Dr Nyame-Baafi is a Senior Research Fellow at IERPP
Development economist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy, Dr Kwasi Nyame-Baafi, has asserted that there are mismatches between economic data and the realities on the ground as far as the John Dramani Mahama Presidency is concerned.
In a post made on his Facebook timeline, Dr Nyame-Baafi compares key economic indicators and the happenings on the ground, a situation he describes as bizarre.
“Inflation falls to 6.3%, yet utility prices keep rising. The cedi is “appreciating,” yet public debt has increased by over GH¢70 billion in just three months supposedly due to exchange-rate pressures” he wrote.
“A so-called lean government, yet bloated allocations for the Office of Government Machinery. Fewer ministers, but more presidential staffers, technical advisors and deputy ambassadors” he observed.
IERPP scores government 40.5% in 2026 Budget assessment
He further noted that it is strange that taxes deemed to be nuisances have been abolished, only for new ones to be introduced such as the energy sector levy.
“Announcing ORAL, then attempting to abolish the OSP when ORAL fails.
Declare war on illegal mining, yet the state buys galamsey gold while mining goes on openly even in schools” he stated.
He wrote in his concluding statement; “A government of walking contradictions”.
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gaming Commission, Lamtiig Apanga, has dismissed attempts to separate former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) governance record, arguing that the party’s leadership must collectively account for its performance in government.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, he maintained that Dr Bawumia was an integral part of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration and therefore cannot be shielded from criticism over what he described as the government’s failures.
According to him, narratives suggesting that Dr Bawumia should be isolated from the perceived poor performance of the Akufo-Addo administration are misleading, stressing that governance was a collective effort involving the President, the Vice President, and the entire leadership team.
Mr Apanga argued that if the NPP intends to regain public trust, the party must return to its grassroots and rebuild confidence among its delegates, rather than attempting to absolve individual leaders of responsibility.
“If the delegates at the grassroots decide not to grant the same leadership another mandate, it sends a clear message that they do not want a continuation,” he said, adding that there is “no way Dr Bawumia can be isolated from the poor performance because he was part of the team.”
However, a contrasting view has been expressed by former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who has urged NPP delegates to disregard claims linking Dr Bawumia directly to the mismanagement of the economy under the party’s administration.
Adwoa Safo insisted that Dr Bawumia should not be held solely responsible for the economic challenges faced during the NPP’s tenure, arguing that his influence in key decision-making processes was limited. She maintained that the former Vice President remains the best candidate to lead the party going forward.
Blame Ofori-Atta for Ghana’s economic crisis, not Bawumia’ – Adwoa Safo
The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is fully prepared to conduct the parliamentary rerun
The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is fully prepared to conduct the parliamentary rerun in the Kpandai Constituency scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, despite an ongoing legal challenge.
Deputy Director of Research at the EC, Fred Tetteh, said preparations for the rerun are on course, stressing that the Commission is acting in line with the law while monitoring developments at the Supreme Court.
Tetteh explained that the Commission fixed the December 30 date as a law-abiding institution and would proceed unless the Supreme Court rules otherwise.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Monday, December 15, Tetteh said, “We are aware of an Appeal in court, and as a law-abiding institution, we fixed the date on December 30, 2025. We don’t know what will happen from the Appeal. Whatever happens, if the Supreme Court rules otherwise, we’re going by our date.”
He disclosed that ballot papers will be printed in Accra and that political parties will be duly informed of the printing schedule.
Training of election officials, he said, will take place within five days of the poll, while recruitment processes have already begun.
According to him, the EC has recalled officials who will oversee the rerun and will soon publish a notice of poll to formally notify residents of Kpandai about the election and related arrangements.
Tetteh added that all remaining preparatory activities, including the printing of ballot papers and public notices, can be completed within ten days.
“In terms of the ballot paper printing, we will inform the political parties of the date. Training will be done within five days of the poll.
In terms of the preparations, we are ready. We will publish a notice of poll to inform the public in Kpandai about the conduct of the rerun and the printing of ballot papers.
He added, “These things can be done within 10 days. We are in the process of recruiting. We have recalled the officials who will be conducting the election. We will not print the ballot papers in Kpandai; everything will be done in Accra.”
Parliament declared the Kpandai seat vacant following a ruling by the Tamale High Court, which ordered a rerun of the parliamentary election.
The affected Member of Parliament, Mathew Nyindam, has since filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to quash the judgment of the High Court, Commercial Division in Tamale, which annulled his parliamentary election victory.
Meanwhile, a new poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics ahead of the rerun has projected Nyindam, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, as the leading contender.
The poll, released on Sunday, December 14, 2025, places him at 50 per cent voter support.
His closest rival, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Daniel Nsala Wakpal, secured 46 per cent in the survey, setting the stage for a keenly contested rerun in the constituency.
Dr Yussif Sulemana is the Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Energy
The Technical Advisor and Second Gas Processing Plant Focal Point at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Dr Yussif Sulemana, has underscored the critical role of Ghana’s oil and gas resources in driving economic growth and national transformation, describing the country as a safe and attractive destination for energy investment.
Dr Sulemana made these remarks while representing the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, as the guest speaker at the 12th Oil and Gas Awards.
According to him, energy remains the lifeblood of Ghana’s economy, stressing that despite the global push for renewable energy, oil and gas will continue to play a central role in supporting economic survival and industrial growth.
He explained that while Ghana is fully committed to the green transition, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is pursuing a balanced approach that allows oil and gas development to run alongside renewable energy investments.
“We are working the two in parallel. We are careful not to allow one to offset the other. Oil and gas will continue to drive our industrialisation agenda, and that is what we are championing,” he said.
Ghana’s oil sector witnessed decline in 2025 – John Jinapor
Touching on recent power supply challenges, he noted that the erratic electricity situation experienced earlier in the year was resolved through deliberate and sustained efforts, rather than chance.
He said the government has intensified efforts to revitalise both the upstream and downstream petroleum sectors to ensure they effectively support the power sector.
“For years, we treated the power and petroleum sectors as separate entities. Today, we have adopted a clear strategy centred on ‘Gas-to-Power’. Previously, we relied heavily on liquid fuels to generate electricity, which was not only very expensive but also environmentally unfriendly,” he explained.
He noted that renewed investor confidence in Ghana’s energy sector, describing the power and petroleum industries as vibrant and investment-ready.
He recalled that before 2024, international oil companies such as ENI were close to exiting the country due to unfavourable operating conditions.
However, he said recent policy reforms and an improved investment climate have encouraged major players to recommit to Ghana.
“ENI is currently planning investments of about US$1.5 billion, while our Jubilee partners are also expected to invest around US$2 billion, even with oil prices hovering in the low US$60 range,” he disclosed.
Dr Sulemana further stated that Ghana is actively reviewing its upstream petroleum framework, local content policies, and downstream infrastructure development, a process he said is already delivering positive results for the sector.
SP/AE
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:
My wife was involved in an accident four years ago. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it.
She was someone I loved dearly, and I haven’t gotten over her. I don’t think I can ever get over her. I keep missing her daily.
We were married for three months when this happened. You don’t expect me to move on so quickly.
The accident was a bit severe. Some parts of her body disconnected while some crushed entirely. It wasn’t something anyone could recover from.
So we laid her to rest in pieces, not entirely, but the majority was in pieces. A memory I can barely get out of my head.
The worst pain I wouldn’t even wish for my enemy is what she went through before taking her last breath.
I kept an arm of hers. It’s been frozen since her demise four years ago in my freezer. Once in a while, especially when I miss her, I go for it and spend some time with it.
I didn’t tell anyone I had it. I joined the family to search for it before we gave up and decided to bury her without one arm. I just wanted a part of her with me, and I think that has been helpful.
I am preserving it very well. We had no child, she left me with nothing to remember her with, so I think the arm is all I’ve got.
Anytime I see her in my dream, she’s actually without the arm, and I don’t know if that could mean something. I feel maybe she misses me, too. How do I return it to her grave, even if I want to? It’s been four years.
Again, should anyone find this arm in my custody, will I be in any form of trouble for keeping my deceased wife’s arm?
I just can’t move past the memory of her. She’s the best woman the world has ever had.
I want to put measures in place, and if I need to consider letting it go, I may start embracing the idea. I need your suggestions, please.
FG/EB
Watch as legendary rapper Obrafour graces Medikal’s Beyond Kontrol Concert:
Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX and the world’s richest person
The world’s richest person, Elon Musk, has hit yet another milestone of $600 billion due to soaring valuation of his rocket maker SpaceX.
This makes him the first person to hit the trillionaire status in the world.
Earlier in December 2025, Musk’s rocket maker SpaceX launched a tender offer valuing the firm at $800 billion, up from $400 billion in August, two of the company’s investors told Forbes.
This boosts the fortunes of Elon Musk, who owns an estimated 42% of SpaceX, by $168 billion to an estimated $677 billion on Monday, December 15, 2025.
The tender offer comes as SpaceX is targeting an IPO in 2026 that could value the company at around $1.5 trillion, one of the company’s investors confirmed to Forbes.
The tender offer and SpaceX’s IPO plans were previously reported by a number of outlets.
Tesla says Musk should be paid $1 trillion – will shareholders agree?
Representatives for Musk and SpaceX did not respond to Forbes’ requests for comment.
Even without an IPO at that valuation, which would likely make Musk a trillionaire, Musk’s estimated $336 billion stake in SpaceX is now his most valuable asset.
His 12% stake in Tesla, meanwhile, is worth $197 billion, excluding stock options from his 2018 CEO Performance Award that were voided by a Delaware judge in January 2024.
If Musk loses that appeal, Tesla could still provide him with an alternative route to becoming a trillionaire.
Moving past the $600 billion net worth mark is just the latest in a series of milestones Musk has achieved over the past half decade.
SP/AE
All you need to know about Ghana’s new vehicle number plates |BizTech:
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reprimanded the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, for allegedly using his political position to interfere in the Sampa chieftaincy affairs.
Speaking on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the final Asanteman Council meeting of 2025 held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene warned that political influence will not be tolerated in traditional leadership matters.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that the Bono Regional Minister, who is a lawyer, has a personal interest in the Sampa chieftaincy disputes.
“I will not allow him to use his political position to meddle in the chieftaincy affairs,” the Asantehene said.
The Asantehene’s remarks underscore the importance of maintaining a clear separation between political office and traditional authority in Ghana, particularly in matters concerning chieftaincy disputes.
Otumfuo chastises Bono Regional Minister for using his political position to meddle in Sampa chieftaincy affairs https://t.co/8OwKK4NSLS pic.twitter.com/C8FoNtmIFX
Former Attorney-General Martin Amidu has criticised what he describes as political inconsistency in the handling of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict by successive governments, particularly under former and current presidents.
Amidu recalled that former President Akufo-Addo appointed the Asantehene to mediate the dispute, a process he said deteriorated following actions taken in October 2024 that led to loss of lives.
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Attractive News Blog of Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Source: Andre Mustapha NII okai Inusah
Faustina Fosu, sister of the late Ghanaian music icon Daddy Lumba, has opened up about the emotional toll surrounding her brother’s funeral, revealing plans for international extensions of the final rites.
In an interview with Nhyira FM, Madam Faustina said the December 13, 2025 funeral ceremony was bittersweet, as many family members and mourners could not attend due to legal issues and lingering family grievances.
“I was somewhat satisfied with the funeral, but I had some reservations and cried a lot because a faction of the family and mourners could not be present,” she stated.
She explained that Daddy Lumba’s influence transcended Ghana’s borders, making it necessary to organize memorial events outside the country for fans and relatives abroad.
Madam Faustina also disclosed that the family has returned to the Manhyia Palace to engage the abusuapanyin and other family heads as part of mediation and reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring unity.
