Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its opposition to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing the party’s posture as hypocritical and lacking moral authority.

His comments follow a demonstration organised by the NPP and some allied political parties on Monday, May 5, in Accra.

Protesters demanded the immediate reinstatement of the Chief Justice, arguing that President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to suspend her was unconstitutional and politically motivated.

The group said the move threatened the independence of the judiciary.

However, speaking in an interview on Joy News, Justice Atuguba questioned the NPP’s credibility on matters of judicial independence.

“How were they when they were in office? How did they perform? Acting transparently in the interest of the people, did they do that? What!

“These are the kinds of things I just hate. That is pure hypocrisy. The exclusion of public interest in our political space is very troubling.

“Before the elections, it was a common parlance on social media where the Supreme Court was being described as ‘unanimous FC’, was it President Mahama who was doing that? They were in office; what steps did they take?” he questioned.

Accra, May 7, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has named Obstetrician and Academician, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS).

The appointment, which was announced during the inauguration of newly constituted Boards of several key health institutions, including the GCPS, Teaching Hospitals, and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), places one of Ghana’s most respected medical figures at the helm of the nation’s premier institution for postgraduate medical education.

Prof. Kwawukume, a veteran in Ghana’s health sector with a distinguished international profile, brings to the role, decades of experience in clinical practice, medical education, and healthcare leadership.

He is the Founder and Vice Chancellor of Family Health University and also the Founder of Family Health Hospital, and has held the prestigious K.K. Bensti-Enchill Chair at the University of Ghana’s College of Health Sciences.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Kwawukume acknowledged the serious challenges confronting the country’s healthcare system, stressing the need for urgent, coordinated efforts.

“There is evidence that many hospitals across the country face significant challenges. As Board Chairman, I am committed, along with my colleagues, to tackling these issues head-on. Having worked with many of these institutions, I am confident in our ability to foster a strong, collaborative approach.”

He expressed optimism about the sector’s prospects, pointing to the wealth of experienced professionals within Ghana’s healthcare system.

“What gives me hope is the presence of familiar faces-people I have worked with over the years. “This creates a foundation for improved collaboration and open dialogue, which will ultimately ease the burden on the Ministry of Health and its leadership.”

Prof. Kwawukume emphasized the urgency of action over rhetoric: “There are times when what we need is not more talk, but action-and now is one of those times.”

A trailblazer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Kwawukume is internationally known for performing the world’s first bloodless myomectomy during a Caesarean section using a tourniquet.

He is also the co-inventor of the Medical Eligibility Criteria Wheel for Reproductive Health and Family Planning, a tool adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and used globally.

His previous roles include Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Korle Bu-based School of Medicine and Dentistry and leadership positions in numerous professional bodies, including past Chair of the West African College of Surgeons (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) and past President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG).

In recognition of his global contributions to women’s health, Prof. Kwawukume was conferred Honorary Fellowship of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG).

GNA

GRB

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has described President John Dramani Mahama’s first 120 days in office as a period marked by deepening political divisions, disappointments, and regrets.

Afenyo-Markin alleged that the NDC government has adopted a partisan approach to governance, marginalising those perceived as political opponents, while rewarding loyalists.

According to a report by citinewsroom.com, he made the remarks in a recent interview on Citi FM.

“For me, it’s 120 days of disappointments and regrets. The NDC in 120 days has created two Ghanas; a Ghana for them and their party, and a Ghana for the others they consider enemies.

“First of all, when they assumed office, they decided to terminate the employment of Ghanaians who had been employed in state institutions,” he reportedly said.

Afenyo-Markin further claimed that these dismissals extended to independent constitutional bodies and State-Owned Enterprises, undermining the credibility of governance and professionalism in the public sector.

“Worst of all, teachers and nurses who were employed and posted were also affected. Haruna Iddrisu issued a statement about validating the teachers, but there is no evidence that those who were asked to go home have been reinstated,” he noted.

