Recent news articles attempting to discredit Mr. Gabriel Adovoe Kwabla Kwamigah, popularly known as Tanko Kwamigah, in his bid for the Volta Regional Member at the Council of State, have been met with undeniable legal facts that expose the falsehoods being spread against him.
The allegations of criminal involvement, which have been weaponized by his detractors, have been thoroughly discredited by a formal court ruling exonerating him of no wrongdoing.
An available court document (Suit No. A7/80/2024, dated 3rd April 2024) unequivocally states that Mr. Kwamigah has been discharged of all allegations against him.
The ruling, signed by Her Worship Anna A. A. G. Anaafi Gyasi (Mrs), specifically notes that the decision to discharge him was based on the advice of the Attorney General, further reinforcing his legal innocence.
This court decision invalidates all previous insinuations and accusations aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Contrary to the misinformation being propagated, Mr. Kwamigah is also not battling multiple criminal cases with facts and documents all available from a court of competent jurisdiction.
In fact, he has been legally absolved of any wrongdoing, making the claims against him not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to undermine his political aspirations.
These attempts to link him to fraudulent activities, including the MenzGold scam, are fabrications designed to derail his legitimate bid for the Council of State.
Furthermore, accusations suggesting that the Volta Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been financially induced to support his candidacy are unfounded and politically motivated.
The electoral process for the Council of State is structured to ensure integrity, and any insinuation that officials are engaging in corrupt practices is a baseless attack without substantial evidence.
In a rejoinder signed by Edwin Kwashie Gawugah, Tanko’s Campaign Manager stated clearly that, he has never been convicted of any fraud-related offence, insisting that such reports have no legal or factual basis.
The statement emphasised that the aspirant is a respected businessman who has built his reputation and enterprise on integrity, transparency, and adherence to both national and international trade laws.
“Our candidate has never been involved in any fraudulent activity. The claims made in the publication are unsubstantiated and intended to tarnish his hard-earned reputation as a distinguished businessman and leader,” part of the statement reads.
The campaign team further explained that Mr Kwamigah has lawfully conducted numerous transactions within the gold sector, holding valid licences and permits issued by relevant regulatory bodies. They assured the public that his dealings have always been in good faith and within legal frameworks.
The statement urged the public to treat the allegations with contempt, asserting that they were orchestrated to damage the candidate’s credibility ahead of the Council of State elections. The team reaffirmed Mr Kwamigah’s commitment to serving the Volta Region with integrity and his dedication to the welfare of its people.
“We call on all well-meaning ‘Voltarians’ to disregard any attempt to misrepresent Mr Kwamigah’s character and contributions to the region and the business community. We also urge everyone to support his bid to represent our region at the national level and advocate for its best interests,” the statement added.
Addressing the broader implications of the allegations, the campaign team called for an election process free of personal attacks and misinformation. They encouraged all candidates to focus on their vision for the Volta Region rather than engaging in smear campaigns.
Bernard Ahaifor the Chairman of Appointment Committee of Parliament has detailed an incident involving Afenyo-Markin and Jerry Ahmed Shaib at the ministerial vetting.
According to Bernard Ahaifor, the Weija Gbawe MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib acted under Afenyo Markin’s instruction to disrupt the vetting process.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with JOY NEWS, Bernard Ahiafor revealed, “The minority leader played it smart and safe, I have heard him, asking them to do some of the things that they did, but when they were about to start he left the room, it was later that he came back to the room, so at the scene where they were dragging the table, and putting the chairs on the table he was at that material moment not in the room”.
The Minister nominee for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed his readiness to undergo a second round of vetting by the Appointment Committee, should the committee deem it necessary.
“If they want a second round of vetting, I am ready for them,” he stated in a Facebook post following an abrupt end of his vetting by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over some disagreement.
Nonetheless, the Minority Leader had already grilled him on several issues for some hours.
The sudden end to the vetting was occasioned by a ruling of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suspending four MPs who had participated in a chaotic incident, thereby affecting the composition of the Appointments Committee.
In the Facebook post, the North Tongu Member of Parliament said while he had made himself available, the committee, particularly the minority, chose to avoid him. “They had every opportunity when I appeared before them for vetting but they chose to run away,” he said, adding that during their eight years in power, they had failed to prosecute him, as they could find nothing against him.
Mr Ablakwa, who also serves as the chairman of the government’s Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL), defended his actions, stating that there was nothing wrong with opposing wrongdoing and advocating for public accountability. “It is not a crime for a Member of Parliament to patriotically and diligently seek the protection of public resources and state assets,” he remarked.
The MP emphasised his commitment to his constitutional oversight duties. He concluded by reaffirming his focus on President Mahama’s innovative reforms set to be implemented at the Foreign Ministry.
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A security analyst, Dr Festus Kofi Aubyn, has called on the National Peace Council (NPC) to lead the process of post-election reconciliation in the country.
That, he said, was because the country’s electoral landscape was often marred by retaliatory actions between opposing parties, which could be detrimental to national unity.
“After elections, there are a lot of people who have a lot of issues against their political opponents.
Some of these things people are able to keep until the next election, waiting for their party to take over. Once their party takes over, they retaliate,” he said.
Dr Aubyn, who is the Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building at the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), was responding to a question posed by the Daily Graphic on how the country could cure the post-election violence that characterises the transition of power from one government to the other after every eight-years.
To mitigate this cycle of retaliation, Dr Aubyn recommended that the NPC, with government support, take the lead in reconciling Ghanaians across party lines.
National unity, cohesion
“We can all forge a nation to promote the image and the interests of Ghana, irrespective of which political party is in power,” he emphasised.
Dr Aubyn, who has rich experience in conflict management and peacebuilding, underscored the need for the country to prioritise national unity and cohesion in the aftermath of elections.
To curb post-election violence, he also stressed the need for the Electoral Commission (EC) to enhance its processes, particularly in collating and announcing results.
“The Electoral Commission needs to look at its internal processes of collating results and declaring results, especially at the polling centres and also at the national level,” Dr Aubyn said.
He said delays in announcing election results could create unnecessary tensions that can escalate into violence.
He stated that within 24 hours after voting in the 2024 general election, some political parties had collated their results before the EC could even collate all its results across the country.
“I think the Electoral Commission needs to enhance its processes, especially when it comes to the collation and announcement of election results,” he said.
The security analyst observed that the peaceful 2024 general election was marred by disturbing incidents of tension, violence and attacks on some state institutions.
Winner-takes-all politics
Dr Aubyn also identified the winner-takes-all system of politics as a primary driver of post-election violence in the country.
“This system creates a sense of entitlement among those in power, leading to the distribution of power and resources along partisan lines. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced during transitions from one government to another, where the incoming party seeks to assert its dominance,” he added.
Dr Aubyn said that had led to a culture of violence and intimidation, with perpetrators often targeting state institutions and public properties.
To address this issue, Dr Aubyn emphasised the need for enhanced civic education and awareness.
“We need to educate the populace, particularly members of political parties, to understand that governance is a continuum.
“This means recognising that there is a process for transitioning from one party to another and that violence and intimidation have no place in this process,” he said.
Dr Aubyn called on the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and political parties to play a more active role in promoting civic education and awareness.
By so doing, he said, the country could work towards a more peaceful and inclusive political culture.
Kumasi-based giants Asante Kotoko have officially withdrawn from the Ghana Premier League (GPL) following the tragic incident that led to the death of their supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong.
In a statement released by the club, Kotoko management reaffirmed their stance to suspend all footballing activities of the senior team until justice is served and necessary measures are put in place to prevent similar acts of violence in Ghanaian football.
“Our stance remains unchanged; we will not resume footballing duties until justice is served, and concrete steps are taken to prevent such barbaric acts from ever happening again,” the club stated.
While all on-field football activities have been put on hold, Kotoko management has made provisions for their juvenile players and injured footballers requiring rehabilitation, allowing them access to the training centre.
This decision comes amid widespread calls for an end to violence and hooliganism in Ghanaian football, with Kotoko urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and relevant authorities to ensure meaningful reforms.
The clubs’ stance is significant in seeking justice for their late supporter.
A chief surprised attendees at the Thanksgiving service of Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, and MP for Techiman North, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, when he requested that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign song ‘Kwen Kwen’ be played for him.
He described the popular song as a nightmare for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“There is one song that I monitored during the campaign, and I have come to like it. That is the song the now-opposition feared. So, at all costs, that song will be played here,” he said.
The chief then asked the DJ to play the song.
As soon as it started playing, the crowd rushed to the middle of Jama-Timponim Park and danced their hearts out.
In December 2024, the campaign song gained popularity on Apple Music in Ghana.
A quick search of the 100 most played songs in Ghana on Apple Music at the time revealed that ‘Kwen Kwen’ held the top position.
The song was composed by gospel artiste Nacee, who has been a regular composer of campaign songs for the party since the 2016 elections.
The song highlights Mahama’s economic policies while delivering his goodwill message to Ghanaians.
In a surprising turn of events during the Thanksgiving service of Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, and MP for Techiman North, a chief requested that the NDC’s hit campaign song ‘Kwen Kwen,’ made by Nacee, be played for him,… pic.twitter.com/jVSKF34iwF
The future of the US government’s main overseas aid agency has been cast into doubt, with employees locked out and the Trump administration planning to merge it with the US Department of State.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) would continue to function as a branch of the state department, but the plan involves a significant reduction in its funding and the workforce, CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, reports.
On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused USAID’s leadership of “insubordination” and said he was now its “acting head”.
US President Donald Trump and one of his top advisers, billionaire Elon Musk, have been strongly critical of the agency.
But the move to shut it down could have a profound impact on humanitarian programmes around the world.
What is USAID and what does it do?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was set up in the early 1960s to administer humanitarian aid programmes on behalf of the US government around the world.
It employs around 10,000 people, two-thirds of whom work overseas. It has bases in more than 60 countries and works in dozens of others. However, most of the work on the ground is carried out by other organisations that are contracted and funded by USAID.
