Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 22, Mr Darko dismissed claims that the OSP was delaying the process, stressing that the law requires that accused persons, not their lawyers, be served directly.

“This brings me back to the inaccuracy and misinformation that we believe is sometimes deliberate and sometimes out of ignorance,” he said.

“These narratives feed the idea that the OSP is not doing its work right, and that affects credibility.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/r5rEFTI_kNw?si=MqS3AYSowTnO20kM

He explained that the former minister is currently outside Ghana, which has triggered additional procedural requirements.

“Because Mr Ofori-Atta is not in the jurisdiction, and as every lawyer is aware, when it comes to criminal law, you do not serve the lawyers of the accused person. It has to be served on the person,” he noted.

“So we have filed the charges. We’ve applied for a summons to serve him where he is.”

Mr Darko criticised what he described as attempts to rush the OSP into actions that would compromise due process.

“The OSP will listen to people, but it does not pander to people. It follows due process and it follows the law,” he stressed.

He recalled that during the investigative stage, some lawyers pressured the OSP to immediately file charges, even though the law allows investigators to first secure the presence of the accused.

Mr Darko further revealed that the OSP placed Mr Ofori-Atta on an Interpol Red Notice after intelligence suggested he was travelling freely despite claiming he was too ill to appear before investigators.

“It is on record that he had been going to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and a few other places,” he said.

“So we had to get an arrest warrant on a charge and then restrict his movement… to the United States.”

He stated that the OSP is committed to following lawful procedures, regardless of public impatience or political commentary.

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“Currently, there are about 15 petitions for the removal of the Special Prosecutor,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, while discussing the ongoing scandal involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, and expressed concern over how the Special Prosecutor is handling the case.

Watch the full conversation in the video below;

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Victoria criticised what she described as a series of press conferences and rhetoric, with little substantive action taken to advance the case.

“I don’t see any pursuit; I see a lot of rhetoric, I see a lot of press conferences, but in terms of action, I don’t see anything,” she said.

Here is a grammatically polished version:

She suggested that the accused minister’s assets should have been frozen from the outset of the case.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Dr Kennedy argued that the former president must be asked what actions he took while those under his administration—particularly former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta—were allegedly looting state resources.

“If we are talking about the sins of Ken Ofori-Atta, he was reporting to somebody. I think that, at some point, we need to be asking the former president (Akufo-Addo) what he was doing while his ministers were looting our coffers. He has a moral responsibility to address some of these issues,” he said.

His comments came during a discussion on the ongoing case against Mr Ofori-Atta, who is expected to face multiple corruption-related charges in court.

Dr Kennedy noted that Ghana’s governance challenges are worsened by a recurring pattern in which incumbent governments shield their associates from prosecution even when clear evidence of wrongdoing emerges.

He warned that this entrenched culture of political protectionism undermines accountability, weakens public trust in state institutions, and must be urgently addressed.

“We need to move away from a system where being an incumbent seems to insulate you from judicial processes, allowing you to act with impunity. In effect, we appear to be practising a serial one-party dictatorship that lasts for a four- or eight-year term, after which another party comes in to make noise about it,” he cautioned.

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Contributing to the debate in Parliament on Friday, November 20, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) argued that the budget failed to outline clear, measurable policy strategies to address the country’s economic challenges.

According to him, the government appeared more focused on crafting catchy expressions than on developing credible programmes capable of delivering relief to households and businesses.

He said Ghanaians were “tired of slogans that lead nowhere,” adding that the document repeated promises without showing how they would be funded or implemented.

“We expected solutions, not soundbites,” he stated.

Mr Opoku noted that beyond the rhetoric, the budget lacked concrete initiatives to stimulate growth or reduce unemployment. He stressed that key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale enterprises received “minimal attention” despite their importance to economic recovery.

“A budget must reflect urgency and seriousness. What we received instead was a document full of lofty words and empty pages,” he remarked.

He further argued that the government failed to provide a transparent plan for financing major projects, especially given the limited fiscal space. The absence of detailed costings and timelines, he said, undermined public confidence in the administration’s economic management.

