Kofi Tonto is an aide to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

An aide to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kofi Tonto, has criticised the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, for supposedly injecting religion into Ghana’s political discourse.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Kofi Tonto expressed deep concern over recent comments made by Dr Amoah, a known ally of Kennedy Agyapong, who suggested that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) poor performance in the 2024 elections was partly due to Dr Bawumia’s Islamic background.

Tonto condemned the remarks as divisive and irresponsible, warning against the dangers of religious politics in Ghana’s democracy.

“No Ghanaian goes to the hospital and asks for the religious background of the doctor before treatment,” he said. “What matters is competence, and the same standard should apply to our leaders.”

He further emphasised that Dr Amoah, as a legislator, should know better and act in a manner that promotes national unity rather than religious division.

“Religious identity should never be a disqualifying factor in politics. It’s dangerous and unnecessary to bring faith into the debate about who should lead this country,” Tonto added.

Tonto argued that track record and competence, not faith, should be the focus of political discourse.

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Road users in Yilo Krobo are battling the inconveniences of the abandoned rehabilitation works

Correspondence from Eastern Region

Road users in the Yilo Krobo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities of the Eastern Region are grappling with the inconveniences caused by the abandoned rehabilitation works on the Trom-Somanya-Kpong and Somanya-Asitey roads, stirring tensions among residents and motorists.

The stalled road projects have drawn widespread concern, including from traditional leaders who have openly voiced their displeasure over the six-month delay since the current government assumed office.

Sipim Narh Tekpertey II of Manya-Aklomuase in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area has joined the chorus of calls for the resumption of works on the road. He warned that failure to resume construction could prompt residents to embark on a demonstration to press home their demands.

Addressing the media, the frustrated traditional leader criticized the deteriorating condition of the roads and issued a stern warning that, if work does not resume immediately, the stretch will be rendered impassable—especially for limestone-hauling trucks.

“We’re giving them up to October, which is our festival month. If they fail to resume work on our roads, the government will not be happy with our actions. We will block all limestone-hauling trucks from using the road, and then they will understand how angry we are,” he declared.

The road serves as a key route for limestone-hauling trucks from nearby Odugblase and other mines, which Sipim Tekpertey blames for accelerating the deterioration of the roads in the area.

He emphasized that the Krobo constituencies—Yilo Krobo, Lower Manya Krobo, and Upper Manya Krobo—have consistently supported the NDC, delivering strong numbers in recent and past elections. According to him, the people deserve to benefit from national development projects.

Notable Krobo appointees in the Mahama administration include Seth Terkper, Policy Advisor to the President; COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, Inspector General of Police; Rita Akosua Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister; Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Interior Minister; Gideon Aryeequaye, Acting Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Council; and Nathaniel Tetteh, Director of the National Service Authority – Eastern Region.

Sipim Tekpertey urged chiefs, youth, and road users to demand accountability from their leaders.

Meanwhile, contractors on the Somanya-Kpong and Somanya-Asitey roads have attributed the stalled work to a lack of government funding.

Billy Brigham Deku, Project Manager at Generals Construction Limited, which is handling the two projects, cited the unavailability of funds from the government as the main reason for the delay. He noted that the company has pre-financed the projects so far, but all efforts to secure payments from both past and present administrations have proven futile.

Deku added that the company is also working on other roads in the Eastern Region, including the Mamfe-Larteh, Tafo-Kukurantumi, and Adeiso-Kasoa roads, which are also suffering from a lack of funding.

Rehabilitation of the 11-kilometre Somanya Roundabout-Kpong road began in June 2024 and was expected to be completed within two and a half years. However, contractors warned that ongoing funding delays could derail the work schedule, prolong the completion timeline, and continue to cause hardship for commuters and residents.

Residents and shop owners have expressed concerns about health hazards caused by the excessive dust generated by the stalled construction. Commuters also lament the inconvenience and health risks associated with the situation, which has forced many drivers to avoid the road altogether.