Consumers could see some relief at the pumps in the second pricing window of December, as fuel prices are expected to decline, according to the latest pricing outlook from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
Data from the Chamber indicates that petrol prices could fall by about 3.89 percent, while diesel is projected to decline by 4.59 percent.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices are also expected to ease by approximately 2.16 percent.
The anticipated reductions are being driven largely by a sharp drop in international refined petroleum product prices, which has more than offset the impact of the cedi’s marginal depreciation during the period.
Although crude oil prices increased by 1.06 percent, major refined products recorded significant declines ahead of the festive season, largely due to oversupply conditions in the global market.
Petrol prices fell by 6.55 percent, diesel dropped sharply by 11.67 percent, while LPG edged down by 0.22 percent.
During the second pricing window of December, the cedi weakened slightly from GHS 11.14 to GHS 11.43 against the US dollar, representing a 2.68 percent depreciation. The currency movement reflects seasonal pressures from increased festive demand and relatively tight foreign exchange inflows, which have limited further gains in the local currency.
Despite earlier industry indicators pointing to an average 5 percent increase in fuel prices during the first pricing window of December driven by currency pressures and rising international prices, oil marketing companies held prices steady.
Energy sector stakeholders attribute that decision to heightened competition within the downstream petroleum market, which continues to act as a buffer against price volatility for consumers.
Papa Shee has detailed the reason behind Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa’s absence from her late husband’s funeral
In an interview, the evangelist also explained why several members of the late singer’s family and traditional leaders failed to attend the event
Many Ghanaians took to social media to react to Papa Shee’s remarks about Akosua Serwaa’s absence at the funeral service
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Former hiplife musician turned evangelist Nana Yaw Akosah, popularly known as Papa Shee, has explained why the late Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, failed to attend her late husband’s funeral in Kumasi on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Evangelist Papa Shee explains why Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, missed her late husband’s funeral. Photo source: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, DADDY LUMBA Source: Facebook
Daddy Lumba passed away at the Bank Hospital in Cantonments, Accra, at the age of 60 on Saturday, July 26, 2025, after a battle with illness.
Several important Ghanaian dignitaries, including Nana Acheampong, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Kennedy Agyapong (Kenpong), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Dr Frank Amoakohene, attended the solemn event.
Some family members of the late Daddy Lumba, including his children, younger sister Faustina Fosu, Abusuapanin Victor Kofi Owusu Banahene, and second wife Odo Broni, were present to bid farewell to the late singer.
The late musician’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, elder sister Ernestina Fosu, Papa Shee, and other members of the immediate family, who were in a public dispute with the Abusuapanin over the funeral arrangements, did not attend the event.
Papa Shee speaks on Akosua Serwaa’s absence
In an interview on Adom TV’s “Badwam” morning show on Monday, December 15, 2025, Papa Shee noted that Akosua Serwaa was still in Germany and did not travel with her children for Daddy Lumba’s funeral service.
He claimed that his late mentor’s first wife was not formally invited or notified about her late husband’s funeral service, which was held on December 13. He noted that she only heard about the funeral through hearsay and decided to commit the matter to God.
The evangelist claimed that Daddy Lumba’s family head also failed to invite several traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region, including the Nsutahene, Parkosohene, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He further explained that several members of Daddy Lumba’s immediate family were unable to attend the burial because they lived abroad and had appealed for the ceremony to be postponed to another date so everyone could be present.
Papa Shee noted that he also stayed away from the funeral out of respect for elders who had withdrawn from the arrangements, choosing instead to remain at home in worship.
The Instagram video of Papa Shee explaining why Akosua Serwaa did not attend her late husband’s funeral is below:
Akosua Serwaa’s dispute with Abusuapanin over funeral
Daddy Lumba’s family has been involved in a publicised dispute since his demise at 60 on July 26, 2025, and the one-week observance a month later (August 30).
The late musician’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa, filed a lawsuit against her husband’s family head, Kofi Owusu, and his Ghana-based wife, Odo Broni.
Radio presenter Kwame Mario shares what he saw in Daddy Lumba’s coffin at the funeral on December 13, 2025. Image credit: Kwame Mario, Abrewanana TV Source: TikTok
The suit asked the court to declare her the only legal surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba and also bar his second wife, known privately as Priscilla Ofori, from being declared the deceased’s wife.
After about a month of proceedings, the Kumasi High Court declined to name Akosua Serwaa the sole legal wife of the late highlife legend, as she had sought.
Why was Akosua Serwaa’s case dismissed?
The judge, Justice Dorinda Smith, is reported to have ruled that Akosua Serwaa could not prove that she was Daddy Lumba’s sole legal wife, while Odo Broni was able to prove that she was married traditionally.
According to reports, the judge was not convinced by the marriage certificate presented by Serwaa to support her claims of marrying under the Ordinance with Lumba in Germany.
The judge further directed that the Germany-based Serwaa and Odo Broni be recognised as the spouses of Daddy Lumba and be allowed to perform the widowhood rites.
The court’s decision did not go down well with the late musician’s first widow, who has since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Ghana.
Akosua Serwaa’s absence from funeral stirs reactions
YEN.com.gh has gathered some comments from social media users below:
Official_nanaquajonti commented:
“God will bless you, Papa Shee. I need a friend like Papa Shee, whom I can lean on even in my absence. You really did what you could, and you stood by the truth.”
Estherserwaaawuah wrote:
“If she wasn’t invited, why did her kids come?”
Dezember_veryown said:
“God bless you, Evangelist. Your reward is in heaven and not these nay-sayers.A friend and brother like you is hard to find.”
Daddy Lumba’s sister explains brother’s covered face
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Daddy Lumba’s sister explained why her late brother’s face was covered at his funeral.
In a video, Faustina Fosu claimed that her late brother requested that his face be kept private from mourners in a will he left before he passed away.
Daddy Lumba’s sister’s remarks about the decision to cover her late brother’s face triggered mixed reactions from Ghanaians on social media.
ZEN Petroleum’s emergence as the Best Performer in Mine Supplies and Support Services at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards, held on 5 December 2025 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, has once again highlighted the company’s strong position within Ghana’s mining supply chain and its expanding presence in the broader petroleum retail market.
The award, presented by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, recognises companies that demonstrate exceptional reliability, safety performance, and operational discipline in servicing large-scale mining operations. For ZEN, this latest recognition adds to a long record of sector leadership: the company has now secured five (5) wins and three (3) first runner-up positions since the category was introduced 11 years ago, making it one of the most consistently recognised suppliers in Ghana’s mining industry.
Within the mining sector, ZEN has built a reputation for delivering high-quality fuel and lubricants reliably to remote and demanding sites. Its integrated supply chain – spanning procurement, storage, transport, and on-site support – has been central to its performance. The company also operates a transport arm run entirely by women drivers, a distinctive model that has drawn attention for both its safety outcomes and its contribution to gender inclusion.
Speaking after the ceremony, Managing Director William Tewiah said the recognition affirms the company’s long-term approach to disciplined operations.
“This award is a reflection of the dedication and discipline our teams apply every single day. Supplying the mines requires precision and consistency, and we have built systems that allow us to meet that responsibility without compromise. It is encouraging to see that effort acknowledged by the industry,” he said.
Safety remains one of ZEN’s defining attributes. The company has achieved more than seven million accident-free hours in its mining operations and earlier this year received the Corporate Excellence Award at the inaugural National Safety Awards organised by the Ghana National Fire Servicein collaboration with TD-TIMAWT.
While ZEN’s mining achievements continue to attract sector recognition, the company is also expanding within Ghana’s retail fuel market. It currently operates 63 retail stations, a number expected to grow to 80 by the end of 2026. The company applies the same operational discipline used in mining to its consumer-facing network, focusing on fuel quality, accurate quantity, and fair, transparent pricing.
Commercial Manager Mercy Belbah Smith said the company’s retail strategy is a natural extension of the standards developed in its mining operations. “What we have built in the mines – strong systems, safety leadership, and reliable supply –is exactly what we are bringing to our retail customers. Consumers deserve the same level of assurance, and our expansion reflects that commitment,” she noted.
ZEN’s latest award therefore underscores two parallel developments: its sustained leadership in a technically demanding industrial sector and its rising influence in Ghana’s nationwide fuel retail market. As the mining industry continues to expand and retail competition intensifies, ZEN appears well-positioned to shape both arenas with a model rooted in reliability, safety, and disciplined growth.
About ZEN Petroleum
Founded in 2010, ZEN Petroleum Limited is the flagship company of the ZEN Group – an integrated, wholly Ghanaian-owned enterprise and a leader in the country’s downstream oil and gas sector. ZEN is the fuel and lubricant supplier of choice to Ghana’s mining sector and operates a growing retail network of 63 stations nationwide.Through its subsidiaries – including Astra Oil Services (BDC), ZEN Terminals (33,000MT depot), ZEN Transport, and Ladybird Logistics – the ZEN Group offers end-to-end fuel importation, distribution, logistics, and bunkering services.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has cautioned against the proliferation of prosecuting bodies in Ghana, warning that it could create legal complications and undermine the administration of justice.
Speaking on the ongoing debate surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday December 15, Prof. Oquaye questioned the effectiveness of the institution after four years of operation, asking what concrete results it has produced.
He drew attention to Article 88(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the Attorney-General to initiate and conduct all criminal prosecutions in the name of the Republic of Ghana, either personally or through persons authorised by law. According to him, deviations from this constitutional arrangement could have serious legal consequences.
“A time may come when people will go to court and have their convictions quashed because of who prosecuted them. It can happen on legal technicality,” Prof. Oquaye warned, stressing the need to strengthen existing prosecutorial institutions rather than multiply them.
The former Speaker also expressed concern about certain practices by prosecuting authorities, particularly in relation to bail conditions. He questioned the fairness of requiring accused persons who have been granted bail to provide personal property as security, noting that such requirements could discriminate against poor defendants.
“How can a prosecuting body ask that an accused person who has been granted bail bring his personal property as security for the bail? If you are a poor person, can you be bailed?” he asked.
Prof. Oquaye argued that the creation of multiple prosecuting authorities leads to confusion and the exercise of overlapping powers, which ultimately weakens the justice system. In his view, a stronger and well-resourced Attorney-General’s office would better serve the interests of justice and constitutional governance.
His comments come at a time when Parliament is reconsidering moves to repeal the law establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Last week, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the Majority caucus would withdraw its Private Member’s Bill seeking to scrap the OSP, following a request from President John Dramani Mahama.
Read also
Ghana’s political polarisation undermining national cohesion – Prof. Oquaye
The former Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya Adwoa Safo has told the New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates to ignore claims that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia caused the economic mismanagement under the party’s administration.
Adwoa Safo highlighted that Dr Bawumia was not the finance minister, arguing that the former vice president was only a driver’s mate.
Prices of petroleum products are expected to decline marginally at the pumps from today, December 16.
The projection is contained in the latest outlook report by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which guides pricing decisions by oil marketing companies, and has been sighted by JoyBusiness.
Projected Reduction
The price of petrol is expected to fall by between 1.64% and 3.89%, bringing the pump price per litre to about GH¢12.90.
Diesel is projected to decline by as much as 4.59%, which should see a litre selling at around GH¢13.20.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also expected to drop by up to 2.16%, resulting in a kilogram selling at approximately GH¢14.00.
Reasons
According to the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, the expected reduction has been influenced mainly by declining prices of finished petroleum products on the international market.
The report noted that despite a marginal increase in crude oil prices, major petroleum products recorded price declines due to global oversupply.
Petrol prices fell by 6.5%, diesel dropped significantly by 11.67%, while LPG eased by 0.22%.