The range of activities it undertakes is vast. For example, not only does USAID provide food in countries where people are starving, it also operates the world’s gold-standard famine detection system, which uses data analysis to try to predict where food shortages are emerging.
Much of USAID’s budget is spent on health programmes, such as offering polio vaccinations in countries where the disease still circulates and helping to stop the spread of viruses which have the potential to cause a pandemic.
The BBC’s international charity BBC Media Action, which is funded by external grants and voluntary contributions, receives funding from USAID. According to a 2024 report, USAID donated $3.23m (£2.6m), making it the charity’s second-largest donor that financial year.
How much does USAID cost the US government?
According to government data, the US spent $68bn (£55bn) on international aid in 2023.
That total is spread across several departments and agencies, but USAID’s budget constitutes more than half of it at around $40bn.
The vast majority of that money is spent in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe – primarily on humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The US is the world’s biggest spender on international development – and by some margin.
To put it into context, the UK is the world’s fourth-largest aid spender. In 2023, it spent £15.3bn – around a quarter of what the US provided.
Why do Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to overhaul USAID?
Trump is a long-term critic of overseas spending and has said it does not represent value for money for American taxpayers. He has singled out USAID for particularly strong criticism, describing senior officials there as “radical lunatics”.
Abolishing the agency would likely enjoy popular support. Opinion polls have long suggested that American voters favour slashing foreign aid spending. According to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, polling data going back to the 1970s has indicated broad support for cuts.
One of Trump’s first actions after returning to office was signing an executive order pausing almost all international spending for 90 days while a review could be carried out.
A memo was then issued by the State Department which halted the vast majority of work being done on the ground. Waivers were later issued for humanitarian programmes, but the announcement upended the world of international development and caused widespread disruption to services.
Programmes including those providing medication to the world’s poorest and installing clean water supplies had to stop overnight. One veteran humanitarian worker told the BBC the pause was “like an earthquake across the aid sector”.
Tensions between the White House and USAID escalated over the weekend when officials working for Elon Musk – who Trump has tasked with identifying spending cuts in the federal budget – were reportedly denied access to secure financial data at USAID headquarters. Two senior security officials there were placed on leave in the aftermath, according to reports.
On Monday, Musk – who was speaking in a public conversation on X, the social media platform he owns – said: “With regards to the USAID stuff, I went over it with [the president] in detail and he agreed that we should shut it down.”
USAID’s website has gone offline and employees were told to stay at home on Monday.
Later on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused USAID’s leadership of “insubordination” and said he was now its “acting head”. He added that “a lot of functions” carried out by the agency would continue but that spending “has to be in alignment with the national interest”.
Can Donald Trump shut USAID down?
While it is clear the White House wields significant influence over USAID, that power is theoretically limited.
USAID came into being after Congress passed the Foreign Assistance Act in 1961. That law mandated for a government agency to be set up and tasked with administering overseas spending.
Shortly after, then-President John F Kennedy set up USAID using an executive order. Another law was passed in 1998 which confirmed USAID’s status as an executive agency in its own right.
In short, that means Trump cannot necessarily simply abolish USAID by signing an executive order, and any attempt to do so would almost certainly face strong challenges in the courts and Congress.
Closing USAID altogether would likely require an act of Congress – where Trump’s Republican Party holds slim majorities in both houses.
One of the options reportedly being considered by the Trump administration is effectively making USAID a branch of the State Department, as opposed to it being a government agency in its own right.
That type of arrangement would not be completely unheard of: in 2020, then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson merged the Department for International Development with the Foreign Office.
Ministers said at the time that it would ensure international spending supported the government’s wider foreign policy goals – but critics warned it would reduce expertise in the aid sector and damage the UK’s overseas standing and influence.
What would the impact of closing USAID be?
Given the disproportionate amount of funding which comes from the US, any changes to how that money is spent will doubtless be felt around the world.
USAID’s activities range from providing prosthetic limbs to soldiers injured in Ukraine, to clearing landmines and containing the spread of Ebola in Africa. The effects could be truly global.
After the 90-day overseas spending freeze was announced, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “every dollar” must be “justified” by evidence that it makes the US safer, stronger and more prosperous.
Democratic Party politicians have called the moves illegal and have said they would jeopardise national security, citing reports that prison guards in Syria, who were charged with securing thousands of Islamic State fighters, nearly walked off the job when US funding was temporarily cut off.
Trump has made it clear he wants overseas spending to be closely aligned with his “America First” approach and the international development sector is braced for more shockwaves.
There are also questions about how much the US will spend overseas in years to come, as Musk – empowered by Trump – attempts to cut billions from the government’s budget.
Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, has recorded marginal gains against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar, at some forex bureaus.
In its daily update, the Central Bank noted that the cedi is trading at a buying price of GH¢15.29 and a selling price of GH¢15.30.
The British pound is being bought at GH¢18.99 and sold at GH¢19.01, while the euro trades at a buying price of GH¢15.89 and a selling price of GH¢15.90.
Checks by GhanaWeb Business on February 4, 2025, at 8:00 AM indicate that the cedi is trading at GH¢15.90 to the dollar, while the pound is trading at GH¢19.70 at some major forex bureaus across the country.
Additionally, the euro is trading at GH¢16.50 on the retail market.
To curb the depreciation of the cedi, the Bank of Ghana sold over $200 million in the last quarter of 2024.
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Legendary Ghanaian footballer Charles Taylor Asampong has chided supporters of Nsoatreman F.C for their violent behaviour, which led to the death of Asante Kotoko fan Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley.
According to him, the decision of the Nsoatreman supporters to prevent the Kotoko bus from entering the park was an uncivilized move that created unnecessary tension.
The former Kotoko player expressed frustration over the increasing cases of hooliganism recorded at Nsoatre.
Speaking on Angel TV, Taylor condemned the supporters involved in the altercation, describing their actions as “foolishness” that must be curtailed.
“Sometimes it pains me that Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are not showing their seniority in the league. When the Kotoko bus arrived at the gate, it was not allowed to enter the field. Where did you hear of such uncivilized behaviour? How do you expect people to walk to the stadium while you transport your fans to the field?
“This foolishness has been tolerated for too long. The notion that there is hooliganism at Nsoatre is not good, as anyone can behave similarly in their own home. So, we should wise up. What happened is very unfortunate. How can you kill someone because of football?” he said in Twi.
He made these comments after Pooley was fatally stabbed during a melee at the match between Nsoatreman and Kotoko on January 2, 2024.
Multiple reports suggest he was stabbed five times and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have banned Nsoatreman from using their home venue and initiated a probe into the violent incident to identify and punish the culprits.
Ghanaian singer and businesswoman Mzbel has shared why she no longer attends church, saying that some pastors are not honest about their teachings. Speaking on UTV’s U-Cook Show with Empress Gifty on February 2, 2025, the 16 Years singer said she used to be very active in church but lost interest after seeing things that didn’t sit right with her.
“I used to go to church, but the pastor tells people not to do certain things, yet he does them himself. If you scare people with rules but secretly break them, then something is wrong,” she said.
Mzbel explained that she was once a committed member of the Church of Pentecost and even taught Sunday school. She enjoyed teaching children songs and dance moves, sometimes adding foreign music. However, some church members accused her of leading the children astray, which hurt her. “It felt like when you have talent, you are not allowed to use it,” she said.
In search of a new place of worship, Mzbel later joined the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Christ Temple, but her experience there also left her disappointed. She humorously recounted how, during a period of fasting and prayer, she once walked into the pastor’s office only to find him enjoying a meal.
These experiences shaped her belief that knowing God is not dependent on attending church. “God lives in us all; you don’t have to go to church to know God,” she asserted.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Mr. Malik Basintale, today officially introduced his two newly -appointed Acting Deputies to the staff at the Head Office.
Mr. Abubakar Abdul-Kudus Saana, Deputy CEO – Operations, and Madam Prisca Sedinam Kekeshie, Deputy CEO – Finance & Administration, were presented as part of a strategic move to strengthen leadership and enhance operational efficiency within the organization.
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, says while he maintains a good working relationship with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, he often struggles with what he describes as the latter’s “excesses.”
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 3, the Akatsi South MP expressed frustration with his Effutu colleague’s approach to committee matters, particularly his tendency to backtrack on agreed decisions.
“I have a very good relationship with him, but sometimes I find it very difficult to take the excess,” the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament admitted.
“I am one particular person who will not agree on one thing with you, and after a few minutes or a few hours, you behave as if that was not what we agreed upon. It pisses me off.”
He dismissed Mr Afenyo-Markin’s claims that the Clerk of the Appointments Committee had been partisan or had withheld reports from him, emphasising that all committee members, including the Minority Leader, receive the necessary documents.
“There is nothing that the clerk of the committee has put out there that we have not agreed upon. There is no occasion that the clerk will not give me and give the Minority Leader a draft report.
“Even if you go back to recap, there are instances where the two of us will be sitting down, and the clerk will hold two reports, give me one, and give him one—in the full glare of the camera,” Ahiafor explained.
He suggested that Mr Afenyo-Markin’s background as a former Majority Leader may be influencing his expectations and approach to leadership in his current role as Minority Leader.
“It’s about time for him to realise that he is no longer the Majority Leader, but he’s a Minority Leader. He can use any adjectives to describe himself—mighty, happy, whatever—but for me, he is in the minority,” Mr Ahiafor stated.
“It doesn’t look like he understands that, and sometimes I believe he forgets himself.”
Bernard Ahiafor also clarified that, by parliamentary practice, committee clerks do not take directives from the Ranking Member but from the Chairman of the Committee.
“By our practice, clerks of the committee don’t take decisions from the Ranking Member. They take decisions from the Chairman of the Committee. That is why their letters mostly read, ‘I have been directed by the Chairman of the Committee,’ not the Ranking Member.
“But because he is coming from the Majority point of view, I think he sometimes forgets himself and fails to realise that he is now in the Minority,” he emphasized.
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The newly appointed Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiamah has outlined a firm commitment to addressing the country’s ongoing economic challenges, particularly persistent inflation, as part of the central bank’s core mandate.
