Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Amponsah explained that delays in payments under previous administrations left many MMDCEs financially incapacitated.

“About 12 people are battling stroke, and every now and then, they call to ask when the salaries will be paid. Bodies are stuck at the mortuary, and people can’t access medical care despite being sick because they have no money,” he lamented.

He attributed the situation to previous pay cuts and unfulfilled statutory increments, noting that MMDCEs’ salaries had suffered under the prior government, with some receiving as low as GH¢9,000 after deductions.

“Initially, in 2017, we were taking GH¢16,400, so after all deductions, you would get around GH¢9,000. Then, unfortunately, we suffered pay cuts, and I don’t know who advised President Akufo-Addo,” he added.

Mr. Amponsah, however, praised the current government for addressing salary increments and improving development funding through tools like the district performance assessment system, which has helped some districts access significantly higher allocations.

He cited his own district, Achiase, where the district received GH¢9.4 million, compared to the previous high of just GH¢1 million.

Despite these improvements, Amponsah stressed the urgent need for the government to release arrears owed to former MMDCEs. He confirmed engaging the Local Government Minister, Ibrahim Ahmed, and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who have both advocated for the outstanding payments, urging the Finance Minister to expedite the process.

“The truth is this government is pushing for the MMDCEs. We will appeal to the government to pay the arrears of former MMDCEs. They have admitted it is legitimate,” Amponsah said.

He warned that without immediate action, more lives could be at risk, as former MMDCEs remain unable to afford essential medical care, highlighting the human cost of delayed salaries.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Acquah explained that MMDCEs are politically appointed and fall under the Office of the Chief of Staff, directly supervised by the Ministry of Local Government.

He said they are considered Article 71 office holders and are supposed to be paid GH₵35,000.

He thanked the government for increasing the salaries of MMDCEs and clarified that the increment was not arrears.

“When the NPP left power, MMDCEs were taking less than GH₵6,000. That was the salary at the time. Even then, the government wanted to reduce it,” he said.

Mr. Acquah also noted that although there were arrangements in the past to increase MMDCEs’ salaries, they were never implemented.

“Even though that arrangement was there, they didn’t implement any of them. When the NDC came to power, they took the system and increased the salaries of MMDCEs,” he added.

Asked if the salary increase was a step in the right direction, he said: “MMDCEs work very hard, and taking that small salary was not good. If it has now been increased, then it is a step in the right direction.”

He further stated that the public service recently received a 9 percent salary increase from the government, and if MMDCEs also benefit similarly, “then the public will judge, not me.”

Mr. Acquah’s comments come after the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, dismissed claims that the government had increased the salaries of DCEs by 67 percent. Speaking on the same program, Mr. Opoku said such claims are false and contrary to the law.

“It is not true that DCEs’ salaries have been increased by 67 percent,” he stated. “No government is allowed to increase the salaries of DCEs on its own. Any government that does so breaches the laws of the country.”

He added: “Since the NDC returned to power, they have not increased the salaries of DCEs because the law does not permit it.”

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he explained that the amount is not the net take-home pay.

“Not all of it goes to you. They subtract taxes and other deductions, and at the end of the day, you may go home with even GH₵20,000,” he said.

Mr. Amponsah also described the daily pressures faced by MMDCEs in handling requests from constituents.

“On any given day, the kind of people who come to your office with requests is too much,” he said.

Reflecting on his time as an MMDCE in the Eastern Region, he revealed challenges with illegal mining.

“Sometimes I feel sad because people even came to my office to bribe me and allow them to do galamsey,” he admitted.

He explained his firm stance against illegal mining.

“I refused because I thought about Ghana. I had the country at heart and didn’t want our forests destroyed. In my district, there were minerals, but during my time, I never allowed them to be mined illegally, and security protected those sites.”

Mr. Amponsah noted that his principled approach sometimes caused friction with traditional authorities.

“Even some chiefs had issues with me when I was leaving office because I didn’t allow illegal mining,” he said.

He added that the GH₵35,000 salary is justified, especially given the responsibilities and pressures of the role.

“If I wanted money, I could have allowed people to mine illegally and take payments while destroying the sites. But I thought about the country first,” he said.

He also disclosed the challenges former MMDCEs are currently facing.

 “Even as a former MMDCE, if you are looking for a job, you may not get one. So imagine what someone without any support would do. The GH₵35,000 salary is what many rely on to take care of themselves,” he added.

His comments come amid reports that the government has increased salaries for MMDCEs to GH₵35,000.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he admitted that the Akufo-Addo government failed to provide adequate attention and welfare support to the very officials who drove its work at the grassroots level.

“This neglect contributed to frustration and apathy among many MMDCEs across the country,” the former Deputy Health Minister said.

“I must admit the Akufo-Addo-led government did not take care of and treat our MMDCEs well. It is part of the reason there was apathy and anger among them because they are at the grassroots and help to support the people,” he added.

Acquah explained that salary cuts during the COVID-19 period and other fiscal challenges hit MMDCEs hard. Some officials were reportedly taking home as little as GH₵5,479 a month — an amount he says did not reflect the weight of their responsibilities.

“We did not increase their salaries. Their pay was deducted, and naturally some are still unhappy to this day,” he noted.

The Deputy Ranking Member on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee said the new Mahama administration is now addressing these welfare gaps by reviewing and increasing MMDCE salaries to match the demands of their work.

He stressed that for any government to succeed at the local level, the officials managing day-to-day governance must be treated fairly and adequately resourced — a lesson the country cannot afford to ignore.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he said the initiative has already started with support from a team at the University of Cape Coast.

“We have a team at Cape Coast University leading the initiative, and the farmers’ market has already begun,” he said.

Mr. Opoku explained that the idea is to create a space where farmers and consumers can interact directly without middlemen.

“We want to create a market where farmers come directly to meet consumers so that prices can remain affordable,” he noted.

He stressed a major challenge, stating that most of Ghana’s food is produced in rural communities far from Accra.

“The problem is that the bulk of our food comes from the villages, very far from Accra, so if you want to create the same farmers’ market in Accra, you will have to transport the food from the villages to the city and that makes it costly,” he said.

According to him, the ministry is working to address this transportation challenge to make the market system more effective.

Mr. Opoku added that this challenge is the very reason Ghana introduced a food distribution company in the first place.

“When farmers grow the food, it is affordable, but it becomes expensive by the time it reaches Accra,” he explained.

He assured that government is taking steps to reduce these costs and ensure that consumers benefit from the low farmsgate prices.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he revealed that several solar-powered boreholes are being constructed to support vegetable growers, especially in Gyenegyene.

“We are doing some of the solar-powered boreholes for the vegetable farmers in Gyenegyene, and by the end of this month, I will show Ghanaians the irrigation works currently ongoing,” he said.

According to him, one major irrigation project is underway in the Northern Region, where government is constructing 88 solar-powered boreholes.

Out of the number, 23 have already been allocated to schools in the region based on their land capacity for production.

He added that his ministry has taken full inventory of all irrigation facilities across the country based on a directive from President Mahama.

“Ghana has 1.9 million hectares of irrigable land, and out of that, only 229,000 hectares currently have irrigation. That is why we immediately moved a contractor to Ashaiman to fix the irrigation system there,” he noted.

Mr. Opoku explained that Ashaiman is one of the biggest onion-producing areas in the country, attracting buyers from neighbouring countries.

He said the contractor working on the Ashaiman irrigation system is almost done.

He added that government is repairing old and faulty irrigation infrastructure while constructing new ones to increase coverage.

Touching on tomato production, the minister said the greenhouse facility at Dawhenya had 100 units, but none were functioning for a long time.

Although a school was established under the project, it also became inactive.

“We later handed the facility to a private operator, and now the school is functioning and working with the Dawhenya systems,” he said.

He added that the tomatoes produced there are now supplied to some embassies and hotels.

Government plans to scale up the tomato variety being cultivated so farmers can produce in larger quantities to supply shopping malls.

“When we met with the malls, they told us their main concern is sustainability. That is why our government has started these irrigation projects to ensure consistent production,” he explained.

Mr. Opoku assured that the solar-powered irrigation systems will be completed in the next three to four months.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he said such claims are false and against the laws of the country.

“It is not true that DCEs’ salaries have been increased by 67 percent,” he stated.

