According to a wanted notice issued by the Service, Kyeremeh is serving a five-year prison sentence for unlawful entry and stealing.

He is described as a fair-complexioned and slim-built male.

The Service is appealing to the public to assist in locating and recapturing him.

Anyone who spots Kyeremeh or has information about his whereabouts has been urged to report immediately to the nearest police station or prison establishment.

The public can also contact the Ghana Prisons Service on 0506232978.

The Service has cautioned members of the public against approaching him themselves and encouraged anyone with information on his whereabouts to report to the appropriate authorities.

Also read:

• Prison escapee fined GH¢1,200

• Prisons Service reacts after its officers aided a Chinese prisoner’s escape

Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional executive elections at Jubilee Park on Saturday, August 15, Mr Adom-Otchere questioned the decision to pull down structures, including schools and a bank, to construct 24-hour markets.

He said the demolitions were creating frustration among some residents, particularly in the Ashanti Region.

According to him, the government’s decision to link the 24-hour economy initiative largely to markets does not reflect the broader concept outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto.

“People’s buildings have been broken down and they break your building, whether it’s a bank, whether it’s a school, and they tell you we are building a 24-hour market,” he said.

Mr Adom-Otchere argued that markets have existed in Ghana for generations and questioned why existing structures should be demolished to establish new ones.

He cited the Asafo, Adum, Kejetia and Makola markets as examples of long-established trading centres.

“Ghana has had markets for 180 years. Asafo Market is older than Ghana’s independence. Adum Market, Kejetia Market and Makola Market are older than Ghana’s independence. We’ve already had markets,” he stated.

He further questioned the rationale for demolishing functioning facilities in the name of constructing markets.

“Suddenly government comes and says I’m doing a 24-hour economy and it’s anchored on markets. Okay, go ahead with your markets. No, I break your school building and I do markets. I break your bank and I do markets,” he added.

Mr Adom-Otchere also claimed that the demolitions and the conduct of some government officials were contributing to growing dissatisfaction with the government.

His comments come as the government advances its 24-hour economy agenda, which it says is aimed at increasing economic activity, creating jobs and improving productivity.

Mr Adom-Otchere said voters, particularly in the Ashanti Region, were closely monitoring developments and that the issue could have political implications for the governing NDC.

Delegates are voting to elect executives to various positions, including Regional Chairman, First and Second Vice Chairpersons, Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Women’s Organiser, Youth Organiser, Communications Officer and Nasara Organiser.

While voting has ended in some regions, sorting, counting and collation of ballots are still underway in several others.

The emerging results are expected to determine the new leadership teams that will oversee the party’s regional affairs and coordinate its grassroots activities.

The elections form part of the NPP’s broader internal reorganisation following its performance in the 2024 general elections, as the party seeks to rebuild its structures and prepare for the 2028 polls.

Final results are expected to be announced after the completion of sorting, counting and collation in the various regions.

Below are the provisional results obtained by Adomonline.com:

Central region
Chairman
1- Percy Dennis 161
2- Joseph Esibu 278 – Winner

1st Vice Chairman
1- K K Bondzi 167
2- Kojo Halm 271 – Winner
2-Evans Addison

2nd vice Chairman
1- Betty Adwoa Nyantakyiwaa 97
2- Meshack Kweku Amoafo 220 – Winner
3- Samuel Ghartey 120

Secretary
1- Takyi Mensah 283 – winner
2- Armstrong Esaah 157

Assistance Secretary
1- Eunice Darkor 178
2- Charles Odoom 262 – Winner

Organiser
1- Anthony Sackey 333 – Winner
2- Anthony Appiah 72
3- Ken Quansah 33

Treasurer
1- Mustapha Mohammed 196
2- Francis Asare 244 – Winner

Youth Organiser
1- Lawrence Edutuah Essiaw – 131
2- Odeneho Kwakye Appiah – 189 – Winner
3- David Essandoh 118

Communication
1- Agyeman Asiedu 233 – Winner
2- Isaac Mensah 188
3- Noah Osei Assenso 85

Women
Charlotte Adwo Antwi 302 – Winner
Carolyn Aboagye 136

Nasara Organiser
1- King Dgagada 207 – Winner
2- Semila Kabore 161
3- Abubakar Osman 70

BONO REGION.

CHAIRMAN:

1. KWAME BAFFOE ABRONYE-201 – Winner
2. ⁠JOSEPH MENSAH-31
3. ⁠YAW AFFUL-44
4. ⁠AFARI GYAN-0
5. ⁠KWABENA OPPONG-0

1st VICE:

1. KATE AMPONSAH AGYARE-252 – WInner
2. ⁠PETER BOAMPONG ASOMAH-29

2nd VICE:

1. KWADWO AGYEKUM-68
2. ⁠ISSA ISSAKA-89
3. ⁠KWAKU ANTWI AGYEI-123 – Winner

SECRETARY:

1. KOFI OFOSU BOATENG-187 – Winner
2. ⁠ASARE BAFFOUR EBENEZER-93

DEPUTY SECRETARY:

1. RANDY ASHRAF ISSAHAKU-145 – Winner
2. ⁠STEPHEN OPUNI-135
   Rejected 1

WOMEN’S ORGANIZER:

1. DORIS ASOMAH-139
2. ⁠SAMIRA SULLEY-142 – Winner

YOUTH ORGANIZER:

1. JOEFFREY KWARTENG BROBBEY-58
2. ⁠SHADRACH ABREFAH MENSAH-92
3. ⁠ALHAJI BABA SUWARI-29
4. ⁠DAUDA IBRAHIM BAMBA-102 – Winner

NASARA ORGANIZER:

1. FAISAL OSMAN MOHAMMED-177 – Winner
2. ⁠WAHAB BASHIRU-101
   Rejected-2

TREASURER:

1. HENRY OSEI-124
2. ⁠KASSIM SIAKA-25
3. ⁠VERONICA TUFFOUR-131 – Winner

ORGANIZER:

1. ABDUL RAZAK OPPONG-229 – Winner
2. ⁠DARLINGTON BILL BOAMPONG-52

COMMUNICATIONS:

1. FAHD OSMAN-170 – Winner
2. ⁠ABUBAKARI YAKUBU-111

Upper East Regional NPP Election Results 

Chairperson position 

1. Elvis Figo Awonekai = 177 
2. Osman Konkonba = 1 
3. Patrick Ayaaba = 13 
4. Dr. Moses Kwabena Atinga = 123 
5. Filson Kweku Awankuah = 18 

1st Vice chairperson 

1. Ayamba Georgina = 241 
2. Isaac Adawele Atasige = 67 
3. Asumda Janet Lamisi = 23 

Secretary 

1. Daniel Ayine = 181 
2. Daniel Kwame Gariba = 151 

Deputy Secretary 

1. Naoh Thomas Yaab = 107 
2. Aputara Akasoba Jeremiah = 56 
3. Samuel Asambillah Akaamah = 55 
4. Anaane Johnson Ayikene = 114 

Women Organiser 

1. Abingde Evelyn = 91 
2. Margaret Akagwire = 48 
3. Ophelia Philomena Aovare = 51 
4. Asaaba Fatima = 142 

Organizer 

1. Mark Ayamga Asampanbila = 73 
2. Listowell Adaazi Azongbila = 106 
3. Bombande Edmond = 153 

Communications Officer 

1. Apasinaba Ayine Johnson Austine = 67 
2. Dr. Samuel Akonga = 158 
3. Ayinbisa Peter Ayamga = 107 

Treasurer 

1. Anaba Isaac Hakeem = 32 
2. Inusah Sally = 94 
3. Dr. Daniel Ziba = 206 

Nasara Coordinator

1. Adamu Masaud = 28 
2. Seidu Abass Ustarz = 107 
3. Musah Delwinde Sally = 196

BONO EAST RESULTS

CHAIRMAN

1: Ibrahim Bukari Baba 180
2: Thomas Adu Appiah 73
Rejected 1

1st Vice
1: ALHAJI Ibrahim Mohammed 92
2: Peter Koranteng 10
3: Alexander Gyan 149
Reject ballot 1

2nd vice
1: Baba Abdallah Baba 122
2: Amofa Atta Kofi 132

Secretary
1: David Boakye 181
2: Peter Mensah 70
Rejected 2

Assistant secretary
1: Mahama Seidu Liman 178
2: Boateng Ebenezer 76

Organizer
1: Musah Sulemana

Youth Organizer
1: Charlse Addo 126
2: Mohammed Bello 128

Women organizer
1: Sophia Afriyie Danso 161
2: Akosua Kuffour – 91

Nasara
1: Ahaji Jibrill Abubakar 178
2: Alhaji Adamu Mohammed 75

Treasurer
1: Gloria Awua Mullen 51
2: Tadi Banyo Charles 67
3: Charity Saab Adjei 102
4: Boahemaa Martha 32

Communication officer
1: Kofi Ohene Sakyi 114
2: Owusu Agyei Ebenezer 117
3: Ansu Seidu 23

Eastern Region

Chairman

1. Jeff Kunadu Addo 405
2. Albert Kwadwo Agyeman 292

1st vice

1. Twum Barima Boranteng 460
2. Agyekum Kofi Okyere 235

Organizer

1. Jerry Osei Poku 395
2. Adamu Musah Raha 299

Rejected 3

Secretary

1. Tony Osei Adjei 552
2. Barima Awua Sarpong Asiedu Larbi 144

Treasurer

1. William Amankra 231
2. Atta Senior Ofori Emmanuel 211
3. Alfred Nkwa Aboagye 232
4. Sena Debrah Anthony 23

Women’s organizer

1. Mercy Amo Darkoah 240
2. Fati Vondolie 193
3. Regina Bempong 264

Deputy secretary.

