Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mustapha explained that the landowner had warned the youth against engaging in illegal mining activities on the land.

“When the incident happened, the landowner informed me that he had already sacked everyone from the site. We all know that even the President has said no to galamsey and does not accept it. So we cannot say we were aware and encouraged the youth to engage in galamsey. They did that on their own,” Mustapha said.

According to him, the illegal mining activities had only started recently and were mostly carried out at night.

“It has not been long since they started. They were doing it at night. The landowner asked them to stop just a few days before the incident, but they did not listen,” he stated.

Mustapha further revealed that the landowner had requested security to protect the land after discovering the illegal activities.

“Per what the landowner told me, he asked his people to arrange security to protect the place,” he said.

He added that officers from the Kenyasi Police Station had visited the site about a week before the collapse after receiving reports of ongoing galamsey activities.

“The police came there to take pictures of the place when they heard about the illegal mining. That was even before the unfortunate incident happened,” he explained.

Mustapha said community leaders were attempting to stop the youth from continuing the activity and had gathered evidence for the police.

“We were all trying to stop them. The police only took pictures as evidence. It was about three to four days after the galamsey started that the unfortunate incident happened,” he added.

His comments follow the tragic collapse of a galamsey pit at Atta ne Atta in the Asutifi South District of the Ahafo Region, where nine young men lost their lives. Four others are currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hwidiem.

The incident occurred late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday at a site believed to have been newly excavated.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boateng explained that ECG only implements tariffs approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

“As we already know, when PURC gives us a tariff adjustment, that is exactly what we implement. If PURC announces, for instance, a 10 percent increment, it means whatever amount you pay monthly will reflect that 10 percent increase. The same applies to prepaid purchases,” he said.

He noted, however, that if a customer buys prepaid electricity earlier in the year and a tariff increment takes effect later, the cost of subsequent purchases will reflect the new rate.

“It is not supposed to be so dramatic, so I am a little surprised by some of the complaints,” he stated. “Whatever increment PURC gives us is what is captured in our system. We have not implemented anything beyond that.”

Mr. Boateng suggested that increased consumption could be a major factor behind the complaints.

According to him, changes in weather conditions, particularly extreme heat, can lead to higher use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans.

“When the heat increases, someone can even double the use of cooling appliances. That alone can affect your consumption,” he explained.

He also pointed out that during festive periods, such as Christmas, many people purchase new electrical appliances due to promotional sales, which may subsequently increase their electricity usage.

Additionally, he advised customers to check for possible electrical faults in their homes.

“Sometimes the issue may be with wiring or earthing. That is why we have certified electrical contractors who can check whether there is leakage or any fault affecting consumption,” he said.

Mr. Boateng encouraged customers who suspect irregularities in their billing to report directly to ECG for investigation.

“We work with machines; it is not about defending anything. There could be a margin of error. If your bill exceeds what you expected or your credit finishes unusually fast, report it to ECG,” he urged.

He explained that once a complaint is lodged, engineers are tasked to assess the meter, analyse consumption patterns, and determine the cause of the issue.

“When customers report, we can properly investigate, analyse the situation, and resolve it if there is a genuine problem,” he assured.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Afriyie said the debate over cocoa pricing goes beyond economics and touches on ethics and morality.

“We are talking about ethics and morality. Why would a government make promises it cannot fulfil? That is what makes me think that the electorate and our farmers have been scammed” he said.

He argued that political actors must be honest with cocoa farmers, especially when making campaign promises about pricing.

According to him, if President John Dramani Mahama is serious about resetting the country, it must begin with a change in mindset and institutional culture.

“If Mahama is talking about resetting, he should start resetting the minds and the industries. It is not philosophy. If we reset our minds, there is nothing we cannot do,” Dr. Afriyie stated. “Whatever is happening now is a lack of morality and ethics. This is pure dishonesty.”

Dr. Afriyie further accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using spot prices for political advantage while in opposition.

“When they were accusing the former president of harming farmers, they did not talk about average prices or day-to-day fluctuations. They used spot prices for political advantage, which is gross dishonesty because that is not what they promised,” he said.

He also suggested that the original purpose of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has been undermined.

“The reason COCOBOD was set up has been defeated. The assumption is that cocoa prices will always rise, but that is not the case. There are experts there, but they have refused to use them. It is not rocket science,” he added.

Dr. Afriyie noted that even if price adjustments are necessary, deviations should be minimal to cushion farmers.

“At least, even if you will deviate, you should deviate a little so cocoa farmers can be shielded from commodity shocks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has dismissed recent protests over cocoa prices as politically motivated, insisting that genuine cocoa farmers understand and support the government’s response to the global cocoa crisis.

However, Dr. Afriyie described the situation as a “systems failure that clashed with politics.”

“I know Ato Forson and Mahama Ayariga. They know the truth. They should come clean and apologise,” he stated.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Afriyie said discussions about value addition must be carefully interrogated rather than accepted at face value.

“They should make sure market forces work properly. They should bring everything on board for us to discuss,” he stated.

According to him, global market dynamics, including the role of speculators significantly influence cocoa pricing and must be factored into policy decisions.

“Already there are speculators in the market. That is one area we need to work on,” he said.

Dr. Afriyie further pointed to the dominance of a few multinational companies in the global cocoa trade.

“There are about seven major companies in the world controlling the industry, and that is where much of the money goes. It is a $40 billion industry, yet Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, at the end of the cocoa season, do not get more than $7 billion,” he argued.

While government has disclosed value addition and local processing as a solution, Dr. Afriyie urged caution.

“They say value addition and want to process more cocoa locally. We need to interrogate that,” he said. “If you concentrate only on cocoa butter and cocoa powder and you are not careful, we may not get the expected returns.”

He questioned the actual benefits of processing a portion of Ghana’s cocoa domestically.

“About 40 percent of cocoa is being processed here. What value has it truly brought us?” he asked. “Those in the industrial enclaves, cocoa processing companies and free zones should examine how much value has actually been added.”

Dr. Afriyie also noted that Ghana’s cocoa is globally recognised for its premium quality, suggesting that in some cases exporting raw beans may even yield better returns than limited value-added processing.

“Ghana produces quality cocoa. Sometimes, depending on market conditions, you may realise that exporting the beans could bring in more value than processing them under certain arrangements,” he explained. “It is a very difficult issue.”

His comments come at a time when the government maintains that the revised cocoa producer price is a necessary response to global market fluctuations and inherited liabilities, even as pressure mounts from sections of cocoa-growing communities demanding relief.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Afriyie argued that reducing staff salaries at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) would not provide the structural solution the sector requires.

“The salary cut of staff will not solve our problem,” he said. “But if it will help the government for the optics, that’s fine.”

According to him, the current crisis stems from systemic issues that go beyond payroll costs. He suggested that better professional advice at critical moments could have prevented some of the sector’s present difficulties.

“They should have been able to advise the government when they promised that 6,000 price,” he noted, adding that even during political transitions, sound technical guidance should not be compromised.

Dr. Afriyie stressed the need to prioritise competence over political considerations at COCOBOD. “We need professionals at Cocobod. I believe there should be a lot of professionals,” he stated.

He described the institution as “overbloated and politicised,” arguing that it must be scaled down to operate more efficiently.

In his view, COCOBOD functions essentially as a private-sector-driven industry, because cocoa farmers go to great lengths to secure funding and capital for production.

“The cocoa farmers will go to every extent to get their funding and capital. Then a government will come and load the place with political apparatchiks. Then Cocobod will be looked down upon as a political entity,” he lamented.

Dr. Afriyie urged all political parties to depoliticise the cocoa sector, warning that continued partisan interference undermines credibility and performance.

“Across all the parties, we need to stop that,” he said.

His comments add to the growing public debate about reforms within COCOBOD, as stakeholders push for measures to stabilise the sector and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Afriyie explained that the main objective of the Cocoa Board (Cocobod) and the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) framework is price stabilization.

“The aim is to allow farmers to focus on agronomy, land use, and proper forecasting,” he said, stressing that stable pricing is critical to the sector.

Ahead of the 2024 elections, cocoa pricing became a central campaign issue. The NDC pledged to increase producer prices to GHC 6,000 per 64kg bag, making farmer welfare a key message across the Western, Ashanti, Eastern, and Ahafo cocoa belts.

But Dr. Afriyie condemned the NDC’s approach, saying, “When the NDC was using spot price and promising to pay ₵6,000, I was completely mortified. In fact, it was irresponsible because I expected them to know better. You cannot use spot price for political prices.”

He likened the mistake to selling cassava out of season, when prices naturally fluctuate between the rainy and dry seasons.

“During the rainy season, it is 250 per basket, then you decided to sell it for 900 all year round. It doesn’t make sense. That was what the NDC did,” he said.