Turning his attention to the flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, the Minority Leader criticised the government’s apparent lack of clarity and execution.

He argued that the policy was yet to be fully implemented.

“They made us believe they would implement a ‘one-three-three’ model, one job, three shifts by creating an enabling environment for the private sector through incentives. What we see today is a complete lack of policy direction for the private sector,” he added.

JKB/AE

Meanwhile, watch as former KATH CEO Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah ‘takes side chicks seriously’

Former Member of Parliament for the Builsa North constituency and Communications Team Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Timothy Ataboadey Awontirim, has described the recent protest held by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as an embarrassment.

Speaking on the Prime Morning Show on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Mr. Awontirim expressed that the demonstration was flawed due to their misinterpretation or ignorance of constitutional content. This, according to him, rendered the protest awful.

“The NPP do not know the content of the constitution, and what they did yesterday was an embarrassment,” he said.

READ ALSO: Joyce Bawah Mogtari: 120 days of purposeful leadership — A new dawn for Ghana

According to him, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, found himself fumbling when presenting the petition to the Supreme Court because “not one step has been missed in the constitution.”

Mr. Awontirim slammed the NPP, saying they boycotted the 1992 constitution’s drafting, yet now they are posing as democracy experts.

The former MP pointed out the minority’s “hypocrisy”, noting that the NPP undermined state institutions when they were in power and caused chaos, only to turn around to preach about democracy.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

A photo of the Tamale Teaching Hospital

A man and his wife have publicly apologised to two senior doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) for publishing defamatory statements about them on social media, following recent tensions involving health professionals and political figures.

The couple, led by Charles Dakurah, offered an unreserved apology for false allegations they made under pseudonyms on social media.

The apology letter from the couple was released after the couple were issued a 48-hour ultimatum by legal counsel of the doctors, Dr Edward Addo Dankwa Esq, of Oseawuo Chambers at Tema, to retract the statements and apologise or face their wrath in court for defamation.

“Upon sober reflection, I realise that the comments I made were ill-informed, misguided, and deeply hurtful.

“I acknowledge that my actions have caused unwarranted pain and reputational damage,” Dakurah wrote in the apology letter.

The defamatory comments made using social media pseudonyms, “Adepa Afia Chepere” and “Queen Afia Enr,” falsely accused the doctors of unethical behaviour, extortion, and corruption.

In the retraction, Dakurah admitted the allegations were entirely baseless and unjust, and extended his apologies on behalf of himself and his wife, Clementina.

“I unconditionally withdraw and retract all the allegations I made… I understand that those statements were false, defamatory and unfair to professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others including my dear wife and daughter,” he added.

The apology comes in the wake of heightened public scrutiny of TTH following a separate incident involving Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and doctors at the hospital — a situation that drew national attention and triggered a flurry of social media commentaries.

Dakurah acknowledged the impact of his actions and promised to act more responsibly moving forward.

“I assure you that I have taken valuable lessons from this unfortunate episode and I commit to being more responsible and discerning with my words and actions,” he added.

AM/AE

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

Accra, May 7, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has nominated 40 individuals for appointment as district chief executives for the Ashanti Region, pending approval by their respective District Assemblies.

A statement signed by Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday, said the nominations were made in accordance with Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 20(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).

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By Christopher Arko/Edward Acquah

Accra, May 6, GNA – In the lead up to the 2024 General Election, then candidate John Dramani Mahama outlined an ambitious raft of plans to reset the country and put Ghana on the path of economic recovery and social transformation.

In keeping with his promise after securing historic victory and taking office on January 7, 2025, President Mahama did not hesitate to deliver on his promise to the people in his first 120-days in office.

In a document, which is a sequel to the National Democratic Congress 2024 Manifesto, the President outlined 26 deliverables that would facilitate the reset agenda, setting the tone for the implementation of policies in the NDC’s Manifesto.

Notable among his promise was to nominate his Cabinet and constitute the leanest Government within 90 days in office.

