Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Tonto said he had carefully reviewed the Auditor-General’s 220-page report and found that his name was not listed among persons implicated in the alleged scheme.

“For a year now, the embassy issues have been going on. The minister said he was investigating, and the Auditor-General has now brought out its report. When you take the Auditor-General’s report, which is about 220 pages, and search for my name, Kofi Tonto, it appears twice,” he said.

According to him, both instances where his name appeared were in tables relating to welfare benefits paid to embassy staff.

“One was a table showing embassy staff who received something called welfare benefits. Table one has my name and table two has my name. Those were the only two times my name appeared in the report,” he explained.

Mr Tonto, who served as Head of Information and Public Affairs at the embassy from March 2019 to July 2021, said he was initially confused when he heard reports linking him to the alleged fraud.

“I worked for the embassy, so when I heard the reports, I was confused and wondering when I had received such money. I left there almost five years ago,” he said.

He said he subsequently spoke to some former embassy staff and officials who had knowledge of the welfare system to establish why he had received the US$800.

“I tried to investigate and spoke to some staff who have worked there for a long time, including people who were in charge of finances. They told me that when my second baby was born, I was at the embassy, and the embassy gave me a gift of US$800 for giving birth. They said they do that for everyone as part of welfare support for life-changing events,” he said.

Mr Tonto explained that although his child was born in January 2021, the payment was made in July when he was preparing to leave the embassy.

“I was there from March 2019 to July 2021. My baby was born in January, and they couldn’t give me the money at the time. So, when I was about to leave the embassy in July, they processed my final payment of US$800 and gave it to me for my newborn,” he said.

He described the payment as a legitimate benefit available to embassy staff and rejected claims that it formed part of the alleged fraud scheme.

“That’s my crime that Manasseh said I have committed. As someone who was working for the country, Ghana, the embassy had a system where they gave welfare donations for life-changing events, and that is what they did for me,” he stated.

Mr Tonto said he was particularly concerned that his name had been associated with the alleged fraud despite his explanation that the payment was a welfare benefit.

“Manasseh said the fraud scheme included my donation and that we planned to take that money. If we say we are uprooting corruption in this country, is that how we remove corruption from the country — by tarnishing the image of people who worked for God and country?” he asked.

He said what hurt him most was that he had personally contacted investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni to explain his position before the report was published.

“What pains me most is that when I was talking to him and trying to bring his mind to the fact that I had no idea about this, he went ahead and added my name to it because I am a public figure,” he said.

Mr Tonto further questioned why he would deliberately participate in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme for a relatively small amount of US$800.

“Even if I had no sense, why would I plan a fraud and take US$800 just to tarnish my image?” he asked.

A forensic audit by the Auditor-General has revealed an alleged scheme involving staff of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., through which money generated from visa and passport-related activities was allegedly shared between 2019 and 2025.

According to the audit report, the total amount involved was approximately US$19.4 million, generated between 2019 and 2025.

Mr Tonto has maintained that the US$800 he received was a legitimate welfare benefit and that all compensations, allowances, benefits and refunds paid to him during his tenure were processed through established procedures.

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• EVIDENCE: How Ghana’s Washington Embassy staff shared money extorted from visa and passport applicants

• Kofi Tonto denies involvement in alleged $19m fraud at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Tonto said he only became aware of the report after people started calling him about claims that he had received US$800 from the alleged fraud.

He explained that he had been suffering from the flu and had a high temperature, making him unaware of developments surrounding the report.

“I have been unwell for some time now, so I didn’t even have an idea of what was happening. It was yesterday that I had the flu and my temperature was very high when people started calling me that a story had come out that I took US$800 out of the US$19 million fraud scheme going around in Washington, D.C.,” he said.

Mr Tonto said after seeing the report, he contacted Manasseh Azure Awuni to seek clarification on the claims.

“When I saw the story, I sent Manasseh a message about the story he had written. He told me that he picked the story from the Auditor-General’s report, and I told him that if that was the case, at least he could have texted me,” he said.

According to Mr Tonto, he expected the investigative journalist to contact him before publishing the report, particularly because they had interacted on a previous story.

“I remember one time he did a story and there were some discrepancies, and I asked him to correct it. So, at least, you could have reached out to me on this particular one if you had such a story about me,” he said.

Mr Tonto said although he and Manasseh are not friends, they know each other well enough for him to have expected an opportunity to respond to the allegations before publication.

“Although we are not friends, we know ourselves, and so you could have asked,” he said.

He further alleged that while he was explaining his position to the journalist, Manasseh returned to the Auditor-General’s report and took a screenshot of the section containing his name, which he said was subsequently used in the report to suggest that he was involved in planning and sharing the alleged fraud proceeds.

A forensic audit by the Auditor-General has revealed an alleged scheme involving staff of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., through which money generated from visa and passport-related activities was shared between 2019 and 2025.

The audit, which covers the embassy’s operations from 2017 to 2025, reportedly identified financial irregularities and other schemes through which millions of dollars were generated outside approved charges.

According to the audit report, the total amount involved was approximately US$19.4 million, generated between 2019 and 2025.

Mr Tonto served as Head of Information and Public Affairs at the embassy between March 2019 and July 2021.

He has denied any involvement in the alleged scheme and maintained that the US$800 he received was a legitimate child benefit, while all compensations, allowances, benefits, and refunds paid to him during his tenure were processed through established procedures.

“I have never been involved in any scheme, the sharing of, or the receipt of any ill-obtained funds,” he said.

Also read:

• Washington Embassy saga: Fred Kwarteng is a bad boy – Former staff makes damning…
• EVIDENCE: How Ghana’s Washington Embassy staff shared money extorted from visa and passport applicants

• Kofi Tonto denies involvement in alleged $19m fraud at Ghana’s Embassy in Washington

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Kapi said examiners are not given information that identifies the type of school from which a candidate’s script originated.

“Per the WAEC system, an examiner doesn’t know whether the scripts are from a public or private school,” he said.

He explained that scripts are deliberately moved to different jurisdictions for marking to further prevent examiners from identifying the schools or candidates associated with them.

“If you are an examiner and we have given you scripts to go and mark, you can’t even tell where the scripts come from. If you are in Accra, your scripts will be taken to a different jurisdiction to be marked,” he said.

According to Mr Kapi, the system is designed in such a way that an examiner cannot determine whether a particular script belongs to a candidate from a private or public school and, therefore, deliberately treat it differently.

“There is no way our system will allow someone to know that these scripts are from a private school and decide to mark them anyhow,” he stressed.

Mr Kapi also explained how answer scripts are packaged before they are distributed to examiners.

He said the envelopes used to package the scripts, known as script envelopes, contain only a centre number and the range of index numbers of the candidates whose scripts are enclosed.

“What we use to pack the answer scripts are called script envelopes. The only thing we write on the envelope is a centre number and the range of index numbers,” he explained.

He said an examiner who receives a script envelope would only see the centre number and the number of scripts enclosed.

“If you get a script envelope, it will show you the centre and the number of scripts enclosed. That is what you will see on the envelope,” he said.

Mr Kapi added that although the candidate’s name and index number appear on the individual answer script, there is no indication of whether the candidate attends a public or private school.

“If you open it, you will only see the names and index numbers on the scripts, but you won’t know whether the candidate is in a private or public school,” he stated.

His comments come amid concerns from some private schools and parents over the 2026 BECE results, with allegations that some schools may have been unfairly targeted during the examination and results-processing exercise.

WAEC, however, maintains that its processes are guided by established examination rules and procedures and has challenged anyone alleging deliberate targeting of private schools to provide concrete evidence to support the claims.

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• BECE results: Why we can’t give evidence of discrepancies to WAEC – GNACOPS (Listen)

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Kapi said WAEC had conducted an internal assessment of the BECE results and found no basis for the allegations being made by some private schools.

“First of all, we have done our internal assessment of the BECE results that have come, and we have seen that there is no basis for whatever the private schools are saying,” he said.

Mr Kapi explained that WAEC has strict systems in place to protect examination scripts and ensure that examiners and other officials do not have unauthorised access to them.

“I know the system very well, and when we are working, we make sure no one sees what is happening with the scripts,” he said.

According to him, WAEC had also reviewed its processes to ensure that no individual could interfere with the examination or results-processing system.

“We have done our part to check and be sure that our system is foolproof and that we did not do anything that would allow people or examiners to even have access. It is simply not possible,” he stated.

Mr Kapi said WAEC had already addressed the concerns at a press conference held last Thursday, where the Council rejected the allegations of deliberate targeting of private schools.

“We had a press conference last Thursday and told them what the private schools are saying is not true, so they should disregard it,” he said.

However, he stressed that WAEC was prepared to investigate any specific concerns supported by evidence.

“If you have any issues with the results, we will accept you and allow you to prove that you have issues. Our doors are wide open,” he said.

Mr Kapi explained that where evidence presented by a school or candidate is found to be valid after checks against WAEC’s records, the Council would take the necessary action.

“If you bring proof and we check from our system and realise that you are right, then we will do something about it. But if it has no merit, then we cannot do anything about it,” he added.

His comments come amid concerns from some private schools and parents over the 2026 BECE results, with allegations that private schools and their candidates may have been unfairly treated during the examination and results-processing exercise.

WAEC, however, maintains that its processes are guided by established examination rules and procedures and has challenged anyone alleging deliberate targeting to provide concrete evidence to support the claims.

ASLO READ:

• BECE results: Nobody has a reason to target private schools – WAEC

• WAEC releases 2026 BECE results for Private Candidates ; nine withheld

• Gov’t to probe 2026 BECE results after GNACOPS’ petition

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Bobena said he was not surprised by reports that the headteacher had allegedly been involved in an incident involving the burial of a baby, adding that his daughter’s experience had already raised serious concerns for him.

“I was not shocked when I heard reports that he had allegedly buried a baby at dawn because of what he did to my daughter. He could have easily killed her,” he alleged.

Mr Bobena said the incident had left him deeply hurt and called on the IGP to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.