Affected residents have appealed to the government to release the necessary funds to enable the contractors to resume and expedite the work. They are also requesting regular watering of the road to reduce the dust while construction is ongoing.

The reconstruction of the 11-kilometre road became necessary due to its complete deterioration. Originally asphalted in 2016 at a cost of over GHS 30 million under the previous NDC administration, the road began to fail drastically just two years later, prompting the need for a full rehabilitation.

Political Scientist, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, says competence and a strong understanding of Ghana’s challenges—particularly economic ones—must be the deciding factors in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2026 presidential primaries, not popularity or experience alone.

Speaking on Joy FM’s , Dr. Asah-Asante dismissed arguments that a candidate’s longevity or familiarity in the political space gives them an automatic edge.

“You can be an old guy who has contested many times and is well known, but if you are incompetent, you are incompetent,” he stated. “If you don’t have the support of the people, you don’t have them.”

He was responding to arguments made by some within the Bawumia camp that it is easier to market a candidate who has already “tested the waters.”

Dr. Asah-Asante, however, countered that political success is not built on repetition, but on relevance, strategy, and credibility.

“What the people want is somebody with the knowledge, with the understanding of the economy and how it works—not any propagandist style of positioning,” he added. “We want people who are the real men and understand the real issues confronting this country.”

He acknowledged that the leading contenders—Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Adutwum—all bring unique attributes to the race. However, he emphasized that it is their grasp of Ghana’s problems and ability to propose credible solutions that will determine who emerges victorious.

Dr. Asah-Asante also stated that records, strategy, and messaging that resonate with the electorate will be the major factors that “separate the chaff from the real input.”

Rev Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah is a former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev Dr Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, and two others for their supposed role in the SML scandal.

The OSP announced the arrest in a post shared on social media on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

The two other suspects are Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at SML (Strategic Mobilisation Limited), and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SML.

The office indicated that the arrest of the three men is in connection with its investigation into the SML scandal.

“The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at SML; and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now MD/CEO of SML.

“The arrests are linked to ongoing investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of contracts between the GRA and SML for revenue assurance services. The probe also seeks to verify SML’s claims that its services have been saving the nation significant revenues,” part of the post reads.

It added that the three suspects were detained on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after failing to meet their bail conditions.

Additionally, the list of suspects placed under arrest in connection with the SML case includes Evans Adusei, the CEO of SML; Philip Mensah, former Deputy Commissioner of Legal at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and currently a legal consultant to SML; Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor, both staff members of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA); and Kofi Nti, the former Commissioner General of the GRA.

The SML scandal is one of the investigations in which former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared a suspect and a wanted fugitive.

The OSP has indicated that it is examining agreements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) concerning petroleum and mineral revenue oversight.

Under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, SML was engaged by the GRA to provide real-time monitoring and audit services aimed at enhancing tax compliance and revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector.

In 2023, the scope of the contract was significantly expanded to include upstream petroleum activities and the mining sector, triggering heightened public scrutiny.

The government under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo eventually suspended the contract in 2024 following an audit by KPMG.

An amount of GH¢1.06 billion had already been paid to SML by the time the contract was suspended.

If allowed to proceed, the total cost to the state was projected to reach GH¢5.17 billion over five years.

In the wake of all these happenings, Civil Society Organisations mounted a strong response to the findings, with a coalition of five Non-Governmental Organisations filing a lawsuit against the previous government, seeking to recover GH¢1 billion already paid to SML.

OSP Arrests Former GRA Officials Over SML Contracts

………………………….

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager…

— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) June 25, 2025

SML update

The rest of the suspects placed under arrest are;

Evans Adusei – CEO of SML

Philip Mensah – Former Deputy Commissioner of Legal GRA and now Legal consultant to SML

Joseph Kuruk and Faustina Adjorkor both staff of Public Procurement Authority.

And

Kofi Nti…

— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) June 25, 2025

BAI/MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account

Accra, June 25, GNA-The Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has called on the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, and the leadership of the Presbyterian Council at the Church’s national headquarters in Osu.