The cedi, however, depreciated marginally from GH¢11.14 to GH¢11.43 over the period.
The Chamber explained that the price drop also aligns with seasonal festive expectations and demand pressures.
It added that limited foreign exchange support restrained further appreciation of the Ghana cedi during the period.
Some market analysts told JoyBusiness that government may need to do more to firmly stabilise the cedi to ensure that the current price relief at the pumps is sustained.
Others argued that without the recent pressure on the local currency, Ghana could have witnessed steeper fuel price reductions in the second pricing window.
Four persons have appeared before an Accra High Court for their alleged roles in the importation of cannabis sativa concealed in a gift box without lawful authority.
The accused include Godfred Mishiame, a motor rider, and three others: Zion Sam Kish, Prince Sefa Boakye, and Dennis Smith, who are currently at large.
They have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and importation of narcotic drugs without a licence issued by the Minister of Health.
Mishiame is additionally facing four counts of possession of narcotic drugs for trafficking without lawful authority.
He is alleged to have had in his possession a quantity of cocaine when his residence was searched. Mishiame has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court admitted him to bail in the sum of GH¢100,000, with three sureties, two of whom are to be justified. One of the sureties, the court ordered, should be a public servant earning at least GH¢30,000.
It directed the prosecution to file its disclosures on or before January 12, 2026, while Mishiame is also to file the names of his witnesses by the same date.
The prosecution said on August 4, 2025, officers of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) stationed at the Ghana Post Office in Accra intercepted a parcel during a routine inspection of inbound EMS parcels, on suspicion that it concealed narcotic drugs.
The parcel, which was described as containing “varied clothing”, was flagged for further investigations.
On August 5, NACOC officers, acting on intelligence, arrested Joshua Mills, a clearing agent, who was found in possession of the parcel’s tracking number and authority note. Mills told investigators that he had been instructed to clear the parcel.
The parcel was opened in his presence and found to contain five vacuum-sealed plant-like substances. A field test conducted on the substances tested positive for Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a narcotic drug.
Further investigations revealed that Mills had been contracted by Zion Sam Kish, the second accused person, to clear the parcel and forward it to Esther Naa Dede Armah at a hostel in Haatso. Mills, however, denied knowledge of the parcel’s contents and assisted with the investigation.
The court heard that, during interrogation, Esther said Kish had instructed her to receive the parcel, which was to be collected later by a delivery person.
She also denied knowledge of the parcel’s contents and assisted investigators. Later the same day, Mishiame arrived on a motorbike to collect the parcel. He was arrested after opening it and confirming its contents.
During his arrest, Mishiame allegedly sent a message to Kish, alerting him to the presence of the police. On August 7, a search conducted at Mishiame’s residence led to the discovery of 11 branded packets of plant material suspected to be cannabis, 30 wraps of plant-like material, and one packet of whitish substance suspected to be cocaine.
The others were 42 empty bottles of Benylin containing codeine-based syrup, a weighing scale, packaging materials, and other drug paraphernalia. A Royal motorbike and GH¢864 in cash were also seized.
Mishiame has denied ownership of the seized narcotics. The alleged drugs were forwarded to the Ghana Standards Authority for analytical examination.
The plant materials tested positive for cannabis sativa, with a total net weight of 1,218.29 grammes, while the whitish substance tested positive for cocaine, with a net weight of 0.52 grammes.
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.
There is no doubt that graduate unemployment and unemployment in general are major concerns for governments and policymakers in all jurisdictions.
Unemployment has been described as a national security threat because if people are jobless, they could pick up arms and other offensive weapons and engage in all manner of criminal activities, including armed robbery, commercial sex work, illegal small-scale mining and many more.
In fact, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama, is on record to have warned that unskilled youth are at risk of being exploited by criminal elements. He said we have many young people ready to be hired by bad actors—drug traffickers, terrorists, and other criminals.
Concerns have also been raised that universities continue to produce large numbers of graduates in fields that do not align with current job openings, thereby deepening the unemployment canker. So there is no doubt that unemployment is a great concern to all.
Although the July 2025 edition of the Quarterly Labour Statistics by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) revealed a marginal decline in the national unemployment rate, unemployment is still a major concern.
According to the GSS, data collected from over 9,000 households across the country showed that Ghana’s unemployment rate fell from 13.3% in the third quarter of 2024 to 13.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
This modest decline signalled progress but revealed persistent distress. In 2024, youth unemployment remained alarmingly high at 22.5% for ages 15 to 35 and 32% for ages 15 to 24. “This evidence highlights the urgency of expanded and more focused labour market practices and policies such as retraining and re-skilling programs to combat skills mismatch and boost employability,” the GSS said.
Successive governments over the period have attempted to introduce policies and programmes to address this menace. For instance, under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, policies such as the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), the One District, One Factory, Planting For Food and Jobs, and others were introduced as part of the job creation efforts.
Under the current Mahama administration, the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced in the 2026 budget presentation that the budget was specifically designed to create up to 800,000 new jobs. The GH¢63 billion road contracts awarded so far under the Big Push will generate an estimated 490,000 jobs.
This estimation is consistent with World Bank metrics on job creation from road investment. The three new garment factories will create over 20,000 direct jobs. The seven agro-processing plants are expected to employ about 700 people directly and thousands more through supply chains. The National Policy on Integrated Oil Palm Development will create 250,000 jobs across the value chain.
These measures, although apt, have not been able to, or will not be able to, address the joblessness situation because the rates churned out by the statistical service do not inspire hope and confidence that unemployment can be addressed.
The focus of this article is to explore the unadulterated role that small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), businesses with 1–20 employees, can play in addressing the challenge.
According to the World Bank, SMEs are the backbone of most economies, representing around 90 per cent of all businesses and accounting for more than half of global employment.
In developing countries, SMEs are central to economic diversification, productivity, and poverty reduction, yet the World Bank notes that they face persistent challenges in obtaining the financing needed to start, sustain, and grow.
Over the next decade, the Bretton Woods Institution estimates that 1.2 billion young people will reach working age, but only about 420 million jobs are expected to be created. This leaves hundreds of millions without a clear path to employment, with far-reaching social and economic implications.
Therefore, expanding access to finance for SMEs is essential to enable private investment, productivity growth, and stronger local economies.
Access to finance enables entrepreneurs to innovate, expand, and hire, empowering women and youth and strengthening communities. Supporting SMEs—especially women-owned and youth-led enterprises—is thus central to building inclusive and sustainable growth.
In the case of Ghana, this calls for huge investment and budgetary allocation to support SMEs.
Although the government has designated programmes to support SMEs, including skill development programmes such as Adwumawura, which has been allocated GH¢170 million, and the National Apprenticeship Programme with a budget of GH¢690 million, the government must do more if indeed the issue of unemployment is a major concern.
At the moment, the Mahama administration is channeling Ghana’s oil proceeds into the Big Push agenda to construct roads across the country. That is good. But I think equal attention could be given to SMEs.
Portions of the huge funds could be channeled into supporting SMEs to enable them to create jobs, because access to capital has been a major problem for them.
Although institutions such as the Micro Finance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC ) have been established to support SMEs, MASLOC’s operations have been fraught with alleged corruption, favouritism, and political cronyism, thereby veering off its core mandate of supporting SMEs.
To that end, an institution which is not controlled by the political class should be established and given funds to support the SMEs.
These institutions should be managed by experts from the universities, such as the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), the University of Cape Business School, and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
One would argue that this is not the function of academia, but I make this proposition because the political class can’t be trusted to manage such funds without some being unaccounted for. At least, with the involvement of the universities, it can be guaranteed, to a greater extent, that the funds will be put to good use and the right target (SMEs) will access them to keep their businesses afloat and expand to employ the unemployed. Thereby, contributing to reducing the high unemployment rate.
The author, Laud Nartey, is a Ghanaian journalist with a special interest in business reporting Can be reached at [email protected] Facebook :Laud Nartey X: @laudnartey LinkedIn: Laud Nartey
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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.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has welcomed his side’s upcoming international friendly against Ghana, describing the fixture as a valuable test ahead of the World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the clash with the Black Stars, Nagelsmann said he is looking forward to facing Otto Addo’s team, highlighting Ghana’s strengths in transition play.
“We are very much looking forward to the clash with Otto’s team,” Nagelsmann said.
“Their strong transition play can give us a taste of what to expect in the World Cup group match against Ivory Coast.”
The German coach believes the friendly will offer his side a useful benchmark as they prepare for competitive action, with Ghana’s pace and direct style expected to pose a stern challenge.
The match, scheduled to be played in Stuttgart, will see Germany and Ghana renew a familiar rivalry.
This will be the fourth meeting between the two nations, but their first friendly meeting since 1993.
Former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong criticised the then Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, in February 2022 over her prolonged absence from Parliament while she was out of the country.
Agyapong accused Adwoa Safo of refusing to return to Ghana to perform her parliamentary duties due to what he described at the time as personal demands.
At the time, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) required the full presence of its Members of Parliament to approve government business, as the House was operating under a hung Parliament.
Agyapong, speaking in an interview on Asaase Radio, claimed that then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was being too lenient with Adwoa Safo, whom he accused of disrespecting the party.
According to him, the situation was undermining party discipline and weakening the government’s legislative agenda in Parliament.
Adwoa Safo defies family ties, urges Dome-Kwabenya delegates to vote for Bawumia
Read the full account of what Kennedy Agyapong said about Adwoa Safo at the time, as published by classfmonline.com on February 26, 2022.
Dome Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo displayed rude behaviour to Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare when the former Ayawaso West Wuogon MP visited the embattled Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, at her residence to try to convince her to join her fellow MPs on the majority side so they could get the e-levy passed in December last year, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has revealed.
Agyapong said after the Chief of Staff had flown Adwoa Safo down from the US on a private jet and even wired some GH¢120,000 to her account, Safo kept Osei Opare waiting at her gate for half an hour before allowing her in.
In an interview on Accra-based Asaase FM on Tuesday, 22 February 2022, the maverick MP, in responding to some criticisms thrown at the Akufo-Addo administration and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) by party stalwart Dr Richard Amoako Baah, in connection with calls by some prominent party figures to have Safo’s seat declared vacant due to her protracted absence from parliament, said the Safo, with whom he has two children, is holding the government to ransom.
“Yesterday, I read – I don’t know how far it is true – [that] Dr Amoako Baah was saying that President Akufo-Addo has not treated Adwoa Safo well, the party has not treated Adwoa Safo well.
“I respect Dr Amoako Baah very well, so, I want to inform him quietly and nicely; I’ll not insult, I’ll not do anything but let him know that there are fine gentlemen and women in the party that have made several efforts to talk to Adwoa. First is the President himself. I don’t know why he has a soft spot for Adwoa Safo. Two, it’s the Chief of Staff; three is Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and myself”, Agyapong began.
“Dr Amoako Baah, the treatment Adwoa Safo is giving to NPP today; if you think if Adwoa Safo’s seat is declared vacant, we are going to lose, we’ve already lost because the woman is in the name of NPP but she doesn’t come to parliament”.
“Now let me tell you; the true sons and daughters of NPP and how we think: NPP doesn’t belong to my family, it’s not an inheritance; we all, collectively believe in one ideology and joined the party, so, one person cannot impose his or her will on the party that, ‘this is the only thing that will make me join the party or do what you want me to do’. It is completely wrong”.
Agyapong, who has two children with Adwoa Safo continued: “I did surgery, I was recovering; I spoke to the Chief of Staff and she said: ‘Look, rest before you come’. This same woman who said I should rest, made the call through Hon Asiamah that: ‘Look, there’s e-levy going on and we have a problem and we need you although I said you should rest, we need your vote’”.