“I urge the IGP, we trust him, to listen to such incidents and ensure that there is justice in Ghana. It is not only my daughter who may have gone through this; there could be others who have suffered the same thing,” he said.

He said the matter had caused him emotional pain and appealed to authorities to protect the girl child in schools.

“This incident has hurt me, and I am heartbroken,” he added.

Mr Bobena also appealed to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as a woman and a mother, to support efforts to ensure justice for affected students.

“I also urge the Vice President to ensure that justice is done, and I plead with President Mahama to help address such issues in our schools,” he said.

He called on the government to strengthen measures to protect students in senior high schools and ensure that teachers who engage in inappropriate acts are held accountable.

He urged stakeholders to work together to create a safe environment where students can focus on their education.

“Let us all come together because this is not only about my child. It affects all children. We need to help them get peace of mind to learn,” he said.

Mr Bobena’s comments follow unrest at Obuasi SHTS after some students alleged that the headteacher was involved in an incident involving the burial of a foetus in a nearby bush.

Some students have also accused the headteacher of having inappropriate relationships with female students, with claims that the foetus was linked to an alleged abortion involving a student.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the headteacher has not publicly responded to the claims.

Authorities are currently investigating the matter.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Bobena said his daughter, who is currently in Form Three, called him last Monday to report the incident after she felt she had no one else to turn to for support.

According to him, his daughter told him that she had gone to retrieve her clothes from a drying line located near the headteacher’s residence when the alleged incident occurred.

He alleged that after she removed her clothes, the headteacher asked her to come back so he sends her, and upon her return, he began making sexual advances towards her.

Mr Bobena claimed his daughter told him that the headteacher ignored her attempts to stop him, pushed her into his bedroom and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

“She told me that when she left the room, she was devastated. She later went to her madam, who teaches her, and reported what had happened, but the teacher allegedly told her to keep quiet,” he said.

According to Mr Bobena, his daughter questioned the teacher, asking whether she would give the same advice if the situation involved her own child.

He alleged that efforts were made to prevent the matter from becoming public after the incident, which he said occurred on June 25.

“My daughter didn’t have anyone to talk to or support her, so she called me last Monday because the issue was affecting her,” he said.

Mr Bobena said he later visited the school but did not immediately disclose the reason for his visit.

He explained that he told school authorities his daughter was unwell and needed an exeat to seek medical attention.

He said when the staff member processing the exeat questioned why his daughter had not reported the matter to the school but had instead called him, he explained that she needed medical support.

Mr Bobena said he subsequently took his daughter to the police station, where she was referred to a government hospital at Mangoase for medical examination.

“After the hospital confirmed that something sexual had happened, it was already around 8:00 pm, so I gave her the letter to take to her teacher so they could report the matter to the police and we would see the way forward,” he said.

He said his daughter, who is 20 years old, had never experienced such an incident involving the headteacher before, adding that he was shocked by the allegation.

“This is the first time the headmaster has done something like this to her, and I was shocked,” he said.

Mr Bobena said he has confidence in the police and expects the appropriate action to be taken after investigations.

“I believe in the police, and I expect them to do the needful. That is why I have not gone back to the school to report anything. The police told me that when they need me, they will call me,” he added.

His comments follow unrest at Obuasi SHTS after some students alleged that the headteacher was involved in an incident involving the burial of a foetus in a nearby bush.

Some students have also accused the headteacher of having inappropriate relationships with female students, with claims that the foetus was linked to an alleged abortion involving a student.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the headteacher has not publicly responded to the claims.

Authorities are currently investigating the matter.

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According to him, the NPP should have considered the significance of the day, which coincided with the first anniversary memorial service for the victims of the tragedy.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Gbande questioned why the party chose to hold its demonstration on the same day government officials, families and members of the Ghana Armed Forces were commemorating the lives of the deceased.

“Didn’t they know what we were mourning? Don’t they know? Or are they witches? Are they happy about what happened in this country?” he asked.

He said the Chief of Staff, whom the NPP delegation intended to meet to present its petition, was attending the memorial service for the crash victims and questioned why the party could not have considered the circumstances.

“The Chief of Staff they wanted to meet was even sitting at the one-year anniversary of the helicopter crash victims. So is Nana Yaa a small girl?” he said.

Mr Gbande also questioned whether the NPP was more interested in media attention than the actual presentation of its petition.

“Or were they just interested in the pictures and videos, or the petition and who would receive it?” he asked.

He explained that on normal occasions when political parties organise demonstrations, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations is usually the official who receives petitions on behalf of the Presidency.

He said if he had been assigned to receive the petition under the circumstances, he would have declined because of the emotions surrounding the memorial service.

“If someone is mourning at funeral grounds and you want them to come for your petition, do you think that is right? I am very angry about this,” he said.

Mr Gbande further questioned whether the NPP understood the pain caused by the helicopter crash and the feelings of members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“If someone is mourning and you are there blaming them, do you think it is nice? Should we continue like that? What does the NPP want? Do they think blood doesn’t run through the veins of NDC members?” he added.

The NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” protest, held in Accra on Thursday, August 6, saw the party accuse the government of selective justice, political persecution and the misuse of state institutions.

The timing of the demonstration attracted criticism from some members of the public because it coincided with the National Interfaith Memorial Service attended by government officials, religious leaders, members of the Ghana Armed Forces and families of the crash victims.

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According to him, political disagreements should not lead to disrespect for individuals, especially public officials carrying out official duties.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Gbande said Nana Yaa Jantuah was acting on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama when she was assigned to receive the NPP’s petition at the Jubilee House.

“You are protesting and you get to the Jubilee House. We all have our families at home and in Ghana, and we all know that when you are addressing a woman, there are certain things that must be considered,” he said.

He added that the NPP’s conduct towards the presidential staffer was unacceptable and should not be encouraged.

“Nana Yaa Jantuah was sent to receive the petition on behalf of government, and you disgrace her, someone who works at the Jubilee House. I think such behaviour should not be tolerated by anybody,” Mr Gbande stated.

He urged Mr Afenyo-Markin, who has been involved in politics for several years, to uphold proper conduct and respect the traditions associated with the seat of government.

“Even though Afenyo-Markin has done politics for long, he should know how the house is run. You cannot go to the Jubilee House and disrespect the workers of the Jubilee House,” he said.

Mr Gbande recalled that similar protests were organised when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was in opposition, but he claimed the party did not insult officials at the Presidency.

“When we were in opposition and we organised demonstrations, we did not insult people the way they are doing today. If you disrespect and insult someone, we must condemn it,” he added.

He stressed that political activities should not come at the expense of Ghanaian values and cultural norms.

“We don’t throw away ethics and culture because we are doing politics. We were all brought up with good home training before we came into politics, and we must demonstrate Ghanaian culture in the politics we practise,” he said.

Mr Gbande further appealed to the NPP, describing it as a party with experienced and respected members, to address the matter.

“If the NPP knows what is best for them, they should bring Afenyo-Markin to apologise to Nana Yaa. It is demeaning,” he said.

His comments follow Nana Yaa Jantuah’s decision to petition the Speaker of Parliament over comments allegedly made by Mr Afenyo-Markin during the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” protest at the Jubilee House.

Mr Afenyo-Markin is alleged to have described her as “a nobody” after she was assigned to receive the party’s petition on behalf of the Presidency.

Madam Jantuah said the remarks were disrespectful not only to her but also to President John Dramani Mahama, who delegated her to receive the document.

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Deputy Secretary of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said although the union operates some vehicles, the majority of commercial cars on the roads belong to individual owners registered under the union.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Amoah said the union has appealed to the government to support transport operators with vehicles to help address the shortage.

He explained that the vehicles could be provided under a work-and-pay arrangement rather than being given out for free.

“Most of the cars we are using are owned by individuals who have registered with the union. Although the union has some vehicles, we don’t have many,” he said.

“So we have appealed to the government to support us with vehicles just as it has done for some government institutions. We are not asking for free vehicles; if they can provide them for us to work with and pay later, we can manage that,” he added.

According to him, many commercial vehicles have been taken off the roads because their owners cannot afford expensive spare parts and repair costs.

He noted that the situation has contributed significantly to the shortage of vehicles at various stations across the country.

“Most of the cars have broken down and are at workshops because of the high cost of spare parts. That is why people don’t see many commercial vehicles on the roads,” Mr Amoah explained.

He cited his station as an example, saying the number of vehicles available for operations has reduced significantly.

“The last time we checked our records, the vehicles we normally submit their registration numbers for municipal assembly processes were over 150. But this year, the number has reduced to 105. It means the rest are at workshops,” he said.

Mr Amoah said the union is exploring other measures to increase the number of vehicles available to commuters, including discussions to acquire electric buses from China.

He disclosed that the GPRTU’s National Vice Chairman has been engaging some stakeholders in China to explore opportunities for bringing electric buses into Ghana.

“As I speak, efforts have been made to clear some vehicles into the country to test and see how they can help ease the pressure on commercial transport,” he said.

He assured commuters that the union is working to find lasting solutions to the vehicle shortage and improve transportation services across the country.

The shortage of commercial vehicles in major urban areas, including Accra and Tema, has resulted in long queues at some stations, longer travel times and increased pressure on commuters.

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According to him, the school’s board of governors had not held any meeting or communicated concerns about the running of the school for the past two years until after the student demonstration.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Donkor said the situation has raised concerns among students and parents, particularly because final-year students risk missing their examinations and practical assessments.

“For two years, the school board has not held any meeting or said anything about the operations of the school. It was only after the demonstration on Thursday that they came out to speak,” he said.

The Ministry of Health has constituted a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unrest at the institution and make recommendations.

Mr Donkor said the committee has been given two weeks to complete its work, but he is worried about what will happen to students if the investigations are not concluded within that period.

“They told us the committee will use two weeks for the investigations. So until they bring their findings, it means the students will still be at home,” he stated.

He explained that the delay could affect practical examinations, which students had already started preparing for.