1. Nana Yaw Papin 207
2. Sylvanus Mintah Boateng 152
3. Felix Osafo Marfo 338

Youth organizer

1. Samuel Osei Sarkodie 350
2. Louis Appiah 33
3. Nana Kwaku Amoako 313

Nasara organizer

1. Hussein Fadilu Fafana 377
2. Iddrisu Daroo Alhassan 14
3. Khalil Abdallah Saleh 291
4. Yusif Yonah Ahmedabad 15

Greater Accra
Chairman

1. Bernard Okoe Boye = 488 √ Winner
2. Alfred Boye = 173

Women’s Organizer

1. Marie Timitey
2. Grace Pobi
3. Naomi Akosua Owusu = 227 √ Winner
4. Perpetual Asante = 226
5. Dugbakey Sarah Pobee

Regional 1st Vice Chairman

1. Raheal Tutu= 243
2. Emmanuel King Affotey= 12
3. Joana Frances Ada = 405 √ Winner

2nd Vice Chairman

1. Prince Obeng = 453
2. Kofi Oforie = 155
3. Peter Henry Vanderpuije = 51

Regional Organizer

1. Moses Abor = 464 √ Winner
2. Collins Kofi Asante = 34
3. Emmanuel Anim Austin = 153

Youth Organizer

1. Benjamin Nargeh = 296 √
2. Kwame Bekwei = 102
3. Mandela Wiafe Edward = 259

Regional Secretary

1. Daniel Parker = 350 √ Winner
2. Emmanuel Clottey = 314

Deputy Secretary

1. Gideon Ampim Sakyi = 209 √ Winner
2. Baba Seidu Issaka = 207
3. Albert Nii Kraku = 35
4. Shaibu Abdullai = 33
5. Charles Oteng = 173

Communication

1. Abdula-Rahama Zabo Adam = 239
2. Isaac Oheneba Danso = 88
3. George Asafo Adjei = 68
4. Solomon Asante = 265 √ Winner

Treasurer

1. Michael Danquah = 265 √ Winner
2. Kofi Twum Boafo = 155
3. David Laryea = 17
4. Francesca Ayorkor = 222

The national championship begins on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with the preliminary stage featuring 49 contests involving three schools in each contest.

The five-day preliminary stage will run from Thursday, August 20 to Monday, August 24, as participating schools compete for places in the One-Eighth Stage.

With 49 contests scheduled, there will be little room for error as schools seek to secure their places in the next round of the competition.

The preliminary stage marks the beginning of the journey towards the NSMQ national title, with participating schools expected to test their knowledge and speed across science and mathematics-related questions.

For the contestants, however, the competition represents more than simply answering questions correctly. It is an opportunity to defend their schools’ reputations, build on past performances, and create a place for themselves in the history of Ghana’s academic competition.

A total of 174 schools are expected to compete at the national championship stage this year.

However, 27 schools have already secured automatic qualification to the One-Eighth Stage, leaving 147 schools to battle it out during the preliminary contests for the remaining qualification slots.

The preliminary stage will therefore determine which schools join the seeded teams in the next phase of the competition as the race for the 2026 NSMQ championship gathers momentum.

The 49 preliminary contests are:

Abronye secured 201 votes to defeat four other contenders in the regional executive elections held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

His victory gives him another mandate to lead the party’s regional structures, coordinate its activities and work with constituency executives to strengthen the NPP’s grassroots base ahead of the 2028 general elections.

As Regional Chairman, Abronye will be responsible for coordinating constituency activities, mobilising party supporters and helping implement decisions of the national leadership.

His re-election follows months of political activity and public engagements as the NPP undertakes its internal reorganisation across the country.

In other results, Kofi Ofosu Boateng won the Regional Secretary position with 187 votes.

Abdul Razak Oppong also emerged victorious in the Regional Organiser contest after polling 229 votes.

The newly elected executives are expected to take charge of the NPP’s affairs in the Bono East Region as the party works to rebuild its structures and strengthen its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2028 elections.

Below is the full results

BONO REGION NPP ASPIRANTS.

CHAIRMAN
1. KWAME BAFFOE ABRONYE-201
2. ⁠JOSEPH MENSAH-31
3. ⁠YAW AFFUL-44
4. ⁠AFARI GYAN-0
5. ⁠KWABENA OPPONG-0

1st VICE
1. KATE AMPONSAH AGYARE-252
2. ⁠PETER BOAMPONG ASOMAH-29

2nd VICE
1. KWADWO AGYEKUM-68
2. ⁠ISSA ISSAKA-89
3. ⁠KWAKU ANTWI AGYEI-123

SECRETARY
1. KOFI OFOSU BOATENG-187
2. ⁠ASARE BAFFOUR EBENEZER-93

DEPUTY SECRETARY
1. RANDY ASHRAF ISSAHAKU-145
2. ⁠STEPHEN OPUNI-135
Rejected 1

WOMEN’S ORGANIZER
1. DORIS ASOMAH-139
2. ⁠SAMIRA SULLEY-142

YOUTH ORGANIZER
1. JOEFFREY KWARTENG BROBBEY-58
2. ⁠SHADRACH ABREFAH MENSAH-92
3. ⁠ALHAJI BABA SUWARI-29
4. ⁠DAUDA IBRAHIM BAMBA-102

NASARA ORGANIZER
1. FAISAL OSMAN MOHAMMED-177
2. ⁠WAHAB BASHIRU-101
Rejected-2

TREASURER
1. HENRY OSEI-124
2. ⁠KASSIM SIAKA-25
3. ⁠VERONICA TUFFOUR-131

ORGANIZER
1. ABDUL RAZAK OPPONG-229
2. ⁠DARLINGTON BILL BOAMPONG-52

COMMUNICATIONS
1. FAHD OSMAN-170
2. ⁠ABUBAKARI YAKUBU-111

COKA secured 663 votes to beat his sole contender, former Bantama Member of Parliament, Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, who obtained 269 votes.

The results were announced after voting and the collation of ballots at the Ashanti Regional NPP executive elections.

COKA, a former Afigya Sekyere South Constituency Chairman, will now take charge of the party’s regional administration as the NPP seeks to strengthen its grassroots structures and reorganise ahead of the 2028 general elections.

His victory ends the closely watched two-horse contest between the two candidates.

The Ashanti Region, considered a major stronghold of the NPP, is expected to play a significant role in the party’s efforts to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Also read:

• I will lead Ashanti with less speeches and more work – COKA optimistic of…

• Coka urges female journalists to promote peace and national cohesion

The traders questioned the decision to invest in a new market when the current facility, which accommodates hundreds of traders, could instead be renovated and upgraded.

Speaking to Adom News, some of the traders noted that the existing Adenta Market was constructed by the government through the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

They argued that the facility continues to serve traders and residents in the area and therefore needs improvement rather than replacement.

The traders appealed to the government to reconsider the new project and channel resources into upgrading the existing market to create a better and more conducive trading environment.

They also called for meaningful consultations with traders and other stakeholders before any decision is taken on the proposed 24-hour market.

According to them, engaging the affected traders would help address their concerns and ensure that the existing facility is not left to deteriorate.

The proposed project has therefore raised questions among traders about the future of the current Adenta Market and whether the new facility is intended to complement or eventually replace it.

KFC GH¢15 promo causes massive queues nationwide

Apologise to Okyeman or face our wrath – Nananoom to Akyemansa DCE

In a Facebook post on Saturday, August 15, Mr Ablakwa said he made a working visit to the Passport head office to congratulate management and staff on the recognition and commend them for their performance.

He said the government would reward passport administration staff with a special bonus next week in recognition of their work.

“I announced that all passport administration staff will receive a special bonus next week for their impressive output as highlighted by the GSS survey,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said the recognition was evidence of the impact of ongoing reforms within the passport administration and pledged to maintain the changes aimed at improving service delivery.

“We shall continue with our radical reforms driven by integrity, professionalism, innovation, client satisfaction and excellence,” he said.

Highlighting what he described as the achievements of the passport reforms, the Minister said Ghana now has one of the most advanced and secure chip-embedded passports in the world.

He said Ghanaian passports are also now considered among the most valuable on the African continent, with premium visa waiver status that has improved their value to holders.

According to Mr Ablakwa, the passport administration has also cleared all application backlogs following the introduction of 24-hour operations.

He said applicants can now receive their passports within a few working days, with processing taking less than 15 days in many cases, without the involvement of middlemen or so-called “goro boys”.

The Minister said the cost of obtaining a passport had also been reduced by 30 per cent to make the service more affordable to Ghanaians.

He added that courier services had been introduced to improve convenience and allow passports to be delivered quickly to applicants at no additional cost.

Mr Ablakwa further said same-day passport processing was now possible under the reforms, while a digital tracking system had been introduced to allow applicants to monitor the progress of their applications.

He said enhanced security protocols had also been put in place to prevent foreigners from illegally acquiring Ghanaian passports.

Another major development, he said, was the establishment of Passport Application Centres in all 16 regions of Ghana for the first time.

Mr Ablakwa said the reforms formed part of a broader effort to transform the Passport Administration into a more efficient, secure and customer-focused public service.

He said the government would continue to pursue reforms centred on integrity, professionalism, innovation and client satisfaction as it seeks to improve the experience of Ghanaians applying for passports.

The rush occurred on Saturday, August 15, as the fast-food chain marked 15 years of operations in Ghana with a special meal deal.

Scenes at KFC kasoa branch 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/wIAPgv7cYq

— Ray-Ankrah (@RayAnkrah0) August 15, 2026

The promotion offers customers one piece of chicken, tenders and small chips for GH¢15, drawing unusually large numbers to outlets in different parts of the country.

Students fight their way into KFC resulting into casualties.📍KNUST KFC pic.twitter.com/JDyqtiUYmB

— Nana👻🖤 (@theylikenk) August 15, 2026

Some customers reportedly arrived at KFC branches as early as 7:00 a.m. in an effort to beat the crowds and secure the discounted meal.

Videos shared on social media showed lengthy queues and congested scenes at some branches, with customers waiting for extended periods to access the promotion.

Alajo branch 🤣
GHC 15 KFC
#KFCGhanaAt15 pic.twitter.com/1XjsDgsK5E

— Steven.Ofori🇬🇭 (@KofiKing_ll) August 14, 2026

At some outlets, security personnel were seen attempting to manage the crowds and disperse customers as the situation became increasingly congested.

You break glass because of GHC 15 👀 https://t.co/ud9dkbzEZo pic.twitter.com/vRSOkjksXR

— 𝕏 Ghana 🇬🇭 (@xghana_) August 15, 2026

The heavy turnout highlights the strong public interest in the anniversary offer as KFC Ghana celebrates 15 years of serving customers in the country.

🍗 GH¢15 KFC DEAL: Customers started lining up as early as 6:00AM!

KFC Ghana is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and Ghanaians are already out early to grab the anniversary deal🔥😂#KFCGhana #KFC15 #Ghana #Trending Black Sherif Wizkid "Azigi" Julian Alvarez Omar ghc 15 pic.twitter.com/fWN2Ewj1iv

— Gezghana.com (@gezghana) August 15, 2026

The company has introduced the special deal as part of activities marking the milestone anniversary.