In his first official meeting with Deputy Governors Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari and Elsie Addo Awadzie, Dr. Asiamah acknowledged the need for key policy adjustments to respond to the macroeconomic pressures that have weighed heavily on growth.
While specifics on the measures were not revealed, the Governor assured that these would be communicated at the appropriate time.
With inflationary trends continuing to exert strain on the economy, Dr. Asiamah emphasised that the central bank is carefully assessing the need for strategic modifications to its policies.
However, he made clear that his leadership transition would not disrupt the bank’s operational continuity or its strategic direction.
“We are focused on our mandate, and that remains unchanged. While there will be minor adjustments in response to the current economic challenges, we will communicate those at the right time,” Dr. Asiamah said.
The Governor’s remarks come at a time when Ghana continues to face inflationary pressures and uncertainty in its macroeconomic environment, raising expectations for a steady yet adaptive approach from the central bank under his leadership.
Kwami Sefa Kayi
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the apology of host of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Morning Show, Kwami Sefa Kayi and calls for the party to return to the show.
The NDC boycotted the Kokrokoo show in May 2020 after describing the host, Kwami Sefa Kayi as a dictator and bias.
A statement signed by Sammy Gyamfi, said the decision was taken following the radio station’s ‘unfair paneling system that the production team of that programme has continuously foisted on the
The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has assured the new Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, of the readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces to keep Ghana’s territorial integrity safe.
General Thomas Oppong-Peprah said this when he, together with the Service Chiefs, paid a courtesy visit to Dr Omane Boamah at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in Accra on Monday, 3 February 2025.
The visit was to formally congratulate him on his new role and reaffirm their commitment to working with him to enhance national security.
General Oppong-Peprah, on behalf of Officers, Soldiers, and Defence Civilian Staff, congratulated Hon Dr Omane Boamah and wished him well in his new position. The CDS also pledged his loyalty and readiness to work with the Minister to keep the country’s territorial integrity safe by land, sea and air.
Also present at the meeting were the Chief Director MOD, Mr Lawoetey Tettey, the Chief of Staff GAF, Lt Gen Joseph Prince Osei Owusu and Air Commodore Edward Kwasi Gyamfi, Principal General Staff Officer at MOD.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah Dr Omane Boamah has provided the assurance that, he would work hard to address the challenges faced by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), particularly in providing accommodation for troops and in the procurement of logistics.
He also commended High Command of GAF for working assiduously to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, free from violent extremism and terrorism at all times.
A Kotoko fan was killed by supporters of Nsoatreman FC
Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have announced their withdrawal from the GPL following the death of staunch supporter Nana Pooley.
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the club stated that all first-team activities have been put on hold and will only resume after justice is served.
Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has warned that the Minority will be referred to the Privileges Committee if he fails to render an unqualified apology to the Clerk of Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in an outburst captured live on television, accused Gifty Jiagge-Gobah of being partisan, a claim he reiterated in multiple press conferences and media interviews.
He alleged that she was working in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to reports, his remarks contributed to starting a brawl among committee members, forcing a halt to the vetting process that day.
In response to the chaos, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended four MPs and instructed the Clerk to lodge a formal complaint with the police.
Providing an update on the incident during an interview on PM Express on Monday, the Adaklu MP described Afenyo-Markin’s attack on Jiagge-Gobah as “very reckless, very needless, and uncalled for.”
The Akatsi South MP further stated that the matter is far from over, stating, “A Member of Parliament cannot behave in that manner.”
He revealed that Mr Afenyo-Markin’s conduct would be referred to the Privileges Committee, where he could face severe consequences if he does not take the opportunity to apologise.
“Yes, he should join me in apologizing to the Clerk of the Committee. If he takes advantage of the opportunity, there will be no need to refer him to Privileges.
“If he fails to do so, then we will follow the rules, and whatever is applicable will be enforced,” Ahiafor stated.
In the coming days, Mr Afenyo-Markin will be given a chance to apologise and resolve the matter amicably. However, if he refuses, the disciplinary process will commence.
Despite the controversy, Afenyo-Markin has received strong backing from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has accused Speaker Bagbin of acting autocratically by suspending three of their MPs.
The party has labelled the move as unacceptable, arguing that it undermines its ability to hold the government accountable.
Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee is set to reconvene soon for the vetting of deputy ministerial nominees, expected to be announced by President John Mahama in the coming days.
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The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has expressed readiness to effectively partake in the National Education Forum, to highlight funding shortfalls within the educational system of the country.
This comes after President John Dramani Mahama established an eight-member committee to oversee the organisation of the National Education reform, to publicly dialogue on ways to improve on the educational sector in the country.
In an interview on the Channel One Newsroom, General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Tanko Musah raised concerns regarding debts owed the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the challenge of financing the School Feeding programme for basic schools across the country and the capitation grant which lies in arrears.
He further lamented the growing concern of student indiscipline witnessed recently in some Senior High Schools and called for reforms in the disciplinary system.
“The major problem facing us is funding. All the problems we are going to discuss, it is about where to get money, pay for them. And like I always say, capitation grant is in arrears for over two years. We are owing WAEC for over GH¢100 million. The school feeding, we are owing. How can we feed students GH¢1.30 a day?
“We will go there and bring to their attention that currently as a people, we have lost the effective aspect of training our children which has to do with character and conscience. And we will run into danger when we train children with knowledge and they don’t have character.
“We must revisit the issue where we have disabled the headmasters and everything, otherwise we will be in trouble in the coming years.”
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Political analyst and Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwa has raised concerns over a viral video showing Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, spraying cash on his supporters. Mussa Dankwa suggest that this act poses an early test for President John Dramani Mahama, as similar displays of wealth have led to investigations by the Office of the Special Prosector(OSP) in the past.
In a Facebook post, Mussa Dankwa pointed out the potential cultural context of the gesture, noting that in the Northern Ghana and among Zongo communities, it is common to throw money at drummers as a form of appreciation. However, he cautioned that public officials must do so in a manner that does not create the impression of an opulent lifestyle.
“Mahama has a first test case in his hands as the newly appointed regional minster does what some people did and were hauled to the OSP,” Dankwa noted.
He further questioned how Atanga’s actions would be perceived in comparison to past incidents where parliamentary candidates were reported to the OSP for similar acts. “How differently will people see this from what some of the Parliamentary candidates did amd were reported to the OSP? Be circumspect” he advised.
Mussa Dankwa drew a contrast between Atanga’s gesture and that of Haruna Iddrissu’s, who was recently seen showering small amounts of money on drummers while others did the same for him. According to Dankwa, such acts are clearly cultural, whereas Atanga’s display raises ethical concerns.
The video has sparked debates on social media, with some agreeing that public officials must be mindful of optics, while others argue that cultural traditions should be not be misinterpreted. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether this issue will attract further scrutiny from the Presidency.
• One of the beneficiaries (second
from right) receiving her item
Mrs Grace Awuah, a gospel musician, last Saturday marked her birthday with donation of assorted items to the Grace Land Orphanage Home at Bawjiase in the Central Region to alleviate some of their challenges.
The items she presented to the orphanage were bags of rice, sugar, toiletries, fruits, soap, biscuits, and bags of water.
Mrs Awuah who goes by the stage name Grace J. and also the Chief Executive officer of Grace J Foundation Ministry, a non-governmental organisation said she lost her parents during her childhood, “So I know how difficult it is and I decided to set up the foundation to assist the underprivileged.
“So I use this opportunity of my birthday to assist the orphanage to put smiles on the face of the children and the management. By the grace of God I have been doing this for the past two years.”
The management of the orphanage, expressed appreciation to Mrs Awuah for coming to the aid of the home, and appealed to other philanthropists to support the home to expand and accommodate the increasing numbers of orphans.
Xandy Kamel is a Ghanaian actress and TV presenter
Ghanaian actress cum media personality, Xandy Kamel, has opened up on what she describes as the unfair treatment she endured while she was working at Angel TV.
In an interview with Zionfelix on February 3, 2025, Xandy, while expressing her frustration, narrated how she was treated poorly despite giving her best to the company.
She said she was laid off without any clear explanation, adding that she was asked to stay home after a change in management.
“Someone had damaging evidence about the owner of Angel TV, and I had to go behind the scenes and plead with him to delete it. To wake up one morning only to hear there had been a change in management and I should stay home until further notice is heartbreaking.
“I’ve been at home for the past three years… They only paid us when I called to inquire about my return, but even then, salaries came for three months and then stopped. I couldn’t keep calling them about it,” she said.
Xandy further explained how she initially joined Angel TV to host a show but ended up hosting three different programs without asking for a salary increase.
“I was paid around GH¢2,000, and I did all these things for peanuts. To be treated unfairly after giving my all is an insult,” she added.
The media personality also highlighted the poor working conditions faced by staff at Angel TV, even in life-threatening situations.
“Angel TV took a lot from me. I couldn’t do things for myself because I was doing three shows and even worked as a producer. Sometimes we would finish late at night with no driver to take us home. The staff is often left vulnerable and attacked. Management there is terrible,” she lamented.
Watch the video below:
Also watch Miki Osei Berko’s interview on Talkertainment below:
Inusah Fuseini has criticised Afenyo-Markin for his attacks on Appointments Committee clerk
The former Member of Parliament of Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini has strongly criticised the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin for his harsh remarks directed at a Clerk of the Appointments Committee.
In response to the Minority’s press conference led by Afenyo-Markin on February 3, 2025, where he called for the clerk’s removal from the committee over alleged partisan conduct, Fuseini expressed deep disappointment.
He stated that Afenyo-Markin’s outburst and how he addressed the matter did not align with the leadership and maturity expected of him.
Fuseini argued that the Minority Leader should have explored all available avenues to resolve the issue without resorting to attacks. Instead, he failed to follow the appropriate procedures for addressing his grievances and acted impulsively and emotionally.
“Afenyo-Markin allowed his emotions to overcome him. There are known procedures for parliament to deal with such situations. As a leader of the House, you should explore the possibility of amicably resolving an issue rather than letting your emotions take over. It doesn’t show leadership and maturity. You did that with impunity and in fact, I was disappointed,” he said.