Mr. Opoku explained that no government is allowed to increase the salaries of DCEs on its own.

“Any government that increases the salary of DCEs has breached the laws of the country,” he said.

According to him, since the NDC returned to power, they have not increased the salaries of DCEs because the law does not permit it.

DCEs fall under Article 71 officeholders, and their emoluments are determined by a committee.

He noted that the 2011 committee report recommended that DCEs should be placed on “award point 55,” which meant their salaries were to increase by 10 percent every year.

“In 2016, when we left power, every DCE was taking 16,445 cedis,” he revealed.

He continued that when the NPP government took over, they were expected to continue the annual 10 percent increment but failed to do so for years.

He said it was only later that then Local Government Minister Dan Botwe raised concerns, after which the 10 percent increment was eventually, approved.

Mr. Opoku explained that when the NPP was about to leave office, they had to calculate the arrears and ex-gratia owed to DCEs.

“After the calculation, every DCE got over 32,000 cedis. That is what they used to pay them,” he said.

He added that because of that adjustment, any new DCE now starts work with the 32,000 cedis salary.

“That is why people think their salaries have been increased, but it is simply the arrears and the approved structure,” he clarified.

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He described claims against the former chief as false and said all parties involved had been served with the relevant court documents.

“The lies they spread against Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II have no basis. The Eastern Regional House of Chiefs’ judicial committee delivered a judgment in his favor. Anyone who claims to have enstooled another chief should not interfere with his position” Nana Dr. Okra Baadu said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.

Asked about the timing of the judgment, he confirmed: “I have personally served all parties involved. They are aware and have received the writs.”

He further explained that Baffour Osei Akoto, the current chief serving under the stool name Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, who has been styling himself as Kwahuhene, had attempted to assert himself as President at the Kwahu Traditional Council, but both the Regional House of Chiefs and the Chieftaincy Ministry and Local Government warned that only one chief is officially recognized.

“He is the rightful president of the Kwahu Traditional Council to this day. He also serves as the Vice President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs and represents the region at the National House of Chiefs. All records are available at the Chieftaincy Ministry,” he added.

This clarification comes amid nationwide concern over reports that the Queen Mother of Kwahu, Nana Adwoa Gyamfua III, had been forcibly taken from her residence at Abene.

The Paramount Chief of Kwahu, Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng III, previously told Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem that heavily armed police officers stormed the palace around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17, firing shots “indiscriminately” before removing the Queen Mother.

However, the Kwahu Traditional Council has strongly denied claims of abduction, calling them “entirely false.” In a statement, the Council explained that the police were enforcing a court order.

According to the Council, officers were acting on an interlocutory injunction issued by the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs on June 24, 2024.

The injunction, granted in favor of Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II, “restrains Baffour Osei Akoto, who has been styling himself as Kwahuhene, together with the Queen Mother and others, from interfering with Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II’s occupation and duties at the Abene Palace.”

Nana Dr. Okra Baadu concluded: “This is a matter of law and order. Any confusion about the Queen Mother’s presence was due to the enforcement of a legitimate court order, not an abduction. The law is clear, and Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II remains the recognized chief.”

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, she recalled how she accompanied her daughter at dawn but left her halfway as Agyeiwaa headed to the El-Wak Stadium.

“I was the one who accompanied her at dawn, but I left her along the way when she said she could continue to the stadium,” she said.

She explained that her daughter arrived at the venue around 4:15 a.m., but by 7 a.m. she had tried calling her several times without success.

“I kept calling her, but she didn’t pick up. I became worried,” she added.

Her fears deepened when her eldest child informed her that someone called, to say Agyeiwaa’s bag and other belongings were with her.

“I asked how her things got to the person, and I was told to come to El-Wak. When we got there, we were told some people had been rushed to 37 Hospital and others had even died. I was alarmed and started crying because I didn’t know whether my daughter was alive or dead,” she recounted.

She said after President Mahama visited the scene, relatives were asked to proceed to the emergency ward at the 37 Military Hospital to check on their loved ones.

“That was when I saw that my daughter was part of those injured and lying in the emergency ward. All the parents there were sad. The situation was very painful to watch,” she said.

According to her, she only became calm when her daughter finally regained consciousness.

“I wasn’t okay until she opened her eyes, mentioned my name, and said ‘Ma’. That was when I felt a bit relieved,” she stated.

She said her daughter was discharged late on Thursday, but according to her, they could not immediately return home because the journey back to Kasoa was too long and her daughter was too weak to travel.

She narrated that when they wanted to stay, after they were discharged, one nurse questioned why they were still around.

“One nurse told me that government had taken care of the medical bills, so was it transportation that was a problem for us to go home after they discharged us at night? I was very angry when she said that,” she said.

However, she noted that a soldier intervened and told them it was safer to sleep over and leave the next morning.

“The night shift nurses were also very nice. They told us to stay and leave the following day,” she added.

She said on Thursday around 3 a.m., she woke her daughter up so they could prepare to go home.

Reports from the scene indicate that the recruitment exercise, which attracted thousands of applicants nationwide, turned chaotic at several centres, leading to stampedes and numerous injuries. In Kumasi and Accra, several young people reportedly collapsed while trying to enter overcrowded venues.

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that the death toll from the El-Wak Stadium incident remains at six.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, she narrated the traumatic experience her daughter has endured.

“My daughter is still in pain,” she said. “She was injured in her legs, her eyes and her chest. She told me there is blood in her eyes and she keeps complaining that her whole body hurts.”

According to her, Benedicta was taken to the eye clinic on Thursday, where she was given medication, and the pain in one of her legs became unbearable.

“One of her legs was hurting so much she couldn’t handle it at all. When they admitted her at the 37 Military Hospital, she told them about the pain. They cleaned it with a medication they called ‘spirit’, but she was still complaining” she said.

Madam Fosuah said her daughter had been on admission at the 37 Military Hospital from Wednesday until she was discharged on Thursday evening — even though she still struggled to walk properly.

“She couldn’t walk well, yet they discharged her saying she was okay. But she was still in pain, so we had to take her to another hospital. They treated the wound and dressed it. The sore is not very big, but the pain was too much for her,” she explained.

She added that during the stampede, many people stepped on her daughter’s chest, leaving her breathless.

“People stepped on her chest. She didn’t even know what was happening until she was brought to the hospital,” she said.

Madam Fosuah also recalled the terrifying moment doctors told her that Benedicta was unconscious.

“When we got to 37, they told us my daughter was in a coma. She couldn’t speak at all. It was around 4 a.m. on Thursday dawn that she finally opened her eyes and asked, ‘Where am I? Where are my slippers?’ That was the first thing she said,” she recounted.

Despite the pain and the struggle, she praised the staff of the 37 Military Hospital for their support.

“The nurses were very nice to us,” she said. “One nurse even came to attend to her when she complained of pain, but she was still hurting when we left.”

Reports indicate that the recruitment exercise attracted thousands of young people across the country, resulting in chaotic scenes at some centres. In both Accra and Kumasi, several applicants reportedly collapsed while pushing to enter overcrowded venues.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces have clarified that the death toll from Wednesday’s stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium remains six.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, November 13, 2025, he said:

“This issue has broken my heart. When I heard about it, I was very sad. I was at home and was told about the matter. She said she was going for the recruitment and would come back, but she never returned.” he cried.

Priscilla, who worked at CBG Bank’s Kasoa branch, was among six people who died during the stampede on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Two of the deceased, including Priscilla, were from Kasoa.

The GAF confirmed that six people lost their lives while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.

In response to the tragedy, the GAF has temporarily suspended the 2025/2026 recruitment exercise to implement additional safety measures and ensure a smooth and secure process.

The incident has also sparked debate in Parliament. While some lawmakers defended statements made by Pusiga MP Laadi Ayii Ayamba, describing them as religious expressions taken out of context, others argue that her comments reflect a disconnect between Ghana’s political elite and the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, particularly unemployed youth.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said, “I admit that we have challenges, and that’s why I say we must look at the bigger picture. Every political party has issues, but it’s important that we accept them for the sake of our party and move forward together.”

He drew a comparison with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding, “From where I sit, I know all is not well with them either, but they have an understanding that it’s one party. That is the spirit I want the NPP to also embrace, encourage ourselves and take our time to do things right.”

Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of handling internal disputes privately rather than airing them publicly on social media.

“If I have issues with a colleague, I don’t go to social media to announce it. I reach out to the person directly. Internal elections are not a fight; after every election, all candidates should come together, regardless of their differences,” he said.

He also stressed decorum among MPs supporting different flagbearer aspirants.

“What makes me happy is that MPs who have declared their support for their preferred candidate are being decent. I hope all others can do the same — campaign positively for their candidate instead of creating chaos,” Afenyo-Markin added.

The NPP is scheduled to hold its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, to elect a flagbearer to lead the party into the next general elections. Among the five aspirants vying for the position is Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said, “I won’t respond to that matter; let’s talk about something else.”

When asked if he would appear before the Privileges Committee, he added, “It’s not everything that you respond to; you leave it for time. As a member of the NPP, the party will talk about it. Not every issue requires a public statement.”

His comments follow allegations by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that Afenyo-Markin is in contempt of Parliament and should be referred to the Privileges Committee for disciplinary action.

The allegation stems from Afenyo-Markin’s participation in the ECOWAS Parliament session held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from September 25 to 28, 2025, despite his removal from Ghana’s official delegation.

In Parliament on Tuesday, Ayariga cited Order 31(O) of the Standing Orders, which defines contempt as any act or omission that affronts the dignity or authority of Parliament or brings its name into disrepute.

He argued that by attending the session after being excluded, the Minority Leader had “clearly affronted the authority of Parliament” and must be held accountable.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said, “I can tell you on authority that after assessing the video, cybercrime experts described my conduct as peaceful. There was no aggression on my part. The videos are there for anyone to see. So, when people want to spread propaganda and lie, they should think twice.”

He added that the police have completed their investigation and submitted a report to the Attorney-General’s office.

“The police did a professional and objective job. They were very fair. They saw what happened and prepared their report, which exonerates me. Some people may claim they didn’t understand and still asked for further digging, but that is because they really wanted to come after me,” he said.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin explained that he chose not to respond immediately to the Attorney-General’s office when they first indicated they were reviewing the matter.

“When the Department of the AG wanted to do its mischief, I decided not to respond. They have now asked for the video so they can watch it themselves, which is good for me. In this country, the truth must prevail.”

He described his actions during the demonstration as a reaction to the officer’s conduct.

“I am human and can make mistakes, but there are some things I would never do, like hitting a police officer, which is against the law. The truth is that the police officer hit me, and the video from the Police Public Affairs Department confirms it.”

Mr. Afenyo-Markin said three cameras, each recording for 30 minutes, were reviewed, and the resulting report shows he did not attack any police officer.

“Let’s give it time. I know the truth will come out, and people will see that I am innocent. Since this incident, I have not spoken because I am measured in how I handle things. Leadership takes resilience, patience, and the ability to withstand pressure. Some people even wonder how I will react to issues. I do not wake up and speak just like that; I leave matters to the party,” he stated.

He further stated that his reaction was part of a protest and not an act of aggression.

“My reaction was merely a protest against the officer’s conduct. I reject claims that I was the aggressor,” he concluded.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Afenyo-Markin said that in politics, opponents often “test your temperament” to provoke reactions that shift focus from substantive national issues.

“Each and every day as we move about, people are testing. People will deliberately do things to see how Afenyo-Markin will react, like during the CJ nominee’s vetting,” he stated.

He explained that he had anticipated the Majority caucus’ strategy ahead of the vetting and mentally prepared himself not to fall into what he described as a “trap.”

“I knew what the other side was going to do and I had prepared myself for it. All they wanted to do was bait me, get me to react, so the process is disrupted,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added that his approach was guided by a desire to highlight the challenges faced by former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, during her tenure, emphasizing that political theatrics should not overshadow crucial judicial matters.

“I wanted Ghanaians to know the suffering and pain Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was pushed through,” he explained.

He also cautioned against reacting impulsively in parliamentary debates, noting that strategic provocations are often used to divert attention from pressing national issues.

“It is not every time or everything you become aggressive. Sometimes they do these things to divert attention when you raise an important national issue. So, when you are always quick to react, they get you,” he said.

The comments come after tense scenes at the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, during the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, President John Mahama’s nominee for Chief Justice.

The tension escalated when Afenyo-Markin referred to the nominee as a “disputed nominee,” prompting the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to object, calling the remark disrespectful and prejudicial. Following a temporary suspension of the sitting, the Minority caucus boycotted the remainder of the process, leaving only the Majority side to continue the vetting.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Afenyo-Markin said the initial allegations against former Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, had been proven false following official investigations.

“The Ministry of Interior and the Police have so far been objective in their investigations and report. The allegation was that Hawa Koomson committed a crime, and it has turned out that is not true,” he stated.

While refraining from offering public advice to his party colleague, Afenyo-Markin said any concerns he had would be raised through the proper political channels.

“I won’t make my advice for her or what she must do public. I will raise my concerns about the matter to the party structures at the right forum,” he added.

The Effutu MP also emphasized the importance of fairness and candor in all investigations involving state officials or political figures. “Ideally, the Police or a Minister of State investigating a matter must be fair and candid, but it sometimes happens that we don’t do that,” he noted, calling for restraint and respect for due process.

Interior Minister Mubarak Muntaka recently revealed that the sitting Awutu Senya East MP, Phillis Naa Koryoo, had denied any attack on her convoy during the 2024 general elections, contradicting earlier reports that had fueled tensions in the constituency.

However, Naa Koryoo clarified that she did not deny the occurrence of attacks but rather called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation by the task force probing the incidents.

She recounted feeling threatened during the election period, highlighting the tense atmosphere and emotional strain on her and her campaign team.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boadu described his campaign as a “new initiative to rebrand the NPP.”

He noted that negative perceptions of the party have lingered and must be addressed.

“Some of these things are very negative. It’s the kind of image people have of the NPP, and we must rebrand properly; otherwise, people will continue seeing us in the same light,” he said.

Reflecting on electoral trends in tertiary institutions, he noted that the NDC has gained ground in recent years.

“Even in tertiary schools, the NDC now wins most elections, and I don’t understand why. Back when I was National Youth Organizer, the NPP won almost everywhere, including Ho Polytechnic,” he recalled.

According to Mr. Boadu, the NDC’s success is largely due to their rebranding efforts.

“They rebranded their party, even with the shade of their colours, their shirts, and all, and it made a huge difference. We must do more as a party, and we must do it well,” he said.

He added that the NPP has lost touch with key stakeholders, including members of the middle class, and must take steps to reconnect with them.

“We need a proper consultation to look at the party and make it attractive again. We have to regain the confidence of major stakeholders who have stood with us in the past,” he said.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boadu questioned why a Chief Justice would make such statements, suggesting that they raise doubts about the safety and fairness of the judicial system.

“Are we safe in this country if a Chief Justice claims that after confirmation, his decisions might be influenced by fear or personal interest?” he asked. “If someone is not committed to applying the laws impartially, it is worrying. How many cases will come before him and other judges who might base their sentences on fear of relatives or personal gain instead of the law?” he questioned.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, 2025, Baffoe-Bonnie described the decision on the high-profile case from his early years on the bench as guided both by the law and the need to protect the public.

“The judges and magistrates are trained and follow sentencing guidelines, but sometimes they have to go beyond them. In my youthful days, I gave somebody 70 years — Atta Ayi,” he said.

He further explained that while sentencing guidelines provide a general framework, judges occasionally need to exercise discretion based on the circumstances of a case.

“I gave him 70 years. And what I told myself was that if Atta Ayi was given 30 years and he comes back, my family will be the first he will attack. So by the time he comes back after 70 years, I will be dead and gone,” he said with a chuckle, drawing laughter from the audience.

However, Mr. Boadu acknowledged the role of prison in rehabilitation, stating, “Prison is for reform. I know people who come out of prison reformed becoming accountants, lawyers, and productive members of society and they do not return to their previous lives.”

He added that in countries with strong democratic systems, a nominee making such statements might face significant challenges in gaining approval.

“If this was another country, and the vetting process was not a rubber stamp, there is no way a Chief Justice would be approved after making such remarks,” he said.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, he noted, “When we analyse the data, those who go through National Service and enter the private sector usually get jobs within a maximum of three years. In contrast, the public sector takes much longer to absorb personnel.”