“Parliament cannot approve a budget that does not tell the country how programmes will be delivered or what they will cost,” he cautioned.

Concluding his contribution, Mr Opoku urged the government to revise the budget and present a more practical framework that responds to the needs of ordinary Ghanaians.

“This is not the time for branding exercises; it is the time for action,” he stressed.

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Corruption, tribalism and conformity threaten Ghana – Afoko

Speaking at the fifth Dialogue Public Lecture held at the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) on November 21, 2025, Mr Afoko said true national transformation will not come from people who simply “join the chorus,” but from those bold enough to challenge norms and refuse to be intimidated by fear or power.

“Living as a non-conformist in a conformist world means refusing to be swallowed by the crowd,” he told the audience. “The ability to question actions before they happen is the trait the youth must adopt if Ghana truly wants progress.”

Mr Afoko acknowledged that non-conformists often face difficulties, but argued that these very struggles are what drive national growth. He cautioned that widespread corruption and the persistence of tribalism remain major threats to development.

“Corruption is everywhere, but when corruption becomes normal and tribalism becomes fashionable, then we have a problem,” he said. “Sadly, tribalism is still around. That is why the youth must stand out and speak the truth even when it is hardest to do so.”

He warned that silence from the country’s brightest minds creates space for mediocrity to dominate public life.

“If the distinguished minds of this country keep quiet, mediocrity will take over,” he said. “And when that happens, the entire nation loses.”

Calling on the youth to recognise the responsibility that comes with standing out, he emphasised that non-conformity is not arrogance, but duty.

“Standing out is being responsible,” he noted. “You might not be noticed today, but you will be noticed eventually. The future belongs to those who refuse to be swallowed by the crowd.”

Mr Afoko added that conformity destroys innovation, justice, growth and progress, warning that if mediocrity becomes acceptable, the nation risks disaster—because intellectuals would then rely on mediocre voices to make laws and policies shaping Ghana’s destiny.

His message echoed the central theme of the lecture: that Ghana’s future depends on courageous citizens ready to challenge harmful norms, defend integrity and insist on accountability.

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He made the comments on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 22, while reflecting on the latest developments surrounding the high-profile matter.

“The idea that it is a lost cause, it is not a lost cause,” he said.

“Even if he is not in Ghana, there can be a trial; he has lawyers who can defend him, there can be a verdict of guilty or innocent, and even if he doesn’t spend a day in jail, the fact that he finds it necessary to avoid going back home, there is also shame, and hopefully it has a deterring effect, so it is not completely a lost cause,” he added.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced that Ofori-Atta and seven other individuals will be arraigned on 24th November to face a 78-count indictment.

The charges cover alleged large-scale corruption, procurement breaches, and collusion involving senior public officials and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

According to the OSP, the alleged scheme resulted in more than GHS 1.4 billion in public funds being improperly paid out through contracts that did not meet statutory procurement standards.

The prosecution claims that SML was placed on an “automatic payment mode,” enabling significant disbursements to be made without validation of services rendered.

Those expected in court alongside the former minister include former senior officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, and Kwadwo Damoah, former Chef de Cabinet Ernest Darko Akore, as well as SML’s Chief Executive, Evans Adusei, and the company itself.

Ofori-Atta’s defence team maintains that he has not yet been formally served with the charge sheet. His lawyer, Frank Davies, has stressed that due process requires the OSP to issue a proper criminal summons with formal notification of the trial date.

He also argued that proving 78 separate charges beyond a reasonable doubt will present a considerable hurdle for the prosecution.

The case has been further complicated by Ofori-Atta’s current absence from the country, following earlier communication citing medical reasons.

The OSP has indicated it is seeking legal authorisation to serve him and certain other defendants who are outside the jurisdiction.

Dr Kennedy, however, noted that, despite the complexities, the matter represents an important test of institutional resolve and the broader national commitment to accountability.

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He delivered this message during a public lecture on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the African University of Communication and Business, held on the theme: “Civic Courage: Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Making a National Impact.”

According to Mr Afoko, Ghana has reached a point in its democratic journey where courage is indispensable.

He noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom and justice, “these ideals depend on its citizens, especially the young people, who are bold enough to defend them.”

Mr Afoko stressed that democracy is not self-sustaining, explaining that it is protected daily by individuals willing to question authority and act with integrity. “Democracy doesn’t sustain itself. It’s protected daily by courageous voices willing to speak, question, challenge, and uphold integrity,” he said.

Referencing celebrated writer Ama Ata Aidoo, he reminded the audience that “true courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of conviction.”

He described civic courage as the willingness to defend principles even at personal risk, emphasising that it is non-partisan and serves as the moral fibre that holds a nation together. He added that throughout history, courageous leaders are remembered not for their loudness but for their principled stance.

Recounting his own ordeal

Mr Afoko recalled the personal cost of speaking truth to power during Ghana’s political turbulence in the early 1980s.

“In 1981, after the 31st December coup d’etat, I publicly challenged the motives of the coup plotters. I insisted that power should be returned to the democratically elected president, Dr Hilla Limann.”

That decision, he said, came with heavy consequences. “That single act of speaking up led to my arrest and detention without trial.”

He continued, “For a long stretch, I found myself behind bars, not because I had broken any law, but because I refused to break my conscience.”

Mr Afoko recounted that he eventually escaped detention and spent nearly two decades in exile—unable to return home due to the tense political climate. His experience, he said, illustrates how expensive courage can be, but also how much more costly silence becomes.

‘Ghana cannot transform through compromised principles’

Addressing the audience, he cautioned that the country cannot progress if citizens sacrifice their values for convenience. “Ghana will not be transformed by people who fold their principles to fit in,” he said.

He lamented how corruption has become normalised, mediocrity accepted, and truth increasingly perceived as dangerous.

Many people, he noted, mistakenly believe that national impact requires high office. He argued instead that impact is not measured by titles or positions but by the courage to shape history rather than allow history to shape citizens.

Practical strategies for ethical leadership

Mr Afoko outlined five key strategies to help young leaders cultivate ethical and courageous leadership:

1. Develop an informed voice by reading widely.
2. Separate partisanship from patriotism, ensuring love of country outweighs loyalty to party.
3. Hold leaders accountable respectfully.
4. Build credibility through consistency.
5. Use your voice responsibly, speaking to build rather than destroy.

He concluded by emphasising that the survival of democracy does not rest solely on a handful of leaders. “Democracy survives not because a few leaders are courageous but because millions of citizens refuse to surrender their responsibility,” he said.

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The group says efforts to abolish proxy voting, particularly ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming presidential primaries, pose a direct threat to democratic participation.

In a statement issued on behalf of Ghanaian diaspora voters across all political parties and independent groups, CGNU stressed that proxy voting is a protected right under Ghanaian law.

Citing Section 25 of the Public Elections Regulations (C.I. 94), the group noted that any registered voter who is unable to vote in person due to absence, illness, or other circumstances is legally entitled to vote by proxy.

The group dismissed claims that proxy voting facilitates electoral malpractice, describing such assertions as “misleading, unfounded, and inconsistent with national law and long-standing practice.”

CGNU also highlighted what it called the “deep irony” of the situation.

“The New Patriotic Party—the same party that championed and engineered the Representation of the People Amendment Act (ROPAA) to secure voting rights for Ghanaians abroad—now appears open to arguments for abolishing proxy voting, which is currently the only lawful means through which diaspora citizens can participate,” the statement said.

The group argued that ROPAA was grounded in the principle that every Ghanaian, regardless of location, deserves a say in national governance. Any attempt to curtail diaspora voting rights, they said, would contradict not only the spirit of ROPAA but also the NPP’s own democratic legacy.

“Proxy voting is legal, legitimate, and essential for ensuring that every Ghanaian retains their constitutional voice. Any attempt to abolish it is an attempt to silence the diaspora, weaken internal party democracy, and undermine Ghana’s national electoral integrity,” CGNU concluded.

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Out of 47 former executives, 37 publicly declared their intention to back Dr. Bawumia ahead of the 2026 presidential primaries.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a former Deputy Secretary, Benjamin Benson, expressed confidence in Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and vision for the country.