“I flew first class with Emirates but Asiamah, because they needed me, said: ‘Look, we are going to hire a private jet to come and pick you, people, up – Adwoa Safo, myself, Hon Henry Quartey and Hon Amoako-Attah.
“What I said to the minister is: ‘Please, I don’t want my name anywhere; you [give me] any flight because mine was going to be Monday and they needed the vote on Friday so the Thursday, I said, ‘any flight you get for me, I’ll come; I don’t want any private jet’”.
“Quartey drove from Philadelphia Dr Amoako Baah should listen carefully [about] all the efforts everybody has made, the commitment that we’ve all made Henry Quartey drove from Philadephia to New York, Kennedy Airport; Hon Amoako-Attah flew from Minnesota to New York, Airport; I drove from New Jersey to New York. Adwoa [was in] Boston – Dr Amoako Baah, what do you know – Adwoa Safo refused to come. And NPP people should listen carefully”.
“Adwoa Safo, they hired a private jet to bring the woman here and when she came she refused to come to parliament. She refused to come to parliament”.
“The Chief of Staff, after buying the ticket and flying her in, had to take a motorcade to Adwoa’s house; she [Chief of Staff] stood behind her [Adwoa Safo’s] gate for 30 minutes. What kind of rudeness is that? Before she opened [the gate].
“The Chief of Staff was made to sit at her [Adwoa Safo’s] living room for 35 minutes. When she [Adwoa Safo finally] came [to parliament], Bagbin was tired, he’s sick, he can’t wait. If you can’t get your numbers, so be it and we couldn’t vote. Going back [to the USA], she [Adwoa Safo] was demanding another private jet. Excuse me. Dr Amoako Baah, I’m sorry. You don’t know what has transpired”.
“They forced me to call Adwoa Safo; I placed a call through my daughter; 13 times, she [Adwoa Safo] refused to talk to me. What do you want us to do again?”
“A chief has travelled to where she is just to convince her; she refused to come. If we lose [Dome] Kwabenya seat, we’ve already lost. By her behaviour, we’ve lost. So, if there is a by-election and we lose, we don’t lose anything. Case closed”.
“I applaud Dokua. Dokua had given birth and after two weeks, she left the baby to come here; the second one, she came. Adwoa says no and now look at her conditions: demanding to be made a deputy majority leader and the announcement of the removal of Alexander Afenyo-Markin from that position.
“I had gone to Chief of Staff’s office to plead on behalf of Adwoa; she said, ‘my brother, please don’t go there. If you are saying A, B, C, D, I’ve just spoken to her: these are her demands’. So, I said, well, I’ve done my part.
“I’ve kids with her but it’s gotten to this point. This is purely politically. I think she’s wrong. She should rather apologise to the party. They should stop begging her”.
“Adwoa Safo; Chief of Staff called me, I went there. She [Chief of Staff] said now this is what she [Adwoa Safo] is saying; I swear on my mother’s grave; Chief of Staff gave me GH¢120,000, deposited in Adwoa Safo’s Fidelity Bank account.
“I put the money there in her Fidelity [Bank] account. Ask her PA if what I’m saying is not the truth. The way Adwoa is treating the party, it’s clearly showing that we are in opposition and this should not be tolerated at all”.
Meanwhile, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has urged delegates of the NPP ahead of the party’s upcoming flagbearer election not to vote for Kennedy Agyapong whom she has two children with.
Addressing party supporters, Adwoa Safo questioned the suitability of electing a candidate she says has a history of verbally attacking women.
“Are you going to elect a candidate who insults women? How will women vote? Are you going to cast your vote for someone who insults women? Didn’t Hon Kennedy Agyapong insult me when my issue came up?” she asked.
Adwoa Safo also recalled the insults directed at her by Agyapong, saying he called her “disrespectful,” accused her of misusing taxpayers’ money, and claimed she was being “pampered by President Akufo-Addo.”
She added that Agyapong also criticised her father for not being able to “sanction or discipline” her.
“He said I am disrespectful, that I have spent taxpayers’ money, and that I am being pampered by Akufo-Addo. He said I was useless and that my father couldn’t sanction or discipline me. He said these things, and the videos are there,” she recalled.
Safo warned that electing Agyapong could be politically damaging for the NPP, as she believes the opposition could exploit his past actions.
“If you don’t listen and go ahead to elect him, that will be a problem. The NDC is waiting for you [delegates] to elect him so they can use his records and videos of insulting people, including me, the mother of his two kids, and so imagine what he will do to you,” she cautioned.
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Deputy Director of Research at the EC, Fred Tetteh
The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is fully prepared to conduct the parliamentary rerun in the Kpandai Constituency scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, despite an ongoing legal challenge.
Deputy Director of Research at the EC, Fred Tetteh, said preparations for the rerun are on course, stressing that the Commission is acting in line with the law while monitoring developments at the Supreme Court.
Tetteh explained that the Commission fixed the December 30 date as a law-abiding institution and would proceed unless the Supreme Court rules otherwise.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News on Monday, December 15, Tetteh said, “We are aware of an Appeal in court, and as a law-abiding institution, we fixed the date on December 30, 2025. We don’t know what will happen from the Appeal. Whatever happens, if the Supreme Court rules otherwise, we’re going by our date.”
He disclosed that ballot papers will be printed in Accra and that political parties will be duly informed of the printing schedule.
Training of election officials, he said, will take place within five days of the poll, while recruitment processes have already begun.
According to him, the EC has recalled officials who will oversee the rerun and will soon publish a notice of poll to formally notify residents of Kpandai about the election and related arrangements.
Tetteh added that all remaining preparatory activities, including the printing of ballot papers and public notices, can be completed within ten days.
“In terms of the ballot paper printing, we will inform the political parties of the date. Training will be done within five days of the poll.
In terms of the preparations, we are ready. We will publish a notice of poll to inform the public in Kpandai about the conduct of the rerun and the printing of ballot papers.
He added, “These things can be done within 10 days. We are in the process of recruiting. We have recalled the officials who will be conducting the election. We will not print the ballot papers in Kpandai; everything will be done in Accra.”
Parliament declared the Kpandai seat vacant following a ruling by the Tamale High Court, which ordered a rerun of the parliamentary election.
The affected Member of Parliament, Mathew Nyindam, has since filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to quash the judgment of the High Court, Commercial Division in Tamale, which annulled his parliamentary election victory.
Meanwhile, a new poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics ahead of the rerun has projected Nyindam, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, as the leading contender.
The poll, released on Sunday, December 14, 2025, places him at 50 per cent voter support.
His closest rival, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Daniel Nsala Wakpal, secured 46 per cent in the survey, setting the stage for a keenly contested rerun in the constituency.
Micheal Ayertey scored the winner against Prestige Heights
Top marksman Micheal Ayertey scored to save high flying Parin FC as they beat Prestige Heights 2-1 in the Accra North District Football Association (ANDFA) Division Three League at the Alajo Astro Turf.
In a match that saw both sides exhibiting a lot of aggression, good technique and desire to carry the day, Prestige Heights were more purposeful upfront and recorded the first goal.
A swift build-up by Prestige Heights saw them penetrate the defence of Parin FC, which handed a cool tap for Nuruudeen Hussein to open the scores.
Parin fought back and got a penalty after Ayertey was brought down but skipper Edward Ose’s kick hit the cross bar to deny them the equalizer, to end the first half in favour of Prestige Heights.
On resumption, Coach Eric Nyarko made some substitutions which gave Parin FC an edge over their opponents and ensured striker Ayertey cancelled the lead and secured the winner later.
Ayertey, took advantage of some defensive miss-up to level and just before the 90th minute scored the winner.
The victory did not go without a casualty as tireless midfielder Robert Ankrah passed collapsed in the dying embers of the game but was later revived.
Parin FC remains in a good position to win the league having recorded 15 points from seven matches.
Nestlé Ghana has hosted the 2025 edition of the MAGGI Fufu Party on the Park, a food and cultural celebration aimed at appreciating consumers and promoting Ghanaian cuisine and culture.
The event took place on Saturday, December 13, at Ghud Park in Accra, drawing hundreds of food lovers, music fans and families for an evening of traditional meals, entertainment and brand engagement.
Speaking at the event, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Manager for Nestlé Ghana, Deborah Kwablah, said the initiative was designed as a “thank you” gesture to loyal Maggi consumers across the country.
She explained that Maggi has a strong connection with Ghanaian food and culture, noting that the brand is present wherever food is prepared.
According to her, fufu was deliberately chosen as the centrepiece of the event because it is a widely shared Ghanaian dish that cuts across regions and cultures.
Mrs Kwablah added that while fufu was the main attraction, a variety of other meals such as waakye, banku, TZ, light foods and snacks were also made available to ensure inclusivity, stressing that all meals served were prepared with Maggi products.
She further highlighted the importance of strategic collaborations, describing the partnership with Aduanepa, organisers of the Fufu Party and F Park, as timely and aligned with Nestlé’s flexible approach to partnerships.
She said the event forms part of Nestlé’s end-of-year appreciation to consumers, with a promise of bigger and better engagements in the coming year.
“We are basically saying thank you to our consumers. Wherever there is food, there is Maggi. Wherever there is Maggi there is food. Maggi has this close association with food especially Ghanaian cuisines. So today we are here with our partner, Aduane Pa to bring to life, the Maggi experience. 2026 will be bigger and better and we will continue to serve our consumers”, she said.
Also speaking at the event, Maggi Brand Manager, Magherita Amon, described Maggi as a trusted brand that has been passed down through generations of Ghanaian families.
She said the celebration reflects the strong bond between Maggi, food and consumers, especially during the festive season.
“Maggi is a trusted brand. it is what we have known and we want to celebrate and have fun.”
She noted that the collaboration with food operators such as Aduanepa had achieved its purpose, reinforcing Maggi’s relationship with both consumers and food vendors, while creating an atmosphere of fun and celebration.
The Manager of Aduanepa and F Park, Nana Kweku, said the main objective of the Fufu Party on the Park is to promote Ghanaian food, culture and music.
He praised Maggi for supporting local cuisine, describing the brand as a long-standing ingredient in Ghanaian cooking.
“The main purpose of today’s event is to promote Ghanaian food, culture and music. Maggi is also the best brand. We have been using Maggi to cook for years and it makes our food delicious.”
He announced that the event featured performances from artistes including Lord Paper, Keche, DS46, Kofi Jama and Tule, adding that the partnership with Maggi had elevated the event onto a larger platform.
Nana Kweku said although the Fufu Party has been organised previously, this was the first collaboration with Maggi, expressing confidence that the partnership would continue in future editions to further promote Ghanaian food and culture.
A source said the bandits invaded the village December 14 night
Residents of Zurin Mahuta village in Lakwaya community, Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, have come under attack as bandits abducted an Imam and a businessman in the area.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Vanguard, said the bandits invaded the village Sunday night and abducted the people.
The source said the bandits abducted four persons (two men and two women) but the women escaped from the abductors, who also rustled large number of cattle.
The source said the rustled cattle were later intercepted and recovered by security personnel at Dan Tsare.
According to the source, “Since about 8p.m., we were alerted about the infiltration of the abductors into the village and we also alerted the security.
“The bandits abducted four persons, including two women. The women escaped from the abductors because they also rustled a large number of cattle. So, currently we have two persons, an Imam of a Juma’at mosque in the village and a businessman with the kidnappers.
“We were communicating with the businessman before he was kidnapped. When I called severally and he didn’t pick, I sensed danger. Later, we were made to understand that the rustled cattle have been intercepted in a village, Dan Tsare.”
Contacted to confirm the incident, spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna, promised to get back to this reporter.