“The practicals have started, and they have been given 15 days. Every school chooses a day they want to conduct theirs. So if the two weeks pass and the findings are not ready, it means they cannot do the practicals,” he said.

“Does it mean we are postponing it to next year? That is our worry,” he added.

Mr Donkor said community members have repeatedly been told that investigations are ongoing, but they want urgent action to protect the academic interests of students.

“We keep hearing that they are investigating the matter. I am told our chief is also part of the committee, so we hope he listens to our concerns,” he said.

He further blamed the lack of an active board of governors for some of the challenges at the school, arguing that students had no proper channel to present their grievances.

“The sad part of this matter is that the board of governors, for two years, did not meet. It was only last Thursday, after the issue happened, that they spoke,” he said.

“So when students have issues, they don’t have anyone to share their concerns with because the principal does not have the authority to address everything,” he added.

Mr Donkor said the board only held its first meeting after the unrest, which he believes contributed to the escalation of the situation.

The Ministry of Health, in a statement issued on Monday, August 3, and signed by its spokesperson, Tony Goodman, said the seven-member committee has been tasked to establish the facts surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate action.

The investigation follows an unlawful assembly by students of the Krobo Nursing Training College near Techiman, which turned violent and resulted in the arrest of two students.

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According to him, the increasing prices of spare parts have become a major challenge for commercial vehicle operators, as many struggle to maintain their vehicles.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah explained that spare parts dealers have attributed the high prices to difficulties in sourcing parts for some vehicles currently used by drivers.

“We are really in talks with the leadership of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association because the way things are going, our vehicles are becoming difficult to maintain,” he said.

“They have told us that the parts for some of the cars we are using now are difficult to get, and because of the limited supply, they cannot reduce the prices. They always talk about demand and supply,” he added.

Mr Amoah noted that although prices of some spare parts have reduced, those items are not commonly used for repairing the vehicles operated by commercial drivers.

“There are some parts whose prices have come down, but unfortunately, those are not the parts we normally use to fix our vehicles,” he explained.

He said the GPRTU is seeking the intervention of the Transport and Trade Ministries to engage the spare parts dealers and find ways to reduce the burden on drivers.

“We are trying to speak with the Transport Minister and the Trade Minister so they can engage the Abossey Okai dealers and see how best they can help reduce the prices of spare parts for us,” he stated.

Mr Amoah said addressing the high cost of vehicle maintenance is crucial to improving public transport operations and reducing pressure on commercial drivers.

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The Nkosuohene of the Atronie Stool Land, Nana Krampah Hagan, said the decision was taken after a series of unsuccessful attempts to engage the minister on the worsening destruction of water bodies caused by galamsey activities.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Krampah Hagan said the traditional council had reached out to the minister several times to discuss the issue but was not given the needed attention.

“That is why we have rejected the letter from the Regional Minister. Everything has its reasons. Before you take any decision, there have been a series of issues, and if you cannot handle them anymore, that is what happens,” he said.

According to him, when the issue first emerged, the chiefs invited the minister for a meeting, but he was unable to attend because he was participating in the June 4 anniversary programme for the third time.

He explained that during a recent press conference on the state of the community’s water bodies, the minister was expected to visit the Atronie Traditional Council with his committee to discuss the matter before proceeding to the affected sites.

“Recently, when we held a press conference on the state of our river bodies, the minister was supposed to come with his committee so we could discuss the issue at the Atronie Traditional Council and from there go to the site,” he said.

Nana Krampah Hagan said the chiefs later declined to meet the minister at another location after they were informed that he had travelled to a different town and was waiting for them there.

He said the explanation given was that the minister had encountered an unexpected issue from Berekum and, due to delays, had asked the chiefs to meet him halfway before proceeding to the site.

However, the traditional leader described the request as disrespectful and said the chiefs decided not to attend the meeting.

The Atronie Traditional Council is calling on the government and security agencies to urgently intervene to halt illegal mining activities and protect the community’s environment before the situation reaches what they describe as irreversible traditional measures.

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The Nkosuohene of the Atronie Stool Land, Nana Krampah Hagan, alleged that landguards and members of the Security Coordinating Council prevented the minister from accessing certain areas during a visit and ordered him to get down from his vehicle and walk.

According to him, the minister refused and insisted on using his vehicle to inspect the affected areas.

“When they managed to meet the minister, these landguards were threatening him just like that. They ordered him to get down and walk, but he told them he would not get down and would take his car,” Nana Krampah Hagan alleged.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he said the situation was worrying, adding that even during a visit with the Regional Minister, the illegal miners and landguards made disrespectful comments without any intervention from authorities.

“I was walking with the Regional Minister when these landguards were making unsavoury comments, but the Regional Minister could not say a word to stop their actions,” he alleged.

Nana Krampah Hagan appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to personally visit the area and assess the extent of destruction caused by illegal mining activities.

“We are urging the President to come himself and see what is happening in Sunyani East Constituency. He should not send anyone; he should come and see the damage for himself,” he said.

He claimed that about 80 per cent of water bodies in the constituency had been destroyed due to illegal mining, including the Amama River, which he said serves several communities.

“The big Amama River that serves many communities has been destroyed, starting from Berekum. I want to ask the Regional Minister if he will allow his own family to fetch water from this river. Will he allow it to be destroyed like this?” he questioned.

The traditional leader called for urgent action to protect the remaining water bodies and prevent further environmental damage in the area.

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According to him, the current approach by VALCO and the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) does not adequately consider the interests of workers and ordinary Ghanaians.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Owusu said organised labour has strategies to protect what he described as Ghana’s sovereignty and the interests of VALCO workers.

“That is what they want to do. It has always been like that. VALCO wants to do whatever they want to do through GIADEC, but we also have a strategy to find a way to protect Ghanaian sovereignty,” he said.

He warned that organised labour would resort to further action if its concerns were not addressed.

“There is always a last resort, and when we get to the last bridge, we will resort to that,” he added.

The TUC Chairman called on authorities to suspend the process and return to the negotiation table to find a solution that protects the company and its workers.

“They should halt whatever they are doing. Come to the drawing table for us to sit and discuss what we feel is in the best interest of the ordinary VALCO worker and VALCO as a company,” he said.

Mr Owusu also argued that VALCO’s current management and board should be allowed to continue with their plans, which he believes are more beneficial to the company’s future.

“The President has shown that the trajectory they are pursuing is not going to dwell. It is in their best interest to continue what the board and management are doing than what they are bringing,” he stated.

His comments come after the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) dismissed claims that VALCO is being sold to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, describing the allegations as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by GIADEC Chief Executive Officer Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah and issued on Monday, July 27, the corporation said claims circulating in the public domain and attributed to some individuals claiming to be VALCO staff, led by Samuel Watchman Agyeman, had no factual basis.

GIADEC stated that neither Ibrahim Mahama nor any company linked to him had expressed interest in the ongoing process to secure a strategic equity partner for the retooling and modernisation of VALCO.

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According to him, his position is based on reports from the VALCO Board and discussions he has had with some board members.

He said the information available to him suggests that the current process may not be in the best interest of the country.

“What I am saying is not like I am just talking. I have the reports of the board and what the board has said,” he said.

“Clearly, what they are trying to do with VALCO will not be in the best interest of Ghanaians or Ghana.”

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Owusu said although he has not engaged the Ministry or the sector minister directly, he has had discussions with some members of the VALCO Board and intends to engage the relevant authorities.

“I have not spoken to the ministry or the minister, but I have had the opportunity to speak to some of the board members. I will have that engagement with them,” he added.

The TUC Chairman also accused some authorities involved in the process of adopting an anti-union approach, which he believes is making it difficult for workers’ concerns to be properly addressed.

“As I speak today, there is some kind of anti-union activity going on in what they are doing, and that is making it difficult to assess them,” he said.

Mr Owusu said workers and organised labour often face resistance when they raise concerns over national assets, citing previous experiences during the fight over issues involving the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

“When workers start talking, I can produce some reports or things that have gone on or happened to some of us when we were fighting the TOR issue,” he stated.

“We always become victims, as if we are stepping on the toes of people who just want to get away with what they want, and we become a stumbling block to them.”

He, however, assured that organised labour would continue to defend what it believes is in the interest of ordinary Ghanaians.

“But for God and country, we will stand firm and make sure what is right for the ordinary Ghanaian is protected with the last blood of ours,” he said.

His comments come after the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) dismissed claims that VALCO is being sold to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, describing the allegations as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by GIADEC Chief Executive Officer Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah and issued on Monday, July 27, the corporation said claims circulating in the public domain and attributed to some individuals claiming to be VALCO staff, led by Samuel Watchman Agyeman, had no factual basis.

GIADEC stated that neither Ibrahim Mahama nor any company linked to him had expressed interest in the ongoing process to secure a strategic equity partner for the retooling and modernisation of VALCO.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Boahen said he fears for the country’s future despite its abundant natural and human resources.

“I always say that I am more than 60 years old, and at any moment I may go into my grave. But when I look at the things happening in this country, I weep for Ghana because the future looks bleak,” he said.

According to him, both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have failed to fully deliver on the promises they made to Ghanaians.

“When I compare what the NDC promised and what the NPP promised, and I look at what some of their leaders have done in this country, I become very worried,” he stated.

Mr Boahen stressed that his criticism was not directed at one political party, insisting that it would be dishonest to pretend only one side was responsible for Ghana’s challenges.

“It will be dishonest on my part to say that because I am an NPP member, my party has done nothing wrong. No. We must be honest with ourselves,” he said.

Reflecting on Ghana’s history, he lamented that the country’s enormous potential had not translated into the level of development many citizens had hoped for.

“When we gained independence, we had the resources, brilliant intellectuals, and strong institutions. We had every opportunity to become a prosperous nation, but look at where we are today,” he lamented.

Mr Boahen criticised successive governments for failing to address corruption and improve public services.

“The NPP comes to power and leaves. The NDC comes to power and leaves. We keep rotating governments, yet corruption continues, public funds are stolen, our roads remain in poor condition and hospitals still lack essential medicines,” he said.