1 pc chicken for GHC 15? See the queue; are the youths so broke?
Too bad Charlie pic.twitter.com/HlIVOrguJE

— Pressure🔂 (@No_Pressure10) August 15, 2026

GNFS firefighters battle house fire at Labadi Wireless

Apologise to Okyeman or face our wrath – Nananoom to Akyemansa…

Fire officers from the Trade Fair, Ministries and Accra City fire stations responded to the incident and managed to contain the blaze.

The teams are currently conducting overhaul and salvage operations at the scene to prevent any possible re-ignition and assess the extent of damage.

The cause of the fire and the extent of property destroyed are yet to be established.

NPP regional elections: Sorting, counting underway as voting continues in Greater…

The Council accused the DCE of interfering in the Etwereso chieftaincy dispute by allegedly recognising and elevating the Etweresohene, Ofosu Kwabi, to paramountcy status.

In a letter dated August 12, 2026, and signed by the State Secretary, D.M. Ofori-Atta, the Council directed the DCE to immediately withdraw a July 7, 2026 letter which it said purported to confer paramountcy status on the Etwereso Stool.

The Council said it had taken note of the DCE’s actions and demanded an apology, warning that failure to comply would lead to the escalation of the matter to the appropriate authorities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has not appointed any person as Regent for the Etwereso Stool. The purported appointment of a Regent was an inadvertent omission, and the anomaly was rectified when the attention of Nananoom was drawn to the matter at the State Council meeting,” the letter stated.

The Council maintained that it was fully aware of the customary and legal processes governing the selection, nomination, appointment, installation and deposition of chiefs.

Mr Ofori-Atta said the Council’s position on the status of the Etweresohene, as contained in previous correspondence, remained unchanged.

He said the DCE should have exercised caution and sought clarification from the Ofori Panin Fie before taking any action on the matter.

“ A District Chief Executive cannot confer paramount status to any person or stool under the pretext of maintaining public peace, public order and administrative clarity,” the Council stated.

It further cited Article 270(2) of the 1992 Constitution, arguing that even Parliament is prohibited from enacting laws that confer on any person or authority the power to recognise or withdraw recognition from a chief in a manner that undermines the dignity of chieftaincy.

The Council stressed that the administration, registration and recognition of chiefs are matters for constitutionally and legally mandated chieftaincy institutions, rather than Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives.

It argued that a DCE cannot confer chieftaincy titles, determine disputed customary status, grant paramountcy ranks or determine the allegiance of chiefs through executive action.

The Council maintained that the Etwereso Stool remains a sub-stool of the Benkum Division of the Ofori Panin Stool.

It added that the Okyenhene remains committed to pursuing peaceful processes to resolve the Etwereso matter and would not abdicate responsibility for the issue.

Alleged injunction against NPP Ashanti regional elections ‘invalid’ – Committee Chairperson

“My tenure was difficult because I didn’t get support from NPP…

In the Accra West Region, an unplanned outage has affected New Bortianor, Broadcasting Junction, Red Top, Adjiasco and surrounding communities following a cable fault.

Another cable fault at Dansoman Kitkat has disrupted power supply to Kit Kat, Kit Kat Down, Old Police Station, Accra Waste Sewage, Good Night, Datus Down, Dominion and adjoining areas.

ECG said its technical teams are working to fix the faults and restore power supply to the affected communities.

The company apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the unplanned outages.

Meanwhile, ECG has scheduled maintenance works in parts of the Central Region.

The first exercise is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will affect Asebu, Brebia, Apewosika, Nyamedom Town and surrounding areas.

A second maintenance exercise will take place on Wednesday, August 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., affecting Asebu, Ekroful and surrounding communities.

ECG said the planned interruptions are necessary to improve service delivery and urged residents in the affected areas to take note of the schedules and make the necessary arrangements.

The power distributor again apologised for any inconvenience the maintenance works may cause.

Mr Agorhom, who served as Regional Chairman from 2018, said the lack of backing from influential members of the party made it difficult for him to effectively manage the regional administration.

Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the NPP Greater Accra regional elections, he said he did not receive the level of support required to fully execute his responsibilities.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the support of the elders of the party. That made my administration quite a difficult one,” he said.

Mr Agorhom, who is of Dangbe heritage, also highlighted the importance of the indigenous Ga-Adangbe base to the NPP’s organisation and mobilisation efforts in the region.

He said the limited support from some key party figures affected his ability to effectively manage the affairs of the region.

“This is a region made up of, you know, the Ga-Adangbes. I happen to be a Dangbe. The kind of support I needed to get from the key members of the party in the region was not forthcoming, so to say. That made the whole work quite difficult for me,” he added.

His comments come as the NPP seeks to reorganise and strengthen its structures in Greater Accra following a significant decline in the party’s parliamentary representation.

The NPP, which won 21 parliamentary seats in the region in the 2016 general elections, was reduced to five seats in the 2024 elections.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday after voting in the NPP Eastern Regional Executives Elections at Asamankese, Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the galamsey crisis had moved beyond partisan  politics.

He expressed particular concern about the condition of the Birim River, describing it as a major water body in the Eastern Region.

According to him, rising turbidity levels in the river and the destruction of flora and fauna point to the worsening environmental impact of illegal mining.

He also linked the destruction to wider concerns about climate change, changing rainfall patterns and the sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources.

The Minority Chief Whip further raised concern about illegal mining activities allegedly taking place along sections of the Accra-Kumasi highway.

He described the situation as unprecedented and questioned why illegal miners appeared to be operating with what he termed “impunity.”

His comments come amid renewed national concerns over the impact of illegal mining on rivers, forest reserves, farmlands and communities.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the NPP had expected the government of President John Dramani Mahama to approach the environmental crisis differently, given the President’s previous experience in public service.

He said the situation had therefore become a source of disappointment for some Ghanaians who voted for a change in government.

The MP said galamsey would feature prominently in the NPP’s future political messaging, but stressed that the party would not manufacture issues for political campaigns.

Instead, he said the party’s agenda would be shaped by concerns raised by ordinary Ghanaians.

He identified environmental degradation, the cost of living, governance and corruption as some of the issues likely to dominate the political conversation ahead of the next elections.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh also questioned the government’s handling of corruption cases, particularly the use of nolle prosequi in cases involving persons accused of wrongdoing against the state.

He said the NPP would continue to scrutinise such developments as part of its assessment of the government’s record.

His comments come as the NPP works to rebuild its structures following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh acknowledged the party’s challenges in several constituencies, including some of its traditional strongholds.

He said the parliamentary group and grassroots supporters had begun discussions on how to strengthen the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.

He said the NPP’s objective was not only to increase its parliamentary numbers but also to reclaim constituencies lost in 2024.

For Mr Annoh-Dompreh, however, the galamsey crisis could remain one of the biggest issues in the political debate.

He maintained that the matter must not be reduced to an election slogan because of its direct implications for water security, agriculture, livelihoods, biodiversity and the environment.

According to GRIDCo, the tower was damaged after a fuel tanker exploded while welding work was being carried out on its tank within the transmission line’s Right-of-Way (RoW).

The company said the emergency restoration works would require a power interruption from 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to enable engineers and technical teams to safely replace the damaged tower and restore the integrity of the transmission line.

GRIDCo apologised to affected customers for the inconvenience and appealed for their patience and cooperation while the emergency works are undertaken.

The company also warned individuals, businesses and other entities against encroaching on transmission line corridors, citing the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (L.I. 542), as amended by L.I. 1737 of 2004.

The regulations prohibit activities such as unauthorised construction, excavation, drilling, commercial operations, lorry parks, shops and garages, among others, that could interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of the transmission system.

GRIDCo stressed that the Right-of-Way is not an area for unrestricted occupation or commercial use.

The company further disclosed that, following a directive from the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, all persons, businesses, land users and other entities encroaching on transmission line Rights-of-Way across the country have been given one month to cease unauthorised activities and vacate the affected corridors.

GRIDCo said after the deadline, it would work with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, relevant statutory institutions and security agencies to enforce the law and remove unauthorised structures and activities from the protected corridors.

Dafeamekpor defends Ayine’s handling of Aksa case, faults past AGs

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Dafeamekpor said the current investigation should be allowed to proceed without partisan distractions.

“The issue about the laxity with which we have approached the matter, we can keep blaming, but I will prefer Dr Ayine’s position and the fact that he is taking steps,” he said.

He pointed to the resignation of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko while Gloria Akuffo was Attorney-General, arguing that no action was taken at the time.

“When Berko resigned, the Attorney-General at the time was Gloria Akuffo. She didn’t take any step. Her deputy, Godfred Dame, didn’t initiate any step,” he said.

Mr Dafeamekpor noted that Mr Dame later served as Attorney-General from 2021 to 2024, saying the current administration’s decision to revisit the matter should therefore be welcomed.

“In 2021, Godfred Dame became Attorney-General for four years. The NPP can say that they don’t like Dr Ayine, but the man’s second year into his reign as Attorney-General is dealing with the matter, which is more preferable,” he said.

He urged critics to allow the Attorney-General to complete the process.

“So they should stop talking and let’s allow Dr Ayine to deal with this matter,” he added.

Mr Dafeamekpor also proposed that relevant state institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Attorney-General’s Office, work together with legal and civil society experts to examine the allegations.

He said the focus should be on the circumstances surrounding the transaction and the alleged corruption rather than claims about the performance of the power plant.

“The impression that the turbines didn’t provide the necessary power supply needs to be addressed. The nature of the agreement was that we pay only when they supply power, so the fact that it performed under 52 per cent or 16 per cent is immaterial,” he said.

The Aksa deal has come under renewed scrutiny following the US criminal prosecution of Mr Berko over allegations that he participated in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian government officials to secure approvals for the power plant project.

US authorities allege that the scheme operated between December 2014 and March 2017. Mr Berko has denied bribery allegations, while the criminal case remains subject to the US judicial process.

Mr Dafeamekpor said the matter should now be pursued on its merits, with the relevant institutions allowed to establish whether wrongdoing occurred and whether any public officials should be held accountable.

Dr Bomfeh said the Attorney General and Parliament may face questions over their handling of the matter, but that should not prevent the public from engaging with and demanding answers from those institutions.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 15, during a discussion on the AKSA power deal, he said the Attorney General “owes it to us” to explain what information his office has received about the case and what action is being taken.

“The Ghanaian public that pays the OSP and pays the Attorney General, what have they told us? I think the Attorney General owes it to us to tell us what information he has,” Dr Bomfeh said.

He added that the Attorney General should either disclose the information available to his office or demonstrate that steps are being taken to act on it.

