Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen on Tuesday, Mr. Pyne expressed concern over the GH¢800 million bail imposed on former National Service Authority boss, Osei Assibey Antwi, along with six sureties.

“Imagine my own brother Osei Assibey — GH¢800 million bail and six sureties to be justified. That is a lot. We may laugh about it, but it is no joke,” he lamented.

He argued that while the state must uphold accountability, bail conditions should not be punitive or unrealistic, noting that there are alternative ways to ensure suspects do not abscond.

“I believe bail conditions shouldn’t be punitive because we can even take people’s passports. There’s no way someone can travel with a passport or even apply for a new one without their biometric data showing up,” Mr. Pyne explained.

In a satirical tone, he suggested that if such trends continue, the next NPP government might as well launch a “One District, One EOCO Office” initiative to match the scale of prosecutions.

“With what is happening now, maybe when NPP comes into power, we’ll build EOCO offices in every district, office by office, department by department,” he quipped.

Mr. Pyne further urged authorities to be “measured and fair in everything” as they pursue justice, warning that excessive bail terms could erode public confidence in the legal process.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• We may soon ask for Jesus Christ or Noah’s Ark as bail conditions –…

• EOCO bail conditions must be reasonable – Titus-Glover

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the MP stated that he was in South Africa attending Pan-African Parliament meetings at the time of the incident and could not have played any role.

“I received several calls from my constituency that soldiers had invaded the area for an operation. I asked an assemblyman to speak to the leader of the team, but he refused. As I kept receiving calls, I reached out to the Asutifi North MP, who was in the area, to engage the commander,” Mr. Dauda explained.

He added that he later learned the NAIMOS team was attacked on their return but insisted he never instructed anyone to release suspects or incite violence. “I only wanted to speak to the commander. There is no way I would send people to attack them,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to take over investigations into the violent incident.

Preliminary findings link the Asutifi North MP, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, to the attack, alleging he incited a mob to obstruct the NAIMOS team during their operation to arrest illegal miners.

Police reports indicate that NAIMOS officials had arrested several illegal miners near Bronikrom on Saturday, November 1, 2025, seizing firearms, ammunition, and unregistered vehicles. While transporting the suspects to the Hwidiem Police Station, a group allegedly led by the MP intervened, freeing the suspects and chasing the officials away.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

READ ALSO:

• KNUST honors founder of Hepa Plus for contribution towards research into herbal medicine and entrepreneurship
• Climate crisis in Ghana: How rising temperatures are driving migration and environmental degradation
• Gov’t orders first major audit of mining firms in a decade

The unfortunate incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The victims are currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital and Ridge Hospital.

Several people were reportedly trapped under the debris following the collapse at the premises of the Architectural Engineering Group.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation.

However, Adom News’ Williams Nsiah, who visited the scene, reported that the building was still under construction, with the victims working on the building.

ALSO READ:

• Mason rescued with severe leg injury after building collapse at Kasoa New Market

• Several feared trapped after building collapses at Roman Ridge

Mr. Dame is at the CID office to respond to questions over a petition filed by businessman and Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa.

The petition relates to the ambulance procurement case heard at the Accra High Court, which involved Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Mr. Jakpa, concerning allegations of causing financial loss to the state.

In his petition, Mr. Jakpa alleged that during the process, Mr. Dame attempted to influence him to testify in a manner that would implicate Dr. Forson.

Adom News’ Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa, who is at the CID office reported that Security at the premises has been visibly tight, with scores of sympathisers from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and members of the legal fraternity thronging the area to offer support.

Speaking to journalists at the scene, one of the lawyers, Kobby Amoah, expressed confidence in the former Attorney General’s integrity and innocence.

“We are here because we believe in Mr. Dame’s character and professional ethics. This is a show of support for a man who has served this country diligently,” he said.

In a related development, Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) is also at the CID office for questioning with regards to an ongoing probe into Akonta mining.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Richard Jakpa petitions CID to probe Godfred Dame
• Justice Kulendi, Richard Jakpa dragged to CID over ‘obstruction of justice’ claims

Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, says illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has reduced since the beginning of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, but insists the fight is not yet over.

Addressing journalists after being sworn in as one of 21 new Justices of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, the traditional leader said that although galamsey predates the current government, recent interventions have slowed its spread.

“I have been on this stool for almost 26 and a half years. Galamsey, the illegal mining, did not start yesterday; it’s been with us for some time. If you ask me about my assessment, I will say now it is going down,” he said.

He credited the improvement to tougher enforcement measures and fresh community-based strategies, observing that operators who once worked with impunity are no longer as visible.

“You know why I am saying that? If you look at some of the steps that have been taken, before we were not hearing about the blue waterguards and all that. Before this regime came I know for a fact because of the work that I do nine forest reserves had been taken over. Now that situation had been curbed,” he explained.

Despite these gains, the Dormaahene cautioned against complacency, stressing that galamsey still exists and requires consistent government and community action.

“I wouldn’t stand here and say galamsey is gone; it is still with us, but I believe that if you look at the seriousness. We should ensure that we nip this situation in the bud,” he said.

He further warned that in Dormaa, there would be zero tolerance for illegal mining, pledging to personally arrest offenders and hand them over to the police for prosecution.

The chief appealed to Ghanaians to protect the nation’s natural resources and heritage.

“This is the only thing our ancestors left for us so we don’t have to destroy our water bodies, cocoa farms and ensure that we do farming in the right way so we can all be happy,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Dormaahene to destool chiefs involved in galamsey

•  Mahama to meet CSOs today over galamsey fight

Speaking on JoyNews’ podcast Talk No Dey Cook Rice, she declared, “I have no respect for people who are cowards.

“If you have something to say, own up and say it. Let’s know that you have said it and you are owning what you’ve said.”

She explained that leadership requires humility, decorum, and respect, not callousness.

“I don’t appreciate people who feel that they should be callous because they can,” she said, stressing that those who hold public office must set an example of restraint and decency.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings reflected on the abuse she has endured, both as a child and in politics, often because of her father’s legacy.

She recalled how, even in primary school, classmates would make comments at her expense.

During a parliamentary session on February 4, this year, there was heated discussions commemorating the 60th anniversary of Joseph Boakye Danquah’s death.

As Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin addressed the House, an unidentified male voice from the parliamentary backbench interrupted, shouting, “Daughter of a murderer, sit down!”

The Speaker of Parliament apologised to Dr Zanetor and her family.

Aside from the apology, the Speaker also announced the launch of a formal investigation to identify the MP responsible for the statement, and warned that failure by the MP to show up will result in stiffer punishment when the person is found out.

Responding to such abuse, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said, “In society, when you have people who feel they must have a swipe at the child of someone because of their disdain for the parent, I’m not quite sure if it shows a certain level of maturity.”

The MP said she has chosen to deal with such attacks with focus and prayer.

“To a large extent, I do pray a lot. You just surrender certain things and pray for the grace to move on and keep focused on what your purpose is.”

She believes God alone defines destiny and that distractions from critics cannot change it.

She recalled her father advising her not to inherit his enemies.

“I remember my father actually saying to me, ‘Don’t make enemies of your parents’ enemies. It stayed with me, and it’s something I’ve lived by.”

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged that her father had apologised for the excesses of the revolution, even on behalf of people whose actions he did not know of.

She said many people who know the truth about that period remain silent for reasons best known to them. But she maintains she will never turn her back on her parents.

“I will not publicly or privately turn my back on my parents, because I know what they did. I’m also aware of the sacrifices they made.”

She said her approach to politics has been shaped by these experiences. She does not tolerate abuse on her platforms.

“I do not take kindly to people on my platform abusing or assaulting other people. It’s not something I like to endorse, because I understand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of something you may have had nothing to do with.”

Despite the hostility, she said she has learned not to react in ways that would derail her path.

“You can choose to rise above it and be who you will be, rather than be a reaction to how people are behaving. Each of us has a destiny. When you start looking too much at what somebody else in their path is doing, you may lose your path.”

For her, those who try to discourage her only expose their fear of conviction.

“Sometimes people see the level of conviction you have. They know that perhaps if they attack you enough, they can get you to move away from what you believe in.

“So you have to try not to be reactionary so much that you lose your pathway. Then they’ve won.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

ALSO READ:

• Zanetor hits back at critics over attacks on Rawlings’ revolutionary legacy

• Speaker apologises to Rawlings’ family, Anlo State over ‘Daughter of a Murderer’ remark

He described the situation as “an unacceptable labour practice” and pledged to ensure the matter receives immediate attention.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, September 30, after receiving a petition from the aggrieved teachers, Mr. Iddrisu said: “I’m here to receive your humble petition and to assure you that I will walk the talk on the issue of the unfair labour treatment that has been meted out to you.

“It is an unacceptable labour practice anywhere that you will work for 13 months without pay… Be assured that I’m on top of the matter.”

He disclosed that he had already met with the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on September 23 to deliberate on the teachers’ concerns and that a joint cabinet memorandum, to be signed by himself and the Finance Minister, will soon be presented for consideration.

The Education Minister added that the government is planning to recruit 53,000 additional teachers into the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector

The Minister’s remarks come on the back of a protest by teachers from the 2022 batch of the Colleges of Education and university graduates, who marched from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance before converging at the Jubilee House.

They are demanding payment of 13 and 9-month salary arrears, respectively.

Lead convener Simon Kofi Nartey explained that all efforts to resolve the issue had been ignored, forcing them to resort to the demonstration.

He stressed that their demands go beyond survival, warning that the quality of education suffers when newly recruited teachers cannot afford essentials like transportation and accommodation.