He warned that unless Ghana’s political leadership changes its approach to governance and accountability, the country’s future would remain uncertain.

“All these things make me weep for Ghana because the future is bleak,” he said.

Reiterating his concerns, Mr Boahen added, “I am over 60 years old and I can go to my grave any day, but I worry about the kind of country we are leaving behind for the next generation.”

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Boahen said he had anticipated the outcome following Madam Tamakloe Attionu’s extradition to Ghana.

“I said it already. I knew that once she was extradited, she would either be granted bail pending the appeal or the appeal would be expedited and she would be discharged. So I am not shocked by her acquittal,” he said.

According to him, the ruling should not come as a surprise because there have been several instances where high-profile individuals facing criminal cases have been acquitted by the courts.

“We have seen high-profile cases where people have been acquitted. Some have even gone on to hold ministerial positions after being discharged. So why should this one be surprising? It is not surprising at all,” he stated.

However, Mr Boahen noted that the development raises important legal and governance issues.

“But you know, it is quite serious,” he added, without elaborating further.

His comments follow the Court of Appeal’s unanimous decision on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to acquit and discharge Madam Tamakloe Attionu, setting aside her earlier conviction and 10-year prison sentence.

In its 94-page judgment, the three-member panel held that the trial judge lost sight of the constitutional principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The court further ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against the former MASLOC CEO beyond reasonable doubt.

The appellate court also criticised the manner in which the prosecution conducted the case, concluding that the evidence presented did not justify the conviction.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Boahen said his support for Dr Bawumia was not based solely on party affiliation but on his personal assessment of his character and leadership qualities.

“I am a staunch member of the NPP, and my only prayer in this world is that Dr Bawumia becomes President of Ghana. It is not because I am an NPP member, but because I see him as a God-fearing person who can put the odds together,” he said.

Touching on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, Mr Boahen said he does not believe banning the activity completely is the best solution.

According to him, government should rather focus on regulating small-scale mining and providing the necessary documentation for operators to work legally.

“During the 2024 elections, galamsey was one of the major issues we campaigned on. I said there was no way we could completely ban it. Instead, we should give them documents to regularise their activities so they can also make a living,” he stated.

Mr Boahen argued that large-scale mining companies also benefit from government support, while the state receives limited returns from their operations.

He questioned why young people engaged in small-scale mining to support themselves should be treated differently.

“Large mining companies come in, and government receives only about 10 percent from them. They use our roads, destroy them with their trucks, yet government is left to fix those roads. Meanwhile, when young people are mining to feed themselves, we turn around to attack them,” he said.

The lawyer also expressed disappointment in some Ghanaian leaders since independence, comparing Ghana’s development trajectory with countries such as Malaysia.

“Some of our leaders from independence until today have disappointed us. Jerry Rawlings ruled for 18 years when Malaysia was nowhere near where it is today, but look at Malaysia now,” he noted.

Mr Boahen, however, acknowledged the contributions of some former presidents, mentioning former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.

“President Kufuor gave us NHIS, Akufo-Addo gave us Free SHS, and when Mahama came to power, there was supposed to be free tertiary education” he said.

Mr Boahen said he speaks with sadness when reflecting on Ghana’s future and what legacy the current generation will leave behind.

“I talk with sadness because very soon I will leave this world, and when we are gone, what will we say our mission on earth was? Sometimes, I see no hope,” he added.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, during the funeral rites of the late apostle at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, Mercy Asiedu said Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka supported her at a time when she was young and uncertain about pursuing acting.

“He is my father. He was the one who raised me when I was young. The impact this man had in my life is about 90 percent, so I have to give him that befitting last respect,” she said.

According to her, the late apostle played a significant role in her personal and professional growth, offering guidance, support and opportunities that helped shape her career.

“He has done me well. He put me in a job before, his advice and everything he did for me have really helped me,” she added.

Mercy Asiedu explained that before becoming a recognised actress, she had doubts about her ability to perform, but Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka encouraged her and other young talents to believe in themselves.

“At that time, I didn’t even know I could act, but because of his influence, today I am a well-known actress in Ghana,” she said.

She recalled how the late apostle started a Kristo Asafo concert party group with herself, Nkomode, Akrobeto and other performers, providing them with stories and guidance to develop their acting skills.

“I told him I couldn’t act, but he said no, I could, and that he would give us stories. Those days, myself, Nkomode, Akrobeto and others started the Kristo Asafo concert party with him,” she said.

She said Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka’s discipline, mentorship and encouragement shaped the performers they became.

“He taught us how to act. That is what has made me who I am today. Apostle is part of my life and he has been a great help to me,” she added.

Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners have gathered at Gomoa Mpota for the funeral of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka despite an interim injunction issued by the Accra High Court seeking to halt the ceremony.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, during the funeral rites of the late apostle at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region, Mercy Asiedu said one of the lessons she continues to remember was his encouragement to overcome fear and believe in herself.

She recalled how Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka motivated her and other young performers while preparing them for performances at the National Theatre.

“What I remember about him most is when he was teaching us a story to go and perform at the National Theatre. He told me that as a human being, I should not allow anything to create fear in me when I want to achieve something in life,” she said.

According to her, the late apostle constantly encouraged them to develop a “can-do spirit” and trust that God would help them achieve their goals.

“He told us that we should always have that can-do spirit within us and say, ‘I can do it.’ When that spirit is in you, God will also help you achieve the results you desire,” she added.

Mercy Asiedu said Apostle Safo Kantanka challenged her whenever she doubted herself and pushed her to become a better performer.

“He told me that whatever I said I could not do, he would make sure I did it and became a bigger person in acting in the future. That is exactly what we are seeing today,” she said.

The actress credited much of her success and recognition in the Ghanaian movie industry to the influence and guidance of the late apostle.

“I am a great and popular actress because of him,” she stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners have gathered at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region for the funeral of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka despite an interim injunction issued by the Accra High Court seeking to halt the ceremony.

The funeral grounds were filled with sympathisers from across the country, with several VIP buses transporting mourners to the venue. Workers were also seen making final preparations, arranging chairs and canopies as funeral activities got underway.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Asamoah said the chiefs and residents were not comfortable joining the inspection team because they were not assured of adequate security protection throughout the exercise.

He explained that although security arrangements were made for the journey, the community was uncertain whether they would receive protection after leaving the main road and entering the mining area.

“We were supposed to meet the minister on the road and then go together to the galamsey site, but we were not sure about our security. We did not know whether they would take us there and bring us back safely,” he said.

According to him, some landguards at the site allegedly threatened to harm them, including cutting off their heads.

“They threatened us that they would cut our heads. The National Security officers were there, and we were asking ourselves whether in Ghana these guards had become more powerful than the national security,” he added.

Mr Asamoah questioned why individuals he described as landguards were allowed to determine who could accompany the minister to the site.

“A whole minister was going for a meeting, but these people were deciding who should join and who should not join, while the minister was there and nothing was done,” he said.

He alleged that the landguards, who were reportedly brought in by persons operating at the galamsey site, were armed and prevented some members of the inspection team from accessing the area.

“The macho landguards were holding guns. They allowed the minister’s vehicle to go to the site, but the soldiers’ vehicle and other cars following the minister, including ours, could not enter,” he claimed.

Mr Asamoah said the situation raises serious concerns about the safety of residents and chiefs who are engaging authorities to address the destruction caused by illegal mining.

The Atronie Traditional Council is calling on the government and security agencies to urgently intervene to halt illegal mining activities and protect the community’s environment before the situation reaches what they describe as irreversible traditional measures.

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The Abusuapanyin of the Atronie Traditional Area, Omono Asamoah, said the community was disappointed with the approach adopted during a planned visit by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to inspect areas affected by illegal mining activities.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Asamoah said the minister was expected to meet the chiefs at Atronie before proceeding with them to the site where the alleged galamsey activities were taking place.

He explained that the chiefs waited for several hours for the minister, only to be informed by some officials that they should meet him halfway so they could continue the journey together.

“The plan was for the minister to come here, meet the chiefs, and from here we would all go to the place where the galamsey activities were ongoing,” he said.

“We waited for some hours, but later some people came to tell us that the minister wanted us to meet them halfway so we could all go together. That was not the arrangement we had agreed on,” he added.

Mr Asamoah said the chiefs were reluctant to follow the new arrangement because a similar incident in the past nearly resulted in a dangerous situation.

He alleged that when they previously went to confront illegal miners at a mining site, the situation became tense and could have turned violent.

“If we had not retreated at that time, what would have happened? It could have ended in bloodshed. So this time, we told them that if we were going to meet the minister, we needed to see police protection because the minister himself cannot move without security,” he said.

He stressed that the community’s main concern was to ensure peace, protect residents and secure safe drinking water for the people.

“We all want the best for Atronie. We want peace to prevail, we want our water bodies restored, and those affected by galamsey activities must be supported or compensated. Those engaging in illegal mining must also stop,” he said.

Mr Asamoah said after discussions, security arrangements were made for the visit, with a police vehicle carrying six officers and a military vehicle with six personnel joining the minister’s team.

His comments come after the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) directed all mining companies operating in the region to submit their operational licences, permits and other statutory documents for verification following concerns over the pollution of the Atronie River.

The directive followed a viral video by the chiefs of Atronie alleging that illegal mining activities had polluted the river. REGSEC subsequently visited the site with the chiefs to assess the situation.

In a statement, the Council said the chiefs indicated that the Atronie River flows from the direction of Anomaa, suggesting that the pollution could have originated from upstream mining activities.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, Dr Domfeh said issues such as youth unemployment require urgent attention and should be a top priority for government.

He pointed to concerns which indicated that youth unemployment remains a major challenge, with the rate reportedly reaching 32 per cent nationally and about 49 per cent in the Greater Accra Region.

According to him, the unemployment situation makes it difficult to claim that Ghanaians are better off simply because some economic indicators have improved.

“If you come and boast that Ghanaians are better because a lot of young people are employed, that does not reflect the reality on the ground,” he said.

