NPP Secretary Attacked Over Alleged Use Of Party Vehicle In Ashanti Region

NPP Secretary Attacked Over Alleged Use Of Party Vehicle In Ashanti Region

Nsiah Boakye Andrews, the Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Offinso South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, is recovering from injuries sustained in an attack reportedly orchestrated by the Constituency Chairman, Joe Sala, and a group of individuals.

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The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has encouraged parents to provide their children with enough provisions for school.

According to the conference, this is to help with the feeding challenges in SHSs.

CHASS had requested the Ministry of Education to promptly disburse pending funds for the uninterrupted functioning of SHSs across the country, warning that unresolved financial shortfalls could disrupt academic activities and compromise student welfare.

A communiqué signed by CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, highlighted the financial challenges faced by schools, which persist despite previous communications and verbal assurances from the Minister of Education during a Zoom meeting on December 18, 2024, and appealed for an extension of the January 3, 2025 reopening date.

However, the Ghana Education Service (GES) later announced that it was in discussions with the Ministry of Education to expedite the resolution of issues brought forth by the leadership of CHASS and insisted that students were expected to report back to school on January 3, 2025.

Primus Baro, National Secretary of CHASS, told JoyNews in an interview on Wednesday, January 8, that the situation had heightened and the help of parents was needed.

He stressed that food supplies were not reaching the schools and in some cases, they were relying on the old practice of sending students what they had.

“I encourage parents, and I have already advised my PTA to this effect, to let their children bring food like gari, shito, and sugar to supplement whatever the school provides. I urge parents across the country, as the food situation has still not improved in the past two and three years, and it has worsened at this particular time.

“Food supplies are not reaching the schools. In places like the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern regions, apart from rice, the schools have no stable food supplies. Oil is completely unavailable. For example, in my school, I currently don’t have a single drop of oil, so my matron has been using margarine to replace oil for cooking. I don’t have maize or beans—only rice and some gari.

“We are still relying on the old practices of sending students with what they have, and that’s the only reason we allowed the students to return. Otherwise, the situation is still far from ideal,” Baro stated.

Matthew Agambire, the designer behind President John Mahama’s ‘agbada’ which he wore to his Inauguration on January 7, 2025, has revealed the President was involved in the creative process.

In an interview on JoyNews, Matthew who owns the Bondaana fashion brand disclosed the inspiration behind the design.

“President Mahama is someone who believes so much in Ghana and he wanted something of Ghana, from Ghana and by Ghana. When I approached him about designing the outfit, I gave him a few ideas as to what I wanted to do. And in fact, he is actually a very key person in co-creating the brand. So he said he would need something that represents Ghana and he needed a Ghanaian to do it. So that was actually the brain behind the outfit,” he said.

Asked whose decision it was to incorporate the Adinkra symbols into the design, Matthew said “I had been planning and thinking on what to do on his outfit for the past two months. So what happened behind the scenes was that I would usually come up with something and go show it to him, and then he either approves or gives his contributions. So the Adinkra symbols were originally thought by me and shown to him for his approval. So it was teamwork between the two of us.”

About President Mahama’s inauguration ‘agbada’

On January 7, 2025, the man who secured a decisive victory in Ghana’s 2024 election made an equally commanding statement as he arrived at the Black Star Square for his inauguration.

President John Mahama, 66, took the Oath of Office and raised the glittering State Sword, a powerful symbol of authority, to a thunderous applause from the jubilant crowd.

However, it wasn’t just the ceremonial sword that captured the attention of Ghanaians at the venue and online on the sunny mid-morning.

He wore a white ‘Agbada,’ an outfit consisting of an inner garment of varying lengths and a pair of traditional trousers.

Mr Mahama’s unique twist featured two long kente embroideries flanking the three-piece attire.

The long kente design on the cloth matched the pattern of his hat.

The Kente design is named ‘Ɛmmerɛ Pa Da W’anim,’ which translates to Better Days Lie Ahead.

Noticeable at the centre of the attire were four Adinkra symbols.

They are, ‘Gye Nyame’, ‘Sankofa’, ‘Dwennimmen’ and ‘Nyame Dua’.

Dr. Tony Aidoo, a former Senior Presidential Aid and Head of Policy and Evaluation under the late Prof. Mills, offered his comments on the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s next president, calling it a momentous day for the country.

Dr. Tony Aidoo was upbeat about the occasion, highlighting the ceremony’s grandeur and the large number of dignitaries in attendance, even as he noted the difficulties the nation faces. This degree of foreign engagement, he said, suggests Ghana may make a comeback to the world diplomatic scene.