Four-times African Cup of Nations winners, Ghana is scheduled to play European side Germany in an international friendly next year.
This was confirmed by the Ghana Football Association, as this game is expected to play a preparatory part of Black Stars program ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada. Ghana is housed in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.
To play a friendly against an European country will definitely be a good test for Coach Otto Addo’s team, hence highlighted it importance following it confirmation.
“This is an amazing opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world”
“Germany are a good side, and we can’t wait to face them in Stuttgart,” Otto who grew up in Germany said.
The international friendly is slated on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Stuttgart exactly 8:45 pm kickoff.
play videoAlexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader of Parliament
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Agyapong has called on the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to step down from his position.
According to Agyapong, there are individuals within the party who are actively seeking the Effutu Member of Parliament in the Central Region position.
He said he has advised the Minority Leader to relinquish his position and allow those challenging him to take over.
Agyapong further stated that Afenyo-Markin is financially well-established and therefore does not need to cling to the parliamentary position.
“He is well to do, so he should leave the position for those who are fighting him,” he said.
Speaking in an interview on UTV on December 15, 2025, Agyapong claimed that criticisms of Afenyo-Markin’s leadership style are driven by internal power struggles within the party.
Majority files motion for contempt of Parliament against Afenyo-Markin
“Those criticising Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s leadership want positions, some people are arguing that the Minority Leader should come from the Eastern Region or the Ashanti Region. I have told him to leave the position for them and I have personally called him to tell him to step down from the position.”
He added that he deliberately refrained from mentioning the names of those pushing for the position.
“If it was in the olden days, I would have mention all those seeking his position’s names but now I won’t. He can eat for the rest of his life and it shouldn’t look like being an MP is the only way to survive,” Agyapong stated.
Afenyo-Markin has faced criticism over his leadership style from various quarters, including Solomon Owusu, a Senior Communicator for the Movement for Change.
“If the NPP has a weak leader like Afenyo-Markin, then it is no surprise the party keeps collapsing,” Owusu remarked.
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Five days before the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, the moment Africa begins to arrive is not at the stadium gates — but at the airport.
Stepping off a flight into Casablanca on Monday night, it is immediately clear that the country has entered AFCON mode. Before luggage belts, before immigration desks, before the familiar hum of arrivals halls, football announces itself.
Giant AFCON-branded footballs dominate the terminal. LED screens pulse with tournament colours. Slogans welcoming Africa flash across walls and walkways. From the moment fans land, Morocco’s airports are no longer just transit points — they are part of the competition itself.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will kick-off in Rabat on Sunday with a Group A clash between hosts Morocco and Comoros that is the start of a four-week race to the title.
The match will kick-off at 20h00 local time (19h00 GMT) and will be watched by a sold-out crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as the country hosts the 35th edition of the tournament, the first time in 37 years.
With tens of thousands of supporters expected to pass through Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Tangier, Fès and Agadir in the coming days, Morocco’s airport network has moved into full operational and celebratory mode ahead of the continent’s flagship tournament.
‘Welcome Football, Welcome Fans’
The transformation is part of a nationwide campaign launched by the National Airports Office (ONDA) under the theme “Welcome Football, Welcome Fans.”
In a statement, ONDA confirmed that Morocco’s airports are “fully ready to play their role as true gateways to celebrate the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations,” working closely with the Local Organising Committee and CAF.
Across arrival halls, AFCON-themed LED campaigns have been unfurled, immersive visuals guide fans through terminals, and giant installations — including symbolic footballs and tournament motifs — signal that the month ahead belongs to African football.
“It feels like the tournament starts the moment you land,” said Joseph Kabongo, a Congolese fan arriving from Kinshasa.
“You haven’t even stamped your passport yet, but already you feel the energy. It’s different from other tournaments.”
Airports upgraded for Africa’s biggest stage
Behind the scenes, the spectacle is supported by months of logistical planning and infrastructure upgrades.
Over the past year, Morocco has expanded airport capacity, modernised passenger flows, reinforced security procedures and deployed additional trained staff to manage the expected surge.
Authorities say the effort has involved multiple agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), the Royal Gendarmerie, Customs, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
Dedicated welcoming zones, multilingual signage, reinforced assistance teams and real-time operational monitoring systems are now in place, particularly in cities hosting AFCON matches.
ONDA says the goal is to ensure “optimal support from the moment of arrival on Moroccan soil.”
For many fans, that efficiency is already being felt.
“Everything moved smoothly,” said Amina Diallo, a Senegalese supporter arriving in Casablanca with friends.
“There are volunteers everywhere, signs in different languages, and the football decorations just make you smile. It feels organised, but also warm.”
A festival before the stadiums
The celebratory atmosphere is deliberate. Airports hosting AFCON matches have been redesigned to act as extensions of the tournament itself — featuring illuminated walkways, fan tunnels, monumental arches and interactive zones that usher supporters into the spirit of the competition long before kickoff.
A newly released promotional film by ONDA sets the tone, presenting airports as the first chapter of the AFCON experience — a blend of football, culture and hospitality.
For Abdulrahman Sule, a Nigerian fan arriving from Lagos, the message is clear.
“You know you’re in an AFCON country immediately,” he said. “The colours, the screens, the footballs — it’s telling you that Africa has gathered here.”
Setting the benchmark ahead of 2030
Morocco’s handling of the arrival phase will be closely watched. The Kingdom successfully hosted the Women’s AFCON in 2024 and the U-17 AFCON in 2025, and with preparations already under way to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the ability to manage fan movement and experience is under scrutiny.
ONDA has framed the airport operation as more than logistics — positioning it as part of Morocco’s broader ambition to establish itself as a continental aviation and tourism hub.
“Our airports are not just places of transit,” the statement said. “They are spaces where the African journey begins.”
That sentiment resonates with fans crossing borders for the tournament.
“I’ve been to AFCONs before,” said Youssef Benali, a Moroccan supporter welcoming friends from Algeria at the arrivals gate. “But this feels bigger. It feels like Morocco is saying: Africa, you are at home.”
The journey begins on arrival
As flights continue to land and arrival halls fill with jerseys, flags and chants, one thing is clear: AFCON 2025 is already under way — not with a whistle, but with a welcome.
From giant footballs to glowing LED campaigns, Morocco’s airports have become the first stadiums of the tournament, offering supporters a promise — that this Africa Cup of Nations will be remembered from the very first step on Moroccan soil.
The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unanimously endorsed President John Dramani Mahama as African Union (AU) Chairperson for 2027.
The endorsement follows earlier support by ECOWAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs at a meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said the community backed President Mahama because of his competence and capacity to represent West Africa effectively at the continental level.
He noted that ECOWAS leaders had full confidence in President Mahama to discharge the responsibilities associated with the position.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said in a message that the decisive and overwhelming support by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government had cleared all hurdles for President Mahama.
He explained that the endorsement made President Mahama the AU Chairperson-in-waiting when the rotating leadership of the Union reaches West Africa in 2027.
Mr Ablakwa said President Mahama had conveyed his deepest appreciation to his peers and assured them that he would meet the high expectations of the African continent.
“Congratulations – you keep making Ghana proud,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
The Chairperson of the African Union is the ceremonial head of the organisation and is elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term.
The position rotates among Africa’s five geographic regions, and candidates are selected by consensus or by a two-thirds majority vote of member states.
The current Chairperson of the AU is President João Lourenço of Angola, while the Republic of the Congo has expressed interest in contesting the position in 2026.
The Continental Club Masters have been slapped with fined by the Disciplinary committee of GFA for misconduct following their Ghana Premier League match against Asante Kotoko SC.
The Football Association Disciplinary Committee levelled disciplinary charges against Accra Hearts of Oak SC and their midfielder Hussein Mohammed, for a misconduct after the final whistle of a Super clash between Asante Kotoko SC.
Hearts of Oak officials were charged for failing to maintain proper control over its players and officials after the final whistle, leading to several individuals confronting the referee in what was described as a disorderly and aggressive manner.
Subsequently, facing the disciplinary committee been fined Ghs 10,000.
Mahama Issues Strong Warning to NPP and Their Minority in Parliament After They Boycotted Forums
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President John Dramani Mahama, during his State of the Nation Address, delivered a strong message to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority in Parliament, cautioning them against refusing to participate in the forthcoming national economic forum. He recalled their decision to stay away from the earlier Senchi Forum and insisted that Ghana cannot afford such division when the economy demands broad collaboration. Mahama made it clear that the country’s financial difficulties require input from all political actors.
His comments come amid growing criticism of his administration’s economic management. Dr. Stephen Amoah, a member of Parliament, alleged that the government had secured GHS 59 billion in loans within a short time frame. He raised questions about how the government financed several recent payments and contrasted this with former President Akufo-Addo’s borrowing record of GHS 37 billion over a much longer period. According to him, the speed of borrowing is alarming and must be scrutinized.
Mahama also identified youth unemployment as one of the country’s most serious problems, warning that it has created desperation and hopelessness among young people. To address this crisis, he announced the formation of a Ministry of Youth Development, which will focus on providing opportunities and creating sustainable pathways for employment.
Even with these challenges, Mahama expressed optimism about the nation’s future. He encouraged all Ghanaians regardless of political affiliation to participate in the National Economic Dialogue, a platform designed to gather stakeholders to propose effective solutions for economic recovery. He ended on a hopeful note, reaffirming his belief that Ghana can be rebuilt through unity and shared effort.
Tonto made this known while sharing her deliverance testimony during a Sunday service at Streams of Joy International Church, led by the church’s founder, Pastor Jerry Eze.
Nollywood actress and politician Tonto Dikeh has spoken openly about her spiritual deliverance from prolonged anger issues, smoking, alcohol addiction, and m@sturbation.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has criticised the lithium mining agreement between government and Barari DV, describing the royalty framework underpinning the deal as unfair and disadvantageous to the country.
His remarks follow the withdrawal of the revised lithium agreement from Parliament on December 10 to allow for further stakeholder consultations.
The decision came after concerns raised by the Majority in Parliament that the proposed 10 per cent royalty rate negotiated under the Akufo-Addo administration conflicts with the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010, which provides for a 5 per cent royalty ceiling.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, December 15, Prof. Oquaye argued that the public debate should not be narrowly focused on whether the royalty rate should be 10 per cent or 5 per cent.
Instead, he said Ghana must fundamentally rethink how it negotiates returns from its natural resources.
According to him, settling for a minimum royalty of 5 per cent reflects a long-standing failure to protect national interests in the extractive sector.
“The present withdrawal is quite interesting because some people have viewed it in the context of the royalty percentage, from 10 per cent to 5 per cent. But this 5 per cent has existed for some time,” he said.
Prof. Oquaye expressed frustration that Ghana continues to accept low returns from high-value minerals.
“It’s very painful to envisage that we have something that has got value, and then we say, when you take this commodity, don’t give me more than 5 per cent. Who does that?
“Honestly, we have not been fair to our nation at all,” he stated, adding that the country should be negotiating minimum royalties of at least 20 per cent.
The lithium agreement, initially presented to Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, relates to the exploration and mining of lithium and other minerals at Mankessim in the Central Region.
The deal has sparked renewed debate about Ghana’s mineral governance framework and the need for stronger terms to maximise national benefit.
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.
Papa Shee (L) claims Akosua Serwaa (R) was not formally invited by Abusuapanyin
Evangelist Nana Yaw Akosah, widely known as Papa Shee, has detailed why the late Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa and some other prominent personalities did not attend the late singer’s funeral held on December 13, 2025.
In an interview on Adom TV’s morning show on December 15, 2025, Papa Shee said Akosua Serwaa was in Germany at the time and did not travel along with her children for the funeral.
According to him, the first wife of his late Highlife legend was neither formally invited nor officially informed about the funeral arrangements for December 13 despite the legal issues between her and the family.