The high-level engagement formed part of Dr. Acheampong’s broader efforts to deepen dialogue with key institutions, affirming the importance of faith-based leadership in national development and governance.
The meeting offered a platform for spiritual fellowship, institutional conversation, and personal reflection on the values that have shaped his journey.

Addressing the Moderator and Council members, Dr. Acheampong acknowledged the historical contributions of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to education, health, ethics, and civic responsibility. He commended the Church for remaining a strong moral compass in national life.

“The Presbyterian Church has not only nurtured great minds through its schools and seminaries, but has also produced leaders of integrity across all sectors,” Dr. Acheampong said. “It is only right that we continue to engage and draw from the wisdom and values of the Church.”

He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between state actors and faith institutions, especially in matters of education reform, community development, youth mentorship, and character formation.

The visit was described by the Church leadership as a welcome gesture — one that demonstrates humility, responsibility, and an appreciation for spiritual accountability in public leadership.

In his personal reflections, the former Minister for Agriculture spoke with emotion about his roots in the Presbyterian Church and the formative influence it has had on his character and leadership style.

“I am a product of the Church — from infancy to now” he said. “From my earliest days at Mile 7 tolling the church bell with a car rim and crankshaft, to the spiritual mentorship I received from many revered leaders, I have always been grounded in Presbyterian values.”

He recalled his time at Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, describing it as one of the most defining periods of his life. The Moderator, in response, praised him for staying true to his foundation.

“We are proud that you’re a great product of PRESEC,” Rt. Rev. Dr. Opare Kwakye remarked. “And we encourage you to continue allowing those values to shine through in your public and private life.”

The Church leadership concluded the meeting with a time of prayer and anointing, asking for God’s continued guidance and strength for Dr. Acheampong.
The Moderator offered words of encouragement, calling on the MP to be an example of principled leadership in an era of political cynicism.

“We bless you today and charge you to carry this responsibility with humility and reverence. May your decisions reflect the faith and discipline we stand for,” the Moderator prayed.

The act of anointing symbolized not only a spiritual blessing, but also the Church’s expectation that leaders remain committed to values of justice, peace, and service to humanity.

Dr. Acheampong’s visit comes at a time when public conversations around leadership and values are gaining renewed attention, particularly as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for internal party transitions and long-term national planning.

The MP maintained that faith and public service were not mutually exclusive — and that moral leadership was essential for national development.

“Whatever role I play — as an MP, as a servant of the people — I carry with me the teachings, discipline, and truth instilled in me by this Church,” he said.

The meeting between Dr. Acheampong and the Presbyterian Council was not a campaign stop, but a symbolic return to the foundation upon which his leadership has been built.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has urged the Management Committee of the Parliamentary Friendship Association to foster strategic diplomacy, promote peace, expand trade, and encourage cultural exchanges with sister parliamentary associations across the world.

He, therefore, called on the Management Committee to develop comprehensive guidelines for its engagements and activities, and to promote innovation and strategic partnerships.

Mr. Bagbin gave the advice at Parliament House in Accra on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Management Committee of the Parliamentary Friendship Association of the Ninth Parliament.

He said the inauguration of the Association would usher in a new chapter in international diplomacy, and thus urged members to work with integrity, purpose, transparency, and accountability.

“This is why the inauguration of this Management Committee is so critical. It must not only exist in name but must be driven by action and focused on results,” he advised.

Mr. Bagbin charged the Association to make concerted efforts to exchange experiences and ideas with sister associations to foster renewed hope and peace across the world.

He encouraged the Association to sign memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with their counterparts globally in key thematic areas such as trade, technology, cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development.

He also underscored the need for the Management Committee to include independent and female legislators in its composition, noting that with the right leadership, international diplomacy would be strengthened to the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, Chairman of the Management Committee and Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, described the Committee as an important management structure and pledged to work assiduously to ensure it functions effectively and achieves its goals.

“It will take its oversight responsibilities seriously to bring renewed hope to the governance of the Association’s cooperation,” he assured.