Source: Myjoyonline

ALSO 

This is not the NPP we know; things are getting worse…

Illegal miners have taken over Akonta Mining – Wontumi [Listen]

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Wontumi dismissed the allegations as baseless and called on those making the claims to provide evidence.

“It is not true that MASLOC vehicles were taken from me. These are mere lies. If indeed it was Wontumi who went for the vehicles, then they should come out with evidence and documentation to back it,” he said.

MASLOC CEO Abigail Elorm Mensah, on September 11, had stated that three government vehicles were retrieved from Wontumi’s residence with the support of National Security operatives as part of efforts to recover government loans and assets from defaulters.

Chairman Wontumi, however, clarified that a person who had been staying in his house had brought a vehicle there, and he had no involvement in moving or retrieving it.

“I was at home when I received a call that a task force wanted to enter the house, but it was locked. I gave permission for them to be granted access. The person who was staying there had vacated but left the car behind. When they came, they rather took my Land Cruiser away,” he explained.

He also questioned the reports, asking, “Does MASLOC even give out Land Cruisers? We are still dealing with this matter.”

Wontumi insisted that attempts to link him directly to the alleged MASLOC vehicle retrieval were unfounded and appeared to be part of a deliberate effort to tarnish his image.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• MASLOC confirms recovery of three gov’t cars from Chairman Wontumi

• MASLOC’s scandal was not just stealing but naked thievery – Kpemka

Former Adentan MP, Kojo Adu-Asare, has officially declared his intention to contest the flagbearership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2028 elections.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the former legislator downplayed suggestions of early tension within the party, insisting there was “no storm” brewing.

“We should not be making storms out of teacups. There is no storm. As of now, who has publicly declared his intention to lead the NDC in 2028? Nobody,” he said.

Mr. Adu-Asare then made his first public announcement on the matter.

“I want to use this opportunity and platform to announce for the first time that I will contest for the NDC flagbearer. I, Kojo Adu-Asare. People want to bring my name, Benedict, back but I refuse. I will contest. Am I not eligible?” he declared.

He argued that eligibility should not be a stumbling block, citing examples of other lesser-known politicians who had previously contested presidential elections.

“Even Akua Donkor was a candidate, Kofi Akpaloo and the others. They are all my contemporaries. And the names coming up too—do I look deficient compared to some of them? Or is it about money? So I don’t have any problem. Let’s just watch the space,” he added.

Mr. Adu-Asare’s declaration comes in the wake of new polling data from Global InfoAnalytics, which places Education Minister and Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, in an early lead with 27% support.

He is followed closely by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah at 26%, while Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson holds third place with 22%.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Foreign Affairs Minister and North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, ranked fourth and fifth with 11% and 8% support respectively.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• Global InfoAnalytics poll reveals tight race to succeed Mahama as Haruna takes early lead

• Ken Agyapong emerges front-runner in NPP presidential race – Academic poll

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Adu Asare recalled that while President Mahama once suggested declaring a state of emergency as a last resort, nine months into the new administration the approach remains unchanged.

“It is a bit difficult and disappointing that nine months into a new government, we’re still singing the same song. It doesn’t look good,” he said.

He noted that the galamsey crisis, coupled with debates on LGBTQI, continues to cause unease. According to him, government must communicate openly when its original promises prove difficult to implement.

“I believe we must say what we mean and mean what we say. If we said certain things, but on coming in we are finding execution challenging, we should quickly step in and let Ghanaians understand that this is our new position,” he explained.

Mr. Adu Asare drew parallels with the late President John Atta Mills, who promptly addressed the one-time health insurance premium campaign pledge after a feasibility study found it unworkable.

He also cited former President Kufuor’s adjustments in ministerial appointments as examples of transparent governance.

He argued that acknowledging the difficulties would prevent negative perceptions from festering in the minds of citizens.

“Galamsey is the biggest headache of the government now, and there are no two ways about it,” he stressed, adding that strategies such as permanent military deployment and water guards are being considered.

Mr. Adu Asare, however, raised concerns about the sustainability of these measures, stressing that beyond government interventions, citizens must also play an active role.

“From the little I know, I wonder what methods will be employed. We are trying several methods and I hope we find a lasting solution. But aside from government intervention, what mindset do we as citizens bring to support the fight and make it sustainable, especially those directly involved in galamsey?” he questioned.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• If Mahama won’t fix galamsey, Ghana is hopeless – Senyo Hosi

• Galamsey crisis: Farmers fear speaking out over victimisation – Peasant Farmers Association

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, he said leadership has failed to act decisively. “If this president will not do it, then we are, we are hopeless.”

He said the country had once looked to the previous administration for results.

“Because, first of all, I actually thought that former President Akufo-Addo should have been the one man to have fixed this problem, because he wasn’t standing for election anymore. He should have left with his name high, but he didn’t.”

The call for urgent action follows a warning issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference on September 18. In a pastoral message, the bishops asked President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in galamsey areas.

They said the menace “ravages our rivers and forests, poisons our soil, endangers public health, corrupts governance, erodes our moral fibre, and extinguishes livelihoods.”

They stressed that it “is not a routine challenge to be managed with half-measures; it is a national emergency requiring decisive, extraordinary response.”

Mr Hosi insisted that President Mahama must not ignore the crisis.

“This President is a one-term president, if for nothing at all. One of your closest people died. Dr Omane Boamah is not a friend to the president; it’s his brother, one of his closest confidants.

“Mister President, if you can look at those children, Yaw, his wife and all of them and still be superintending this thing, then you’re your own honestly.”

He questioned the lack of honour in the fight against galamsey.

“We must be men with some little honour, even among thieves; there is honour, what is this? We lie!”

He also pointed to water quality data exposed by Joy News.

“What is the turbidity that Joy News found, Kwanyarko? It is at 94,800 NTU now, when last year we were told that it was 14,000, and all of us got up. In that same facility, the same central region, in a different plant, it was 14,000…our politicians are damn liars.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

ALSO READ:

• Declare galamsey a national emergency now – Catholic Bishops to Mahama

• President Mahama has lost the fight against galamsey – Gyataba

• Give me authority; I’ll end galamsey in one month – Janet Nabla to Mahama

Speaking in an interview with Blessed Sogah on Joy Prime’s ‘Prime Insight, ‘ Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics, revealed that the race is extremely close, with multiple candidates gaining significant support.

According to the most recent data from a July poll, Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South and Education Minister, leads the pack with a support rating of 27%.

He is closely followed by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who is at 26%.

The current Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, occupies the third position with 22%.

Mr Dankwah’s findings indicate a fluid and dynamic succession contest, which he described as “quite strange” given the absence of a declared contest.

The poll results paint a picture of a party with several strong personalities and factions. The data is as follows:

• Haruna Iddrisu: 27%
• Johnson Asiedu Nketiah: 26%
• Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson: 22%
• Julius Debrah: 11%
• Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: 8%

The data shows a significant gap between the top three candidates and the others, suggesting that the “jostling” for the flagbearer position is becoming more pronounced.

Mr Dankwah confirmed that the poll was conducted to gauge the popularity of key figures within the party.

He mentioned that if the current Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who is an unconfirmed candidate, were to contest, her name would be included in future polls.

The findings come amidst a period of political manoeuvring within the NDC, with several high-ranking members embarking on “Thank You Tours” and “Health Walks,” which are widely interpreted as early campaign activities.

These events are often seen as a way for potential candidates to connect with the party’s grassroots base and build momentum ahead of any official contest.

The NDC’s constitution requires a flagbearer to be elected by delegates ahead of a general election.

The last flagbearer race saw John Dramani Mahama secure a resounding victory, but the race for his successor, whenever it occurs, appears to be shaping up as a more competitive affair.

Source: David Apinga

ALSO READ:

• I don’t want to be here; I may be gone – Dr. Aidoo on…

• Afenyo-Markin alleges internal struggles in NDC over Mahama’s successor 

According to Kpebu, the major hurdle facing Mr Nketiah is not his competence or political experience but rather public perceptions about his appearance.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he acknowledged that the NDC Chairman commands broad support within the party. However, some critics continue to question whether he possesses what they describe as a “presidential look,” a concern reportedly raised in the past by the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

“The elephant in the room is that, when it comes to optics generally, speaking bluntly, the issue is that Asiedu Nketiah doesn’t usually look the part. But I’m sure it can be managed, because then we look beyond optics,” Kpebu stated.

He cautioned against reducing leadership to appearances, pointing to the example of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“People have said it several times that Akufo-Addo came with the accent and the swag but ended up as the worst President with corruption,” he remarked.

“When it comes to optics, generally, the issue is that Asiedu Nketiah doesn’t usually look the part, but it can be managed”

– Martin Kpebu on Asiedu Nketiah, Thank You Tour, and political ambition. #JoySMS pic.twitter.com/pgHAOdapNY

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) September 18, 2025

Despite the optics debate, legal practitioner Martin Kpebu maintained that NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah stands a strong chance of becoming president if he decides to contest and wins the party’s flagbearership.

“It’s possible for him [Asiedu Nketiah] to become President, because the NDC still has a lot of goodwill. If you look at the difference between the votes garnered by John Mahama and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, it’s over 1.6 million votes,” Kpebu explained.

His remarks add to the broader national conversation about succession and leadership within the NDC ahead of the 2028 elections.

Speculation about Mr Nketiah’s future has intensified since his post-2024 election “thank-you tour.” While some observers see it as an early attempt to position himself for a potential 2028 bid, the NDC Chairman has clarified that the tour was simply to show appreciation to party members for their dedication and hard work.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Asiedu Nketia explains purpose of his “Thank You” tour
• Prof. Jane Naana takes lead as Asiedu Nketia struggles to gain ground in NDC’s…

• Bishop Sam Owusu’s prophecy about Asiedu Nketia as future President [Watch]

The protesters, made up of drivers, traders, and market women, accused private developers of encroaching on the land with the backing of the Railway Authority.

