Former New Patriotic Party flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has bemoaned the state of the country in the first three months of the John Dramani Mahama government.

Speaking in a video clip from a recent TESCON event, which he shared on X on Monday, April 7, 2025, Ken Agyapong criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for supposedly not delivering on its promises.

He said that the first three months of the government are an indication that Ghanaians must prepare for the hardships ahead.

“They promised you heaven… Is this the heaven we’re seeing in these first three months? Is this the heaven we are seeing in these three months? Even in the first three months, look at what is happening.

“So, you can imagine the challenges we are going to face. But it has happened. Let us fortify ourselves, brace ourselves for challenges, and we shall overcome,” he added.

Ken Agyapong, a former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, went on to charge TESCON to work hard to ensure that his party returns to power.

“So, TESCON, I charge you today to lead the NPP’s campaign. Go from house to house, engage everyone you meet, and tell them the story of the NPP. And I know that with your efforts, we will be able to come back to power.”

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Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze:

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has submitted her preliminary response to President John Mahama following petitions seeking her removal from office.

This submission comes as the 10-day window granted to her to respond to the petitions elapses on Monday, April 7.

The petitions were submitted to the President earlier last month and have sparked national attention, leading to legal and constitutional debates on the proper procedure for handling such matters.

In a letter to the President last week, Justice Torkornoo requested copies of the petitions and asked for at least seven additional days to respond, in line with due process and fairness.

Her response, now formally submitted to the President and the Council of State, is set to be considered as part of the consultation process under Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution.

This step is crucial as it could determine whether a committee will be set up to investigate the allegations against the Chief Justice.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear a suit on April 9, filed by Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, challenging the legality of the President initiating the removal process without first notifying the Chief Justice.

The case adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation as it addresses whether the proper procedure was followed in notifying Justice Torkornoo.

The law surrounding the removal of the Chief Justice is governed by Article 146 of the Constitution, which outlines the steps for the removal of a Justice of the Superior Court or a Chairman of a Regional Tribunal. According to Article 146, the President may only remove a Justice from office for stated misbehaviour, incompetence, or the inability to perform their functions due to physical or mental infirmity.

Key Provisions of Article 146 Regarding Removal:

• Article 146(1): A Justice of the Superior Court or a Chairman of a Regional Tribunal can only be removed from office for misbehaviour, incompetence, or inability to perform their duties due to infirmity.

• Article 146(2): The removal process must follow the specific procedures outlined in the article.

• Article 146(3): If the President receives a petition for the removal of a Justice, other than the Chief Justice, the petition is referred to the Chief Justice for a determination of whether there is a prima facie case.

• Article 146(4): If the Chief Justice finds a prima facie case, a committee is formed to investigate the complaint. This committee consists of three Justices or Chairpersons of Regional Tribunals and two other individuals, not members of the Council of State or Parliament.

• Article 146(5): The committee investigates the complaint and submits its recommendations to the Chief Justice, who forwards them to the President.

• Article 146(6): For the removal of the Chief Justice, the President, in consultation with the Council of State, forms a committee of two Supreme Court Justices and three non-lawyers to investigate and recommend whether the Chief Justice should be removed.

• Article 146(7): The committee will inquire into the petition and make its recommendation to the President.

• Article 146(8): All proceedings under this article must be conducted in camera, and the person against whom the petition is made is entitled to be heard in their defence.

• Article 146(9): The President must act in accordance with the recommendations of the committee.

• Article 146(10): The President may suspend the Chief Justice or any other Justice during the process, following advice from the Council of State or the Judicial Council.

The outcome of the consultation with the Council of State, the Supreme Court’s hearing of the suit, and the actions taken by the President will determine the next steps in this unfolding situation.

As the process moves forward, the nation remains attentive to how the constitutional provisions will be applied and what consequences may arise from the ongoing petitions.

A civil society group, Africa Centre for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa), has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to disregard petitions seeking the removal of the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, and her fellow commissioners: Mr. Samuel Tetteh, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare, and Dr. Peter Appiahene.

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Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei,[L] Kwarteng and Tina

A Ghanaian model and brand ambassador, Tina Mensah, has filed a defamation lawsuit in the High Court of Ghana, Accra, against Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, a former Member of Parliament for Akuapem North Constituency, and Abigail Kwarteng, a Kumasi resident.

The suit dated March 28, 2025, numbered GE/016/2025/2025, seeks aggravated damages of GH¢20 million, general damages, and a public apology from the defendants.