He stressed the need to understand why the private sector succeeds where the public sector struggles.

“We must begin to learn from what the private sector is doing that the public sector is not. There are lessons to be applied to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times for our graduates” he said.

Mr. Opare Addo announced plans for a new programme between the National Service Secretariat (NSS) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), in which the private sector will lead efforts to integrate more public sector graduates into private sector opportunities.

“This initiative is part of broader reforms to bridge the gap between graduation and employment,” he said.

Disclosing the scale of the challenge, the minister explained, “Every year, our tertiary institutions produce about 200,000 graduates. Out of the roughly 1 million eligible youths, only 200,000 graduate annually. Yet, the available jobs in the public sector are small — about 5,000 to 10,000 positions. This leaves a huge number of graduates without immediate employment opportunities.”

Despite the challenges, Mr. Opare Addo stressed that hope remains through entrepreneurship, skills training, and alternative livelihood programmes.

“All is not lost. Graduates can still create opportunities for themselves through business, innovation, and vocational skills. If you look at the data, it doesn’t lie, and the numbers keep increasing. We have to equip our young people with the tools to succeed,” he added.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, the Minister explained, “This tracker will allow everyone to see everything that is happening in youth development.

“If we say we have recruited ten people, you should be able to see that. If we say we have trained 10,000 people in the National Apprenticeship Programme, the data should show, including their Ghana card details. For too long, we have lied to ourselves in this country.”

He added, “You always hear people say they have created a million jobs, but there is no data to verify if it’s true, and yet unemployment remains high. We need to do things differently, and we are going to lead that as an institution.”

Mr. Opare Addo noted that while the impact may not be immediately visible, the long-term effects will be significant.

“Over the years, we’ve had challenges with data. We need to set an example and ensure the data we put out is accurate so we can follow developments in this space properly,” he said.

The Minister also revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) will be integrated into the system to help Ghanaians search for jobs globally.

 “We have many highly skilled people, and there are opportunities to work remotely. The tracker will have two phases — one for the public and one for policy planners. On the public side, AI will make it easier for youth to find jobs and gain international recognition. When given such opportunities, they can truly turn things around,” he explained.

Mr. Opare Addo continued, “It’s not a gloomy picture. We have sat down as a team, we know the challenges, and with support, we will fix it. This is about building a transparent, accountable, and impactful youth development system.”

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Amoah explained that competence and teamwork should be the guiding principles in leadership, not personal connections or lobbying.

“I don’t believe in lobbying for positions. Maybe you can send your CVs and other documents to look for a job, but when it comes to leadership, we should focus on finding capable people who can deliver,” he said.

Using football as an analogy, Dr. Amoah noted that having the best individuals does not guarantee success without proper coordination and teamwork.

“You may have the best players in the world, but if you don’t configure your team well, then you are in trouble even though you have the best players,” he stated.

“It’s about teamwork — knowing who can play what role best, what can be done, and prioritising your decisions, processes, and goals,” he added.

Dr. Amoah linked his remarks to the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, stressing that the party must prioritise unity and competence in its leadership choices to secure victory in the 2028 elections.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Dr. Amoah praised Kennedy Agyapong’s long-standing dedication and financial commitment to the NPP, describing him as the party’s most loyal and longest-serving member among the presidential aspirants.

“Ken started financing the NPP from 1992. Among all the aspirants, he is the longest-serving member. The only person who comes close to him is Kwabena Agyapong,” he said.

According to Dr. Amoah, one of the biggest challenges of the NPP has been the failure of presidents to connect with and support the grassroots once they assume power — a problem, he said, Kennedy Agyapong has developed a clear framework to fix.

“One major challenge of our party is that when someone becomes president, they forget the grassroots. But Ken has developed a very nice framework that ensures those who have worked for the party over the years are recognized and supported,” he noted.

He revealed that Kennedy Agyapong is currently developing a comprehensive database to identify and provide job opportunities for long-serving party members.

“Ken is creating a database to capture people who have worked for the NPP for a very long time so they can be given jobs first. He always wants to take care of his people before anything else,” he explained.

Dr. Amoah added that Kennedy Agyapong’s leadership vision is divinely inspired, stressing that his presidency would transform the lives of many.

“What God is using Ken to do when he becomes president is not just by chance — it’s a vision, and he must make sure he gets it done,” he stated.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Butey said the incident had been misrepresented to the public, noting that it arose from a misunderstanding during an internal meeting.

“It wasn’t that Abronye disrespected Kufuor. What happened was that the old man made some proposals during a meeting. It is an in-house issue, and Dr. Anane shouldn’t have even brought it out in the first place,” he explained.

According to the Acting Chairman, the matter should have been handled within party structures rather than discussed publicly.

“We should have dealt with it internally. Dr. Anane could have submitted a petition to the disciplinary committee if necessary. He wasn’t even at the meeting, so I suspect he may have been misinformed,” Mr. Butey added.

He recounted that during the meeting, former President Kufuor offered advice, and members were allowed to share their opinions. When discussions began to veer off track, Mr. Butey intervened to restore order.

“After three people spoke, I realised I made a mistake by opening the floor, so I stopped it. I informed President Kufuor that his advice had been taken in good faith and that the party would deliberate and get back to him,” he said.

Mr. Butey insisted that while Abronye’s conduct could be described as a “misstep,” it did not amount to disrespect or insult toward the former President.

“Despite Abronye’s misconduct, he did not insult Kufuor. He can’t even dare because I wouldn’t have tolerated it. In fact, he kept referring to Kufuor as his in-law throughout the discussion,” he stressed.

He cautioned party members against spreading misinformation and urged them to protect the image of the NPP’s founding figures.

“If Abronye had insulted Kufuor, the consequences wouldn’t have been good,” Mr. Butey concluded.

The clarification comes after widespread media reports suggested Abronye had allegedly disrespected former President Kufuor during a closed-door party meeting — claims that Mr. Butey says were based on “a clear misunderstanding.”

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Hawa Koomson said, “Everyone has seen that I was not the one who did what Naa Koryoo claimed. I am sad and very happy at the same time, because today, I have been vindicated.”

She further thanked God and the authorities involved, noting, “I thank God for what He has done. That wicked mind that Naa Koryoo had against me, just because of politics, is now exposed. I am happy today that her bad intentions are out in the open. I also thank the Minister for not hiding the truth because of politics, but coming out and revealing the facts to vindicate me, and the people who conducted the investigation.”

Her comments follow a briefing by the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mubarak, who confirmed that investigations by the Election Security Task Force found no evidence that Philis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, the current MP for Awutu Senya East’s convoy was attacked.

The Minister clarified that Naa Koryoo was not present at the scene of the incident that led to the death of Yusif Larri Idriss, who was reportedly shot during a confrontation involving occupants of a Mahindra pickup truck.

Kasoa has long been regarded as a political hotspot, with both the 2020 and 2024 general elections witnessing clashes between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Hawa Koomson revealed that her mother called her in tears upon hearing that the allegations were false, reminding her of the values with which she was raised.

 “My mother cried when she called me. She told me she gave birth to me, knows me well, and nurtured me. I always pray to God to keep us out of trouble,” Hawa Koomson said.

She described the political tensions with Naa Koryoo as dangerous and deeply personal, alleging that her son was targeted.

“I always tell God that no one should meet a politician like Naa Koryoo. In 2020, because I was vigilant, things went well. But just because I decided not to speak, this woman came at me. She even stabbed my son and tried to kill him. I don’t even know what my son and I did to her,” she said.

Hawa Koomson added, “She was able to instigate her people, and they all hated me and my son. If not for God, my son, who is 33 years old, would have been dead. She is around the same age as my son and wanted to take his life. Will your mother be happy if someone tries to kill her child?”

She noted that the truth is finally coming to light, and those who supported Naa Koryoo are beginning to see her true nature.

“Even now, her own people are starting to fight her as they are realizing what kind of woman she is. But God has been so good — I have been vindicated,” Hawa Koomson said.

Her comments follow a briefing by the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mubarak, who confirmed that investigations by the Election Security Task Force found no evidence that Naa Koryoo’s convoy was attacked.