Addressing the crowd, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Alhaji Abass Imoro, lamented the continuous loss of their stations to private interests.

“As we speak now, another businessman has come saying some portions have also been allocated to him. Surprisingly, these issues come up due to the activities of the Railway Authority. But if you are a manager or director at the Railway, the government land does not belong to you,” he said.

He further appealed for intervention, stressing: “We are pleading with the authority because GPRTU believes in dialogue. Come to our aid and ensure we revamp the lorry station because we are losing what we have.”

The group later presented a petition at the presidency, where it was received by Bridget Otoo, Presidential Staffer in charge of Government Communication. She assured them that their concerns would be carefully reviewed and addressed.

The Concerned Drivers Association also endorsed the protest, with its President, William Osei, calling on drivers to park their vehicles in solidarity.

Market women who joined the demonstration expressed fears that the takeover would destroy their livelihoods.

They appealed directly to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and First Lady Lordina Mahama to intervene, warning that thousands of traders and informal workers risk displacement if the projects continue.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• GPRTU, other groups to embark on demo over alleged land takeover

• GPRTU suspends planned strike over deplorable Ofankor-Nsawam road

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Mr. Adjei argued that the fight against galamsey is a complex battle that cannot be won within a few months.

“The NPP has started too early, telling the NDC we haven’t been able to end galamsey. But if it was that easy, why didn’t they end it in eight years but expect us to do so in eight months?” he fired.

He maintained that the Mahama administration has made significant progress, pointing to the seizure of over 440 excavators, 900 water pumps, and 300 changfans, as well as the arrest of more than 1,000 illegal miners.

Mr. Adjei also cited the revocation of L.I. 2462 licenses for mining in forest reserves as evidence of government’s commitment, stressing that no new permits have been issued since the NDC took office.

“This government is following due process. You cannot just wake up and cancel licenses that were legally obtained; there are procedures, and we are respecting the law,” he explained.

He urged Ghanaians to remain patient, insisting that the Mahama administration is laying a sustainable foundation to end galamsey once and for all.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

ALSO READ:

• Why NAIMOS, other institutions are unable to fight galamsey – Erastus Asare reveals [Audio]

• Give me authority; I’ll end galamsey in one month – Janet Nabla to Mahama

Operations at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality were temporarily disrupted on Monday, September 15, following a clash between two prominent National Democratic Congress (NDC) members over the district managerial position.

The standoff reportedly erupted when Madam Fati, the current Constituency Secretary, and Ayaa Ayison, a former parliamentary candidate, both arrived at the office claiming to hold appointment letters from the Presidency authorising them to assume the role.

The dispute forced officials from the Greater Accra NHIA regional office to step in. They are currently holding discussions with both factions at the district office to resolve the matter.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming who will assume the managerial position.

Source: Kofi Agyei

ALSO READ:

• Mahama won’t abandon NDC people for NPP – Gbande defends appointments [Audio]

• We’ve the men, we’re ready for appointments – Ashaiman NDC to Mahama [Listen]

The Abura Asebu-Kwamankese lawmaker insisted that such assertions must be supported by verifiable data rather than speculation.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said that the government remains committed to tackling the menace, stressing that accusations without empirical proof only distort the national conversation.

“Those who say galamsey has worsened under President Mahama must prove it with empirical evidence. We cannot allow perceptions or political point-scoring to overshadow facts,” he emphasised.

He reiterated that the government has intensified efforts to address illegal mining through arrests, environmental interventions, and the planned creation of special courts to ensure swift prosecution of offenders.

Gov’t recognises genuine concerns on galamsey

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged the widespread concerns raised by citizens and stakeholders over the destructive impact of illegal mining under the NDC current administration.

He assured the public that the government remains committed to addressing the menace.

According to him, the administration does not dismiss the voices of ordinary Ghanaians who are directly affected by the devastation of water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems.

“Government fully appreciates the genuine concerns people have expressed on galamsey, and these are not matters we take lightly,” he said.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that while the government has rolled out several interventions, tackling galamsey requires collective responsibility.

“We cannot pretend it is an easy fight, but what we can assure Ghanaians is that the government has not lost sight of its duty to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment,” he noted.

He called on the public to support ongoing interventions and resist political interference in efforts to clamp down on the illegal activity.

“We must all rally behind the measures being implemented. The survival of our water bodies and farmlands cannot be compromised,” the Communications Minister added.

Source: Ernest Arhinful

ALSO READ:

• Kill ‘galamsey’ before it kills your members – Dr. Aidoo warns Mahama
• Helicopter crash: They died fighting galamsey; don’t let the fight be in vain –…

His appearance sparked loud cheers and chants from dozens of party supporters gathered outside the court premises.

The charged atmosphere quickly turned chaotic, leading to a brief stampede as supporters rushed to catch a glimpse of him. Police officers had to form a human barricade to restore order.

Abronye DC is standing trial on charges of “offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace.”

The case comes at a time when he has applied for political asylum in eight countries—Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany—citing threats to his safety and political persecution.

This is not his first brush with the law. Over the years, Abronye has been embroiled in a series of high-profile controversies, often clashing with political rivals and state institutions.

Police have urged calm and called on the public to allow due process to take its course as the trial continues.

Source: Williams Nsiah

ALSO READ:

• Abronye to reappear in court today

• Both sides are wrong, but… – Kwabena Agyepong on Abronye’s arrest [Audio]

Speaking in an interview on Nhyira FM’s Kurom Yi Mu Nsem, Mr. Asafo-Agyei revealed that some beneficiaries exploited loopholes in the system, including spouses of awardees requesting financial support when they were not the primary recipients of scholarships.

He cited a case where the husband of a beneficiary, who travelled abroad on a spousal scholarship, wrote to the Secretariat requesting funds for his return ticket to Ghana while his wife continued her studies.

“The Secretariat had catered for all their travel costs, yet he wrote to us that we should buy him a ticket back home to attend to a family issue,” Mr. Asafo-Agyei noted.

The Registrar also pointed to questionable spending on short courses, disclosing that one beneficiary received £4,650 for a two-week programme, along with £2,000 in living allowances. “Some of the courses are very funny. There was one described as Developing Future Leaders. Another, Management Development for Executives in 2023, was awarded to one Hilda Afia Aduako Acheampong,” he added.

Mr. Asafo-Agyei suggested that such cases reflected a lack of proper scrutiny in awarding scholarships, stressing the need for reforms to ensure government resources are directed towards programmes that yield genuine benefits for the nation.

ALSO READ:

• No scandal at the scholarship secretariat will be left unattended – Registrar

• Security agencies closing in on middlemen who enriched themselves awarding scholarships

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he explained that while WAEC administers the BECE, key aspects of the examination process are directly under the control of GES.

“For example, the selection of supervisors and invigilators is done by the district exams officer,” he disclosed.

He emphasized that when irregularities occur during the conduct of the examination, WAEC relies on GES to take swift and appropriate action.

“And so when these issues come up, once the feedback goes to them, we [WAEC] expect that they would react appropriately and ensure that the right action is taken against the people,” he said.

The revelation follows a JoyNews Hotline investigation by Francisca Enchil, which uncovered shocking collusion between GES officials, supervisors, headteachers, and invigilators at two centres in Accra—Derby Avenue RC Basic School and St. George’s Anglican Basic School.

Investigators found invigilators demanding daily “tokens” of GH¢60, supervisors pocketing envelopes of GH¢400, and candidates contributing to a so-called “Aseda Offertory.”

Mr. Kapi condemned the conduct of such officials, stating, “These are people who certainly have not proved that they are worthy of the trust that we repose in them. As far as this job is concerned…”

When asked by host Evans Mensah about WAEC’s own disciplinary measures, Mr. Kapi confirmed that the Council’s strongest action is to permanently exclude culprits from future assignments.

“Yes, that is what we really do. We blacklist them. They no longer take part in any activity that has to do with the West African Examinations Council,” he said.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

ALSO READ:

• 2025 BECE: How GES officials colluded with candidates to cheat [Watch]

• GES to probe alleged malpractice in 2025 BECE

The group, made up largely of youth, accused the leadership of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability following the death of the founder, the late Rev. Anthony Kojo Boakye.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Accountability, No Preaching,” “Boat and Naa Must Go,” and “Stomach Leaders,” the protesters alleged that the church secretary, the current head pastor, and some elders—including children of the late founder—were mismanaging funds and adopting an authoritarian style of leadership that, in their view, threatens the future of the church.

The situation escalated until a police riot control team intervened to restore calm.

Some of the concerned members told Adom News that their action was meant to draw attention to what they described as “years of neglect and misuse of church resources,” a problem they believe has worsened since the founder’s passing.

Church authorities, when contacted, declined to comment in detail, stating they would consult their lawyer, Alexander Abban, before issuing an official response.

Source: Kofi Agyei

ALSO READ:

• I died with my body kept in the house for 5 days – Rev…

• Scores of mourners pay last respects to Rev Kwadwo Boakye [Video]

Incidents of examination malpractice are recorded every year, resulting in the cancellation of some subjects, entire results or withholding of results of some candidates; as well as arrest of officials who flout examination rules to compromise the integrity of the BECE.

To unravel the rot in the BECE, the investigative platform GhProbe embarked on a quest to expose the systematic nature of BECE malpractices.

Francisca Enchill takes you into the DARK WORLD OF BECE to expose how some GES officials compromised tests’ integrity at some randomly selected exam centers in the Greater Accra Region under the guise of helping children to pass at all costs.