Dr Domfeh said the number of unemployed young people seeking jobs remains worrying, adding that the situation is evident in the increasing number of job applications received by individuals and organisations.

“If I tell you the number of CVs on my desk, it is shocking and not easy. That is why I keep saying that job creation must be our number one priority,” he stated.

He also raised concerns about Ghana’s increasing dependence on imports, describing it as a threat to the country’s economic future.

Dr Domfeh criticised what he described as excessive reliance on imported goods, arguing that Ghana must focus more on strengthening local production.

“I don’t like the aggressive promotion of imports. A country cannot build a sustainable future when it continues to depend heavily on imported goods,” he said.

He cited Ghana’s import figures as a concern, noting that the country’s total imports increased significantly within a short period.

“Our total imports for March were about US$3.99 billion, and by May it had increased to US$9.4 billion. Three months later, we are using huge amounts of money to import, and that is not the right direction for the economy,” he explained.

Dr Domfeh stressed that government must prioritise policies that create jobs, support local industries and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign goods.

He said while economic stability is important, the ultimate measure of success should be whether ordinary Ghanaians, particularly young people, have access to decent employment opportunities.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, Dr Domfeh said the debt-to-GDP ratio had already started declining before the current administration took office, largely due to measures introduced under the previous government’s debt restructuring process.

His comments follow Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s assurance that government is not in a hurry to return to the international capital market despite renewed investor interest.

Dr Forson, while presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, said Ghana’s debt situation had improved significantly, with the debt-to-GDP ratio falling to 45 per cent and continuing to decline.

However, Dr Domfeh argued that the reduction was largely influenced by the debt restructuring agreement reached with creditors.

“When Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was leaving office, Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio had dropped to 61.8 per cent in December 2024,” he said.

He explained that after the new administration assumed office, Ghana’s creditors met with government on January 29, 2025, as part of the debt restructuring process, leading to further reductions in the debt burden.

“About US$2.8 billion, which was part of the debt restructuring, contributed significantly to the reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio. The restructuring moved the ratio from about 80 per cent to 51.8 per cent, and further adjustments helped bring it down to around 45 per cent,” he explained.

According to him, it would therefore be inaccurate to attribute the entire reduction to the current government’s policies.

“So, if you say it is because of the things you have done well that the debt-to-GDP ratio has reduced, then that is not entirely true,” he stated.

Dr Domfeh said although international credit rating agencies have acknowledged Ghana’s economic progress, the improvement has also been linked to the successful debt restructuring exercise.

“Let us pay attention and stop the propaganda and politics we attach to the economy,” he urged.

He said the Finance Minister could have simply stated that Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio had fallen to 45 per cent instead of comparing it to previous figures and suggesting that the reduction was solely due to the current government’s efforts.

“It would have been better for Ato Forson to say the debt-to-GDP ratio is at 45 per cent and leave it there, rather than saying it was 61 per cent and because of their management they have brought it down to 45 per cent. That is not entirely accurate,” he said.

Dr Domfeh further explained that the previous government’s debt restructuring efforts, particularly the Eurobond restructuring, created some fiscal space for the economy.

He said Ghana’s US$13.1 billion Eurobond debt was subjected to a restructuring process, which resulted in a significant reduction in the country’s repayment obligations.

“The creditors agreed to a haircut, which reduced part of the debt we owed. They also extended the maturity period of some debts because the economy was struggling, giving the country more time to repay,” he explained.

According to him, those measures contributed to improving Ghana’s fiscal position before the current government took over.

“Some of the fiscal space we are enjoying today is because of the work done under the previous government. So, if the Finance Minister says the reduction is only because of their fiscal prudence, then that is not the full picture,” Dr Domfeh added.

He, however, acknowledged the importance of maintaining economic discipline and ensuring that the gains from the debt restructuring are sustained.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of ‘loading boys’, known as jonkys, who he said are dictating fares without approval.

“We don’t have the power to arrest people who charge illegal fares. That responsibility lies with the Police,” he said.

According to him, the inability of law enforcement agencies to act has made it difficult to stop unauthorised fare increases.

“The jonkys have taken control and are deciding the fares drivers should charge. Unfortunately, the Police are not doing anything about it,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the Police have failed to enforce the law against operators who impose unapproved fares.

“The Police have become one with these people and are allowing them to charge higher fares,” he stated.

Mr Amoah said the GPRTU leadership would soon meet at its national office to deliberate on the current situation and determine the union’s next course of action.

“We will meet as leaders at our national office and decide the way forward,” he said.

Responding to questions about reports of a proposed 30 per cent fare increase, Mr Amoah clarified that the GPRTU has not yet approved any such increment.

“We have not approved the 30 per cent increase. Some drivers may already be charging higher fares, but that is not a decision taken by the GPRTU,” he stressed.

He explained that although transport operators are grappling with rising operational costs, including fuel prices, spare parts, lubricants, insurance and vehicle maintenance, consultations are still ongoing.

“There are many factors involved, and that is why we have to meet and discuss them. By the close of the day, if we do not hear anything from the government, we will decide on our next line of action,” he added.

His comments follow the circulation of a statement purportedly issued by the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the GPRTU of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), announcing a 30 per cent nationwide transport fare increase.

The statement cited rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs as the basis for the proposed increment and gave government a three-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices, warning that the fare adjustment would take effect if no action was taken.

However, Mr Amoah maintained that the GPRTU has not sanctioned the reported 30 per cent fare increase and urged the public to rely only on official communication from the union regarding transport fare adjustments.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said although there have been complaints about some drivers charging higher fares, the GPRTU has not sanctioned any nationwide fare adjustment.

“We have not agreed that transport fares should be increased by 30%. You may hear concerns that some people are charging higher fares, but that is not something we have approved,” he said.

He explained that the union became aware of isolated cases of fare increases, particularly in Madina, and immediately intervened.

“It was in Madina that we heard some drivers were charging higher fares, and we took drastic action. It is not something we have agreed to implement,” he stated.

His comments come after a statement circulating on social media, purportedly issued by the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the GPRTU of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), announcing a 30% increase in transport fares nationwide.

The statement attributed the proposed increment to rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants, insurance and vehicle maintenance.

It also gave government a three-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices, warning that the 30% fare increase would take effect across all routes if no action was taken.

However, Mr Amoah said the GPRTU has not endorsed the announcement and urged the public to disregard claims that the union has approved the increase.

“We have a lot of work to do to ensure that the right things are done. Whenever complaints come in, we engage the Transport Ministry and inform them about the challenges facing transport operators,” he said.

He noted that while transport operators continue to face rising operating costs, any decision to review fares would follow the established consultation process involving the relevant stakeholders.

“We understand the concerns of drivers, but no 30% fare increase has been approved by the GPRTU,” he stressed.

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The June 29 disaster left hundreds of traders counting heavy losses after floodwaters submerged large sections of the market before a fire broke out, destroying shops and merchandise.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, she said the incident wiped out years of investment and hard work.

“I have lost 18 shops. I sell rubber items, plastic chairs, children’s chairs, brooms and many other goods. Everything we sell is gone,” she said.

According to her, the shops were fully stocked just days before the incident.

“Last Friday, we took stock of a lot of items because we don’t open on Saturdays. We loaded the shops with goods ready to sell on Monday. So you can imagine how painful this is for me,” she said.

She believes the fire may have been triggered by electrical faults after floodwaters reached the level of electricity meters in the market.

“The rains were very heavy, and the water got up to our meters. I think it is electricity that caused the fire after the flooding,” she explained.

Elizabeth Gyamfi estimated that goods worth millions of cedis were destroyed in the blaze.

“All the 18 shops were fully stocked. Everything has been burnt beyond recognition. We cannot even pick anything from the rubble,” she lamented.

She added that she has been in business at the market for about 10 years and built her livelihood without taking loans or insurance.

“I used my own money after clearing previous debts. I don’t have insurance because even when you call them, they don’t come,” she said.

She also expressed disappointment over the level of official support so far.

“No government official has come here today to see what we are going through. We are just here counting our losses,” she said, although she acknowledged that the area’s MP, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had visited earlier after the incident.

She appealed for urgent support, saying the loss has left her devastated.

“My children are in school, and I don’t know how I will start all over again,” she added.

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Mr Gezie, owner of Grey Farms, said he and his workers initially monitored rising water levels as the rains began, hoping the situation would not worsen.

“When the rains started, we were moving around checking the water levels to see how best we could protect the cages from flooding,” he said.

He explained that although the water level in front of the gate appeared manageable at first, the situation quickly escalated.

“At a point, the water level in front of our gate had reduced, so we thought it would not enter the compound. We all went back to our rooms,” he recounted.

However, he said a loud noise from a neighbouring property signalled the beginning of a major collapse that triggered sudden flooding.

“All of a sudden, I heard a very loud noise from the opposite side. We are surrounded by different properties, all fenced, so I knew something had gone wrong,” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem.

According to him, a collapsed wall from an adjoining property worsened the situation, allowing floodwaters to rush into the poultry farm.

“Before I could open the door, the wall fence of the plot beside us broke and collapsed into our compound. That was when the water started rushing in,” he explained.

Mr Gezie said the situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing them to flee for safety as water levels rose to dangerous heights.

“We called the boys to come out, and before we knew it, the water was at chest level. We had to climb over the fence and move across to other compounds to escape,” he said.

He added that even nearby areas were heavily flooded, forcing them to continue moving until they found safer ground.

“We kept moving from one fence to another. In some places, the water was at neck level. We just had to hold on and keep moving until we got to safety,” he said.

Mr Gezie said they later returned after the rains subsided, only to discover that all the birds had died.

“When we came back, all our birds in the cages had died. We lost about 1,630 layers,” he said.

He also revealed that harvested eggs prepared for delivery to a customer were completely destroyed by the floodwaters.

“We had already packed eggs for a customer who was supposed to pick them up, but everything was washed away,” he added.

The farmer said he had earlier contacted the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for assistance but was advised to send pictures and videos for assessment.