‘The body in Daddy Lumba’s coffin wasn’t fake’ – Faustina Fosu dismisses claims
He explained that she only became aware of the date through hearsay and chose to leave the issue in God’s hands.
“Maame Akosua Serwaa was not officially notified about the funeral date and only heard about it through hearsay,” he claimed.
Papa Shee also alleged that the head of Daddy Lumba’s family failed to extend invitations to some traditional authorities in the Ashanti Region, including the Nsutahene, Parkosohene and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He added that several close family members were unable to attend the burial because they live abroad and had earlier appealed for the funeral to be postponed so everyone could be present.
The evangelist further explained that he personally stayed away from the funeral out of respect for elders who had withdrawn from the arrangements, choosing instead to remain at home in prayer and worship.
Daddy Lumba passed away at the Bank Hospital in Cantonments, on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60 after a short illness.
A number of prominent Ghanaians, including veteran singer Nana Acheampong, businessman Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Kennedy Agyapong (Kenpong), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Dr Frank Amoakohene, were present at the final funeral rites.
Some members of Daddy Lumba’s family, such as his children, his younger sister Faustina Fosu, the Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, and his second wife, Odo Broni, attended the ceremony.
However, Akosua Serwaa, Daddy Lumba’s elder sister Ernestina Fosu, Papa Shee, and other immediate family members who were involved in a legal dispute with the Abusuapanin over the funeral arrangements were absent at the final burial rite of the late singer.
Watch the video below:
Meanwhile watch as children of Charles Fosu pay tribute at his final funeral rites
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo is reported to be deeply troubled by the growing controversy surrounding his cousin, Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister.
According to a report by Ghanaweb, the issues relate to his nearly eight-year tenure at the Finance Ministry and involve allegations of procurement breaches, abuse of office, and possible violations of state and criminal laws.
Sources say Akufo-Addo is worried that the scandal is tarnishing the family name and damaging the legacy of his administration. He is said to be pushing for Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana immediately to face the allegations in person, despite the former minister being in the United States since February for a kidney-related medical condition.
Insiders reveal that the former President is considering approaching President John Dramani Mahama to request a form of assurance that Ofori-Atta can return safely, without being publicly humiliated or arrested at Kotoka International Airport. The intention is to allow Ofori-Atta to face the law calmly while protecting the family’s reputation.
Despite the controversy, Ofori-Atta remains in contact with family and associates and continues to oversee his private businesses, including Enterprise Insurance, Databank Financial Services, and Transition Funeral Home.
However, sources close to Jubilee House say President Mahama has not yet been formally approached and is not willing to interfere in the matter. Officials reportedly insist that the law must take its full course and that Ofori-Atta should first account for, and refund if necessary, any state funds allegedly misused before any discussions about leniency can take place.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has alleged that Ofori-Atta was involved in an improper agreement between Strategic Mobilisation Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority. Legal proceedings have already begun in absentia.
Last week, five people, including a company, arraigned in connection with the Strategic Mobilisation Limited scandal, were granted bail by an Accra High Court.
As the situation unfolds, the country watches closely to see whether Ofori-Atta will return and how the law will handle one of the most powerful figures from Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has criticised the lithium mining agreement between government and Barari DV, describing the royalty framework underpinning the deal as unfair and disadvantageous to the country.
His remarks follow the withdrawal of the revised lithium agreement from Parliament on December 10 to allow for further stakeholder consultations.
The decision came after concerns raised by the Majority in Parliament that the proposed 10 per cent royalty rate negotiated under the Akufo-Addo administration conflicts with the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010, which provides for a 5 per cent royalty ceiling.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, December 15, Prof. Oquaye argued that the public debate should not be narrowly focused on whether the royalty rate should be 10 per cent or 5 per cent.
Instead, he said Ghana must fundamentally rethink how it negotiates returns from its natural resources.
According to him, settling for a minimum royalty of 5 per cent reflects a long-standing failure to protect national interests in the extractive sector.
“The present withdrawal is quite interesting because some people have viewed it in the context of the royalty percentage, from 10 per cent to 5 per cent. But this 5 per cent has existed for some time,” he said.
Prof. Oquaye expressed frustration that Ghana continues to accept low returns from high-value minerals.
“It’s very painful to envisage that we have something that has got value, and then we say, when you take this commodity, don’t give me more than 5 per cent. Who does that?
“Honestly, we have not been fair to our nation at all,” he stated, adding that the country should be negotiating minimum royalties of at least 20 per cent.
The lithium agreement, initially presented to Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, relates to the exploration and mining of lithium and other minerals at Mankessim in the Central Region.
The deal has sparked renewed debate about Ghana’s mineral governance framework and the need for stronger terms to maximise national benefit.
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.
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) has warned that the 20% excise duty on natural fruit juices poses a serious threat to Ghana’s agro-industrialisation agenda and could undermine the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy.
In a statement released on December 15, 2025, the Chamber said the tax is discouraging local processing, weakening value addition, and forcing agro-processing factories to operate below capacity, contrary to national efforts to boost industrial output, job creation, and export competitiveness.
According to CAG, the excise duty, which applies to locally processed natural fruit juices, has increased production costs for manufacturers and reduced their ability to compete with imported beverage concentrates and finished products.
The Chamber argued that instead of incentivising domestic agro-processing, the policy is penalising local value addition and sending the wrong signals to investors in the agricultural value chain.
“This tax contradicts Ghana’s agro-industrialisation goals and directly undermines the 24-Hour Economy by making continuous production unviable for local processors,” the statement said.
CAG noted that agro-processing is one of the most labour-intensive sectors of the economy and a critical driver of rural employment, especially for youth and women. The Chamber warned that sustained pressure on juice manufacturers could lead to factory closures, reduced demand for raw agricultural produce, and job losses across the value chain.
The Chamber further cautioned that the excise duty weakens Ghana’s import-substitution efforts by making locally produced juices more expensive than imported alternatives, thereby increasing foreign exchange pressure and exposing the Cedi to further depreciation.
CAG said Ghana has significant potential to become a regional hub for fruit processing, given its strong production of pineapple, mango, citrus, and other tropical fruits. However, that potential, it stressed, cannot be realised under a tax regime that discourages investment in local processing.
The Chamber is therefore calling on the government to review and repeal the 20% excise duty, urging policymakers to align tax measures with national development priorities, including industrial growth, job creation, and economic resilience.
A sudden and intense rainstorm disrupted the final funeral rites of respected Ghanaian figure Dr. Omane Boamah, an event recorded on CCTV and widely shared on social media.
The footage shows torrential rain and strong winds hitting the funeral grounds at Jackson Park, where family, dignitaries, and well-wishers had gathered to honour the late leader.
play videoPapa Shee claims Akosua Serwaa (Pictured) was not formally invited for the burial
Evangelist Nana Yaw Akosah, widely known as Papa Shee, has detailed why the late Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa and some other prominent personalities did not attend the late singer’s funeral held on December 13, 2025.
In an interview on Adom TV’s morning show on December 15, 2025, Papa Shee said Akosua Serwaa was in Germany at the time and did not travel along with her children for the funeral.
According to him, the first wife of his late Highlife legend was neither formally invited nor officially informed about the funeral arrangements for December 13 despite the legal issues between her and the family.
‘The body in Daddy Lumba’s coffin wasn’t fake’ – Faustina Fosu dismisses claims
He explained that she only became aware of the date through hearsay and chose to leave the issue in God’s hands.
“Maame Akosua Serwaa was not officially notified about the funeral date and only heard about it through hearsay,” he claimed.
Papa Shee also alleged that the head of Daddy Lumba’s family failed to extend invitations to some traditional authorities in the Ashanti Region, including the Nsutahene, Parkosohene and Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
He added that several close family members were unable to attend the burial because they live abroad and had earlier appealed for the funeral to be postponed so everyone could be present.
The evangelist further explained that he personally stayed away from the funeral out of respect for elders who had withdrawn from the arrangements, choosing instead to remain at home in prayer and worship.
Daddy Lumba passed away at the Bank Hospital in Cantonments, on July 26, 2025, at the age of 60 after a short illness.
A number of prominent Ghanaians, including veteran singer Nana Acheampong, businessman Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Kennedy Agyapong (Kenpong), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Dr Frank Amoakohene, were present at the final funeral rites.
Some members of Daddy Lumba’s family, such as his children, his younger sister Faustina Fosu, the Abusuapanin Kofi Owusu, and his second wife, Odo Broni, attended the ceremony.
However, Akosua Serwaa, Daddy Lumba’s elder sister Ernestina Fosu, Papa Shee, and other immediate family members who were involved in a legal dispute with the Abusuapanin over the funeral arrangements were absent at the final burial rite of the late singer.
Watch the video below:
Meanwhile watch as children of Charles Fosu pay tribute at his final funeral rites
Former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong criticised the then Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, in February 2022 over her prolonged absence from Parliament while she was out of the country.
Agyapong accused Adwoa Safo of refusing to return to Ghana to perform her parliamentary duties due to what he described at the time as personal demands.
At the time, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) required the full presence of its Members of Parliament to approve government business, as the House was operating under a hung Parliament.
Agyapong, speaking in an interview on Asaase Radio, claimed that then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was being too lenient with Adwoa Safo, whom he accused of disrespecting the party.
According to him, the situation was undermining party discipline and weakening the government’s legislative agenda in Parliament.
Adwoa Safo defies family ties, urges Dome-Kwabenya delegates to vote for Bawumia
Read the full account of what Kennedy Agyapong said about Adwoa Safo at the time, as published by classfmonline.com on February 26, 2022.
Dome Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo displayed rude behaviour to Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare when the former Ayawaso West Wuogon MP visited the embattled Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, at her residence to try to convince her to join her fellow MPs on the majority side so they could get the e-levy passed in December last year, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has revealed.
Agyapong said after the Chief of Staff had flown Adwoa Safo down from the US on a private jet and even wired some GH¢120,000 to her account, Safo kept Osei Opare waiting at her gate for half an hour before allowing her in.
In an interview on Accra-based Asaase FM on Tuesday, 22 February 2022, the maverick MP, in responding to some criticisms thrown at the Akufo-Addo administration and the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) by party stalwart Dr Richard Amoako Baah, in connection with calls by some prominent party figures to have Safo’s seat declared vacant due to her protracted absence from parliament, said the Safo, with whom he has two children, is holding the government to ransom.
“Yesterday, I read – I don’t know how far it is true – [that] Dr Amoako Baah was saying that President Akufo-Addo has not treated Adwoa Safo well, the party has not treated Adwoa Safo well.
“I respect Dr Amoako Baah very well, so, I want to inform him quietly and nicely; I’ll not insult, I’ll not do anything but let him know that there are fine gentlemen and women in the party that have made several efforts to talk to Adwoa. First is the President himself. I don’t know why he has a soft spot for Adwoa Safo. Two, it’s the Chief of Staff; three is Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and myself”, Agyapong began.
“Dr Amoako Baah, the treatment Adwoa Safo is giving to NPP today; if you think if Adwoa Safo’s seat is declared vacant, we are going to lose, we’ve already lost because the woman is in the name of NPP but she doesn’t come to parliament”.
“Now let me tell you; the true sons and daughters of NPP and how we think: NPP doesn’t belong to my family, it’s not an inheritance; we all, collectively believe in one ideology and joined the party, so, one person cannot impose his or her will on the party that, ‘this is the only thing that will make me join the party or do what you want me to do’. It is completely wrong”.
Agyapong, who has two children with Adwoa Safo continued: “I did surgery, I was recovering; I spoke to the Chief of Staff and she said: ‘Look, rest before you come’. This same woman who said I should rest, made the call through Hon Asiamah that: ‘Look, there’s e-levy going on and we have a problem and we need you although I said you should rest, we need your vote’”.