The team conducted its investigations at Derby Avenue R.C. Basic School and St. George’s Anglican Basic School, which hosted 14 schools with total registered candidates numbering 415, to understand the circumstances that account for undetected examination malpractices that are becoming an acceptable norm in Ghana.

Profile of the examination centers

Derby Avenue R.C. Basic School examination center hosted Adormens Junior High School, Amamomo Junior High, Ayalolo 1&2 Junior High School, Derby Avenue R.C. Basic School, Agape Mighty Trinity Academy, Paulina’s Queensland School and Bethel ECG Preparatory School with a total of 235 registered candidates.

St. George’s Anglican Basic School examination center also hosted seven schools, namely Darius Preparatory/JHS, Redeemed King of Glory International School, Varsden Royale Complex School and Edegray Memorial School.

The rest were Zion Academy, St. George’s Anglican Basic School and Mamprobi E.P. Basic School, all of which presented a total of 180 registered candidates.

Findings
The investigation found evidence of institutionalized examination malpractices perpetrated in the manner of an organized crime for financial gains by some staff members of the various hierarchies of the GES mandated to supervise the examination.

The investigations found that the cabal comprised examination supervisors and their deputies, head teachers, invigilators, teachers and – in some instances – School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs), as well as the candidates who are the beneficiaries of the crime; all ensuring that the candidates pass every single subject through no effort of theirs.

Invigilators prepared to cheat a day to start of exams

Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, the Acting Director General of GES, who declined speaking on camera, outlined efforts made by the GES and its major stakeholders to ensure all staff of the service understand the rules governing the exams and the repercussions for violating them.

The sensitization ended a day before the exams:
“Before the examination, we sent our team to join WAEC officials. They toured the whole country. A day before the start of the examination, I issued a press statement, and we told the whole world that if a teacher is caught aiding cheating, that is the end of the teacher; the teacher may be fired.”

Meanwhile, on that same day, some staff members of GES appointed as supervisors for the examination and tasked with the responsibility to relay the rules to the invigilators were rather out-rightly preparing the invigilators to break the rules.

At the Derby Avenue Examination Centre, during a session with invigilators a day before the start of examination, the examination supervisor explained to the invigilators how one would break the WAEC rules:

“Some of them will ask a question but sometimes we don’t know, so you will tell them, I don’t know. If they can ask their friends, if they feel it is correct, I can permit you to ask your friend beside you.

After all, this is not the individual perse but the school, and from here, they are entering into another level, so you can ask your friend to fill the gap. It will be very embarrassing that you didn’t answer a whole question.”

She also gave guidelines to protect the candidates from being caught by external invigilators.

“And you have to talk to them too, when they see strange people, especially when they see us, fine, but immediately they see some strange person coming around, then you the invigilator, you alert them: ‘external invigilator is coming’, so please lower your voice, be on your paper. So you will guide them as and when,” she added.

According to John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, the council spelt out the rules to the supervisors: “Every candidate should do independent work. When you hear us talk about collusion, that is what we are talking about.

Collusion is simply that you have the same thing running through the script of the candidates.

So it tells you that either there has been a certain kind of communication between the candidates or an external source, one source to every single person. So, candidates are supposed to do independent work.”

This, he said, accounts for the sitting arrangement for the examination.

“That is why when you look at the rules, they ask whether each candidate is assigned a desk and a chair and there is a certain distance from one candidate to another so that they do not have the opportunity of communicating with each other.

So, there should be no communication whatsoever between one candidate and the other. If in the course of the examination you have any question, you put up your hand and the invigilator is the only person who should answer the question and indeed, that question should not be a question on your question paper,” he added.

Exams day

Wednesday, June 11, 2025, was the start of examination which would continue till Wednesday, June 18, 2025 and to be written by 603,328 registered candidates across the country.

Pupils enter exams hall without search

The exams started with the assembly of candidates, after which a SISO reminded the candidates about the laid-down rules by reading them out to the candidates.

They were then matched to the examination rooms without the conduct of searches. It would later be discovered in our investigation that the foreign materials that the search would have found were sanctioned; hence the deliberate skipping of the search.

According to Mr. Kapi, candidates are required to be thoroughly searched before entering the examination halls.

“One of the first things that you do is to search the candidates thoroughly before they go in. That is why we advise 30 minutes wait period, so searching has not been cancelled; it is still an integral part of the process before the examination,” he explained.

Providing answers to candidates

This investigation found that the examination malpractice is perpetrated directly by some staff members of the GES who provide candidates with answers to all the questions.

The answers come through an invigilator dictating the answers; presenting pieces of paper with handwritten answers to candidates to copy and pass on to mates; and – in some instances they come on printed sheets distributed to as many candidates as possible at a go.

At 9:00 a.m. the bell rang as a way of announcing the start of the examination.
Unlike a normal examination hall that is characterised by total silence and focus in the first 30 minutes of the start of the paper, this investigation uncovered a strange phenomenon – the halls were noisy, candidates were not writing anything and some of them were sleeping.

To the utter surprise of GhProbe investigators, about 30 minutes into the exams, some particular invigilators abandoned their duty posts to distribute answers to the questions in batches, one question after the other.

Mr. Kapi described this as an illegal act punishable by law.

“Any possession of any such thing is illegal and you can be prosecuted, fined or incarcerated for a certain period of time.

“Currently, there have been people who have been prosecuted, some of them have been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, some have eight months and others have 30 days, and so depending on the gravity of the crime and the discretion of the presiding judge,” he noted.

This continued for the rest of the papers – including objective tests in which invigilators, in some instances, dictated the answers to the candidates.

This paints a picture of the scene at the start of the paper.

Mr. Kapi expressly listed the only materials candidates are permitted to receive in the exam halls:
“The answer booklet, the question paper or the objective answer card. These three items by way of paper are the only papers. Apart from these, no other paper should come from anyone to any candidate in the examination hall.”

Besides, he said “so, if any examination official, a supervisor or invigilator, is found distributing any other papers in the examination hall, it is illegal, it is wrong.”

Covering tracks

To ensure that the happenings in the examination halls stayed in the examination halls, all answers distributed on papers were taken back by invigilators before exiting the halls.

The use of phones

Aside from providing the candidates with answers on papers and by dictation, there was also heavy dependence on mobile phones – a development that appeared to have been sanctioned by the invigilators and supervisors.

The phones were used in two ways: answer transmitted from invigilators to phones of candidates and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

WAEC partly held parents accountable for failing to restrict their children’s access to phones during the examination:

“I think parents should desist from providing mobile phones for their children because at BECE, I believe that, well, much as maybe some of them are big enough to earn money, a child who is in JHS 3 certainly would have gotten the phone from the parents.

“And so, if your child is going to write examination and you say for this week, I’m taking your phone from you, you have not done anything wrong. On the contrary, you are serving a good purpose to help the child to be independent in the work that they do,” Mr. Kapi cautioned.

Answer transmission to candidates by invigilators

GhProbe found that one invigilator takes phone numbers of candidates in possession of phones, the questions are solved in a so-called strong room and the answers are transmitted to candidates through their mobile phones. They copy and pass their phones on to colleagues who have no phones.

The use of AI

The AI was used in two ways. Some candidates opted for the use of AI in generating answers to the questions and used the entire responses of AI on WhatsApp, while others sought explanations for questions they had been asked to list and explain. This second group, thus, demanded further help as answers invigilators had transmitted to them lacked the explanations.
Some invigilators even joined the candidates in the AI search.

Mr. Kapi outlined strict punishment for phone usage in the examination halls:

“In the past few years, we have decided that henceforth, anybody found with a phone in the examination hall will have their entire results cancelled. Because the phone is for us, as far as examination is concerned, a gadget that has storage facility with which you can access information from any quarters so phones are simply a no go area as far as our examinations are concerned.“

Some candidates brought books into the examination hall from which they copied their answers to their BECE questions.

Mr. Kapi admitted that something went wrong: “Certainly, when we talk about the co-ordinated form of it, I think that with the involvement of all these personnel who I will say should have been helping us but were rather being against us, certainly there was something grave that went wrong in the course of the examination.”

National Security and WAEC officials outwitted

Despite all the malpractices that happened at both centers investigated, there were all indications that the perpetrators successfully avoided being caught by both WAEC external invigilators and officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) who visited the centers. No arrests were made. Why? On sighting external invigilators, the supervisor received a signal and relayed the alert to invigilators for immediate action.

Invasion of exam centers by teachers, school heads
Teachers and head teachers of participating schools were seen at the examination centers before, during and after every paper, interacting with invigilators and supervisors and actively making offers to influence them financially for assistance to the candidates.

Involvement of SISOs
Derby Avenue center had two SISOs visiting the centers in the course of the examination.
One of the SISOs actively distributed printed answers to the candidates.

The SISO was clearly aware of the invasion of the centers by the teachers and school heads, as in some instances, they were seen interacting with the SISO while the examination was going on.

WAEC described this as unacceptable.

Conflict of interest

Mr. Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, a non-profit education policy research and advocacy organization, said the categories of people selected to supervise the examination had vested interest in the pass rates, hence assigning them to supervise the examination meant putting them in a conflicting situation.

He said “our position is that because staff of GES have vested interest in the outcome of the examination, including some of their staff having KPIs directly related to the pass rate in the examination, deploying them as supervisors is actually putting them in a conflicting situation but the system hasn’t listened.
“We at Eduwatch believe that a head teacher should not be allowed to supervise exams in their school and we also believe that even at the district education office, we can’t call them as supervisors because if the head teacher cannot supervise examination in their schools, I don’t see why the SISO can supervise.”