The former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) expressed particular surprise that these statements came not from ordinary NDC members but from prominent figures, including Asunafo South MP, now Minister for Food and Agriculture, Ajumako Enyan Essiam MP, and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who currently serves as Finance Minister.

“I was shocked because I know the industry inside out,” Dr. Afriyie noted.

While he admitted using strong words, he insisted he owed no apologies, emphasising that his statements were grounded in concern for the cocoa sector’s stability.

However, Dr. Afriyie clarified that his critique does not imply that politicians are inherently malicious.

“Politics, at its core, is about improving the lives of people. It is one of the most noble things anybody can do, aside from church,” he said, highlighting the positive purpose of political engagement.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Owusu questioned the logic behind making workers bear the brunt of declining global cocoa prices.

“We will not accept salary cuts because of declining world cocoa prices. The COCOBOD worker did not set international cocoa prices. The worker does not control the global market. The worker is not responsible for economic mismanagement. So why must the worker suffer?” he said.

Mr. Owusu stressed the stark income disparity between management and workers.

“When CEOs earn GH₵200,000 a month and workers earn GH₵10,000–20,000, the gap is clear. Yet in difficult times, it is the worker they want to sacrifice,” he stated.

The TUC chairman also said the cuts appear to violate existing agreements.

“The imposed salary reductions are contrary to our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Salary matters must be negotiated with the recognized unions — not imposed unilaterally. COCOBOD workers are not shock absorbers,” Owusu warned.

He listed the union’s demands, stressing fairness and transparency.

“We demand respect for the CBA, proper union engagement, full transparency, and shared responsibility. An injury to one is an injury to all. Solidarity forever.”

His comments follow COCOBOD’s announcement that Executive Management would take a 20% pay cut, while Senior Staff accepted a 10% reduction for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year, citing liquidity challenges in the cocoa industry.

But Mr. Owusu reiterated that workers should not be made to pay for circumstances beyond their control.

“We call on COCOBOD and government authorities to ensure that workers are protected and that their rights under the union agreements are respected,” he added.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, she explained that the problem did not start recently, but dates back to when they first assumed duty.

“The issue didn’t start today,” she said. “When we began working, we were told that our Staff IDs and salaries were being processed, so we should remain calm.”

According to her, in November 2025, the first batch of clearance approvals was released, but some of them were left out.

“They told us to remain calm because another list would come. In December, another batch was released, and still some of us were not included. That was when we started becoming worried” she explained.

She said their leaders subsequently secured a meeting with the Minister, who assured them that those whose names were missing would have their clearance processed in January.

“We waited patiently, hoping January would resolve everything. But when the final batch was released this January, our names were still not on the list. That is why we decided to picket. We don’t understand why our names keep being left out” she noted.

Benedicta further revealed that attempts to seek clarification from both regional and national offices of the Ghana Education Service (GES) have yielded conflicting responses.

“When we go to the regional office, they don’t give us clear answers. When we come to the national office, they say the regions did not submit all the required documents. So we don’t know who is telling the truth,” she lamented.

She stressed that the prolonged delay has taken a heavy financial and emotional toll on them.

“We are going through a lot. We are paying rent and utilities and even taking loans to survive. It is not easy at all. That is why we picketed at the GES yesterday; we needed answers.”

Her comments follow a protest by some newly recruited teachers from the 2024 cohort who picketed at the Ghana Education Service headquarters, demanding the issuance of their Staff Identification Numbers and the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances.

According to the affected teachers, they have worked for 14 months without pay due to delays in processing and releasing their Staff IDs since 2024.

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The group gathered on Wednesday to demand the issuance of their Staff Identification Numbers and the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, insisting the protest became necessary after efforts to seek dialogue yielded no results.

The teachers said they have worked for 14 months without pay due to delays in processing and releasing their staff IDs since 2024.

They explained that all required documents were duly submitted to their respective District and Regional Directors, but follow-ups revealed that the documents had been forwarded to the national office for processing.

Speaking on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, the group’s leader, Daniel Aidoo, said they had tried on several occasions to meet the Director-General, Prof. Ernest Davies, but were unsuccessful.

“We have tried to seek audience with the GES Director General, Prof. Ernest Davies, but to no avail. Nobody is telling us anything,” he stated.

According to him, attempts to formally request meetings were often met with responses indicating that the Director-General was unavailable.

“We have not been permitted. We are either told he is not available,” he said.

Mr Aidoo further alleged that some officials were unwilling to engage the group at all.

“Some people don’t even want to see our face and, at a point, even sack us. So we suspected there was something fishy going on,” he claimed.

He explained that the picketing was intended to draw national attention to their concerns rather than disrupt operations.

“That was why we decided to embark on the peaceful picketing on Wednesday to let Ghanaians and all relevant stakeholders know our plight,” he added.

Meanwhile, GES management has previously indicated that validation processes and systemic challenges are being addressed, but the teachers maintain that clearer communication and direct engagement are urgently needed to resolve the impasse.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on February 19, 2026, Professor Davis said the delays largely stem from missed deadlines during the validation and mechanisation process.

“Those who were genuinely recruited, appeared on the master list, and submitted their documents within the stipulated time have already been mechanised,” he stated.

He added that some teachers claiming appointments are not on the official list or lack the required qualifications for their roles.

“There are cases where individuals have appointment letters, but their certificates do not qualify them for the positions they claim,” he explained.

Professor Davis noted that clearance processes follow strict timelines.

Using Greater Accra as an example, he said, “We had 19 teachers whose documents arrived after the window for submission closed. Once the timeline ends, even if you are validated, your case becomes a back case.”

He also clarified that between May and September 2025, GES did not expect any validation or mechanisation, and any appointments processed outside this period will not appear on the official list.

“We are aware of the complaints, and regional directors will engage directly with affected teachers,” he assured.

The comments come after newly recruited teachers from the 2024 cohort picketed GES, demanding the issuance of their staff IDs and the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances.

According to their leader, Daniel Aidoo, “We have worked for 14 months without pay because our staff IDs have not been processed. Despite repeated assurances, no concrete action has been taken to resolve the matter.”

But Professor Davis said GES will still review all concerns, and, where necessary, affected teachers may have to wait and reapply.

He encouraged patience while the Service ensures that all processes are completed according to official timelines and procedures.

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His comments follow a picketing exercise on Wednesday by newly recruited teachers from the 2024 cohort, who demanded the issuance of their staff identification cards and the payment of outstanding salaries.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Prof. Davis acknowledged the frustrations of the affected teachers but stressed that there are established channels for handling such grievances.

“We know that when it comes to issues with teachers’ welfare, you will go to your district, region, and if there are no results, you can go to your union,” he said.

The GES Director-General, however, expressed concern about a growing pattern of multiple groups staging separate demonstrations over similar issues.

“But if it happens that every day we have different groups coming to picket, it affects our attention. There must be a united front pushing for the same cause,” he noted.

He emphasised that while the Service remains open to engagement, uncoordinated actions risk diverting administrative focus and slowing ongoing processes meant to address the issues.

The Wednesday protest comes amid broader concerns over delays in staff identification processing and salary payments for some members of the 2024 intake, which teachers say have placed significant financial strain on them months after assuming duty.

Prof. Davis assured that the Service is working to resolve outstanding matters but urged stakeholders to pursue dialogue within the existing framework to ensure swift and lasting solutions.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Tuffour explained that relatives reached out to him for information immediately after the incident.

“When the incident happened, families called me, and I shared the information I had at the time,” he said. “They were assured that one woman was safe, while another was receiving treatment in the hospital.”

The full scale of the tragedy, however, only became clear later.

“One family called me, and I kept reassuring them that their loved ones were safe. It was only yesterday that I received news from the ambassador that a woman, Yaa Yaa from Koforidua, had also died. I then informed them,” he added.

Mr. Tuffour said he has already visited some of the affected families to offer condolences and support.

“I have visited the drivers’ families—one in Oforikrom and another from Jachie. I will also visit the remaining families in Koforidua, Dema, and Agoogo to inform them and commiserate,” he stated.

The bodies of the deceased were laid to rest on Monday, February 16, as the Ghanaian government intensifies efforts to evacuate surviving victims following the deadly February 14 attack.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak disclosed that the bodies of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition and had begun decomposing, prompting authorities to carry out burial arrangements in Burkina Faso.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Osei Tuffuor described the horrific incident, saying that attackers set fire to vehicles, burning many traders inside.

“Some of the women were rescued by government protection forces, but we do not know exactly how many perished in the fire,” he said.

He added that four people were injured and are currently receiving treatment in hospital before being transferred to Ougadougou Central Hospital for further care.