She clarified that Naa Koryoo, now the MP for Awutu Senya East, was not present at the scene of the incident that led to the death of Yusif Larri Idriss, who was reportedly shot during a confrontation involving occupants of a Mahindra pickup truck.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Madam Koomson expressed disappointment over what she described as a consistent campaign of falsehoods against her by Naa Koryoo, whom she considered like a younger sister.

“This woman, if she ventures into acting, it won’t be good at all because the way she acts and lies is unbelievable,” she said. “I was shocked when I saw a video of her lying about me during an interview. I wonder why someone can lie like that just to make people see me as a bad human being.”

According to her, the lies have affected how people perceive her, but she remains thankful that the truth is beginning to emerge.

“Everywhere I go, people think I’m a very bad person because of what has been said about me. Some people even have the courage to tell me that I’m such a nice person but that others keep destroying my name. Even Nana Yaa Jantuah once told me the same thing — that I’m a good person but people have painted me black,” she said.

She added that although she initially chose to ignore Naa Koryoo’s attacks out of respect, she later realized that the lies were damaging her image.

“I saw Naa Koryoo as a small sister or even a daughter, so I decided not to pay attention to her rants. But I didn’t know she was using that time to destroy me. I thank God that today I have been vindicated,” Hawa Koomson stated.

Her comments follow revelations by the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, in Parliament that Naa Koryoo denied any attack on her convoy during the 2024 elections — contradicting earlier reports that suggested otherwise.

Hawa Koomson, who lost the 2024 parliamentary contest to Naa Koryoo, said she believes the truth is now unfolding.

“The truth is gradually coming out, and everyone can now see what really happened,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry has confirmed that investigations into the Awutu Senya East election violence are ongoing, with the driver of the Mahindra vehicle already traced as part of efforts to establish the full facts of the case.

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Mr. Butey, who also serves as the first National Vice-Chairman, made this disclosure in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem show.

He confirmed that several prominent figures, including Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi; Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe Abronye (Abronye DC); Communications Team Member Ernest Owusu Bempah; former Lands Minister Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh; and another lawyer, have all been referred to the committee for alleged breaches of party discipline.

“All misconducts have been referred to the disciplinary committee. They will sit on the cases on Friday, and everyone found culpable will be suspended,” he stated firmly.

Mr. Butey stressed that the NPP would not shield any member, regardless of their influence or position within the party.

“Nobody is above the party, not even me. The committee will write their recommendations, and we will take further action. If they recommend suspension, I won’t hesitate,” he declared.

His comments come amid growing internal tensions and concerns over indiscipline among certain party executives and communicators.

Mr. Butey, who assumed leadership responsibilities following Chairman Stephen Ayesu Ntim’s medical leave, said his focus is to restore order and unity in the NPP ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“I am now the leader of the party, and the boldness and bravery I have is huge. If they recommend suspension, I will not hesitate. They can leave for the party to collapse; the NPP must stand on discipline,” he asserted.

According to insiders, the disciplinary action forms part of a broader effort to sanitize the party’s internal structures and reinforce its commitment to discipline, loyalty, and respect for authority after months of public altercations and factional divisions.

The NPP Disciplinary Committee, chaired by senior party elder Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, is expected to issue its recommendations shortly after Friday’s sitting, paving the way for the National Executive Committee to take final action.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kotoko described the incident as “very unfortunate” and “unlawful,” stressing the dangers of confronting security personnel.

“These soldiers are empowered by the President to do their work and discharge their duties. What happened was reckless, irresponsible, and stupid,” he said. “If the soldiers had decided to retaliate, you can imagine what could have happened. Next time, they may even discipline anyone who comes at them like that.”

He said attacking soldiers carrying out their duties to curb illegal mining is completely unacceptable.

“As soldiers doing their work and fighting illegality, it is wrong even to think of going to fight them,” he added.

His comments follow reports that the NAIMOS taskforce, led by Director Colonel Dominic Boah, was attacked by a mob after apprehending suspected illegal miners near Bronikrom.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the team arrested several suspects and seized items including a Smith & Wesson pistol, ammunition, two pistol magazines, an unregistered Range Rover, an unregistered Toyota RAV4, and several mobile phones.

Police also allege that Dr. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, MP for Asutifi North, arrived at the scene with a group of people demanding the release of the detainees.

The MP has strongly denied these claims.

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In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kotoko stressed that while the MP is his friend, investigations must take their course to bring the culprits to justice.

“The MP has already narrated his side of the story, and the other parties have also given theirs. The Lands Minister expects that this issue is resolved quickly. That’s why he met with the Speaker of Parliament and the Interior Minister, to ensure that the right thing is done and discipline is restored” he said.

According to Mr. Kotoko, the intervention was crucial to prevent fatalities similar to past incidents.

“If not for the intervention of some people, it would have been fatal, and that would have been very bad. I commend the soldiers for maintaining their composure and not causing any fatalities,” he noted.

He also stressed the role of traditional authorities in advising local youth to exercise caution.

“Chiefs and traditional authorities must speak to the youth and advise them not to attack soldiers. The law must take its course,” he added.

Mr. Kotoko said the Forestry Commission’s priority is to tackle illegal mining in forest reserves and protect water bodies.

“Once the investigations are ongoing, everything will be done according to the law,” he said.

The comments come as the Asutifi North MP, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, is scheduled to appear at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra on November 4, 2025. The invitation is part of police investigations into the attack on the NAIMOS office.

The NAIMOS taskforce, led by Director Colonel Dominic Boah, was reportedly attacked by a mob after apprehending suspected illegal miners near Bronikrom.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the team had arrested several suspects and seized items including a Smith & Wesson pistol, ammunition, two pistol magazines, an unregistered Range Rover, an unregistered Toyota RAV4, and several mobile phones.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Addo said, “It is not true. I have not led any mob action to attack NAIMOS. The taskforce is doing a great job, so why would I even think of mobilizing people to attack them? Even as an MP, that makes no sense.”

He clarified that the incident occurred in Asutifi South, not his constituency, explaining that he only went to the scene to assess the situation after being informed about the chaos.

“On the weekend, there are always activities around, and I was on my way to a funeral. I took a different route and saw and heard the commotion. I immediately called the MP for Asutifi South, Collins Dauda, to inform him,” he said.

Mr. Addo continued, “He told me to go and check what was happening since I was closer to the area. That is why I went to the grounds. I even introduced myself to the military personnel and told them I was just passing and wanted to see for myself.”

He added that he handed his phone to the military leader to speak directly with MP Collins Dauda.

“While I was there, tension was rising, so we all moved to the police station. The road was blocked at the police station, and the military and police were held up until the Regional Crime Officer arrived to ensure we could move safely,” he explained.

The MP stressed that his only intention was to restore calm.

“I was only there to ensure peace in the area. When the situation worsened, I called some community leaders, including a prominent Muslim chief, to help restore order. While inside the police station, we heard reports of attacks happening outside, but at no point did I mobilize anyone to attack the task force.”

He questioned the allegations against him.

“Why would I lead over 600 people to attack NAIMOS when I was even on my way to a funeral? That area is not even my constituency, so why would I do that? I even commend the military for remaining calm and not retaliating.”

His comments come after the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) called for his immediate arrest and investigation and alleged accomplices over the violent attack on NAIMOS officers at Bronikrom, near Hwidiem.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 3, 2025, the BPS described the incident—which involved the assault of the NAIMOS Director of Operations and his team — as a “clear obstruction of law enforcement officers in the discharge of their lawful duties” and condemned it in the strongest terms.

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Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam morning show, the Minister described the claims as baseless and absurd.

“Why would I offer to sign a service maintenance agreement if I was going to ask for a commission? It doesn’t even make sense. He can go to hell and say what he wants. What’s important is that I do the job I was given,” he said.

Mr. Akandoh explained that the dispute arose from a difference over a new maintenance agreement, not financial misconduct.

“The service maintenance agreement is completely different from an extension. I never demanded a commission. If someone is determined to destroy me, they will lie, but it won’t work,” he added.

The Minister recalled a tense confrontation with the vendor at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“This guy insulted me on the streets of New York, head-on. Not everything we hear or see should be believed,” he said.

He further stressed his integrity and humility, describing himself as a “village boy and a rice farmer” who is not motivated by money.