“I flew first class with Emirates but Asiamah, because they needed me, said: ‘Look, we are going to hire a private jet to come and pick you, people, up – Adwoa Safo, myself, Hon Henry Quartey and Hon Amoako-Attah.
“What I said to the minister is: ‘Please, I don’t want my name anywhere; you [give me] any flight because mine was going to be Monday and they needed the vote on Friday so the Thursday, I said, ‘any flight you get for me, I’ll come; I don’t want any private jet’”.
“Quartey drove from Philadelphia Dr Amoako Baah should listen carefully [about] all the efforts everybody has made, the commitment that we’ve all made Henry Quartey drove from Philadephia to New York, Kennedy Airport; Hon Amoako-Attah flew from Minnesota to New York, Airport; I drove from New Jersey to New York. Adwoa [was in] Boston – Dr Amoako Baah, what do you know – Adwoa Safo refused to come. And NPP people should listen carefully”.
“Adwoa Safo, they hired a private jet to bring the woman here and when she came she refused to come to parliament. She refused to come to parliament”.
“The Chief of Staff, after buying the ticket and flying her in, had to take a motorcade to Adwoa’s house; she [Chief of Staff] stood behind her [Adwoa Safo’s] gate for 30 minutes. What kind of rudeness is that? Before she opened [the gate].
“The Chief of Staff was made to sit at her [Adwoa Safo’s] living room for 35 minutes. When she [Adwoa Safo finally] came [to parliament], Bagbin was tired, he’s sick, he can’t wait. If you can’t get your numbers, so be it and we couldn’t vote. Going back [to the USA], she [Adwoa Safo] was demanding another private jet. Excuse me. Dr Amoako Baah, I’m sorry. You don’t know what has transpired”.
“They forced me to call Adwoa Safo; I placed a call through my daughter; 13 times, she [Adwoa Safo] refused to talk to me. What do you want us to do again?”
“A chief has travelled to where she is just to convince her; she refused to come. If we lose [Dome] Kwabenya seat, we’ve already lost. By her behaviour, we’ve lost. So, if there is a by-election and we lose, we don’t lose anything. Case closed”.
“I applaud Dokua. Dokua had given birth and after two weeks, she left the baby to come here; the second one, she came. Adwoa says no and now look at her conditions: demanding to be made a deputy majority leader and the announcement of the removal of Alexander Afenyo-Markin from that position.
“I had gone to Chief of Staff’s office to plead on behalf of Adwoa; she said, ‘my brother, please don’t go there. If you are saying A, B, C, D, I’ve just spoken to her: these are her demands’. So, I said, well, I’ve done my part.
“I’ve kids with her but it’s gotten to this point. This is purely politically. I think she’s wrong. She should rather apologise to the party. They should stop begging her”.
“Adwoa Safo; Chief of Staff called me, I went there. She [Chief of Staff] said now this is what she [Adwoa Safo] is saying; I swear on my mother’s grave; Chief of Staff gave me GH¢120,000, deposited in Adwoa Safo’s Fidelity Bank account.
“I put the money there in her Fidelity [Bank] account. Ask her PA if what I’m saying is not the truth. The way Adwoa is treating the party, it’s clearly showing that we are in opposition and this should not be tolerated at all”.
Meanwhile, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has urged delegates of the NPP ahead of the party’s upcoming flagbearer election not to vote for Kennedy Agyapong whom she has two children with.
Addressing party supporters, Adwoa Safo questioned the suitability of electing a candidate she says has a history of verbally attacking women.
“Are you going to elect a candidate who insults women? How will women vote? Are you going to cast your vote for someone who insults women? Didn’t Hon Kennedy Agyapong insult me when my issue came up?” she asked.
Adwoa Safo also recalled the insults directed at her by Agyapong, saying he called her “disrespectful,” accused her of misusing taxpayers’ money, and claimed she was being “pampered by President Akufo-Addo.”
She added that Agyapong also criticised her father for not being able to “sanction or discipline” her.
“He said I am disrespectful, that I have spent taxpayers’ money, and that I am being pampered by Akufo-Addo. He said I was useless and that my father couldn’t sanction or discipline me. He said these things, and the videos are there,” she recalled.
Safo warned that electing Agyapong could be politically damaging for the NPP, as she believes the opposition could exploit his past actions.
“If you don’t listen and go ahead to elect him, that will be a problem. The NDC is waiting for you [delegates] to elect him so they can use his records and videos of insulting people, including me, the mother of his two kids, and so imagine what he will do to you,” she cautioned.
AM
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Watch some videos from the NPP’s 2025 Constitution Amendment
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Nigerian media personality Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, popularly known as Do2dtun, has reacted to the recent incident involving content creator Peller, who crashed his car during a live broadcast amid reported issues in his relationship with Jarvis.
Reacting via social media, Do2dtun said the relationship between Peller and Jarvis appears to be driven by interest, fame and public approval rather than real emotional bonding.
Kumchacha, you’re in an extremely difficult spot! The court has now halted the funeral from taking place on December 13, 2025, even though you purchased an in-and-out trip to Kumasi for GHC 3,000.
Concerned about issues such as the absence of a valid autopsy and appropriate family participation in the planning process, Ernestina Fosuh and the rest of Daddy Lumba’s maternal family petitioned the Accra High Court for an injunction, which was granted.
The court’s judgement has put a stop to all funeral arrangements and activity at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium’s Heroes Park. The venue has even gone to the extent of removing musical equipment.
Daddy Lumba’s family leader, Abusuapanin Tupac, had previously stated that the funeral will go forward as scheduled; nevertheless, he is now required to call a meeting of all parties involved to discuss rescheduling the burial within three weeks.
Enquiring about the airline’s or travel agency’s refund rules and possibilities can be a good idea. On occasion, they may be able to provide options or more leeway. It’s unfortunate when unforeseen circumstances derail our plans, but I hope you may receive your refund shortly.
Involvement and approval from family members are paramount in Akan funeral and burial rituals, which the conflict has brought to light. The sister of the deceased, Ernestina Fosuh, has asked for a second autopsy to find out what killed her brother.
The goal of the court’s decision is to strike a balance between conventional wisdom and the requirements of due process and appropriate family participation. Because Abusuapanin Tupac did not adequately notify the Parkosohene, members of the royal line of Parkoso have raised doubts about the funeral’s validity.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has instructed the Nsutahene to take charge of the funeral arrangements rather than himself.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has said the tragic events at Bondi beach ‘hit home pretty hard’ as they unfolded on Sunday night just down the road from his home in the neighbouring Sydney suburb of Bronte.
As the cricket world prepares to pay tribute to the victims of the Bondi beach terror attack when the third Ashes Test gets under way in Adelaide on Wednesday, Cummins and England captain, Ben Stokes, revealed the profound impact the massacre had on them and their teammates.
“Like most other Aussies and people in the world, I was just horrified watching on,” Cummins said. “We had just put the kids to bed and flicked on the news as that was coming through. Me and my wife were watching in disbelief.
“It’s a place that’s just around the corner from where we live and we take the kids there all the time. It’s hit home pretty hard. We really feel for the Bondi community and the Jewish community in particular.”
Stokes said it was “an awful thing to watch unfold”.
“We were sat in our team room and it came up on the news about what was happening. It was silence from everyone in there seeing that happen. It’s incredibly sad for Australia, for Sydney and for the world.
“It does put things into a lot of perspective when you see things like that happen. And for everyone that it’s affected, all our hearts go out to everyone. It’s a horrible thing to see happen.”
The third Ashes Test will be the first major sporting event to take place since the attack, and presents an opportunity for the cricket world to mourn the victims and show support for those impacted.
Players of both teams will wear black armbands while there will be a moment’s silence before play starts at Adelaide Oval. Flags at the ground will be flown at half-mast.
“This is a tragic time for all Australians and the thoughts of everyone in the cricket world are with the victims of this terrible event, their families, friends and the Jewish community,” said Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg.
“While sport can seem insignificant at times like this, we have the unusual opportunity to bring millions of people together to pay tribute, to console and to contemplate what we want our nation to be.”
Big Bash League games in Sydney this week will go ahead as planned, with the Sixers playing at the SCG on Wednesday evening and the Thunder at Engie Stadium on Saturday, with victims and those affected by the attacks to be recognised.
Cricket NSW said additional safety and access arrangements will be put in place for those games, while fans heading to Adelaide Oval have been reassured that there is no increased threat level, but extra security will be put in place in and around the ground as a precautionary measure.
South Australia Police Commissioner, Grant Stevens, said special security-response police armed with rifles will be present at the third Ashes Test starting on Wednesday but fans should not be alarmed.
“There’s no intelligence at this time to indicate that there are any increased levels of threat or security risks around the cricket or any other community event,” he said. “But notwithstanding that, we apply a level of diligence to make sure that people attending can do so with that confidence that they are attending a safe and well-managed event.”
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the admission of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as non-ECOWAS members of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
The decision was taken at the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, following the three countries’ application for membership in the regional anti-money laundering body.
According to the Authority, the admission is based on the strong political commitment demonstrated by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to fully implement the obligations required of GIABA members. This includes addressing identified gaps in their anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and countering proliferation financing frameworks.
ECOWAS leaders said the three countries have also pledged to cooperate fully with GIABA and comply with all obligations outlined under the GIABA Statute, particularly those aimed at strengthening regional and international efforts to combat financial crimes.
GIABA serves as the ECOWAS specialised institution responsible for preventing and combating money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in West Africa.
The admission of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as non-ECOWAS members is expected to strengthen regional collaboration against illicit financial flows and enhance collective security efforts across West Africa and the wider Sahel region.
Read ECOWAS’ Final Communiqué here
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The Member of Parliament for Effutu and Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has commissioned the Richard C. Ekem Library and ICT Centre in the Effutu Municipality to enhance digital education and learning in the area.
The facility adds to the 18 libraries already established in the constituency by the lawmaker.
The newly commissioned complex features a 100-seater ICT centre, a 150-seater conference hall, and private reading rooms designed to support research, training and academic engagement.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, December 15, Mr. Afenyo-Markin cautioned users against the misuse of the ICT centre, particularly for internet fraud and other scamming activities.
Member of Parliament for Effutu and Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
He urged beneficiaries to use the facility responsibly to advance education and skills development.
“Its mission is to plant the seed that will germinate into Ghana’s next generation of tech titans and ethical innovators. As we open this door to limitless possibilities, we must also sound a warning. We must guard against dark temptation to misuse this powerful technology.
“We all have a duty as parents, teachers, and elders to ensure that our brilliant young minds see technology as a tool for creation and not crime. Let it be said that from this Library emerged architects of progress and not authors of fraud,” he warned.
A Board Member of the Ghana Library Authority, Dr. Cyril Fayose, used the occasion to raise concerns about the non-payment of librarians’ salaries and outstanding utility bills affecting the eighteen existing libraries in the Effutu Constituency.
He therefore urged the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive to complement the efforts of the Member of Parliament by ensuring that the arrears are settled to guarantee the proper maintenance and long-term sustainability of the facilities.
A Board Member of the Ghana Library Authority, Dr. Cyril Fayose
“Before we came here, we went round to visit some of the other libraries, and they had some very teething problems. Honourable Afenyo-Markin has built a facility, but we need others to support them to pay staff salaries, to pay utilities and so on. So Honourable MCE, the ball is in your court,” he said
He also announced plans to amend the 55-year-old Ghana Library Authority Act to establish a Library Development Fund and create a Library Council to regulate and license professional librarians nationwide.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to submit a detailed report on the Bawku peace mediation to President John Dramani Mahama today, December 16, as part of ongoing efforts to secure lasting stability in the area.
