers over Wontumi’s detention

    Video: EOCO flooded with security officers over Wontumi’s detention

    There’s a heavy security presence at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)in Accra today, Friday, May 30.

    The deployment of police is in response to the large numbers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters who have thronged EOCO’s headquarters protesting the continued detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.

    Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is expected to join the protestors.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of EOCO’s headquarters.

    EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

    He was sent to the hospital over illness and was sent to EOCO’s custody after getting better.

    He failed to make a ¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified. According to the Minority, the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies.

    However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

    Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

    After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

    Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has pledged to pursue every possible avenue until Wontumi is released from custody.

  • EOCO’s bail terms for Wontumi too harsh, arbitrary – Lawyer claims

    EOCO’s bail terms for Wontumi too harsh, arbitrary – Lawyer claims

    Enoch Afoakwa, a member of the legal team for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has expressed opposition against bail conditions imposed on his client.

    Speaking to the media on Thursday, May 29, Afoakwa noted that “it is arbitrary. It is harsh, and it is excessive.”

    Wontumi has been handed a GHS50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). However, Wontumi has yet to meet the conditions of the bail.

    According to the Minority in Parliament, the bail is exorbitant and must be varied.

    Chairman Wontumi spent Wednesday night in the custody of EOCO’s headquarters.

    EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi on Tuesday after he appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service at 3pm.

    He was sent to the hospital over illness and was sent to EOCO’s custody after getting better.

    On Tuesday, supporters of the opposition party massed up at the EOCO office, demanding the release of Wontumi.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman voluntarily made an appearance at the CID headquarters on Monday alongside his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Dame, after an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.

    He was cautioned on the following allegations: undertaking mining operations without a license, entering a forest reserve without authorisation and pollution of water bodies.

    However, according to sources, Chairman Wontumi denied these claims during his interrogation, presenting documents to authenticate his claims.

    He insists he was not involved in any illegal mining activities or operating in any forest reserve.

    Following the interrogations, the CID granted him bail with two sureties, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

    This follows a failed attempt by a joint team of national security operatives and police officers to arrest him at his residence on May 23.

    After the failed search attempt, Mr Boasiako expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence.

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako better known as Chairman Wontumi has arrived at the CID headquarters, following an invitation by the police.

    The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

    During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

    Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

    Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

    The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

    The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

    The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, argues that the minister’s statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

    Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has pledged to pursue every possible avenue until Wontumi is released from custody.

  • Don’t let election defeat discourage you – Ya-Na to  Bawumia

    Don’t let election defeat discourage you – Ya-Na to Bawumia

    The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, has reassured former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, that his electoral defeat should not be seen as the end of his political aspirations, urging him to continue with his journey towards leadership.

    Ya-Na Abukari II’s comments came during the NPP’s Thank You Tour of the Northern Region, which took place at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

    The Dagbon King reassured Dr. Bawumia that a loss in the first presidential bid does not mark the end of his ambition to lead the nation.

    “Your electoral loss is a battle lost but not the war to lead the development of our dear nation,” the Ya-Na said, drawing a parallel to the political trajectory of former President John Dramani Mahama, who made a successful return after defeats in 2016 and 2020, eventually winning the 2024 elections.

    “This is only your first attempt, and there are several chances ahead. All that we need is to pray for a longer life and good health. May Allah continue to guide and guard you in all your endeavours,” the Ya-Na added, encouraging Dr. Bawumia to remain hopeful for future opportunities.

    The Ya-Na also praised Dr. Bawumia’s contributions to national development, particularly during his tenure as Vice President, highlighting his efforts in areas like digital innovation and economic transformation. He specifically commended Dr. Bawumia’s leadership in projects such as the digital addressing system and mobile money interoperability, initiatives that he said have had a lasting impact on the country.

    “We recognise your contributions to Ghana’s development, particularly in digitalisation and economic modernisation initiatives during your tenure as Vice President,” said Ya-Na Abukari II. “With determined efforts, you spearheaded several transformative projects, including Ghana’s digital addressing system and mobile money interoperability. All these have not gone unnoticed, and Ghanaians are grateful for your efforts.”

    The Dagbon King then urged Dr. Bawumia to stay committed to serving the nation, despite the electoral setback, advising him not to lose hope too soon.

    “So I entreat you to still have the interest of this country at heart and not despair prematurely,” Ya-Na Abukari II stressed.

    In response, Dr. Bawumia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ya-Na for his continued support, wisdom, and blessings throughout his political journey.

    The NPP’s Thank You Tour aims to express gratitude to supporters and traditional leaders across the country for their contributions following the party’s performance in the 2024 general elections.

  • Your fight for the CJ  is not a about justice, you fighting for your survival – Justice Atuguba to NPP

    Your fight for the CJ is not a about justice, you fighting for your survival – Justice Atuguba to NPP

    Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has launched a scathing critique of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of using the judiciary as a political shield rather than standing up for justice in the case involving suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

    Speaking exclusively to JoyNews’ Elton Brobbey on The Pulse, Justice Atuguba dismissed the party’s recent objections to the judicial process for the possible removal of the suspended Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo, as nothing more than strategic self-preservation.

    “You have been overthrown through the ballot. Now your final defence is the Chief Justice? You say, ‘If she falls, we all fall.’ That’s what they are fighting for. It’s not about justice—it’s about survival,” Atuguba declared.

    His remarks come on the heels of a protest organised by the NPP on Monday, where the party publicly opposed efforts to remove Chief Justice Torkornoo. Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame had also argued it was procedurally wrong for an acting Chief Justice to empanel and preside over a case involving the sitting CJ.

    But Atuguba was unimpressed. “When they [the NPP] were in office, how did they perform? Transparently? Neutrally? In the interest of the people? This is the kind of thing I just hate—pure hypocrisy,” he said.

    The retired judge didn’t stop there. He pointed to former National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah’s admission that judicial decisions are sometimes shaped to avoid national instability. “Yes, that’s an honest man,” Atuguba said. “But if the courts were truly implementing the law, what would make him apprehensive? Public perception? The trend? Repeated unanimous decisions in favour of a particular party?”

    Citing a recent 3–2 decision that broke a pattern of unanimous rulings favouring the NPP, Atuguba raised deeper concerns about the judiciary’s independence under the current regime. “Before that, it was unanimous after unanimous—always in their favour. Is that justice? That’s the democracy they want to entrench?” he asked pointedly.

    Atuguba’s comments cut to the heart of a growing national debate—not just about the fate of a Chief Justice, but about the integrity of the justice system itself.

  • NPP needs to get its running mate selection right for success in 2028 – Fmr parliamentary aspirant

    NPP needs to get its running mate selection right for success in 2028 – Fmr parliamentary aspirant

    A former parliamentary aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asutifi South constituency of the Ahafo Region, Prince Kofi Nyantakyi, is advocating for significant reforms within the party, particularly in how vice-presidential candidates are chosen.

    He has proposed that all flagbearer aspirants should present their vice-presidential candidates for approval by the party before they are permitted to contest in the internal primaries.

    Nyantakyi believes this approach would help align the party’s members with the choice of vice-presidential candidates and prevent internal divisions that could undermine the party’s performance in future elections.

    Speaking to JoyNews in Hwediem, Nyantakyi argued that the current system of flagbearers selecting running mates after winning the primary often leads to internal dissatisfaction when the choice does not reflect the preferences of the party members.

    “Candidates often select running mates after winning the flagbearership who may not necessarily be the people’s choice,” he explained. To avoid this, he suggested that any flagbearer aspirant should declare their vice-presidential candidate alongside their intention to run. If the candidate is one that resonates with the people, then the aspirant should be allowed to proceed to contest the primary.

    Reflecting on the NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections, Nyantakyi noted that the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate was met with internal opposition.

    He claimed that more than 36% of party members were not in favor of Napo, which he believes contributed to the tension within the party during the campaign period.

    “More than 36% of members of the NPP never liked the choice of Matthew Opoku Prempeh as a partner to Dr. Bawumia, which caused internal misunderstanding in the run-up to the 2024 polls,” he said.

    Nyantakyi also pointed out the negative public reactions to some of Napo’s statements during the campaign.

    He feels these comments damaged the party’s image and played a role in its defeat.

    “Some political commentators and a section of Ghanaians complained severally on the negative utterances of ‘Napo’ during the 2024 electioneering campaign, which they think caused the party’s humiliating defeat,” he added.

    As he campaigns for the position of Ahafo Regional Organiser, Nyantakyi emphasized the importance of unity within the party.

    He called on the supporters of prominent figures like Kennedy Agyapong and Kwame Baffoe Abronye to reconcile their differences in order to strengthen the party ahead of the next election. “We can’t mend our torn nets with disunity,” he cautioned.

    Nyantakyi also discussed his vision for the NPP’s future, promising to focus on building a stronger party structure starting from the grassroots level.

    He believes his understanding of the challenges faced by party members will enable him to effectively mobilize and empower them. “As a leader, I understand the aspirations and challenges of my peers, positioning me to mobilize effectively and empower them,” he said.

    He further added, “My leadership promises to revitalize the various wings of the party in the region as a driver for future success. Joining our hands in service for the party will ensure our victory in 2028.”

    Lastly, Nyantakyi called on the NPP’s Council of Elders and the National Executive Council (NEC) to intervene and help resolve the party’s internal tensions.

    He urged them to work towards fostering unity in the party as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

  • Mahama isn’t making promises; he’s delivering results – Suhuyini

    Mahama isn’t making promises; he’s delivering results – Suhuyini

    Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, Hamza Suhuyini, has described President John Dramani Mahama as a leader committed to building a legacy rooted in purpose, integrity, and widespread respect even from his political rivals.

    Speaking during an interview on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV, Suhuyini emphasized that President Mahama is driven by a clear vision to serve the Ghanaian people with humility and dedication.

    According to him, Mahama’s character and leadership style are widely admired, including by leading figures within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    “Thankfully, we have a president in the name of President John Dramani Mahama, whom even leading members of the NPP respect for his intelligence, emotional composure, and trustworthy nature,” Suhuyini stated.

    His remarks came ahead of a national address to be delivered by President Mahama on Wednesday, May 7. The address is expected to provide updates on the government’s achievements under the 120-day social contract.

    While acknowledging that no administration can completely resolve every national issue within 120 days, Suhuyini stressed that President Mahama remains committed to fulfilling his promises and improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

    “I can assure you, the people of Ghana, that unlike them, we are not saying that we will resolve all the problems and matters in 120 days, but we can assure them that we are dealing with a leader who is committed to leaving a legacy. So he will do everything in his power to meet the aspirations of the Ghanaian people,” he noted.

    Suhuyini also took a jab at the opposition NPP, accusing the party of gross incompetence and internal confusion. He claimed that even in opposition, the NPP’s lack of effective leadership is clear.

    “Even in opposition, they are legendary incompetent, and that is staring all of us in the face. Even the internal management of their party activities, which we haven’t seen in the past few days? That tells you the kind of incompetence that presided over the Republic of Ghana, the kind of arrogance and vigilantism that was injected into our body politic,” he argued.

    He further pointed to recent policy changes by the Mahama administration, including the removal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), the Betting Tax, and the Emissions Levy, as part of a broader plan to ease the financial pressures on Ghanaians and create a more compassionate and responsive government.

  • NPP bigwigs storm Ntim Fordjour’s house to prevent his purported arrest

    NPP bigwigs storm Ntim Fordjour’s house to prevent his purported arrest

    Members of Parliament (MPs) and some stalwarts of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathered at the Spintex residence of Assin South MP, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, to stop officials from the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) from arresting him.

    Those present included Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua, National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, Director of Communications Richard Ahiagbah, as well as other Members of Parliament and party supporters.

    They stated that they had gathered at the house after learning that officials from the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) had “invaded” the MP’s residence to arrest him in connection with his claims about the two aircraft that landed in the country.

    He clarified that Rev. Fordjour only raised the issue of the AirMed aircraft on behalf of the Defence Committee of Parliament, where he is a member. “So nobody should make an attempt to single him out and try to come here to intimidate him.”

    The standoff at the residence prevented the NIB from carrying out the arrest, as claimed by the NPP, who said they had come to detain the MP.

    The situation began after Rev. Ntim Fordjour stated that the aircraft had arrived in the country to engage in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.

    Since then, he has faced criticism for bringing up the issue publicly without proper verification.

    The government has accused him of making the claim to damage the reputation of the NDC administration.

  • Mahama’s aide threatens legal action against Abronye, seeks GHS10m compensation over GHS95k salary claims

    Mahama’s aide threatens legal action against Abronye, seeks GHS10m compensation over GHS95k salary claims

    Special Aide and Presidential Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has threatened to take legal action against Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), over what her lawyers have described as “false, reckless, and malicious” comments.

    In a legal notice issued on April 3, 2025, by R.O. Solomon Consulting, Mogtari’s legal team is demanding a full retraction of the statements, a public apology, and compensation of GH₵10 million for defamation.

    The dispute arose from comments Abronye made during a March 26, 2025 interview on Net 2 TV, where he claimed that Mogtari had turned down a ministerial role in favor of a presidential staffer position, which he alleged comes with a salary of GH₵95,000 per month.

    He further claimed that this supposed financial comfort had made her “disrespectful to everyone in Ghana.”

    According to the legal notice, these remarks have since been widely circulated across various platforms, including GhanaWeb and social media, leading to “serious embarrassment and damage” to Mogtari’s reputation.

    The letter accuses Abronye of spreading misinformation with no factual basis, asserting that the details of Mogtari’s appointment are a matter of public record and could have easily been verified.

    “Our client’s reputation, both personally and professionally, has come under attack due to your statements,” the letter reads.

    “She has received numerous phone calls and messages from friends, family, and colleagues questioning the claims.”

    Mogtari, through her lawyers, is demanding that Abronye publicly retract his statements and issue a full, sincere apology. This apology should be shared on all the platforms where the remarks were originally made, including Net 2 TV, GhanaWeb, MyJoyOnline, Channel One TV, and Citi FM.

    If Abronye does not meet these demands, her legal team has warned that they will take legal action to address what they believe is an intentional attack on her reputation.

  • NPP to meet today over drug trafficking allegations

    NPP to meet today over drug trafficking allegations

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) will convene at its headquarters on Monday, April 7, to focus on the growing unease over alleged drug trafficking incidents in Ghana.

    While speculation had circulated that the meeting would center on former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo and possible disciplinary actions against her, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has set the record straight.

    In an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, April 6, Frimpong addressed the issue directly: “[Monday] there will be a meeting at the NPP headquarters, but I am going to disappoint you—it is not going to be a discussion on whether or not Honourable Adwoa Safo is going to appear before a disciplinary committee or not.

    “However, what the party is going to discuss is the running issue with respect to the alleged drug trafficking in our country, which the rank and file of our party have expressed its disappointment and the worrying behaviour of this government.”

    Frimpong didn’t hold back in his criticism of the government’s handling of the controversy. He called out what he described as efforts to downplay or obscure key facts.