“Or he should be seen taking steps to actualise what information is available to them regarding this particular matter,” he said.

His comments follow renewed attention to the controversial power transaction after a United States prosecution involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko brought allegations of bribery connected to the power deal back into the spotlight.

Dr Bomfeh acknowledged that there were concerns about public confidence in institutions such as Parliament and the Attorney General’s office.

However, he said that doubts about their credibility could not justify abandoning the institutions or refusing to engage them in addressing matters of national interest.

“So yes, there’s doubt. Yet we have got to work with these institutions,” he said.

He proposed a broader process involving institutions and groups outside government to examine the AKSA matter and related concerns about public contracts and the management of state resources.

“What we can do is to say that we open up and discuss beyond the Attorney General’s office and Parliament, because the two institutions all have something to do with where we are now,” he said.

Dr Bomfeh proposed the establishment of a cross-sectoral committee or commission involving traditional leaders, religious leaders, the media, civil society organisations and, where possible, student groups.

“I want to suggest that there is a cross-sectoral committee or commission made up of chiefs, the clergy, the media, civil society, and if possible, student groups to interrogate this,” he said.

He said the proposal was necessary because the AKSA controversy was not an isolated matter and raised wider questions about how Ghana handles public contracts, particularly when governments are under pressure to respond to emergencies or other national challenges.

“What we are discussing is just one issue that touches on a number of other issues,” he said.

Dr Bomfeh said a key part of any investigation should be to establish where funds went and who benefited from the transactions.

“What we should be doing is first and foremost, follow the money. That’s number one,” he said.

He said that a range of state and non-state institutions should be involved in examining the matter, even if there are concerns about their ability to act independently.

“All of us, even though we have issues of trust, we have no option but to go into these things. So yes, let’s give ourselves the benefit of the doubt.”

Funding dependants of scholarship beneficiaries is illegal – Emmanuel Wilson

According to Mr Wilson, there is no provision in the law that allows the government to fund the dependants of an individual who has been awarded a scholarship.

He said anyone who uses public funds to sponsor the dependants of a scholarship beneficiary could be engaging in irregularities and criminal conduct.

“There is nowhere in the Act that indicates that if I, Emmanuel Wilson, am awarded a scholarship, government must take care of my dependants. It is an irregularity and illegality,” he said.

Mr Wilson explained that if a scholarship beneficiary wishes to have family members join them abroad, the beneficiary must apply separately for the dependants and demonstrate the financial capacity to support them.

He further stated that government scholarships are intended to cover the beneficiary’s approved academic expenses, including tuition and a limited stipend, rather than the expenses of accompanying family members.

Mr Wilson therefore urged the public to disregard claims that there is nothing wrong with government sponsoring the dependants of scholarship beneficiaries.

He called for the strict enforcement of the country’s laws, regardless of the identity or position of anyone found to have engaged in corruption or corruption-related activities.

Expert advocates three-year driving training to reduce road crashes

According to Mr Asante, there are loopholes in the current regulations that continue to undermine efforts to address the country’s road safety challenges.

He said the increasing number of road crashes and fatalities should serve as a wake-up call for authorities and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to improve road safety.

Mr Asante cited statistics indicating that about 14,000 road crashes were recorded in 2025, resulting in 2,949 deaths and injuries to approximately 16,700 people.

He noted that the number of deaths recorded through road crashes in 2025 was higher than the number of people who lost their lives to COVID-19 in Ghana.

Mr Asante also argued that the amount of money spent by the government on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly higher than expenditure on road safety campaigns.

He recalled the government’s attempt in 2017 to introduce a mandatory towing levy to facilitate the removal of broken-down vehicles from the shoulders of roads.

According to him, the proposal was met with public opposition and was eventually withdrawn, despite its potential to reduce accidents caused by vehicles left on major roads.

Speaking on Nnnawotwe Yi on Adom TV, Mr Asante said the government should consider legislation compelling prospective drivers to undergo formal driving training for at least three years before being issued a licence.

He argued that many drivers obtain licences without adequate formal training, leaving them with limited knowledge of vehicle handling during emergencies and a weak understanding of traffic laws.

He said these gaps, coupled with poor driving practices and increased vehicular wear, put drivers, passengers and pedestrians at continued risk and contribute to the country’s high road crash rates.

“From where I stand, I will suggest if the nation is serious and wants to fight road accidents, drivers should be made to go to school for not less than three years,” he said.

Galamsey: ‘Challenge is prosecution, not arrest’ — Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the effectiveness of the anti-galamsey campaign could not be measured by arrests and seizures alone, stressing the need to ensure that cases reach their logical conclusion in court.

“The challenge is not the arrest, but the prosecution”

Mr Buah made the disclosure at a policy engagement with the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education in Accra on Thursday, August 13, where he discussed the challenges inherited by the government, ongoing reforms and measures being implemented to address illegal mining.

258 arrested

According to the minister, 258 suspects had been arrested in operations targeting illegal mining in forest reserves as of July 2026.

However, the Ministry did not provide a corresponding breakdown of how many of the suspects had been charged, prosecuted or convicted, or how many cases remained pending.

Mr Buah said the ministry was working with the Attorney-General’s Department to address the difficulties associated with prosecuting illegal mining cases.

The issue puts the spotlight on the justice component of the government’s anti-galamsey drive, particularly whether enforcement operations can produce lasting results if arrests do not translate into successful prosecutions and convictions.

The Ministry’s enforcement figures show that 200 excavators had been seized and 34 immobilised by July 2026.

The authorities had also seized 1,469 pumping machines, 950 changfan machines, 48 tricycles, 285 motorbikes and 82 gold detectors.

A further 1,259 pumping machines and 774 changfan machines had been immobilised, while 801 structures had also been immobilised during operations in forest reserves.

8,900 hectares degraded

Mr Buah also disclosed that approximately 8,900 hectares of forest reserves had been completely degraded through illegal mining and other destructive activities.

Nine forest reserves were identified as among the worst affected.

According to the minister, some of the affected areas had become difficult for Forestry Commission officials to access because of the activities of illegal miners, including the reported presence of weapons and incidents of violence.

He said previous assessments had underestimated the extent of the damage because they were based on older data.

The restoration of the degraded areas, he added, would require substantial resources.

4,000 excavators held at ports

As part of efforts to prevent excavators from being diverted into illegal mining operations, the government has introduced tighter controls on the importation and deployment of the machines.

Mr Buah said more than 4,000 excavators were being held at the country’s ports pending compliance with a new documentation and clearance regime.

Under the arrangement, importers are required to provide information on the importer, intended end user and location where each excavator will be deployed before clearance.

The Minerals Commission has established a presence at the ports to facilitate the process.

Approved excavators are expected to be fitted with tracking devices and monitored through geofencing to ensure that they operate only within their declared locations.

The government’s stated objective is to make excavators operating in Ghana traceable.

Focus shifts to galamsey supply chain

The government is also seeking to disrupt the supply chain that supports illegal mining.

Mr Buah said 1,724 of the machines seized or immobilised were changfans, many of which were fabricated locally before being transported to mining areas and water bodies.

The development has raised concerns about the role of local manufacturers, suppliers and financiers in sustaining illegal mining operations.

The government has also deployed about 2,000 Blue Water Guards to provide community-based intelligence and support first-response efforts around affected water bodies.

Mr Buah, however, acknowledged concerns over discipline within the initiative, including allegations that some guards had accepted bribes. He maintained that the programme had nevertheless provided useful support to enforcement efforts.

Mining licensing reforms

The government is also pursuing changes to the mining licensing regime as part of its broader response to challenges within the sector.

Mr Buah said the proposed reforms would reduce the maximum initial duration of large-scale mining leases from 30 years to 20 years.

The Ministry also plans to introduce stricter requirements for holders of exploration and prospecting licences to demonstrate meaningful activity within specified periods.

Mr Buah criticised situations in which companies retain mining concessions for extended periods without undertaking significant exploration or development.

Another proposal is the establishment of district mining committees to give communities a greater role in mining-related decisions.

The committees would, among other things, consider the potential impact of proposed mining operations on water bodies, farms and settlements before licences are approved.

Mining companies would also be required to enter into community development agreements to define their responsibilities towards communities hosting mining operations.

The figures presented by the Lands Ministry highlight the scale of the government’s enforcement operations, but the prosecution of suspects remains a critical measure of their effectiveness.

With 258 arrests, hundreds of machines seized or immobilised and thousands of hectares of forest reserves affected, the ability of the state to successfully prosecute offenders could determine whether the current enforcement campaign produces a sustained deterrent against illegal mining.

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The British-born son of Ghanaian parents who became the youngest Black professor in the history of the University of Cambridge has died at 41.

His death came days after he resigned from the university amid allegations concerning plagiarism and questions about aspects of his academic record. He had also just released his memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things.

Arday was found unresponsive at an address in Battersea, south London, on Friday, August 14. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police said the death was unexpected but was not being treated as suspicious, with a file to be prepared for the coroner.

His death has since prompted tributes from Cambridge and renewed discussion about his career, the scrutiny he faced and his contribution to debates on race, education and inequality.

But who is Jason Arday? Here are 10 things to know about the academic whose life and career have attracted international attention.

——————————————————————————————————————–

1. He was born to Ghanaian parents in London

Jason Arday was born and raised in Clapham, south London, to parents who had migrated from Ghana. He grew up as one of four brothers on a council estate. His father, Joseph, worked as a chef, while his mother, Gifty, was a mental health nurse.

2. He was diagnosed with autism at three

Arday was diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay when he was three years old. He was non-verbal for much of his childhood and communicated using sign language before he began speaking at about 11. He also had diagnoses including dyslexia and deafness, according to biographical accounts.

3. He did not learn to read and write until he was 18

One of the most notable aspects of Arday’s educational journey was that he only learned to read and write at 18. His early assessments had led some professionals to believe that he would require lifelong support. Instead, he went on to pursue higher education and an academic career.

4. His route into academia was unconventional

After gaining his initial qualifications, Arday studied Education Studies and Physical Education before completing further postgraduate studies. He earned a PhD in Education from Liverpool John Moores University. His academic qualifications also included a master’s degree in Education and Pedagogy.

5. He became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor

In 2023, at 37, Arday was appointed Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, becoming the youngest Black professor in the university’s history. He had previously held academic positions at the universities of Glasgow and Durham.

His research focused particularly on race, inequality, education, mental health and neurodiversity.

