Category: Local News

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.

Cephas Okine, a driver’s mate, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court for stealing a ram, valued at GH₵5,000.

Okine, also known as Shatta, is said to have stolen the ram bought by the complainant for an upcoming programme. He was charged with unlawful entry and stealing. Okine pleaded guilty before the court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, and he was convicted on his own plea. Before handing down sentence, the court was informed by prosecution that Okine had engaged in a similar offence and put before court. Prosecution, led by Inspector Shiela Tetteh, said a court in Teshie ordered Okine to sign a bond to be of good behavior within a two-year period on November 19, 2024.

However, Okine breached the bond after three months of signing it. The court, therefore, sentenced him to four years to serve as a deterrent. Inspector Tetteh said the complainant, Richard Thompson, was an IT Engineer and a resident of Teshie in Accra. The accused, now convict, also resided at Teshie Cold Store.

On February 16, 2025, between 0430 and 0500 hours, Okine unlawfully entered the complainant’s gated compound at Teshie Nungua Estate and stole the ram, which had been bought for an “upcoming programme.” Prosecution said luck eluded Okine when some residents saw him dragging the ram away. The residents grabbed him and found a pair of scissors on him, upon a search. He was, subsequently, handed over to the police for further investigations. The court was told that Okine, during interrogation, admitted the offence.

Police in Nkrankwanta, located in the Dormaa West District of the Bono Region, have arrested five suspects in connection with the killing of a Mobile Money (MoMo) vendor, Japhet Yeboah, on Tuesday.

The suspects, three females and two males, are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. Confirming the arrest, the Assemblyman for the Asuopri Electoral Area, Salifu Basoma, stated that a manhunt is underway for other accomplices involved in the crime. Japhet Yeboah was shot and killed in broad daylight during a robbery at the Nkrankwanta lorry station. Armed men fled the scene with an undisclosed sum of money, including both Ghanaian cedis and CFA francs.

In response to the incident, the police have heightened security efforts to track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Nkrankwanta Traditional Council has invoked the gods of the land to help bring the culprits to justice.

The Ashanti Regional minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, has reaffirmed the government’s
commitment to ensuring that all public projects meet the highest standards, as he
summones contractors responsible for the Drobonso District Court project over concerns
regarding the quality of work.
During an inspection of the project, Dr Amoakohene observed alarming structurel defects
including visible cracks in the building and deteriorating ceiling, raising serious safety
concerns.
I am extremely disappointed in the shoddy work done by the contractors,” Dr. Amoakohene
said. “The cracks and deteriorating ceiling are a clear indication of the poor quality of work,
and it’s unacceptable.”
The Minister emphasized that the government expects contractors to deliver high-quality
projects that meet the required standards.

The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John A. Jinapor, has reiterated the
government’s commitment to swiftly addressing the power supply shortfall caused by
ongoing maintenance activities on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
Speaking to journalists in Tema after a tour of the West African Gas Pipeline Company
Limited (WAPCo) Tema Regulating and Metering Station at Bankuman on Friday,
February 21, 2025, Mr. Jinapor said that with the planned maintenance exercise, known
as pigging, expected to be completed by March 2, 2025, power supply would improve.
The Minister also disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has dispatched him
to Nigeria to discuss with the Nigerian authorities ways to reach an agreement with a
Nigerian gas consortium to settle outstanding debts amounting to $75 million.
This move follows threats by N-Gas to shut down the gas pipeline that supplies fuel to
Ghana’s thermal plants due to the unpaid debt.
At the beginning of this month, the Ministry of Energy and WAPCo issued a statement
announcing the cleaning and inspection of a 56-kilometre onshore pipeline section
between Itoki and Badagry in Nigeria—an essential part of the West African Gas
Pipeline.
The maintenance exercise has disrupted gas flows from Nigeria as well as the reverse
flow of gas from Takoradi to thermal enclaves, affecting about 800 megawatts of
thermal capacity and significantly straining the national electricity supply.
Mr. Jinapor explained that as an interim measure, the government procured alternative
fuels (liquid oils) to power thermal plants while gas remains unavailable. However, he
admitted that the measure only allows for power generation to meet demand without a
reserve margin, putting immense pressure on the power supply system.
“It’s a very difficult task, but the indication I’m getting is that they are on schedule.
However, the next one week is very critical because it will determine the extent of the
success of the work they are pursuing. All things being equal, at the beginning of next
month, we should see the flow of gas, which means that power supply will be much,
much more enhanced,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to WAPCo officials for their cooperation, noting that the
company deferred the planned maintenance from January 20 to February following a
passionate appeal from the government to allow for emergency fuel procurement. He
pledged to strengthen the relationship with WAPCo to address future challenges.
N-Gas debt and Nigeria visit
The Minister also highlighted another challenge apart from the pigging exercise—the
threat by N-Gas to cut gas supply even after the maintenance due to an outstanding
liability of about $75 million.
To prevent further disruptions, Mr. Jinapor said the President has directed him to travel
to Nigeria to meet with his Nigerian counterparts to negotiate payment terms, including
making a partial payment to allow for continued supply.
“This clearly tells you that we inherited a very, very difficult situation, a very challenging
situation. Be that as it may, we have to find solutions to these challenges. And our main
efforts and concentration are on how we can find these solutions in the immediate
term, medium term, but more importantly, the long term,” he said.
He also apologized to Ghanaians for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing power
deficit.
The Managing Director of WAPCo, Michelle Burkett, General Manager of Operations and
Maintenance, Mr. Auwal Ibrahim, and General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Isaac
Adjei Doku, assured the Minister that maintenance works were progressing steadily and
expressed confidence that the March 2, 2025, deadline would be met.

The Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT) has urged the National Identification Authority (NIA), the Bank of Ghana (BoG), and financial institutions to ensure that the Ghana Card functions as an ATM card.

In a press statement, ACDT commended the NIA for its efforts in advancing Ghana’s digital identity agenda and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in integrating the Ghana Card into financial transactions.

“The integration of the Ghana Card into banking and financial transactions, initiated by the previous government, will enhance financial inclusion, security, and convenience for millions of Ghanaians,” the statement read.

The organisation outlined several key measures to achieve this goal. It emphasised the importance of linking all bank accounts to the Ghana Card through a secure national database, enabling customers to conduct ATM withdrawals, transfers, and payments using the card.

To bolster security, ACDT proposed incorporating biometric authentication and PIN verification into ATM and POS systems.

It explained that users should be able to verify transactions using either their fingerprints or a unique PIN linked to their Ghana Card.

The organisation also called on banks to upgrade their ATM infrastructure to recognise the Ghana Card’s embedded chip and encouraged retailers to adopt POS systems that support Ghana Card transactions.

Additionally, it stressed the need for clear legal and security guidelines from the Bank of Ghana and financial regulators to safeguard users against fraud and cyber threats.

Public education was another key area highlighted in the statement. ACDT urged a nationwide campaign to inform Ghanaians on how to link their Ghana Card to their bank accounts and use it safely for financial transactions.

“We urge the NIA, Bank of Ghana, and all major financial institutions to expedite actions that will ensure the Ghana Card serves as an ATM card, empowering millions of Ghanaians with seamless and secure financial access,” the statement concluded.

The Mankrado of Battor, Togbe Borbordzi Xevi VII, has expressed his disappointment with Parliament’s Appointment Committee following recent events in the House.

He said, “Some of these MPs, though not all, behave like they’ve… I’m very sorry to use this term, but they behave like they’ve drunk something.”

He added, “The opportunity given to them to vet nominees should be seen as a chance to prove to Ghanaians what they are capable of doing on behalf of the public.”

According to the chief, some MPs on the committee fail to ask relevant questions of the nominees and, at times, behave as though they do not understand their responsibilities.

Togbe Borbordzi Xevi, speaking on the recent vetting chaos in Parliament, strongly condemned the behaviour and stated that MPs are tarnishing the image of Ghana’s democracy.

“For me, I am deeply disappointed in some of our parliamentarians. They have let down Ghanaians and the world. The position of MP is a high office, but some of them behave like children when they go to Parliament. A whole MP, who is a university graduate, goes to Parliament and engages in fights, breaking chairs and tables. What kind of behaviour is that?” he asked.

“Are they aware that they are on camera, and the whole world is watching? If they are, then they have sabotaged Ghana. Because of Ghana’s democracy, many other countries admire us, but some of our MPs are disgracing the nation,” he told local journalists over the weekend when he organised a press conference to address the matter.

Following the disturbances, the Speaker of Parliament has set up an investigative committee to look into the matter. The committee, led by the MP for Ho West, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has since commenced public hearings. It is set to gather evidence and present its findings to the Speaker for further action.