    “The several mind-boggling questions that we are expecting the government to explain to the people of Ghana and also the inconsistencies in its attempt to sweep under the carpet several issues that concern or surround the alleged drug trafficking in our airport,” he said.

    According to the NPP, the aim of the meeting is to develop a coordinated response to the issue and urge the government to be more forthcoming in addressing public concerns.

  • Adwoa Safo to face NPP Disciplinary Committee today

    Adwoa Safo to face NPP Disciplinary Committee today

    Former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is set to appear before the Disciplinary Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) today, April 7, 2025.

    The meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the NPP Headquarters Conference Room in Asylum Down, Accra.

    Adwoa Safo has been asked to bring along any documents or witnesses that support her side of the case.

    This follows a statement from the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, dated March 20, which said she had been referred to the committee for allegedly going against party instructions.

    According to the NPP, Adwoa Safo gave several media interviews in which she spoke about internal party issues, despite a clear warning not to. Party leaders say her comments have hurt the NPP’s unity and slowed down efforts to bring members together after their loss in the 2024 elections.

    Today’s hearing could have serious consequences for Adwoa Safo’s role in the party and may set the tone for how the NPP handles similar cases in the future.

  • NPP’s Ahiagbah says planned ousting of CJ part of plans to sack Jean Mensah

    NPP’s Ahiagbah says planned ousting of CJ part of plans to sack Jean Mensah

    NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, has alleged that the petitions seeking the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo are part of a broader strategy to replace her with a nominee sympathetic to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    His statement comes in the wake of petitions submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, accusing the Chief Justice of misconduct and calling for her removal.

    In response, President Mahama referred the petitions to the Council of State for advice and granted Justice Torkornoo a 10-day window to submit her response.

    Reacting to the development on social media platform X, Ahiagbah characterized the move as a calculated attempt to weaken judicial independence and facilitate the removal of key electoral officials, including Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa.

    He warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democratic governance and institutional integrity, urging Ghanaians to resist any attempts to undermine the country’s democratic structures.

    “A grand scheme is underway to remove the Chief Justice and replace her with a preferred NDC-Mahama Chief Justice, who will implement the agenda of ousting the electoral commissioners (Jean Mensa and others).

    “This is a premeditated attack on institutional independence and, ultimately, on our democracy.

    “We must find the courage as citizens, regardless of where we belong, to speak out unequivocally against the politics of the John Mahama Administration.

    “Silence would be a disservice to our posterity.”

  • NPP executives have no power over me – Adwoa Safo

    NPP executives have no power over me – Adwoa Safo

    Former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has insisted that no member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has the power to expel her.

    She disclosed that her father, Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, had personally placed her under the mentorship of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

    Speaking in an interview on Okay FM, she claimed that certain individuals within the NPP administration were against her because she refused to be involved in dishonest dealings.

    She clarified that her decisions were never meant to go against the interests of Ghanaians but were rather based on what she believed was best for the nation.

    “I want the party to understand that I was not deliberately sabotaging it. Rather, I refused to partake in their corrupt practices because my father raised me to uphold integrity and avoid actions that would bring disgrace to him and the church. Since I chose not to conform to their corrupt ways, they sought to tarnish my reputation and remove me from the party. However, no one brought me into the NPP.

    “…It was my father who personally took me to President Kufuor’s office and said, this is my daughter. She has studied procurement law, so I have brought her to you. Therefore, no one has the authority to remove me from the party,” she stated.

    Reflecting on her tenure overseeing the school feeding program, she stated that former President Kufuor genuinely intended for the initiative to benefit the public. However, she alleged that some party members took advantage of it for their own financial interests.

    “President Kufuor initially had noble intentions for the school feeding program, but over time, it turned into an opportunity that many sought to exploit. Have you considered the plight of these pupils? Many lack proper school uniforms, and some don’t even have decent shoes.

    “The meals they receive at school are already inadequate, and now you expect me to take away the little they have, leaving them even more deprived and malnourished,” Adwoa Safo added.

  • Nobody can force me to keep my mouth shut! – Adwoa Safo lashes out

    Nobody can force me to keep my mouth shut! – Adwoa Safo lashes out

    Former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has strongly criticised the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, stating that he has no right to silence her or anyone else.

    This comes in response to an issued directive yesterday, urging NPP members to refrain from discussing internal party matters in the media that could lead to disaffection and unrest.

    At the time, Adwoa Sarfo appeared on several media platforms, airing her grievances, and her take on the NPP’s defeat in Dome Kwabenya during the 2024 general elections.

    But she told JoyNews that she was only exercising her freedom of speech, which is a constitutional right for all Ghanaians, including her.

    “Nobody brought me to the party, and the party is not for anyone, we are all in there to build the party, so nobody can force me out and can’t force me to keep my mouth shut.”

    Adwoa Safo continued by pointing out the growing dissatisfaction within the party’s base.

    “He [General Secretary] should go on social media and see how the party members are criticising him. He has an election coming up, and he shouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated or used for other people’s agendas. If your base is bitter and feels unheard, they would want someone to speak for them.”

    The former MP also spoke about the personal attacks she has endured within the party. She stated that she had been wrongly maligned and felt it was important to set the record straight.

    “There has been a character assassination on me. I have been defamed by my own party,” she said. “I owe it to myself to clarify things and set the record straight. Whatever they have painted me as to bring me down, is not the truth. I will make sure the truth is known.”

    Adwoa Safo reiterated that every individual has the right to speak freely, without fear of being silenced.

    “No one should be silenced for voicing their opinion, especially when it’s a constitutional right,” she added.

  • Video: I would have loved to be NPP’s running mate in 2024 – Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum

    Video: I would have loved to be NPP’s running mate in 2024 – Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum

    Former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, shared that he would have been thrilled if the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had chosen him as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate for the 2024 elections.

    In an interview with Asaasepa Radio, the Bosomtwe MP expressed his deep desire to serve both his party and the country in such a high position. However, he emphasized that he is in no hurry and will let God guide his political path.

    “What I know is that God has His plans for man. When the time is up, nobody can stop what God has caused to happen. But I will not rush ahead of God; I will allow Him to do as He wishes. Whatever He asks me to do, I will obey. God’s time is the best. I have said that I would have been very happy if I was selected as the running mate.”

    Many political analysts saw Dr. Osei Adutwum as a strong contender to be Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate for the 2024 elections under the then-ruling NPP.

    He was widely respected for his hard work, calm nature, and broad appeal across different political groups in Ghana.

    However, the party ultimately chose the former Energy Minister and Manhyia South MP as the running mate instead.

    In the end, the NPP faced a heavy and humiliating loss in the 2024 elections, winning only 88 out of 275 parliamentary seats.

    About 2024 elections

    President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was declared the winner after securing 56.55% of the votes. His main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, received 41.61%. 

     The election saw a voter turnout of approximately 60.9%, and the process was largely peaceful, with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) 

  • Adwoa Safo says she will not contest the Dome Kwabenya seat again unless advised by her father

    Adwoa Safo says she will not contest the Dome Kwabenya seat again unless advised by her father

    Former Dome Kwabenya MP, Adwoa Safo, has made it clear that she has no plans to contest for the parliamentary seat again. She explained that the challenges she faced during her time in office have influenced her decision.

    Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Thursday, March 20, she stated that she would only reconsider if her father convinced her to run.

    Looking back on her tenure as MP, Adwoa Safo admitted that the difficulties she encountered had discouraged her from seeking re-election.

    “Considering what I have been through, considering how I have been treated in the constituency despite my devotions, despite my sacrifices, despite my hard work, how I have been treated, I don’t think so, I won’t. It will take my father to change my mind, I have done 12 years and I left a good legacy in the constituency, I will not contest Dome Kwabenya” she said.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP), with Mike Oquaye Jr. as its candidate, lost the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary seat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections—an area that had long been considered an NPP stronghold.

    Although the former Member of Parliament has made it clear that she will not be contesting for the seat again, she did not hold back on her political ambitions.

    She expressed her desire to take on an even greater leadership role in Ghana, stating that her ultimate goal is to either become the country’s first female president or serve as Speaker of Parliament in the future.

    “I am moving forward, I am looking at other bigger things,” she said.

    “Like the presidency”? The Host, Elton John Brobbey asked. She responded, “Yes one day, not now, I am looking at speakership, yes. I am looking at higher challenges and opportunities” she emphasised.

  • Adwoa Safo referred to Disciplinary C’ttee for disregarding NPP directive against media commentary

    Adwoa Safo referred to Disciplinary C’ttee for disregarding NPP directive against media commentary

    Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has officially been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for further action following her recent media engagements about party issues.

    The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, charged its members and sympathizers to cease discussions of the party’s internal issues and challenges following their heavy defeat to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections.

    In a statement shared on March 20, Mr Kodua, in reference to Article 10(7)(5)  of the Party’s constitution, which emphasizes the importance of unity and discipline within the party, urged members to “immediately cease discussing Party issues that create unrest, negativism, and disaffection in the media and other related platforms.”

    Acknowledging the impact of their defeat on members, he reminded them of their duty to defend the party’s reputation, as outlined in Article 3(5) of the Constitution, and warned that anyone who disobeys this directive will face disciplinary action.

    “Going forward, the National, Regional, and Constituency Party leadership shall respectively refer any member who violates this directive to the appropriate disciplinary committees of the Party,” parts of the statement read.

    The General Secretary’s warnings come at a time when, after over three months of losing power to the NDC, members still discuss and deliberate on the circumstances, actions, and inactions that led to the party’s ‘embarrassing’ defeat in the just-ended elections.

    In an interview with the media, Sarah Adwoa Safo, accused the party leadership of orchestrating her loss in the parliamentary primaries, citing her prolonged absence from Parliament as a misunderstood issue. She also berated her former contender, Mike Oquaye, for disrespecting her on several platforms in his bid to become the party’s representative in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    Also, Dr. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, has openly criticized certain individuals within the party, threatening to expose those he believed were responsible for the defeat.

  • NPP worked against me in the primaries – Adwoa Safo

    NPP worked against me in the primaries – Adwoa Safo

    Former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has claimed that internal party machinations contributed to her defeat in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary.

    According to her, some party officials deliberately worked against her, believing she had not treated them well.

    Despite her efforts to make amends, she said their actions ultimately cost her the election.

    “That’s what I think the party misunderstood me on and decided to punish me, and that cost me my primary,” she said on Tuesday, February 18.

    Adwoa Safo lost the NPP parliamentary primary on January 27, 2024, to Mike Oquaye Jnr., CEO of the Free Zones Authority, who secured 1,194 votes.

    She came in second with 328 votes, while Sheela Oppong Sakyi finished third with just over 100 votes.

  • We must hold the feet of the NDC to the fire – Afenyo-Markin

    We must hold the feet of the NDC to the fire – Afenyo-Markin

    Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has emphasized the need for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be an active and vocal opposition, ensuring that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is held accountable.

    Speaking on The KSM Show, the Effutu legislator acknowledged that the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections was a major setback, but he insisted that the party must remain resilient and strategically position itself for the future.

    Reflecting on the election outcome, he admitted that the party had anticipated a stronger showing in Parliament, expecting to win between 100 and 130 seats. Instead, they managed only 61 seats—their worst parliamentary performance since 1997. Afenyo-Markin attributed this decline partly to a loss of support from the middle class and the youth, particularly due to dissatisfaction with the controversial Debt Exchange Program (DDE), which affected investors.

    “We expected to win, but we didn’t. Even in Parliament, our performance was not what we anticipated,” he conceded. “The middle class, which is our base, does investments, and they lost out. Many were angry with us and decided not to vote at all.”

    With the party yet to settle on a new leadership ahead of the 2028 elections, Afenyo-Markin believes Parliament remains the NPP’s strongest platform to stay relevant and engage with the electorate. He warned against complacency, stressing that the party must take an aggressive stance in opposition.

    “But for the time being, the party base must be active. We need to hold the feet of the NDC to the fire, and I have to play my role as the minority,” he stated firmly.

    Addressing concerns over his confrontational approach in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin defended his style, arguing that it is necessary to match the strength of the NDC’s parliamentary leadership. He noted that without a robust pushback, the NPP would struggle to counter the ruling party’s influence.

    As the NPP navigates its path in opposition, Afenyo-Markin remains committed to revitalizing the party’s base while ensuring that the government is held to account. He believes that maintaining a strong parliamentary presence is crucial in shaping the party’s future and rebuilding public confidence.

  • SME Global appoints Sammi Awuku as vice president for Africa

    SME Global appoints Sammi Awuku as vice president for Africa

    A former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the current Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North in Ghana’s Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku, has been appointed as Vice President for Africa at SME Global.

    His appointment was confirmed in a letter dated March 10, 2025, signed by Lilia Heitz, Secretary General of SME Global under the International Democracy Union (IDU).

    “On behalf of the Executive Office of SME Global, I am pleased to formally confirm your appointment as Vice-President of SME Global of the IDU.

    “We are confident that your contributions will be instrumental in driving our mission forward and fostering impactful initiatives. We appreciate your willingness to take on this responsibility and look forward to working together to strengthen the SME landscape globally. Once again, congratulations, and welcome to SME Global.”

    The letter expressed confidence in Awuku’s capacity to advance the organization’s mission and make a meaningful impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.

    SME Global serves as the trade and economic wing of the IDU, committed to promoting SMEs and startups on a global scale. It brings together policymakers from IDU-affiliated political parties and business leaders to advocate for economic policies that support enterprise growth, reduced taxation, and sustainable business practices.

    As Vice President for Africa, Awuku will lead initiatives to strengthen SME policies, push for regulatory reforms, and support small businesses in playing a more significant role in Africa’s economic transformation. His leadership is expected to reinforce SME Global’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and addressing challenges faced by businesses across the continent.

    In his new role, Awuku will collaborate with other senior officials at SME Global, including President Jörgen Warborn, MEP (Sweden), and Vice Presidents Randy Hoback, MP (Canada), Todd McClay, MP (New Zealand), Kevin Hollinrake, MP (United Kingdom), and Germana Figueroa Casas, MP (Argentina).

    His appointment marks a renewed focus on Africa within SME Global, as the organization aims to drive innovation, advocate for business-friendly policies, and create a more supportive environment for SMEs to thrive.

  • Minority warns Ghanaians about a possible rise in electricity bills every three months

    Minority warns Ghanaians about a possible rise in electricity bills every three months

    The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about a possible increase in electricity bills every three months under the current government.

    Speaking at a press briefing on March 13, 2025, to respond to the 2025 budget, they criticized the government for not addressing the issue of rising electricity costs in its budget presentation.

    According to the Minority, electricity tariffs will be reviewed every three months, and the government has not introduced any measures to ease the financial burden on citizens.

    “Unfortunately, these issues were not addressed in the economic policy. Those who were hoping for efforts to halt further increases in electricity bills were disappointed to learn that electricity prices would instead be adjusted every quarter. This quarterly adjustment, with no policy intervention from the NDC government, will result in an increase in electricity tariffs every quarter,” they stated.