Regarding the victims who died, he revealed that identification has been extremely difficult. “The Burkina Faso government contacted our embassy and explained that it is hard to determine who is Ghanaian and who is Burkinabé without DNA testing. The ambassador confirmed that this is the route they will take before proceeding with the burial,” he said.

According to Mr. Osei Tuffuor, due to the risk in the area, authorities had no choice but to bury the victims together.

“We were informed that the bodies were decomposing and could not be left unburied. Yesterday, around 2pm, they were laid to rest, and pictures and videos were sent to us,” he noted.

He added that he plans to visit the families of the bereaved to personally inform them of the situation. He also urged the public to help account for missing traders.

“If you have a friend or family member who works in the tomato business — whether a trader or loading boy — and they have not been heard from, please contact us so we can determine the next steps,” he said.

Mr. Osei Tuffuor further disclosed that the Minister for Trade and the National Security Council have reached out to the association, and they are awaiting a statement from the President on the way forward.

“For now, sorrow has hit the entire tomatoes traders association,” he added.

This tragic attack has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian trading community, highlighting the continued dangers faced by traders operating in conflict-affected areas.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Tuffuor expressed shock, noting that previous incidents in the region had spared Ghanaians.

“This incident has never happened before. In the past, they [Burkinabe attackers] have had no issues with Ghanaians. Even traders traveling with Ghanaians were sometimes attacked, but the Ghanaians were left unharmed. So this time, we don’t understand why Ghanaians were killed. This means we were the target,” he said.

He added that the area is highly dangerous, with some locations even rigged with explosives.

“Some of their roads are planted with bombs. A few years ago, one of our cars passed over a bomb and narrowly escaped. That car was left there, and later terrorists even burnt it. Another car is still there, and the owner, who is in Kumasi, cannot recover it,” he revealed.

Mr. Tuffuor also announced a temporary halt on all tomato transport to Burkina Faso.

“I have stopped all tomato cars from moving to Burkina Faso until the President gives us the green light or assures us that it is safe to travel there,” he stated.

The comments follow a deadly attack on Ghanaian traders on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026, which saw several vehicles set ablaze and multiple casualties reported.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Tuffour described the incident as shocking and unprecedented. He explained that during the lean season, when tomatoes are scarce in Ghana, traders often source supplies from Burkina Faso to meet market demand.

“Traders and transporters gather in Kumasi, where the Inspector General of Police (IGP) deploys officers to escort them to the Paga border before they cross into Ouagadougou,” he said.

On the day of the attack, a vehicle carrying two market women, a driver, and a spare driver left Koforidua, picking up additional traders along the route.

“By the time the vehicle reached Burkina Faso, there were about 20 people on board, including loading boys and sorters from Bolgatanga, Navrongo, and Paga,” Tuffour explained.

The group arrived in Titao in the morning. Though sporadic gunshots were heard nearby—a situation traders have grown somewhat accustomed to—they did not anticipate danger. “Sometimes, the assailants even ask tomato traders for water and bread, so nobody expected an attack,” he noted.

Suddenly, armed assailants surrounded the vehicle, forcing everyone to get down.

Men inside the car were shot and killed on the spot, while women were initially set aside. Two men who attempted to escape through the windows were shot in the legs.

“The attackers continued firing, killing four people inside the vehicle. One survivor managed to break the glass and jump out, but the attackers set the car on fire, leaving her with severe burns on her back,” Tuffour revealed.

The chairman confirmed that he has received visuals of the aftermath from the Ghanaian Embassy, describing the scene as devastating and a profound loss for the trading community.

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Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, he described the price slash as disappointing and discouraging.

“It is not going well for young farmers in this country. The reduction has made us very disappointed,” he said. “How will this encourage us to continue in the cocoa farming business? It has become a serious worry for us.”

Mr. Adu argued that the cut is excessive and unfair but noted that farmers have no option but to accept it.

“The slash is too much and unacceptable, but we have no choice. We can’t carry cocoa around town like cassava or corn and sell it ourselves. If that were possible, we would have gone round selling it,” he stated.

He acknowledged that global cocoa prices have declined but questioned the extent of the local reduction.

“We know cocoa prices have fallen on the global market, but why slash it this way? It looks like they are more concerned about their own interest and not how this affects us,” he said.

According to him, this is not the first time global cocoa prices have dropped, yet previous governments did not reduce the producer price.

“This is not the first time cocoa prices have gone down, but our leaders did not reduce it like this. This is the first time in history something like this has happened. How do they expect young people to go into cocoa farming happily?” he asked.

Mr. Adu also pointed out that the 2025/2026 purchasing season has not yet closed, and farmers had already planned their budgets based on the earlier announced price of GH¢3,625 per bag.

“That was the price we used to prepare our budgets for the season. If I hire someone to work on my farm, I plan based on that figure. Now you have reduced it drastically,” he explained.

He calculated the financial impact.

“On one bag of cocoa, I am losing more than GH¢1,000. If I produce 100 bags, that means I am losing over GH¢10,000. That is a huge loss.”

The government has reduced the producer price of cocoa to GH¢41,392 per tonne and GH¢2,587 per bag for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.

Announcing the decision at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said the adjustment was necessary due to a sharp fall in global cocoa prices and mounting liquidity pressures in the sector.

He explained that the new price reflects current international market realities while seeking to protect farmers’ incomes as much as possible.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Okrah explained that the officers will ensure that all players in the sector are properly registered and licensed before engaging in production or export activities.

“Before anyone becomes part of this industry, they need to be registered and licensed by the TCDA,” he said. “We have observed that some people are operating without paying taxes or levies, and today we are ensuring that the system is regulated properly.”

He stressed the importance of quality control in exports.

“The quality of these products going outside the country is very important to us. That is why we need to register operators and issue licences. For example, to transport coconuts from the source to the exit point, you need a conveyance certificate,” Dr. Okrah said.

The newly trained task force will work closely with Customs, Immigration, the Police, National Security, District Assemblies, and other state institutions to enforce standards and bring order to the sector.

“The 85 compliance officers will not intimidate people,” Dr. Okrah emphasized. “Their role is to ensure that anyone exporting crops has the necessary documents, has paid their taxes, and contributed the development levy so the country benefits as much as the exporter.”

The training for the officers covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Physical drills and operational management
• Basic agronomy of six selected tree crops
• TCDA legal and regulatory frameworks
• Compliance monitoring and leadership
• Intelligence gathering and public order management
• Media engagement, stakeholder relations, and professional ethics
• Customer service, financial and auditing management
• TCDA conveyance certification system and field practicals

Dr. Okrah also noted the government’s planned support for farmers.

“The government is coming to give free cashew seedlings worth over 12 million cedis this year. All this will come from the levies paid by exporters, so it’s important that people comply.”

He added that the TCDA is seeking local investors to expand operations in the sector. “We already have some investors in the country, but we need to grow. The upcoming investment summit will provide opportunities for people to meet investors and explore business partnerships,” he said.

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Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications and Public Affairs, Florence Asante, explained that GRA and GUTA had previously agreed to establish a joint technical committee to address the challenges posed by the new tax regime.

“We met with GUTA leadership a while ago, and together we issued a release confirming the formation of a joint technical team to address their concerns,” she said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.

She added, “GUTA has already submitted the names of their representatives, and our team is on board as well. The framework has been established, but we have not met yet. We have called GUTA leaders this week, and a meeting will take place shortly.”

Madam Asante stated that GRA is responsive and acting within the law.

“It’s not as if we are ignoring them. The law gives us the mandate to review the tax, and we are only applying it. We cannot change the law on our own. We are partners with GUTA and other stakeholders, and we will meet them to ensure the law is implemented fairly,” she said.

Asked why major stakeholders appeared to have been left out of discussions, she said, “That is not the case. In all our previous engagements, we have worked closely with GUTA and other leaders. We will not deliberately omit anyone from these consultations.”

Reacting on the same show, GUTA President Clement Boateng acknowledged the cordial relationship with the GRA but expressed frustration over a lack of follow-up.

“Yes, we have a good working relationship with the GRA, but in this tax issue, we have only met with them once. Since then, we have not heard back, even though we agreed to engage on the challenges we are facing,” he said.

The new VAT regime replaces the previous 4% flat-rate system for some traders with a standard rate of about 20%, allowing full input tax deductibility.

While the policy aims to streamline tax administration, widen the tax net, and improve revenue mobilization, market traders, particularly at Abossey Okai and other major trading hubs, have raised concerns that the transition could disrupt business operations and push up prices if not properly managed.

GUTA has called on the GRA and the government to engage traders respectfully and transparently, warning that intimidation and sudden enforcement could hurt compliance and destabilize the market.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boateng said although an initial meeting was held with the GRA, there has been no follow-up engagement despite agreements reached.

According to him, the implementation of the new VAT law began during a holiday period, which made it difficult for traders to immediately respond.