He noted that the former executives had carefully assessed the current political landscape and believed that rallying behind Dr. Bawumia was in the best interest of both the constituency and the nation.

“Those of us gathered here are former constituency executives, and we have decided to throw our support behind Dr. Bawumia to secure a massive victory in Mfantseman and ultimately across Ghana in 2028,” he said.

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Speaking on Metro TV on Friday, November 20, he attributed the crisis to mismanagement rather than global factors, pointing directly to the leadership of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who served as head of the Economic Management Team.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu asserted that the hardships citizens endured in 2024 were a direct reflection of policy failures.

According to him, inflation, instability in the currency, and difficulties in public finances all contributed to a level of strain that had never been witnessed in the country’s post-independence history.

He emphasised that these economic indicators showed a stark contrast between the government’s rhetoric and the lived reality of Ghanaians.

He stated that despite assurances from the former Vice President and the NPP government, the administration failed to implement measures that could have cushioned the population.

Instead, he argued, the burden of austerity and high living costs pushed many households into severe distress.

“The numbers and the lived experiences all point to a crisis of historic proportions,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also rejected claims that global conditions were primarily responsible for the crisis, saying many countries navigated similar shocks without experiencing the level of hardship that Ghana faced.

He insisted that Ghana’s difficulties were amplified by poor decision-making and an overreliance on short-term policies that could not sustain the economy.

He concluded that the economic crisis of 2024 would remain a central point of political debate as the country approaches the next general election cycle.

In his words, Ghanaians will continue to demand accountability, particularly from Dr Bawumia as he seeks reelection to lead the NPP into the 2028 presidential race.

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Speaking on Metro TV on Friday, November 20, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said Dr. Bawumia’s performance in office offers no compelling basis for his renewed ambition to lead the NPP into the 2028 elections. He contended that the former Vice President oversaw some of the country’s most disappointing economic outcomes in recent years, leaving many citizens disillusioned.

He argued that Dr. Bawumia’s shifting campaign messages reflect an inability to defend the economic realities under the government he helped lead, noting that many of his earlier promises never translated into tangible results.

According to him, the economic challenges experienced during the former Vice President’s tenure severely undermine any effort to present him as a viable flagbearer for the future.

“If your record does not resonate with the people, you cannot take it to the political market,” he stressed, adding that the 2024 defeat clearly showed public dissatisfaction with Dr. Bawumia’s stewardship.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu further accused Dr. Bawumia of deflecting blame instead of taking responsibility for the difficulties that arose while he chaired the government’s economic management team.

He concluded that the NPP must confront the realities of its governance shortcomings rather than attempting to revive Dr. Bawumia’s political prospects, insisting that marketing him for 2028 would be “a difficult, if not impossible, task.”

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The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, and has since drawn strong condemnation from traditional authorities in the area.

Addressing a press conference, the Twafohene of the Council and Chief of Kwahu Tafo, Nana Kwasi Opoku Mintah II, described the operation as troubling and unacceptable. 

He criticised the conduct of police personnel, who reportedly carried out the raid at approximately 4am. He said the council viewed the development as a breach of respect for traditional authority and an unnecessary show of force.

The Kwahu Adontenghene and Chief of Abetifi, Akyemfour Asiedu Agyemang III, also expressed concern at the humiliation and distress caused to Daasebere Akuamoah Boateng III during the operation. 

He said it would be in the best interest of the officers involved to return to Kwahu and render an unqualified traditional apology to the chiefs. He emphasised that such an apology was necessary to restore dignity and maintain the long-standing relationship between the traditional authorities and state security agencies.

Following Monday’s arrests, the IGP ordered the immediate release of the Queenmother, Nana Adwoa Gyemfua, and directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau to investigate the circumstances surrounding the operation. He also instructed that any officer found culpable be sanctioned in line with police disciplinary procedures.

Residents who witnessed the incident told local reporters that armed men dressed in police uniforms arrived at the palace claiming to be from National Security.