Final motivation

GhProbe established that the collusion by invigilators with candidates to breach the integrity of the examination was motivated by financial gains as invigilators were given various sums as financial gifts in the course of the exams.

At the Derby Avenue R.C. exams center, on the first day of examination, for example, while preparing exam materials for candidates to commence writing, invigilators were invited by the supervisor to a meeting with the headmistress of the host school, Derby Avenue R.C.

She announced a daily GHS60.00 gift for each invigilator for the duration of the examination.
Candidates were also instructed to give their invigilators money at the end of every day’s examination.
At the St. George’s Anglican Basic School examination center payment was made in bulk. The supervisor handed envelopes containing GHS 400.00 to each invigilator.

Final payment (Aseda offertory)
Not many schools wrote the final paper so for the centers investigated, the exams ended on June 17, 2025.

Days earlier, candidates at Derby Avenue were informed to prepare financially for an offertory called the ‘Aseda offertory’, which would be collected before the start of the final papers at the center.

This offertory was meant to thank invigilators for their assistance in the examination.

On the morning of the final paper, the invigilator who announced the ‘Aseda’ offertory the previous day (he later got the nickname ‘Sir Aseda’), would move from one exam hall to another with a box for collection of the offertory. Candidates were asked to pay GHS5.00 or more. The total amount collected was shared among the invigilators.

Each invigilator received at least GHS60.00 as their share of the unspecified total sum raised in the ‘Aseda’ Offertory.

Leakage of question papers
In the past few years, WAEC has struggled with leakages of question papers prior to the start of exams.

Mr. Kapi outlined the reforms implemented to block leakages.

According to him, WAEC increased its collaboration with its partners, GES, Ghana Police Service, the NIB, locally trained officers and staff to ensure increased presence across the country to monitor the examination.

He further stated that the reports WAEC received indicated that but for the presence of these people, a lot could have gone wrong in the conduct of the examination.

Mr Asare reflected on evolving examination malpractice strategies: “Leakage in question papers occurred between 2020 and 2022 and that was a bigger dimension of examination fraud but since 2023 that the Ministry of Education brought in the BNI (now NIB), to take over the question and printing security, we’ve not been seeing leakages in the dimension that we used to see.

“Questions hardly leak but because there is a demand and supply and a business case for that matter, the teachers who are involved in this crime have suddenly re-strategized and moved from having fore- knowledge of the question, solving them and giving them to the students before the examination to an era where they collude in the examination hall.”

Indeed, the strategy by WAEC appeared effective as leakages of question papers, referred to as APOR, were not recorded and questions arrived at examination centers securely sealed during GhProbe’s investigations.

Other cases

It is important to note that WAEC took record of more than 43 arrests made in the course of the 2025 BECE examination.

They committed different offences of examination malpractice in different parts of Ghana.
“We recorded people related to the examination who were directly involved in malpractices.

There were cases of a supervisor, assistant supervisor, teachers, administrators of schools, and two cases where heads of the basic schools were involved. So yes, it is true that it was co-ordinated,” Mr. Kapi added.

GES on punishment
Prof. Davis said that the GES would be unable to continue working with any staff member found to have been involved in any form of examination malpractice, amplifying the directive of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to dismiss culpable staff members from the service:

“The point is we can’t work with you. Yes, code of conduct is there but we hired you, and we feel you are a threat and you cannot be with the students, so you want us to send somebody who will go and instead of teaching the students in the classroom to pass, he decides to take the answers to the students in the exams room, you want us to keep the person in the school?”

Negative impact of exams malpractice

Mr Asare of Eduwatch said: “The major impact of examination malpractice is felt on the social fibre of our society, that is where we breed corruption. We teach our children corruption in basic schools.

Corruption 101 is what we teach them when we support them to participate in examination fraud and examination malpractice at the basic level. So, you are grooming the child to understand that corruption is normalized and once you can make it, the most important thing is that you have made it.

If you start teaching your child corruption in basic schools, the child will never unlearn it at the tertiary level and they will grow and become corrupt citizens, corrupt adults, that for me, is the most damaging impact of examination malpractice.”

Prof. Davis also decried the negative impact of examination malpractice to the nation:
“We don’t want to have professionals who have cheated their way through because once they finish secondary school, they are going to university and they will come out as professionals, and I don’t think anybody will be happy being operated on by a doctor who cheated his/her way through education, so we frown on it and any head who will do that should pray that he/she is not caught.”

Solutions

WAEC wants to be given the power and resources to recruit invigilators of the highest standard, to help curb the practice of examination malpractice.

WAEC is further demanding adequate supervision of teachers to ensure that candidates are properly prepared to independently write and pass their examination.

“If you look at the fact that a teacher would want to go and assist their own children in an examination hall, the least conclusion you can come to is that this person hasn’t done his job in the classroom in terms of preparing the children for the examination, so ill preparation of these candidates may be the major factor that is pushing them to go out there and try to assist the candidates in the examination hall,” Mr Kapi added.

Source: Ghprobe.com

ALSO READ:

• 2025 BECE: How GES officials colluded with candidates to cheat [Watch]

• Some GES officials took GH¢60 to aid cheating in 2025 BECE – JoyNews exposé

Watch the full video below:

A JoyNews Hotline investigation led by GH Probe’s Francisca Enchil reveals how some officials of the Ghana Education Service (GES), alongside supervisors, headteachers, and invigilators, transformed the sacred national exercise into an organised crime syndicate—trading academic integrity for financial gain.

At two examination centres in Accra – Derby Avenue RC Basic School and St. George’s Anglican Basic School—investigators found shocking collusion.

Invigilators openly demanded ‘tokens’ of GHS60 daily, supervisors pocketed envelopes of GHS400, and candidates were even asked to contribute to a so-called “Aseda Offertory.”

Instead of vigilance, supervisors acted as lookouts, warning invigilators whenever WAEC or National Security officials drew near.

Teachers and headteachers, despite being barred from exam centres, moved in and out freely, bribing officials and sometimes directly feeding candidates answers.

Candidates smuggled mobile phones into exam halls, some using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to generate answers. Handwritten and printed solutions were distributed, with some invigilators dictating answers aloud.

The exposé has triggered outrage. The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, has warned teachers face dismissal if caught.

Civil society voices, like Kofi Asare of Africa Education Watch, caution that Ghana is “teaching children corruption in basic schools” – a dangerous normalisation of dishonesty.

Watch the full documentary Dark World of BECE here:

Source: Emmanuel Dzivenu

ALSO READ:

• Some GES officials took GH¢60 to aid cheating in 2025 BECE – JoyNews exposé

• GES to probe alleged malpractice in 2025 BECE

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Baidoo explained that the road works were initiated after local chiefs directly appealed to President John Mahama through Chief of Staff Julius Debrah during his visit to Akwatia.

“The request came from the chiefs, and government had no option but to respond,” he said. “On the day the Chief of Staff introduced me to the chiefs, they demanded urgent interventions in their communities. That is what prompted the work, not politics.”

He emphasised that the timing was coincidental, noting that construction is still ongoing even after the by-election, which he said proves it was not an electoral gimmick.

“As we speak, the roads are still being worked on, even though the election is over. That should tell you it wasn’t just for votes,” Mr. Baidoo added.

The Akwatia by-election followed the passing of the constituency’s former NPP MP, Henry Boakye Yiadom. The contest was closely fought, with the NDC’s Baidoo securing a victory described by political analysts as a major boost for the governing party.

The NPP, however, accused the government of attempting to sway voters by rushing development projects, particularly road construction, in the run-up to the polls.

Certified results from the Electoral Commission (EC) showed that Baidoo secured 18,199 votes, defeating the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu, who polled 15,235. Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) finished third with 82 votes.

In total, 34,122 ballots were cast, of which 33,819 were valid and 303 rejected. Voting took place across 119 polling stations.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• Akwatia by-election outcome reflects NPP’s eight-year record – MP-Elect

• Akwatia road construction continues after by-election despite vote-buying claims

In an interview with journalists, the veteran lawmaker argued that development should align with political support.

“We will fix Akwatia roads, and we expect the people to reciprocate that support. I cannot say outright that the roads won’t be fixed if they vote for the NPP, but if I were the President, I wouldn’t have fixed the roads,” Dauda stated.

He reflected on the 2024 general election, noting that the presidential outcome was uncertain at the time. “Back then, we didn’t know who would win between Dr. Bawumia and President Mahama. In the end, the NDC secured over 180 seats, while the NPP had 88. Now, President Mahama is in charge, and he controls the resources of the state,” he said.

Dauda urged Akwatia residents to consider this reality when casting their votes, insisting that supporting the NDC is the surest path to development.

“If the people of Akwatia want development, they should know who is in charge. This is a special election, and it requires special thinking,” he added.

The Akwatia by-election, prompted by the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, has attracted intense attention, with both the NPP and NDC vying for the seat.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• “Akwatia by-election no apicki ama me” – NDC’s Bernard Baidoo [Video]

• Akwatia by-election: “We love money; we’re waiting to get paid to vote” – Some…

https://youtu.be/rRr4WB8b3e4

ALSO READ:

• Akwatia by-election: “We love money; we’re waiting to get paid to vote” – Some…

• Akwatia by-election: NPP Vice Chairman allegedly slapped amidst chaos

Watch the video below:

🚨 #AkwatiaByElection: “We’ve been trained this way. We love money!” — Some Akwatia constituents express displeasure over the lack of monetary favors due to heavy security presence. One said she’s waiting to be “paid” before voting.