This was achieved as the President announced his 19-Member cabinet on February 20, 2025 and has so far sworn into office 56 Ministers, four short of not more than 60 Ministers he promised.

The President also fulfilled his promise of scrapping the E-levy, COVID levy, 10 per cent levy on bet winnings, and Emissions levy, which he described as draconian.

President Mahama again convened a National Economic Dialogue to discuss the true state of the economy and prepare a homegrown fiscal and monetary consolidation programme to guide the budget and the national economic planning as a whole.

The national consultative conference on Education was also held to build consensus on needed adjustments and. improvements to the sector.

Key Manifesto policy interventions that have so far being implemented includes the Feed Ghana Programme, Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, One Million Coders Programme, Adwumawura Programme, and the National Apprenticeship Programme – all geared towards empowering the youth with employable skills.

Other policies that have been rolled out by the new Government includes the establishment of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund, and the Tree For Life Initiative to plant seven million trees to restore the green cover and the environment.

The Government has also allocated seed money of GH₵51.3 million for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank to give Ghanaian women credit to engage in all manner of business activities to improve their lot.

The President recently cut sod for the construction of a permanent village on the Spintex road, near the Kotoka International Airport, to provide decent temporary accommodation for Muslims embarking on Hajj.

On the fight against illegal mining, which was a major campaign promise, the Government has moved to tackle the issue head-on. However, reports from some mining areas suggest that more needs to be done to tackle the menace comprehensively.

Although the Government has made significant progress in its reset agenda, some key campaign promises are yet to be fulfilled.

Notable among the promises captured in the 120-day social contract yet to be implemented is the implementation of the ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions—universities, colleges of education, and nursing training institutions.

The promise to establish an Accelerated Export Development Council (AEDC) to promote exports as part of a broader strategy for economic transformation has also not been fulfilled.

When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) hit the streets of Accra to talk to Ghanaians about the performance of President Mahama’s 120-day Social Contract, people shared varied opinions on the matter.

What stood out were the erratic power supply, youth unemployment and high cost of living.

Ms Edith Som, a National Service Person in her comment thanked President Mahama for honouring his 120-days social contract to the people.

She cited for example that the government had paid all allowances and arrears owed service personnel which were outstanding since 2024.

She however appealed to the government to resolve the intermittent power problems which she said was affecting people in some parts of the country.

Mr Alfred Nyarko, a shoe seller at the Accra Tema Station market, stated that though the President had fulfilled some of his campaign promises, he needed to tackle the rising unemployment of the youth and the erratic power supply in the system.

Wofa Yaw Asiama, a Commissioner of Oaths, said the President’s raft of promises was ambitious but with passion and resilience, he would have the full support and blessings of Ghanaians to make the country a better place than he found it.

GNA

SOF

The Deputy National General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has launched a scathing critique of President John Mahama’s performance in his first 120 days in office, arguing that the government has failed to deliver on the majority of its promises.

Today marks the end of President Mahama’s 120-day social contract after he assumed office on January 7, 2025.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, May 7, Mr Mohammed challenged the circulated narrative that the Mahama administration has had a strong start since returning to power in January.

According to him, out of the 26 promises made by the President, only a handful have been partially fulfilled.

“I believe that the Ghanaian people will agree with the NPP with respect to the assessment of John Mahama’s 120 days. Nobody forced him—he gave us about 26 promises,” he said.

“If you are fair, just to give to them is 7. The “yes”, will give you 12. And then the ‘no’s are 7. If you put it together, the ‘yes’ if it is 12, that’s about 46%,” he continued.

Mr Mohammed dismissed suggestions that this performance deserves praise, using a classroom analogy to hammer home his point.

“Which university lecturer will give you 46% and you’ll pass the exam? Which university in the world will give you a pass mark for 46%?” he asked.

He was particularly critical of the government’s flagship social pledges, such as the ‘no academic fee’ policy and free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, which he claimed have not been implemented in any meaningful way.