“Even after the UNGA, I offered him another service maintenance agreement. When he came with an invoice for nearly a million dollars, I asked, “On what basis can we pay you this?” That’s how reasonable I am,” Dr. Akandoh said.

The Minister concluded by noting that public service comes with challenges and false accusations, but he remains focused on his work.

“People are trying to tarnish my image, but I am looking out for bigger issues than this,” he said.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam morning show, Mr. Akandoh said, “If he has any evidence to show that I, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, have demanded even one Ghana cedi from him, I will step down immediately. Let him bring it out, and I will resign.”

He continued, “If there is any proof that I have taken money from him since I assumed office as Health Minister, I will resign without hesitation. These allegations are baseless and completely unfounded.”

Mr. Akandoh added that working in public office often attracts unfounded accusations.

“If you are in public office, some of these things will come. I am prepared for worse than this. But I stand firm that I have done nothing wrong,” he stressed.

His comments come amid ongoing tensions surrounding LHIMS, which the Minister has accused of being deliberately shut down by the vendor following disagreements over a new service maintenance agreement.

However, Mr. Akandoh has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability in public service, insisting that he will continue to oversee health sector projects with integrity.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Mr. Kissi revealed that each crisis episode typically lasts between three and four hours when it occurs, but it happens intermittently, usually every four to six months, and most often at dawn.

According to him, the school was informed about the child’s medical condition when he went to collect her prospectus.

School authorities allegedly instructed the family to provide her medical report upon reporting to school.

However, when the student arrived at the school on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, she was allegedly denied admission.

“Her mother took her to the school, and they were told she could not be admitted. The excuse was that the school has no vehicle to transport her to Atibie Government Hospital in case of a crisis. So they had to bring all her items back home. My daughter is distraught and sad because all her friends are in school,” Mr. Kissi told host Abena Opokua Ahwenee.

He added that efforts to obtain an official transfer letter or documentation to facilitate her placement in another school have so far failed.

“The plan was to seek admission at Kwahu SHS, which is closer to home so she could be a day student, but we’ve not been successful because the school refused to give us a letter or any document to assist us,” he explained.

As of now, Kwahu Ridge SHTS authorities have not responded publicly to the allegations.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Adomako-Mensah explained that the menace goes beyond destroying farmlands and polluting rivers and is now undermining the country’s ability to generate and transmit electricity.

According to him, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has already cautioned that if galamsey activities are not brought under control, power generation will soon become a major challenge, with transmission to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) through GRIDCo also at risk.

“Most of the installations we visited have security arrangements, some even with soldiers on guard. But because of the scale of illegal mining, two or three soldiers cannot protect these critical sites,” he stated.

The Afigya North Kwabre MP added that GRIDCo faces an even greater risk, as most of its transmission pylons are located in remote bush areas where illegal miners operate.

Despite the company’s own security measures, the MP warned that they are insufficient against the growing threat.

Mr. Adomako-Mensah stressed that without strong political will, the situation could worsen.

“If we do not depoliticise the galamsey crisis, it will be devastating for all of us. We plead with the government to introduce stringent measures to end this,” he said.

The comments of the former Deputy Energy Minister follow recent disclosures by GRIDCo that illegal miners have been attacking its installations, damaging infrastructure, and, in some cases, shooting at staff members.

The company has warned that these actions pose a direct danger to the stability of Ghana’s power supply.

The MP emphasised that the government must move beyond rhetoric and act decisively, noting that despite earlier promises, the galamsey menace continues to expand with dire consequences for the nation.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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“This is not the NPP we know; things are getting worse. We have values, principles, and discipline. Today, we can’t say the NPP we formed so many years ago is what we are seeing today. A lot of things are not going well,” Mr. Agyarko said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show.

Mr. Agyarko, who has announced his intention to contest for the position of National Chairmanship, noted that some of the problems started a long time ago but were ignored until they crossed a critical line.

“In 2024, when we went for elections, Ghanaians voted against us massively, and even among ourselves, we voted against ourselves. When you listen to what people were saying, they blamed us, saying that the NPP we knew years back had changed completely. They said it is better to go back to our old ways, where love and unity were around everyone,” he added.

He further criticized the party for failing to heed advice even after the 2024 elections.

“Every day you hear issues in the NPP because of internal squabbles. These issues should have been stopped, but they keep making noise and refuse to listen. Some utterances from party members are not good; they only destroy the party and make it unpopular,” Mr. Agyarko said.

His comments come after the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, announced his readiness to appear before the party’s National Disciplinary Committee following an invitation from General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Wontumi said reports reaching him confirmed that illegal miners had invaded Akonta Mining and were carrying out galamsey there.

“I heard reports that some illegal miners have invaded Akonta Mining and are mining there illegally. I told my people to report the matter to the police and even take pictures so that we can identify those behind it,” he said.

According to him, despite being the owner of the concession, he is wrongly blamed for galamsey activities.

“Right now, people are doing galamsey on my concession at Akonta Mining. If people are mining illegally there, is it fair to turn around and blame me? I am not the one behind it,” he stressed.

Wontumi on galamsey at Akonta Mining

Wontumi further alleged that his concession in Samreboi has also been invaded by illegal miners, whom he claims are members of the opposition NDC.

“Even in Samreboi, on my legitimate concession, some NDC members have gone there to do galamsey, and yet people blame me. I have reported the matter to the police, informed my lawyer, and will act on his advice. I am not above or beneath the law,” he explained.

He stated that he has complied with all legal requirements and presented his documents to the relevant authorities.

“I have shown my lease and all my documents to the Minerals Commission. In fact, I am the only mining company owner in Ghana who has openly presented my lease to the government. So what is my crime if I have a legitimate lease?” he questioned.

Wontumi reiterated his call for authorities to investigate and hold accountable those carrying out galamsey on his concession, instead of pointing fingers at him.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Wontumi said they just have to ensure that people don’t go and engage in illegal mining.

“Let’s not make ourselves like the Pharisees, who impose the difficult laws on people while keeping the easy ones for themselves. If this is what the President has said, then we welcome it. We need to do the right thing and ensure the laws are enforced to help Ghana,” he said.

He added, “If he says he will declare all forests as military zones, then we support it and pray for him. He is our president until Bawumia becomes the president to continue.”

Wontumi also addressed his own involvement in mining concessions:

“I don’t work at the forest, but it’s true I applied for a concession, just like other companies. I did everything properly. When they were about to give me the lease, I realized illegal miners had invaded the area. I tried to stop them, but I was told not to intervene and that the Forestry Commission would take charge. Since then, I have left it to the Forestry Commission.”

Wontumi on galamsey fight

He urged the military to enforce the new measures responsibly:

“We also call on the military to do the right thing and protect those zones, just as they have been directed. We all know the military are very responsible and disciplined people. We pray that every decision the President has made will be implemented properly to restore peace,” he said.

Wontumi’s comments come after the government declared all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The move aims to protect the country’s environment and critical natural resources, especially rivers and forest reserves, which are under severe threat from galamsey activities.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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He explained in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, that Bawumia is effectively going unopposed in the primaries and that those who supported him in the last elections have not regretted their choice.

Wontumi said party members are united in their support for Dr. Bawumia and believe he will emerge the winner, noting that the NPP is a single party working together.

“I see that Bawumia is going for the primaries unopposed, although we are having elections. Those who voted for him in the last elections have not regretted their choice,” he said.

Wontumi stressed the importance of respectful campaigning, urging party members to avoid insulting or attacking other candidates.

He said all discussions and engagements should be encouraging and focused on the party’s unity.

“The only thing I won’t condone is insulting others. You can campaign for your candidate, but do not attack anyone. All talks should be encouraging, not insulting,” he noted.

He also praised the quality of the candidates contesting the primaries, stating that Dr. Bawumia is the most suitable choice given his experience as former Vice President and as a previous presidential candidate for the party.

Wontumi added that it is his wish for Dr. Bawumia to win both the primaries and the general elections so he can serve as president for all Ghanaians.

“I am happy the NPP has great people contesting, unlike other parties, but Bawumia is the best among them. He has served as Vice President and was our previous candidate. It is better we give him the chance. It is my wish he wins the primaries and the general elections so he can become president for all of us,” he said.

According to a recent poll by Global Info Analytics, Dr. Bawumia leads the NPP presidential primaries with 47% of delegate support.