📺 Live coverage: https://t.co/EaCzyMSIMA… pic.twitter.com/HAZoDWvBuF

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) September 2, 2025

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• Development, not emotions, will decide Akwatia by-election – Dr. Kevor

• Akwatia by-election: We seek peace but… – Frimpong Kodua

Tensions flared on Tuesday morning in the Akwatia constituency during the ongoing by-election.

Adom FM/TV’s Chief Jerry Forson reported that disturbances broke out after a group believed to be New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters stormed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) office and pulled down posters of the party’s candidate, Bernard Bediako Baidoo.

Eyewitnesses claimed the men acted in a coordinated manner and alleged they were members of a security detail linked to the convoy of Effutu MP and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Despite heavy police deployment, security personnel struggled to immediately contain the situation. Mr. Afenyo-Markin is yet to officially comment on the incident.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, on July 7, 2025. Voters are choosing between the NPP’s Solomon Asumadu and the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo in what has become a keenly contested two-horse race.

Police have since stepped up visibility across the constituency, mounting checkpoints at strategic locations to prevent further escalation.

Source: Adomonline

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Ayikoi Otoo said the committee failed to take into account the travel policy that was tendered as part of her defence.

According to him, Justice Torkornoo did nothing wrong by requesting to go on a regular vacation in line with her entitlements.

“When these entitlements come, it is not for you to determine anything. You are just to determine whether you want to travel. So when you tell them that I intend to take my vacation in Arusha, Tanzania, then the officers will work on whatever is your entitlement and bring it to you. This is nothing new,” he explained, stressing that the Chief Justice did not allocate allowances herself but relied on established procedures.

Mr. Otoo further argued that the committee ignored long-standing practice, noting that previous Chief Justices had travelled with a person of their choice when they had no spouse.

“There is a travel policy of the judiciary, but they never referred to it. And that travel policy, the committee didn’t refer to it, although we tendered it. She’s entitled to travel with one person of her own choice, and she chose to do this,” he said.

Dismissing claims of misappropriation, the former Attorney General insisted that Justice Torkornoo merely received what she was due under the conditions of service.

“What wrong did the Chief Justice commit? Was she the one who asked that she should be given travel expenses? Is she not entitled to the travel expenses? … Assuming it was wrongly given to you, is that not why you have an audit? Is it not the case for auditors to say that we think you should be surcharged with a certain amount which you took unlawfully? Is it a ground for removal?” he questioned.

Mr. Otoo also stressed that responsibility for financial authorisations rested with the Judicial Secretary as the spending officer, not the Chief Justice.

Expressing his disappointment in the committee’s work, he singled out former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo.

“I’m surprised Domelevo was on it. He sat through it. He heard us. We made presentations to him. And he, in the midst of all this, in the face of all this, comes out to say that she has misappropriated money. Which money?” he asked.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

ALSO READ:

• Committee probing Chief Justice’s suspension adjourns second petition hearing

• Mahama presented with committee report on suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo petitions

The presidential spokesperson during the Kufuor era pointed to his unique political journey that spans the country’s military era, democratic transition, and the technological age.

“I am lucky enough to have transitioned the changes in politics in this country from the military era through the civilian transition to now, and also the technological advances.

“I see myself as a bridge, because I’m old enough to have seen what happened in 1980 through 1992 to the handover in 2001 and to now, where a lot of things are happening that our fathers never could have dreamed of. If they woke up today, they would be shocked by the world that we are living in,” he said on Joy News’ PM Express.

Mr Agyepong argued that the roots of the New Patriotic Party were anchored in values forged during some of the country’s toughest periods.

“It’s important that those values that really anchored the formation of our political party. It is a political party that was formed at a time of extreme difficulty in this country.

“It needed men of courage, dedication, you know, values, principles, sacrifice and selflessness, to be able to even identify yourself with this political tradition.”

He stressed that democracy must be protected despite its challenges.

“We have to acknowledge that the dividend, the economic dividend that we’re expecting from democracy, hasn’t really yielded what we were expecting. That’s a fact, and therefore it’s created a new population that is disillusioned, angry, and that is justified.

“We understand that, but it is also important for them to understand that democracy is so much better than autocracy or military dictatorship, and it took the sweat, the toil, the blood and tears of many well-meaning Ghanaians to get us this far.”

He cautioned against political deception.

“It’s important, because we have to do things for the interest of the larger community, not for ourselves. I believe politics is not about ourselves. It’s about the larger good. The centrality of it is the welfare of the ordinary person, especially the underprivileged.”

The NPP flagbearer hopeful also reflected on his upbringing and values.

“I was brought up as a staunch Methodist, and I believe in that. And I mean those days we were brought up to respect our elders. It doesn’t mean that you cannot disagree with your elder, but in a respectful manner.”

He warned that Ghana’s challenges go beyond politics and the economy.

“So it’s not only economic problems we face or political problems, a lot of social problems that we are not dealing with as a country, and that goes to the core of our nation and is eating at us gradually.

“And there’s been a population explosion. Right now, we are heading towards 35 million, and so that has increased drastically over the last 10–15 years.

“The infrastructure that we have and the nation hasn’t expanded too much to be able to assimilate and contain all these teeming youth, and it’s come with it, an army of disappointed and disillusioned youngsters that we’ve got to find a way. And I feel if we are not careful, we’ll be sitting on a time bomb.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

ALSO READ:

• I’m NPP’s best bet for 2028 – Kwabena Agyepong 

• Kwabena Agyepong slams Prof Frimpong-Boateng over NPP

At the Forces Senior High Technical School in Burma Camp, an invigilator was caught with a mobile phone containing examination questions.

JoyNews’ Adobea Asare reported that the matter came to light after Dr. Wilson’s attention was drawn to the invigilator, who was observed to be improperly dressed—already a breach of examination protocols.

Upon further interrogation, the phone was found to contain questions for subjects including Picture Making and Oral English.

The incident highlights a recurring challenge for Ghana’s education sector, where exam malpractice continues to undermine the credibility of the WASSCE certificate. A 2024 Africa Education Watch report noted that exam fraud remains a significant threat to academic integrity and the quality of graduates entering tertiary institutions.

The first core paper, Social Studies, is scheduled for today.

According to WAEC regulations, invigilators and supervisors are strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phones or unauthorised materials into examination halls. Such breaches are considered criminal under the WAEC Act.

Following the discovery, WAEC officials immediately confiscated the invigilator’s phone for further investigation. The individual has also been instructed to submit a detailed written report explaining the presence of the phone and the exam questions.

A full-scale investigation is expected to trace the source of the questions and uncover whether the invigilator is linked to a wider syndicate.

The school’s administration has been tasked to cooperate with WAEC and relevant authorities to ensure transparency in the process.

WAEC reiterated its commitment to collaborate with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute individuals engaged in exam fraud.

“This incident is a reminder of the continuous battle against examination malpractice, which threatens not only the academic standards of the country but also the future of hardworking students,” WAEC stated.

ALSO READ:

• ‘Learn, believe, focus, and excel’ – Dr. Adutwum to 2025 WASSCE candidates

• 2025 WASSCE: “Handkerchiefs won’t write the exam for you” – Dr. Adutwum cautions candidates…

According to him, he expected the 2024 New Patriotic Party(NPP) Presidential Candidate to resign from the party as a result of the setbacks suffered.

However, speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime following the latest Global Info Analytics poll, which shows Dr. Bawumia commanding 52 per cent support in the 2026 NPP presidential primaries, Dr. Asah-Asante said his qualities remain undeniable despite political attacks.

“I have no doubt in my mind that he is a great leader. People say all manner of negative things about him because of politics, but I beg to differ. He is solid and knows his stuff,” he stated.

Dr. Asah-Asante explained that Bawumia’s early record as head of the Economic Management Team won him public praise in the first term of the Akufo-Addo government.

However, he noted that in the second term, when the economy faltered, the burdens of government weighed heavily on him, particularly because of his prominent role.

“He was caught in a certain quagmire within Akufo-Addo’s administration. He lacked the courage to step out, so the burdens of government continued to rub off him simply because of the position he held. In the first tenure, he worked well and took the credit, but in the second there was a dip, a serious one. I was expecting him to resign,” he said.

Despite this, Dr. Asah-Asante maintained that the Vice President is “a fine gentleman” and has what it takes to lead the NPP, though the economic downturn remains a blot on his political record.

The survey shows Dr. Bawumia commanding 52% support among NPP delegates ahead of the party’s presidential primaries, giving him a decisive edge over his rivals.

His closest challenger, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, trails far behind with 17%. Other aspirants fared poorly, with Dr. Bryan Acheampong polling 3%, former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum 1%, and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong, Boakye Agyarko, and Addai Nimo each recording less than 1%.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• Bawumia opens commanding lead in NPP race with 52% support – Global Info Analytics…

• We support Bawumia because he is a unifier, experienced and not corrupt – NPP…

The charged crowd blocked sections of the road, staging wild motorbike displays while chanting “Free Shatta Wale” as EOCO officials continued deliberations with the musician’s legal team and management over bail conditions.

Many of the fans, who described the award-winning artiste as their “king,” vowed not to disperse until he is freed. “We will sleep here if we have to. Shatta must be freed,” some told Adom News.

Musician Bullet, who joined the gathering in solidarity, defended Shatta Wale’s flamboyant lifestyle, insisting it reflects the profitability of Ghana’s music industry. He also appealed to authorities to grant his colleague bail.

Adom News reporter Shine Acquah, who is stationed at the EOCO premises, reports that security has been heightened to control the growing crowd.

Shatta Wale’s current troubles with EOCO stem from investigations into tax issues. The artiste, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., was invited on Wednesday, August 20, to assist with ongoing probes.

His detention has, however, triggered a massive wave of support from his loyal fan base, the “Shatta Movement,” which has a history of rallying in defence of the star whenever he faces controversy.

