The company has indicated that the exercise is aimed at improving power reliability

The Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) has announced a scheduled power outage in specific areas for a maintenance exercise today, July 17, 2025, in parts of the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central and Volta Regions.

The company has indicated that the exercise is aimed at improving power reliability and service delivery, and will result in power outages in several communities between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

The areas to be affected by the exercise in the Greater Accra Region include Odorkor, Awoshie, Gbawe, Asofan, Seven Days, Manet Estate, Mantey Tsuru, Dodowa, Cantonments, Ghana International School (GIS), Oshieyie, Kokrobite, Bortianor, Red Top, Weija Old Barrier, SCC, Ayigbe Town, Tuba Township, Langba, Sackey, Fulani, GBC Top, Mama Africa, Blackee, Iron City, Tukuse and surrounding communities.

In the Ashanti Region, the areas to be affected are Barekese Headworks, Kronum, Cemel, Amoaman, Nketia, Asuofua, CONSAR Quarry, Adankwame, Adugama, Naachia Quarry, Barekese Town, Abira, Offinso, Namong, Kayera, Tutuase, Nsuotam, Kyerekrom, Boamang, Tetrem, Habitat, Ahenkro, Kwamang, Kodie, Akrofrom, Aduman, Aduamoah, Denase, Pampatia, and the KCG Company enclave.

The Volta Region will also experience power interruptions in areas such as Tokokoe, Tanyigbe, and the 66 Artillery Training Centre and its surrounding areas.

Also, in the Central Region, communities including Tuba Township, Langba, Mama Africa, Blackee, Iron City, and Tokuse will experience power supply interruptions during the scheduled hours.

Meanwhile, the ECG has apologised for the inconvenience the exercise might cause and also assured the public that the maintenance is part of its broader efforts to improve electricity service delivery and minimise future disruptions.

“We regret the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise,” the power distributor stated in its regional notices according to a Graphic Online report.

In addition, ECG has advised residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions and turn off electrical appliances throughout the maintenance period.

VKB/VPO

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Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has dismissed the gravity of the violence that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, describing it as minor compared to what he’s personally endured during elections in his constituency.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament in response to calls from the Minority for an investigation into the chaos, Ayariga said:

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National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart and former Ghanaian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tony Aidoo, has issued a scathing critique of Ghana’s political landscape, branding the country as a “nation of sycophants”.

He warns that an alarming culture of blind loyalty to political parties rather than to the Constitution is steadily eroding professionalism within the civil service and jeopardising the very future of Ghanaian democracy.

In a candid interview on JoyNews, Dr Aidoo stated, “We have become a nation of sycophants, to the extent that as soon as one government changes and another regime replaces it, all allegiance shifts to the new government. But loyalty should not be to the regime—it should be to the Constitution. If you are a public or civil servant, you owe the new regime nothing beyond your constitutional duties.”

Tracing the roots of this troubling trend, Dr Aidoo pointed to the politicisation of the civil service during President Kufuor’s administration.

“This culture of lawlessness and sycophancy was rare during Kufuor’s regime. But from 2001, when President Kufuor began planting party loyalists as special advisors across ministries, professionalism in the civil and public service started to vanish.”

Reflecting on a bygone era, Dr Aidoo drew a sharp contrast with the disciplined civil service of the Kwame Nkrumah era.

“As a child growing up under Nkrumah’s regime, we had a civil service that upheld the Constitution as the supreme authority, demanding loyalty and dedication to duty. Today, that spirit is gone, and this decline poses a grave threat to the future of Ghanaian democracy.”

Beyond sycophancy, Dr Aidoo expressed deep alarm at the widespread lawlessness permeating all layers of society.

“This violence fosters a culture of lawlessness. It seems to define Ghanaian society today. Almost no aspect of our national life—be it the police, the military, civilians, churches, government officials, or the wider public—is untouched by this disorder.”

Dr Aidoo was particularly disturbed by a recent violent incident during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun involving former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson, where police reportedly failed to act.

