Solomon Owusu is the Director of Communications for the UP
The Director of Communications for the United Party, Solomon Owusu, has shot down claims that falling global crude oil prices are responsible for recent reductions in fuel prices at Ghanaian pumps and not solely government actions.
Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime in a review of President John Dramani Mahama’s one year in office, Owusu countered the assertions by some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) about the fuel price reduction.
He jabbed the outgone NPP government, claiming that if they were to be in power, the recent capture of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the US government would have been used to explain rising fuel prices.
“As we speak, America has entered Venezuela. That country has the highest oil deposit – 303 billion barrels. Can you imagine if it was the NPP that was in power? This would have been an avenue to say that that’s why the cedi is going up. Everything must affect us,” he jabbed.
Local fuel prices will ‘inevitably’ be affected by surge in global oil prices – Economist
Owusu pointed out that Ghana is a net exporter of crude oil, therefore, rising oil costs during the NPP administration should have benefitted Ghana’s export revenues and, by extension, the cedi.
“But you see, you must not buy this argument. When it comes to fuel, do you know that Ghana is a net exporter of crude? So, if the prices [of oil] are going up, it means you have to benefit from it because we are also exporting crude. If anybody comes to give you this excuse, what it means is that they do not respect you,” he said.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has said the government is dedicated to recovering the funds from the alleged financial irregularities in the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP).
According to him, a flagged $2 million overpayment was not a clerical error, as claimed by lawyers for the program.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews on January 10, 2026, the AG debunked claims by J A Plant Pool Limited that the alleged US$2 million overpayment resulted from a clerical error, stating that the matter had been duly investigated and was proven to be an intentional overpayment.
“It wasn’t a clerical error… We obtained invoices from the Ministry of Finance, from the DACF (the District Assembly Common Fund), and from PPA and compared all the invoices we received. And that figure is confirmed by all the invoices that they were overpaid by $2 million. I will insist on that,” he stated.
According to him, his office earlier estimated the tax evaded at GH¢38.7 million but upon seeking the assistance of the GRA in July 2025, the GRA confirmed last week that GH¢22 million in taxes had indeed been evaded.
DRIP Contract: JA Plant Pool was overpaid by $2 million – AG reveals
He stated that the confirmed tax evasion will be pursued alongside the US$2 million overpayment.
“$2 million has also been flagged, and I’m going to pursue them for that because it’s very, very clear from our evidence that they were overpaid by $2 million in addition to the $22 million that has been confirmed by the GRA, I’m going to pursue them for that,” he declared.
Beyond the DRIP case, the Attorney General assured the public that the government will soon begin recovering funds through the work of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
He said while he cannot guarantee that the full projected recovery of US$21 billion will be achieved, he remains confident that the ongoing investigations will soon result in funds flowing back into the public purse.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, says that prosecution of criminal trials is largely controlled by the judiciary and not solely by the prosecuting authorities.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, Dr Ayine said he remains unable to proceed to court over matters relating to the National Cathedral project until he receives a forensic audit report, which he described as critical to any potential prosecution.
“And even the National Cathedral, for instance, I am still waiting for the forensic report. I cannot proceed to court on the National Cathedral unless the forensic report is given to me,” he stated.
His comments come after former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo stated that the credibility of the anti-corruption fight now rests largely on how the Attorney-General handles high-profile cases submitted under the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.
Dr Ayine expressed surprise at criticisms from some individuals, including the former Auditor-General, who has called for quicker action on high-profile cases.
He argued that such criticisms often overlook the realities of criminal litigation.
“For people like Domelevo, I am a bit surprised that they know that even when I have filed a case in court, the speed of the case does not depend exclusively on me,” he said.
The Attorney-General explained that once a matter enters the courts, the conduct and pace of proceedings fall under the authority of the judiciary.
“What we have to understand is that, first of all, a criminal trial is a judiciary-controlled process,” he noted.
To illustrate his point, Dr Ayine cited the issue of adjournments, which are at the discretion of the presiding judge.
“If a judge says, ‘I am giving an adjournment of one month or two months’, and I plead with the judge or my lawyers plead with the judge to give a shorter adjournment and the judge refuses, what do I do in that case?” he asked. “I cannot compel the judge to give a shorter adjournment.”
While acknowledging public demands for swift justice, Dr Ayine said he is committed to expediting cases where possible, but cautioned against rushing prosecutions at the expense of thoroughness and legal soundness.
“And so if people like him say I should speed up, yes, I will speed up,” he said.
“But I don’t want to speed up and then trip along the line, and the same people will say, ‘well, Ayine didn’t do his work well; that is why he is tripping.’”
The Attorney-General stressed that his approach is guided by the need to build strong, defensible cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny, particularly in complex and high-profile matters such as the National Cathedral project.
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.
Former Hearts of Oak Head Coach Aboubakar Ouattara has backed goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to reclaim his place in the club’s starting eleven once he returns to full fitness, even as growing pressure builds over his Black Stars future.
The Black Stars’ number one goalkeeper has been sidelined for several weeks after picking up an injury, a situation that has allowed Solomon Agbasi to step in and establish himself in the Hearts of Oak goal.