The former lawmaker provided insight into the established rules and regulations governing the conduct of parliamentary staff, highlighting the avenues that Afenyo-Markin should have pursued in addressing the issue.
He stated that the clerk, who had been accused by the Minority, should have been referred to her superiors, who would have been responsible for determining the facts of the matter.
He condemned the attacks on the clerk by the Minority, both in the media and during the vetting process.
“If you think that the Clerk of Parliament is behaving in a manifestly biased way towards your side, there are procedures to deal with that in parliament. The Clerk of Parliament is the head of the Parliamentary Service and the clerk to the committee is a member of the Parliamentary Service.
“The Parliamentary Service has rules and regulations regarding how officers behave so why will you boil over and talk to an adult and a staff as if she didn’t matter,” he added.
His comments follow calls from the Minority Caucus in Parliament for the immediate removal of the Appointments Committee clerk, citing what they deemed to be her unprofessional conduct in carrying out her duties.
Addressing the press on Monday, February 3, 2025, the leader of the Minority Caucus, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, expressed his strong displeasure with the clerk’s conduct, accusing her of being partisan and working in favor of their opponents, the Majority caucus.
He disclosed that an official report has been lodged with the Clerk of Parliament, hoping for her removal from the committee.
“We have reported it to the clerk and we hope that the clerk, after engagement, will come back to us. But for now, we don’t want the clerk on the Appointments Committee again. We are calling on the clerk of parliament to remove her from the Appointments Committee unless she is ready to turn a new leaf and be a professional to engage us,” he said.
MAG/EK
Meanwhile, watch as Afenyo-Markin explains how he became rich
The National Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives from the government, employers, and Organised Labour/Associations, has officially begun discussions to set the 2025 minimum wage.
The negotiations, which commenced on Monday, February 3, 2025, are aimed at determining the minimum wage rates for the upcoming year.
In a statement released by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the acting spokesperson for the President, it was announced that the negotiations will also address base pay adjustments for public sector employees, which will be aligned with the minimum wage discussions.
“Given that negotiations for both the minimum wage and the base pay for the 2025 financial year are behind schedule—as they were expected to be completed by the end of April 2024, per the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act.
“Government is calling on social partners (government, employers, organised labour) to work expeditiously to complete the negotiations in time to inform the 2025 Budget,” the statement concluded.
In line with Section 113 (1) (a) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), the National Tripartite Committee increased the national daily minimum wage from GH¢14.88 to GH¢18.15 effective January 1, 2024.
See the full statement below:
MA
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Deceased Kotoko fan, Yaw Frimpong well known as Pooley
Yaw Frimpong alias Nana Pooley a staunch supporter of Asante Kotoko encouraged the club’s fans to pray for the team in their game against Nsoatreman.
The deceased fan noted that Kotoko’s chances of winning the league would be impacted by their performance in their next two away matches which were against Nsoatreman F.C and Young Apostles.
Pooley called on Kotoko supporters residing in the Bono Region to come out in their numbers to support the team, boosting the players’ morale to win the game.
In an interview with King Eben on Lawson FM, the deceased fan expressed optimism about Kotoko defeating Nsoatreman.
“With the two away matches against Nsoatreman and Young Apostles, if we manage to get four points, it will be fine. Nsoatreman defeated us last season, so I would like us to beat them and draw against Apostles. The players have assured us that they would win the games.
“I would urge the fans to pray for the team. Those in Dormaa, Sunyani, Berekum, and its surroundings should come and support us. I would never underrate Nsoatreman because they have a good team with a better coach,” he said in Twi.
Unfortunately, Pooley was fatally stabbed during a melee at the match on January 2, 2024.
Multiple reports suggest he was stabbed five times and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have banned Nsoatreman from using their home venue and initiated a probe into the violent incident to identify and punish the culprits.
Watch Pooley’s video below:
This is Pooley, the Asante Kotoko fan stabbed to death in Nsoatre! He loved his team! pic.twitter.com/7pk0zETLuZ
Government is faced with a critical decision regarding tax policies as it considers the removal of the e-levy, betting tax and emission levy.
While these levies have been described as a burden on businesses and individuals, their removal could result in a significant shortfall in government revenue.
This raises questions about how the state will compensate for the lost income whether by introducing alternative taxes or cutting public expenditures.
Speaking during the Deloitte Ghana 2025 Tax and Regulatory Outlook webinar, Partner of Tax and Regulatory Services at Deloitte Ghana, Gideon Ayi Owoo, highlighted the implications of potential tax cuts on government revenue and the economy.
“If the government abolishes the e-levy, betting tax and emission levy, it will result in a significant decline in tax revenue. The previous administration introduced the betting tax to generate additional revenue from the gaming activities popular among the youth. However, the current ruling party considers these taxes a nuisance.
Nonetheless, businesses should anticipate the introduction of alternative taxes by the government,” he said.
Import taxes
Beyond direct taxes, import duties and levies play a crucial role in government revenue.
However, high import duties have also contributed to inflation, making goods more expensive for consumers.
Policymakers and stakeholders have in recent times debated whether reducing these import taxes could help drive industrialisation and boost local agribusiness.
“Import taxes directly affect imported goods and contribute to inflation.
A government’s pledge to lower import duties and taxes can support industrialisation and agribusiness, benefiting the country. However, to make this feasible, the government must find alternative revenue sources or cut expenditures,” he said.
The trade and industrial sectors have long advocated lower import duties, arguing that such a move would encourage more investment in local production.
However, he noted that balancing that with the government’s need for revenue remained a challenge.
Policy changes
With potential changes in the tax regime, businesses must prepare for possible shifts in fiscal policy.
Experts predict that if the government eliminates certain taxes, it may introduce new ones to compensate for the revenue shortfall.
These could come in the form of broader consumption taxes, corporate levies or adjustments to existing tax brackets.
However, the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has rejected claims that the government needs to adjust tax rates to generate revenue for the country’s rebuilding efforts.
While addressing questions before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee during his vetting, Dr Forson outlined his strategy to boost revenue without increasing taxes.
He emphasised the importance of improving tax compliance as a key measure.
“We don’t necessarily need to increase taxes to raise revenue. We have the tools at our disposal, and I will work closely with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure we collect the necessary revenue by enhancing compliance,” he said.
Insights
The discussion at the Deloitte Ghana webinar provided insights into the regulatory landscape that businesses and investors should expect in 2025.
Tax policies remain a critical component of economic management, and how the government navigates these changes will determine the fiscal health of the country in the coming years.
While the ruling administration considers the e-levy, betting tax and emission levy as a nuisance, the economic reality suggests that eliminating them without a solid revenue replacement plan could create financial strain.
As businesses and individuals await further clarity on tax policies, many are bracing for possible adjustments in other areas of taxation.
Many of us are grappling with the midlife hair mare. Common complaints include thinning, decline in quality and easy breakage – and last year I exacerbated matters by unintentionally dropping a stone.
Swift weight loss made my hair noticeably puny at the sides and around the temples.
Trichologist Anabel Kingsley explains that hair follicles age just as our skin does. At the same time, hormone fluctuations impact growth: oestrogen (a female hormone) levels decline, while the ratio of androgens (male hormones) rise in relation, causing loss and density changes.
Anabel’s Philip Kingsley clinics recommend paying attention to your scalp health, stress levels and diet. At her clinics, they check protein, iron, vitamin B12 and zinc levels. She also advises against low-carb diets, since ‘carbohydrates provide energy to maintain the growth of rapidly dividing hair cells’.
‘Think of proteins as your hair’s building blocks and complex carbs as the builders,’ she says. Hence the problem with restrictive diets and Ozempic causing hair loss.
Her Density Amino Acid Protein Booster supplement does what it says on the tin (£33 for 120 capsules, philipkingsley.co.uk), while the Density Healthy Hair Complex (£33 for 60) contains the vitamins and minerals Anabel’s experts most commonly see deficiencies in at their clinics.
As if menopause wasn’t enough, Shabir Daya, co-founder of Victoria Health, alerts me to another hair-loss factor: winter hair thinning. ‘This is when hair sheds or becomes weaker due to cold weather, dry air and reduced sunlight, restricting vitamin D,’ he says. ‘It can lead to breakage, a dry scalp and diminishment.’
Shabir’s solution is biotin (vitamin B7), which is found in foods such as egg yolks, nuts, soya beans and bananas. Try Solgar’s Biotin 5,000mcg (£22.50 for 50, victoriahealth.com) or Superior Hair (£33 for 90). The latter is also packed with zinc and copper.
Weight loss made my hair puny at the sides and around the temples, writes HANNAH BETTS
In terms of topical solutions, there’s TYPEBEA’s G1 Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum (£43, sephora.co.uk), a bestseller from Rita Ora and beauty mogul Anna Lahey’s hair-growth firm.
It is proven to reduce hair loss by 60 per cent in three months. The star ingredient is Baicapil, a botanical complex which stimulates cells.
My hairdresser also recommended something akin to the midlife holy grail – a product that claims to improve sparseness while also inhibiting grey hairs: Living Proof Scalp Care Density Serum (£54, cultbeauty.co.uk). It should be used daily, but I was nowhere near as dutiful.
Yet, months on, this cocktail of pea-sprout extract and amaranth peptides has had a discernible effect. My hair is denser, glossier and darker, too – presumably thanks to the Anti-Grey Complex, an antioxidant and amino acid ‘smoothie’. Only imagine if I’d used it religiously.
Supplements and serums will take time to have an impact. What to do in the meantime?
Shabir admires Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer (£24, victoriahealth.com), while my fine-haired, 62-year-old tester raves about Revolution Hair R-Peptide 4×4 Leave In Restore Mask (now £9.60, revolution beauty.com), saying: ‘I almost don’t recognise my own hair!’
I favour a body-building shampoo and conditioner such as UKLash UKHair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner (now £12 each, sephora.co.uk). Also in my arsenal are the double acts by Moroccanoil and Sam McKnight, plus Viviscal, Dove Pro-Age, and L’Oreal’s Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing range. Josh Wood Colour Root Smudge (£15, boots.com) is an instant morale booster for sparse scalps, too.