    The Minority NPP MPs further disclosed that the government had removed subsidies on gas prices, which they argued would contribute to a rise in the base rate and an overall increase in energy prices.

    They criticized the government for failing to provide alternatives to mitigate the impact of rising electricity tariffs.

    “Worse still, the government has secretly removed subsidies on gas prices, thereby increasing the weighted average cost of gas from $7.8 to $8.4 per MMBtu. This means that not only will energy prices rise, but they will do so at a higher base rate from now on. There is no hope of resetting energy pricing,” they added.

    The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the 2025 budget in Parliament on March 11, 2025.

  • “I apologise to the youth” – Patrick Boamah to Ghanaians over fmr. Finance Minister’s betting tax comments

    “I apologise to the youth” – Patrick Boamah to Ghanaians over fmr. Finance Minister’s betting tax comments

    Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has apologized to the public after former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam’s statement about the previous government not implementing the betting tax sparked controversy.

    He clarified that the minister’s remarks were misunderstood due to a communication issue, which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) intends to address soon.

    Speaking in an interview with Lawson TV, Boamah stressed that the former minister did not make a mistake but that the way the message was conveyed led to confusion.

    “There is an issue, and we will delve into it by explaining our position. I don’t speak for him, but I believe there was a communication gap, which I hope he will address in his engagement with the press. I apologise to the youth for the miscommunication.

    “We have betting, casinos, football bets, and more. The 10% withholding tax on gaming, often referred to as the betting tax, exists. However, the tax on winnings, which Amin Adam sought to explain, was never implemented,” he said.

    Background

    During the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement on March 11, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the 10% tax on bet winnings would be removed, pending approval from Parliament.

    However, Dr. Amin Adam later spoke to the media in Parliament, accusing the government of misleading the public by claiming to remove a tax that was never actually enforced.

    “Ladies and Gentlemen, the betting tax that they said they had abolished, we never collected. We never implemented the betting tax, so to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that was never implemented is to deceive the people of Ghana,” he stated.

  • NPP youth in Nanton lock party office against suspension of 34 members

    NPP youth in Nanton lock party office against suspension of 34 members

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Nanton Constituency is facing growing discontent following the suspension of 34 members.

    The decision has sparked protests, with the Coalition of NPP Youth Groups locking up the party office in defiance.

    Calling for an immediate reversal, the coalition has petitioned the Regional and National leadership, arguing that the suspensions are unfair and could destabilize the party’s support base.

    They warn that such actions threaten party unity and could impact electoral fortunes.

    However, the constituency leadership insists that disciplinary measures were necessary, accusing the suspended members of misconduct during the 2024 general elections. They allege that those affected supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, distributed items to voters on behalf of the NDC, and even obstructed voters with roadblocks on election day. The suspended individuals include polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, and constituency officers.

    Ibrahim Abdul Fatawu, convener of the Coalition of NPP Youth Groups, has strongly condemned the suspensions, stating that instead of alienating party members, leadership should focus on reconciliation and strategizing for the 2028 elections. He also criticized the lack of due process, arguing that the suspended members were not given a fair hearing.

    The youth coalition warns that if their grievances are ignored, it could discourage loyal supporters from dedicating their efforts and resources to the party. They are urging the NPP leadership to adopt a more inclusive approach to strengthen party cohesion and secure a stronger political future in Nanton.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Nanton Constituency is facing growing discontent following the suspension of 34 members.

    The decision has sparked protests, with the Coalition of NPP Youth Groups locking up the party office in defiance.

    Calling for an immediate reversal, the coalition has petitioned the Regional and National leadership, arguing that the suspensions are unfair and could destabilize the party’s support base.

    They warn that such actions threaten party unity and could impact electoral fortunes.

    However, the constituency leadership insists that disciplinary measures were necessary, accusing the suspended members of misconduct during the 2024 general elections.

    They allege that those affected supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, distributed items to voters on behalf of the NDC, and even obstructed voters with roadblocks on election day.

    The suspended individuals include polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, and constituency officers.

    Ibrahim Abdul Fatawu, convener of the Coalition of NPP Youth Groups, has strongly condemned the suspensions, stating that instead of alienating party members, leadership should focus on reconciliation and strategizing for the 2028 elections.

    He also criticized the lack of due process, arguing that the suspended members were not given a fair hearing.

    The youth coalition warns that if their grievances are ignored, it could discourage loyal supporters from dedicating their efforts and resources to the party.

    They are urging the NPP leadership to adopt a more inclusive approach to strengthen party cohesion and secure a stronger political future in Nanton.


  • Betting tax was never enforced – Fmr Finance Minister

    Betting tax was never enforced – Fmr Finance Minister

    Former Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam has noted that the Akufo-Addo administration never enforced the controversial betting tax.

    He maintained that while the tax was introduced, it was never implemented under his leadership.

    His response comes after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in presenting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, announced the removal of multiple taxes, including the Betting Tax and E-Levy.

    Speaking at a Minority press conference, Dr. Amin Adam criticized the claim, insisting that no revenue was collected from the betting tax during his tenure.

    “Betting tax that they said they have abolished, we never collected Betting Tax. So to come and tell Ghanaians that you have abolished something that you have not implemented, is to deceive the people of Ghana.”

    The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) proposed a 10% withholding tax on sports betting and lottery winnings, a policy that drew significant opposition from industry players and the public.

    Despite this, Dr. Amin Adam maintains that his government never implemented the tax before leaving office.

    In August 2024, during his campaign, then-NPP presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia reiterated his promise to eliminate the E-Levy and betting tax if elected in the just-ended general elections.

    “We’ll also reduce Withholding Tax for small-scale gold exports to 1% to curb smuggling, and abolish the Betting Tax,” Dr. Bawumia promised during the party’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on August 18, 2024.

    Social media users are already reacting to these comments.

  • The ‘heavy defeat’ made me ill – Miracles Aboagye on 2024 polls

    The ‘heavy defeat’ made me ill – Miracles Aboagye on 2024 polls

    Director of Communications for Dr. Bawumia’s 2024 Campaign Team, Dennis Miracles Aboagye has revealed that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) overwhelming defeat in the elections took a toll on his health.

    Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen show on Monday, February 10, 2025, Mr. Aboagye addressed the party’s loss and its aftermath.

    His remarks come months after former President John Dramani Mahama was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election by Ghana’s Electoral Commission, securing approximately 56.55% of the votes against incumbent Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who received around 41.61%.

    Following the election, Mr. Aboagye, known for his outspoken nature, went silent—a development that sparked widespread reactions online. Explaining his absence, he admitted that the stress of the NPP’s defeat had significantly affected his well-being.

    “I was so stressed by the outcome that I fell ill after the elections. But now, I’m back stronger and ready to continue the work ahead, ” he noted.

    He further went on to express deep concern over the emotional toll the election defeat has had on many Ghanaians.

    “What worried me most was the millions of Ghanaians who had hope in us, and now, seeing their pain after the loss is something that deeply troubles me,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show.

    Mr. Aboagye stated that, as a politician, losing is part of the game, but the emotional strain on supporters has been overwhelming.

    “Some people fell ill due to the election defeat. I know of people who are still worried and in pain about the loss. Some have even called me just to cry over the NPP’s defeat, and to me, that is worrying,” he added.

    He noted that the emotional impact of the loss has been profound.

    “People are harbouring fear, and it’s clear that some fear the consequences of the next four years. Many have experienced this government before and are fearful of what the future holds,” Mr. Aboagye said.

    After the election, where the NPP suffered a major loss to the NDC, Mr. Aboagye admitted that it was a difficult time, particularly in handling stakeholders and addressing the concerns of citizens.

    “It’s been a difficult time, managing all the stakeholders and people worried about the future. But we have to move on. While we are still alive, there is still hope, and I truly believe the NPP will come back stronger,” he noted.

  • National Economic Dialogue: NPP was not invited – Manso Nkwanta MP reiterates

    National Economic Dialogue: NPP was not invited – Manso Nkwanta MP reiterates

    Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo, has claimed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was not officially invited to participate in the recent National Economic Dialogue organized by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

    Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Fokuo addressed public concerns over the NPP’s absence from the event, which was intended to bring together political leaders, economists, and key stakeholders to discuss solutions to Ghana’s economic challenges.

    According to him, despite expectations for broad participation, the government did not formally reach out to the NPP, leaving the opposition party out of critical discussions on economic policies and reforms.

    “We have heard these complaints about the NPP not being represented and all that but my personal checks could not hit on any formal invitation. There is no written invitation to the party that I am aware of. I haven’t come across any invitation.”

    Addressing growing public debate over the NPP’s absence from the National Economic Dialogue, Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo refuted claims that the party deliberately avoided the event.

    Some critics had suggested that the NPP intentionally distanced itself from the discussions, missing an opportunity to contribute to a bipartisan effort to address Ghana’s economic challenges. Others went further, accusing the party of sidestepping crucial conversations on national economic reforms.

    However, Fokuo dismissed these allegations, asserting that the responsibility lay entirely with the government. He argued that President Mahama’s administration failed to extend a formal invitation to the NPP, despite the party’s significant role in shaping Ghana’s political and economic landscape.

  • 2024 election: John Boadu ‘fumes’ over public discussions on NPP’s defeat

    2024 election: John Boadu ‘fumes’ over public discussions on NPP’s defeat

    Former NPP General Secretary John Boadu has urged an end to public discussions on the party’s fact-finding report about its 2024 election defeat.

    The report, especially from the Ashanti Region, has caused controversy.

    Boadu stated that no region should conduct its own fact-finding mission since the national secretariat had already assigned a committee for that purpose. However, he noted that while regions and constituencies can carry out their own research, their findings should remain internal and not be made public.

    In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Boadu stated, “You can’t stop people from examining themselves, but it should be internal. We should stop the mass distribution.”

    He also cautioned against defending the public release of the report, stressing that it was poorly managed. “We should admit we made a mistake which would not repeat itself and move on,” he added.

    The report, which has sparked widespread debate, blamed the NPP’s poor performance—especially in the Ashanti Region—on former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s leadership style.

    It described his leadership as rigid, single-minded, and heavily influenced by family members. The report also criticized the party’s selection process for presidential, parliamentary, national, and regional executives.

    The committee gathered opinions from people across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, including ‘trotro’ and taxi drivers, market women, traders, business owners, artisans, youth groups, teachers, doctors, and other professionals.

    Amid the mixed reactions to the report, former Majority Leader and Suame MP Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who chaired the committee, clarified that the report was leaked by unknown individuals. He stressed that the committee never intended to make it public or damage anyone’s reputation.

  • Full Speech: Minority’s ‘True State of the Nation’ address

    Full Speech: Minority’s ‘True State of the Nation’ address

    The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) has delivered what it calls the “True State of the Nation” address, challenging the accuracy of President John Dramani Mahama’s recent presentation to Parliament.

    According to the Minority caucus, the President’s address did not reflect the true state of affairs in the country.

    Below is the full speech delivered by former Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.

    THE TRUE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS BY THE NPP MINORITY
    CAUCUS IN PARLIAMENT AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE
    3RD MARCH 2025

    1.0. INTRODUCTION

    Friends of the Media fraternity, Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow citizens. Today is an important day in our political history as we the Mighty Minority is here to present The True State of the Nation, following the President’s presentation of the “False State of the Nation” to Parliament last Thursday, 27th February 2025. It is our hope that this will entrench our democracy by providing factual information on the state of our nation to the Ghanaian people, who are better placed to judge over the handling of the affairs of our country.
    One would have appreciated a True State of the Nation that acknowledged challenges in 2022, the remarkable turnaround as a result of the decisive policies of the NPP government, supported by the IMF, and the challenges still remaining that will require steadfastness from the new government. And, when this is backed by a clarion call by the President to Ghanaians to support him and his new government to consolidate the gains, you would have had consensus across the political divide to drive the building- back-better agenda for Ghana. But what did we get from the President? Rather he chose to do propaganda, and we can assure you that this propaganda will come to hit and hurt him hard.

    2.0. ASESSMENT OF ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
    President Mahama accused the previous government of ending the year with a headline inflation of 3.8% above the IMF target of 18%. This divergence, the President indicated, showed a poor performance of monetary policy. Isn’t this the typical story of the glass being either “half empty or half full? If one looks at the fact that the COVID and Russia-Ukraine war crisis driven inflation rose to 54% at the end of 2022 and dropped sharply to 23% at the end of 2023 (within 12 months), then a headline inflation of 23% should be seen as a significant positive performance. Of course, not at the medium-term target yet, but the disinflation process is on track. It is also instructive to note that the IMF has an upper band of 22% for inflation for December 2024. This suggests a rather marginal deviation compared to the programme target, contrary to what President Mahama wants us to believe. If such a marginal deviation from the disinflation path is bad, then the President is the worst culprit when his last Government deviated from an inflation target of 10.1% in 2016, by recording 15.4% at the end of December 2016.

    For those who are familiar with Ghana’s programme with the IMF, these minor deviations from the programme targets are sometimes normal because we are dealing with a very uncertain economic environment, and deviations like these can always be explained when one analyzes the data. Per the rules of the programme, we will need to enter into consultations with the Fund as provided by the consultation clause so that both the government and the Fund can assess what went wrong and see the way forward. President Mahama has shot himself in the foot by his rush to paint this situation as bad; and soon, we will see how he recovers from this.

    What the President also failed to do was to inform the people of Ghana that there are other significant measures of the performance of the economy that informs the state of the nation other than inflation alone. – real GDP growth, trade balance, current account balance and international reserves, the performance of the financial sector, among others.
    These are the important components of an economy – the real sector, external sector and the financial sector.

    The average growth in real GDP for the first three quarters of 2024 was 6.4% and expected to end the year at a rate above the IMF target of 4%. This trend outperformed all projections and revised projections by both the IMF and the World Bank. If this is bad by President Mahama’s standard, see the President’s previous record – In 2016, the economy grew by 3.4% below a target of 5.4%. It was 4% the year before. He underperformed by all standards, whilst President Akufo-Addo over-performed.

    The trade balance also shows a significant economic improvement maintaining a surplus trend since 2017 ending 2024 with a surplus of 5.9% of GDP. If this is bad economy; let’s, consider President Mahama’s record of a deficit of 2% of GDP in 2016. The current account balance also ended 2024 with a surplus of 4.2% of GDP (the very few times in recent history to have a surplus current account). And such a surplus tells us of the strength of the external payments position of the country. Throughout the history of when President Mahama was in office, and without any confluence of crisis as faced by the previous government, the current account was consistently in deficit, and he ended 2016 with a deficit of 3.1% of GDP.
    Gross international reserves measure the resilience of the economy particularly in times of crises, and how prepared the country is to weather external shocks and vulnerabilities. The Bank of Ghana has through novel innovations, accumulated high levels of reserves, the largest in our history with $8.9 billion. This is 4 months of import cover. The NDC left office in 2016 with gross international reserves of $6.2 billion or 3.5 months of import cover.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the true state of our nation is that economic growth has rebounded strongly, the external sector is impressive and our resilience towards shocks and external vulnerabilities is at all-time high. This is the true state of our economy, but the President and his government has a different understanding of what a strong economy means.