“He talked about the no academic fee policy. It is not done. Go to the schools and ask the people who are attending—no single first-year university student’s fee has been paid. Nobody has been paid, nobody has been refunded either,” he said.

“Again, the free tertiary education for persons with disability—no person with disability’s fee has been paid. Nobody.”

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr

The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for disregarding Ghana’s 1992 Constitution in pursuit of narrow political interests.

Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on May 7, 2025, a broadcast monitored by GhanaWeb, Pratt expressed outrage over recent remarks made by the NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah.

According to Pratt, Ahiagbah openly admitted that the party was more focused on political strategy than adherence to constitutional principles.

“Ahiagbah says they are doing politics, not following the constitution. He even said, ‘Forget the constitution.’ That tells you everything about their priorities. They’re sidestepping the very foundation of our democratic system,” he indicated.

Kwesi Pratt Jnr advised that such statements from a leading figure of the New Patriotic Party are dangerous and set a worrying precedent for democratic governance in Ghana.

“Why are you wasting our time if you’re not going to use the constitution? Stop what you’re doing to the nation. It is dangerous and sets a worrying precedent for democratic governance in Ghana,” he said.

He stressed that the constitution is the supreme law of the land and should guide all political activities.

Pratt also argued that any political party that chooses to ignore the constitution in its operations is not only undermining democracy but also inflicting long-term harm on the nation.

He further noted that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where constitutional provisions are treated as optional or secondary to political expediency.

Pratt emphasised the need for leaders to uphold the rule of law and protect national institutions from partisan manipulation.

MRA/AE

Shocking! Watch why a young woman in the US questioned Alban Bagbin’s Ghanaian identity

Martin Amidu and Professor H Kwasi Prempeh

A former Attorney General and Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has accused Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), of hypocrisy and selective criticism regarding the Council of State’s role in Ghana’s governance.

In an opinion piece dated May 5, 2025, Amidu, a founding member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), alleged that Prof Prempeh remained silent during constitutional violations under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration, but is now advocating reforms to the Council of State under the NDC government.

Referencing the CRC chairman’s recent public statements, where Prof Prempeh suggested restructuring the Council of State to address its “structural flaws” and “excessive presidential influence,” Martin Amidu described these suggestions as a “covert attempt to prepare the minds of citizens” for constitutional amendments that could alter the unentrenched provisions of Chapter 9 and potentially affect entrenched provisions in Chapter 8 of the 1992 Constitution.

In his opinion piece, Martin Amidu accused Prempeh of double standards, noting his silence during the Akufo-Addo era.

“John Dramani Mahama’s NDC assumed power on 7 January 2025 from Akufo-Addo’s NPP which openly and knowingly raped the constitution without protest, [yet] Kwasi Prempeh now sees his suggestions as endemic sins of the Council of State. This is what is called double speak!” the former Attorney General stated.

Amidu further highlighted Prof Prempeh’s acceptance of a “handpicked” appointment to the Law Reform Commission under Akufo-Addo, despite his current criticism of the council’s appointment processes.

He also questioned the timing of Prof Prempeh’s advocacy, linking it to recent partisan criticisms of the Council of State’s role in the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146(6) of the Constitution.

He accused the IEA and Prof Prempeh’s Centre for Democratic Development-Ghana (CDD-Ghana) of pursuing a “geopolitical agenda” under the guise of neutral Civil Society Organisations, suggesting their actions are strategically aimed at undermining the NDC ahead of the 2028 Election.

“The NDC has chosen to utilise the four-year term of President John Dramani Mahama to sup with the devil by appointing Henry Kwasi Prempeh of the CDD-Ghana to chair its CRC. I only pray that the NDC has a long spoon,” he warned the NDC against aligning with Prempeh.

Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, a legal scholar and Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama on January 19, 2025, to chair the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC).

The eight-member committee, inaugurated on January 30, 2025, was tasked with reviewing Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, identifying gaps from previous reviews (2010 and 2023), engaging stakeholders, and recommending amendments to enhance democratic governance within five months.