Race you to it!
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution
Immediately selling out upon launch on January 7, The Ordinary’s GF 15% Solution (£13.50, boots.com) has been a colossal hit. GF stands for ‘growth factors’ – a class of peptides that play a role in repair, for skin that looks and feels younger. They strengthen the skin barrier, too. To get them at this price is phenomenal.
Shop
My icon of the week: DAVINA McCALL
The presenter, 57, says she only started wearing make-up every day at the age of 45, but adds that now ‘a bit of mascara and lipstick is vital to my being’.
She swears by Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Lip Crayon (£26, sephora.co.uk) and Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara (£32). She also uses Estee Lauder’s DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturiser SPF15 (£54) to give her skin a youthful glow.
Cosmetic craving
Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil
Is it any wonder make-up artist Lisa Eldridge was awarded an MBE by the King in the New Year honours list? She’s not merely a national treasure but an international one, too.
Her latest launch, Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Micro Correcting Pencil (£27, lisaeldridge.com), is a gamechanger. It camouflages spots and broken capillaries and is brilliant at lifting shadows. Think of it as her no make-up make-up, perfect-skin technique in product form.
Pinpoint’s 1.5mm tip allows you to micro-dose coverage. Its gel formula blends seamlessly into skin and offers a soft-focus, matte, genuinely skin-like – and waterproof – finish.
Shop
Body boosts
Drowsy The Beauty Sleep Body Cream
Drowsy The Beauty Sleep Body Cream (£45, drowsy sleepco.com)
A silky sleep enhancer with muscle and brain-relaxing magnesium and essential oils.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the recent suspension of three of its Members of Parliament (MPs) by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Friday, 31st January 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 3, it described the move as “selective” and “autocratic,” warning that it could undermine the role of the minority in Parliament and stifle accountability.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks following a chaotic incident that occurred during Thursday’s sitting of the Appointments Committee which resulted in the destruction of tables and microphones.
Read also: Speaker suspends Dafeamekpor, Annoh-Dompreh and 2 others over Appointments Committee chaos
“The party sees this selective, and autocratic posture of the Speaker as very dangerous, with all these actions packaged to cow the minority into submission, consequently weakening its potential to hold the government accountable,” the statement read.
The NPP expressed grave concern over what it called an increasingly authoritarian approach by the Speaker, which it argued was designed to “cow the minority into submission”.
The party contends that such actions are detrimental to the democratic processes in Parliament and are a direct attempt to weaken the ability of the opposition to hold the government accountable.
In a firm rebuttal of the Speaker’s decision, the NPP emphasized that it would not accept the suspension of its MPs, asserting that the move was in “flagrant disregard” of the Constitution and the principles of natural justice.
The statement reiterated the party’s commitment to defending the rights of its members and protecting the integrity of parliamentary procedures.
The NPP further voiced its support for the minority caucus, which held a press conference earlier today, Monday, February 3, to address the issue.
The party reiterated its unflinching support for its MPs, calling on all Members of Parliament to stand united in the face of “repression and unfairness.”
“The party hereby reiterates its position that it stands with its eighty-eight (88) gallant Hon. Members to address all forms of repression and unfairness in the application of the rules governing Parliament and the nation,” the statement concluded.
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.
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 3, (Xinhua/GNA) — Tanzania hosted 5.36 million tourists in 2024, a record high and breaking its target of attracting 5 million tourists by 2025, said Pindi Chana, minister for natural resources and tourism, Friday.
Chana told a meeting of stakeholders in the tourism industry, including investors, travel companies, and government officials in the port city of Dar es Salaam, that out of the total tourists that visited the country’s attractions, 3.22 million were domestic tourists and 2.14 million were international visitors.
The tourism sector generated approximately 4 billion U.S. dollars in revenue last year, falling short of the ambitious target set by the government of raking in 6 billion U.S. dollars by December 2025.Antelopes run at Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, May 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Hua Hongli) The official attributed the impressive number of tourists to the government’s strategic efforts to promote the industry, after challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.”These efforts have effectively showcased Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, positioning the nation as a desirable travel destination,” said Chana.
The meeting also served as a platform for discussing future strategies, with Chana emphasizing the necessity of continued collaboration among stakeholders to enhance Tanzania’s tourism offerings. GNA
play videoRenowned economist Joe Jackson speaking on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech
Renowned economist and Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has shared key insights on how tax relief measures can drive Ghana’s economic recovery.
Speaking in an interview with Mawuli Ahorlumegah on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech, he highlighted the impact of tax cuts on businesses and households, strategies to boost investor confidence, and the need to balance government revenue with public spending.
Joe Jackson also emphasised the importance of long-term policies for sustainable economic growth, urging policymakers to adopt tax strategies that stimulate business expansion while maintaining fiscal stability.
He also painted a grim picture of Ghana’s economic situation, stating that the country is “broker than ever” due to economic mismanagement over the last three years.
Jackson highlighted the severe fiscal challenges, rising debt levels, and dwindling government revenue that have left the economy in distress.
“Ghana’s financial struggles have been worsened by poor economic policies, excessive borrowing, and a lack of fiscal discipline, which have led to increased hardship for businesses and households,” he told GhanaWeb Business.
Additionally, he called on the new government to implement stringent measures to navigate economic challenges while introducing policies aimed at fostering a resilient economy.
The Minority leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has firmly declared that the Minority will not succumb to any form of intimidation or bullying from the NDC Majority.
Despite growing pressure, Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the Minority remains resolute and will not be forced into submission by such tactics.
Addressing the press on Monday, 3 February, Afenyo-Markin stated “We, the mighty few, will not allow ourselves to be intimidated. We will never surrender to such tactics. All the issues that have been thrown at us are merely designed to scare us, but none of them will work.”
Afenyo-Markin went on to highlight the unprecedented level of cooperation the Minority has shown towards the NDC Majority.
“For the record, this is the first time in the history of the Fourth Republic that the minority in Parliament has allowed the government to form its administration and appoint ministers within record time. We have been more than cooperative,” he explained.
However, Afenyo-Markin made it clear that this cooperation had been met with increasing intimidation and bullying.
“They are bullies. They intimidate, and if you’re not strong, they will bully you. But we will never surrender to any bully,” he said firmly.
The MP also connected the growing intimidation to the chaotic events that transpired on Thursday. “It is out of this intimidation that, one way or another, the situation exploded into chaos that evening,” Afenyo-Markin explained.
“We had an agreement that only three nominees would be vetted that day. My deputy leader, who represented our caucus’s interests, had an understanding with the committee chair.
But unexpectedly, six more nominees were paraded for vetting at 10 PM, completely disregarding our agreement, which led to the breakdown in order.”
Afenyo-Markin went on to discuss the escalating physical intimidation the minority has faced.
“The NDC has sent their full soldiers to intimidate us. The insults, the bullying, and the physical attacks – it’s becoming unbearable. Sometimes, they push us as we walk. We’ve brought this to the attention of the Parliamentary Police,” he said, expressing deep concern over the safety of his colleagues.
With the situation becoming increasingly tense, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the need for enhanced security. “We are taking extra steps to ensure our safety, as their thugs are becoming too numerous. We don’t feel safe, and all of this has contributed to our stance on that night,” he stated.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed that the minority would continue to uphold the principles of democracy.
“The NPP is known for its gentlemanly conduct. We don’t engage in physical confrontation, but protest is an essential part of democracy,” he said, making it clear that their actions were a legitimate response to the circumstances.
In conclusion, Afenyo-Markin appealed to the majority leader, whom he praised for his diplomatic leadership, to intervene and address the growing obstruction.
“I urge the majority leader to calm the wild dogs who are obstructing the government’s work,” he said, calling for an end to the tactics that have been disrupting the smooth functioning of government.
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 Ghana Police Service has arrested former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, along with two others, in connection with a violent clash during a football match between Nsoatreman FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC over the weekend.
The incident which occurred on February 2, 2025, at Nsoatre in the Bono Region resulted in the death of a Kotoko supporter.
The other suspects, identified as Agyemang Duah Owusu and Kyeremeh Joseph, are also in police custody.
In a statement issued on February 3, the police confirmed that all three suspects are assisting with investigations.
“A search conducted in the room of suspect Agyemang Duah Owusu led to the retrieval of two dresses with suspected bloodstains and an MP 23 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the leadership of Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC. He assured them of a comprehensive investigation.
A special team from the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters has been deployed to assist the Bono Regional Police Command in the ongoing investigation.
The game, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Kotoko, was marred by heated confrontations both on and off the pitch.
Tensions escalated when players clashed, prompting the referee to issue four red cards. The situation spiraled further out of control after the final whistle, leading to violent scenes between rival supporters.
Martin Kpebu is a private legal practitioner
A member of John Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team Martin Kpebu has rejected claims by the minority leader Afenyo Markin that drones were used to spy on his private properties.
According to Martin Kpebu, it is a false Operation Recover All Loot committee sent drones to spy on Afenyo Markin’s properties.
Speaking in an interview with CITI NEWS, Martin Kpebu dismissed the allegations, “It is false. The ORAL committee has not sent any drones to spy
Once a little child with dreams of playing football to the highest level, Kevin Wiedlich has now become an inspirational figure looking to make others realize their goals.
Born in Hamburg, Kevin has lived almost all of his life in Germany despite boasting Ghanaian roots.
The 35-year-old began his senior career with VfL 93 Hamburg, a football club from the city of Hamburg but Kevin barely had the chances as he managed eight appearances for the club with one goal to his name between July 2007 and July 2008.
His lack of minutes led to him sealing a move to USC Paloma in 2008 and eventually to FC Sylt, all on free transfers.
TSG Neustrelitz, BFC Dynamo, Energie Cottbus, Fortuna Köln and Teutonia 05 were among some of the clubs he went on to play for with the latter being his last team.
Kevin’s most product time in Germany came on the field was with Energie Cottbus where he netted 20 times in 114 appearances across all competitions racking up 12 assists in the period.