Nonetheless, Dr. Tony Aidoo did not hold back from critiquing the situation that the departing administration had left behind. He said that Ghana’s current state is similar to a “second independence with nothing to build upon,” and he blamed the previous government for sabotaging the country’s development and regional ties.

In particular, Dr. Tony Aidoo denounced the acts of former President Nana Akufo-Addo during his last days in power. Akufo-Addo cut diplomatic connections with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic just three days before his mandate expired, he noted.

Additionally, on a visit to the United States, Akufo-Addo accused Burkina Faso of hiding terrorists along Ghana’s border, a move that Dr. Tony Aidoo called foolish and detrimental to Ghana’s diplomatic credibility.

Such acts, he said, have left Ghana politically isolated and relations with important neighbors strained, and he questioned how a head of state could take them.

Dr. Tony Aidoo is optimistic that President Mahama’s administration can improve Ghana’s reputation both domestically and abroad in spite of these setbacks.

He was disappointed with President Mahama’s inaugural speech’s content, but he praised the remarkable occasion and its potential to improve Ghana’s international status.

According to Dr. Tony Aidoo, the speech did not address the urgent issues facing average Ghanaians and was unduly diplomatic. He chastised the President for failing to be honest about the actual situation in the country, especially the serious harm the previous administration had done to the economy.

“President Mahama failed to provide a clear picture of the dire situation on the ground, despite acknowledging that the government cannot succeed alone and needs the support of all Ghanaians,” Dr. Tony Aidoo said.

Using the example of how the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had ruined the nation’s economic foundations, he contended that the President ought to have been forthright and honest. Dr. Tony Aidoo feels that Mahama lost a chance to unite Ghanaians around the truth, regardless of the diplomatic ramifications for other countries.

“The President ought to have stated it honestly,” Dr. Tony Aidoo argued. Whether it offends foreign sensibilities or not is irrelevant. He was purposefully set up for failure by the NPP government, and the people have a right to know the truth about their situation.

In order to restore confidence and togetherness among Ghanaians, Dr. Tony Aidoo emphasized that President Mahama must take a more direct approach to resolving national issues and that openness and honesty are essential.

Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson

It’s Not A Suprise , We’ve Been Asked To Go Home By Mahama’s Gov’t-Dean Of MMDCEs

It’s Not A Suprise , We’ve Been Asked To Go Home By Mahama’s Gov’t-Dean Of MMDCEs

The Dean of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, has expressed his acceptance of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to revoke the appointments of all MMDCEs across the country.

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By Iddi Yire

Accra, Jan 08, GNA – The colourful historic inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, which has once again put Ghana in the global limelight was graced by over 30 presidents and prime ministers from Africa and across the globe.

Among the high profile dignitaries who graced the occasion were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the special guest speaker and President William Ruto of Kenya.

Others included President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Adama Barrow of the Gambia, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone and President Joseph Boakai of Liberia.

The rest were President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo, President Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon of Benin, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, President Mahamat Idriss Deby of Chad, President Mamady Doumbouya of Guinea Conakry and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau.

There were also President Brice Oligui Nguema of Garbon, President Duma Boko of Botswana, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, Vice President Philip Isdor Mpango of Tanzania, Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo of Uganda, and Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue of Equatorial Guinea.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of Moroccan House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, Mr Adama Bictogo, the President of the Na­tional Assembly of the Ivory Coast, and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé of Haiti, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger and Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga of Mali.

The United Kingdom’s delegation to Mahama’s inauguration was led by Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Minister for Africa, while the United States delegation was led by Madam Shalanda D. Young, Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, and that of the European Union was led by Mr Bernard Quintin , Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions.

Among the former African leaders who were in attendance included former President Jacob Zumah of South Africa, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and two former Presidents of Nigeria – Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo.

Also in attendance were Mrs Lordina Mahama, the First Lady of Ghana, Madam Patricia Scotland, outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General and Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General.

On the local front, eminent personalities who were in attendance included former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca, former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress.

The Presidential inauguration, which took place before Parliament at the Independence Square in Accra, was presided over by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, administered the oaths of allegiance and office to President Mahama.

She also administered the oath of allegiance and office to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.

GNA

By Kodjo Adams

Accra, Jan. 7, GNA- Mr Bernard Quintin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade, and the Federal Cultural Institution of Belgium, has hailed Ghana’s robust economic development agenda to create opportunities and enhance Intra-African and global trade.