Maher Kheir, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, pledged to work collaboratively with Ghana’s Parliamentary Friendship Association to promote cooperation and integration among sister associations across the country.

Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, said national parliamentary friendship associations serve as critical avenues for parliamentarians to network and address challenges faced by sister parliaments across the world.

He added that parliamentarians could also leverage their relationships with sister associations to contest for international positions.

Jerry Ahmed Shaib, Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, who represented the Minority Leader, said that in view of complex global challenges, it was crucial to leverage national parliamentary friendship associations to build bridges and deepen interaction and diplomacy among parliamentarians globally.

CNN —

President Donald Trump is under opposing pressure from inside Israel and his own MAGA base as he ponders the most fateful national security decision of either of his presidencies — whether to attempt a killer blow against Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel is sending clear signals, including through former senior officials, that it hopes the US will ultimately join the conflict and use its unique military edge to destroy the Iranian nuclear complex at Fordow, which is buried deep underground.

See More ❯

Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah is a former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, and two others for their supposed role in the SML scandal.

The OSP announced the arrest in a post shared on social media on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

The two other suspects are Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at SML (Strategic Mobilisation Limited), and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SML.

The office indicated that the arrest of the three men is in connection with its investigation into the SML scandal.

“The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has arrested Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil, ex-Commissioner of Customs and now General Manager at SML; and Christian Tetteh Sottie, former Technical Advisor and now MD/CEO of SML.

“The arrests are linked to ongoing investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of contracts between the GRA and SML for revenue assurance services. The probe also seeks to verify SML’s claims that its services have been saving the nation significant revenues,” part of the post reads.

It added that the three suspects were detained on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, after failing to meet their bail conditions.

The SML scandal is one of the investigations in which former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared a suspect and a wanted fugitive.

The OSP has indicated that it is examining agreements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) concerning petroleum and mineral revenue oversight.

Under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, SML was engaged by the GRA to provide real-time monitoring and audit services aimed at enhancing tax compliance and revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector.

In 2023, the scope of the contract was significantly expanded to include upstream petroleum activities and the mining sector, triggering heightened public scrutiny.

The government under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo eventually suspended the contract in 2024 following an audit by KPMG.

An amount of GH¢1.06 billion had already been paid to SML by the time the contract was suspended.

If allowed to proceed, the total cost to the state was projected to reach GH¢5.17 billion over five years.

In the wake of all these happenings, Civil Society Organisations mounted a strong response to the findings, with a coalition of five Non-Governmental Organisations filing a lawsuit against the previous government, seeking to recover GH¢1 billion already paid to SML.

BAI

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Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana Dr Kwame Asah-Asante

Political science lecturer at the University of Ghana Dr Kwame Asah-Asante has cautioned that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must prioritize competence over popularity or long-standing visibility as it prepares for its 2026 presidential primaries.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on June 24, 2025, Dr Asah-Asante argued that the ability to understand and address Ghana’s economic challenges should be the defining trait of the party’s next flagbearer, not how often a candidate has contested or how well-known they are.

“You can be an old guy who has contested many times and is well known, but if you are incompetent, you are incompetent, if you don’t have the support of the people, you don’t have them, myjoyonline.com quoted him as saying.

His remarks were in response to assertions from some supporters of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who argue that candidates with prior exposure are easier to market to the electorate.

But Dr Asah-Asante dismissed such claims, insisting that electoral success should be grounded in substance, not name recognition.

“Political success is not built on repetition, but on relevance, strategy, and the ability to offer solutions. What the people want is someone who understands the economy not a propagandist with clever positioning,” he added.

According to him, the 2026 NPP presidential race which is expected to feature key contenders such as Dr Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, and Dr Yaw Adutwum will ultimately come down to which candidate can demonstrate a credible grasp of Ghana’s pressing issues and articulate a convincing path forward.

He emphasised that beyond individual appeal, what will determine the party’s next leader is a strong track record, effective communication, and strategic alignment with the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians.

“The records, the strategy, and the messaging that resonates with voters will separate the chaff from the real input,” he concluded.

AM/KA

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