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The People’s National Party (PNP) has raised concerns over what it describes as a grave constitutional violation by President John Dramani Mahama. In a petition addressed to major religious bodies, including the Christian Council, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Catholic Bishops, and the Muslim community, the PNP accused President Mahama of disregarding constitutional mandates on gender equality in governance.

PNP argued that President Mahama’s recent appointments show a blatant disregard for Article 17(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates Parliament to enact laws promoting gender balance in public office. Additionally, the party cites the Affirmative Action Act of 2024, which requires all government sectors to ensure a 30% minimum representation of women in appointments, including ministerial and deputy ministerial positions.

However, according to the PNP, the President’s recent appointments have overwhelmingly favored men, with women comprising only a fraction of key government positions: “During his campaign, President Mahama explicitly promised to implement the Affirmative Action Law (AAL) and ensure that women receive 30% representation in all his appointments. However, upon assuming office, he has reneged on this promise, thereby violating both his campaign pledge and Article 17(4) of the Constitution.

“Instead of honoring the law, the President has: appointed only 16% women and 84% men as ministers, appointed only 14% women and 86% men as deputy ministers, and appointed only 10% women and 90% men as cabinet ministers,” the PNP wrote in its February 24 petition. The PNP urged religious leaders to publicly challenge President Mahama’s appointment choices and demand compliance with Ghana’s legal frameworks. The party insists that Ghana’s religious institutions, which have long stood for justice, must not ignore issues of gender inequality in leadership.

For the second time in less than a week, passengers and vehicles crossing the Black Volta at Dambai in the Oti Region have faced challenges due to persistent operational difficulties with the ferries. The disruption, which began on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, has left travelers stranded on both riverbanks, causing frustration and economic hardship for traders, commuters, and transport operators who depend on the ferry service for daily movement. The primary issue affecting ferry operations has been the malfunctioning of the speed ramps, which serve as the primary entry and exit points for vehicles boarding and disembarking from the ferry. The deteriorating condition of these ramps has made it increasingly difficult for cars, trucks, and motorcycles to access the ferry safely.

The government has officially out doored the country’s 68th Independence Day theme and logo. The 68th Independence Day celebration which would be commemorated at the Jubilee House is themed; Reflect, Review, Reset. The government on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, announced plans to slash down expenditure for the Independence Day celebration. This, the government says is to redirect saved funds towards enhancing its key policies geared towards its resetting agenda. “A modest but significant event to mark this important occasion without breaking the national purse. For that reason, this year’s celebration will not take on the spectacular form that we have been used to over the years,” Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye stated.

Former Deputy Director of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), Kwaku Ohene Gyan, popularly known as Osonoba, has reportedly been detained by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

He was allegedly picked up on Saturday evening and is currently being held at the NIB offices in Kawukudi. While the reasons for his detention remain unclear, his lawyers are expected to meet with him tomorrow to discuss the situation and explore possible legal options for his release. It is also uncertain whether his arrest is linked to the recent scandal at the NSA.

Meanwhile, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Board, has also been taken into custody by the NIB at Kawukudi, near Nima in the Greater Accra Region. Details surrounding his detention have not been disclosed, but his legal team is actively working to secure his release. Lawyers are currently present at the NIB offices in Kawukudi, seeking bail for the former Education Minister.