According to the Statement of Claim, Mensah alleges that on February 18, 2025, Kwarteng recorded a video of her naked while she was in the bathroom at Kwarteng’s residence in Kumasi.

The recording took place at 9:39 a.m., following Mensah’s stay at the residence since February 13, 2025. Kwarteng, identified by the plaintiff as the foster daughter of Asiamah-Adjei, allegedly sent the video to the former MP via WhatsApp.

Asiamah-Adjei, who served as MP for Akuapem North for two terms and was the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry from 2017 to 2024, allegedly published the video to her contacts and instructed them to share it on other social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok.

Mensah, a mother of three domiciled in Germany, claims the video’s publication has caused her profound distress, anxiety, and public odium in Ghana and abroad.

As a model and brand ambassador with 102,000 followers on Facebook, she states that her contracts with companies like Sasa Hair and Ghana Organics have been abrogated, her relationship with her fiancé outside Ghana has collapsed, and her children are facing ridicule in school and public places.

The plaintiff further alleges that the defendants’ actions were malicious, intended to defame her and lower her reputation among right-thinking members of society.

The Writ of Summons, issued on March 28, 2025, commands the defendants to appear within eight days of service to answer the claims. Mensah is represented by Bright Apraku, Esq., a solicitor based in Sunyani.

The court document, sighted by GhanaWeb, also notes that Kwarteng admitted to recording and sending the video to Asiamah-Adjei during an arraignment in Kwadaso-Kumasi, though Mensah has since refused to honour further police invitations, focusing on the civil case.

The plaintiff seeks a declaration that the video’s publication on TikTok and Facebook is defamatory, an order for the defendants to issue an apology on their social media platforms, and costs, including legal fees, alongside the GH¢20 million in damages.

The case is set to proceed in the High Court, Accra.

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Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below:

Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the minority leader in Parliament has cried out to gospel musicians Great Ampong and Nicholas Omane Acheampong that the National Democratic Congress cheated the NPP in the 2024 elections.

According to Afenyo Markin after Dr Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat the NDC took advantage to cheat in the December polls.

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Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the vice president, has taken a three-week medical leave of absence beginning April 7, 2025, per her doctor’s advice, in order to concentrate on her recuperation, according to a report by citinewsroom.com.

This move was said to have been confirmed by Jubilee House sources.

After receiving initial care at the University of Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, the Vice President had to seek treatment overseas due to current health issues, which necessitated her leave.

Speaking at a community engagement in Lagos, Nigeria, on April 6, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reassured Ghanaians that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang is quickly returning to her duties and is recuperating well.

He credited her advancement to the prayers and support of Ghanaians and people, both domestically and internationally.

Ablakwa dismissed what he described as “vicious and unGhanaian propaganda,” while addressing rumors about the vice president’s health, urging the public to focus on her resilience and achievements.

He emphasized her capacity to shatter stereotypes and act as a role model, highlighting her role as an inspiration to young girls and women.

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The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has alleged that President John Dramani Mahama has halted the deployment of several Ashanti high-ranking military officers who had been selected for United Nations missions as reported by Ghana Web.

According to the Assin South MP, the affected officers, ranging from lieutenant colonels to colonels, were due for international assignments arranged months prior.

However, he claims these appointments were recently revoked by the presidency without clear justification.

Speaking on Voice of London Radio on April 4, 2025, Fordjour criticized the Mahama administration’s handling of military appointments, describing it as discriminatory and politically motivated.

He accused the government of sidelining officers based on their ethnic background.

“These arrangements were made three to four months ago, and now this government has rescinded all such appointments for Ashantis while leaving appointments for officers from other tribes intact,” he said.

Fordjour described the development as part of a larger pattern of what he believes is tribal bias in the administration’s governance style.

He warned that such actions could undermine the professionalism and unity of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The legislator also raised concerns about broader national issues, referencing alleged increases in illicit activities under the current administration.

“Cocaine is everywhere; money laundering is everywhere. I am telling you, they have started on a very terrible note,” he said.

This is not the first time Fordjour has criticized President Mahama’s military decisions.

He previously questioned the appointment of Major General William Agyapong as Chief of Defence Staff, citing the resignation of more senior officers.

The government are yet to respond to the latest claims.

Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana has expressed disappointment over comments made by the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, suggesting that the party’s primary focus is on the alleged drug trafficking scandal rather than internal party matters involving former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Adwoa Safo.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM‘s Top Story on Monday, April 7, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante acknowledged the importance of the alleged drug trafficking saga, but insisted that issues within the political space, including the controversy surrounding Adwoa Safo, are equally critical to the public interest.