Since the summer of 2024, Kevin has been acting more as a Sporting Director Teutonia 05 as he seeks to hang up his boots.
Kevin lived his dream but his regret would be not accomplishing it at the highest level.
Even while he was playing, he had others in mind.
Kevin set up the Write the Future Academy with his partner, Kusi Kwame. The institution is based in Hamburg.
The academy aims at training talented kids from the age of 10 as well as shaping up professional players and helping their fitness ahead of preseason.
One of the players who has come through and trained at the club is Black Stars forward Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer.
While in Germany, Kevin never forgets his Ghanaian roots. “It’s very important to us to support football in Ghana as our roots are there,” he told Joy Sports.
Every year, he and Kwame, through the academy, travel to Ghana to support two clubs with training equipment and football kits.
In his own words, Kevin says, “We are in close contact with them and see it as our responsibility to help wherever we can so the players have the opportunity to develop further.”
Just like its name, the Write the Future Academy, will be a source of good things for the Ghanaian community as Kevin is committed to seeing its success.
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.
play videoGeneral Overseer of the Alabaster Ministry International, Prophet Kofi Oduro
Prophet Kofi Oduro has added to the pile of criticism directed at Prophet Ogyaba following the public revelation of his extramarital affairs.
The General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministries has strongly condemned Prophet Ogyaba’s actions, labeling it a disgrace to the body of Christ.
He has emphasised that as a prophet of God, Ogyaba holds an office of great trust, and his primary mission is to guide God’s people to salvation, not to take advantage of them.
“When you fall into adultery, you give others the chance to speak ill of God’s name. As Christians, we must avoid certain shameful behaviours that tarnish God’s reputation. Just look at how some pastors have allowed people to speak badly about God’s work. You’ve given God’s enemies the chance to blaspheme and ridicule him because of your actions,” he stated while addressing the congregation.
He continued, “You have a wife, and someone comes to your church. It is your duty to lead that person toward salvation. Even if you are a false prophet, as long as you are in charge of God’s flock, you must think wisely.”
Prophet Oduro further emphasised, “It is not your role to take off her bra or abuse her. You hold a sacred office, and you must not abuse that trust. There’s too much defamation and slander going on in the pulpit of God. Too much blood on the pulpit.”
He also stated that anyone who claims to be a man of God but cannot control their sexual urges is unfit for the ministry.
“Anyone who cannot control himself does not deserve to be in the pulpit. If God hasn’t called you, go and sit somewhere. Stop the work and sell cassava. Because you have money and influence, you blackmail people into doing these things,” he added.
Prophet Oduro then issued a stern warning to Prophet Ogyaba, stating, “I am speaking to Ghanaian promiscuous prophets: repent! The blood of those girls you’ve slept with is on your head. You will die a miserable death.”
Prophet Oduro concluded by stating that he is an example of a man of God who would never fall victim to sexual sin.
“If a woman strips and stands in front of me, I won’t have any thoughts, not even a feeling in my mind, let alone in my body,” he firmly stated.
He also directed blame toward the side chick involved, asking, “The lady didn’t find anyone else other than a pastor to have an affair with? She knows the pastor is married, but still went ahead. Those influential people who used to frequent the airport, why didn’t she choose any of them?”
Also watch Miki Osei Berko’s interview on Talkertainment below:
The 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament has accused the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, of being behind the chaos that was seen in Parliament during the ministerial vetting on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
According to Bernard Ahiafor, Afenyo-Markin was the one who ordered the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament on the Appointments Committee to cause the commotion that was seen.
Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Akatsi South, who made these claims in an interview on JoyNews on Monday, February 3, 2025, said that the Minority Leader gave the orders for the NPP MPs to act in the manner they did.
He added that right after giving the order, Afenyo-Markin, the MP of Effutu and Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee, walked out so it would seem he was not involved in what transpired.
“The Minority Leader played it smart and safe. I heard him asking them to do some of the things that they did. But when they were about to start, he left the room. It was later that he came back to the room. So at the scene, the actual scene where they were dragging the table and putting the chairs on the table, he was, at that material moment, not in the room. When he came, he couldn’t even move to my left side. He was behind me, at my right side.
“But I know that Jerry was under his instruction to move to go and stop Akandoh from taking the seat to be sworn in. He asked his side that they should all put on the microphone. I heard him saying they should call some people to come to the vetting room,” he said.
The 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament also refuted assertions that Speaker Bagbin’s suspension of some of the MPs involved in the incident was too harsh.
He indicated that the legislators could have even been given a stiffer punishment for what transpired.
“As a matter of fact, if we want to go into the nitty-gritty of this particular matter, they may suffer harsher punishment than the suspension.
“I heard people arguing that the suspension should have been eight days instead of two weeks. And it all boiled down to the same thing. Saying eight days and two weeks is the same thing.
Because naturally, the eight sitting days amount to two weeks because the sitting days of Parliament in a week are four,” he explained.
About the parliamentary fracas:
The altercation stemmed from the vetting of Minister of Health-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The Minority Caucus accused the Majority Caucus of violating an agreement to vet only four nominees for the day, which led to heated exchanges.
Tensions escalated into physical confrontations, with microphones and furniture destroyed, and one of the vetting tables overturned.
Following the incident, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for two weeks.
The suspended MPs are: Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP, Nsawam-Adoagyiri); Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC, South Dayi); Alhassan Tampuli (NPP, Gushegu); Jerry Ahmed Shaib (NDC, Weija-Gbawe).
As confirmed by GhanaWeb’s George Ayisi, a special parliamentary committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, has been tasked with investigating the incident and submitting a report within 10 days.
Additionally, Speaker Bagbin directed the Clerk of Parliament to file a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Service for a criminal investigation into the MPs’ conduct.
The Speaker also declared that no public funds would be used to repair damaged parliamentary properties and that MPs found culpable would be surcharged for the repairs.
BAI/EK
Meanwhile, watch as Afenyo-Markin explains how he became rich
You can also watch videos from the Minority after chaos erupted during Mintah Akandoh’s vetting
The Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) wants a more robust legal framework to address loan defaults, arguing that defaulters must face stringent consequences to deter others from exploiting loopholes in the judicial system.
John Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of GAB, stressed the need to send a strong signal that loan defaulters will find no hiding place in the courts.
According to him, the persistent challenges with loan recovery continue to undermine the financial sector’s ability to lend freely – contributing to higher interest rates and a constrained credit environment, especially for individuals and businesses who need the facilities the most.
“In Ghana, it is not uncommon for a customer who has borrowed money and is being chased by a bank for payment to retort that the bank should take the matter to court: not because they have a genuine case, but because they know the court system will tolerate and accommodate them. We must make it hostile for recalcitrant and deliberate loan defaulters – people who borrow with no intention of repaying,” Mr. Awuah said in an exclusive interview with B&FT.
His concerns come at a time when private sector credit, despite modest recovery, is yet to reach it’s pre-2022 macroeconomic crisis levels.
The Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its statement following its 122nd meeting on January 27, noted that nominal private sector credit growth increased to 26.3 percent in December 2024 compared to 10.7 percent in December 2023.
In real terms, credit to the private sector expanded by two percent, marking a significant turnaround from the 10.2 percent contraction recorded in the previous year.
Despite this progress, the industry’s Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio remains a pressing issue, rising to 21.8 percent in December 2024 from 20.6 percent a year earlier.
Mr. Awuah described this as a major concern, explaining that high impairments discourage lending and weaken banks’ ability to support economic growth.
“Impairment is a cancer to the industry. When you give ten loans and make good money on nine but one goes bad, everything made on the nine disappears. That’s why banks are cautious when lending. It’s not about high interest rates generating profits – rather, it’s about managing risks and high interest rates increases the probability of default,” he explained.
The situation, he added, is exacerbated by systemic weaknesses that make loan recovery a lengthy and often futile process.
“There is a Borrowers and Lenders Act which stipulates that if a collateral is registered in the collateral registry and there is a default, the lender only needs to notify the court and enter execution. This process should take two to three months, but instead we see cases dragging on for two to three years due to unnecessary legal delays,” he stated.
To address these challenges, GAB’s CEO stated that the Association has been working closely with the judiciary to ensure that judges have a comprehensive understanding of financial and banking matters. The Association, in collaboration with the Judicial Training Institute, has conducted training programmes for judges including those at the Commercial Courts, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“We took them through a comprehensive training programme on the Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA) process because when financial disputes arise, the courts need to understand the documentation involved to be able to adjudicate the dispute,” Mr. Awuah explained.
“We also conducted refresher-training on the Borrowers and Lenders Act to address the misapplication of laws that often leads to delays in loan recovery,” he added.
As part of broader judicial reforms, GAB has also played a key role in reviving the Court Users’ Committee, a platform that brings together judges, lawyers, banks, and businesses to discuss ways to streamline the judicial process for financial cases.
The CEO commended the Chief Justice for her swift action in ensuring the Committee resumed operations, describing it as a crucial step in improving the efficiency of court proceedings related to loan defaults.
“Not every time are banks right, and not every time are borrowers right. The question is, how do we make the legal process more efficient so that those who are right get justice quickly? We want a system where banks can recover funds on time and reinvest them in the economy instead of waiting years for legal resolutions,” he noted.
Beyond judicial reforms, the banking sector has also invested in improving mortgage and collateral registration to facilitate loan recovery. GAB has collaborated with the Lands Commission to create a dedicated corporate office for banks and other corporate entities, ensuring a seamless process for registering mortgages and other financial transactions.
“We built a fully-equipped office complex for the Lands Commission, complete with computers, scanners and printers, solely for commercial transactions related to banks. This eliminates long queues and the missing documents syndrome, which have been major bottlenecks in the past,” Awuah stated.
Despite these interventions, Ghana’s financial sector continues to grapple with a weak credit culture that makes lending risky.
Mr. Awuah stressed that unlike in other jurisdictions where a borrower’s financial behaviour is fully documented, Ghana lacks a robust credit scoring system.