    3.0. THE CONTEXT OF INFLATION AND EXCHANGE RATES

    President Mahama again cited the headline inflation of 23.8% and the 19% rate of depreciation of the cedi for 2024, as indicators of a badly managed economy. It is important to provide context to this. Following the COVID-19 and supply shocks globally, prices of food and other essentials increased substantially. Even in the advanced countries, inflation averaged 7%, very high for countries that are used to 1% or less inflation.

    The causes of this rise in inflation globally were not far-fetched. For example, COVID-19 slowed down the world economy due to lockdowns and the closure of factories and offices including major port facilities across the World; and this adversely impacted global supply chains. Also, many countries implemented fiscal stimulus to revive economic activity. However, faced with supply constraints, the increased demand resulting from the fiscal stimulus led to higher inflation.

    To control inflation, the Central Banks of many countries led by the advanced economies resorted to monetary tightening by increasing rates. This led to significant investment reversals from small open economies like Ghana, weakening our currency, and fueling the rise in inflation. This together with imported inflation pushed Ghana’s inflation sharply to 54% by the end of 2022.

    The current rate of 23% therefore means that inflation was halved within a year; and we were working to bring it further down to the pre-COVID level of 8(+-2%) by 2026. Whilst 23% is still high, the effort to bring it down from 54% has been significant.

    It must be noted that before COVID-19 struck the World, the NPP demonstrated a record in inflation management. We brought inflation down from 15.4% in 2016 to 11.8% in 2017; 9.4% in 2018, 7.9% in 2019. Inflation for two successive years remained a single digit, the longest period in our recent economic history. The effect of the pandemic began to be felt from 2020 when inflation rose to 10.4% in 2020, 12.6% in 2021, and then to 54% at the peak of the global economic crisis in 2022.

    Even laymen can understand this. How the current managers of the economy cannot understand this can only be borne out of political dishonesty. The adverse circumstances the NPP administration faced were unprecedented and such did not exist when President Mahama’s government achieved headline inflation of 15.4% above the target of 10.1% in 2016.

    We know that there is an inverse relationship between inflation and the strength of a currency. A higher depreciation of the currency will automatically passthrough to inflation in developing economies like Ghana. This means that inflation will also be higher, and the reverse also holds. Therefore, following the sharp depreciation of the cedi in 2022 by 50%, inflation was also going to rise sharply. This strong pass-through would naturally be a major challenge for the managers of the economy. By reducing the rate of depreciation to 19% in 2024, we have seen the muting of the passthrough to inflation and these efforts cannot be glossed over.

    These efforts by the previous administration and the favorable results produced should be appreciated by President Mahama and improved for even better outcomes for our people. These effective efforts should not be disregarded and belittled for political reasons. As a country, we gain nothing by this kind of politics.

    It is important to note that the rate of 6.5% depreciation we have witnessed year to date in 2025 is not informed by any sustainable strategies by the current government. The current disparity between inflation and the rate of depreciation is evidence of heavy Central Bank intervention on the market.

    The Mahama administration and the Central Bank can do that; but this is happening only because the previous administration left a gross international reserve of $8.9 billion by the end of 2024, which is being used to shore up the value of the Cedi. The President deliberately avoided this in his statement.

    Fellow Ghanaians, the true state of the Nation is that exchange rate stability which we saw before the end of 2024, and which has continued into the first quarter is not by any magic from the Mahama government. It is because the Akufo-Addo government left significant levels of international reserves.

    4.0. FINANCIAL BUFFERS TO SUPPORT THE ECONOMY

    In addressing the issue of buffers created to support expenditure and maturing debt obligations, the President focused on the Sinking Fund as if it is the only source of buffers. The Sinking Fund is just one of our buffers. At each point in time, the government designates some accounts for buffer and for purposes of special payments. In the last eight years, such accounts included the Sinking Fund (both Dollar and Cedi Accounts), the Eurobond Proceeds Account, the IMF Proceeds Account and the Treasury MAIN 2 Account.

    For Example, the IMF third review disbursement of $360 million was done on 2nd December 2024 but this was kept as buffer, part of which was used to pay coupons amounting to $346 million to Eurobond holders on 3rd January 2025. This was not done from the Sinking Fund.

    Similarly in October 2024 we paid $520 million to our Eurobonds holders for the first coupons and other fees, but again this was not done from the Sinking Fund. How could we have made these payments if we didn’t have buffers?

    The NPP also left significant amount of buffers, more than GHS5 billion, from end 2024 revenue collected by GRA, in the Treasury Main 2 Accounts, which the new Government has used.

    5.0. FINANCIAL SECTOR PERFORMANCE

    On the financial sector, the President again played to the gallery by stating that: “The financial sector continues to struggle despite the previous government reportedly spending GHS29.9 billion on the financial sector clean-up exercise to date”.

    Typical of NDC’s usual sweeping statements, he made this conclusion without providing any basis. Whilst we sympathize with those who were adversely affected by the financial sector cleanup, the exercise was well intended – to protect the banking industry from collapse, protect depositors’ money and revive the economy.

    The evidence today shows that notwithstanding the DDEP effects on the local Banks, the financial sector has become stronger, with banks posting impressive financial ratios and returned to profitability. This is the true state of the financial sector in Ghana.

    The Bank of Ghana’s recent publication “Summary of Economic and Financial Data, January, 2025” provides very rich information about the performance of the financial sector. The annual growth in Total Assets of the financial sector as at the end of 2024 was 33.8%; and Total Deposits by 28.8%. Similarly, in terms of liquidity, core liquid assets to short-term liabilities grew by 46.3%.

    The Capital market shows similar strong performance with the GSE All Share Index Year to Date growing by 56.2% by December 2024. The earnings and profitability ratios also show that Return on Asset before Tax recorded an annual growth of 5.4% in December 2023 and 5% in December 2024; whilst Return on Equity after tax grew at 34.2% in December 2023 and 30.8% in December 2024. It is no secret that the strength of an economy is also determined by the strength of its financial sector. Given the record of performance of our financial sector under the NPP administration, is this correct for such an economy to be described as badly managed?

    ladies and gentlemen, you can now understand that all the main components of our economy are in ood shape – the real sector as demonstrated in real GDP growth, the external sector showing impressive external positions through trade and current account surpluses; and the performance of the financial sector posting impressive financial ratios.

    Therefore, we need to ask President Mahama – How did he come by the conclusion that the economy was mismanaged?

    6.0. DEBT MANAGEMENT

    The President tried to scare the Ghanaian people about the country’s debt service obligations for the next four years, which according to him will amount to GHS280 billion, comprising GHS150 billion for domestic and GHS130 billion in external debt servicing. Government at every time provides for debt servicing obligations; and the President is aware of this. We expect the President to mobilize the funds as every Government in Ghana has done to service our debts. The NPP did that when he left us with debts in 2017.

    Our debt management strategy has ensured that Ghana’s debt levels have decreased substantially, and so are our debt service, taking a significant burden off the government. We have ensured that through strong negotiations, the servicing of Ghana’s debts owed to our official bilateral creditors ($5.4 billion) has been rescheduled until after 2016. The NDC government didn’t negotiate this.

    The Agreement we reached with the Official Creditors Committee for Ghana entails a rescheduling of all debt service (principal & interest) falling due between 20th December 2023 to 31st December 2026. As a result, no debt service under bilateral debt will be paid until after 2026, including the debt we didn’t pay in 2023 since we declared the debt stand still.

    The rescheduled amounts are expected to be repaid in two instalments, respectively 16 and 17 years after their contractual due date. Delays in payments will be compensated for by interest accruing on the amounts, at concessional rates ranging between 1 percent and 3 percent. This offer applies to all our official bilateral creditors and ECA-backed facilities signed and disbursed before end-2022. This no doubt provides briefing space for the current government.

    In addition, the debt service relief from this negotiation stands at $2.8 billion, which the Government of Ghana would have paid, but which now stands as savings to the country.

    Even with such a great work done by the NPP government, the President could not acknowledge it. Rather, he sought to take unearned credit for it when he stated in his address:

    “We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with our Official Creditor Committee (OCC) to formalize the debt treatment agreed upon with official creditors. This marks a crucial step toward Ghana’s restoration of long-term debt sustainability. The agreement will enable financial resources to support and strengthen economic recovery”. Please Mr. President, you didn’t sign any MoU!

    What Ghana needed to do to reach an Agreement was to express consent to the terms of the MoU in writing. This was done on 12th January 2024 to reach an agreement in principle, later firmed up after further negotiations in June 2024, which paved way for the second successful review of the IMF programme implementation. The OCC members (the participating creditor countries), 25 of them, were those required to sign up individually, which all of them did except 3 countries that delayed because of their long internal processes. These countries finally signed up in January 2025.

    Mr. President, you played no role in this!

    Apart from the rescheduling of debt service and savings from the negotiations with our official bilateral creditors, we also achieved debt cancellation of almost $4 billion and additional debt service relief of $4.7 billion through our negotiations with Ghana’s Eurobond holders. This has reduced our debt levels from 78% of GDP to 72% of GDP.

    In fact, from September to October 2024 alone, our debt levels reduced by GHS68 billion. It is instructive to note therefore that with a total public debt level of GHS721 billion, which is 72% of GDP, our record on debt sustainability is better compared with President Mahama’s debt to GDP ratio of 73.1% by the end of 2016. This therefore does not give the President a good standing to teach us lessons on debts.

    The energy sector debt at the beginning of 2017 stood at $2.5 billion. According to the Ghana Energy Sector Recovery Programme, the energy sector was badly managed to the extent that the debts could reach $12 billion in 5 years if nothing was done about it. President Akufo-Addo ensured this did not happen.

    The NPP administration kept the lights on by spending $6.2 billion in the process over 7 years, with 2024 expenditure on energy alone standing at $1.4 billion. It is important to state also that the bulk of the ECG debts the President referenced came from excess capacity payments because of take-or-pay energy contracts signed by President Mahama. These payments could not be reflected in electricity tariffs since PURC allows for only the
    cost of energy consumed in tariffs and not the cost of contracted energy. This is what resulted in the debts. So who cause am? Even with these debts from President Mahama’s energy deals, Nana Akufo-Addo kept the lights on. We expect the President to do same.

    Keep the lights on Mr. President.

    The President’s reference to some 55 stalled projects funded from external sources because of non-disbursement of $2.9 billion pails in the shadow of the savings we have made for Ghana, which he is going to be a beneficiary of. The consequent savings Ghana is making through the rescheduling of debt service in respect of these projects shows that our debt management strategy was a masterstroke, the reason the President must applaud us, rather than doing politics with it.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that unlike the NDC, the NPP administration borrowed to develop our country. By the end of our administration, we increased the size of GDP by $20 billion; and created 2.3 million jobs in eight years, the highest job creation of any government since independence. This contrasts with the previous Mahama administration which supervised a contraction in GDP by $10 billion between 2013 and 2016.

    The President’s assurances to Bondholders about his commitment to honour matured coupons is good. That is what this Government must do to continue to increase investor confidence in the economy. However, to present this as a new policy or measure is to play mischief. The honouring of the matured coupon payment of GHS6.081 billion (in cash) and GHS3.46 billion (in kind) due in February 2025 to all Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) bondholders was the fourth of these payments, the previous three payments honoured by the previous NPP government.

    In fact, the previous NPP Government honoured these three previous payments to domestic bonholders between August 2023 and December 2024 totaling GHS17.25 billion (in cash) and GHS9.77 billion (in kind), based on the prescribed payment terms. Also, individuals who did not tender their bonds were paid coupons amounting to GHS515.17 million at various times between 2023 and 2024, in line with the MoU signed between the Government and the Coalition of Individual Bondholders. And we did these payments without all the noise about Sinking Fund.

    The Breakdown of the payments are as follows:

    a.1st Payments: August 2023, total payment-GHS 8.55 billion (GHS 5.42 billion in cash & GHS 3.13 billion in kind)
    b. 2nd Payments: February 2024, total payment-GHS 9.11 billion (GHS 5.85 billion in cash
    & GHS 3.27 billion in kind)
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    c. 3rd Payments: August 2024 Total Payment – GHS9.35 billion (GHS5.98 billion in cash
    & GHS3.38 billion in kind).

    7.0. ENERGY SECTOR

    The government’s handling of the power situation has increased uncertainty about economic growth prospects this year. The promises by the President in his address to the nation to fix the current “dumsor” cannot be different from those he made during the four years of “dumsor” endured by Ghanaians between the end of 2011 and 2016. Not even the creation of a new Ministry of Power by him could save the nation from the excruciating effects of “dumsor”, resulting in the dismissal of then Minister for Power in January 2015.

    Even in 2016, there were major power interruptions which were blamed on maintenance and what was described as “localised faults”, a new term for a PR-stunt intended to cover up “dumsor”, as the government was avoiding issuing load shedding timetable despite public demands for it, because the general elections were close. Yet, the Ghanaian people knew “dumsor” had not ended, because they lived with it and
    continued to suffer from it.

    Mr. President, you did not fix “dumsor” as you claimed in your address. Your record on “dumsor” is abysmal, unlike your predecessor Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who kept the lights on.

    As we are back to “dumsor” in another Mahama term, Ghanaians remember with fear and anxiety, the potential devastation this could cause for them and their businesses, especially small businesses like hair salons, welders, dress makers and many more who earn their daily bread from these vocations. Many people and businesses have already felt the pinch and the pain of living with the current “dumsor”. We have also seen the return of electric generating sets in shops, clinics and at social events.

    Mr. President this is the true state of our nation!

    To ameliorate the impact of these erratic power supplies, we the Mighty Minority call on the government to publish a load shedding timetable to help people and businesses plan effectively to offset some of the losses the economy is currently suffering from.

    On the petroleum sector, the record will show that production of crude oil has declined because President Mahama signed contracts with 13 companies most of which had no technical and financial capacity to undertake oil activity. However, President Akufo- Addo administration, rather introduced measures for aggressive reserve replacement on assumption of office in 2017. As a result of these measures, between 2018 and 2022, seven discoveries of oil and gas were made.

    a. Pecan South-East, with an estimated volume of 10 million barrels of oil, discovered
    in 2018;
    b. Nyankom-1X with an estimated volume of 168 million barrels of oil, discovered in
    2019;
    c. Afina-1X, with an estimated volume between 150-300 million barrels of oil,
    discovered in 2019;
    d. Akoma 1-X with an estimated volume between 500-700 million barrels oil
    discovered in 2022;
    e. Aprokuma-1X (Albian and Cenomanian), discovered in 2022, but the estimated
    volume is yet to be known.
    f. Eni’s Aprokuma-1X well was a double discovery in the Albian and Cenomanian
    formations,
    As industry watchers know, the COVID pandemic slowed down operations which affected the appraisal of these discoveries. To incentivize these companies, the then government took the decision to restore their lost time to them. Several amendments were made to the existing frameworks to provide further incentives to the industry.