Gunshots were reportedly heard within the palace compound before the Queen mother was arrested. The presence of the officers and the use of force have left many residents alarmed.

The Kwahu Traditional Council insists that the matter must be investigated thoroughly to prevent a recurrence and to protect the dignity of traditional leadership.

The council reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining peace and cooperation with state institutions but expects that mutual respect must underpin all engagements.

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Speaking on the Super Morning Show, Mr. Jinapor confirmed that Springfield had approached the government, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Explorco for support as part of ongoing discussions over the struggling asset.

He said objective technical and commercial assessments must guide any decision on state involvement.

“Springfield is a Ghanaian company. They’ve invested so much,” he said. “Where they have gotten to, they think they will need some support. As minister, what I will do is that I want an independent, fair valuation of that field.”

He explained that both a technical valuation and a commercial valuation will determine whether the asset is worth state investment. According to him, if the assessment confirms that the WCTP2 field has strong potential, especially after already passing through the high-risk exploration phase, the government will be open to providing the necessary backing.

“If it proves that the field holds huge potential, we would engage Springfield and give them whatever support is required,” he noted.

John Jinapor, however, made it clear that the government will walk away if the results fall short of expectations. “If it does not meet the criteria, forget about it,” he stressed.

The discussion comes as the government explores measures to safeguard declining petroleum assets and boost national oil production amid reduced output from existing fields such as Jubilee and TEN.

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The former Minister for Defence argued that government must explain why earlier recommendations for strategic airlift capability were dismissed, only for approval to be granted now.

According to Mr Nitiwul, delaying such investments has repeatedly weakened national security.

“I keep saying that if there is anybody in this room who knows the needs of the military, I have served them for eight years. I hold the same position I held last year and for the past eight years: it is not in our interest as a country not to have a strategic lift. We need it,” he said.

He also urged government to take responsibility for the delays.

“The government should own up. You want to buy two – own up, apologise to the people of Ghana, and convince us why you rejected the purchase for the last five years, and today you want to buy two: one long-range and one medium-size,” he stated.

Mr Nitiwul’s concerns follow Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement on Thursday, November 13, detailing plans to acquire four modern helicopters, a long-range aircraft and a medium-range aircraft beginning in 2026.

The fleet upgrade is expected to be implemented over four years to boost the Air Force’s operational capabilities.

Dr Forson noted that the current aircraft fleet has become increasingly expensive to maintain, affecting efficiency. He added that the new acquisitions would enhance aerial surveillance, troop and logistics deployment, maritime patrols, air defence operations, disaster response efforts and medical evacuations.

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The initiative, he explained, would enable Parliament to build the knowledge and capacity of the Assemblies to effectively legislate by-laws, rules and regulations that guide their operations and strengthen local governance. 

Speaker Bagbin made the proposal during a book launch held at Parliament in Accra on Thursday.

He noted that while Parliament continued to play its constitutional role of lawmaking, oversight and representation, it was equally important to support the Assemblies to discharge their legislative functions at the local level. 

According to him, such a conference would foster collaboration, enhance institutional effectiveness, and ensure that by-laws passed by the Assemblies are consistent with national legislation and responsive to the needs of citizens. 

The Speaker emphasised that empowering the Assemblies through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building would deepen decentralisation and improve service delivery across the country. 

Mr Bagbin formally launched the two books authored by Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq., an astute lawyer and scholar in parliamentary processes.

The books are aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in parliamentary work and governance.

The books, “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure,” provide valuable insights into parliamentary processes and language.

Mr Bagbin remarked: “The language of Parliament is guided not only by laws and standing orders but also by expressions, traditions, and procedures that shape its relations and decisions.

He emphasised the importance of understanding parliamentary language, noting that it had its roots in Latin and was deeply connected to the history and traditions of parliamentary democracy.

He said, “Parliamentary language is not just English language… It’s about understanding the origins and meanings of words and concepts.”

The books are expected to contribute significantly to the intellectual foundation of Ghana’s constitutional order, promoting sound research, clarity of expression, and respect for constitutional values.

The books are expected to be a valuable resource for citizens, students, and practitioners seeking to understand Ghana’s parliamentary processes and promote good governance.