“I was deeply perturbed that police officers stood by and did nothing to stop the chaos. The victim was a woman, and while she may be controversial, that does not justify her being assaulted. Whatever triggered the attack, it reflects a persistent and dangerous pattern.”

He emphasised that such incidents are not isolated but part of a long history of political violence dating back to Ghana’s return to multiparty democracy:

“In 1992, an NDC chairman in Kwesimintsim was killed and burnt—a tragedy dismissed as an internal dispute. In 1996, during election campaigns, another NDC member was murdered, with clear evidence implicating NPP supporters. These acts mark a troubling continuity.”

Warning of the ongoing impact of such violence, Dr Aidoo lamented, “Since then, every election, especially by-elections, seems to attract violence. It leads me to question whether this democracy truly serves the people, who continue to suffer and yet remain active participants in the cycle of political violence.”

Meanwhile, he raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, stressing that violence and lawlessness undermine the very foundations of Ghana’s democracy.

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

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

By Elsie Appiah-Osei 

Accra, July 17, GNA — Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, has introduced a Private Members’ Bill to amend the Public Financial Management Act.  

The proposed amendment aims to prevent the Minister for Finance from allocating funds to any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) without a development plan certified by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). 

“I’m blocking that hole where MDAs spend Internally Generated Funds. There are a lot of MDAs who will tell you that they are using their own money and not taxpayers’ money,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said.  

He made the remarks during an interview with a section of the media at Parliament House, Accra, on Wednesday. 

“Before you collect that money, there are fees and charges that need to be passed. That’s public money. Its use must be in consonance with the national development plan. And so, what this Bill seeks to do is to block that hole and help protect the public purse,” he added. 

According to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, the bill sought to improve public financial accountability and ensure that MDAs used their funds in line with the national development plan.  

He told the media it was his belief that the move would help safeguard the national purse and promote responsible financial management. 

If passed, the bill is expected to promote transparency and accountability in public financial management, ensuring that funds are used effectively to support national development goals. 

GNA 

Christian Akorlie  

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced significant progress in strengthening bilateral relations with Australia.

This follows what he termed a highly productive meeting with the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones. Minister Ablakwa stated both nations are committed to accelerating cooperation in areas crucial for sustainable development and economic advancement.

Official communication from the Foreign Minister highlighted specific sectors targeted for expanded collaboration. Discussions focused intensively on enhancing partnerships within the mining industry, with particular emphasis on lithium extraction and processing. Further areas identified include supporting Ghana’s green energy transition, advancing agricultural research, and increasing academic scholarship opportunities.

The renewed momentum signifies a mutual commitment to build upon existing foundations. Minister Ablakwa conveyed the shared determination through official channels, confirming the focus on mining, lithium, green transition, agriculture, and scholarships. This structured approach aims to deliver tangible benefits for both economies through shared expertise and investment.

Concurrently, Minister Ablakwa heralded a major decision by the African Union concerning reparations. During its Mid-Year Review in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, the AU resolved to extend its focus on Reparations for a further decade, spanning 2026 to 2036. Ghana will serve as the Champion Nation throughout this extended period, leading continental efforts on the issue.

The Foreign Minister publicly applauded the African Union’s decision. He expressed profound pride in Ghana’s pivotal leadership role over the next ten years. Official statements also extended congratulations to President John Mahama for the confidence placed in him by the continental body, comprising 55 member states, to champion this significant initiative.

play videoA photo collage of Emelia Arthur, Frank Annoh Dompreh and John Mahama

The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh Dompreh, has threatened to report the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, who is also the Member of Parliament for Shama, Emelia Arthur, to President John Dramani Mahama.

He claimed the minister was not demonstrating seriousness with her duties.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament during discussions on the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025 on July 16, 2025, Annoh Dompreh expressed disappointment at the minister’s absence during the bill’s debate and consideration stages.

He lamented that such a crucial moment should not be neglected and described the minister’s conduct as irresponsible.