He expressed satisfaction about Ghana’s cocoa, which was produced partly for the national market and for export.

“It is important to export in order to have forex to make your economy work and translate into a better social life,” he said at a press briefing in Accra.

Mr Quintin was directed by Ms Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, to represent the European Union (EU) at the inauguration ceremony of President-elect John Mahama on January 7, 2025.

The inauguration ceremony is a significant moment for Ghana, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s history.

The high-level EU delegation has demonstrated commitment to Ghana as a partner on sustainable and inclusive development and regional security.

Mr Quintin was impressed by the number of more than 20 heads of state who were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Mr Quintin visit demonstrated the importance of the relations between Belgium, the European Union, and Ghana and the shared desire to strengthen the partnership in the political, economic, and human domains.

“It is so important to come for this ceremony because Ghana is a very important partner of Belgium and the European Union in Western Africa, not only in trade traditionally, but also in the security matters.

“The EU has become the first partner of Ghana on security matters,” he said.

As the EU’s representative, he reaffirmed the EU-Ghana partnership priorities on job creation, economic diversification, sustainability, regional security, and others.

He met with Ghanaian and African leaders to discuss key issues such as the security situation in the Sahel, the fight against jihadism, and economic development opportunities.

These matters, the Belgian Foreign Minister stressed, were of common concern and underlined the importance of effective collaboration between European and African partners.

He expressed happiness about the programme of President John Mahama and his new administration, particularly with the accountability and the fight against corruption.

“We do think that accountability is important, and we certainly support this new administration in this business-minded environment and all the important elements that were said in President Mahama’s inauguration speech,” he said.

President Mahama’s four key policy areas are economic restoration and stabilisation, improvement of the business and investment environment, governance and constitutional reforms and accountability and the fight against corruption.

Mr Quintin and his team had an audience and lunch with Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, met with Omar Touray, President of ECOWAS, and had bilateral meetings with regional leaders.

The team also visited Niche Cocoa, a Ghanaian company receiving Belgian funding via BIO-Invest.

The Belgian Foreign Minister was accompanied by Mr Irchad Razaaly, EU Ambassador to Ghana; Mrs Carole van Eyll, Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana; Mrs Sibille de Cartier d’Yves, Belgium Special Envoy for the Sahel and West Africa; and Mr Philip Haspeslagh, Adviser to the Belgian Foreign Minister.

GNA

In a shocking turn of events, the statue of COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), has been vandalized at the agency’s headquarters.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 7, 2025, around 11:30 AM, when unidentified individuals stormed the premises and defaced the statue.

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The Ghana Police Service has commended the public for their cooperation during the presidential swearing-in ceremony.

President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang were officially sworn into office on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 following Mahama’s victory in the 2024 general elections.

In a statement issued on January 8, Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi expressed gratitude to the public for their support.

“We particularly thank the motoring public for their patience during the temporary road closures and traffic diversions in Accra during the event.”

The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, security and order nationwide while appealing to the citizens for continued cooperation.

“The police remain committed to maintaining peace, security, law and order across the country and urge the public for their continuous support.”

New Juaben: NDC supporters allegedly lock offices of NIA, NADMO, and NSS

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At President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration, several prominent figures from the political and entertainment spheres showcased not only their political allegiance but also their impeccable fashion sense.

John Dumelo and his wife, Kwame A Plus and his wife, Sammy Gyamfi and his wife, as well as Sam George and his wife, all turned heads with their stylish appearances.

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The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has raised concerns about reports of armed thugs threatening, harassing, and forcefully ejecting civil servants from their officially allocated residences.

The incidents have been reported in areas including Roman Ridge, Labone, Ridge, Kuku Hill (Osu), and Cantonments.

“We unreservedly condemn this barbaric and primitive act by these armed thugs, purported party apparatchiks, and ‘goro boys,’” said Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG.

He further called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies to ensure the protection of civil servants’ lives and properties in the affected areas.

Mr Addo also urged the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the sale of government properties and take immediate action to halt these unlawful activities.

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

Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called for the establishment of an independent appointment committee to oversee the selection of the Chief Justice, stressing the need for transparency and meritocracy in the process.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, January 7, she underscored the flaws in the current appointment system and the potential benefits of an independent commission.

Addressing concerns about partisanship in judicial appointments, Justice Akuffo criticised the perception that regime changes should influence the replacement of the Chief Justice.

“If I may be very blunt, that’s a very simplistic call. That’s not how it’s supposed to work,” she said. She stressed the need to focus on the Constitution and ensure that its provisions work effectively.