“I called NADMO a long time ago. They asked me to send pictures and videos and said they would come and assess the situation, but the damage had already started getting worse,” he said.

He added that the aftermath of the flood has left the area in an unbearable condition.

“The place is even smelling badly now, and it has spread towards the roadside,” he said.

Mr Gezie noted that he invested heavily in the business with support from his brother and said the losses were devastating.

“My brother helped me with the capital, and we invested so much into this poultry farm. Everything is gone,” he said.

His comments come as government agencies continue rescue, relief and recovery efforts following Monday’s floods, which claimed lives, displaced residents and caused widespread destruction across parts of the Greater Accra Region.

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He said, based on information from the Meteorological Department, more heavy rains were expected, particularly as weather systems from Togo approach, warning that conditions could worsen.

“Based on what the Meteorological Department is telling us, we expect it to be heavier if the prediction of more rains from Togo gets here, so please stay home, work from home,” he said on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

The Minister advised workers already at their workplaces to remain there until conditions improve, while those yet to leave home should stay indoors and work remotely where possible.

He further called on employers across the country to activate flexible work arrangements, stressing the need to maintain operations through remote systems during the disruption.

“Private and public meetings that are not too urgent, we can have them on Zoom, and those that are very urgent, we can postpone them,” he added.

The appeal comes as emergency services continue to battle flooded roads and severe traffic gridlock across the capital, with authorities working to minimise risk and safeguard lives.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to emergency responders, including NADMO, the Ghana Navy, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ghana Police Service, for their ongoing efforts.

He urged improved coordination among agencies, encouraging swift information sharing to enhance response efforts.

“I want to thank NADMO, the Navy, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police and all the emergency teams for the work they have already started doing… let us work together and operate as one unit,” he said.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Anim recounted how he received a distress call while chairing a meeting.

“I was in a meeting somewhere when I had a distress call that some NDC Regional Chairman and an MCE had stormed my radio station to shut it down. I was shocked,” he said.

According to him, he informed those who contacted him that he was unable to leave the meeting immediately.

“I told them I was in a meeting and I was the one chairing it, so if they needed me, they should either come to where I was or wait for me to arrive,” he explained.

Mr Anim said the call suddenly dropped, after which he began receiving several calls from different people about the incident.

He noted that he immediately contacted the Regional Police Command and asked officers to intervene.

“I called the Regional Police Command and informed them that NDC executives were at my radio station, so they should go there,” he said.

He explained that after his meeting ended, he rushed to the station, where he was briefed on what had happened.

“I was told they were hosting a political programme, which usually features both NDC and NPP representatives. During the discussion, things got heated, and that led to the issue,” he stated.

According to him, the altercation escalated when the NDC Regional Chairman and the MCE allegedly drove to the station and attacked some of the people present.

“So I asked those who were assaulted to get police medical forms. The one who was beaten took the form and went to the hospital,” he added.

Mr Anim said he later reported the matter to the Regional Police Command and gave his statement.

“I also went to the Regional Command and wrote my statement. They asked us to return today for further discussions because the commander was not around,” he said.

His comments come after the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, together with the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC, Professor Kofi Asiedu, and others, allegedly stormed Obaatanpa Radio and locked down the station.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Fuseini explained that the recent flooding incidents across parts of the country prompted directives from the Regional Minister for assemblies to act swiftly and clear unauthorised developments on waterways.

“When it rained last time and there was flooding, it was something that worried every Ghanaian. The Regional Minister tasked us to ensure that buildings and properties blocking waterways are demolished,” he said.

He noted that one of the major challenges facing assemblies is non-compliance with building regulations, stressing that developers are required by law to submit building plans for approval before construction begins.

“By law, anyone who wants to build must bring their drawings to the assembly so we assess whether the structure is suitable for the area,” he explained.

However, he said many developers either fail to obtain permits or ignore approved plans after securing them.

“Some people don’t even come for permits at all, and others get the permits but do not follow what has been approved,” he added.

Mr Fuseini also revealed that some developers deliberately construct buildings during weekends or after official working hours to avoid detection.

“They know that mostly on Fridays after 4 or 5pm, the assembly staff are not around, so they start building. That is why we now have taskforces working on weekends to monitor such activities,” he said.

According to him, the assembly has intensified its monitoring and demolition exercise across the entire municipality, with no specific area targeted.

“We have not targeted any specific area. It is the entire municipality. Wherever we find structures on waterways or in unauthorized locations, we clear them,” he stated.

He added that recent inspections in areas such as Abokobi and Madina revealed worrying levels of illegal developments.

“Yesterday, we went round Abokobi and Madina, and when you see buildings on waterways, you will be shocked,” he said.

Mr Fuseini acknowledged that the exercise has not been easy, as affected individuals often resist enforcement.

“One of the challenges is that when we go and advise people to remove structures on waterways, they are not happy about it,” he noted.

He further urged the public to comply with building regulations, stressing the need for proper education and planning before construction begins.

“We are doing public education so that anyone developing land will take note before building,” he added.

His comments come after a task force under the La Nkwantanang–Madina Municipal Assembly demolished the Kingdom Palace Church at Pantang Village as part of an enforcement exercise targeting structures on waterways.

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He explained that he was not present when the confrontation occurred and only received reports after the operation had ended.

“I was not even there when the issue started. When we finished, I left the site and later heard there was a misunderstanding,” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

Mr Fuseini said the structure in question was a church building being constructed on a waterway, which had been filled with sand, describing the site as a reserved drainage area.

“It was actually in a waterway and a reserved area for water. It is like a river, and they have filled it with sand,” he explained.

He added that the structure was still at an early stage and had not been completed at the time of demolition.

“It was an empty structure. They were yet to complete the church, and we pulled it down,” he stated.

According to him, the assembly had served notice to the developer before carrying out the demolition.

“We gave them notice. The pastor was there when we demolished it,” he said.

Mr Fuseini further revealed that the matter had been escalated to the relevant authorities following the incident.

“He has reported me to the ministries, and I have had people call me because of him,” he noted.

He defended the demolition, insisting that the location posed serious flood risks.

“I told him the place where the building is located is not good. I asked him whether he would allow water to destroy people and kill people if we continue to build there, and he agreed, and then we demolished everything,” he explained.

He said tensions later arose when officials returned to retrieve equipment used during the exercise.

“After everything, when we were leaving and my people came to take the machine, that is where the issue started,” he said.

Mr Fuseini also claimed that a woman, believed to be related to the pastor, later confronted the task force during the incident.

“They later brought his sister, and from what I was told, she was shouting and claiming she is a lawyer and would not allow it,” he stated.

He added that the assembly is prepared to respond to any legal challenge.

“They told her to go to court. We are ready for that because even the law is against what they have done,” he said.

The comments follow the demolition of the Kingdom Palace Church at Pantang Village on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by a task force under the La Nkwantanang–Madina Municipal Assembly as part of an enforcement exercise targeting structures on waterways.

The operation triggered tension, with reports of resistance from congregants and an alleged assault on a church member who was filming the exercise.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he explained that he was contacted by officials from government ministries and not the Presidency, as had been widely reported.

“I made the point that someone called me, but the person was not from Jubilee House. I think journalists took my words out of context,” he said.

He clarified that the call came from ministry officials, who advised him to stop the demolition exercise.

“They called me from the ministries and headquarters and told me I should leave the issue,” he explained.

However, Mr Fuseini said he rejected any attempt to interfere with his duties, stressing that his mandate is to enforce regulations and ensure compliance with planning laws.

“I told them I was placed here to help ensure that people do not break the law. So calling me to stop my work because someone had called was not right,” he said.

He added that if pressure continued to be mounted on him, he would escalate the matter through official channels.

“I told them if they want me to stop my job, then I will also report to the President and the Regional Minister, and they can go and present their case there,” he stated.

Mr Fuseini maintained that any suggestion that he said the call came from the Presidency was inaccurate.

“It was a slip of the tongue. That is not what I said. The media twisted my words,” he insisted.

His comments follow the demolition of the Kingdom Palace Church at Pantang Village on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, by a task force under the La Nkwantanang–Madina Municipal Assembly as part of an enforcement exercise targeting structures on waterways.

The operation triggered tension as congregants reportedly resisted officials, leading to a confrontation in which a task force member allegedly struck a church member who was filming the exercise.

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The Director of Operations of the company, Kwaku Addy, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, insisted that SWED Mining entered into a legally binding joint agreement in 2019 with a partner company to develop the concession after significant financial investment was injected into the project.

According to him, under the agreement, the partner company was entitled to 85 percent of proceeds, while SWED Mining retained 15 percent as the concession owner.

“We signed a valid agreement and submitted a copy to the Minerals Commission as required by law,” Mr. Addy stated.

He explained that the arrangement initially worked smoothly, with SWED Mining receiving its 15 percent share from the first and second consignments.

However, he said challenges began when payments suddenly stopped.

“On the third consignment, they told us there was no significant gold, so we did not receive our share. The same explanation was given for the fourth consignment,” he said.

Mr. Addy further alleged that the situation worsened when the company’s representative at the site was removed, cutting off SWED Mining’s access to operational information.

“They started making false allegations against our representative and sacked him from the site, so we had no access to updates on production,” he added.

He said SWED Mining later engaged the Minerals Commission and its legal team, eventually moving to terminate the agreement after repeated disputes.

“After termination, they even prevented us from entering our own concession. We don’t have access to the site anymore,” he alleged.

His comments come in the wake of reports that the Western Regional Police intervened to prevent a suspected forceful takeover of a mining concession at Prestea Bondaye in the Western Region.

According to sources, the incident involved a group of men allegedly dressed in military-style gear attempting to eject Ghanaian workers from the site.

The concession is currently the subject of an ongoing legal dispute at the Sekondi High Court involving Long Shine Mining Ghana Limited.

Police intervention reportedly prevented a potential confrontation as investigations continue into the matter.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, he said he has served the party consistently since 2005 in various capacities.

“I have held party positions since 2005. Twenty-one years frontline, not that I am behind. I have work to show,” he said.