Professor Kwasi Prempeh, following his appointment, lauded President Mahama’s decision as a signal of a commitment to impartial reforms and described as statesmanlike on the part of the president to appoint him, a non-NDC member and vocal critic of the president’s prior administration.

GA/AE

Meanwhile, watch as former KATH CEO Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah ‘takes side chicks seriously’

The Minority in Parliament says the chip-embedded passport project being paraded as a new initiative was fully executed under Akufo-Addo.

In a statement signed by Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minority described the recent launch as a “purported re-launch” and accused the government of distorting facts.

“The planning, procurement, and execution were all done under the Akufo-Addo Government,” the statement read.

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By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu

Keta (VR), May 7, GNA – Residents of Keta in the Volta Region have hailed and commended President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling most of the promises made to deliver on his commitments within his first 120 days in office.

They expressed appreciation for the President’s efforts for addressing some of the country’s pressing issues to give comfort and alleviate the plight of the majority in the area.

Mr Dzidefo Isaac Aborhor, a businessman at Keta, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said President Mahama promised to take bold steps to address some of the country’s challenges within his first 120 days in office indicated his dedication and commitment to giving hope to Ghanaians.

“We are impressed with the President’s commitment to keeping his promises and we are hopeful that he will continue to deliver on his campaign promises,” he said.

He said that many residents within the areas were optimistic that the President’s policies would help improve the economy, create jobs, and enhance the overall well-being of all for better development and progress in the country.

Mr Aborhor appreciated the commitment and accountability efforts exhibited by the President and believed that his ability to report on his progress within the first 120 days in office demonstrated commitment to open and transparency in government.

“We still have confidence in President Mahama’s ability to lead the country; we hope that his visions and the leadership skills will take Ghana forward.”

He explained that the President’s economic initiatives have been welcomed and efforts to convene a National Economic Dialogue, allocation of money for the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank and others would help develop a roadmap for fiscal recovery and promote economic growth for the benefit of all.

Mr Gabriel Dzramdo, an Educationist, impressed excitement about the President’s initiatives in education and healthcare sectors and the introduction of free Tertiary Education for Person with Disabilities, No-academic fee policy for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions, and efforts to host an Education Dialogue and establishment of the Mahama Cares Health Fund.

Mr Anthony Dagadu, an Economics and Policy Analyst, told the GNA that the President had made a good start in fulfilling his 25 promises made to be delivered in the first 120 days in office and many were hopeful that he would continue to deliver on his campaign promises.

He said that the prospects for Ghana looked promising under President Mahama’s leadership and his commitment to transparency, accountability, and economic growth had the potential to take Ghana forward and improve the lives of its citizens.

He said other promises such as nomination Cabinet Ministers for parliamentary approval within the first 14 days, constituting of the leanest government of 54 out of 60 ministers promised under the fourth republic in first 90 days in office as well as scraping of the E-levy, COVID levy, 10 per cent levy on bet winnings, and Emissions levy were recommendable.

Mr Dagadu said the President’s initiatives to establish a robust code of conduct and standard for all government officials, commencement of free sanitary pad to female students in primary and secondary schools, institute a government policy to ban political appointees from purchasing state assets and ‘Adwumawura’, National apprenticeship programmes and one million coder programme should be applauded.

He advised the government to also enact stronger policies to purge state security agencies of all militia and vigilante elements and the ban on illegal mining activities in the forest reserves.

Some other residents in Keta GNA interacted with pledged their support for President Mahama to continue the hard work towards delivering on the rest of his campaign promises to improve the lives of Ghanaians and promote economic growth.

GNA

MA/GRB

play videoProfessor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority

Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has argued that the current executive body of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lacks the quality and integrity of its founding fathers, such as B.J. Da Rocha, Peter Ala Adjetey, and Haruna Eseku.

According to the outspoken academic, the NPP has “lost its soul” due to the caliber of individuals it now chooses to represent the party.

Speaking in an interview with Metro TV, Professor Gyampo, who is also the CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, said the NPP must return to its foundational values and traditions if it wants to be taken seriously.