    The NPP government could therefore not be accused of creating a “hostile business climate and excessive political interference” in the words of President Mahama. The NPP administration also added to crude oil production with the coming on stream of Jubilee South-East in September, 2023, which added 30,000 barrels of oil per day to production from the Jubilee Field thereby taking production from the Jubilee Field to 100,000 barrels of oil per day.

    8.0. SPENDING ON ECONOMIC GROWTH

    Ladies and gentlemen, we are alarmed at the risk of these power challenges reversing the economic turn-around in Ghana evidenced by the resurgent economic growth achieved last year.
    The dangers to economic growth are very visible for us to see:
    a. there is no reliable power supply,
    b. investors are being turned away by a government that is baselessly painting a bad picture of its own economy; and
    c. contractors are not being paid despite the GHS68 billion approved by Parliament for the government to spend in the first quarter of the year, and notwithstanding the significant amount of revenue at their disposal to meet these spending requirements, including for example, the over GHS5 billion buffer left for them, GHS8.7 billion collected by GRA for January 2025, and about GHS67 billion borrowed in less than 2 months. Many government projects have halted as a result, and the resultant job losses by young Ghanaians is very painful and unfortunate.

    Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, the prospects for growth in the first quarter of 2025 remain weak and sluggish; and the government must change its economic management strategy.

    9.0. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

    The Mahama administration made a lot of political gains by highlighting the plight of young Ghanaians who were yet to get jobs after over 2 million others had gotten jobs in the 8years of the NPP administration. They promised two more people for each job under the 24hour economy program.

    Ladies and gentlemen, it is now a notorious fact that, to create vacancies for the purpose of employing NDC youth, the Mahama administration has sacked thousands of young Ghanaians who had been properly employed by the previous administration. The termination of the jobs of young Ghanaians which has become synonymous with President Mahama “Terminator 1” is a sign of what is yet to come. Sacking people from employment and replacing them later with others does not amount to job creation.

    What the people of Ghana wants are new jobs for those yet to be employed. President Mahama
    knows that the programmes he outlined in his statement – “nkoko nkitinkiti” and the rest cannot create sustainable jobs for the Ghanaian youth, hence the resort to termination of existing jobs for future replacement to shore up his job numbers.

    This is after President Mahama had argued in 2016 that it was legitimate for an outgoing administration to recruit and sign deals up until the midnight of January 7 the following year when its term expires. Not only are the double standards worrying, but the dismissals will no doubt worsen the unemployment situation which he promised to fix. The thousands who have been dismissed have been condemned to suffering and
    hardship.

    10.0. GALAMSEY FIGHT
    The fight against Galamsey has been difficult no doubt. President Mills struggled with it, President Mahama struggled with it in his first term, and despite the best of efforts, President Akufo Addo also struggled with it. After having made so much propaganda about it while in opposition, key NDC figures appearing before Parliament’s appointments committee could not substantiate any of the propaganda allegations of the
    NPP being complicit in the galamsey phenomenon.

    12 In contrast, media networks are now reporting that weeks after the election, known NDC kingpins in the Ashanti region have invaded some forests and commenced galamsey activities.

    On the 19th Day of January 2025 edition of the Ghanaian Daily Graphic, it was reported that illegal miners numbering about 60 breached the Anglo Gold Ashanti Mines Security fence and intruded at Cote D. The aim of the illegal miners was to enter the Deep Decline.

    The decision to enter the Deep Decline was because of a promise made to these illegal miners by the leadership of the NDC during the campaign. The promise was to assist them to illegally mine in areas which had been legally acquired by the Anglo Gold Company.

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, speaking to Parliament on February 19, 2025, raised a very disturbing issue of insecurity leading to an alarming rate of illegal mining activities within the nation’s forest reserves. Nine (9) out of the forty-four (44) forest reserves have been completely taken by illegal mining thugs with impunity.

    Our security agents and the Forestry Commission no longer have access to these Forest Reserves. We wish to ask, since when thugs involved in illegal mining became more powerful than our well-trained security agents? This is the true state of the fight against galamsey for which reason the President’s address was scanty on any real steps to tackle the canker.

    11.0. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
    The President conveniently omitted from his address the strides made in the housing
    sector under the immediate past administration. This included the completion of some of
    the stalled projects inherited in 2017 like the Asokore Mampong housing project,
    resumption of works on the Adenta SHC estates and the selection of the private partner
    to commence work on the completion of the Saglemi project.
    Additionally, 1000 homes were delivered to the security services, 1000 homes delivered
    by the TDC and nearly another 1000 homes by the State Housing Company. The
    Administration also set up the National Homeownership fund that has delivered about
    500 homes so far.
    The President failed to mention that the Ministry of Finance gave approval for GIIF to set
    up a GIIF Housing sub-fund to receive funding for bankable housing projects while the
    Ministry of Housing rolled out a PPP framework to stimulate housing. These strides
    made in the housing sector marked an unprecedented change in the approach to
    resolving the housing deficit in Ghana. Instead of seeking to lambast the outgone
    13
    administration, credit should rather be given to it followed by a commitment to build on
    it.
    The Ghana Priority Health Infrastructure Project (GPHIP) referred to as Agenda 111, was
    to design, construct and equip 111 hospitals across the country. The need for the
    construction of hospitals became essential after Ghana recorded its first case of COVID-
    19 on 12th March 2020. In one of his regular addresses to the nation, where he detailed
    the Government’s measures to contain the spread of the virus, His Excellency President
    Akufo-Addo bemoaned the lack of hospitals in some 88 districts and 6 newly created
    regions of the country and promised swift Government investment in new hospitals, not
    only to address the urgent need to contain the spread of the virus in those districts and
    regions, but also to correct the anomaly in the distribution of health infrastructure across
    the country.
    The initial hospitals comprise of 101 District Hospitals, 7 Regional Hospitals, 2 Regional
    Psychiatric Hospitals; and 1 National Psychiatric Hospital (Accra Psychiatric Hospital).
    The programme was, however, revised to include the three (3) District Hospitals thus
    expanding to cover 114 sites.
    As at 31st December 2024, progress on completion of civil works were – 37 sites achieved
    70% completion and above, 28 sites achieved between 50% and 70% completion, and 36
    sites have achieved below 50% completion. Three (3) District Hospitals achieved practical
    completion, equipped and commissioned on 5th December 2024 and they are Atwima
    Kwanwoma Municipal Hospital at Trede, the Oforikrom Municipal Hospital at Kokoben,
    and Ahanta West Municipal Hospital at Bokro. We also had dedicated sources of funding
    these projects from Direct Government of Ghana (GOG) budgetary allocation and the
    Annual Budget Funding Amount Capex from oil revenues. Total outstanding amount to
    complete all the District Hospitals and the Zonal Psychiatric Hospitals as at 31st
    December 2024, was US$ 1.3 billion.
    In his haste to misinform the Ghanaian people, the President told a group of clergy men
    who visited him in his office that he needed $1.7 billion to complete the Agenda 111
    projects. In his address to the nation, he put the amount at GHS22 billion ($1.4 billion at
    GHS15.5 to US$). So which is the correct amount?
    We have taken note of the new government’s plan to abandon these projects by proposing
    to re-channel the ABFA from oil revenues used in financing these projects to other
    projects. This is unacceptable and will lead to significant cost overruns, which will later
    hurt the country.
    14
    The NDC has resorted to a deliberate distortion of road sector data as a way of
    undermining the work the NPP administration has done. When it is reported
    that between January 2017 and June 2024, the NPP successfully undertook works
    covering a total length of 13, 624 kilometers, the NDC mischievously reports it as a claim
    of some 13,000 km of brand-new roads.
    We have always made it clear that this figure represents the total kilometers of roads we
    worked on including construction of brand new, reconstruction of delipidated roads,
    rehabilitation of bad roads, and upgrades of roads in poor condition. This is a major
    achievement when compared to the NDC’s paltry 4, 636 kilometers delivered by the Atta
    Mills and Mahama administration over the entire eight years in office covering the same
    scope of works. We also improved on the condition of roads across the country. As at the
    start of 2017, only 39% of roads were classified as Good, with 32% Fair, and a worrying
    29% poor.
    By the end of 2022, we had significantly improvedthe condition mix, with 44% of roads
    classified as Good, 34% Fair, and Poor roads reduced to just 22%. Mr. President, no
    amount of propaganda will change the facts. It remains to be seen how much work your
    administration can do on our roads within the next 4 years.
    Also, between 2009 and 2016, the Atta Mills and Mahama administration managed to
    complete only five interchanges and I mean just five in eight years. Contrast this with the
    nine interchanges delivered under the Akufo Addo-Bawumia administration.
    Additionally, the NPP started work on at least 13 other interchanges.
    i. Nungua
    ii. Adjiringanor
    iii. PTC interchange
    iv. Kpong Barrier
    v. Dawhenya
    vi. Prampram
    vii. Savannah
    viii. Suame
    ix. Anomangye
    x. Maakro/Magazine New Road
    xi. Abusuakuruwaa
    xii. Abrepo
    xiii. Krofrom
    15
    In fact, our performance in the road sector has been so impressive that the World Bank
    Country Director stated on 7th August 2024 that in terms of road density (kms of road per
    100 sq km land), Ghana has road assets that exceed the regional average: 32.8 km per
    100sq km in Ghana versus 17 km regional average in Africa. Nearly double. Ghana is also
    above the regional average in terms of rural accessibility. In Ghana 63% of the population
    lives within 2 km of all-weather roads as compared to only 47% in the region.
    We must celebrate our achievements irrespective of who is doing it. Ghanaians
    can judge for themselves when it comes to roads and infrastructure, the record is clear:
    our vision, our delivery, and our impact far surpass anything our predecessors achieved.
    12.0. EDUCATION
    Throughout the SONA, the President did well to explain to the nation his vision for
    education. His commitment to continue the implementation of Free School High School
    (FSHS) is commendable. We also commend his commitment to continue
    President Akuffo Addo’s drive to boost the Tertiary Gross Enrolment Ratio. Besides
    these, however, the vision espoused by President Mahama is uninspiring, exposing a
    profound education best practice and knowledge gap. Clearly, the President’s speech
    lacked coherence and did not articulate clearly the role of education in the transformation
    of Ghana. Many of the initiatives announced are already being implemented with a high
    degree of success under the previous regime. Consequently, a number of reforms have
    taken place across all levels of education in Ghana including tackling the learning crisis
    in the early years of education, through the implementation of of Differentiated Learning
    approach (Foundational Learning).
    In the face of Covid-19, teachers and other education workers came together and saved
    our nation from what could have been catastrophic learning losses. By
    working together, our Primary 2 literacy jumped from 2 percent in 2015 to 38 percent in
    2022.
    To equip learners with 21st-century skills at the secondary level. The Ministry of
    Education under Akufo-Addo’s administration had a total overhaul of the country’s
    secondary education curriculum with a focus on improving national values, promoting
    STEM education, and preparing learners for the field of work.
    To make sure that our students meet global standards and participate in the fast growth
    of digitalization, advancing STEM education for Ghana’s transformation was a key focus
    in our government. Thus, 13 STEM schools have been built across the nation. These
    include Awaso STEM SHS, Koase STEM High, East Legon STEM
    Academy, Kpasenkpe STEM SHS, Bosomtwe STEM and Girls SHS, and so on. In
    16
    addition to that, over 20 STEM centers have been built in existing schools across the
    country.
    Contrary to the assertion that the Ghanaian education system is outmoded, we have
    rather enhanced our education system during the last few years. An education system
    that has introduced courses like biomedical sciences, engineering, aviation,
    manufacturing engineering, robotics, and so on. We have also built science and
    engineering labs across the country. This system of education cannot be described as
    outmoded. As we speak, high school students are receiving tablets to facilitate technology
    integration to enhance teaching and learning under the Ghana Smart Schools Project
    introduced to empower students on a global scale.
    While His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has outlined his vision for education and
    skills development, it is imperative to acknowledge the substantial progress made under
    the previous administration in transforming Technical and Vocational Education and
    Training (TVET) in Ghana.
    In 2017 The TVET sector was uncoordinated, and some seventeen (17) Ministries were
    engaged in some form of TVET regulation and delivery and therefore made coordination
    across the landscape quite challenging since each of the TVET Institutions were taking
    direct instructions from their ministries and legislations. Almost all the workshops in the
    TVET Institutions were filled with obsolete tools and equipment and outdated curricula.
    The sector was not responsive to the needs of Industry. The linkage between training
    providers and industry was very weak which caused mismatches in the demand and
    supply.
    The Akufo-Addo led government implemented bold reforms, backed by significant
    investments, to revamp TVET, ensuring it becomes a viable pathway for skills
    acquisition, entrepreneurship, and employment creation.
    Some of the key interventions and accomplishments in the sector included the
    establishment of the Commission for TVET (CTVET) and the Ghana TVET Service
    (GTVET), introduction of Free TVET into the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy
    leading to a massive jump in 3-year enrolment from 41,696 in 2016 to over 172,473 in 2024,
    construction of four new TVET centres of excellence, rehabilitation and Equipping of
    tertiary and pre-tertiary TVET Institutions, implementation of Competency-Based
    Training (CBT), Establishment of Sector Skills Bodies (SSBs) to bridge the gap between
    training institutions and industry, introduction of the National Apprenticeship Policy
    and Ghana Apprenticeship Programme (GAP) with over 40,000
    beneficiaries, Strengthening of TVET Teacher Training by establishing
    17
    the Akenten Appiah Menkah University for Skills Training and Entrepreneurial
    Development (AAMUSTED), Establishment and Operationalization of the Ghana
    Skills Development Fund (GSDF), introduction of STEM-Integrated TVET
    Centres, TVET Curriculum Reforms with over 108 CBT curriculum packages
    developed, introduction of World Skills Ghana and joining as the 81st member, and
    initiated the construction of 32 new state of the art TVET centers (two per a region).
    We have laid a solid foundation for TVET transformation in Ghana. The focus should
    now be on consolidating these gains rather than presenting an inaccurate narrative that
    disregards these achievements. The future of TVET in Ghana depends on building upon
    these robust interventions to further enhance skills development and economic growth
    based on our proposed TVET policy that focuses on just transition, governance, access,
    quality, sustainable and efficient financing, research and innovation, competency based
    training and environmental sustainability.
    The previous NPP government focused on equipping learners at all levels with
    21st century skills so that learners can be partakers of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
    However, it’s quite appalling to hear President Mahama say that they inherited an
    outdated system.
    13.0. JUDICIARY AND POLITICS
    On the Judiciary, the President complained about politicization of the judiciary and the
    need to make it independent. Very unfortunate. This is a myth in their own minds that
    they are pushing to discredit the only institution that is not formed by political parties.
    The power to appoint lower court – district and circuit – court judges is in the Chief Justice,
    subject to the approval of the President, under Article 148 of the 1992 Constitution. No
    political person has power to start the process. If the president doesn’t approve, all he can
    say is no. What evidence does he have that any president, including himself and his party
    – picked lower court judges for the Chief Justice? Any such position cannot be true.
    Pursuant to Article 144 of the constitution, Superior Court Judges are not appointed by
    the President alone. His choices must be approved by the Judicial Council, and by the
    Council of State. Any refusal by any of these bodies means the President’s nominee will
    not become a Judge or be promoted.
    By Article 153 of the Constitution, the Judicial Council is made up of 14
    CONSTITUENCIES. The sitting president contributes in the selection of the Attorney
    General and four non-lawyers. How is the President suggesting that these non-lawyers
    that the president sends can politicize the independent thinking of the remaining majority
    18
    on the council. Judges are professionals who must serve our democracy free of
    insinuations that intimidate them as if they don’t tow a political line, they will not be
    appointed to the next level. It is such utterances by politicians that can affect the ability
    of judges to serve the country independently. If that is what he wants to achieve, then it
    is unfortunate. After all, he kept saying that his party will look through their ranks and
    encourage them to become judges, to serve the interest of his party. Therefore, in our
    view, the President’s statements about politicisation of the judiciary is only an
    expression of his own agenda he kept touting before the elections.
    14.0. INSECURITY IN THE COUNTRY
    Ghana has been ranked the second safest destination in Africa by Altezza Travel, a global
    tourism firm. According to their 2025 tourism report, Ghana boasts a remarkably low
    crime rate, surpassing even countries like Canada, Greece, and Australia in terms of
    safety. In the Terrorism Index, it is among the countries with a zero score. Its crime rate
    is lower than Canada, Greece, and Australia. With regards to the Global Peace
    Index, Ghana surpassed Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, China, and even
    Jamaica.
    Under President Akufo Addo, a deliberate policy and planning had enhanced Ghana’s
    peace and security. The crime rate in the country for instance, had reduced significantly
    following the increase in police visibility. The visibility has brought discipline on the
    roads and made communities safer.
    However, in a rather contrasting and worrying view, following the election of
    President Mahama in the 2024 general elections, several acts of lawlessness and violence
    have erupted in the country leading to the arrest of over 100 people suspected to be
    supporters of the ruling party. (BBC, December 11, 2024).
    Supporters of the newly elected president who want jobs have allegedly attacked some
    state institutions, looted properties, and engaged in disturbances that have left some
    police and military personnel injured. Below are details of some of these acts of violence
    and lawlessness:
    a. At Ayensuano, angry youth set the Electoral Commission office ablaze. The arson,
    reportedly carried out by individuals dissatisfied with the declaration of
    results, symbolises a loss of faith in the fairness and credibility of Ghana’s electoral
    processes.
    b. The standoff at the Ghana Gas Headquarters, where security forces fired warning
    shots to disperse a crowd of protesters.
    19
    c. In Mamobi, hooded individuals paraded through the streets on vehicles and
    motorbikes.
    d. In Obuasi, civilians and party members were in direct showdown with military
    officers. Several shooting incidents led to four dead and many injured.
    e. In Damongo, frustrated youth storm Damongo Municipal Collation Centre and
    set the EC office ablaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the building and its
    contents. The violence resulted in the death of one person and the burning of the
    district office of the Electoral Commission.
    f. Eight suspects were arrested for attacking the Metro Mass Transit workshop in
    Sunyani, Bono Region. Suspects unlawfully entered the workshop premises and
    attacked and threatened workers, forcing them to vacate their offices.
    g. A wave of violence swept through Ejura Police station as angry Zongo youth
    attacked a local police station, freeing suspects on remand and setting the police
    station on fire.
    h. The lifeless body of a final-year Biological Sciences student of Kwame Nkrumah
    University of Science and Technology was discovered near the KNUST Disability
    and Rehabilitation Centre.
    i. The Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region descended into chaos as a
    group of unidentified thugs stormed the election center, disrupting the sorting and
    counting of ballots.
    j. In Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo chieftaincy clash, four people lost their lives, and six
    others sustained gunshots wounds in attacks on the Nanik and Nganme Gberuk
    communities in Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district of the North East Region on Friday,
    February 28.
    k. Four students were arrested at Weija Divisional Police Command after a clash
    ensued between some students of Christian Methodist Senior High School and
    local youth over a missing mobile phone at the school’s premises at Aplaku. Some
    of the youth were trading blows, and in some instances, clubs were used, resulting
    in some students sustaining injuries while some school properties were also
    destroyed.