6. He had worked outside academia while building his career

Arday’s career did not follow a conventional academic path. Before becoming a senior academic, he worked in jobs including at Sainsbury’s and as a cleaner while pursuing his studies and building his academic career.

7. He was an advocate for greater access to higher education

Arday used his academic work to campaign for greater representation of Black and minority ethnic people in higher education and for wider access to universities for disadvantaged groups.

When his Cambridge appointment was announced, he said his work was focused on opening opportunities for disadvantaged people and helping to “truly democratise higher education”.

8. His academic career came under intense scrutiny in 2026

In the weeks before his death, Arday became the subject of allegations concerning plagiarism in some of his academic work. Reports examined passages in his 2015 doctoral thesis and other publications.

Arday denied deliberately plagiarising material but acknowledged what he described as previous scholarly “mistakes”. The University of Cambridge subsequently announced an investigation after receiving new information concerning his academic qualifications and honorary appointments.

9. He resigned from Cambridge shortly before his death

Arday announced on August 5 that he was leaving his Cambridge position and his fellowship at Jesus College with immediate effect.

In his resignation statement, he said the controversy and public scrutiny had taken a profound toll on him and those close to him.

His departure came less than two weeks before his death.

10. He had just published a memoir

Arday’s memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, was released in the United States on August 11, 2026, just three days before his death.

The book recounts aspects of his upbringing, education and rise through academia, making its release particularly significant given the events surrounding the final days of his life.

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Ghanaian evacuee from South Africa dies shortly after arrival

The awards, being held under the theme, “Empowering Teachers, Architects of the Future,” seek to recognise teachers whose dedication and commitment continue to contribute to the development of Ghana’s education sector.

Representatives of the private education sector, including National Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), Obengfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, and Dr Aisha Akrofi of GNAPS, reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to supporting quality education delivery.

They said private school associations would continue to collaborate with the government, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen education in Ghana.

Cash prizes and sponsorship

As part of the awards, winners in the private education category will receive financial rewards and opportunities to further their education.

The Most Outstanding Teacher will receive a GH¢50,000 cash prize and full sponsorship for a top-up programme at any university in Ghana.

The First Runner-Up will receive GH¢30,000 and full sponsorship for a top-up programme at any university in Ghana, while the Second Runner-Up will receive GH¢20,000 together with full sponsorship for further studies.

The initiative is expected to motivate teachers in the private education sector and encourage excellence, professional development and innovation in teaching.

The Ghana Teacher Prize 2026 therefore goes beyond recognising individual achievements, highlighting the dedication and contribution of teachers who continue to educate, inspire and shape the future of children across the country.

The directive, contained in a notice posted on the palace’s Facebook page on Saturday, August 15, 2026, takes immediate effect.

The palace said no drone flights or other aerial activities would be permitted within the designated area without prior and explicit approval from the palace or the relevant authorities.

It warned that any drone operated without authorisation would be confiscated, while operators who breach the directive could also face legal action.

The palace has therefore urged drone operators and users of unmanned aerial vehicles to obtain the necessary approval before carrying out any aerial activities within the restricted area.

Read the full statement below:

The Minister made the revelation during President John Dramani Mahama’s inspection of the Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Tumu Road project, as part of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region. 

“Since you gave the directive, as of last month, your government has paid a total of GH¢23.1 billion, including payments to Big Push contractors and the settlement of arrears,” Mr Agbodza said. 

“In fact, the bulk of that amount is arrears. So, you will be on record as the President who paid the largest portion of arrears under any government in our history.” 

The Minister reiterated that President Mahama was not only continuing projects he inherited; adding that he was also undertaking new ones. 

Mr Agbodza said in the Upper East Region, there were many issues that they needed to address, and that they had started addressing them.  

He said in every constituency and every district, issues roads were being addressed.  

“In the coming months, you will see many of the roads that people have been concerned about receiving attention, with contractors returning to the site to commence work.” 

He expressed confidence that the Contractor, MyTurn would finish Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Tumu ahead of schedule.  

The Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Tumu links Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional Capital to Wa, the Upper West Regional Capital. 

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• Road contractors have not received a pesewa of their arrears — Akwasi Odike claims

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Friday, August 14, 2026, said the man was pronounced dead at the airport’s Emergency Medical Reception at 6:55 p.m.

He was among 50 Ghanaians who arrived in the country at about 5:50 p.m. on an Air Tanzania flight from South Africa.

According to the Ministry, the deceased began experiencing health complications about 30 minutes before the flight landed in Accra.

A medical team stationed at the airport immediately attended to him upon arrival and attempted to stabilise his condition.

However, despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead by doctors at 6:55 p.m.

The Ministry said it is taking steps to formally notify the deceased’s family of the incident.

His remains have since been deposited at the Police Hospital for an autopsy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will provide further information after engaging with the bereaved family.

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Read the full statement below:

He has urged residents to remain calm as security agencies investigate the attack and work to identify and arrest those responsible.

Mr Adam told MyJoyOnline that three gunmen entered the palace at about 11 p.m. on Tuesday and initially confronted young men outside the residence.

According to him, the young men fled, after which the attackers approached the chief’s wife and asked about her husband before forcing their way into the chief’s room.

The chief and his son were subsequently shot and killed.

Mr Adam said the attackers were not masked and that the chief’s wife was able to identify some of them.

“The chief’s wife was able to identify them and provided names to police. Additional names came from other witnesses who said they recognized some of the men. All of the information has been turned over to security agencies for follow-up.”

He said the information provided by witnesses would form part of the ongoing police investigation.

The MCE said the District Police Command had already transported the bodies to Tamale for autopsy by the time municipal and regional officials arrived at the community.

Mr Adam said the Regional Police Commander has pledged a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances and motive behind the killings and apprehend those responsible.

He said the Regional Minister had also met with members of the bereaved family and appealed for restraint following the incident.

The MCE stressed that, based on the circumstances of the attack, authorities believe the chief was specifically targeted.

He cautioned residents against reprisals, saying any retaliatory action could worsen an already tense situation.

Mr Adam said the attack has caused fear among residents, with most people leaving the community since the incident.

He said only members of the chief’s family have remained in the area, describing the town as quiet but tense as residents stay away for fear of further attacks.

Authorities are therefore appealing for calm while the security agencies pursue the suspects and work to establish the motive for the killings.

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Kofi Amoah challenges Mahama to pursue Ghanaian officials linked to Berko corruption case

We will ensure Civil Service serves public interest – Vice President

Dr Amoah described the recent conviction of Mr Berko by a United States federal jury as a rare opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate its commitment to fighting corruption.

In a commentary on social media, he argued that the US judicial process, with cooperation from the United Kingdom, had already provided important evidence that could help Ghana identify officials and parliamentarians who allegedly participated in or benefited from the bribery scheme.

“Have your Attorney-General pursue this case,” Dr Amoah urged President Mahama, insisting that Ghana must move beyond declarations against corruption and take concrete action against those implicated.

The call follows the conviction of Mr Berko in the United States on charges including conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, violating the Act and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to the US Department of Justice, Mr Berko was involved in a power plant transaction between the Government of Ghana and Turkish energy company Aksa Energy while serving as an Executive Director in Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division.

Prosecutors alleged that Mr Berko and his co-conspirators paid more than $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to secure approvals for the power project.

The prosecution further alleged that payments were discussed in connection with Ghana’s then Minister of Power, a senior adviser and Members of Parliament who had ratified the agreement.

The US authorities have, however, not identified the Ghanaian officials referenced in the case in the latest conviction announcement.

It is this aspect of the case that Dr Amoah believes Ghana must now pursue.

He said the country had established institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, alongside various anti-corruption laws, but argued that corruption continued to deprive citizens of resources needed for national development.

“Our country has become a looting ground for the powerful whilst the ordinary people suffer and retrogress regardless of how hard they work,” he said.

Dr Amoah also linked the matter to President Mahama’s anti-corruption agenda, particularly the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative.

He challenged the President to demonstrate that the government’s anti-corruption campaign would apply regardless of the political affiliation of persons implicated.

According to Dr Amoah, while individuals targeted under ORAL may largely be associated with the previous governing party, the Ghanaian officials allegedly connected to the Berko case appear, based on available information, to be largely associated with the current governing party.

He said this presents an opportunity for the government to prove that its fight against corruption is based on principle rather than political considerations.

“The people who seem culpable in the ‘dumsor’ corruption judgement by a US court seem to be largely, not exclusively, from the ruling political party,” he wrote.

Dr Amoah appealed to President Mahama not to allow the opportunity to pass, describing it as a potentially historic moment to confront corruption within government ministries and Parliament.

“Our dearest President Mahama, only God knows the real reason why you’re the head of state at this particular juncture in Ghana’s history. Please don’t fail us, don’t fail Ghana because this opportunity of a perfect storm to nip corruption at its most fertile center, ministries and parliament, may never come in another hundred years,” he said.

He maintained that the US conviction could become a turning point in Ghana’s fight against corruption if authorities followed the evidence and pursued accountability on the Ghanaian side of the case.

“Corruption must never pay; Ghana must act,” Dr Amoah declared.

He further argued that tackling corruption was essential to Ghana’s long-term development and called on the government to ensure that those found culpable face the consequences of their actions.

“Cleanse Ghana of corruption so that Nkrumah’s independence for Ghana can meet Mahama’s freedom from corruption and our dear country can really start her journey for progress on a sound and hopeful footing,” he said.

Dr Amoah concluded by urging President Mahama to seize what he described as a unique opportunity to demonstrate through action that corruption would not be tolerated, regardless of who may be implicated.

“Luck = Preparation + Opportunity. When you’re prepared and the opportunity knocks, it is your luck to pounce and redeem what you have been searching for,” he wrote.

See the post below:

CORRUPTION MUST NEVER PAY, GHANA MUST ACT

The US Govt thru its Judicial Service has gifted to the Govt and people of Ghana a torchlight and case records to proceed in identifying high level Ghanaian officials and parliamentarians who participated and/or benefitted from the…

— CitizenKofi (@amoah_citizen) August 7, 2026

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Over 4,000 excavators held at ports under new galamsey control measures – Lands Minister reveals

Patients seeking outpatient care at the facility will be unable to access it until further notice due to this development.

According to a notice from the hospital to patients and visitors, the suspension will remain in effect until the strike is called off.

“Please be informed that Outpatient Department (OPD) services have been suspended due to the ongoing GAUA strike,” the notice reads.

The hospital apologised for the inconvenience this might cause and advised patients to contact the hospital administration for further information.