“By the time the implementation started, it was a holiday. When we resumed, we approached the GRA because we foresaw that the new law would come with challenges,” he explained.

Mr. Boateng disclosed that at the end of their meeting with the GRA on January 5, both parties agreed to form a technical committee comprising three representatives each from GUTA and the GRA.

“We agreed to form a technical committee made up of three members from GUTA and three from the GRA. The committee was to monitor the implementation and address any challenges that would arise,” he said.

He added that GUTA submitted the names of its representatives on January 7, but since then, the GRA has not responded.

“As we speak, the GRA has not gotten back to us. That is a big problem for us. We have not had any meeting with the committee,” he stated.

Mr. Boateng noted that the committee was expected to work through the first quarter of the year, compile challenges encountered during implementation, and make recommendations to government on possible reviews.

“We gave ourselves the first quarter of the year. After that, the committee was to present its findings and recommendations to government on how to review the tax and ease the burden on businesses,” he explained.

He expressed surprise at the GRA’s recent public response to concerns raised by some traders, especially when a joint statement had earlier been issued after their meeting.

“Even after our meeting, we issued a joint release. So if a section of our members has raised concerns, I don’t understand why the GRA would respond the way they did. It looks like they don’t take the business community seriously,” he said.

His comments follow a press statement issued by the GRA on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in which the Authority dismissed claims that the new VAT regime would lead to higher consumer prices and distort market competition, particularly among spare parts dealers.

The GRA was responding to concerns by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Traders Association that the revised VAT framework under the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), imposes an unfair burden on traders.

The Authority described the concerns as a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the revised system, explaining that under the previous 4% flat rate scheme, traders paid 21.9% input VAT on purchases, which was non-deductible and embedded in their cost structure.

However, Mr. Boateng insisted that traders are already experiencing difficulties under the new system.

“A lot of issues are happening, and it feels like government wants to push this down the throat of the business community. That is not fair,” he said.

He further revealed that the Finance Minister had earlier referred GUTA to the Deputy Minister for further engagement, but that meeting has also been delayed.

“The Finance Minister referred us to the Deputy Minister, but we are being told he is busy and can only meet us on Friday. We don’t even know what they want to do,” he added.

Mr. Boateng stressed that any policy that significantly affects the business community must be carefully reviewed through continuous stakeholder engagement to avoid unintended consequences.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Osei Duah explained that the assembly agreed that operators with government-issued mining licenses would pay a form of tax to the district.

“Every assembly has the right to take tax from people. That’s the law, and that’s our motive. Those who have licenses pay something we call tax for the assembly, and every excavator we see in the district is given a sticker. They also pay a fee to be allowed to mine” he said.

He added that this system has been in place for many years.

“We started this long ago, and it has been going on for a while. It did not originate under the current administration; it has existed across several political administrations,” Mr. Osei Duah said.

When asked about allegations that the fees encourage illegal mining, he explained that the assembly does not go to the mining sites to collect money.

“It’s just recently that people come to pay, which shows that the assembly is taking steps to deter illegal mining,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of a JoyNews Hotline documentary exposé that uncovered what it described as a “pay-to-destroy syndicate” in the district, where miners reportedly pay GH₵6,000 annually to operate banned changfang machines with tacit approval from local authorities.

Mr. Osei Duah, however, maintained that the revenue collection is not linked to illegal activity.

“The fees we collect are from operators using earth-moving equipment and are meant to ensure proper regulation, not to encourage galamsey,” he said.

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He argued that chiefs and elders in the region should not remain passive while the government seeks to change the name of a monument honouring one of their own.

“Kotoka is one of their own, and they must resist with all their energy and might any attempt by the government,” said the former Asokwa MP during an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Monday.

His remarks come amid growing public debate over the government’s plan to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport.

Speaking to the press ahead of the opening of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the Ministry of Transport will soon present the Accra International Airport Bill to Parliament for consideration and approval.

As the controversy intensifies, Mr Hammond has urged chiefs in the Volta Region to summon the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and demand that he abandon any attempt to rename the airport.

The outspoken former MP also cautioned President John Dramani Mahama against pursuing the renaming, warning that it would tarnish his reputation.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Hammond urged the government to focus its energy on more pressing national issues instead of changing the airport’s name.

“If the government is serious about its ‘reset agenda,’ it should focus on resetting important things, not debating the renaming of the airport,” he said.

Mr. Hammond noted that the Kotoka name has been in use for decades.

“It’s not now that they want to change it. If this continues, they will only give Mahama a bad name,” he added.

He also suggested that even if the name is changed, it will eventually be restored over time, as NDC won’t be in power forever.

“Voltarians should not just sit back while the name is changed. Kotoka is part of their region, and allowing this would be very bad,” he stressed.

His comments come amid growing public debate over the government’s proposal to rename Kotoka International Airport as the Accra International Airport.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Hammond questioned the rationale behind the move.

“I don’t understand why the government should cancel it. I don’t know their reason for doing that. If their reason is that the policy has no use, then they don’t understand it.”

He recalled that during their time in government, they had built on a framework set by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which established factories across districts.

“When we were in government, we said Nkrumah did a lot of factories, and we are not even seeing some of them again,” he noted.

Mr. Hammond explained that 1D1F was designed to encourage private sector investment rather than rely solely on government funding.

“The policy framework allowed individuals or organizations to start factories in the districts. The government’s role was to support these factories by helping them access bank financing. The banks would charge interest, and the government would take half while the factory owners retained the rest,” he said.

He added, “I don’t understand why the government had to cancel it. They just didn’t understand the policy, and instead of seeking explanations, they went ahead to cancel it.”

His remarks come after Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, announced that the 1D1F programme, a flagship initiative of the previous NPP government, has been cancelled.

She explained that the ministry would now focus on agro-processing parks under the 24-hour economy policy, aimed at making Ghana’s economy vibrant around the clock.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Takyi Addo said although President John Dramani Mahama is performing, the decision to significantly increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) on spare parts is hurting traders and cannot be justified.

“The President is performing, but the percentage increase they are bringing is not helping us. For GRA to increase the VAT to this level is simply not fair,” he said.

His comments follow the implementation of the new VAT regime under the Value Added Tax Act, 2025 (Act 1151), which has raised VAT on spare parts from 4 per cent to 20 per cent for VAT-registered businesses.

Mr Takyi Addo expressed frustration that efforts to engage government officials and politicians on the matter have yielded no results, forcing the association to resort to speak publicly.

“Even if we try to call government officials or politicians to draw their attention to our concerns, we can’t even get them to listen. That is very worrying. That is why we are speaking on radio, so that the President will hear us,” he explained.

He argued that the GRA already stands to make significant revenue from Abossey Okai without imposing such a high VAT rate.

“Let’s assume Abossey Okai has about 20,000 shops. If GRA registers all of them under its laws and each shop pays just GH¢500 a year, you can imagine the amount of money they will raise annually from Abossey Okai alone,” he said.

Mr Takyi Addo accused the GRA of failing to properly enforce tax compliance nationwide, insisting that many registered taxpayers do not pay taxes, yet little is done to address the issue.

“Ghanaians who are registered with GRA are many, but only a few actually pay their taxes. What is GRA doing about that? They are too lazy. They’ve been given targets, so they are forcing us to help them meet those targets,” he alleged.

He further questioned what happens to excess revenue when GRA exceeds its targets.

“When they even get surplus after meeting their targets, what do they do with the surplus? They should come and tell us,” he demanded.

Under the previous tax arrangement, spare parts dealers paid 4 per cent VAT, which helped keep prices relatively stable. However, under the new regime, an item that previously sold for GH¢500 with GH¢20 VAT now attracts GH¢100 in tax, pushing the final price to GH¢600.

The Association also raised concerns about what it described as unequal treatment of businesses. While companies with annual turnover above GH¢750,000 are required to register for VAT and charge 20 per cent, smaller operators can sell the same items at lower prices despite sourcing from the same importers.

“This system penalises growth, efficiency and compliance, while unintentionally rewarding informality,” Mr Takyi Addo said.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has warned that it may embark on a one-week strike if the government fails to urgently review the new VAT policy.

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Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, former Dean of MMDCEs, made this known in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.

He said the continued delay in payments has left former executives with no other recourse.

“If we take our families to picket at the Finance Ministry, I hope they won’t come after us for disturbing the public because they failed to hear our plea. We leave our matter to God,” Mr. Amponsah said.

He noted that picketing might be their only option.

“If they refuse to pay us, that day will surely come. We’ve complained for a long time, and even taking the matter to court isn’t feasible because we lack the funds. At this point, picketing is our only option.”

Mr. Amponsah warned that the authorities should avoid using security forces to intimidate them.

“If we carry everything to the Finance Ministry, they will know we are serious. They must be careful not to let security intimidate us when we decide to act,” he added.