Agbasi has been one of the club’s standout performers during this period, delivering consistent and commanding displays between the posts. His form has sparked debate among fans and analysts, many of whom believe Asare could struggle to walk straight back into the starting lineup.
However, speaking to Top Sports, Ouattara insisted that the hierarchy at Hearts remains unchanged despite Agbasi’s impressive run.
Ex-Chelsea player Lamisha Musonda reveals he has just a few days left to live
“Solomon Agbasi is doing extremely well, but the fact is Benjamin Asare still remains the number one for Hearts of Oak, and he needs to take over when he is fully fit,” Ouattara said.
Beyond the domestic battle, Asare is also facing mounting pressure on the international front.
As Ghana’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, his prolonged absence from competitive football is raising concerns about his readiness to lead the Black Stars heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Agbasi now playing regularly at club level while Asare watches from the sidelines, sections of the football public believe the Hearts captain may need to consider a move elsewhere if he cannot quickly regain his place, in order to preserve his Black Stars number-one status before the World Cup.
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that many Ghanaians living in the United States have expressed relief and satisfaction following the arrest of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Manasseh said Ghanaians in the US are deeply unhappy with how Mr Ofori-Atta managed Ghana’s economy and are hopeful he will be deported to Ghana to face justice.
“Ghanaians here in the US are very livid about Ken Ofori-Atta and how he managed the economy. I met a student who said, and I quote, ‘I hate Ken Ofori-Atta with passion.’ And this student had a grievance because when he completed school, National Service, he invested, and this haircut and others really affected him.
So whenever you mention Ken Ofori-Atta’s name, he doesn’t want to hear. I have travelled quite a bit since I got here. I think I’ve been to at least 20 of the states, and I meet Ghanaians when I travel around, and they are not happy about the stewardship of Ken Ofori-Atta.
I think many are jubilating and happy that he’s been arrested and hope that he will be taken back to Ghana to face justice,” he said.
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has paid a morale-boosting visit to Mohammed Salisu in France as the defender continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The AS Monaco centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a French Ligue 1 encounter against Olympique Lyonnais, a setback that has ruled the 26-year-old out for the remainder of the season.
The injury also casts serious doubt over his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Following successful surgery, Addo met Salisu to offer personal encouragement and discuss Ghana’s World Cup ambitions, reaffirming the defender’s importance to the national team despite the long road to recovery ahead.
Prior to the injury, Salisu had established himself as a key figure in Monaco’s defence, delivering assured performances in the absence of Soungoutou Magassa Mawissa and experienced centre-back Eric Dier. He made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring once.
Addo has recently adopted a proactive and supportive approach with his players, making similar visits to Abdul Mumin, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah and other Black Stars players sidelined by injury.
The Black Stars coach is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on June 1.
play videoFounder of Prosperity City Chapel International, Bishop Adongo Joseph
Bishop Adongo Joseph, Founder and General Overseer of Prosperity City Chapel International, has challenged the widely held belief that every doom prophecy must necessarily be averted, stating that some prophecies can be foreseen but not prevented.
Speaking in an interview with MzGee on Behind The Pulpit, the bishop explained that while prayer and spiritual interventions can avert certain prophetic warnings, others are inevitable.
“There are prophecies you can see but you cannot avert. You can only see it, but you cannot avert it,” he said.
Bishop Adongo stressed that prophecies must always be delivered responsibly and within proper context, not to instill fear or cause panic.
“Prophecy must be delivered in context — not to create fear, not to create disaster, not to destroy. We do not wish evil prophecies to manifest; we do not wish they come to pass,” he added.
To buttress his point, he referenced Ghana’s tragic June 3, 2015, flood and fire disaster, recalling a conversation with his mentor, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare.
“I remember the June 3 disaster. My mentor, Archbishop Agyin Asare, said to me, ‘Prophet, you told me there was going to be rain that would kill people around Circle.’ Some of these things, you cannot avert,” he recounted.
The bishop further revealed that he had earlier informed his congregation during a December 31, 2024, service about an impending national tragedy involving prominent figures but deliberately chose not to publicise it.
“The national disaster that happened with the aeroplane — I told them there was going to be a national funeral. But I would not come on air to blow it. I am advertising Jesus, not myself,” he said.
Bishop Adongo’s comments add to the ongoing public discourse on prophecies, accountability, and the role of religious leaders in communicating sensitive spiritual revelations.
Janet Nabla is the leader of the People’s National Party (PNP)
The Leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Janet Nabla, has strongly criticised the arrest and detention of former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
She described the action as “vindictive and cruel” and inconsistent with democratic principles.
See the luxury Washington DC apartment Ofori-Atta was staying in before his arrest by ICE
Reacting to the development on JoyPrime on January 10, 2026, Nabla questioned the basis for Ofori-Atta’s treatment.
The politician insisted that the former minister has not been convicted of any crime in Ghana and should not be subjected to what she described as excessive and unfair handling.
“This vindictive and cruel way of dealing with issues. It is not the best. [It is] not fair at all. This is not democracy. It is like we are in a military [rule],” she bemoaned.