“OPD services will resume when the strike is called off,” the notice added.

She said the government was implementing measures to strengthen public institutions and improve the quality and efficiency of services delivered to citizens.

The Vice President made the remarks at the 2026 Civil Service Week and 2025 Awards Week celebration held under the theme, “The Resetting Agenda for Sustainable Development in Ghana: The Civil Service’s Responsibilities.”

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said ongoing reforms within the public sector were aimed at building stronger institutions capable of responding effectively to the needs and expectations of citizens.

She urged civil servants across the country to remain committed to professionalism and put the public interest at the centre of their work.

According to her, the effectiveness of government policies would depend largely on the commitment and efficiency of public servants responsible for implementing them.

The Vice President therefore encouraged civil servants to uphold the values of integrity, accountability and dedication in the discharge of their duties.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Civil Service, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, has called on civil servants to change the way they work to support the government’s Resetting Agenda.

He said the success of the agenda would depend significantly on the quality, efficiency and impact of work delivered by public servants.

Dr Aggrey-Darkoh urged civil servants to embrace reforms and adopt more effective approaches to public service delivery to help achieve the government’s development objectives.

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The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the move forms part of measures to prevent excavators from entering the country without clear information on their intended use and location.

Under the new arrangements, importers are required to provide details of the importer, end user and location where an excavator will operate before the equipment can be cleared.

The Minerals Commission has also established a presence at the ports to support the verification process.

Mr Buah said excavators that receive approval will be fitted with tracking devices and subjected to geofencing, allowing authorities to monitor their movements and ensure they remain within their declared areas of operation.

He said the ultimate objective is to ensure that every excavator operating in Ghana can be traced, thereby making it more difficult for heavy equipment to be diverted to illegal mining sites.

The measure forms part of government’s broader strategy to disrupt the equipment and logistics supporting galamsey, alongside enforcement operations in forest reserves and mining communities.

Luigi Mangione, 28, revealed for the first time through his allocution to the court that he posed as a potential investor and emailed the insurance giant to confirm the location of the investors conference so he could track Thompson’s location.

“I emailed UnitedHealthcare with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson,” Mangione said in his statement. “On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024 I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan in his back.”

The admitted gunman said he “understood my actions would place [Thompson] in fear of death and bodily injury” and that he “knew what I was doing was illegal.”

Mangione also told the judge that he was driven to kill Thompson because of his experience with the healthcare system as a patient with a back injury. Prosecutors have previously said that Mangione had no personal connection to UnitedHealthcare and he was never a customer.

Thompson’s family issued a rare public statement after the plea hearing, calling it “an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family.”

“While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable,” the statement said. “Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime.”

Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and prosecutors suggested that his sentencing range under federal guidelines would be 24 to 30 years in prison. Prosecutors later clarified that they would be recommending life in prison, the steepest sentence available.

He will be sentenced at a separate hearing Dec. 18 and the final sentence will be determined by the judge who has full discretion.

His federal court guilty plea is expected to kick off a double jeopardy fight in state court where he still faces murder charges and the possibility of life in prison. Mangione’s defense is expected to argue that the cases cover the same alleged conduct and that proceeding with a state court trial would amount to a legal violation.

“Since December 2024, the Manhattan D.A.’s Office has been tirelessly preparing to pursue a trial conviction in New York State Supreme Court for the alleged cold-blooded murder of Brian Thompson,” a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office said following the federal hearing. “While federal sentencing is pending, we are prepared to litigate the defense motions. The Manhattan D.A.’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for Mr. Thompson and his family.”

Following the guilty plea, Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo said, “We just filed our motion in state court explaining why the state charges must be dismissed under New York’s double jeopardy protections.”

She also discussed Mangione’s rationale.

“As Luigi explained in court today, he endured years of severe debilitating pain following a broken back while struggling to navigate our healthcare and health insurance systems,” Friedman Agnifilo said.

“He believed that the system had failed him and destroyed his life,” the attorney added.

The upcoming double jeopardy fight could stall proceedings in New York Supreme Court where he’s set to stand trial Sept. 8. It could also lead to litigation in appeals court.

The President said the factory would become a major processing hub for tomatoes produced under an expanded cultivation programme in the region, helping to add value to locally grown produce and reduce reliance on imported food products.

Speaking during a citizens’ engagement in Navrongo on Friday, August 14, 2026, President Mahama said agriculture and agro-processing would receive significant investment under the government’s New Economy programme.

He explained that the programme would focus on seven key sectors of the economy, with government planning to invest $2.5 billion annually in the sectors over the next four years.

“The biggest is agriculture and agro-processing. And that’s where the Upper East comes in. Agriculture and agro-processing are going to take 50% of that $10 billion investment. So $5 billion is going to go into agriculture and agro-processing,” he said.

President Mahama assured residents that the Upper East Region would benefit from the planned investment, particularly through the expansion of irrigation infrastructure to support year-round farming.

“And I can assure you the Upper East region is going to get its fair share of that $5 billion. So that will cover creating more irrigation facilities so that our young people, even in the rainy season or the dry season, would have the opportunity to be able to produce,” he said.

The President said government had already begun interventions to revitalise tomato production in the region through the tomato revitalisation project.

“We have the tomato revitalisation project that is taking place here,” he said, adding that the region had the potential to produce enough vegetables to supply the domestic market.

According to President Mahama, government plans to bring about 2,500 acres of land under tomato cultivation, with the Pwalugu factory serving as the main processing facility.

“We can bring in 2,500 acres of land under tomato production. And the Pwalugu tomato factory is going to be the epicenter of it. We’re going to rehabilitate the Pwalugu tomato factory so that we can process the tomatoes that Upper East is producing to feed the rest of the country,” he stated.

Beyond tomato production, President Mahama announced plans to complete the Tamne irrigation dam to support dry-season farming in four districts within the Bawku area.

He said the project would create opportunities for increased onion production, particularly because the area has a comparative advantage in cultivating the crop.

“And so we’ll finish the Tamni irrigation dam so that the four districts in the Bawku area can also go into their dry season production. Especially onion production,” he said.

President Mahama said expanding local onion production would help reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports from Niger.

“We want to cut down the amount of onions we import from Niger. And if we put enough land under irrigation, we should be able to import, substitute, and produce our own onions. And so government is going to support that,” he added.

The President said the combined investment in irrigation, crop production and agro-processing was intended to create jobs, strengthen food security and increase the contribution of agriculture to Ghana’s economy.

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28 drivers fined GH¢540 each for using unauthorised lights in Kasoa

Police must enforce rule of law, not quote scriptures – Bishop Eddy Aryee

The convictions followed a special enforcement operation conducted by the Kasoa Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) along the Kasoa-Winneba road.

The exercise was led by the MTTD Commander, Superintendent Hannah Adjei, as part of efforts to enforce road traffic regulations and improve safety on the highway.

According to the Police, the use of unauthorised emergency sirens and “folk” lights by motorists is prohibited under road traffic regulations.

Motorists were previously given a one-month grace period to remove the devices from their vehicles and comply with the directive.

However, some drivers allegedly continued to use the unauthorised lighting systems after the grace period, resulting in their arrest and prosecution.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Police Prosecutor at the Kasoa Akweley District Court, Chief Inspector Cephas Atsor, said the fines were intended to serve as a deterrent to other motorists.

He warned drivers against disregarding road traffic regulations and urged them to remove all unauthorised lighting and emergency devices from their vehicles.

Chief Inspector Atsor said the enforcement exercise forms part of a nationwide Police operation aimed at ensuring compliance with road traffic laws and promoting safety and sanity on Ghana’s roads.

READ ALSO:

Disputed Yiidana chief and son shot dead in Gushegu

Three vehicles collide at Kusa Junction; one dead, several injured

According to him, the duty of the police is to uphold the rule of law without considering the religious or tribal background of individuals involved in a dispute.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Bishop Aryee said the recent tensions should not be treated primarily as a religious conflict but as matters that must be handled in accordance with Ghana’s laws.

“The duty of the police is to enforce the law devoid of religious or tribal background. It is not to preach the gospel,” he said.

His comments follow an engagement between Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Police Management Board (POMAB) and Christian and Muslim leaders on Friday, August 14, 2026.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of growing religious tensions following a number of incidents, including alleged offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad and the assault of a handcuffed Christian cleric.

The IGP had called on Christian and Muslim leaders to use their influence to help de-escalate the tensions and protect Ghana’s reputation for peaceful coexistence.

However, Bishop Aryee argued that the police must rely on the laws of Ghana in handling such matters rather than religious teachings.

He said Muslims do not subscribe to the Bible and Christians do not subscribe to the Quran, making it inappropriate for the police to use either scripture as the basis for resolving disputes.

“Because they were all quoting scriptures at the meeting, including the IGP. Muslims don’t believe in the Bible, Christians don’t believe in the Quran, so the police must go by its books, which are the laws of Ghana,” he said.

According to him, religious leaders should be responsible for interpreting and preaching their respective scriptures, while the police should concentrate on investigating offences and prosecuting individuals who break the law.

“The clergy should be the ones quoting the scripture. So the police can arrest whether Muslim or Christian who is breaking the laws of the country,” he said.

Bishop Aryee stressed that individuals involved in alleged offences should be treated equally regardless of their religious affiliation.

“Everyone should be treated as individual citizens in prosecution. The rule of law must be applied no matter the religious affiliation,” he added.

He also urged the police to leave religious matters to the clergy, saying the role of the security service should be to maintain law and order.

“The police should leave the clergy to do their religious work,” he said.

Bishop Aryee further called on the Interior Minister to investigate how civilians were able to gain access to an arrested individual and allegedly assault him.

He questioned how the alleged incident, involving a handcuffed Christian cleric, could have occurred while the individual was in police custody.

“The Interior Minister should also interrogate how civilians were able to get in touch with an arrested individual to the extent of slapping the man,” he said.

Prophet Daniel Junior Yaw Adjei, also known as Apostle Daniel JY Adjei, was granted bail after appearing in court following his arrest on August 11, 2026, over alleged offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad.

The arrest followed a video in which he was allegedly seen making derogatory and offensive remarks about the Islamic prophet.

Daniel Adjei is also the Christian cleric who was allegedly slapped by an Imam during a separate confrontation, an incident that generated widespread discussion on social media.

Bishop Aryee maintained that the Christian teaching of coexistence should guide relations between the two faiths, but insisted that enforcement of Ghana’s laws must remain the responsibility of the police.