    l. Five students sustained severe injuries, with several others suffering minor wounds, after violence erupted during a peace ceremony between students of Bawku Senior High School and Bawku Technical Institute.
    m. Twenty students from Salaga Senior High School in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region have been arrested following a violent clash that left one person with multiple stab wounds. Law enforcement officers seized a locally manufactured pistol and a round of ammunition from the scene. Of the twenty students, 17 have been granted bail, while three remain in custody.

    It is sad to mention that because of the insecurity situation in our country, the EC has not been able to conclude Ablekuma Parliamentary Election declaration. This certainly is a
    dark spot in our democratic dispensation given that the people of Ablekuma are currently not having a representative in parliament.

    Insecurity in the Bawku area continues to heighten in recent times, with a woman and
    her two children being tragically murdered in their home by gun men on February 9,

    1. Again, on February 25, 2025, a 13-year-old boy was killed in the same township.
      The indiscriminate killing of the indigenes of Walewale and its environs is getting out of
      hand with the imposition of curfew in the area. Government needs to decouple Politics
      from Security and ensure that every Ghanaian is protected.

    Mr. President, the insecurity situation in our country is indeed very worrying. As you refuse to act decisively, the security agencies have become powerless, and this continue to embolden thugs of your party who visit mayhem on innocent Ghanaians daily. Sadly, the homes of some former public servants have been raided in “Rambo-style” that can only be akin to what happens in a military coup de-tat. For many Ghanaians, this is reminding them of the dark days of our nation’s history. The President must act. And indeed, action is required now.

    Rather strangely, whilst officials of the NPP administration are being harassed and
    investigated, former officials of the NDC government who were on judicial trials have
    been cleared of all criminal charges against them; and in some cases have been rewarded
    with juicy appointments like the current Governor of the Bank of Ghana. Today, we are
    being told that crime has party colours, and our country has been turned into an Animal
    Farm where “Four legs good, Two legs bad”.

    15.0. CONCLUSION

    Ladies and Gentlemen, we the Mighty Minority are ready to do our work – to provide truthful information to the Ghanaian people on the affairs of our nation, especially, as the government is holding a National Economic Dialogue, which is intended to whitewash the unfounded and baseless claims of the mismanagement of our economy under the erstwhile NPP administration. They are even scaring the people of Ghana further by putting out unaudited outstanding claims on government, and we will expose the mischief in these claims.

    We believe these unholy moves by the NDC are intended to buy time to cover for its incompetence in managing the economy and to establish the basis for increasing taxes and introducing new taxes in the 2025 Budget Statement, even as they are promising to scrap E-Levy, COVID-Levy and others.

    Ladies and gentlemen, does it make sense to scrap E-levy and betting tax, and replace them with new taxes on the mining, telecommunication, the financial sector and real estate industries, which will all be passed on to customers? The people of Ghana should wait for the deception of the NDC government when they present the 2025 budget – taxes galore!

    This is how they intend to tax Ghanaians to collect their target of GHS200 billion in tax revenues this year. This government accused us of overtaxing the people of Ghana because by the end of 2024, the NPP administration collected GHS152.9 billion which is 17% tax to GDP ratio taking it from President Mahama’s 13% in 2016. How do you then turn around to expect to collect GHS200 billion in a broken economy?

    We the Mighty Minority will join the people of Ghana to resist any attempt to smuggle in new taxes or increase existing taxes. We owe it a duty to hold the government accountable for their promises to the people of Ghana. Ladies and Gentlemen, as a country, we have come a long way, working closely with our
    key stakeholders including the IMF, World Bank, the African Development Bank,
    bilateral partners, domestic and international investors; and more importantly, the
    Ghanaian people who have sacrificed so much to see us get this far.
    We can assure you all that our partners and the people of Ghana are not happy because
    the President’s SONA has reversed the gains made especially towards building
    confidence with investors. The President has painted the picture of a country that has
    been economically mismanaged when in fact, we have turned the corner from what we
    have all come to know was the worst economic crisis in Ghana following an
    unprecedented global crisis between 2020 and 2022. Even when they were confronted
    with a domestic challenge in the form of dumsor, they run to the IMF to save the
    economy. How much more a crisis that plagued all countries across the world.
    What the President has done is like putting a gun on one’s head and pulling the trigger.
    Investors had felt the hope of a resurging economy, and were looking forward to the new
    things the President was bringing to consolidate the gains. The President has effectively
    told them to go away because the economy is in crisis, contrary to the evidence.
    22
    The cost-of-living crisis is a global problem, and we understand, but that cannot be used
    to degrade the entire economy in the face of overwhelming data pointing to the contrary.
    And in addressing the cost-of-living crisis, the President himself went to a meeting with
    leaders of the labour union to assure them he was on top of his job, only to offer them
    10% increase in the base pay, when his predecessor without this drama offered them 23%
    from January to June and 25% from July to December 2024 in an economy that is
    “criminally mismanaged” in the words of President Mahama.
    He also touted his economic strategy around the 24-Hour economy to deliver jobs to the
    youth. However, the only area he mentioned was in the processing of passports. Not even
    the incentives to industries that will create sustainable jobs. Does the President think
    many Ghanaians would want to run out of the country because they know his poor
    record on job creation, and are preparing to run out of the country as a result of which
    they need a 24hour issuance of passports?

    Ladies and gentlemen, let no one be surprised at the blame game by His Excellency the President. It is not new. This is what President Mahama said about the late Professor John
    Evans Atta Mills, in his last state of the nation address delivered on January 5, 2017, in which he blamed the poor performance of their first four years during which he served as Vice President.

    “Mr. Speaker, we inherited [in 2013] an economy that was running a high deficit, with increasing inflation and interest rates. It was also characterized by a rapidly depreciating
    currency. This unstable macro environment created an unfavourable investment environment for both indigenous and foreign capital. Our forum at Senchi was an attempt to forge a consensus for a homegrown fiscal consolidation programme. The Senchi outcome eventually became the basis for the IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF)
    programme we are implementing”.

    Ladies and gentlemen, we are back there, with another round of blame game and another National Economic Dialogue and with the same “da da noaa” His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who promises to create jobs and begin by firing those who have jobs. Ladies and gentlemen, fellow citizens. This is the True State of our Nation. May the Almighty God bless our Nation and make her great and strong. Thank you!

  • NDC thugs visit mayhem on innocent Ghanaians daily – Minority claims

    NDC thugs visit mayhem on innocent Ghanaians daily – Minority claims

    The Minority in Parliament has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of enabling political thuggery, alleging that its supporters are terrorizing innocent Ghanaians with impunity.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 3, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, on behalf of the Minority, lamented what he described as a worsening security crisis, blaming President John Mahama’s government for failing to act decisively.

    “Mr. President, the insecurity situation in our country is indeed very worrying. As you refuse to act decisively, the security agencies have become powerless, and this continues to embolden thugs of your party who visit mayhem on innocent Ghanaians daily,” he stated.

    Dr. Amin Adam warned that the lack of firm action against lawlessness could push the country into chaos, adding that Ghana’s security forces had been rendered ineffective due to political interference.

    He further condemned a series of violent attacks, particularly raids on the homes of former government officials, likening them to military coup-style invasions reminiscent of Ghana’s turbulent past.

    Beyond concerns over security, the Minority also accused the Mahama-led administration of bias in law enforcement, claiming that while former New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials are subjected to harassment and investigations, ex-NDC government appointees facing corruption charges have been exonerated and rewarded with key positions.

    “Rather strangely, whilst officials of the NPP administration are being harassed and investigated, former officials of the NDC government who were on judicial trials have been cleared of all criminal charges against them,” Dr. Amin Adam alleged.

    He went further to describe the country’s justice system as politically skewed, likening it to George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where selective justice prevails.

    “Today, we are being told that crime has party colours, and our country has been turned into an Animal Farm where ‘Four legs good, Two legs bad,’” he remarked.

    The Minority urged President Mahama to take urgent action to restore law and order, cautioning that his continued inaction could plunge the nation into instability.

  • Speaker Bagbin slams NPP MPs for boycotting workshop in Ho

    Speaker Bagbin slams NPP MPs for boycotting workshop in Ho

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed disapproval over the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus’s decision to boycott a three-day orientation workshop for Members of Parliament, citing cost concerns.

    He deemed the boycott unacceptable. Speaking at the workshop on Monday, March 3, 2025, Bagbin urged the Minority MPs to transcend political differences for the benefit of the nation.

    “Don’t allow political differences to control you, nor let our history trap you,” he emphasized, calling this one of the country’s biggest challenges.

    He further pointed out that the choice of venues for such workshops should not be dictated by partisan interests.

    “Please don’t allow your political differences to enslave you. Don’t be also enslaved by our history. That’s one of the biggest challenges we have in this country,” he stated.

    Bagbin went on to explain the process behind selecting the venue for the workshop.

    “The final results are brought to the Speaker. And until I have a very good reason why it shouldn’t be at that place; I just give my [approval]. And to have 276 Members of Parliament and staff, because the staff work with you. And if you don’t build the capacity of the staff, the institution, they will not be in the position to serve you, to provide what you need to be able to satisfy the immeasurable, unlimited demands of the country, of your people, and of the world,” he added.

    Organized by the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI), the workshop began on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on Monday, March 3, 2025.

    However, the NPP MPs chose to boycott the event, raising concerns about the venue and the associated costs, suggesting that Parliament House would have been a more suitable location.

  • I didn’t say Mahama physically kept money in a bullion van – Abronye

    I didn’t say Mahama physically kept money in a bullion van – Abronye

    The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, has retracted his earlier corruption allegation against President John Dramani Mahama.

    Popularly known as Abronye, he had previously accused the former president of withholding substantial sums of money meant for dismissed appointees at the Jubilee House.

    “The Akufo-Addo government budgeted GH¢550 million for these individuals to be employed. This money comes from taxpayers, yet another government cancels the appointments and allegedly transfers the funds to the Jubilee House. So, what are you doing with the GH¢550 million that was put in bullion vans and sent to the Jubilee House?

    “You have revoked people’s appointments, taken their GH¢550 million, and put it in a bullion van,” he alleged on Accra-based Movement TV in February 2025.

    Abronye has clarified that his earlier remarks, stating that his reference to a bullion van transporting money to the presidency was figurative and had been misinterpreted.

    During an appearance on Movement TV on February 28, 2025, following an invitation from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to provide evidence for his corruption allegation against the president, he explained that his mention of the bullion van was not to suggest that the money was physically at the president’s residence or in his custody.