He described the delay in paying the end-of-service benefits as a “national tragedy,” noting that several former MMDCEs have died, while others are battling serious health conditions they can no longer afford to treat.

“A lot of our colleagues have gone to eternity because they could not afford their medical bills. Some are also battling ill health and need money to pay bills,” he said.

The appeal comes amid ongoing public debates about the welfare of former public officeholders and the importance of ensuring smooth governance transitions.

Former MMDCEs play key roles in local administration and political mobilization, yet unresolved benefit issues have remained a recurring concern following changes in government.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Adimado disclosed the urgent need for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to address delays in payments to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), which in turn affects farmers across the country.

“Government must, as a matter of urgency, secure a facility to pay for an estimated 300,000 metric tonnes of cocoa in a phased manner between now and September. Wherever COCOBOD can get the money, they should try and get it to us so we can pay our members, and our members can also pay the farmers” he said.

Mr. Adimado explained that the sector’s funding challenges are having serious consequences for both farmers and LBCs.

Many companies have been forced to pre-finance cocoa purchases using local bank loans, which carry high-interest rates of about 29.8 percent, due to delays in COCOBOD payments.

“The traditional syndicated funding has failed, and a hybrid funding model is needed to prevent further delays in payments to farmers,” Mr. Adimado added.

He also appealed directly to COCOBOD, stressing the need to settle outstanding payments for cocoa beans already supplied by LBCs.

His warnings come amid reports of an ongoing financial crisis in the Ghanaian cocoa industry, which threatens to disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of cocoa farmers if immediate action is not taken.

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The baby, who faced life-threatening breathing difficulties immediately after birth, was buried on Wednesday evening at the Goaso Municipal hospital.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Friday, Mr. Sintim recalled the financial and emotional toll of the ordeal.

“We really wasted money from the time she was born until she passed. She was on oxygen every hour at 20 cedis for two days. You can imagine the cost,” he said.

He added that after all expenses were settled, the hospital mortuary staff handled the burial. “They asked us to pay some money, and they buried her in a box. I was there to oversee everything,” Mr. Sintim explained, his voice heavy with grief.

The tragedy follows the heroic efforts of staff at the Asunafo South District Hospital, who tried to save the newborn referred from a maternity home in Nobeko near Kukuom.

Despite limited equipment, the medical team administered antibiotics, oxygen, suction, and manual ventilation to stabilize the infant.

“Even though the staff did everything they could, she could not survive,” Mr. Sintim said, reflecting the heartbreaking reality faced by many families in regions with limited emergency medical resources.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Friday, she recounted the ordeal.

“After I gave birth, I was very weak, so they said the baby needed oxygen. My husband took her to the hospital in Kukuom because I couldn’t go due to my condition.”

She explained why she was unable to accompany her child during the transfer.

 “I delivered naturally, but I had complications in my private part. It became swollen and sore, and I couldn’t even walk. Just imagine nine months of pregnancy and all the stress you go through, only for your baby to suffer and die like that. It’s very sad.”

The quick response of health workers at the Asunafo South District Hospital nearly saved the infant, who was referred from a maternity home in Nobeko near Kukuom with life-threatening breathing difficulties.

The newborn’s condition was critical immediately after delivery, with irregular breathing requiring urgent resuscitation.

Despite the severe shortage of medical equipment, the hospital staff administered antibiotics, oxygen, suction, and manual ventilation to stabilize the baby.

Tragically, after the long and stressful transfer, the newborn passed away on Wednesday.

Ms. Kwartemaa said: “They tried their best, but it was too much stress for her little body. I couldn’t even name her before she left us. I have truly lost a treasure.”

The incident has renewed calls for improved emergency medical care in parts of the Ahafo Region, especially the need for functional ambulances, oxygen supply, and neonatal support systems.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Kwabena Sintim said his wife went into labour at Siana near Nobeko in the early hours of Tuesday.

“I was at home when I received a call around 8:30 am that she had safely delivered. As a first-time father, I was so excited and rushed to the facility to see them,” he recounted.

However, his joy quickly turned into anxiety when health workers told him the baby’s breathing was unstable and required urgent referral.

“When I arrived, they said my baby’s breathing wasn’t regular and she had to be transferred to Kukuom,” he said.

With no proper ambulance support available at Nobeko, the family and health staff transported the baby on a tricycle from Nobeko to Kukuom, using an oxygen tank to assist her.

But the situation worsened on arrival.

“At the Asunafo District Hospital in Kukuom, we had to move again. We called for an ambulance, but we were told there was no oxygen in it. I was shocked, but my priority was to save my child,” Mr. Sintim explained.

Left with no option, they hired a taxi and improvised space for the oxygen cylinder.

“We collapsed one of the seats to make room for the oxygen tank. A doctor and a nurse were inside helping the baby, another staff supported the tank from the boot, and I sat in front,” he said.

The journey, he added, was distressing.

“Anytime the car passed a ramp, the fluid in the oxygen tank splashed into her nostrils. The staff tried their best to keep her stable,” he narrated.

After the long transfer, the baby was finally admitted to the Goaso Municipal Hospital and placed in an incubator.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, the infant could not survive.

“It was Wednesday evening when we received the call that she had passed,” Mr. Sintim said quietly.

The incident has renewed public concern about the state of emergency medical care in parts of the Ahafo Region, particularly the lack of functional ambulances, oxygen supply, and neonatal equipment at district facilities.

Mr. Sintim has appealed to relevant authorities to urgently improve logistics and referral systems to prevent similar tragedies, especially for vulnerable newborns and expectant mothers.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Abdallah, who has been at the hospital for over three years, explained that the situation is even more critical than the recent high-profile case of a newborn baby saved under extreme conditions.

“The baby we saved was serious, but this is even the least of what we face. We have had mothers with hypertension bleeding heavily during pregnancy, and despite giving medication, we had to transfer her to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, the baby didn’t survive,” he recounted.

He stressed that such incidents are a daily reality at the hospital, exacerbated by the lack of basic diagnostic and treatment equipment.

“At district hospitals, the government must equip the facilities properly. Sometimes patients have to be sent to regional hospitals just to do basic lab tests. Imagine someone brought in after an accident, and we don’t have the equipment to help them. It’s very bad,” Dr. Abdallah said.

His comments follow the recent heroic efforts of staff at the hospital, who stabilized a newborn with life-threatening breathing difficulties referred from a maternity home in Nobeko near Kukuom.

Despite limited equipment, the medical team administered antibiotics, oxygen, suction, and manual ventilation to save the infant.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, he explained that the hospital’s ambulance had been out of service for five months.

“We have ambulances in the region, and every district is supposed to have one, but ours has been broken for five months. Villages have always had to come to us using different means of transport because there is no ambulance available” he said.

The baby, referred from a maternity home in Nobeko near Kukuom, was in critical condition immediately after delivery, with irregular breathing that required urgent resuscitation.

“We have a specialized nurse, but she couldn’t determine the cause of the baby’s distress,” Dr. Abdallah said. “We had to act quickly and decided to transfer the child to the next hospital in another town.”

Attempts to secure an ambulance from nearby hospitals failed.

“We called the hospital in Goaso, but they had an ambulance with no oxygen. We then called Bibiani Hospital, but they also couldn’t provide transport,” he explained.

With no other options, the team improvised, using a taxi owned by one of the hospital staff.

“That’s how we transported the child, with a medical officer holding the oxygen cylinder in the taxi, assisted by a colleague in the boot, while our nurse monitored the baby’s condition throughout the journey,” Dr. Abdallah said.

Despite these challenges, the staff stabilized the newborn using antibiotics, oxygen, suction, and manual ventilation, ultimately saving the baby’s life.

Dr. Abdallah’s account reveals the dedication of health workers in the region and the urgent need for fully functional ambulances and essential medical supplies to handle critical cases.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Afriyie said he remained neutral throughout the primaries despite being approached by all the aspirants.

“I wasn’t in anyone’s camp, even though they all came to see me and I received them,” he said. “But I wasn’t happy with a lot of things regarding the internal arrangement, and we must talk about them openly.”

He criticised the role of money in shaping political discourse within the party, stressing that electoral success should be based on earning the trust of the people rather than financial influence.

“I am not happy with the influence of money by the parties — all of them — in our political discourse, and I am not naive,” Dr. Afriyie noted. “Because of these things, I almost did not vote, if not for careful thought.”

According to him, such practices undermine confidence in the internal democratic processes of political parties and risk alienating committed members.

Dr. Afriyie’s comments add to growing calls within the NPP for introspection and reforms aimed at strengthening internal democracy and restoring trust among party faithful.

“If we want to win an election, we must learn to win the trust of the people,” he said, underscoring the need for integrity and transparency in party politics.