He noted that his political journey includes service both locally and abroad, including executive roles within the party.

“I was an elected executive in the UK. I have always held frontline positions, so anyone who says they don’t know me is probably new,” he stated.

Mr Antwi also highlighted his experience as a Member of Parliament, deputy minister, and member of key party committees.

“I have been an MP for the party, a deputy minister, and a member of the National Council. I have also served on campaign committees in the Ashanti Region twice,” he explained.

He argued that his record makes it difficult for anyone within the party to claim ignorance of his identity or contributions.

“So when you say people don’t know me, it means maybe they just dislike me,” he added.

He further emphasised his family’s long-standing involvement in the party, saying their contribution dates back to the party’s early foundations.

“We are UP people, so you cannot say you don’t know me. My father was also very instrumental in the party. We started from somewhere to where we are today,” he said.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, he said the NPP’s current situation is a reflection of lessons that were ignored after the 2016 elections.

“I think the two political parties have the same sickness. The symptoms are the same, just different actors,” he said.

“I remember what we discussed in 2016, and we thought it would not happen to us. That is the same thing that sent us into opposition.”

He added that the performance of the opposition National Democratic Congress will ultimately be judged by Ghanaians, stressing that political power lies with the electorate.

According to him, the focus of the NPP must be on rebuilding the party ahead of the 2028 elections.

“Our focus is that we should rebuild our party to put it in a position of winning the next election. Ghanaians are the ones who voted for the NDC, and they are the same people who will vote for all of us,” he stated.

He noted that voters are closely assessing political parties based on their ability to deliver.

“They are looking at what governments can do and what they cannot do,” he said.

Mr Antwi further urged party members to be disciplined in their public communication, saying some comments undermine the party’s image.

“Sometimes our comments are not respectful. We must present an image that shows we are a credible party,” he said.

He stressed that winning elections requires preparation and hard work rather than slogans.

“Elections are not slogans; they are hard work. When you are winning, you can tell. That is why, tactically, the NDC since 2005 has often selected former MPs and ministers to lead the charge,” he added.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Akamba said politics has become increasingly “dirty,” a situation he believes is discouraging some long-standing political actors.

“Something is happening in our political setup that is making some of us who came into it earlier feel uncomfortable. Our politics is very dirty, too much dishonesty,” he said.

He added that the current political environment is causing some people to regret their involvement in politics.

“The dishonesty is too much. Some of us even regret it,” he stated, adding that the issue cuts across all political parties, including the NDC, NPP, and CPP.

Mr Akamba also expressed concern about the conduct of some young people in politics, particularly on social media.

“The youth and the training they are getting now, when you go on social media, the insults and disrespect for adults is just too much and very bad,” he said.

He further recalled a past political experience involving late former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings and late John Evans Atta Mills, as well as party elders.

“I remember one day we went to a meeting. Kwabena Agyei is no more, but Asiedu Nketia is around, and the Council of Elders were there. Something happened, and at that time Rawlings and Professor Mills were there,” he recounted.

According to him, he boldly made his point at the meeting, after which former President Rawlings acknowledged him.

“After I spoke, Rawlings left. When he got to me, he said, ‘That’s my boy, remain strong. I know you will always be strong.’ Hajia Sanabu is my witness,” he said.

Mr Akamba added that many people still misunderstand his character and political stance.

“People don’t really know me yet,” he concluded.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Akamba said he did not join others who rushed to submit their CVs in search of government appointments after the NDC won power.

“When the NDC won elections and everyone was running to submit their CVs to look for jobs and appointments, I was the one who never thought about it at all,” he said.

He stressed that honesty and integrity are core values that guide his life.

“The honesty of life is very important to me. If I say I am very honest and loyal to you, then I am,” he stated.

Mr Akamba also emphasised his commitment to transparency in communication, saying he does not speak ill of people behind their backs.

“I won’t go and stand somewhere to speak ill against you. Whatever I will say, I will say it to your face and not behind you,” he explained.

He added that this principle is deeply rooted in his upbringing.

“Even my late mother will tell you. Sometimes they cannot even predict who I am,” he noted.

According to him, his consistency and straightforward nature sometimes make it difficult for people to fully understand him.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Akamba said he is not active on most social media platforms and therefore does not engage in online political exchanges.

“All I see is that those on social media want to put lies on me to respond,” he said.

He explained that he is only active on WhatsApp and does not use other social media platforms.

“I am not on any of those social media platforms. It’s just WhatsApp,” he stated.

Mr Akamba added that he often receives screenshots of posts attributed to him, which he sometimes finds surprising.

“People sometimes send me screenshots of posts, and I ask them if they really believe I said those things on social media,” he said.

He expressed concern about the spread of misinformation and urged caution in how social media content is interpreted and shared.

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Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Secretary to the family, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, said attempts to contact her directly have been unsuccessful, stressing that any communication must go through her close aides.

“Who are you to call Adwoa Safo for her to pick? Unless you call her assistant to even see if she will talk to you,” he said.

He added that despite the situation, Adwoa Safo remains family and will be engaged internally at the appropriate time.

“She is our daughter. If anything happens to her, it is just like something has happened to our own family. When we get the chance, we will speak to her and find out what really happened,” he stated.

Dr. Kissi noted that the family is currently relying on media reports regarding the incident, as they were not present at the scene.

“We only heard about it like everyone else. We were not around on the day of the incident, so as a family we are going to sit down and discuss it properly because we are not fully aware of what happened,” he explained.

His comments follow reports that former Minister of State, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is receiving medical treatment after gunmen allegedly opened fire on her vehicle near the residence of her brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena.

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Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Secretary to the family, speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, said the family maintains communication with some of the children but struggles to have consistent engagement due to disagreements within the family structure.

“We have no issues with the other children. We talk to them, but after speaking with us, they always go back to follow their sister, Adwoa Safo,” he said.

He added that the family’s main concern remains the inability to locate and access the body of the late Apostle for burial.

“What worries us is that when the children come to us, they also plead with us to help them see the body of their father. But after that, they still follow their sister,” he stated.

Dr. Kissi noted that while communication channels exist with most of the children, direct contact with one of them has been difficult.

“The only child we cannot reach directly is the one we have to contact through a personal assistant,” he said.

He stressed that the family’s collective desire is to ensure a dignified burial for the late Apostle in accordance with tradition.

“All we want is to see our father and give him a befitting burial,” he added.

His comments come amid reports that former Minister of State, Sarah Adwoa Safo, is receiving medical treatment after gunmen allegedly opened fire on her vehicle near the residence of her brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena.

Meanwhile, the family of the late Apostle Emeritus Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has announced revised funeral arrangements, with final rites scheduled for July 30 and 31, 2026, following consultations between family and church leadership.

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Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Secretary to the family, said the family is not aware of the July 30 and 31, 2026 dates circulating in the media, stressing that discussions are still ongoing.

“We have not announced any July 30 and 31 funeral dates. As a family, we know nothing about those arrangements,” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme.

According to him, the family believes the said dates were set without proper consultation and do not reflect a collective family decision.

“It is Adwoa Safo who has sat in her chambers with her people and set her own dates, and that is not acceptable in our tradition,” he alleged.

Dr. Kissi stressed that efforts are being made to ensure peace and unity within the family despite ongoing disagreements over the funeral arrangements.

“We are all trying to ensure that peace prevails, but she refuses to listen,” he added.

He explained that the family is still engaging stakeholders and has not reached a final decision on the burial schedule.

“At the right time, you will hear from the family. We are still in talks,” he said.

Dr. Kissi further noted that the late Apostle Safo not being buried several months after his demise was a worrying situation for the family.

“It will be ten months since our father passed away on July 11, and he is still not buried. We need to let Ghanaians know what is happening because many people have interest in this matter,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the family’s priority remains securing the body for a proper traditional burial.

“Our focus is simple—we want to get the body of our father so we can bury him as a family,” he stated.

Meanwhile, earlier reports had indicated that the family and church leadership had agreed on funeral arrangements scheduled for July 30 and 31, 2026, following consultations.

However, the family now maintains that no final consensus has been reached.

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Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Secretary to the family, made the appeal in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, saying the family believes both leaders, as traditional and cultural figures, can help resolve the impasse.

“I appeal to President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia. I know Adwoa Safo has gone to inform them about her father’s death, so I believe they understand Akan tradition and can call her and advise her to do the right thing,” he said.

He explained that, in most Akan and other Ghanaian traditions, family heads and elders are expected to take the lead in funeral arrangements, working together with immediate children of the deceased.

“In many traditions, especially in the Northern Region and across Ghana, the family leader works with the eldest child to decide what to do. But in this case, it appears the daughter wants to take full control even before we have seen our late father,” he stated.

Dr. Kissi stressed that the family is not seeking confrontation but insists on adherence to tradition and proper family procedures.

“We are all from families, and that is why we say the family handles everything, because they understand what is involved. We cannot abandon our traditions,” he added.

He further alleged that repeated attempts to engage Adwoa Safo have been unsuccessful.

“We have spoken with her for a long time, but she has decided not to listen to us. Even people who come around advise us to follow her lead, but we cannot ignore our family customs,” he said.

According to him, concerns have also been raised by individuals within the Kristo Asafo Mission who have attempted to intervene without success.

“Even a prominent person in the church said he would speak to her, but she has refused to pick his calls,” he claimed.

Dr. Kissi insisted that the family’s priority remains accessing the body of the late Apostle for a dignified burial in line with tradition.

“Our only concern is to see our father’s body and give him a proper burial according to custom,” he said.

Meanwhile, the family of the late Apostle Emeritus Kwadwo Safo Kantanka has announced revised funeral arrangements, with the final rites scheduled for July 30 and 31, 2026, following consultations between family representatives and church leadership.

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Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Secretary to the family, speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, said the family has made several attempts to engage with Adwoa Safo to facilitate discussions on the funeral arrangements and traditional rites, but those efforts have been unsuccessful.

According to him, the family is particularly worried about their inability to see and access the body of the late Apostle.