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Ghana loses 8,900 hectares of forest reserves to illegal mining

The handshake for peace: Chief Imam unites men at centre of religious controversy [Video]

The accident involved a tipper truck, a Toyota Hiace bus and a Volkswagen vehicle.

The injured victims have been rushed to the Adansi Fomena District Hospital, where they are receiving emergency medical attention. The deceased has been confirmed by the police.

Speaking to Adom News correspondent, Isaac K. Normanyo, Fomena District Police Commander, DSP Samson Wunyi Mumuni, confirmed the incident.

He said the police received a distress call from eyewitnesses and residents shortly after the crash and proceeded to the scene to assist with the situation.

DSP Mumuni explained that efforts to remove the damaged vehicles from the road were complicated when the towing truck brought in to clear the scene was also involved in an accident.

The development further obstructed the road, resulting in traffic being held up for more than six hours.

A second towing vehicle was eventually brought in to assist with clearing the wreckage and restore the free flow of traffic.

Residents and eyewitnesses described the Kusa Junction area as an accident-prone section of the road and called for urgent safety measures.

They attributed the frequent risks at the location partly to a sharp curve and the narrow nature of the road.

They appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently address the dangers at the junction to prevent further accidents and loss of life.

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19-year-old housewife arrested for poisoning her husband 40 days after wedding

Disputed Yiidana chief and son shot dead in Gushegu

Speaking at the official launch, Thara Brigitte Mills-Simmonds, Founder of Mulan Smart Educational Centre, Mulan Neurodiversity School and the Mulan Resource Centre, called for a broader understanding of what education should mean for the Ghanaian child.

“Education must not only prepare a child to pass an examination. It must prepare that child for life,” she said.

For years, education has understandably placed strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, academic achievement and examination results.

While these remain essential, Mills noted that academic success alone does not capture the full range of skills children need to navigate life.

She challenged stakeholders to consider what happens when a child is academically capable but struggles to regulate emotions, build healthy relationships, communicate their needs, manage conflict, demonstrate empathy or cope with the pressures of everyday life.

The Pyramid Model offers a structured approach to supporting children’s social, emotional and behavioural development, providing educators, families and practitioners with strategies to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.

Importantly, the introduction of the Pyramid Model in Ghana is not intended to replace existing curricula.

Rather, it seeks to complement current educational approaches and strengthen the environments in which children develop.

“This is about collaboration, not competition,” Mills emphasised. “It is about bringing together government, educators, practitioners, families and partners around one shared purpose: ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to learn, belong and thrive.”

The launch brought together distinguished guests and stakeholders, including Mr. Rob Corso, Dr. Miriam Kpakpa, and Chairperson Dr. Adoquaye Tagoe, whose presence underscored the importance of collective action in advancing the wellbeing and development of children in Ghana.

As Pyramid Model Ghana begins its journey, there is a clear commitment to ensuring that the framework is thoughtfully adapted to the Ghanaian context and becomes a meaningful resource for children, educators and families across the country.

The initiative opens a much-needed national conversation about stronger relationships, supportive learning environments, emotional wellbeing and improved outcomes for children.

Ultimately, the message from the launch was simple but powerful: every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong and thrive.

The official launch of Pyramid Model Ghana marks not an end, but the beginning of that conversation and a collective commitment to building a more supportive future for Ghana’s children.

The freight forwarders say the continued presence of empty containers is taking up valuable space within the port and contributing to congestion.

Speaking to the media after an engagement with officials of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), an executive member of GIFF, Johnny Mantey, described the situation as a growing concern that requires urgent attention.

He said shipping lines must do more to evacuate empty containers from the port, arguing that vessels bringing containers into Tema should also be able to take a significant number of empty containers out.

According to him, the failure to clear the empty containers has effectively turned sections of the port into storage areas, limiting the space available for other port operations.

The concerns have also been echoed by the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, which says container congestion has wider implications for businesses that depend on the port.

The Association’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, said congestion can result in additional charges, including demurrage, while also causing delays in the movement and clearance of goods.

He called for a more efficient system for managing and evacuating empty containers to improve port operations and reduce the financial burden on importers and other stakeholders.

Stakeholders believe addressing the empty-container challenge will help free up space, improve vessel turnaround times and ultimately contribute to reducing the cost of doing business at the Tema Port.

The NDC Constituency Chairman for Bia West, Ahmed Ibrahim, directed officers of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) to halt the distribution, accusing them of selectively allocating the fertiliser to farmers based on their political affiliations.

Speaking to the media at Debiso, Ahmed alleged that some farmers perceived to be supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) were being prioritised in the exercise.

He insisted that the government’s free fertiliser programme was intended for eligible cocoa farmers regardless of their political background.

According to him, the alleged selective distribution could deny some farmers their share of the input and undermine the purpose of the programme.

The chairman said he had therefore intervened to stop the exercise until the concerns were addressed.

The distribution had begun in Oseikojokrom and surrounding communities, but the suspension has left several farmers uncertain about when they will receive their fertiliser.

The development has since triggered a political dispute in the constituency, with the NPP challenging the decision to halt the exercise.

The NPP Bia West Communication Officer, Kwame Sarfo Reuben, described the chairman’s action as unfair and called on farmers to oppose what he described as an unnecessary interference in the distribution process.

He also issued a three-day ultimatum to the NDC chairman and CHED officials to address the concerns surrounding the exercise.

The two sides have consequently been drawn into a dispute over the management of the fertiliser distribution, with farmers caught in the middle as they await clarity on when the exercise will resume.

The suspect, identified as Aisha Musa, was arrested after allegedly mixing a poisonous substance into her husband’s food on August 12, 2026.

According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, police received a distress call from an anonymous woman and quickly moved to the scene.

The husband was subsequently taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Police arrested Aisha shortly after the incident. She allegedly confessed during interrogation, although investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.

As part of the investigation, officers reportedly recovered an empty bottle suspected to have contained the poisonous substance, together with remnants of the meal allegedly laced with the substance.

The items have been preserved as exhibits as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged poisoning.

The case comes barely six weeks after the couple reportedly got married.

District Chief Executive Abdul Hafiz Adam said three gunmen attacked the chief’s family house at about midnight on Thursday.

“What happened was that yesterday, in the night, around 12:00 a.m., we had information that some gunmen had attacked the disputed chief of Yiidana. Three gunmen, as we are told, went to the house and shot him and his son. So, both of them have died, and we can confirm their deaths for now,” he said.

The killings are linked to a longstanding dispute over the authority to enskin a chief for Yiidana, involving the nearby Paboni community and the traditional authority of Zantali-Lana.

According to Mr Adam, the conflict began about four years ago when the Zantali-Lana moved to install a chief for Yiidana.

He said residents of Paboni objected and challenged the Zantali-Lana’s authority to carry out the enskinment.

The matter was subsequently referred to the Yaa Naa’s palace in Yendi.

“The Yaa Naa ruled that the Zantali-Lana had that authority to enskin a chief for that community,” Mr Adam said.

The ruling, however, did not end the dispute.

Earlier clashes between residents of Yiidana and Paboni resulted in the destruction of property. As part of efforts to resolve the matter, Yiidana was advised to seek compensation through the courts.

Tensions resurfaced after enskinment.

Mr Adam said the dispute resurfaced when the Zantali-Lana again sought to carry out the enskinment.

He said the chief with jurisdiction over Paboni later indicated that Yiidana did not fall under Paboni, effectively clearing the way for the Zantali-Lana to proceed.

Residents of Paboni reportedly attempted to disrupt the ceremony, but the enskinment went ahead.

Due to security concerns, however, the newly enskinned chief was initially made to live outside Yiidana.

About a month ago, the chief’s family informed local security authorities of plans to return him to the community.

Mr Adam said the Municipal Security Council asked the family to allow time for an assessment of the security situation.

“We, as MUSEC, requested that we should be given time to go into the matter and be able to establish that there will be enough security for the chief in the community before he relocates back to the community,” he said.

“But the family failed to listen to us. They insisted that they had already sent the chief to the Yiidana community.”

Mr Adam said local authorities eventually allowed the chief’s return on condition that peace was maintained.

That arrangement, he said, was shattered by Thursday night’s attack.

Security deployed as residents flee

Police and military personnel have since been deployed to Yiidana.

Mr Adam said he was awaiting the arrival of the Northern Regional Minister and the Regional Security Council from Tamale to assess the situation and determine the next steps.

He said the area was currently calm.

“Currently, the place is calm. There is no fighting, there is no gunshots,” he said.

The bodies of the chief and his son remain in the community pending decisions by MUSEC and REGSEC on burial arrangements.

Despite the calm, the killings have heightened tension in the area.

Mr Adam said many residents of Yiidana and surrounding communities had fled amid fears of possible retaliatory attacks.

He said there was “general suspicion out there that the two families may attack each other again,” prompting residents to leave their communities.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources disclosed that 258 people had been arrested in operations against illegal mining in forest reserves as of July 2026.

The operations have also led to the seizure or immobilisation of 234 excavators, 2,728 pumping machines and 1,724 changfan machines. A total of 461 motorbikes and tricycles have also been seized or immobilised.

The figures were revealed during a policy dialogue between the Ministry and the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education in Accra.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said nine out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves had been severely affected by illegal mining.

He described the extent of the destruction as alarming, noting that the 8,900 hectares of degraded forest were equivalent to about 12,500 football fields.

“What you are looking at is not an earthquake. It is a forest reserve,” Mr Buah said while presenting images showing the extent of destruction caused by illegal mining.

The Minister, however, acknowledged that arresting illegal miners alone would not resolve the problem, stressing that successful prosecution remained a major challenge.

“The challenge we are having is not the arrest. It is the prosecution,” he said.

He disclosed that the Ministry was collaborating with the Attorney-General’s Department to address difficulties affecting the prosecution of suspects arrested during illegal mining operations.

As part of efforts to prevent illegal mining equipment from entering the country, Mr Buah said more than 4,000 excavators were currently being held at Ghana’s ports pending compliance with a new documentation and clearance regime.

Government is also considering reforms to the mining licensing system as part of efforts to prevent the abuse of mining concessions.

Under the proposed reforms, the maximum initial duration of large-scale mining leases would be reduced from 30 years to 20 years.

The Ministry also plans to introduce stricter requirements for holders of exploration and prospecting licences to demonstrate actual work on their concessions within specified periods.

Mr Buah criticised companies and individuals who hold mining concessions for years without undertaking meaningful exploration or development.

“People are just sitting on concessions for 30, 40 years. They are not doing anything. They are waiting for the next big investor to come so they can cash out,” he said.