The NPP presidential primaries ended with former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, securing a landslide victory.

Dr. Bawumia polled 110,645 votes, representing 56.48 per cent of the total valid ballots cast.

More than 211,000 delegates participated in the election, voting at over 300 polling centres nationwide in what party officials described as a highly competitive internal contest.

Kennedy Agyapong placed second with 46,554 votes, accounting for 23.76 per cent, while Dr. Bryan Acheampong came third with 36,303 votes, representing 18.53 per cent.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong followed with 1,999 votes (1.02 per cent) and 402 votes (0.21 per cent) respectively.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Dr. Afriyie said the culture of paying delegates to secure votes has persisted for years and must be stopped.

“In Ghana, during elections, there is this culture of giving money to delegates to vote for us. They call it transport, allowances, or logistics, but it must cease. I congratulate Dr. Bawumia and we will do everything to support him because he means well, but these money issues in every election must stop. We must stop it,” he said.

Dr. Afriyie revealed that attempts to curb this practice within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were met with resistance.

“In fact, in the NPP, we had an opportunity to stop this, but for some reasons, the whole establishment didn’t accept it. Not only me, but Obiri Boahen and I shared the same ideas. Even for logistics, we informed our executives that if you are going to a nearby electoral area, no one should receive money for transport. If you are a party polling station executive, why should you be paid even for your transport? I don’t get it,” he added.

He described the practice as part of a wider culture of corruption that has engulfed the country.

“This is all part of corruption that has taken root in our society. Everyone wants to leverage every issue. Even in hospitals, you see people trying to jump the queue because they are used to paying for everything. Why do we Ghanaians always do this to ourselves?”

Dr. Afriyie’s remarks come amid reports from some delegates at selected voting centres that coordinators linked to certain flagbearer camps promised them cash during the NPP’s presidential primaries, highlighting that monetisation remains a concern in internal party elections.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Bonsu argued that the current strategy lacks direction and ignores practical solutions proposed by stakeholders in the sector.

“What approach is the government using in the galamsey fight? Is it the Blue Water Guards or the shooting of people here and there? That is not the approach. We have done the work and produced reports,” he said.

He expressed concern that advisors with foresight are being blocked from reaching the President with honest assessments.

“Mahama is surrounded by termites. They are not allowing the people with foresight to send the message to him. So at the end of the day, we will continue to suffer,” Nana Bonsu said.

He warned that unless the President receives unfiltered advice, illegal mining and land degradation will continue to burden his administration.

“If Mahama doesn’t take care, issues with mining, galamsey and land will worry him because his people are not telling him the truth,” he stated.

Nana Bonsu also challenged perceptions about the President’s accessibility, sharing his own experience at a civil society engagement.

“The CSOs’ meeting with him, I wasn’t invited. I smuggled myself and beat the security to get in. I raised my hand to talk and Felix Kwakye never called me. When I later confronted him, he said he didn’t see me. So I ask myself, are they taking the reports from some of us seriously?” he asked.

The CFA-Ghana President warned that conditions on the ground are worsening, with illegal miners gradually returning to abandoned sites.

“Worse things are going to happen because a lot of illegal miners are coming back,” he cautioned.

As part of solutions, Nana Bonsu said his outfit is promoting a ‘Back to Our Village’ campaign, inspired by the government’s agricultural drive, to reduce migration pressures and mining desperation in rural communities.

However, he noted that poor infrastructure is undermining such efforts.

“In most of these villages, there is no light. People can’t even charge their phones or enjoy the basic amenities that make them feel Ghanaian,” he explained.

Rather than blanket bans, Nana Bonsu proposed a structured, community-based mining regime.

“We should let people mine, but responsibly. We should step community mining,” he said.

He also referenced the environmental warning embedded in the Captain Planet film, saying Ghana ignored early signals about ecological destruction.

“That film was done for Ghana because it signalled us that if we don’t take care, in a few years we will destroy our environment and water bodies,” he noted.

Nana Bonsu concluded that the root of the galamsey crisis is not only enforcement but also leadership insulation at the top.

“Because we don’t have people with foresight around the President, that is why things are the way they are,” he stressed.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he said many cocoa farmers are losing interest in cocoa farming due to low returns, making them vulnerable to galamsey operators.

“If we don’t take care, galamseyers will take over cocoa farms just as they did some time back,” he cautioned.

According to him, when galamsey operators approach farmers to buy their cocoa farms, many agree to sell because the cocoa business is no longer attractive.

“Now, a lot of people are not interested in cocoa. So when a galamseyer comes and says he wants to buy the cocoa farm, the farmer will sell because he feels the cocoa business is not moving,” he explained.

Mr Adu-Gyamfi also raised concerns about the cocoa marketing system, noting that farmers are restricted from selling their produce to anyone other than the government.

“You cannot sell your cocoa to anybody apart from the government. If you try, you will be caught. That is why when farmers sell cocoa elsewhere, it is described as smuggling,” he said.

He explained that the government justifies this restriction by pointing to the support it gives farmers, such as free fertilisers and other inputs.

“The government believes it is helping farmers through free fertilisers and other support, so if you sell your cocoa outside, they say you are smuggling,” he noted.

However, he argued that the situation becomes difficult when the government delays in purchasing cocoa beans.

“They say the country is running at a loss if cocoa is sold outside, but the cocoa is there and the government is not buying it. So farmers are forced to sell elsewhere,” he said.

Mr Adu-Gyamfi urged the government to urgently intervene, warning that the situation is getting out of hand.

“We are appealing to the government to intervene. This issue is going very far, and it is dangerous,” he stressed.

He called for what he described as a national emergency to protect cocoa farmers and farmlands.

“Farmers provide the country with a lot, especially food. If we don’t stop these activities, farming will become very difficult. We need urgent government intervention,” he added.

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He has warned that Ghana’s focus on gold at the expense of cocoa could have long-term consequences for the nation.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on February 3, Nana Bonsu stressed the importance of cocoa to the country’s economy.

“In Ghana, we don’t eat gold, but at least we can eat cocoa. Yet today, most attention seems to be on gold, and Cocobod is being overlooked and that is not good for our farmers or the nation” he said.

He explained that while much of the work CFA-Ghana does happens behind the scenes, the organization is active on the ground, monitoring cocoa farms, speaking to farmers, and raising awareness about the threat of galamsey.

“Most of the issues we know, we cannot say in public, because it may bring problems. But we are out there every day. We even sell brooms to buy fuel so we can visit farms and interact with farmers,” he said.

Nana Bonsu disclosed specific examples of the crisis, recounting incidents where traditional authorities have allowed cocoa lands to be destroyed for other purposes.

“In one town in the Ashanti Region, some cocoa farmers told us that the chief said he doesn’t like cocoa farms and wants to convert them into plots. Nothing has been done about it,” he said.

On the broader threat of galamsey to cocoa, he added,

“Galamsey has been destroying cocoa farms for a long time. Anyone who says there is no galamsey is lying. We are on the ground, we see it happening.”

The Farmer General also criticized government and civil society engagement, claiming that despite invitations, the CFA-Ghana was not consulted during high-level discussions on cocoa and galamsey.

“When President Mahama invites CSOs, there were so many things we wanted to tell him, but we were not invited. Even those who spoke, what did they do? Nothing. We are sitting on a time bomb,” he warned.

Nana Bonsu also stressed that Ghana’s obsession with gold over food security could have dire consequences.

“Where this world is going now, everyone is protecting their land and the environment. But here we are, thinking about gold instead of cocoa. Our third world war won’t be about gold, we cannot eat gold. How much food storage do we have compared to gold? We must protect what feeds our nation” he said.

He cited further examples from the field, including a recent visit to Wa, where he found that over 200 acres of land had been allocated for galamsey, despite efforts to persuade locals to stop.

“If someone says galamsey is not happening, they are lying. Our cocoa farms are being destroyed, and if nothing changes, the consequences will be severe,” he concluded.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Monday, Mr. Opare-Ansah said many of the candidates in the recent NPP presidential primaries were from the previous administration and had held roles in the government of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He added that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is repeating mistakes it made in the past.

“When the NDC chose John Mahama, some NPP members thought he was easy to beat because we had defeated him before. But he became president in 2024 and won the election. Politics has dynamics,” he said.

Mr. Opare-Ansah revealed Dr. Bawumia’s record as Vice President under the NPP government.

“Bawumia has shown competence beyond doubt. Ghanaians know what he can do. As Vice President, he championed over 33 policies that transformed the country, from interoperability in the financial system to other innovations that strengthened our economy,” he said.

He contrasted Bawumia’s achievements with the current NDC Vice President.

“We have a Vice President now, but we have not heard anything about her policies. When Bawumia was Vice President, he was instrumental in shaping and implementing policies that benefited the country,” he noted.