The poll, published on September 29, 2025, shows him as the clear front-runner, although a significant number of delegates remain undecided, indicating that the race could still change in the coming weeks.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Wontumi revealed that the seized vehicles include luxury brands such as a Bentley and a Rolls Royce.

He explained that all the vehicles were acquired legitimately and had cleared the necessary port duties.

“At the moment, EOCO has taken close to 15 of my cars, but I have decided not to speak. The vehicles are in EOCO’s custody. I bought them from Bright Selby at Asylum Down near the NPP office. He registered them, paid the duties, and did everything. My Bentley, Rolls Royce, and others are all there,” Wontumi said.

He stressed that despite the development, he had chosen to remain calm and rely on divine intervention.

“I have been quiet because I know that at the right time, God will intervene and speak for me,” he added.

Wontumi was arrested on May 27, 2025, after being invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning over alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

He described his arrest experience as both physical and spiritual, claiming that he sensed the presence of deceased relatives — a sign, in his view, that his life was close to ending.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Wontumi assured party members that the NPP’s internal election processes are highly structured and tamper-proof.

He explained that the system leaves no room for any individual—whether chairman, regional, constituency, or polling station—to alter the names of delegates.

“The procedure is clear. NEC decides on a date, which is approved by the National Council. A delegation is then sent from the national level to supervise elections at the polling stations, with constituency executives also involved. Afterwards, electoral area elections are conducted for councils of elders and patrons, who later take part in constituency executive elections,” he outlined.

According to Wontumi, duplicate copies of election records are submitted to both the regional and national offices, supported by both manual and computerized data. Delegates are also given the opportunity to verify registers before elections are held.

“All aspirants are currently engaging delegates and know their whereabouts, whether alive or deceased. Before voting, the list is cross-checked with what is submitted to the Electoral Commission. So there is absolutely no way anyone can remove names,” he stressed.

He further urged members to remain vigilant but reassured them that the process is rigorous enough to safeguard against tampering.

Wontumi’s assurance comes in response to comments by the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, who in a televised interview claimed he could influence the compilation of polling station albums. Abronye DC had threatened to strike out the names of certain delegates from the party’s register, sparking tension among grassroots members.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman, however, maintained that such threats hold no weight since the party’s internal structures and verification systems make manipulation impossible.

Meanwhile, the NPP has rejected the claim, insisting that no individual has the authority to control the process.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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In an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Abronye DC said, “Bawumia doesn’t need anyone to steal votes for him to become the presidential candidate. The fresh air around the NPP shows that delegates are ready to support him, and we are not ready to change him.”

He added that his assessment comes from firsthand engagement with delegates.

“I went to campaign, and I know what I am saying. I spoke with polling station executives who will come out and vote massively. When I support Bawumia, I meet those who vote, and they have told me they will endorse him,” he explained.

Abronye on Bawumia

Addressing claims that he has threatened to remove names from the delegate register, Abronye DC clarified that a circulating video had been doctored.

“The original video clearly shows that I said Bawumia doesn’t need anyone to steal votes. I never said I was going to remove anyone’s name from the album. Those making noise should stop,” he insisted.

He further questioned the credibility of critics, including members of Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team, who have demanded disciplinary action against him and Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).

“How can someone who is not even listed in the album have a say in who endorses Bawumia? Their names are not even on the register, so why make so much noise?” Abronye DC said.

His comments follow calls from Mr. Agyapong’s team for immediate disciplinary measures against the two regional chairmen, accusing them of conduct that could undermine party unity.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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His comments come after NPP flagbearer, Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team called for immediate disciplinary action against Wontumi and Abronye DC.

The campaign referenced videos circulating on social media, in which the two regional chairmen allegedly claimed that the party’s electoral roll and processes were being manipulated to favour a particular candidate ahead of the January 2026 presidential primaries.

But speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Frimpong said, “Personally, no one has brought this release or notice to my attention. I only saw it on social media, just like anyone else.”

He added that while he respects the reference made by Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng, to the party constitution, he expects a proper understanding of party laws before demanding action.

 “I was expecting that when he made the reference, he should have read Article 4, which talks about discipline and grievance procedures. Our party is not one where you wake up and suspend anyone like that,” Mr. Frimpong explained.

He noted that there are correct procedures for handling internal disputes.

JFK on Ken's camp call for sanction

“If someone does something and you think it’s against the party laws, you first lodge a complaint. My question to Kwasi Kwarteng is: has he or anyone lodged a complaint against Wontumi or Abronye? That’s what some party people don’t understand. They are blaming me or asking me to suspend someone when no formal complaint has been made,” he added.

Mr. Frimpong stressed the importance of following the law.

 “If we are working with the laws, then you have to go according to what our laws say. As it stands now, no complaints have come to my table. If a petition comes and I don’t act on it, then you can blame me, but until then, I cannot do anything.”

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Frimpong explained that as the party’s spokesperson, it is his duty to respond whenever issues or statements about the NPP arise.

“If I keep quiet or refuse to speak on any matter, it means what the person said—whether true or not—would go unheard,” he stated.

Mr. Frimpong noted that following Wontumi’s comments, he issued a statement addressing concerns about both Wontumi and Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.

He said the statements from the chairmen did not reflect the party’s processes accurately.

Regarding a video that allegedly showed Wontumi claiming the date for the presidential primaries was selected to favour a particular candidate, Mr. Frimpong clarified,

“The decision for the date was taken by the National Council. The leaders we have are all bigger and respectable, and they can make such decisions. Even people were in favour of the date because they knew it would allow someone to lead the front when the flagbearer is selected.”

JFK on Wontumi statement

He further dismissed suggestions that the party’s register was being used to benefit any aspirant.

“I would be very surprised if anyone says the register is there to favour someone. This register is not new; it has been used before. The album had nothing to do with any presidential aspirant, and everyone supported its use,” he said.

The general scribe also addressed claims that Abronye DC intended to remove some executives from polling stations.

“Even with the system we operate, no regional party official has the right to omit anyone from the album,” he stated.

On the issue of whether the video was doctored, Mr. Frimpong stated, “Until I made the release, I had not seen any statement showing the video was doctored. Everything I addressed was based on what I had seen and the facts available to me.”

His remarks come after Wontumi rejected suggestions that he maligned the National Council in his engagements with the grassroots, describing the General Secretary’s comments as unfair.

Earlier, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Frimpong had issued a statement urging party stakeholders to disregard pronouncements made by Wontumi and Abronye DC, stressing that no individual has unilateral control over party processes, including the compilation of polling station albums or the timing of the presidential primaries.

Source: Dorcas Abedu- Kennedy

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kodua said the party’s internal processes were on track.

“So far, everything is on course. The vetting committee is done with its job, and the election committee is also doing its work. We are waiting for the report to be submitted to the party so that NEC and the National Council will assess it between 7 and 9 October. After that, the notice of poll of those who will be cleared will be published,” he explained.

He stressed that measures have been put in place to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants and delegates.

“We are actively working to ensure that every candidate gets the album by the end of November so they can scrutinise it. In 2023/2024, the NPP organised one of the best parliamentary elections, devoid of noise and chaos. It will be done again this time around. Both winners and losers will know it was a fair ground,” Kodua said.

He further assured that no one within the party’s hierarchy would be allowed to manipulate the register.

“I can assure party members nobody can abuse their office to add or remove any names from the album,” he emphasised.

The January 2026 primaries will see five aspirants, all cleared through vetting, competing for the flagbearer slot.

They include former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, Bosomtwe MP and former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Abetifi MP and former Food and Agriculture Minister Dr. Bryan Acheampong.

The contest is regarded as a crucial step in reorganising the NPP after its 2024 electoral defeat, with party leaders emphasising that fairness will be central to restoring grassroots confidence.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kodua emphasized that the party’s current state cannot be downplayed.
“We cannot pretend. The NPP is in a very difficult and delicate situation,” he said.

With preparations for the NPP’s presidential primaries underway, he noted that elections naturally bring tension, mistrust, and occasional backstabbing. However, he stressed that leadership must remain firm and neutral to maintain order.