“I am not happy with the statement from the NPP General Secretary who said that they were more interested in the alleged cocaine story. That is important — there’s no doubt about that — but this is also equally important,” Dr. Asah-Asante stated.

He argued that the public deserves full disclosure on all matters of national interest, particularly when it concerns the actions or conduct of public office holders.

Dr. Asah-Asante called on the NPP to ensure that both matters — the alleged drug trafficking incident and the disciplinary concerns surrounding Adwoa Safo — are given the necessary attention and transparent handling.

“The public has the right to know what happens within the political space the state has created for all of us. We also want to understand what is happening. So if he gives an explanation that the drug issue is more of a concern to them, this one [Adwoa Safo issue] is equally of importance to us.

“We want to see the logical conclusion of the story by the party. The individual who is alleging must also be able to provide the necessary information for us to get to the bottom of this matter,” he added.

His comments come after the NPP General Secretary said the decision to postpone the meeting with Adwoa Safo, which was planned for today,[Monday] was due to the magnitude of the alleged drug trafficking scandal.

He indicated the party is now focused on questioning government on that particular matter istead of engaging in internal party politics where Adwoa Safo is involved.

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 New Patriotic Party (NPP) says its immediate focus is on the alleged drug trafficking scandal and not internal party matters involving former Dome-Kwabenya MP, Adwoa Safo.

In an interview on Sunday evening, the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, announced the party’s decision to postpone its scheduled meeting initially planned for today, Monday, April 7, citing the gravity of the drug trafficking allegations as the reason.

According to Mr. Kodua, the party considers the ongoing scandal a matter of national interest that requires urgent attention and critical engagement with the government, rather than diverting attention to internal disciplinary matters involving Adwoa Safo.

“There is not going to be any discussion on whether or not Honourable Adwoa Safo is going to appear before any committee or not. What the party is going to discuss is the running issue with respect to the alleged drug trafficking in our country,” he stressed.

Read Also: Adwoa Safo’s supporters storm NPP HQ ahead of her appearance before disciplinary c’ttee

The NPP General Secretary emphasized that the party would not allow its focus to be shifted to Adwoa Safo’s matter at this critical time.

“Our priority now is the alleged drug trafficking scandal, not internal party politics. Ghanaians deserve answers from the government. We expect transparency, accountability, and clarity on this matter,” he added.

He expressed disappointment in the government’s handling of the situation, raising concerns about the inconsistencies in the official narrative surrounding the scandal, which he believes has dented Ghana’s image internationally.

“The rank and file of our party have expressed disappointment at the worrying behaviour of this government. There are several mind-boggling questions we expect the government to answer. The attempt to sweep these critical issues under the carpet is unacceptable,” Mr. Kodua stated.

Read also: Adwoa Safo fumes, says NPP disciplinary c’ttee postponed hearing without her knowledge

He further criticised the government’s silence on the matter, questioning why there has not been any official communication from the country’s security agencies despite the magnitude of the allegations.

“This is worrying and embarrassing for our country. It is shocking that, when this issue has become an international topic, we are yet to hear any official communication from our security agencies,” he lamented.

His comment comes prior to Madam Adwoa Safo, accompanied by her supporters, storming the NPP headquarters to with supporters to appear before the party’s Disci[primary Committee.

She expressed disappointment that the committee failed to officially notify her about the postponement of her scheduled appearance before them.

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.

NDC Communications team member, Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications team, Hamza Suhuyini Sayibu, has asserted that the impressive strides made by the government in its first three months in office have caused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to panic.

Speaking in an interview on GH One TV, monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, April 7, 2025, he lauded the government for fulfilling its mandate to Ghanaians.

“John Dramani Mahama made certain promises to the good people of this country. Pivotal to those promises was an agenda to reset the economy of this country, ensure accountability, and most importantly, expand the frontiers of transparency in governance.

“Again, in fulfillment of those promises, I’m sure last week you saw President Mahama sign into law the review of the emissions levy, E-Levy, and a host of others, including the betting tax, intended to bring some relief to the good people of this country. Quite apart from that, President Mahama has shown a commitment to reducing the size of government,” he stated.

Hamza Suhuyini argued that the NDC’s actions are exerting immense pressure on the NPP.

“If you have a government that is doing so much within this short period of time, it is not surprising that the opposition party seems to be panicking about the steps of this government. Because clearly, these steps I have just enumerated will, if care is not taken, annihilate the political ambitions of the NPP.

“So, it must be the strategy of every political party in opposition to begin to think of ways to divert the attention of the Ghanaian people away from the gains being made daily by this government,” he added.