Justice Akuffo pointed out that the core issue lies in the process of appointing the Chief Justice.

“What is wrong in the Constitution is the process by which the judiciary is appointed, or, for that matter, the Chief Justice is appointed,” she explained.

The former Chief Justice proposed an independent appointment commission as a solution to enhance public trust and transparency.

“I think the public will feel more comfortable if there was some form of independent appointment commission,” she said, adding that such a body would be responsible for conducting a transparent nomination and selection process.

Justice Akuffo highlighted the importance of establishing clear qualifications and criteria for nominees, saying, “How people are to be nominated, how people are to be selected, what are the qualifications—these can all be done.”

She cited examples from other countries within the Commonwealth that have successfully adopted this method, stating that it has proven to be more merit-based.

Justice Akuffo referenced the United Kingdom’s Judicial Appointments Commission as a model to emulate.

“In the UK, there is a commission. It’s an endeavour to ensure that it’s more merit-based than largesse or a gift,” she noted, implying that such a system reduces the influence of political patronage.

She acknowledged potential challenges, such as determining who would appoint the commission members, but suggested that civil society organizations and other recognizable groups could play a role.

“So long as it is not at the direct whim of the presidency, people will feel more comfortable,” she stated.

Justice Akuffo’s remarks reflect her belief in a judiciary founded on competence and impartiality rather than political affiliations.

“The judiciary must be seen as independent, not just in its decisions but also in how its leaders are chosen,” she emphasized.

Her call aligns with broader recommendations made at the Commonwealth level for decades, advocating for reforms that strengthen judicial independence and public confidence in legal systems.

International relations expert and security analyst, Dr. Vladmir Antwi Danso

International relations expert and security analyst, Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso, has defended the invitation of Burkina Faso’s Head of State, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, to the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of President John Dramani Mahama.

In an interview with News Central on TV3 on January 8, 2025, Dr. Danso explained that the invitation was rooted in Ghana’s foreign policy principles, particularly good neighbourliness.

“No country has the right to dictate the governance or ideology. If we invite the Head of State of another country, it is because one of the core principles of our foreign policy is good neighbourliness,” he added.

Dr. Danso further questioned the validity of arguments against the invitation by comparing it to international relations with countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Iraq, which may not align with Western democratic ideals but still maintain diplomatic relations with the United States.

“Are we saying that Saudi Arabia, which is a theocracy, or Iran or Iraq or Syria – any of those Middle Eastern countries which are not democratic in the sense of the democracy, we know that we can’t invite them? Why would America have a link with Saudi Arabia, for example, if indeed or Bahrain or Kuwait, even though they don’t have the type of democracy that America has? So, for me the argument is not here nor there. We have every right to invite Burkina Faso’s head of state because it is the head of state of Burkina Faso, and he has the sovereign right to be here.

“So, the debate is not whether we are a democratic country we should invite, or we shouldn’t invite. We are inviting him as Head of State, respected by his own people. His own people have not chosen him the way we chose ours, but his own people have confidence in him and he’s the head of state of the country anyway, whether you like it or not,” he noted.

Dr. Danso clarified that Burkina Faso’s participation in the inauguration did not have significant implications for Ghana’s governance.

He maintained that sovereign countries should be respected, regardless of their political circumstances.

“Ghana does not clone ECOWAS. They will say once you have left ECOWAS, we don’t have to have any dealings with you. Absolutely not. It is their own country and what they do with their country is not our concern. What concerns us is that there should be peace, economic, trade, and bilateral or political relations with any country that is in the world. That’s one of the pillars of our foreign policy,” he added.

Dr. Danso also suggested that the presence of Burkina Faso’s leader at the event could serve as a catalyst for enhancing diplomatic discussions within the ECOWAS region.

“But for the ECOWAS sub region and the conversations to have these countries return, I believe this and his appearance with the ECOWAS chair, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all present yesterday will be a booster of some sort,” he explained.

Some critics have raised concerns regarding a security lapse during the inauguration of the president, where Ibrahim Traoré, reportedly armed, was allowed to approach Mahama to congratulate him.

They have questioned the adequacy of security protocols during high-profile events and whether such lapses could have significant consequences.

JKB/AE

Watch a compilation of the latest Twi news below:

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointments of chief executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as assembly members appointed under relevant sections of the Local Governance Act. Apexnewsgh reports

This decision, made in accordance with the provisions of the Act, takes effect immediately.

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