Mr. Opare-Ansah also defended the NPP’s economic record, saying criticisms of poor management were misplaced.

“Some say the economy was bad under us, but Bawumia led the NPP campaign in 2016, and when we came to power, the President entrusted Bawumia with the financial systems. That is why we have the innovations we see today,” he explained.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victorious in the NPP’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

He secured 110,645 votes, representing 56.48 percent of the total valid ballots cast, earning the party’s nomination as its flagbearer for the next general elections.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Monday, Mr. Opare-Ansah said party members must avoid actions that could tarnish the NPP’s image.

“I asked my assistant to take footage on Election Day, and I saw some people talking about receiving money and some claiming aspirants had failed to give them cash. That kind of free talking is wrong and must be sanctioned,” he said.

Mr. Opare-Ansah warned that spreading such claims makes the party unpopular and undermines its integrity.

“When you go to vote and a candidate gives you GH¢100 for transportation, and another candidate doesn’t, some delegates go around accusing that candidate of refusing to pay. That is not right. It brings the party into disrepute,” he stressed.

He noted that the party must identify and discipline anyone involved in such practices.

“Luckily, some of these incidents were caught on video. I have collected a lot of footage and will send them to the General Secretary so those responsible can be traced and sanctioned. No one is forcing you to speak, but anything that disgraces the party must not be entertained,” Mr. Opare-Ansah said.

His comments follow claims by some delegates at selected voting centres that coordinators linked to certain flagbearer camps had promised them cash.

Videos circulating on social media show delegates alleging they were waiting to receive GH¢700 from the camp of Dr. Bryan Acheampong before casting their ballots.

Mr. Opare-Ansah concluded by reminding party members of their responsibilities under the NPP constitution.

“The responsibility of a party member includes knowing the dos and don’ts. We must educate those who don’t, so they don’t go ahead and disgrace the party,” he said.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Madam Asiedu said, “The Bible tells us that you can forgive, but you are not required to forget. Dr. Bawumia, even when people attack him, does not respond with anger, he simply smiles.”

She added that disagreements and harsh words are normal in politics and that going on a witch-hunt is not the way forward.

Drawing parallels with previous leaders, she noted, “I remember when former President Kufour was about to contest, even members within the party opposed him. Yet he became president. The same happened with former President Nana Addo. Commentary and opposition cannot stop the destiny that God has for a candidate.”

On Bawumia’s approach to party unity, she explained, “If people attack him during the primaries, he does not attack back. That is what he stands for. I believe that if he wins the primaries, he will put everything behind him and focus on ensuring the togetherness we want as a party.”

Her comments come as Bawumia, the NPP’s 2024 vice-presidential candidate, faces criticism from some opponents, including former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong.

She noted that Bawumia has chosen to ignore these attacks and focus on winning while maintaining peace within the party.

The January 31 internal contest is intensifying, with party figures publicly declaring support for preferred candidates as the NPP prepares for its next phase of reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general elections.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Madam Asiedu said: “They are all contesting, and everyone will campaign for their people. Internal elections are what we are going into, so if you have a vision for the delegates, you preach your vision, but not to tarnish your contender.”

She added: “Those of us closer to Dr. Bawumia know he is not a liar. If someone believes otherwise, that is their own problem.”

Asked whether the “liar” tag bothers Dr. Bawumia, she responded.

 “If someone lies about you, as a human being you will feel troubled. But life must go on. Personally, when I heard people calling him a liar, I was not surprised. Such tags are part of the game in politics. Aspirants often use campaigns to tarnish opponents so they can appear stronger in public, but we remain firm.”

The NPP presidential primary, set to take place on January 31, features a keenly contested field, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong; former Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong; and former party General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong.

The contest is expected to attract nationwide attention as delegates select a flagbearer to lead the party into the 2028 general elections. Security agencies have assured their readiness to ensure a peaceful and credible voting process.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, the MCE recounted a recent incident where a journalist allegedly sent two individuals undercover to his office, offering him money to facilitate galamsey operations.

“They came to my office asking me to help them engage in galamsey, and I rejected them. Even the journalist called me two weeks ago to congratulate me for saying no twice. So why would I ever do galamsey?” Mr. Morcher quizzed.

Mr. Morcher further explained that his background and family heritage reinforce his commitment to protecting the environment.

“By the grace of God, my father is the Paramount Chief of Aowin and has reigned for about 27 years. We have walked the forests, know the rivers and water bodies, and would never destroy them. I am a royal and well respected. We know the importance of protecting our forest, so why would I destroy it?”

He also challenged anyone who might doubt his integrity.

“If people come with galamsey issues, I always make an effort to reject them or ensure that those involved are arrested. No one can link me to galamsey. Even if you ask around, they will tell you I am very clean and not involved.”

The MCE’s comments come after he has been alleged to be involved in illegal mining activities in the municipality.

He used the opportunity to appeal to residents to remain calm, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to environmental protection and good governance.

“We must all work together to protect our land and rivers. I am committed to serving the people of Aowin and ensuring that our natural resources are preserved for future generations,” he added.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, she explained that she was at home last Thursday when she was informed that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Priscila Yorke, had asked traders to move to the new market.

“We went to plead with her to take her time. We want to continue using the old market on Tuesdays because that is when people come and patronize our goods,” Maame Tawiah said.

She stressed that the traders are not rejecting the new market entirely.

“We will use the new market, but the old market is important for the Tuesday open market. On other days, we can operate from the new location.”

Highlighting logistical challenges, she added, “Many traders and customers come from far, and it may be difficult for them to reach the new market. We are asking for understanding so that both traders and buyers are not affected.”

Maame Tawiah also noted that the relocation could impact the town’s economy, particularly on Tuesdays when the market sees the highest traffic.

“On Tuesdays, many traders from outside come to the market. On other days, local traders struggle to sell because people don’t patronize them as much,” she said.

She confirmed that the traders had met the MCE last Friday to discuss the issue.

“We pleaded with her to allow us some flexibility, but she insisted we move to the new market. Today, we are scheduled to meet her again to be shown where we will be stationed.”

The Queen Mother called for patience and cooperation from both authorities and the community, urging that the transition be managed in a way that does not disrupt livelihoods.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Agyemang said, “The Eastern contest is a very tough one. No one should think it will be easy. When you have a stalwart from our own ranks contesting, it changes the dynamics slightly. But after the elections, I am confident Dr. Bawumia will win the Eastern Region.”

Asked if he could provide a percentage prediction, he responded, “I haven’t done any polling, but based on our internal expectations, I know we will win that region.”

Dr. Agyemang further projected that Bawumia would secure victories in multiple regions.

“We will win a lot of regions – Ahafo, Bono East, Eastern, and Ashanti. Maybe in Volta, Central, and Greater Accra, the race will be tighter, but I am very certain Bawumia will take at least 12 regions. The delegates have already made their intentions clear, and the grounds support him. It would be quite a surprise if anyone else were to win,” he said.

He added that Dr. Bawumia’s “national affability and acceptance” gives him a significant advantage across the country.

“When you look at most regions, you’ll see that his influence cuts across different areas. About 12 regions we are confident we will win,” Dr. Agyemang noted.

The NPP’s presidential primary, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, is expected to be highly contested. The aspirants include former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former NPP General Secretary Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kennedy Agyapong.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Agyemang, who is also part of the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia campaign team, explained that this is the first time in NPP history that the party is managing the aftermath of an election so closely before internal primaries.

“The mindset we are taking into this election is a win mindset. Our members are already motivated and prepared. The rank and file of the party have been activated, and there has been excellent promotion across all constituencies and electoral areas. That sets the stage for the January 31 primaries and positions us for victory in the 2028 general elections” he said.

He added that the party’s approach has evolved, extending participation beyond just delegates.

“Our reforms are not just about the usual delegates voting. Former constituency executives, former MMDCEs, former MPs—all are part of the process now. We are opening the electoral college to bring as many people on board as possible. This ensures that after the elections, everyone works together for the party,” Dr. Agyemang said.

The Abuakwa South MP stated that the strategy is inclusive, allowing all aspirants to engage with members directly.

“Everyone who is an aspirant is able to meet with party members. This alignment ensures that our forward agenda is collectively supported,” he noted.

Dr. Agyemang concluded, “It is a contest defined by unity, hard work, and determination. We are ready to push forward and ensure that the NPP remains strong and focused on victory.”

The NPP presidential primary is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026. The aspirants include former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former NPP General Secretary Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kennedy Agyapong.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Bissue said Kennedy Agyapong possesses a rare combination of qualities that make him fit for the presidency.

“Some people have money, others have wisdom, and some have strength, but Kennedy Agyapong has all three,” he said.

According to him, Kennedy Agyapong has over the years used his personal resources to support the party and assist individuals across society, even though many of these efforts often go unnoticed.