While some believe that national executives have abandoned their responsibilities, Kodua insisted this is not the case. With National Chairman Stephen Ntim unwell, he explained that he had to take on additional duties until First National Vice Chairman Smith Butey stepped in to assist.
“We are all doing our best. As General Secretary, I must remain neutral because if not, by the end of everything, there will be problems,” he said.

Kodua also disclosed that the party is working on expanding the Electoral College and updating the delegate register following the outcomes of the national delegates conference in July 2025. He noted that the IT team is ensuring a credible and comprehensive polling album.

Addressing calls for sanctions against party members over alleged misconduct, he clarified the limits of his role.
“It is not in my power to sanction or dismiss people from the party. Article 4 of the constitution spells out the processes. My role is administrative, compiling the album and speaking as spokesperson, but there is a limit,” he explained.

Drawing an analogy, Kodua likened his role to that of a football star:
“As the General Secretary, we may be like Lionel Messi on the field, but if you don’t have adequate support, you will be fruitless,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to his responsibilities, emphasizing that unity and discipline among all executives will be crucial to steering the party through these challenging times.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Gbande questioned why the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has not collaborated with international bodies like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to hold the former minister accountable.

“If the OSP cannot work with the FBI to bring Ken Ofori-Atta, then the FBI cannot come to Ghana to take people to the U.S.,” he said. “They extradite Ghanaians for crimes abroad but cannot extradite Ken Ofori-Atta to face prosecution in his own country for crimes committed here.”

Mr. Gbande further accused Ofori-Atta of portraying himself as a victim while ordinary Ghanaians continue to suffer the consequences of his policies.

“Does anybody think Ken Ofori-Atta is innocent or has treated Ghanaians fairly? He punished citizens, including pensioners, and was part of the PDS scandal. Anything scandalous under Nana Addo, he was the PRO and actually superintended it,” he added.

The OSP had declared the former minister wanted after months of failed attempts to summon him over alleged corruption and abuse of office.

Authorities noted that no official medical documentation had been submitted to justify his extended stay abroad.

However, Ofori-Atta’s wife, Angela Ofori-Atta, later confirmed that he had successfully undergone surgery for prostate cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

She explained that the procedure, a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, took place on Friday, June 13, and lasted over four hours.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said:

“Some are claiming that we spent the COVID money without accountability. Let me explain. Ghana’s economy revolves around what we call the ‘Golden Triangle’—Accra, Takoradi, and Kumasi. During the lockdown, these regions, which generate the bulk of government revenue, were shut down. For a month, there was almost no revenue coming in.”

He further explained the challenges of taxing the economy during the pandemic.

“If we had tried to levy the economy at that time, it would have taken a year to see any meaningful revenue. Meanwhile, the government still had to pay teachers, all public sector workers, and provide support to citizens. Unlike the U.S., where programs like FELO helped individuals, we in Ghana paid salaries and even provided free water and electricity to help people cope.”

Oppong Nkrumah on covid expenses

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also defended the COVID-19 levy introduced later.

“When the debt burden rose, we had to go to the IMF because the economy was hit hard. That’s why we introduced the COVID levy to stabilize the situation. Now, the NDC came to power promising to remove it, but they have not. Why? Because it continues to help the economy. When we were in government, some people accused us of misusing the funds, even blaming me personally. Today, the same mechanisms are benefiting the country.”

He welcomed President John Mahama’s recent admission at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, noting the long-term economic impact of the pandemic.

“I’m happy the President acknowledged that COVID-19 set the global economy back by 20 years. We spent money to revive Ghana’s economy, but at the time, people used it against us politically. It is only fair that the truth is recognized.”

During the UN General Debate on September 23, 2025, President Mahama outlined his vision for African health sovereignty, a concept he calls the “Accra Reset.”

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah questioned how the President could now recognize the pandemic’s economic impact, given that while in opposition, he had dismissed suggestions that COVID-19 affected the global economy.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Oppong Nkrumah questioned the government’s inaction.

“How many months have you been in power without solving galamsey? All the promises you made that you would declare a state of emergency when you assumed office—up to now, nothing has been done. Does that mean we were the bad ones while in government?” he questioned.

He added, “What has changed? The only thing that has changed is the leadership in power. Let’s look at the actions they promised while we were in office. Have they declared a state of emergency, or did they just tell citizens what they wanted to hear? Today, our water bodies are 90 times worse than before.”

NKRUMAH ON GALAMSEY

Oppong Nkrumah also cautioned that future political promises must be scrutinized carefully:

“I hope they live long for Ghanaians to see their mess and the promises they made but never fulfilled. Next time, citizens must think twice when such promises are made because too often they are full of words with nothing to show for it.”

His comments follow a call by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference on September 18, urging President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas devastated by galamsey.

Meanwhile, the government has announced steps to protect Ghana’s water bodies and natural resources from further damage caused by illegal mining.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah recalled that ahead of the 2024 general elections, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), then in opposition, dismissed claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that global shocks—including the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war—had contributed significantly to Ghana’s economic challenges.

“God bless President Mahama and grant him long life for speaking the truth. Before the elections, he and his team insisted our difficulties were due to mismanagement. They even mocked us on social media, nicknaming Dr. Bawumia as ‘Bawuliar.’ Today, he goes to the United Nations to admit that COVID-19 has derailed the global economy for 20 years,” he said.

The lawmaker described Mahama’s recent statement as a U-turn, pointing out that during the election campaign, the NDC argued that Ghanaians’ economic hardships were solely caused by poor leadership and not by global crises.

“Their main argument was not about the management of COVID-19 funds, but that the hardships were solely caused by mismanagement. Now he admits COVID played a major role. Unfortunately, it is too late because they secured power on the back of propaganda,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah noted.

During the 2024 campaign, the NPP government had consistently highlighted the pandemic and other global shocks as factors that strained Ghana’s economy, while the NDC maintained that corruption and reckless economic management were to blame.

At the time, former President Mahama downplayed the international impact, even stating that “the Russia bomb is not close to Ghana” and that the economic challenges were mismanaged locally.

His recent remarks at the United Nations, acknowledging that the effects of COVID-19 will disrupt global economies for two decades, have reignited political debate in Ghana.

For Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, the significance lies in the fact that Mahama lived long enough to make this confession.

“This shows Ghanaians have a short memory, just as he once said. But at least, by God’s grace, he has lived to set the record straight, even if it comes after winning power,” he added.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Acheampong insisted that as the sector minister at the time, he was the one who championed the policy through all official processes.

“The policy to cancel syndicated loans is not a CEO policy; it is a ministerial policy. Before any matter goes to Cabinet, it is first referred to the Economic Sub-Committee. As the sector minister, I had to defend the proposal there, and again when it went to the main Cabinet. I also stood in Parliament to defend it when issues were raised,” he explained.

He continued, “Yes, you may have contributed, but the credit is shared with everybody who worked on this policy. Even in the past, I have given credit to everyone involved and praised the President at the time for supporting it. But the bold leader who took this idea through all the processes to the end was the sector minister.”

Bryan Acheampong replies former COCOBOD CEO

Mr. Acheampong dismissed Mr. Aidoo’s claims as politically motivated, suggesting that the former CEO was attempting to score points ahead of the 2028 elections.

“I am really surprised that he would attempt to rebut what I have said. I am aware of his political stance. You may support a candidate, but you dare not come on air and claim credit for something you did not champion” he said.

He also clarified the timeline, noting that while Boahen Aidoo served as COCOBOD CEO from 2017 to 2023, syndicated loans were still in use during that period.

“I was the Minister in 2023 and 2024, and that is when this idea of self-financing began to take shape. The concept had been discussed at COCOBOD for a long time, but the CEO did not originate it. The final decision to stop syndication was driven by the Ministry.”

Mr. Acheampong stressed that policy-making is a collective process.

“In the Boardroom, junior staff may disagree on certain aspects, but the policy is polished and finalized only when it is submitted to Cabinet. As the sector minister, I am the only one who can present such matters to the Economic Management Team. Discussions are thorough, and consensus is reached before it goes forward.”

His comments come after Mr. Boahen Aidoo accused Mr. Acheampong of “blatant intellectual plagiarism and dishonesty” over the policy, which Mr. Acheampong firmly rejected.

“The policy was never the CEO’s alone. It is the responsibility of the sector minister to drive such initiatives from conception to Cabinet approval.”

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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