Janet Nabla argued that Ofori-Atta had previously offered to cooperate with investigators through a virtual engagement due to health reasons, an option she said was rejected.
“He [Ofori-Atta] gave us opportunity for a Zoom. He said I can do the interview on Zoom because I’m not feeling well. We said no, we don’t want it,” she stated.
She questioned why the former finance minister was being treated as a criminal despite what she insists are unproven allegations.
“Ken Ofori-Atta, has he committed any crime in this country? No, it is an allegation. Has he committed any crime?” she asked.
Janet Nabla also raised concerns about Ofori-Atta’s health, noting that he is undergoing medical treatment and that his recovery process requires regular hospital visits.
Addressing questions about medical disclosures, she defended the position taken by Ofori-Atta’s legal team.
AG drops details of confidential conversation he had with ‘top’ US lawyers of Ofori-Atta
“He’s getting treatment… Let me tell you about the recovery process. When you are recovering, the doctor can tell you that every three days, you should come to the hospital. The lawyer is saying that he doesn’t owe us the obligation to give that information to us,” she said.
A member of the legal team of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has criticised comments made by lawyer Abraham Amaliba over the former minister’s current legal situation in the United States.
Speaking on Prime Insight on Joy Prime on Saturday, January 10, lawyer Frank Davies dismissed claims that Mr Ofori-Atta’s lawyers in Ghana are not properly informed about developments in the case.
During the programme, the host referred to comments made by Mr Amaliba in a video circulating online.
In the video, Mr Amaliba suggested that the Ghana-based lawyers of the former finance minister did not have full knowledge of his status, especially since lawyers in the United States had gone silent after Mr Ofori-Atta’s reported detention by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to Mr Amaliba, the US lawyers had earlier spoken publicly about the extradition process, including granting an interview to the BBC, but had stopped commenting since the ICE detention.
He said that the matter had now been left to lawyers in Ghana who “do not even have information” about what is happening in the US.
Responding to this, Mr Davies said, “Well, Amaliba, my good friend, is a trained lawyer. And when lawyers talk in this pedestrian manner, I got a bit worried.”
He questioned why Mr Amaliba would assume that the former Finance Minister’s lawyers in Ghana are not in contact with their counterparts in the United States.
“What does he know about engagement between American lawyers and lawyers?” he asked. “If he’s doing a case in Ghana, and there’s another leg in America, is he trying to suggest that American lawyers will not give him feedback as to what is happening?”
Mr Davies added that lawyers should avoid speaking publicly on matters they do not fully understand.
“When people have little knowledge of something, it is better for them to keep quiet rather than go around embarrassing themselves and saying all kinds of things because they want to be heard on the radio or television,” he said.
“It is needless. I would say that his government is in power. Sedinam Tamakloe-Attionu has been convicted, regularly and legally, by a court of competent jurisdiction. She’s a criminal fugitive, and she is in America. Tell him that while he’s talking about Ken, he should tell his Attorney General to also start extradition proceedings to bring Sedinam to Ghana to come and answer for her crime.”
On the issue of Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention, Mr Davies confirmed that legal action has already been taken in the United States.
“The lawyers in America have filed the process in court to challenge his custody in ICE detention,” he said.
He explained that the case will be heard later this month and questioned what Mr Amaliba expected the US lawyers to be saying publicly at this stage.
“That process will be heard later this month. What does he expect the lawyers in America to be saying?” Mr Davies asked.
“That is why we are here as lawyers, because we have collaboration and teamwork with American lawyers.”
Read also: A process has been filed in court to challenge Ofori-Atta’s detention by ICE – Frank Davies
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.
Nigerian Grammy-nominated singer, Seun Kuti, has slammed the fanbase of award-winning singer, Wizkid, known as Wizkid FC, over the comparison with his late father cum Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Naija News reports that Seun, during a recent Instagram livestream, said it is an insult to refer to Wizkid as the modern-day equivalent of his father.
While describing Wizkid fans as the most ignorant fanbase in the world, Seun warned them to stop comparing the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner with Fela.
He said, “Wizkid FC keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. You try to claim that your fake artiste is the new Fela. Then when you people saw that the shoes were to big to fill and people like me also did not allow you to get away with those insults… It is actually an insult [to compare Wizkid to Fela].
“You people have no respect. I like it when people don’t have respect as a form of defiance. If your lack of respect came from a place of defiance, I will respect it. But your lack of respect came from a place of ignorance…
“Wizkid fans are online disrespecting Fela again. Why must you always involve Fela in your petty discussions? The overzealousnes of some of fans has significantly affected the music industry negatively. Some artists can’t even collaborate because of fan rivalries.
“I think Wizkid FC is the most ignorant fanbase in the world… You need to stop misbehaving. Concentrate on your artist. Can’t you enjoy their music without comparing it to something else? Do you know why you cannot enjoy your artist’s music without comparing it to something else? It is because the music does not fill your spirit. You can pretend to be enjoying it, but spiritually, you are not satisfied.”
Solomon Owusu is the Director of Communications for the UP