“The caliber of people that the NPP now has as leaders, I compare them to those I saw growing up. I used to work with B.J. Da Rocha at the Institute of Economic Affairs after he had retired. He would often visit the IEA secretariat, and I used to talk to him about how he conducted himself as the founding chairman of the NPP. I also engaged with Dan Botwe, Haruna Esseku, Odoi Sykes, Ala Adjetey, and Agyenim Boateng. I know what they stood for and how they managed the party’s affairs. I don’t see the current crop of NPP leadership doing the same.”

He continued, “The current NPP has lost its soul because of the caliber of people they have recruited to lead them. If the party wants to be taken seriously, it must trace its roots back to its traditions.”

Professor Gyampo emphasised that the NPP is an elite party rooted in constructive debate, not one that promotes young, inexperienced individuals to push partisan agendas and attack others.

“NPP is a party that believes in healthy debate, not a party that sponsors small boys on social media to insult people they should be learning from,” he concluded.

Prof. Gyampo reflected on his interactions with the founding fathers and past leaders of the NPP, noting that he does not see the same qualities in the current leadership.

He remarked that the party has lost its soul due to the kind of individuals it now chooses to represent… pic.twitter.com/kiO42h3bvJ

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) May 6, 2025

KA

Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below

Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has alleged that former presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong orchestrated the publication of the famous Agyapadie document for political gain.

According to Abronye DC, the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, allegedly conspired with some National Democratic Congress (NDC) media outlets to publish the document, intending to tarnish the image of his then-contender in the NPP presidential primaries, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who was serving as Vice President in the ruling government at the time.

Speaking in an interview on Movement TV on May 4, 2025, Abronye DC stated, “He collaborated with NDC media houses and paid them to publish the Agyapadie document against Nana Addo’s family so that Ghanaians would dislike Bawumia and vote against him.”

About the Agyapadie document.

One of the major occurrences in the build-up to the 2016 general elections was the emergence of a book christened “Agyapadie.”

The 38-page document, which had no recognized author, featured the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, on the cover photo, and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his father Akufo-Addo on the following page.

The book is essentially the Bible of a supposed plot for total state capture by some powerful persons of Akyem descent, with the sole aim of establishing the Akyem kingdom as the most powerful in the country.

In its ‘Table of Contents,’ the book breaks down the various aspects of Ghanaian life that the cabal, dubbed the ‘Akyem Mafia,’ intended to control, making the rest of the country acquiescent to the dictates of the selected Akyem.

From chieftaincy to the economy to politics and all aspects of Ghanaian society, the book outlines a detailed plan by the supposed Akyems to establish total dominance and ensure that the running of the country is done at their beck and call.

The book predicts key happenings in the country, including changes in leadership at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, the collapse of indigenous Ghanaian banks and financial institutions, and the deliberate and conscious positioning of the Okyenhene as the most powerful chief in the country, among others.

In the religious sphere, certain powerful and popular men of God who were deemed opponents of the regime were going to be targeted and destroyed, while those believed to be in favour of the government were going to be supported.

Why the document was back in the news

Owing to the goodwill that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo enjoyed then and the timing of the release, which coincided with the elections, the document was outrightly rejected as many believed it was a propaganda tool.

However, happenings in the first term of the Akufo-Addo administration and recent events reignited conversations around the document, with most people forming conspiracies about the authenticity of the book.

Okyenhene’s reaction

While officialdom has remained silent on the book and treated it with contempt, the Okyenhene has been compelled to rubbish its relevance following recent claims by some persons, particularly members of then opposition National Democratic Congress.

“We saw this during the period of J.B. Danquah, and we’re seeing this now. In and around October 2016, about a few months before the election, the same document known as the ‘Akyem Project’ was in circulation. The focus of that was to fan hatred between Okyeman and Asanteman to undermine the electoral efforts of Nana Akufo-Addo. Unfortunately for them, it came too late to the election.”