JKB/MA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for cross-border collaboration in research, innovation, and education to address the challenges facing African nations.

He emphasised the need for sustained partnerships across the continent to drive advancements in energy, infrastructure, and smart technologies.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE) Programme in Accra, he said, “Innovation in energy, infrastructure, and smart technologies continues to persist on our continent. Yet, our continued research collaboration offers a way forward, enabling institutions to pool resources, share expertise, and develop scalable AI and automation solutions tailored to our continent’s needs.”

The president further pointed out Ghana’s commitment to working closely with regional partners in higher education and research, highlighting the interconnected nature of challenges such as food security, public health, climate change, and digital transformation.

“We recognize and fully appreciate that the challenges of our time, whether in public health, food security, climate resilience, or digital transformation, are too complex, costly, and knowledge-intensive to be tackled in national isolation,” he stated.

“And that is why Ghana will continue to work hand in hand with our partners across the continent and beyond, offering the strength of our academic institutions, the ingenuity of our researchers, and the energy of our youth to advance our shared goals,” he added.

President Mahama concluded with a call to action, urging African nations to align their efforts and leverage their unique strengths, from coastal resilience to agricultural innovation, to accelerate collective progress and secure a competitive place for Africa in the global knowledge economy.

“We believe that by aligning our efforts and leveraging each other’s expertise, we can accelerate progress in ways that no single country can achieve alone. Our institutions bring to the table areas of clear strategic advantage, from coastal resilience to crop improvement,” he said.

Watch video below:

President John Dramani Mahama is calling for stronger cross-border collaboration in higher education and research, saying Africa’s biggest challenges—like food security, climate change, digital transformation, and public health—can’t be tackled in isolation.

Speaking at the 10th… pic.twitter.com/ZlHePbnWHg

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) April 7, 2025

RAD/MA

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:

Musician-turned-Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame A Plus, has called for a shift in perspective regarding the inefficiencies within Ghana’s public and civil service sectors.

In a recent interview with Adom FM, A Plus emphasized that the blame for the country’s systemic issues should not rest solely on the shoulders of politicians.

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File photo of a galamsey site

Eco-Conscious Citizens, a leading environmental advocacy group, has called on Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka to reconsider his decision to deport foreigners involved in illegal mining (galamsey) without trial.

During an engagement with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the Minister announced that the government would deport such individuals instead of prosecuting them, citing the need to protect the environment and save the country money.

“We have resolved, as a new policy, that for two things—whether you’re involved in galamsey or cutting down our trees unlawfully, or engaging in fraudulent activities, whether through computer fraud or other means—when we arrest any foreigner, we are not interested in prosecuting them. Our first option is to take them back to their country,” the minister stated.

“The prosecutors within the police have officially written to the Attorney General. We are not interested in prosecuting people who are destroying our environment or defrauding people across the globe. What we want is to take them back to their country and put them on the stop list, ensuring they can never return to our country.”

Reacting to this on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, the Coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, disagreed with the policy, arguing that it would create an avenue for more foreigners to engage in galamsey.

She believes that punishment before deportation is necessary to serve as a deterrent.

She said, “If someone is involved in environmental terrorism, destroying our forest reserves and poisoning the water bodies, and what you’re saying is that they can come to Ghana, engage in these activities, and when we catch them, we just pay for their fare to return to their country without prosecution, no jail time, and no restitution—then that’s not a deterrent. We all know how porous our borders are, and the case of Aisha Huang shows that people can return under a different name or identity. I struggle to understand what kind of deterrent this will be.”

Serwah questioned the effectiveness of the policy, citing the case of Aisha Huang, who managed to return to Ghana despite being previously deported.

“We know the facts about how Aisha Huang managed to come back. If you want a deterrent, there needs to be something so severe that they will not contemplate coming back. But with this policy, the worst-case scenario is that if they are caught, they’ll just be sent back to their country. So, where is the deterrent? People believe they can make a lot of money from mining gold, which is why there’s a rush to engage in galamsey. Ghanaians themselves are involved and competent in it.”

She emphasised the need for robust action, including prosecution and imprisonment, to discourage foreigners from engaging in galamsey.

“So if you want to stop it, I keep saying I struggle to understand how merely deporting them will help. It’s also going against the law because the Lands and Minerals Act clearly states that those caught should be prosecuted.

“The idea that we won’t prosecute them to save money doesn’t stand scrutiny. You need to deal with them robustly to discourage them from coming. You need to prosecute and imprison them, and then after they’ve served their sentences, they can return to their country.”