Source: Adomonline

ALSO READ:

• EOCO grants Shatta Wale GH₵10m bail but…
• Shatta Wale’s fans storm EOCO to demand his release [Video]

Early visuals from the ceremony, exclusively captured by Adomonline.com, show scores of mourners already arriving at the palace to pay their respects.

The solemn ceremony is being conducted in accordance with traditional Asante customs, with chiefs, queen mothers, government officials, and members of the public expected to attend in mourning attire.

Nana Konadu Yiadom III, celebrated for her wisdom, compassion, and commitment to preserving Ashanti traditions, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 98.

More updates on the ceremony will be shared on this site as they become available.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• GJA commiserates with Asantehene and Asanteman on passing of Asantehemaa

• Kumasi Archbishop leads delegation to console Asantehene over Asantehemaa’s passing

In a rebuttal video, the legislator appeared calm and at ease, speaking from his bed as he addressed the allegations.

“There are people who ignore all the positive things I have been doing. Instead, they focus on spreading lies and wishing me ill,” he stated.

Mr. Frimpong also played a WhatsApp voice note allegedly from a female teacher in his constituency who seemed delighted by the false news of his supposed arrest — a reaction he described as deeply shocking.

Mr. Frimpong is an independent candidate serving his first term after winning the 2024 general elections.

He defeated New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP and lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi with a wide margin of 26,926 votes against the latter’s 8,933 votes.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• Ohene Frimpong receives special honour from late Kwadwo Baah Wiredu’s family

• Asante Akyem North MP speaks Twi in Parliament [Video]

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Public Relations Officer of the GES, Daniel Fenyi, stressed that the reform is a deliberate step to equip students with modern skills for the 21st century.

“The new curriculum has been necessitated by the need to adjust, change, and subtract to meet the changing demands of the market. Five years ago, there was nothing like ChatGPT and artificial intelligence, but now we have all of that, so we must integrate them into our education system to prepare our students,” he explained.

He further highlighted the importance of 21st-century skills such as communication, problem-solving, and information technology literacy, which he said are now indispensable in the world of work.

“Some years back, teachers were just feeding students with knowledge. But today, students can debate, argue, discuss, and even bring external materials into their studies. With this curriculum, knowledge is co-created to build their confidence for the industry,” Mr. Fenyi added.

The new SHS curriculum, developed under the Ministry of Education’s Pre-Tertiary Curriculum Reform Programme, seeks to replace the decade-old framework.

It emphasises critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy in line with global education standards.

Education experts have long argued that Ghana’s old syllabus focused heavily on rote learning and did not adequately prepare students for the evolving job market, especially in areas of science, technology, and innovation.

The curriculum reform therefore seeks to bridge this gap by making teaching and learning more interactive and industry-oriented.

Mr. Fenyi indicated that nationwide teacher training has been rolled out to ensure smooth implementation of the new curriculum beginning in the 2025/2026 academic year.

The new curriculum is designed to reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired during basic education while providing a diversified framework to cater to different aptitudes, abilities, interests, and skills.

It will also provide opportunities for further education and training and introduce students to a variety of relevant occupational skills necessary for national human resource development.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• NaCCA and GES to roll out new SHS curriculum

• Constitution must be added to educational curriculum from class one to SHS – Robert…

In the wake of the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, Mr. Afriyie Ankrah clarified that his office is not solely dedicated to processing prophecies.

Its broader mandate includes collaboration with international and local faith bodies, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and religious groups across Ghana.

According to the envoy, the majority of the submissions following the tragedy are unsubstantial.

“By and large, 70–80% is of no substance,” he said. Among the rest, only 2–5% may merit deeper investigation.

The directive prompting these submissions was issued on August 10 and encouraged church leaders to formally channel prophecies concerning national security, political leadership, or public stability to the envoy’s office for urgent review.

The aim was to differentiate genuine spiritual insight from fear-inducing speculation.

Explaining the process, Mr. Afriyie Ankrah emphasised that sensitive prophecies with potential security implications must be privately communicated, not shared publicly, for responsible handling.

The office has since established a WhatsApp platform and an email address for these submissions.

He added that the Bible itself encourages the testing of prophecies. “Testing means there is room for review … There’s a lot that is completely bogus … But there may be a few that have some substance,” he noted.

Responding to misconceptions, the envoy stated that the office, established two weeks prior, isn’t a “collector of prophecies,” as some erroneous reports suggested. “That’s why you saw all those memes,” he admitted, reiterating the office’s purpose in fostering unity and harmony among religious communities.

Highlighting religion’s role in Ghana’s social fabric, he pointed out that over 90% of the population belongs to a faith community, making interfaith engagement a vital component of governance and social cohesion.

Source: Myjoyonline

ALSO READ:

• Public prophecies must be delivered with wisdom – Pentecost Elder warns

• Our role goes beyond national prophecies evaluations – Presidential envoy

• Cardinal Turkson urges caution and discernment in interpreting prophecies

The pledge follows the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6 that killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers who were at the forefront of the anti-galamsey fight.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed the President’s new resolve to JoyNews journalist Blessed Sogah today (August 14), after signing a book of condolences for the victims.

The minister’s remarks signal a major shift in the government’s approach, which many view as a decisive response to a crisis that has spiralled into a national tragedy.

“I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed in this country,” Ablakwa stated. “President Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless campaign against Galamsey. He has not minced words at all.”

Mr Ablakwa’s comments shed light on an urgent mini-cabinet meeting held earlier in the day, where the President reportedly made his intentions clear.

“We had a brief cabinet meeting earlier today, and the president was very clear. There was no ambiguity that he would be leading a war that we have never seen to deal with this existential threat once and for all,” the minister added.

The late Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with six other public servants, died while on a mission to launch a community mining scheme, a key initiative to bring some illegal miners into a regulated framework.

Their deaths have galvanised the government to take a more aggressive stance.

The new campaign comes amid alarming data on the severe environmental and economic toll of illegal mining.

According to recent reports, over 19,000 hectares of cocoa farmland, a pillar of Ghana’s economy, have been destroyed by galamsey.

The use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide has polluted more than 60% of Ghana’s major water bodies, including the Pra and Ankobra rivers, raising fears that the nation may have to import water by 2030.

Past efforts by successive governments, including Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt, have often been met with limited success.

This new “ruthless” approach is expected to be a more comprehensive and sustained effort, targeting not just the miners but the powerful sponsors behind them.

Source: David Apinga

ALSO READ:

• Helicopter crash should inspire stronger fight against galamsey – Ofosu Ampofo

• Galamsey: We are not the problem – DCE rejects claims against MMDCEs [Audio]

• Heads must roll – Dr. Ashigbey says after attack on IGP’s anti-galamsey taskforce in Bonteso

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the Policy Advisor to the Vice President disclosed that the grief has been so intense that within just one week, he has lost five kilograms.

“I stood on a measuring scale on Wednesday and realised that just within a week, I had lost five kg. That is how badly the news of the victims has affected me,” he said.

According to him, the tragedy has hit particularly hard because he shared a close bond with most of the victims.

“I can’t even sleep. When I hear a dirge being played, my heart beats faster, and I begin to shake,” he recounted.

He revealed that after speaking to someone about his condition, he was advised to avoid television and radio to protect his mental health.

“The grief and pain from their death have taken a great toll on me, and I feel it deeply within,” he added.

The helicopter crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of eight people, including senior government officials and military personnel.

Following days of national mourning and wreath-laying ceremonies, a state burial will be held in their honour on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• Full funeral arrangements released for August 6 Adansi Akrufuom helicopter crash victims

• Deputy Majority Chief Whip clarifies comments on helicopter crash [Listen]

His comments follow the detention of two TikTokers allegedly linked to the NPP—Prince Ofori, popularly known as Fante Comedy, and Yayra Abiwu, also known as Akosua Jollof—in connection with a viral video containing threats against President John Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama.

In a related incident, NPP activist Daniel Adomako, popularly known as Sir Obama Pokuasi, was arrested for sharing a viral video showing people handling weapons.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Koduah contrasted these arrests with past incidents where political figures were recorded making inflammatory statements against former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia without facing any consequences.

ALSO READ:

• NPP apologises to Mahama, NDC over affiliated TikTok users’ remarks on helicopter crash

• Retired Air Force officer downplays severe weather as possible cause of helicopter crash

The aircraft, identified as 9G-AFW, made yet another forced landing on Monday in the Adansi Afuokrom District – the same area where a military helicopter crash killed eight people just six days ago.

This latest incident follows two others within the past week, one in Ajumako in the Central Region on August 6 and another in Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region on Sunday.

All three landings have been linked to poor weather.

According to GMet Chief Forecaster Felicity Ahafianyo, GMet is the only institution authorised to provide civil aviation stakeholders with official weather updates for safe operations.

Since the aircraft is not registered with the agency, she said it raises concerns about where it has been sourcing its weather data and whether that information is reliable enough to ensure flight safety.

“I understand the VRA Aviation… we don’t have any details on them. They don’t take the weather forecast from us. So where are they getting their information from?” she quizzed.

The development comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over aviation safety standards, following last week’s fatal military helicopter crash, which killed 8, including the Defence and Environment Ministers.

Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko 

ALSO READ:

• Helicopter makes emergency landing at Ajumako Kokoben [Video]

• Helicopter makes emergency landing again at Nkawkaw [Video] 

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he said, “This will be the first or second saddest day of my life. It shows the fragility of human life and is a reminder that we should always be prepared. What happened to them can happen to anybody.”

The MP lamented that while Akrofuom is working hard to gain recognition, this was not the kind of event that should put the district’s name in the headlines.