“The funeral is the issue now. As a family, we have tried all our possible means to speak to our daughter, Adwoa Safo, but she has refused to listen to us,” he said.

He added that the family’s intention is to ensure that traditional customs are properly observed before the burial.

“In Akan tradition, when someone dies, the family must be involved in the arrangements. We have even tried to speak to her to know where our father’s body is being kept so we can perform the necessary rites, but she has closed her ears to us,” he explained.

Dr. Kissi stressed that the family’s focus is solely on retrieving the body for a dignified burial, separating church matters from family and traditional responsibilities.

“As a family, our aim is to get the body of our father and bury him. Whatever the church is doing is their own matter and constitution. We have no idea about that,” he stated.

He further raised concern over not having access to the body.

“As I am speaking with you, we have not seen the body and we do not know where it is now,” he said.

Dr. Kissi also cautioned that any mismanagement of the situation could create complications for the family’s traditional responsibilities.

“If the family does not take action and something goes wrong, it may appear as though we failed in our duty. That is why we are insisting on seeing the body,” he noted.

He described the late Apostle Safo as a peaceful man who would have preferred a dignified and well-organised burial.

“Our late father was a peaceful man who does not like conflict. All we want is to lay him to rest properly,” he added.

The comments come in the wake of a reported shooting incident on Sunday, June 21, 2026, in which Adwoa Safo allegedly sustained a gunshot wound to her left ear while visiting the residence of her brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, also known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena.

The incident is believed to be linked to tensions over a succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of its founder.

Meanwhile, the family has announced revised burial arrangements for the late Apostle Emeritus Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, with the funeral now scheduled for July 30 and 31, 2026, following consultations between family leaders and church authorities.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Secretary to the Apostle’s family, stressed that the family had no involvement or direct knowledge of the incident because they were not there.

“No family member was present during the ceremony that led to the shooting incident, so we can’t immediately speak to it,” Dr. Kissi said. “Since the death, we have not even seen the body of our relative, Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, so that is our priority now.”

He explained that the family is currently focused on retrieving the body for burial and making their own arrangements, separate from the church’s rites.

“So for us as a family, our interest is to get the body of our relative… and burying him,” he added. “The family have our arrangements, likewise the church. They are doing their things and rites.”

Dr. Kissi noted that the family plans to meet internally first before deciding on any further public statements.

“We’re planning to meet as a family, and whatever comes up and it becomes necessary, we will make it public,” he said. “So I can’t say I saw A or B at the ceremony because we were not there.”

Dr. Siaw emphasised that they were completely absent from the event and are currently preoccupied with laying their late relative to rest.

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According to the Secretary to the family, Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, efforts to reach her directly have been unsuccessful, as she does not answer calls, making communication difficult at a time the family is worried about her wellbeing.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Kissi said the family, like the general public, has been following developments through media reports and is eager to confirm her condition firsthand.

“If someone is your relative and something happens to him or her, even before you see the person, everyone is worried. But the truth is nobody calls her for her to pick,” he said.

He explained that attempts to contact her have been routed through her personal assistant, but direct communication has not been possible.

“You have to get to her through her assistant, but she is still our daughter, and if something happens to her, it affects us too,” he added.

Dr. Kissi said the family’s immediate priority remains the burial arrangements for the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, stressing that discussions around other issues will follow in due course.

“The family’s priority now is to get the body of late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka and give him a befitting burial,” he stated.

He noted that the family was not present at recent ceremonies and is relying on media reports for updates on developments surrounding both the burial and the reported incident.

“We were not at the ceremony and don’t know what exactly happened. We are hearing everything through the media,” he said.

Dr. Kissi added that the family will soon convene to deliberate on the issues and determine the way forward, assuring that the public will be kept informed of any decisions reached.

“So in due course, the family will meet and discuss the issues and see the way forward. Whatever happens, we will keep Ghanaians informed,” he said.

Adwoa Safo sustained a gunshot wound to her left ear while visiting the residence of her brother, Israel Kwadwo Safo, popularly known as Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, on Sunday.

The incident is alleged to have occurred amid tensions linked to an ongoing succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo movement following the death of its founder, Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has arrested six people in connection with the incident as the investigation proceeds.

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He explained that the assembly acted after concerns were raised by the Ghana Water Company about heavy silt and sand blocking water channels, which often leads to flooding during heavy rains.

 “Anywhere we know has issues and where traditionally it floods when it rains, we started working on it about two months ago” he said in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show.

He added that clearing of waterways has been ongoing to improve drainage and reduce disruption to daily activities.

“The Ghana Water Company came to alert us that the water channels were heavily silted with sand. So when we heard that, we also started working on the river because when it rains, people cannot even cross to go about their daily business,” he said.

According to him, the early interventions have helped reduce major flooding incidents in most parts of the metropolis.

“Because of that, we did not get a lot of flooding issues,” he noted.

However, he revealed that work at one location has been challenging due to local beliefs and resistance from residents.

“In one area, the excavator working there got stuck in the river, and residents believe it has to do with the river gods. They say some rituals must be performed before work can continue,” he explained.

He also mentioned another incident in Oforikrom, specifically at a location called House of Jacob, where an excavator deployed for drainage work has also become stuck.

“We have an excavator at a place called House of Jacob is stuck, and we are working to retrieve it,” he said.

Mr. Boadi further noted that despite these challenges, the assembly has carried out demolition exercises in some flood-prone areas to prevent future disasters.

He said Kumasi has a relatively well-engineered drainage system in areas such as Asafo, but rapid population growth and human activities have reduced its effectiveness over time.

“Our engineers are currently assessing the situation. It will cost millions of dollars to fix properly, so we will engage the Ministry of Works and Housing for support when the estimates are ready,” he stated.

He assured residents that while the rainy season is underway, Kumasi is not experiencing severe flooding compared to other parts of the country due to ongoing interventions.

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He explained that the move is aimed at reducing flooding risks, especially during dam spillage periods, and improving the free flow of water in affected communities.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, he said the assembly is already engaging affected residents and issuing notices ahead of the exercise.

“We made plans to open the estuary to allow the water to pass through. The water level has come down a bit, but we are still working on it,” he said.

“In the municipality, we have started giving notices to people who have built on waterways and water bodies to vacate the areas. We are about to begin the demolitions so that nobody will say they were not informed,” he added.

Mr. Lamptey noted that the assembly is also working on clearing choked drains across towns within the municipality to improve water flow and reduce flooding incidents.

He further disclosed that officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have already begun marking structures on waterways as part of preparations for the exercise.

“Last week, the Ministry of Works and Housing brought physical planners to conduct drone surveys to identify structures on red lines. We are now waiting for the final assessment before we take the next steps,” he explained.

He added that the assembly is collaborating with regional and national authorities to assess the situation and determine the best way forward after the demolitions.

According to him, the assembly will not be responsible for providing alternative accommodation for affected residents.

“It is not the responsibility of the assembly to find places for those whose structures will be demolished. That is why we are giving early notices—to avoid blame games,” he said.

The Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly says the operation forms part of broader efforts to prevent flooding and protect water bodies in the Greater Accra Region.

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He explained that the goal is to create a lasting solution similar to the storm drain system constructed at Korle Lagoon to improve water flow and reduce flooding risks.

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

“For the engineering aspects, we have made recommendations to the Ministry of Works and Housing. When you go to the Korle Gutter, they have done the storm drain, and if we can also get something similar at our estuary, it will help.”

He noted that one major challenge is the difficulty in accessing the estuary whenever the Weija Dam is opened.

“One of the challenges we have is that when we open the Weija Dam, we have to travel long distances to open the estuary for the water to pass,” he said.

Mr. Lamptey explained that delays and access issues often lead to tensions with nearby residents.

“When it happens like that, residents around the area don’t allow us to operate. Some believe the water from the dam carries fish, so when the estuary is opened, the fish are washed away. This creates confrontations between us and the residents,” he said.

He suggested that a permanent engineered estuary system would eliminate the need for manual intervention each time the dam is opened.

“But if we get a permanent estuary like what has been done at Korle Lagoon—such that it flows directly into the sea—then we won’t have to go and look for excavators and travel long distances every time,” he explained.

He further revealed that the assembly is also considering long-term energy solutions linked to the water system.

“In future, we are thinking of engaging engineers to explore the possibility of a small hydro plant to generate electricity for nearby communities. We are hoping to continue discussions on how feasible it will be,” he added.

The MCE said the proposals are part of broader efforts to prevent flooding during dam spillages and protect water bodies in the municipality.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he said decisions made by the technical team should be respected, as they have access to information fans may not be aware of.

“I think you don’t know, and I also might not know what happens in the camp. The coach knows when to make changes,” he said.

Akonnor noted that public complaints and discussions about selection are part of football and can help technical handlers make better decisions.

“All these things are good signs. Once fans are making complaints, it goes to the ears of the head coach, and he looks at it and takes decisions,” he explained.

He stressed that football involves everyone, including fans, coaches, and stakeholders.

“Football is not for one person. The fans and everyone are part of it,” he added.

According to him, goalkeeping decisions are particularly sensitive and rarely changed without strong reasons.

“This area is very sensitive. Hardly will you see a team bring a goalkeeper in and take him out immediately. We don’t know exactly why it happened,” he noted.

However, he maintained that the most important thing is Ghana’s victory, adding that the coaching staff will continue to review their decisions.

“We have come out with a win, and it means the decisions they took worked. The coach will look at the areas that need improvement and move forward,” he said.

Akonnor also praised Ghana’s tactical discipline, especially their ability to defend without the ball.

“What they did well was how they played without the ball. They were very intelligent, and that is a good sign for the team,” he stated.

He expressed optimism that the team will improve in their next match as they continue to adjust and build momentum.

“I am sure they will look at the improvements needed. The next game they will be stronger, tougher, and better prepared,” he added.

Ghana sealed a 1-0 win over Panama after a stoppage-time goal from Caleb Yirenkyi, assisted by Brandon Thomas-Asante, in the 95th minute.

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