    He stressed that his primary objective was to demand accountability for funds allocated to compensate public sector workers whose appointments had been terminated.

    He further noted that these funds had been budgeted under the former Akufo-Addo administration and were captured in the 2024 budget for such purposes.

    “… In the 2024 budget, we allocated GH¢58 billion for all Ghanaian workers, including those employed during the 2024 fiscal year. I posed a question seeking to understand the whereabouts of the funds if the workers’ appointments had been terminated. I wanted to get clarity by asking this question. That was when I made the statement that the money was being transported to the Jubilee House in a bullion van. The reference to the money being in a bullion van was simply a semantic expression I used. It does not mean that the money is physically at the president’s residence or that he is personally spending it,” Abronye explained in the interview.

    The vocal NPP executive has expressed regret for making public an invitation letter from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), which sought his cooperation regarding allegations he made against President John Dramani Mahama.

    He admitted that the letter was intended to be confidential but acknowledged that his decision to publish it was an error.

    “One of the things they didn’t like, which I agree with, was my public disclosure of the invitation letter to the media. It was unethical for me to have done that. The letter clearly stated that the meeting was confidential, but when I was reading it, I failed to notice that detail. I apologise to them for that, as I shouldn’t have acted in that manner,” he added.

  • Six NPP executives in Pusiga suspended over alleged misconduct

    Six NPP executives in Pusiga suspended over alleged misconduct

    Six executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Pusiga constituency have been suspended by the party’s Upper East Regional leadership over alleged actions considered detrimental to the party.

    In a letter dated February 20, 2025, Regional Chairman Anthony Namoo, Esq., directed the affected members to step aside and appear before the regional disciplinary committee. While details of the allegations remain undisclosed, they are required to respond to the charges.

    Those suspended include Awinimi Emmanuel, the Constituency Communication Officer; Belingumse Sawuda, 2nd Vice Chairman; Haruna Salam, Assistant Secretary; Kazussah Jacob, Treasurer; Salifu Ibn Adam, Elections and Research Officer; and Iddrisu Kadiri, Deputy Nasara Coordinator.

    Speaking to the media, Awinimi Emmanuel acknowledged the suspension but admitted he was uncertain about the reasons behind it.

    “When I opened the letter, they said they had suspended me as Communication Officer of the party in the constituency and the Regional Disciplinary Committee will invite me,” he remarked.

    “I said okay. So I took my letter. That is all I can say,” he added.

  • EC, NDC, NPP to discuss unresolved Ablekuma North electoral results

    EC, NDC, NPP to discuss unresolved Ablekuma North electoral results

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has revealed plans to engage the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a bid to resolve the long-standing impasse over the Ablekuma North Constituency parliamentary election results.

    EC Chairperson Jean Mensa disclosed this during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held at the EC’s corporate office in Accra last Wednesday. The meeting, attended by political parties, civil society organizations, media representatives, and state institutions, focused on strengthening collaboration between the commission and its stakeholders.

    “We will have an in-depth meeting to discuss it,” Mrs. Mensa stated, highlighting the need for dialogue to bring finality to the dispute. However, no date has been set for the engagement.

    The controversy surrounding the election results stems from incomplete results sheets from three polling stations, delaying the official declaration. The situation has fueled tension in the constituency, with supporters of both parties engaging in heated confrontations.

    The NDC maintains that its candidate, Ewurabena Aubyn, emerged victorious, while the NPP insists Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie won. In the absence of an official verdict, both parties have erected billboards thanking voters for their support.

    The Ablekuma North Constituency has 281 polling stations, with verified results from 278. The three remaining polling stations remain the focal point of the dispute, keeping the final outcome in limbo.

  • NPP to ‘expose overlooked issues’ in Mahama’s SONA on March 4

    NPP to ‘expose overlooked issues’ in Mahama’s SONA on March 4

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced that it will present its version of the “True State of the Nation Address” on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

    This comes in reaction to President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2025, which, according to the NPP, failed to provide a comprehensive and accurate reflection of Ghana’s current challenges.

    In a statement dated February 28, the party accused the President of presenting an incomplete assessment of the nation’s condition since assuming office on January 7, 2025.

    The NPP pointed out that key national concerns—including erratic power supply, rising insecurity, illegal mining, and growing unemployment—were not adequately addressed in Mahama’s speech.

    To fill these gaps, the NPP’s parliamentary leadership, under Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has decided to present its own assessment, which it claims will give Ghanaians a more transparent and realistic picture of the country’s state.

  • Raid on Ofori-Atta’s house was unjust – NPP MP

    Raid on Ofori-Atta’s house was unjust – NPP MP

    Patrick Yaw Boamah who represents Okaikwei Central in Parliament, has condemned the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for conducting a search at the private home of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    During an interview with the media, Mr Boamah expressed his belief that the operation violated Ofori-Atta’s constitutional right to privacy.

    He emphasized that such actions go against the legal framework that safeguards citizens’ privacy rights.

    “If you want to search the person’s home, comply with the provisions of the constitution. Article 18(2) says a person is entitled to his privacy. What I expected the state security agency to have done was to engage his lawyers when they wrote to him informing the office of his whereabouts or secured a warrant from the court if they were having challenges.

    “But for them to have gone to his residence, I believe was a violation of his privacy and fundamental human rights,” he explained.

    He argued that state agencies, including the OSP, should have contacted Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team first.

    He suggested that the proper course of action for the OSP would have been to file a case in court if they had reason to believe a crime had been committed by any former government official.

    Boamah also stressed that, irrespective of any accusations or charges, the former minister continues to be a citizen entitled to the protections guaranteed by the constitution.

    Ken Ofori-Atta is a citizen of Ghana and subject to the constitution of the country and any other law.

    “We set up the OSP and office of the Attorney General, a principal legal advisor to government and has the right to initiate all civil and criminal actions for and behalf of the state. If a former government official or any officer of the erstwhile administration is deemed to have committed any crime, the law is there, go to court,” he stated.

    Following talks with his legal representatives, the OSP has decided to remove Ken Ofori-Atta from the list of wanted persons.

  • Be honest with matters affecting the country in 2025 SONA – NPP MPs to Mahama

    Be honest with matters affecting the country in 2025 SONA – NPP MPs to Mahama

    Some New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament ihave urged him to be forthright about Ghana’s current state and the challenges ahead of his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27.

    Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called on the president to acknowledge the realities of the country’s economy, job situation, and power crisis as he begins his second term in office.

    Speaking to journalists in Parliament, NPP lawmakers, including Akwasi Konadu (Manhyia North), Kofi Amankwah Manu (Atwima Kwanwoma), and Collins Adomako Mensah (Afigya Kwabre North), stressed the need for an honest and transparent address.

    “The president must be truthful about the situation on the ground. Ghanaians deserve clarity on the economy, employment, and energy challenges,” said Collins Adomako Mensah.

    Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains optimistic that President Mahama’s address will offer hope and direction for national progress.

    MPs such as Sebastian Deh (Kpando) and Lawrencia Dziwornu (Akuapem South) believe the speech will highlight key policies aimed at stabilizing and growing the economy.

    “We expect the president to outline a clear path forward—one that resets Ghana on the right track,” Sebastian Deh stated.

    As anticipation builds for the address, Ghanaians will be looking for a speech that balances honesty with a compelling vision for the nation’s future.

  • NPP neglected Bodi’s roads for 8 years – Samson Ahi

    NPP neglected Bodi’s roads for 8 years – Samson Ahi

    The Deputy Minister-designate for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Samson Ahi, has denied claims that the previous administration constructed tarred roads in the Bodi District of the Western North Region.

    Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, February 24, Ahi responded to a question from Patrick Boamah, the MP for Okaikwei Central, regarding road development in Bodi. Boamah had asked whether the NPP government had indeed tarred the town’s roads.

    In his response, Ahi, who also represents Bodi in Parliament, dismissed the assertion outright. He argued that over the past eight years, no new tarred roads had been added to the district.

    “Eight years, and not one kilometer of road was added in Bodi,” he asserted.

    Mr Ahi maintained his stance “Mr. Chairman, if the Honorable Member can show me where the tarred roads are, I’d be happy to retract my statement,” he replied.

    Emphasizing his position, Ahi accused the NPP administration of failing to make any significant progress in improving Bodi’s roads.

    “You [NPP government] didn’t even add one inch of tarred road in 8 years in Bodi district,” he added.

    However, Boamah pushed back, suggesting that Ahi could be summoned before the Government Assurance Committee to justify his claim.

    He cautioned that making such a statement without proof could be misleading.

  • Akufo-Addo-led govt increased electricity tariff in only 3 years of its tenure under IMF programme – Gideon Boako

    Akufo-Addo-led govt increased electricity tariff in only 3 years of its tenure under IMF programme – Gideon Boako

    Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, has chastised the government for citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme as reason to increase electricity tariffs.

    Dr Boako in his remarks defended the Akufo-Addo administration’s handling of electricity tariffs, stating that the government only increased tariffs in three out of its eight years in office, despite managing an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme inherited from the previous government.

    Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM, Dr. Boako compared the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) record to that of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which, according to him, implemented consistent hikes during its tenure.

    “From 2009 to 2017, the 8 years NDC was in power, seven out of the eight years, they increased electricity tariff. The only year the NDC didn’t increase electricity tariff was 2009,” Dr. Boako emphasized.

    He argued that unlike the NDC, the Akufo-Addo administration managed the inherited IMF programme without frequent tariff hikes.

    “Under President Akufo-Addo, he came to inherit IMF programme under the NDC and that ended for him to also introduce another in the 8 years. But during the 8 years of President Akufo-Addo, out of the eight years, only three years did the NPP increase electricity tariff,” he stated.

    Dr. Boako outlined specific years under the current government where adjustments were made: “There was no increase in 2017, 2018…there was a reduction of 17.4%. In 2019, we increased by 17.5%. In 2020, we didn’t increase electricity tariff. 2021 and 2022, there was no increase. In 2023, he increased electricity tariff and in 2024, he didn’t by 6%.”

    He criticized claims suggesting the IMF had pressured the government into raising tariffs, saying, “So if you come and tell us that IMF says increase electricity tariff then you are not being truthful to Ghanaians.”

    However, data from Fact-Check Ghana presents a more comprehensive picture of Ghana’s tariff adjustments over the years. Since 2010, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has conducted 29 tariff reviews—resulting in 11 increments and two decrements. The remaining reviews saw no changes in rates.

    Under the NDC administration, significant increases occurred, notably an 89% rise in electricity tariffs in June 2010, followed by another jump of 36% in water tariffs. While there was a reduction in early 2011, later that year witnessed further increases of 7% and 3%. In 2013, a proposed 78.9% hike led to national protests, eventually reducing the increment to 58.19%.

    The following years saw continued adjustments. In 2014 alone, electricity tariffs increased three times, while 2015 brought an overall surge of 90.93% across multiple reviews.

    During Akufo-Addo’s first term, electricity tariffs were reduced in March 2018 by 17.5% for households, with reductions applied at varying rates for other consumer categories. Although tariffs increased in 2019 by 11.7% in July and another 5.94% in October, the following year saw no increases, largely due to government subsidies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In 2021, there were no tariff hikes, aligning with Dr. Boako’s claims of limited increments during the NPP administration’s tenure.

  • Public protests, economic crisis damaged my administration’s image – Akufo-Addo

    Public protests, economic crisis damaged my administration’s image – Akufo-Addo

    Ex-President Akufo-Addo has confessed that economic turmoil and persistent public outcry during his leadership played a major role in his administration’s waning support.

    During the presentation of a book by former Nigerian military head General Ibrahim Babangida, Akufo-Addo reflected on the financial instability that characterized his tenure, particularly the setbacks brought by the COVID-19 outbreak, which placed immense strain on Ghana’s economy.

    He remarked that the global crisis upended industries and commerce worldwide, including Ghana, leading to a sharp downturn in economic activity.

    With external financial support largely out of reach, his government had few solutions and eventually had no choice but to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Akufo-Addo admitted that the financial strain caused widespread frustration, resulting in numerous street protests. While he argued that these demonstrations were not as extreme as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) uprisings that rocked Ghana and other African nations in the 1980s, he conceded that they played a crucial role in eroding trust in his leadership.

    “We faced a major economic crisis and with the world’s capital markets close to us, we ended up going to the IMF. Not an easy decision to make. The economic difficulties brought people onto the streets.

    “I will say that even though the demonstrations were not on the scale of the SAP riots that are recalled and described in the book, they were serious enough, feeding into the growing disaffection against the government.”

  • We will bring back fairness in public sector employment – NPP

    We will bring back fairness in public sector employment – NPP

    The representative for Akim Swedru, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, has pledged that a future NPP government will restore public sector workers who were removed from their positions during John Mahama’s administration.

    In a Facebook post analyzed by GhanaWeb, he reassured the affected individuals that they would not only be reappointed but also granted full compensation for the period they were left jobless.

    Osei Nyarko denounced the dismissals as politically charged and an affront to fairness and democratic governance. He reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to reversing what he described as the NDC’s “discriminatory and unjustifiable actions.”

    “We will correct these injustices when the NPP returns to power. We are keeping records of all termination letters to ensure justice is served,” he assured.

    The Akim Swedru representative encouraged affected workers to remain resolute, assuring them that the NPP would stand by them and guarantee they receive due compensation.

    The issue arose after Chief of Staff Julius Debrah issued an order canceling all public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024.

    In a recent announcement, the Chief of Staff defended the directive, arguing that the appointments violated key principles of effective governance.

    He maintained that last-minute employment decisions contradicted the administration’s established protocols on recruitment during a government transition.

    “All appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after 7 December 2024 do not comply with established good governance practices,” excerpts of the letter revealed.

  • Felix Kwakye Ofosu sheds light on irregularities in mass Dec 7 appointments

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu sheds light on irregularities in mass Dec 7 appointments

    Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the decision taken by the Mahama-led government to terminate appointments made by the then administration after December 7.

    Addressing the media on Wednesday, the Minister indicated that the appointments made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were barred with irregularities beyond control, hence the reason for the termination.

    He cited back-dated letters, lack of interviews and no submission of application letters as some of the irregularities.

    “The way that the recruitment was done showed clearly that there was certain efforts to railroad party supporters into the civil and public service just because elections had been conducted, the NPP had lost and they were leaving. That was done in a manner that was unfair to others that didn’t belong to the NPP.”

    “We know the recruitment processes were attended by irregularities. In some instances, there were people who were given back-dated letters to create the impression that they had long been employed before the elections when that was not the case. There were some who didn’t go through interview, some who didn’t even submit an application letter expressing interest in the position. These are clear irregularities,” he said.

    According to him, the current government on several occasions had called for an engagement with the opposition NPP regarding the matter yet the latter never honored their invitation.

    “We had asked for some dialogue and engagement between our side and the outgoing government side to have an understanding of what exactly is happening. We also thought that because a new government was coming in it was important that certain decisions are reserved for them to pay.