“In other countries, if you default on your rent you cannot secure a bank loan. If you owe taxes, you cannot access credit. Every financial behaviour is tracked and scored. But in Ghana, banks lend based on partial knowledge of a borrower’s financial exposure. We don’t know if a business owes suppliers or if all their inventory is financed through unpaid suppliers’ credit,” he lamented.
The absence of a centralised credit scoring system has led to cases where borrowers with a history of default continue to secure loans from multiple financial institutions. According to Awuah, some individuals take loans just before relocating abroad, using the money to settle their families while leaving their debt unpaid.
“Most of the doctors and nurses who have migrated from this country, as soon as they are about to travel, approach banks for loans and then disappear. These are real challenges banks are facing, yet people keep asking why banks are not lending more,” he observed.
The CEO also highlighted the risk posed by government contractors, who frequently secure loans based on contracts that remain unpaid for years. “When we hear on the radio that contractors have not been paid for two or ten years, what it really means is that banks have not been paid for two or ten years. The contractor takes the money, but the real lender is the bank,” he said.
With an NPL ratio exceeding 21 percent, Mr. Awuah noted that this is not an ideal time for banks to be aggressive in lending – especially given the high interest rate environment. “It’s really not a time for banks to be bullish on lending when interest rates are not favourable for the financial system. We need to address systemic weaknesses before we can expand credit meaningfully,” he cautioned.
The issue of non-performing loans remains a major concern, particularly in the SME sector. While personal loans tend to have lower default rates due to their payroll-based structure, SMEs, government contractors and greenfield agricultural ventures contribute significantly to the high NPL ratio.
“The SME sector is a big piece of the puzzle. Many of them struggle with cash flow issues and by the time a bank is chasing them for repayment, they simply cannot pay. In agriculture, especially greenfield projects, challenges like droughts and market fluctuations make loan recovery even more difficult,” he explained.
Addressing these issues requires a collective effort, Mr. Awuah noted, urging all stakeholders to take an active interest in reforming Ghana’s credit culture. “If we clean up the credit system, make people accountable for their financial obligations and strengthen judicial enforcement, banks will have more confidence to lend and interest rates will naturally come down,” he emphasised.
GAB has pledged to support the newly-launched credit scoring company in Ghana, My CreditScore, which aims to build a database of borrowers’ credit histories. Awuah believes this will be a game-changer in distinguishing responsible borrowers from habitual defaulters.
“We must be able to separate the good from the bad. If we know a borrower’s full financial exposure, we can price credit accordingly. A clean credit system benefits everyone – banks, businesses and the entire economy,” he further stated.
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According to Ghanaweb report, Ghanaian gospel musician DSP Kofi Sarpong has opened up about the treasured memories he shared with the late Evangelist Agnes Aba Annan, the mother of gospel singer Empress Gifty. In an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie, Sarpong fondly recalled the strong bond he had with Evangelist Annan, who affectionately referred to him as a son.
Sarpong described the late Evangelist Annan, popularly known as Agaga, as a person who brought joy to everyone she met. He emphasized her generous nature and the affection she showed to those close to her daughter, Empress Gifty, noting that Agaga had a unique ability to make others feel welcomed and valued.
“We all know that our mother paid her dues when she was alive. She entertained everybody and for me, she called me a son. Anyone who was close to Empress Gifty, Agaga took the person as her child,” DSP Kofi Sarpong shared. He expressed his heartfelt condolences, adding, “I will say may her soul rest in peace because we will meet one day.”
Sarpong also extended his sympathy to Empress Gifty, expressing hope that she finds solace in this difficult time. “To my sister Empress Gifty, I pray that the Lord will console her. There is an assurance that the Lord is with her,” he added.
Evangelist Agnes Aba Annan, who passed away at the age of 70, was a revered figure in the Ghanaian entertainment and gospel music scene. Apart from her gospel work, Agaga was a well-known actress and featured in numerous TV commercials. Despite her age, she was recognized for her vibrant, outspoken, and bubbly personality, making a lasting impact on those around her.
The funeral service, held at the Tema Community 8 school park, saw an outpouring of support from members of the creative arts community. Notable figures such as Diana Asamoah, Joe Mettle, Kofi Kinaata, Broda Sammy, and others joined DSP Kofi Sarpong to pay their respects and comfort Empress Gifty during this emotional time.
Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has addressed allegations made by Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, regarding the handling of the committee’s vetting reports.
In a TV3 interview, Afenyo-Markin claimed that he had not received the draft report on the vetting process, which led to an exchange between him and Ahiafor.
Business mogul and philanthropist Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has met with 13-year-old Melchizedek Adio Baafawiise, the youngest student ever admitted to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The meeting, held in Accra on Monday, February 3, 2025, brought together Melchizedek and his parents for an inspiring conversation about education, ambition, and the future of science in Ghana.
During the meeting, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, a strong advocate for youth empowerment and academic excellence, commended the young physics prodigy for his remarkable achievements.
Melchizedek, who hails from Bole in the Savannah Region, made headlines after scoring an impressive 5 As and 3 Bs in the WASSCE at just 13 years old, earning him a place at KNUST to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
As part of an effort to nurture his passion for science and mining engineering, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama offered Melchizedek an exclusive learning experience aboard one of his private jets.
The young scholar was taken into the cockpit whilst being flown back to Kumasi enroute to campus, where he got a firsthand look at the technical operations of an aircraft, aligning with his deep interest in physics and aerospace engineering.
Melchizedek, who initially aspired to become a pilot before shifting his focus to physics, was visibly excited about the opportunity.
“This experience reinforces my belief that understanding the principles of physics can open doors to many fields, including aerospace engineering,” he said after the cockpit tour.
Beyond offering mentorship, Ibrahim Mahama also pledged full educational funding for Melchizedek to support his studies at KNUST and beyond.
The businessman assured the young prodigy and his family that he would cover all tuition, accommodation, and essential academic expenses to ensure he reaches his full potential without financial barriers.
His parents expressed their gratitude to Mr. Ibrahim Mahama for taking an interest in their son’s academic journey, providing him with a unique opportunity to explore aviation technology up close, and securing his future with financial assistance.
Mr. Ibrahim Mahama encouraged Melchizedek to continue striving for excellence, assuring him of his unwavering support.
“Young minds like Melchizedek are the future of Ghana. It is our responsibility to support and nurture them so they can reach their full potential,” he stated.
Hajia Saudatu Sulemana Muntaka, mother of Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has passed away at the age of 83.
She died on Monday afternoon at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital after a short illness. Her death coincided with the day her son officially assumed his duties at the Interior Ministry following his swearing-in by President John Dramani Mahama last week.
The Asawase MP has often credited his mother for his success, praising her upbringing and support.
Tributes have been pouring in from constituents, with many offering condolences and prayers for the late Hajia Saudatu.
The Interior Minister has arrived at the family home in Kumasi to oversee preparations for the burial, scheduled for Tuesday.
Kennedy Agyapong during his campaign in the New Patriotic Party presidential race recounted how he rejected US$3million bribe from an Indian businessman.
According to him, he has never taken bribe and is not corrupt.
Read the full story originally published on February 2, 2023 by www.ghanaweb.com.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, has said that he is not corrupt and that he has never taken a bribe.
Speaking in an interview on Good Evening Ghana on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, which was monitored by GhanaWeb, Agyapong said that he will never engage in activities that will make him rich at the expense of the people of Ghana.
He then proceeded to narrate how he rejected a $3 million bribe from an Indian businessman who wanted to get a government project with his help.
“I met an Indian last week and he said there is a project that he thinks I can influence. The actual cost of the project is ($)26 million.
“The guy comes to say that he can do it for $9 (million) and of course as a businessman, he has to make a profit with whoever introduced him, $3 (million), making $12 (million). Then he said to me, I’m going to give you $3 million so I will add it to the $12 (million) to make $15 million and I said no to him.
“I said Ghana first, I don’t want the $3 million if you know you can do the job for $12 million so be it. The young men that come from America with their tickets and everything whatever you want to give to them it is okay but me I will not take any money,” he narrated.
Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, said that the business told him that he (Agyapong) is the only person, he has met in Africa who has rejected such a huge amount of money.
“The Indian man, who was there with his young engineer son, said wow, I have goose pimples. I have worked in Africa for 22 years and I have never seen an African reject $3 million like you did,” he said.
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The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has pledged to restore 70% of Accra’s streetlights within the next 50 days as part of efforts to improve security and visibility in the city.
According to her, addressing the issue of faulty streetlights is one of her topmost priorities.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, February 3, Ocloo reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing the capital’s infrastructure and ensuring well-lit streets within her first 50 days in office.
“In fact, within 50 days in office, all these things should be fixed. I will make sure that at least 70 percent of the streetlights should be fixed.
“So these are some of the things we are going to check, and like I said, I am going to work together with the MMDAs.”
She also announced security and sanitation as her key priority areas for the country’s capital city.
Outlining her vision for the region in her first meeting with the management and staff of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Linda Ocloo announced the reintroduction of the Regional Sanitation Day and an award scheme for the cleanest city, aimed at improving sanitation in the capital.
She stated that municipal and local district assemblies would be supported to become self-sustaining as part of the new government’s “Resetting Agenda.”
She further revealed her intention to work closely with the traditional authorities alongside religious organizations to deepen decentralization and participatory governance.
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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, John Darko, says the Minority will not participate in the ad-hoc committee set up by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to investigate last week’s chaos during the sitting of the Appointments Committee.
He argued that the move by the Speaker is illegal, and as such, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs will not engage with it.
“I believe our members will not join; our members are not going to be part of this illegality,” he said on on Monday.
Mr. Darko added, “When you speak to the NDC members, ask them: What authority does the Speaker have to set up a committee? Apart from Order 362, there is no provision that gives the Speaker the authority to set up a committee.”
According to him, the standing orders of Parliament do not permit the Speaker, as an individual, to establish such committees.
He explained that the standing orders only allow for a committee to be set up through a motion raised by the leaders of either side, which must then be seconded by the House. At that point, the Speaker would play a role in approving the establishment of the committee.