“Akrofuom is still trying to get our name to the top and become popular, but this wasn’t how we wanted to write our names in the history books,” he said solemnly.

According to him, he was preparing to join the Akrofuom DCE and Obuasi East MP, Patrick Boakye Yiadom, for the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme for illegal miners (NAELP) launch when he heard about the crash.

“I went to change my clothes, and then I got the call. I was really shaken, but at that time, I didn’t even know the victims were on their way to the same programme in Obuasi,” he recalled.

Mr. Azumah said he received several calls from people checking on him because of a rumour that he was on board with Interior Minister and Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.

“I was distressed and immediately called Muntaka. When he picked up, I thanked God. He was surprised and asked why. When I told him, he said he was supposed to be part of the trip, but an emergency came up,” he said.

He added, “It was at this point Muntaka told me that if the helicopter had indeed crashed, then it would be bad, and he informed me who the occupants were.”

The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong.

Also among the dead were three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Meanwhile, the remains of the eight victims have been retrieved from the crash site and sent to South Africa for DNA testing to assist with formal identification.

All flags are flying at half-mast as the nation continues to mourn the victims, with books of condolence opened.

A state burial has been scheduled for August 15, 2025.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• Helicopter crash: Why gov’t may have chosen South Africa for forensic examination – Expert…

• This is a national tragedy – Dr Bawumia pays tribute to helicopter crash victims

The solemn ceremony took place on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Koforidua-based all-boys SHS, with management and students in attendance.

They sang hymns and offered prayers for the departed soul.

Dr. Boamah was killed along with eight others in a ghastly helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

The Z-9 military helicopter was en route from Accra to Obuasi when the incident occurred.

Other victims included Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; as well as Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Armed Forces.

In June 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah returned as guest speaker for the 67th Anniversary celebration and Speech and Prize-Giving Day of his alma mater, 36 years after completing his sixth form education.

At the event, the former Communications Minister pledged to sponsor a Visual Arts student to study architecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The decision was made after the student sketched and presented a portrait of the minister in appreciation of his contributions toward the development of the school.

Source: Adomonline.com

ALSO READ:

• German Embassy commiserates with Ghana following helicopter crash

• May God comfort them – Mensah Otabil prays for families of helicopter crash victims

Speaking during Day Three of the 2025 Greater Works Conference at the ICGC Christ Temple East in Teshie, Pastor Otabil expressed grief over the sudden loss of the victims, including ministers of state, government officials, and military personnel, who he said had set out simply to perform their national duties.

“This morning, some very important Ghanaians lost their lives,” Pastor Otabil said.

“They woke up just to do their work, to go through their duty… but they went and sadly lost their lives. Today, there is crying and weeping in many homes.”

He led a solemn moment of intercession, calling on the congregation to pray for the wives, children, parents, and siblings of those who perished.

He stated that while the loss was a national tragedy, some families would bear the emotional scars for a lifetime.

“We pray for the peace of their families, pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

“This tragedy will be their story for so many years. And we pray that the God of all comfort would rest upon these homes.”

The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of key public servants, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohamme, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.

The Ghana Air Force personnel crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

ALSO READ:

• Cheddar mourns fallen ministers, 6 others in helicopter crash

• GAF airlifts remains of helicopter crash victims to Accra

A street in the town is named in his honour — Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Road — a testament to the pride the community felt for one of its most distinguished sons.

News of his passing has cast a shadow of grief across the town, with many describing him not only as a prominent statesman but also as a son of the land who never lost touch with his roots.

In an interview with Adom News’ Akwasi Dwamena, some residents expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

“When we heard that our father, Omane Boamah, had passed away, in fact, everybody was sad. It came to us as a shock because if we look at how he conducts himself and does his things, the residents of Obomeng have lost a great person,” one resident said.

Locals remembered him as approachable, humble, and committed to community development. They noted that he frequently returned to Obomeng to meet directly with residents, listen to their concerns, and share in their hopes.

“When he comes to the community, we meet with him one-on-one and chat with him,” another resident said. “So we were hopeful that whatever happens, he could help the Obomeng township.”

His close engagement with the youth stood out most. Many said the pain of his loss was even more intense because of the hope he gave them for future opportunities.

“He was someone who worked with the youth, so when we heard that he had passed away this afternoon, before God and man, we were very sad. Obomeng township has really lost a great person.”

An elderly woman also described Dr. Omane Boamah as a man who treated both the young and old with generosity and respect.

“Obomeng residents were thrilled because of how generous Dr. Omane Boamah was and how he conducted himself. The youth of this town would have gotten jobs because of him, but sadly, he’s gone,” she lamented.

“When he comes to the community, he’s free with everyone, especially the elderly. After the elections, we heard he would come and create employment for the youth of this town, but sadly, we didn’t hear good news.”

“It’s very sad. The whole community is silent because a great man has fallen. We are very sad,” she added.

Dr. Boamah and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Other victims included:

• Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed

• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

Three military personnel also lost their lives:

• Squadron Leader Peter Anala

• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo

They were en route to Obuasi on a national assignment.

Source: Adomonline.com / 

ALSO READ:

• Vice President leads delegation to mourn helicopter crash victims

• The 8 lives lost in the military helicopter crash [Photos]

The government has confirmed the deaths of eight individuals in the military helicopter crash that occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Among the deceased are Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced the tragic news at a press conference and directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.

He also extended the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and the nation.

Here is footage from the constituency of Murtala Mohammed who is MP for the area.

Source: Myjoyonline

ALSO READ:

• Ghanaians mourn victims of military helicopter crash

• Moment Lands Minister heard about helicopter crash [Video]

Speaking to JoyNews, the eyewitness said he heard a loud explosion from the forest and drew the attention of nearby residents.

He said locating the wreckage on Wednesday was made difficult by dense foliage and the severity of the blaze, which left the aircraft burned beyond recognition.

Among the deceased are Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, at a press conference in Accra, announced the tragic news at a press conference and directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.

Other victims include Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament; and Samuel Sarpong, a Vice Chairman of the NDC.

The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

As the eyewitness account highlights, finding the aircraft amid the chaos and devastation was a daunting task for responders and local residents.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

ALSO READ:

• Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed killed in Adansi Akrofuom helicopter crash

• The 8 lives lost in the military helicopter crash [Photos]

The Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems will allow security agencies to collect and process passenger information before arrival or departure, enabling them to identify potential threats early.

It is expected to enhance national security, speed up immigration and customs procedures, and improve the overall efficiency of air travel.

Speaking at the commissioning of the new system and the inauguration of a new Air Navigation Services building, President John Mahama directed the Ministers for Transport, Interior, and Foreign Affairs to work together to expand the API and PNR systems nationwide as part of efforts to fast-track e-visa implementation.

Presidential Affairs correspondent Maxwell Agbagba has more in this report:

Source: Myjoyonline.com

ALSO READ:

• Full story: SML disguised at Kotoka International Airport

• Former MIIF CEO stopped at Airport over unauthorised travel attempt while on OSP bail

Seidu Bukari was shot dead in the early hours of Friday, August 1, 2025, at the residence of the NPP Chairman in James Town, Techiman.

Police confirmed the incident, stating that Seidu was a suspect in a robbery attempt and was shot while trying to scale a wall to escape arrest. They further alleged he was part of a known robbery gang operating in the area.

But in an interview with Adom News, the family’s spokesperson, Alhaji Issah Mahmoud Ali, dismissed the police narrative and demanded a more credible explanation.

“We reject the rumours and alleged police reports suggesting our brother was caught scaling a wall during a robbery attempt. The police must come up with a better story to explain why he was killed,” Alhaji Ali stated.

He insisted Seidu had no history of robbery or criminal activity.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Techiman, Adjei Mensah, who visited the family to offer his condolences, assured them that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has deployed a special team from the CID Headquarters, the Police Professional Standards Bureau, and the Police Intelligence Directorate to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

Source: Daniel Wiafe Akenten

ALSO READ:

• NPP Chairman’s brother shot dead during robbery in his home

• Police arrest ex-convict over armed robbery, carjacking incident

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Ms. Pratt stated that she was personally hearing about the incident for the first time during the show.

“I’m just getting to hear about the accident that claimed the lives of 16 Obogu Saviour Church youth. I’m hearing it for the first time. It would have been nice if someone alerted me,” she said.

She emphasized that the Vice President takes matters of national tragedy seriously and would have issued a statement had she been informed earlier.

“Does anyone think our mother wouldn’t have commented on the tragedy if she had heard? What would have gone wrong if someone had drawn our attention? It would have helped if someone drew our attention,” she stressed.

Ms. Pratt underlined the need for collaboration in governance, urging Ghanaians to ensure that important information reaches the appropriate authorities.

“If Ghana goes well, it is for the good of all of us; if it destroys too, same. We must be interconnected and own the country. Governance is for all of us, and we need to get it right.”

Taking personal responsibility, she added, “I take personal responsibility for the shortfall and not blame the Vice President. I wish I had 6,000 ears to hear everything that happens in all 16 regions in Ghana. But unfortunately, I am limited as a human being.”

The devastating crash occurred around 3 p.m. on Monday, when a tyre on a fuel tanker reportedly burst as it headed toward Accra. The tanker veered off its lane and collided head-on with a Ford Transit bus carrying members of the Obogu Saviour Church Youth Ministry.

Eyewitnesses said the impact was so severe that many passengers died instantly. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

The victims were laid to rest in a mass burial on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

ALSO READ:

• Sad scenes as 16 Obogu Saviour Church Youth killed in accident are laid to…

• Victims of accident involving Obogu Saviour Church Youth Ministry [Photos]