“He has spent his own money to help the party and people in society. A lot of what he does is not even seen by the public,” Mr. Bissue noted.

He also pointed to Kennedy Agyapong’s long parliamentary experience, stressing that the former MP has served in Parliament for 24 years and played key roles on several important committees.

“For 24 years, he has been a lawmaker. He has served on many committees, including chairing the Defence and Interior Committee, which is one of the most sensitive committees in Parliament,” he said.

Mr. Bissue questioned why someone with such experience would be described as not being “presidential material.”

“If someone has been in Parliament for 24 years and wants to become President, why should anyone say he cannot lead?” he asked.

He further argued that Kennedy Agyapong’s outspoken nature should not be mistaken for indiscipline, explaining that his criticisms of the party are driven by a desire to correct its mistakes.

“What the NPP is doing wrong is what he talks about. There is nothing like a vote of secrecy in leadership. You must speak the truth,” he stated.

Mr. Bissue added that Kennedy Agyapong’s personality sets him apart, noting his willingness to accept responsibility and apologise when he makes mistakes.

“If he does something wrong, he accepts it and apologises. That is leadership,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the current state of the NPP, saying the party has declined in discipline and communication.

“Our party is not what it used to be. Some people insult others and don’t even know how to communicate properly,” he observed.

According to him, discipline is the foundation of unity, and Kennedy Agyapong is the leader capable of restoring both.

“When there is discipline, there will be unity. Kennedy Agyapong is the one who can bring that discipline,” he stressed.

The NPP’s presidential primary, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, is expected to be keenly contested. The aspirants include former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former NPP General Secretary Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kennedy Agyapong.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Bissue explained that although the prophet has publicly declared that Kennedy Agyapong will emerge as the NPP’s flagbearer, he has no formal or informal role in the campaign.

“He is not part of our campaign team and has never even visited our campaign office. He has made his prophecies independently, and over the years, he has been consistent and I believe him” he said.

According to him, many pastors have shared similar spiritual insights ahead of the January 31, 2026, primaries, and he personally respects such views.

 “A lot of pastors have spoken, and I believe in what they have said, but that does not mean they are part of our team,” he clarified.

He further noted that Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign has a structured Religious Affairs office staffed by recognised members of the campaign team, stressing that any official religious engagement is handled through that channel.

Prophet Bernard El-Bernard Nelson, General Overseer of Spiritlife Revival Ministries, has reaffirmed his earlier prophecy that Kennedy Agyapong will win the NPP presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The NPP contest is expected to be keenly fought, with five aspirants in the race: former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former NPP General Secretary Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Abetifi MP Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Bosomtwe MP Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kennedy Agyapong.

A total of 211,849 delegates are expected to cast their ballots at 333 polling centres across 276 constituencies nationwide. Voting will open at 7:00am and close at 2:00pm.

Kennedy Agyapong, known for his outspoken style and strong grassroots appeal, remains one of the most talked-about contenders. While supporters believe his boldness and national visibility give him an advantage, critics argue that party leadership requires a more conciliatory approach.

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According to Mr. Ananse, he was not present when the incident occurred but was promptly informed of the events.

“When it happened on Friday, I was not around, but I was told what transpired,” he said.

The Assemblyman explained that the deceased was initially taken to Jacobu Hospital by ambulance, while the injured were transported to a different facility.

“When we went to Dominase SDA Hospital, we were told that the injured person had been transferred by the family to another hospital. We have no idea exactly where they are,” he added.

Mr. Ananse in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, also said both families of the deceased and the injured have contacted him and are now on their way to Dominase to meet and decide on the next steps.

“Both families have called and said they are on their way to Dominase. We will meet them and see how best to move forward,” he noted.

Police reports indicate that the incident began while officers were on routine patrol and had recovered a pump-action gun from a 15-year-old boy.

The officers instructed the minor to inform the weapon’s owner to report to the police station with the necessary documentation.

However, as the patrol team was returning, they were reportedly confronted by a crowd of about 100 people who blocked the road. Some members of the group were allegedly armed with cutlasses and firearms. The mob reportedly assaulted the officers and seized a service rifle.

Commenting on the attack, the Ashanti Regional Police Command condemned the assault on law enforcement officers. “We strongly caution the public against such attacks. All perpetrators involved will be pursued and brought to justice,” a police statement said.

The Assemblyman confirmed that the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the minor and will provide updates once the investigations are concluded.

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Victor Kofi Owusu explained that he is not responsible for managing the musician’s estate, insisting that such matters rest solely with the lawyers and the immediate family.

His comments come amid reports that the High Court in Accra has confirmed that no will has been deposited by Daddy Lumba at the Probate and Administration Division.

An official registry search, reportedly conducted as part of the legal process to manage the celebrated musician’s estate, found no record of a last will. In a response dated January 19, 2026, at 2:37 p.m., the court stated that no will filed by Charles Kwadwo Fosuh exists in its system.

However, speaking on Adom FM’s midday news Kasiebo is Tasty, the family head, widely known as Abuasuapanyin TuPac, said he has not received any court documents concerning the late musician’s properties and has not been contacted about any process to begin sharing them.

“No court documents have been brought to my attention, neither have I received any. Daddy Lumba’s body belongs to the family, but when it comes to the sharing of his properties, that has to do with the lawyers,” he stated.

According to him, the family’s priority was to give the musician a dignified burial, and that responsibility has now been fulfilled.

“All the things he asked us to do for him, including covering his face with a veil, we did them. The children can testify, and even his lawyers can confirm,” he said.

Abuasuapanyin TuPac explained that discussions about inheritance can only happen after all relevant parties come together, including Daddy Lumba’s children and spouse, but that process has not yet started.

“Since the funeral is over, what is left is for all of us, including the children, to meet before the properties are shared. But how do I get everyone together? You all know the first wife did not attend the funeral,” he added.

He stressed that he is not responsible for inviting anyone for estate discussions and that the sharing of property is not his role.

“I am not the one to share his properties. That is the work of the lawyers. Nobody has called me about sharing anything, and I don’t even know whether they will call me when they are ready,” he said.

Touching on speculation about a will, the family head said he could not confirm whether Daddy Lumba left one behind.

“I cannot say he left a will or not. What I know is that I have no hand in the sharing of his properties. I have already made provision for my wife and children, so Lumba’s wife and children must also come together and do the needful,” he noted.

For now, Abuasuapanyin TuPac says his only concern was ensuring peace and a proper burial for the music icon, which he has achieved.

“I have always wanted peace, and my priority was to bury my nephew. I have done that,” he said.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Nana B said the decision to arm police officers at polling stations is to protect against potential threats, which may not necessarily originate from within the party.

“It’s not a bad idea. You don’t know the external threats that may come, and they may not even come from the NPP. A lot of delegates are going to the polls, and the police have to be prepared,” he said.

He explained that security personnel deployed near the voting centers will not carry rifles, while those stationed further away will be armed to safeguard the surroundings.

“Every polling station will have some men deployed. Not all of them will hold rifles, but security is very important and must be protected during elections,” Nana B added.

The NPP National Organiser urged party supporters to remain calm and respect the outcome of the elections.

“Support anyone who wins. I can assure you that no one can rig this election,” he said.

His comments come after the NPP announced that the Ghana Police Service would be armed during the primaries, following intelligence reports suggesting possible threats.

According to the Secretary of the NPP Election Committee, William Yamoah, the decision was made after videos and commentaries suggesting potential violence were intercepted.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the MP said Ghana’s democratic space leaves no room for coercion in internal party elections, insisting that delegates are free to make their own choices.

“I laugh when people raise claims of intimidation. Who can intimidate someone in this age because of an election? Will you beat the person or what? What exactly will you do?” he asked.

He added that allegations of intimidation usually arise when aspirants sense they are losing ground.

“When people are losing an election, they make these claims and use it as an excuse for their defeat. There is no intimidation going on,” Oppong Nkrumah stated.

Using his constituency as an example, he said delegates would vote according to conscience rather than pressure.

“In my constituency, people will vote for Bawumia and some will vote for others. You can’t intimidate anybody and that is the essence of democracy,” he said.

The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP warned that careless political rhetoric could hurt the party and provide ammunition to the opposition.

“Because some people don’t like a certain candidate, they say all sorts of things and the opposition will use it as fodder against us. In 2024, the NDC used the statements of our people against us,” he noted.

He added that internal attacks on aspirants and the party only weaken the NPP’s chances.

“Some people attack an aspirant and the party to advance their course, but this doesn’t help anyone,” he said.

Oppong Nkrumah urged all camps to concentrate on selling their ideas to delegates instead of trading accusations.

“We must just focus on our campaign and market ourselves to the delegates so they can make their own informed decisions,” he concluded.

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