Otumfuo was appointed earlier in 2025 by President Mahama to spearhead mediation aimed at resolving the long-running chieftaincy conflict that has plagued the Bawku municipality for decades.
The mediation process commenced in April, with the Asantehene holding separate consultations with leaders and representatives of the rival factions to lay the groundwork for dialogue and confidence-building.
Although the talks experienced a brief pause, they resumed in May 2025 and have since helped to ease tensions, contributing to a period of relative calm in the previously volatile area.
The report to be presented to the President is expected to highlight progress made so far, outline key challenges, and offer recommendations to guide the next phase of government intervention towards achieving sustainable peace in Bawku.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces say security presence in the area has been reinforced to maintain law and order as mediation efforts continue.
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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.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers in connection with the robbery and murder of 28-year-old Silver Ngozi.
The suspects allegedly robbed Ngozi of her iPhone 11 Pro and stabbed her with a zigzag-edged knife. The tragic incident occurred on December 6, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m. in Asokore Mampong.
Following the incident, the Regional Police Command, in collaboration with the Anti-Robbery Unit, launched intelligence-led operations on December 12, 2025, around 9:00 p.m., which led to the arrest of the suspects at their hideout in Aboabo, Kumasi.
The suspects have been identified as 20-year-old Farouk Iddris, a motorbike mechanic and rider, and 19-year-old Salim Mohammed, a motorbike mechanic and rickshaw rider.
Addressing the media on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Arthur Osei Akoto stated that preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects robbed the deceased, during which one allegedly stabbed her with a knife, resulting in her death.
He said a search of Farouk Iddris’s room led to the recovery of a machete, knives, and other offensive weapons. DCOP Akoto added that the suspects confessed to committing the robbery during investigations, and Salim Mohammed, the pillion rider on the day of the incident, identified a zigzag-edged knife as the weapon used to stab the deceased.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with investigations and will be presented in court,” DCOP Akoto said.
In a related operation, the Ashanti Regional Police Command also arrested three additional suspects in connection with a series of street robberies across Asokore Mampong, KNUST, Kenyasi, Bosore, Duase, Antoa, Mayanka, Ayeduase, and surrounding areas.
The operation led to the recovery of 59 iPhones, six Android phones, four tablets, five laptops, and other items. The suspects—22-year-old Abdul Fatawu, alias “UN”; 24-year-old Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”; and 21-year-old Samak Hadi, alias “Toronto”—were apprehended at their Aboabo hideout.
DCOP Akoto emphasised that all three suspects have confessed to the offences in their caution statements and are assisting the police with ongoing investigations.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, particularly during the festive season.
He further disclosed that over 1,000 police officers have been deployed across the Ashanti Region to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance public safety during the holidays.
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Many of the shop and store owners were not at the scene when the fire started around 0800 hours.
Traders, shop and stores owners in the Sunyani Business District (CBD) enclave were in tears after fire razed their shops in the early hours of Monday.
The victims were left in a state of despair as the inferno spread to shops and stores, attracting scores of people to the scene.
Many of the shop and store owners were not at the scene when the fire started around 0800 hours.
However, those present managed to retrieve some of their items from the fire, which gutted the compound house that contained the shops and stores.
Achie’s Hardware, dealers in building and construction materials, was the worst affected store as the buckets of paints exploded intermittently in the full glare of the affected traders and onlookers.
When the personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service arrived at the scene, the fire had already intensified, but the fire fighters managed to bring the situation under control.
Though the cause of the fire remained unclear, some eyewitness told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the fire might have emanated from a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder one of the shop owners was using.
The GNA learnt that there were no casualties.
In an interview with the GNA, many of the bystanders expressed concern that the fire fighters had only a fire tender to suppress the fire.
“If they had brought two or three fire tenders, the inferno wouldn’t have spread to the other shops,” an eyewitness, Kofi Yeboah stated.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, has questioned the government’s plan to reintroduce public tribunals to handle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, suggesting instead that existing courts be strengthened to deal with such cases.
His comments come after President John Dramani Mahama announced, during an engagement with the Christian Council, that the Cabinet had approved the Public Tribunal Bill as part of efforts to address galamsey-related offences.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of Viewon Monday, December 15, Prof. Oquaye said he was opposed to the replication of institutions, especially when existing courts across the country are under-resourced.
He argued that circuit courts, High Courts, and magistrates’ courts should be improved and adequately resourced to handle galamsey cases, rather than creating new tribunals that may require additional infrastructure and staffing.
Prof. Oquaye noted that if the proposed tribunals are intended solely to address galamsey, they would likely be temporary, raising concerns about sustainability. While he acknowledged that temporary measures could be tolerated in exceptional circumstances, he maintained that the creation of special courts for specific offences undermines the general principle of equal treatment before the law.
He suggested that instead of setting up separate tribunals, the state should invest in expanding and upgrading existing court infrastructure and, where necessary, assign galamsey cases to designated courts within the current judicial system.
Prof. Oquaye said, “I don’t like replication of institutions. Are we now going to build or rent houses for the tribunals? When the circuit courts, High Courts, and Magistrates’ courts sit under shades in some places? I think that we must go with the existing courts and improve them, the buildings, the staff, all should become judicial service people.
He added, “If the tribunals are exclusively galamsey, it means they will be temporary. Is that not so? To deal with a situation for now, and then they are no more. I think that can be tolerated. But nevertheless, creating special courts for special situations offends a general principle.
“That is putting people before the ordinary court of he land. If they are going to be like circuit courts, let’s build those buildings, particularly assigning galamsey cases to them.”
Team Ghana has returned from the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in Singapore with valuable lessons and unforgettable memories, to shape the country’s budding robotics learning.
The WRO opened in Singapore on November 26 with hundreds of international students, some as young as eight, set to compete using automatons to solve real-world problems.
The annual competition, which began in 2004 in Singapore and was held in Turkey last year, highlights the importance of technology and science in improving daily lives, using the inventive spirit of young students.
The global robotics competition brought together a record-breaking 91 countries, comprising 594 teams and 1,571 participants.
This year’s theme was “The Future of Robots” which sought to explore the way robotics can help solve global challenges and improve lives.
Ghana fielded a total delegation of 35 people, including students, coaches, parents, and officials from the Ghana Robotics Academy Foundation. The country was represented by seven teams across multiple categories:
• Robo Mission: One team each at the elementary, junior high, and senior high levels • Future Innovators: Two teams (junior high and senior high) • Robo Sports: One senior high team • Future Engineers: One team competing at the advanced, university-level challenge
Each team consisted of two to three students, supported by coaches who were permitted to guide multiple teams.
In the Future Innovators category, Ghanaian students showcased solutions rooted in local challenges: • The junior high team presented an aquaponics project, integrating robotics to regulate water and nutrient distribution for plant growth, demonstrating how technology can modernise agriculture. • The senior high team developed a robot designed to clean drainage systems, aimed at reducing flooding caused by choked gutters—an issue affecting many communities in Ghana.
Other categories, such as Robo Mission, Robo Sports, and Future Engineers, involved predefined tasks with “surprise rules” introduced on competition day, requiring teams to rapidly redesign and reprogram their robots under pressure.
Ghana’s delegation was led by Dr. Yaw Okraku-Yirenkyi, National Organiser for WRO and a founding member of the Ghana Robotics Foundation (GRAF), described the experience as “mind-blowing” and transformational for the students.
According to him, Ghana’s overall performance and scores were lower than anticipated. However, he emphasized that the true value of the Olympiad lies beyond rankings.
“This is about exposure, for most of our students, this is their first time at a World Robot Olympiad, and no matter how much you describe it, nothing prepares you for the scale, the infrastructure, and the level of innovation on display.” He explained.
Students encountered cutting-edge designs, advanced robotics projects, international peers, and exhibitions from global technology companies showcasing everything from humanoid robots to drones and supercars.
Dr. Okraku-Yirenkyi noted that many participants realized that ideas they once believed were exceptional did not yet match the global standard. Rather than discouraging them, he said, this realization served as a powerful motivation and learning curve.
“While their performance wasn’t what was envisaged,” he said, “bringing them onto the world stage was invaluable. It opened their eyes to what is possible and what they must work towards.”
Ghana has been participating in the World Robot Olympiad since 2012, and this years’ experience reinforces the importance of continued investment in robotics education and international exposure. Though medals may not have followed the delegation home, Team Ghana returned with something just as important: inspiration, perspective, and a renewed determination to grow.
The Supreme Court is set to hear an application on Tuesday, December 16, seeking to quash the judgment of the Tamale High Court that annulled the Kpandai parliamentary election.
The application was filed by the embattled Member of Parliament for Kpandai, Mathew Nyindam, who is challenging the High Court’s decision to nullify the December 7, 2024, parliamentary election results. Mr. Nyindam contends that the High Court erred in assuming jurisdiction over the election petition filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Daniel Nsala Wakpal.
In his application, Mr. Nyindam is seeking a judicial review to quash the High Court’s judgment, along with all processes and proceedings arising from what he describes as an invalid petition.
Following the High Court ruling, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) promptly applied for a stay of execution to prevent the NDC and the Electoral Commission from acting on the annulment decision, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Haruna Mohammed in an interview with Citi News on Monday, December 15, 2025, said the party will wait for the Supreme Court’s decision before determining its next course of action.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Mohammed said, “For now, there is no election until we get a definitive ruling from the court. What the court is going to say will inform our decision. If it comes out positively, in line with the law, it means that Mathew Nyindam, having won the election, will continue to be the Member of Parliament for Kpandai, and the victory remains ours.”
He added that the party would respond firmly if the ruling goes against them.
“But if the ruling comes otherwise, and the law is thrown to the dogs in the face of the Ghanaian people, we will make our stance very clear, and we will face whatever the court decides,” he stated.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to present a report on the mediation of the Bawku conflict to President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, December 16, as part of ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in the troubled area.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was appointed earlier in 2025 by President Mahama to lead mediation efforts aimed at resolving the decades-old chieftaincy dispute in Bawku.
The mediation process began in April, when the Asantehene held separate engagements with representatives of the feuding factions to initiate dialogue.
Although the talks were briefly suspended, they resumed in May 2025 and have since contributed to a period of relative calm in the conflict-prone municipality.
The report, which is expected to outline key findings, progress made, and recommendations, is anticipated to guide the next phase of government action towards restoring sustainable peace and stability in Bawku.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces say they have intensified security measures in the area to maintain law and order as the mediation process continues.
Speaking on Monday, December 15, the Commander of the 11th Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces in the Upper East Region, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Boako, expressed confidence that the combined security and mediation efforts would bring an end to the violence.
“We believe that as time goes on, with our monitoring, time will catch up with those miscreants. With the Otumfuo mediation and the meetings we had with the factions in Bawku last week, we believe that all these attacks will come to an end so that the community and its people can return to normalcy,” he said.
Bawku has experienced intermittent violence over the years due to chieftaincy disputes, prompting repeated calls for sustained dialogue and stronger security interventions to restore peace.
Executive influence eroding Parliament’s independence – Prof. Oquaye
Dr Nyame-Baafi is a Senior Research Fellow at IERPP
The suspects have been identified as 20-year-old Farouk Iddris, a motorbike mechanic and rider, and 19-year-old Salim Mohammed, a motorbike mechanic and rickshaw rider.
The operation led to the recovery of 59 iPhones, six Android phones, four tablets, five laptops, and other items. The suspects—22-year-old Abdul Fatawu, alias “UN”; 24-year-old Philip Nyarko, alias “Kawawa”; and 21-year-old Samak Hadi, alias “Toronto”—were apprehended at their Aboabo hideout.