However, Mr. Darko pointed out that these procedures were not followed. “The Speaker is not the House, and there hasn’t been any motion. A Speaker on his own cannot set up a committee,” he said.
Background
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the chaos that occurred during the Appointments Committee’s sitting on Thursday, January 30th.
The disruption arose from a disagreement between the minority and majority over the further vetting of ministerial nominees, which escalated into a physical altercation, damaging tables and microphones.
The Speaker has since suspended four MPs believed to have incited the disturbances: three from the minority and one from the majority.
Mr. Bagbin’s decision has faced criticism from legal experts and, in particular, members of the opposition party.
Derek B. Laryea Africa Digital Economic Forum Director
The recent vetting of Hon. Samuel George as the incoming Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation has sparked a wave of optimism among technology enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public. His extensive knowledge, clear vision, and practical approach to tackling long-standing challenges in Ghana’s tech sector have left many feeling reassured about the future. One of the most pressing issues he addressed during his vetting was the controversial SIM registration policy, a matter that has frustrated Ghanaians for nearly 15 years.
The Sim Registration Challenge: A History of Frustration
Sim registration in Ghana has been a contentious issue, marked by inefficiencies, long lines, and widespread dissatisfaction. Under the previous administration, Mad. Ursula Owusu led a SIM registration initiative to curb mobile-based fraud and enhance security. While the intentions were noble, the execution left much to be desired. Ghanaians had to endure hours, and for some days, under the scorching sun to register their SIM cards. The process was plagued by technical glitches, poor coordination, and insufficient public education, resulting in widespread panic and frustration. Despite these efforts, mobile-based fraud remains prevalent in Ghana today, raising questions about the effectiveness of the previous exercise. Critical issues such as database integrity, the validation process, and the alignment of stakeholders were not adequately addressed, leaving gaps that undermined the policy’s objectives.
A Refreshing Approach: Hon. Samuel George’s Vision
Hon. Samuel George’s approach to Sim registration marks a significant departure from the past. Unlike previous exercises, which were rushed and imposed strict timelines, the incoming Minister has signaled a more thoughtful and collaborative process. His proposal focuses on building a robust and sustainable system that prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and public convenience. At the heart of his plan is a collaborative effort between the National Communications Authority (NCA), the National Identification Authority (NIA), and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The goal is to design a validation process that ensures every SIM card in Ghana is tied to a specific National Identification Card. This approach will involve cleaning the current SIM database, identifying unregistered or improperly registered SIM cards, and taking corrective action. The incoming Sector Minister has indicated a commitment to reinvent the SIM registration process without rushing into implementation timelines, a critical factor that often incited panic among Ghanaians.
The Clean Database Initiative: A Game-Changer for Ghana
One of the most promising aspects of Hon. Samuel George’s proposal is the focus on creating a clean and reliable SIM database. Preliminary estimates suggest that roughly 18% of the current database may require cleaning or deletion. These SIM cards will be flagged, and their users will be notified by their respective MNOs to update their registration details. Users who fail to comply within a specified timeline will have their SIM cards blocked, ensuring that only properly registered cards remain active. The impact of a clean SIM database cannot be overstated. For citizens, it means enhanced security and reduced risk of mobile-based fraud. A verified database will make it easier to track and apprehend individuals who use mobile networks for illegal activities. For businesses, it means a more secure environment for digital transactions, fostering trust and confidence in Ghana’s growing digital economy, which is the experience for many advanced economies.
Why This Approach Matters
The new Government’s approach is not just about fixing past mistakes; it’s about laying a foundation for the future. By avoiding the imposition of arbitrary timelines, the Government is eliminating the panic and chaos that have characterized previous exercises. Instead, they are prioritizing a phased and systematic process that ensures accuracy and inclusivity. This approach also demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians. By leveraging technology and collaboration, the incoming Minister and his government are proposing a solution that minimizes inconvenience while maximizing effectiveness. It is a clear indication that this administration is committed to listening to the concerns of the people and addressing them in a meaningful way.
A Call to Action: Supporting the New Direction
The success of this initiative will depend on the collective effort of all stakeholders. I personally recommend the government, regulatory bodies, MNOs, and the public to work together to ensure a smooth and successful implementation. Citizens must equally be educated and encouraged to respond promptly to notifications from their MNOs and update their registration details as required. By doing so, they will not only protect their own interests but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a safer and more secure digital environment for all.
Ghanaians have a unique opportunity to support this vision and play our part in building a digital ecosystem that is secure, efficient, and inclusive. Together, we can turn this promise into reality and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
Derek B. Laryea Africa Digital Economic Forum Director
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Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has alleged that Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insulted Weija-Gbawe MP, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, during a heated vetting session on January 30, 2025.
According to him, Afenyo-Markin attacked Shaib causing tensions during the proceedings.
“Afenyo-Markin called Jerry Shaib silly and told him he wasn’t doing what he brought him to the vetting to do. Any member of the committee who listened to them heard the insults,” he said.
Speaking in an interview on TV3 on February 3, 2025, Ahiafor also addressed concerns over the Appointments Committee’s decision to proceed with vetting President Mahama’s ministerial nominees despite the Minority’s boycott on January 31, 2025.
He clarified that the committee maintained a quorum, allowing them to continue their work lawfully.
“The suspension of two out of the eleven members did not mean we could not work,” he stated.
According to Ahiafor, the Minority’s walkout stemmed from misinformation by Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, who allegedly claimed that Speaker Bagbin had ordered a halt to the committee’s activities pending a reconstitution.
“The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, said the Speaker had postponed the meeting to Monday, February 3 at 11:00 AM and that the Committee could continue its work,” Ahiafor reiterated.
The revelation comes amid heightened tensions in Parliament following chaotic scenes during the vetting process.
The disturbances led to the suspension of four MPs, Rockson Dafeamekpor, Hassan Tampuli, Frank Annor Dompreh, and Jerry Ahmed Shaib, by Speaker Alban Bagbin.
AM/KA
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AfCFTA is key towards driving Africa’s trade and infrastructure growth
Africa Law Practice International (ALPi) has reiterated its commitment to championing and advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).
It said as knowledge partners, capacity builders and trade experts as related to the AfCFTA, “we continue to provide training, business advisory services and resource related publications.”
Madam Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Member of the Group, speaking at a press conference, said the Group’s practice was in three categories, legal corporate and commercial advisory, dispute resolution and management and other professional services.
The press conference is to update the market on ALPi activities in the preceding year and inform the public on its activity roll-out for the coming year, disseminate information regarding the African footprint and highlight their continued expansion within Africa.
The Group comprises ALP NG & Co. (Nigeria), Africa Legal Associates (Ghana), ALP Uganda, ALP Kenya, ALP Tanzania, ALP South Sudan, ALP Namibia (Shimaneni & Com.), ALP Mauritius, ALP Professional Services Limited (ALP-PSL) and ALP Audit as a dynamic network of leading African legal and professional service firms delivering innovative, client-focused solutions across the continent.
She said these had spread across various areas, including energy and natural resources; technology, media and telecommunications; financial services, banking and capital markets; infrastructure and real estate.
Others are public sector & regulatory; transport and Africa trade; corporate and compliance services; and emerging markets.
She said with a goal of holistically addressing client needs, their service delivery involved cross-selling and the provision of services by various practice areas and groups across the several offices and affiliates.
“Our integrated approach combines deep local knowledge with global expertise, enabling us to serve clients seamlessly across multiple jurisdictions,” she added.
Madam Badejo-Okusanya said built on the pillars of excellence, integrity, and collaboration, they bring together legal, financial, and strategic expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions that drive value for their clients.
Mr Uyiekpen Giwa-Osagie, a Member, said they had been partnering with private and public sectors and driving this infrastructure connectivity.
He said in Nigeria, for example, they were advising one of their clients building 10 million square kilometers of green real estate opportunities.
He said the Algeria pipeline, when completed, should be able to feed gas to both Europe from Algeria but also drop spurs in different countries on its way.
These are the kinds of projects that “we are pushing, and this is the kind of thing we believe we should be involved in to drive the African dream and foster regional cooperation.”
Giwa-Osagie said there was the need to have infrastructure connectivity that brings the continent together, while reducing costs and tariffs to improve growth and development.
Akamuguri Atanga Donatus, the Upper East Regional Minister-designate, turned the streets of Bolgatanga into a celebration ground upon his return from Accra. Standing through his car’s sunroof in a pristine white kaftan, he waved the Ghana flag while distributing money to the excited crowd below.
According to eyewitnesses, the minister’s convoy was met with drumming and dancing as it entered the regional capital. The celebration followed his successful appearance before the Appointments Committee, where he had pledged to restore peace to the troubled Bawku area.
The jubilant atmosphere reflected the community’s support for their new leader, who holds impressive academic credentials. His educational background includes a Masters Degree in Human Rights and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and Mathematics from the University of Education-Winneba.
The minister-designate’s previous role as Coordinator of the National School Feeding Programme has given him valuable administrative experience. His service as Presiding Member of the Bongo District Assembly has also equipped him with local governance expertise.
The welcoming ceremony demonstrated the strong connection between the minister and his constituents. Traditional drummers lined the streets while supporters danced and cheered throughout the procession.
The event marked a significant moment for the Upper East Region’s leadership transition. Local residents expressed optimism about the future under the new minister’s guidance.
The celebration highlighted the cultural richness of the Bolgatanga welcome tradition. Drumming and dancing continued as the minister’s convoy made its way through the main streets.
The minister’s gesture of throwing cash to the crowd reflected a common practice during celebrations in Ghana. The act was received with enthusiasm by the gathered supporters who had waited hours for his arrival.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the Upper East Region’s development agenda. The new minister’s leadership will be essential in addressing various regional challenges and opportunities.
The warm reception indicated strong community backing for the new appointment. Local leaders and citizens alike participated in welcoming their new regional minister-designate.
![Afenyo-Markin [L] and Jerry Ahmed Shaib](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/547/54782876.295.jpg "Afenyo-Markin [L] and Jerry Ahmed Shaib")