“This diabolic plan was revised in 2019. In the year 2020, when the Agyapa business became a political issue, the book suddenly metamorphosed into ‘Agyapadie,’” Okyenhene noted in a State Council meeting at Kyebi.

“Many kingdoms have seen greater development over the years, but some people always have issues whenever the government decides to bring development to Okyeman. I have heard things in recent times. The funniest of it is that I am the richest chief in Ghana. I mean, how? Anyway, when anyone regards you as a rich person, you must receive it. I received it,” Okyenhene said with a smile.

Arthur Kennedy believes in the conspiracies

Dr Arthur Kennedy, a leading member of the NPP, holds a divergent view to that of Okyenhene as he believes in the content of the book.

“That is all part of the state capture, and the whole Agyapadie document is a blueprint for state capture,” he stressed.

“The problem we have in our country is that there are a lot of people in our public space and governments whose sole purpose, regardless of the policy initiative, is to figure out how to milk the public space and transfer public resources into private hands for it to become private wealth. That is why there is so much incompetence, he said on JoyNews on Saturday, July 26, 2024.

AM/KA

#TheAdutwumFactor! Watch as Yaw Osei Adutwum declares intent to contest NPP flagbearership for 2028

President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama

The newly launched Code of Conduct by President John Dramani Mahama spells out a set of directives meant to foster transparency, sound leadership and accountability for government appointees.

The Code launched on Monday, May 5, 2025, applies to all ministers, deputy ministers, chief executives, and presidential staffers, including the President and Vice-President.

The document, unveiled at Jubilee House, establishes legally binding guidelines that appointees must strictly adhere to.

This write-up seeks to highlight ten (10) important rules that are intended to serve as checks and balances for all government appointees.

It is noteworthy to state that this directive is not novel to the Mahama-led Government, as a similar code was instituted during his tenure in office in 2013.

Here are 10 key directives outlined in the Code:

1. No acceptance of gifts valued over GH¢20,000.00 without declaration

Appointees must not accept gifts or favours from individuals or businesses who have interest in government decisions. Resultantly, gifts exceeding GH¢20,000.00 must be declared and can only be retained with written presidential permission.

2. Strict ban on buying state assets

Political appointees are barred from purchasing government properties—land, buildings, vehicles, or shares—either directly or indirectly. Defaulters of this directive face immediate dismissal.

3. Declare assets or face dismissal

All appointees must declare their assets. Those who took office before March 31, 2025, had until May 7 to comply or risk losing three months salary or even dismissal.

4. No use of public funds for gifts or hampers

The Code prohibits using public funds, including internally generated funds, to purchase hampers or gift items, except modest ones given for staff excellence or retirement, with prior approval.

5. Declare conflicts of interest

Appointees must disclose all business interests, especially those connected to government agencies. They are forbidden from using their positions to benefit relatives or associates.

6. Ban on nepotism and influence peddling

Using influence to secure contracts or appointments for friends or family is not permitted. Even the appearance of bias is grounds for investigation.

7. Mandatory reporting of official travels

All official and unofficial foreign travels require prior approval from the Chief of Staff. Appointees must file a report within 14 days of returning.

8. Sanctions for breach of code

Offenders face penalties ranging from reprimand and suspension to dismissal. The President made it clear that “there will be no sacred cows.”

9. Online reporting system for citizens

A digital portal is being established to allow citizens to confidentially report suspected breaches, ensuring community oversight.

10. Regular briefings and training on ethics

Appointees will undergo periodic ethical training and must sign annual declarations reaffirming their commitment to the Code.

VKB/VPO

Meanwhile, watch as former KATH CEO Professor Otchere Addai-Mensah ‘takes side chicks seriously’

Dr. Bawumia with Bawku Naaba

The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated that the propaganda and lies peddled by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) linking him to the Bawku conflict has been exposed.

According to him, NDC affiliated politicians falsely claimed he was involved in the ongoing dispute between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in Bawku.

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