He accused her of consistently neglecting the responsibilities assigned by the President and suggested she be considered for a possible ministerial reshuffle.

He also encouraged majority MPs without current appointments to prepare, stating that a reshuffle was imminent.

“The consideration stage… No, there were a number of times the minister was not here. She is a Member of Parliament and should be present. Speaker, we are opposed to be taking the bill through its third reading. The minister has decided not to be in the House.

“Chairman is here. Leader is here. Speaker, we cannot compromise on this. Third reading? No. She must be here. Chairman, step out and call the minister. Tell her she must come. This is the Parliament of Ghana. She cannot prioritize other business over her own bill. The president will hear about this. Honourable members, get ready, reshuffle is coming. Lace your boots,” he said.

In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga challenged Dompreh’s assertions.

He acknowledged the importance of ministers being present when they introduce bills, but clarified the nature of the third reading process.

“Mr. Speaker, the third reading is procedural. The consideration stage is where policy debates and detailed scrutiny happen.

“The minister’s absence at this stage is not critical, especially since it was already completed. According to Standing Order 172, the third reading can proceed even in the absence of the Minister.

“Furthermore, the minister is currently attending an international fisheries conference in Italy. We have a deadline, and the bill was introduced under a certificate of urgency. I appeal to the House to allow the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to move the motion on her behalf.”

After deliberations, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025 was passed by Parliament and is awaiting presidential assent.

The bill aims to establish a modern legal framework to enhance governance, development, and sustainability in Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy.

Key provisions include; Reviewing and consolidating laws for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources

Enhancing regulatory oversight through modern systems

Implementing an Electronic Monitoring System to meet EU and US market requirements for legally sourced seafood

Watch the video from 1:28:00 minutes

AM/KA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey

Vice Chairman of the 2024 Bawumia Campaign Team, Nana Akomea, has cast doubt on claims that former President John Agyekum Kufuor has been excluded from key decision-making meetings of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, July 17, Nana Akomea stated, “I do not think it is possible that President Kufuor would not be invited to meetings of these organs.”

He explained that former President Kufuor is a member of all the party’s national decision-making bodies, with the primary organ being the Steering Committee, whose decisions are subsequently reviewed by higher committees.

Mr Akomea added that the former president has designated two people in his office to receive all official invitations on his behalf.

“So, I do not think that the complaint I have heard President Kufuor made has to do with his invitations to the meetings,” he emphasised.

Referring to recent meetings he attended, Nana Akomea revealed that President Kufuor was absent from the last meetings of both the National Executive Committee and the National Council.

He pointed out that at the penultimate meeting where Professor Oquaye’s report was presented, former President Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, were present, but President Kufuor was absent.

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

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

Dr Bryan Acheampong is the Member of Parliament for Abetifi

A former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Publishing Company, David Asante, has publicly declared his support for Dr Bryan Acheampong in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming presidential primary.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, July 17, Asante endorsed the Abetifi MP as the candidate best positioned to help the party recover from its poor showing in the 2024 general elections.

Reflecting on the NPP’s performance in the last election, Asante wrote: “We lost at the polling stations, we lost at the constituencies, we lost at regional levels, we lost Parliament, we lost the Presidency miserably, it was an outright rejection overall.”

He emphasised the need for deep introspection and credible leadership that listens to the concerns of the Ghanaian electorate.

The former CEO stressed that the choice of flagbearer at the 2026 contest would shape the party’s chances in the next electoral cycle.

“Who leads our Party will determine our path way in 2028 and beyond!” he stated.

In that regard, Asante presented Dr Bryan Acheampong as a leader with the capacity and clarity to reposition the party for future success, writing; “May I introduce to you Dr Bryan Acheampong…”

Dr Acheampong, who currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, has already declared his intention to contest the NPP’s presidential primary, which is slated for January 31, 2026.

His campaign is expected to focus on party reorganisation, grassroots empowerment, and rebuilding trust with the electorate after the NPP’s electoral defeat in 2024.

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