    “While it is true that the tenure of the previous government ended on 6th January, it is also true that the incoming government that was going to bare the brunt in terms of remuneration and finding the money to pay these people. So surely they must have a say in how this is done. We requested for meetings, explanations, we asked them to hold on pending some consultation on the matter they rebuffed it and said that they have the power to do so.

    As John Mahama prepared to take office, questions emerged regarding the outgoing administration’s final-hour personnel changes and financial commitments.

    Defending its actions, the previous government asserted that “these recruitment processes and payments have received the relevant statutory approvals and have not been proven to be illegal. It was decided that any specific allegation of illegality about any particular payment or recruitment should be brought to the attention of the Transition Team for a decision to be made.”

    But the of Minster of Government Communications has noted that the NPP’s appointments were largely composed of party members, as they were approaching the end of their tenure.

    In response, the Minister clarified that the withdrawal of appointment is intended to facilitate a smooth transition and uphold transparency in the public sector.

    A directive from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has ordered heads of government institutions to revoke all appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024.

    The statement emphasized: “In line with the government’s stance on end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, please be informed that any such decisions taken within the Public Services of Ghana after December 7, 2024, do not align with established principles of good governance.”

    Institutions have been instructed to comply with the directive and submit a detailed report by February 17, 2025, outlining the actions taken.

    Meanwhile, the National Organiser of the NPP, has initiated legal proceedings regarding the matter.

    According to him, the directive issued by the Chief of Staff on February 10, 2025, exceeds legal authority and contradicts constitutional provisions.

    Referencing Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, Boakye argues that public service employees are protected from arbitrary dismissal and that the terminations were executed without proper legal procedures.

    He insists that the Chief of Staff and the President lack the legal power to revoke appointments unilaterally.

    In his petition to the Supreme Court, Boakye is seeking a ruling to nullify the directive, an injunction to prevent its enforcement, and confirmation of employment security for public sector workers. Additionally, he is requesting the government to bear the costs of the legal proceedings.

    The Attorney General, who has been named as the respondent, has 14 days from the date of notification to submit a response.

  • Nana B drags govt to court over termination of post-Dec 7 appointments

    Nana B drags govt to court over termination of post-Dec 7 appointments

    The National Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has taken legal action to contest the dismissal of employees hired before and after December 7, 2025, arguing that the move is unlawful.

    He asserts that the directive, issued by the Chief of Staff on February 10, 2025, exceeds legal authority and breaches constitutional provisions.

    Mr Boakye references Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which safeguards public service workers from unjust termination, emphasizing that the dismissals lack due process.

    He maintains that neither the Chief of Staff nor the President possesses the legal mandate to unilaterally revoke legitimate appointments.

    In his petition to the Supreme Court, Boakye is seeking a declaration that renders the directive invalid, an injunction against its enforcement, and confirmation of constitutional job security for public sector employees. Additionally, he is requesting an order for the government to cover litigation costs.

    The Attorney General, named as the respondent, has 14 days from the date of notification to submit a defense.

  • NPP govt paid GHc27.02bn to DDEP bondholders before leaving office – Former Finance Minister

    NPP govt paid GHc27.02bn to DDEP bondholders before leaving office – Former Finance Minister

    Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has disclosed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government disbursed a total of GH¢27.02 billion to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) before exiting office in January 2025.

    His statement comes in response to the incumbent government’s announcement that it had completed the Payment-In-Cash (PIC) component of GH¢6.081 billion to all DDEP bondholders as of February 17, 2025. The Payment-In-Kind (PIK) portion of GH¢3.46 billion has also been credited to bondholders’ securities accounts, in line with the DDEP Memorandum.

    Dr. Amin Adam detailed the payments made under the NPP government, emphasizing that the previous administration never defaulted on any coupon payment obligations.

    “The NDC government has announced that the President has directed the Minister for Finance to honour coupon payments to DDEP bondholders. As reported, this will be the 4th coupon payment, due on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. This means the previous NPP government successfully honoured three prior payments between August 2023 and December 2024,” he stated.

    He further broke down the total payments made under the NPP administration:

    • 1st Payment (August 2023): GH¢8.55 billion (PIC – GH¢5.42 billion, PIK deposit – GH¢3.13 billion)
    • 2nd Payment (February 2024): GH¢9.11 billion (PIC – GH¢5.85 billion, PIK deposit – GH¢3.27 billion)
    • 3rd Payment (August 2024): GH¢9.35 billion (PIC – GH¢5.98 billion, PIK deposit – GH¢3.38 billion)

    According to him, individuals who did not tender their bonds under the programme received coupon payments amounting to GH¢515.17 million between 2023 and 2024, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the government and the Coalition of Individual Bondholders.

    Dr. Amin Adam also highlighted that buffers were built in the Debt Reserve Accounts to support future debt service obligations, including the 4th coupon payments now being undertaken by the current government.

    “Since the restructuring of domestic debts, the previous NPP government has not defaulted in coupons,” he reiterated, defending the administration’s handling of Ghana’s debt crisis before leaving office.

  • Kennedy Agyapong to host Youth Leadership Symposium in Sunyani on Feb 22

    Kennedy Agyapong to host Youth Leadership Symposium in Sunyani on Feb 22

    Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and flagbearer aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, is set to engage with Ghana’s youth on February 22, 2025.

    The event, called Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurial Mindset Symposium, is aimed at educating young Ghanaians on available opportunities and how they can leverage them for personal and professional growth.

    This will be Agyapong’s first public appearance since departing from Parliament and marks the beginning of a series of youth-focused events for the year.

    The symposium will take place at Cheville Hotel in Sunyani Fiapre, where it is expected to attract a large crowd of young attendees from the region.

    The event will feature a combination of motivational speeches and success stories from young individuals who have taken initiative to improve their lives, inspiring others to believe in their potential and work towards a brighter future.

  • Embrace accountability as part of discharging your duties – Mahama to govt officials

    Embrace accountability as part of discharging your duties – Mahama to govt officials

    President John Dramani Mahama has addressed the rising curiosity surrounding government appointments, stressing that they are not just about prestige, but about the obligation to deliver meaningful outcomes for the people.

    During a gathering with the Ghanaian community in Ethiopia on Monday, February 17, Mahama acknowledged the public’s keen interest in the appointments, but highlighted that these positions come with significant duties and the pressure to meet high expectations.

    “Those of us in leadership must lead by example, we must be prepared to be held accountable, for taking the public trust and as I have told everybody, if you accept to serve in the public sector, then you must be prepared to answer to the people because it is the people who took you there, you serve at their pleasure.

    “The green letter comes with a lot of responsibility and expectation and I have said that while we hold those who came before us accountable, we should remember that we are also going to be held accountable.” he stated.

    He also stressed that revising the constitution, stabilizing the economy, and providing opportunities for the youth will be among his immediate focuses. While he aims to tackle these challenges swiftly, he is determined to establish a strong foundation that will guide Ghana toward progress, even if he cannot complete everything within his term.

    “So amending the constitution, holding people accountable for the public trust and making sure that we stabilize the economy and create the opportunity for our young people to work as quickly as possible, is the task ahead of us. We may not be able to complete that process but at least I am determined that we lay the foundation, and put Ghana on the right track.”

  • Termination of post Dec 7 appointments unjust and illegal – NPP to NDC

    Termination of post Dec 7 appointments unjust and illegal – NPP to NDC

    The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the Chief of Staff’s instruction to cancel all public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024, labeling it as an “illegal dismissal” that could expose the government to possible legal action.

    The directive, issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, instructs leaders of government entities to revoke any hires or appointments made within the Public Service after the specified date.

    A letter distributed to government bodies, conveyed the order.

    “Consistent with Government pronouncement in relation to near end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to bring to your attention that all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after 7th December 2024 are not in compliance with established good governance practices and principles.”

    “Accordingly, all Heads of Government Institutions are hereby requested to take the necessary steps to annul any such appointments or recruitments and submit a comprehensive report on the actions taken to this Office by 17th February 2025.”

    The directive impacts individuals who gained public sector positions following the 2024 elections.

    During a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, February 13, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) denounced the move, arguing it would result in widespread unemployment and financial strain for those affected.

    Nana Boakye pledged that the NPP would explore all legal avenues to challenge the directive, stating that such actions discourage young professionals from considering careers in the public sector.

    “Thousands of Ghanaians will suddenly find themselves jobless because of political expediency,” he told journalists, adding, “Just as Akufo-Addo took responsibility for Mahama’s last-minute appointments in 2016, he [Mahama] must also take responsibility for the appointments made legitimately.”

    Nana Boakye pledged that the NPP would explore all legal avenues to challenge the directive, stating that such actions discourage young professionals from considering careers in the public sector.

    “We will leave no stone unturned in challenging this decision in court,” he emphasized.

    The directive has raised alarms among the affected employees, with labor groups and legal professionals assessing its potential impact.

  • NPP had 8 years to provide evidence and jail culprits but failed – Shamima Muslim on discontinued cases

    NPP had 8 years to provide evidence and jail culprits but failed – Shamima Muslim on discontinued cases

    Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has pushed back against criticisms directed at President John Mahama over the discontinuation of certain prosecutions, arguing that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had ample time to secure convictions but failed.

    According to her, the opposition party, which governed for eight years, had every opportunity to prosecute cases but could not do so despite having a “favourable” representation in the courts.

    Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 10, she questioned why blame is being laid at the doorstep of Mahama’s administration when the NPP had full legal backing to pursue these cases but did not deliver results.

    “Eight good years the New Patriotic Party had to prosecute some of these cases. Eight good years that they had a very favourable representation in our courts,” she stressed.

    She also suggested that concerns over judicial appointments under the previous government may have played a role in public perceptions about court outcomes.

    “Excuse me to say, but we all know the perceptions around the packing of the court by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and sometimes some of what people describe as procured outcomes from our court.”

    Shamima further challenged the NPP to prove that the cases they initiated had merit, emphasizing that genuine cases of corruption would have resulted in convictions long ago.

    “If they had any case at all against these political opponents that were facing persecution through the instrument of our law court, they would have secured prosecutions and judgments, just as they did in previous tenures and jailed those individuals.”

    She assured the public that President Mahama remains committed to upholding justice and would not shield any member of his administration from accountability.

    “We should have confidence that he is not going to cover up any member of his administration. He has announced that even as we are going to start operationalising ORAL findings under the legal mandate of Ghana’s Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, we will also bring on stream Operation Prevent All Loots (OPAL).”

    She also underscored Mahama’s firm stance against corruption, noting that he is the only president in recent years to explicitly commit in his manifesto to preventing state capture and the illegal acquisition of public assets by government officials.

    “He has put it in black and white. He is committed to doing it because there’s got to be an end to lamentations,” she stated.

    “We cannot continue to lament over the things that are eroding our democratic gains and show no commitment in terms of leadership.”

    Touching on the controversial practice of political figures acquiring state property under questionable circumstances, Shamima described it as unethical and indefensible.

    “How on earth can we, with any conscience, purchase property that we know on the open market values more than, sometimes ten times the value for which we use our political positions to take those same assets? Nobody can justify that,” she argued.

    She urged patience regarding the discontinuation of certain cases, assuring that the Attorney General would soon provide detailed explanations.

    “In the coming days, the Attorney General will disclose comprehensively the reasons and grounds on which those cases that have been discontinued have been discontinued,” she assured.

  • We had to make vetting ungovernable to ensure Ablakwa was scrutinised – NPP MP

    We had to make vetting ungovernable to ensure Ablakwa was scrutinised – NPP MP

    Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, has justified the disruption that occurred during the Appointments Committee’s sittings on January 30 and 31, stating that it was the only way to prevent the vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from proceeding without proper scrutiny.

    Speaking to his constituents in Koforidua, Okyere Baafi explained that the chaotic scenes were a calculated move by the Minority to counter the Majority’s numerical advantage and ensure transparency in the process.

    “There were only seven of us in the caucus present, and if we had left, they would have proceeded with the vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that night without any public scrutiny,” he said. “The only option we had was to stay and make the place ungovernable.”

    He argued that had the Minority simply walked out, the Majority would have continued the vetting unchallenged, denying the public the opportunity to witness a thorough interrogation of the nominee.

    Despite his justification, Okyere Baafi offered an apology for the disorderly conduct, urging the public to understand the rationale behind their actions. He maintained that the disruptions were necessary to uphold accountability in the vetting process.

    The altercation, however, escalated into a full-blown brawl, resulting in damage to parliamentary property, including broken consoles, cables, and tables. The chaotic scenes left many observers concerned about the state of parliamentary decorum.

    In response, a special committee has been established to investigate the incident, reviewing video footage and testimonies to determine those responsible and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.

  • Former NEIP CEO slams NPP members downplaying party’s performance in 2024 polls

    Former NEIP CEO slams NPP members downplaying party’s performance in 2024 polls

    Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has taken a swipe at some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members for misrepresenting the party’s electoral performance in the 2024 general elections.

    In a Facebook post on Saturday, February 8, Nkansah criticized individuals within the party for quoting an incorrect 38% as the NPP’s vote share, despite official Electoral Commission (EC) results indicating that the party secured 41.75% (rounded to 42%).

    According to him, some NPP members were deliberately using the lower figure to serve their personal interests.

    “If you will reduce your own Party’s percentage or use NDC propaganda figure because you want another person as flagbearer, then you are obviously not a ‘correct’ Party person,” he stated.

    Nkansah further accused these individuals of undermining the party’s achievements and giving political ammunition to the opposition for their own agenda.

    He also called out the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for exaggerating their own results, stating that while the opposition has been touting a 57% victory, the EC’s official figure for the NDC was 56.42%—a number that, mathematically, does not round up to 57%.

    “NDC has been using 57% meanwhile you can’t round up 56.42 to 57,” he pointed out, arguing that such claims were part of a propaganda strategy.

    Amid the ongoing debate over the election outcome, Nkansah urged NPP members to rely on verified figures and avoid spreading misinformation that could weaken party unity.

    “We must be truthful with our own numbers and not fall for misinformation,” he concluded.

  • We won the right way, we will not go through another election – NPP PC for Ablekuma North

    We won the right way, we will not go through another election – NPP PC for Ablekuma North

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Ablekuma North, Nana Akua Afriyie, has outrightly rejected any possibility of a rerun of the parliamentary election in the constituency.

    She affirmed that all required records are intact, dismissing calls for a fresh election stemming from disputes over the collation process.

    A High Court ruling on January 4, 2025, instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) to complete the collation of results and announce winners for four pending parliamentary elections. While results have been declared in three constituencies, Ablekuma North remains unresolved.

    Collation resumed on January 8, 2025, but was disrupted due to missing results from three polling stations. The EC initially planned to continue the process on January 17, 2025, at 8:00 AM. However, following a security assessment, the Ghana Police Service advised postponement.

    Nevertheless, the EC, in a statement on January 17, disclosed that law enforcement did not provide sufficient security at the collation center, resulting in an incursion by party supporters and another suspension of proceedings.

    “I don’t agree in any way. We are not going for any rerun. We are going to collate those three polling stations.” Afriyie declared.