The Minister said government was also strengthening community participation in decisions relating to mining concessions as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal mining.

In addition, about 2,000 Blue Water Guards have been recruited and trained to provide intelligence and support efforts to protect the country’s water bodies from illegal mining activities.

Mr Buah acknowledged disciplinary challenges within the programme, including allegations of bribery involving some personnel, but maintained that the initiative had generally produced useful results.

The Ministry said its approach would focus on tackling illegal mining at multiple levels, including controlling the importation of excavators, strengthening enforcement, reforming the mining licensing regime and giving communities a greater role in decisions affecting mining activities in their areas.

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Ghana Chamber of Mines calls for increase in mineral royalties to host communities

Pokuase Timber Market traders protest planned demolition, relocation

The traders say the proposed demolition threatens their livelihoods and have called on the Ga North Municipal Chief Executive, Akwetey Agbo, to reconsider the decision.

According to the traders, they have operated at the location for several years, selling timber and other products in front of a private residence.

They insist that the land on which they operate is not state land, arguing that the available state land in the area is occupied by a high-tension installation.

The traders also allege that they are being singled out for demolition despite the presence of several other shops and businesses in the area.

Chairman of the Timber Market, Nana Kyeremateng in an interview with Accra-based UTV, said they have been allocated an alternative location and were prepared to consider the relocation if the new site is suitable for their businesses.

However, upon inspection, they realized the site was a bushland, with construction already ongoing.

He said the traders had supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections based on promises they believed would improve their livelihoods.

“We were in this place when Mahama came to the campaign to tell us about the 24-hour economy and other promises, which we believed in. The NDC constituency chairman mobilised all of us, and we voted for Mahama to win the 2024 election. Now the MCE came, and we’ve become his enemies, and he wants to sack us and deprive us of our livelihoods,” he lamented.

Nana Kyeremateng appealed to Mr. Agbo to engage the traders rather than take steps that could disrupt their businesses.

“The MCE shouldn’t let the love we have for NDC disappear,” he said.

He stressed that the traders are not opposed to development but want any relocation to be properly discussed and carried out in a manner that protects their livelihoods.

Also read:

• Traders protest as Kasoa NADMO begins demolition exercise for 24-hour economy market project

• We need renovation – Ashaiman traders protest planned redevelopment into 24-hour market

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Engineer Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, made the call during the Inter-Mine First Aid and Safety Competition held at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region.

According to Dr Ashigbey, the current 8% allocation is inadequate to support meaningful development in communities where mining activities take place.

He argued that mining communities continue to face significant developmental challenges despite the substantial revenue government generates from mining companies through taxes and other payments.

Dr Ashigbey said it was unfair for government to use revenue generated from mining activities to finance development in other parts of the country while communities hosting mining operations struggle to secure basic infrastructure and services.

“It is time for government to review the mineral royalty framework for host communities from 8% to 30% to help improve development for the people,” he said.

He expressed concern about the conditions of some mining host communities across the country, saying many continue to lack the level of development expected from areas that contribute significantly to the national economy through mineral resources.

The Chamber of Mines CEO therefore appealed to traditional authorities, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to support the campaign for an increase in the royalty allocation.

He urged the various stakeholders to join efforts to engage and put pressure on government to review the framework and increase the allocation to 30 percent.

Dr Ashigbey said such a move would provide host communities with additional resources to accelerate development and improve living conditions for residents.

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Mahama summons Tema Mayor and TDC CEO

Ablakwa names committee to shape Mahama’s AU chairmanship agenda

The donation, comprising assorted clothing, sandals and other essential items, is expected to ease the daily challenges faced by vulnerable families and improve their living conditions.

The beneficiaries include 2,085 girls, 1,753 boys, 1,441 women and 921 men across the municipality.

The support forms part of World Vision Ghana’s broader commitment to community development, poverty reduction and improving the wellbeing of vulnerable children and families.

Speaking to Adom News, Kete-Krachi Cluster Manager of World Vision Ghana, Augustine Nyaaba, said the intervention was aimed at addressing immediate needs while contributing to the long-term development of communities.

He explained that access to basic necessities such as clothing and footwear could have a significant impact on children’s education, particularly by improving their confidence and encouraging regular school attendance.

According to him, children who have decent clothing and footwear are more likely to feel comfortable and focused in school, helping them participate fully in learning.

Mr Nyaaba said although World Vision Ghana had consistently supported communities in the area with educational materials and other interventions, the latest donation was unique because it included brand-new clothing and sandals provided through the organisation’s partners in Canada.

He encouraged residents of Krachi West to continue working closely with World Vision Ghana and take advantage of interventions aimed at reducing vulnerability and improving livelihoods.

Some beneficiaries, including students and parents, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the donation as timely and impactful.

They said the items would help address the difficulties faced by children who sometimes go without adequate clothing and footwear, while also motivating them to remain in school.

The beneficiaries and community members appealed to other organisations, businesses and development partners to emulate World Vision Ghana’s initiative by supporting vulnerable families and contributing to the development of communities across the municipality.

The handshake for peace: Chief Imam unites men at centre of religious controversy [Video]

The emotional moment unfolded at a meeting between religious leaders and the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Friday, August 14.

The meeting followed a series of incidents that heightened religious tensions, including alleged derogatory comments about Prophet Muhammad, a reported death threat in response to the comments, and the assault of a pastor while in police custody.

In a symbolic gesture aimed at calming tensions, the Chief Imam brought together Pastor Adjei, who was allegedly assaulted, and the Muslim man accused of slapping him.

The two men shook hands in the presence of the religious leaders and security officials, signalling a willingness to move beyond the recent confrontation and embrace peace.

The gathering also brought together the Muslim cleric accused of making comments calling for the death of persons who insulted Allah, the pastor at the centre of the controversy, and the man accused of assaulting the pastor.

The Chief Imam’s intervention underscored the need for forgiveness, restraint and dialogue as Ghana seeks to prevent the recent incidents from developing into wider religious tensions.

The gesture came as Christian and Muslim leaders, together with the police, renewed calls for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting provided a rare moment of unity after days of heated discussions and reactions across social media and the wider public.

Religious leaders stressed that while alleged offences must be dealt with through the law, neither provocation nor anger should become a justification for violence or retaliation.

The handshake between Pastor Adjei and his alleged assailant therefore served as a powerful visual reminder that dialogue, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence remain possible even amid deep religious emotions.

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A report by accra-based Citi News indicated the Minister for Local Government and the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources have also been invited to the meeting, scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The meeting, directed by the President on Friday, August 14, is expected to bring the two state institutions together to resolve their differences and determine the way forward on the project.

The development follows a standoff between TDC and the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) over an ongoing development and infilling project at the site.

TMA has ordered TDC to suspend work, arguing that the project is being undertaken without the necessary permit from the Assembly.

The Assembly has also raised concerns over issues brought to its attention by residents, including the alleged cutting down of about 50 trees, demolition of existing structures, encroachment on playgrounds and green belts, and the blocking of access routes.

The dispute has sparked concerns among residents over the development and use of public spaces in the community.

Monday’s meeting is expected to give the relevant stakeholders an opportunity to present their positions, address the concerns raised and agree on a solution to the impasse.

The outcome could determine whether the project proceeds, is modified or remains suspended pending further consultations and regulatory approvals.

Also read:

• Tema East MP intervenes in TMA-TDC dispute

• TMA is the sole planning authority in Tema, TDC must seek approval — MCE

In today’s edition of Adom Trotro, some of the traders shared their concerns with Prince Owusu Asiedu, urging government to reconsider its approach, which they believe is not the best way to go about it.

Watch the video below

President Mahama is expected to assume the AU Chairmanship in January next year.

The committee is chaired by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and brings together diplomats, academics, public servants and other experts with extensive experience in African affairs.

The committee members are Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Amb. Kwasi Quartey, Amb. Chris Kpodo, Amb. Amma A. Twum-Amoah, Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Amb. William Awinador-Kanyirige, Mr Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, Dr Edem Adzogenu, Amb. Khadija Iddrisu, Amb. Francis D. Kotia, Dr Obodai Torto and Mr Clarence Amoatey.

Mr Ablakwa said President Mahama is determined to have an “impactful and transformative tenure” as AU Chairman from day one to meet the expectations of Africa’s 1.5 billion people.

He commended members of the committee for their dedication and sacrifices and called on the public to share their views on the issues they believe President Mahama should prioritise during his tenure.

The committee was inaugurated on Monday, August 10, 2026, by the Acting Deputy Director-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Support Services at the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), Bismark Aborbi-Ayitey, on behalf of Acting Director-General Conrad Z. Dumbah.

Mr Aborbi-Ayitey reminded the committee that its mandate is backed by law and urged members to maintain confidentiality, submit their reports promptly and ensure that audit recommendations are followed through.

He also encouraged the committee to work closely with EOCO’s internal audit unit to improve the institution’s internal control systems and address weaknesses that could expose it to risks.

The Executive Director of EOCO, Raymond Archer, welcomed the new members and thanked the outgoing committee for their service and contribution to the institution.

Mr Archer cautioned that unresolved audit infractions could undermine EOCO’s credibility and assured the new committee of management’s full support as it works to improve the organisation’s internal audit processes.

Nathan Yankey, a representative of the Internal Audit Agency, was subsequently elected Chairperson of the new committee.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr Yankey thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead efforts to resolve outstanding audit issues while strengthening EOCO’s audit and risk management systems.

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Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare-Addo, said the programme forms part of government’s broader efforts to tackle youth unemployment and provide decent and sustainable employment opportunities.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) event in Accra on Thursday, Mr Opare-Addo said government remained committed to reducing the country’s unemployment rate by the end of President John Dramani Mahama’s four-year term.

He acknowledged a slight increase in youth unemployment but attributed the situation partly to Ghana’s rapidly growing youth population.

According to him, government is implementing several initiatives through the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and other programmes to expand employment opportunities for young people.

“Next year, under the YEA, we’ll be launching the domestic care economy, and that alone is supposed to employ close to 100,000 young people. Clearly, clearly, we will reduce the unemployment rate,” he said.

Mr Opare-Addo expressed confidence that the domestic care economy programme, together with other youth-focused interventions, would significantly increase employment opportunities across the country.

He stressed that government’s objective was not merely to create jobs but to ensure that young people gained access to decent, sustainable and meaningful employment.

The Minister said the planned programme and other interventions would form part of government’s broader strategy to address youth unemployment and improve the economic prospects of young Ghanaians.

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