“These works demonstrate not only scholarship but also devotion to public service and nation-building,” Mr Bagbin said.

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Speaking during the presentation of copies of the provisional register to aspirants, he said the committee had carefully reviewed all submissions but concluded that maintaining the restriction is essential to safeguarding the integrity and orderly conduct of the elections.

“We’ve read the petitions presented by sections of the party, and after listening to all that, we came to the conclusion that for the sake of conducting an election that is incident-free and credible, that provision should be maintained. We will still not have proxy voting in the 2026 presidential primaries,” he said.

The proxy ban, introduced earlier this year as part of the election guidelines, has drawn criticism from members abroad and students who argue that the rule disenfranchises committed party supporters unable to vote in person.

Petitioners had urged the committee to reconsider, insisting that the NPP’s expanding global membership should be reflected in its electoral processes. But the committee has remained firm on its position.

Osei Owusu stressed that in-person voting remains the most reliable method for a close and competitive contest, noting that it avoids logistical complications and strengthens public confidence in the final outcome.

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The document was officially handed over during a meeting chaired by the committee’s leader, Joseph Osei Owusu, who urged the aspirants to thoroughly review its contents and submit any concerns or corrections ahead of the polls.

Mr. Owusu stressed that the committee remains committed to ensuring a transparent and peaceful process as the party prepares for its January presidential primary. He noted that all aspirants were consulted before the decision to release the register was finalised.

Those present at the meeting included Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Ing. Kwabena Agyapong, and Lawyer Appiah Kubi, who represented Bryan Acheampong. Fred Oware also attended on behalf of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The NPP is gearing up for a critical internal contest to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general election. The poll, scheduled for January 31, 2026, will determine who leads the party following its defeat in the 2024 national elections.

The release of the provisional register marks an important step in the electoral process, giving aspirants the opportunity to verify the list of delegates who will vote in the primary.

According to the committee, the objective is to prevent disputes over voter data, build confidence in the system, and ensure a credible and orderly election.

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Speaking on Accra FM, the former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection praised the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

She said the document represents a balanced effort to consolidate Ghana’s fragile post-crisis recovery while addressing public demands for relief from the high cost of living and supporting renewed economic growth.

Ms. Appoh commended the Mahama-led administration for allocating resources to pro-poor initiatives, including the School Feeding Programme. She urged strict monitoring of social intervention allocations to prevent leakages and ensure that the intended beneficiaries fully benefit.

She also lauded the new directive requiring School Feeding caterers to source foodstuffs from local farmers, calling it “a smart step toward strengthening the agricultural value chain and putting real money in the pockets of rural producers.” According to her, the move aligns with the government’s goal of boosting local production and reducing reliance on imported food commodities.

On infrastructure, Ms. Appoh welcomed the renewed focus on road development, particularly planned express routes within the Greater Kumasi area. She said improved road connectivity would enhance commerce, transportation efficiency, and regional integration while opening up underserved communities.

Commenting on the macroeconomic outlook, she praised the government’s progress toward achieving single-digit inflation, noting that price stability is crucial for restoring household confidence and encouraging business expansion. She further commended the planned capital injection into the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), saying it would “keep the lights on” and support productivity for homes and businesses.

Ms. Appoh also welcomed the scrapping of the COVID-19 levy as timely relief for Ghanaians struggling with high living costs. She urged traders to reflect improvements in inflation and tax reductions in the pricing of goods so that consumers feel the full impact of the government’s policies.

Highlighting key provisions in the 2025 budget themed “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want,” she said the 2026 Budget builds on these gains. These include debt reduction initiatives, expenditure rationalization, payroll sanitization, and the abolition of taxes such as the e-levy and the withholding tax on lottery winnings.

She stressed that the combined effect of these measures demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to fiscal discipline and inclusive growth.

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Speaking in an exclusive interview on JoyNews AM Show, Agyepong said, “And that’s why I have even challenged my other four colleagues that we should have a nationally public-sized debate. Ghanaians and our party people deserve to make an informed choice. That informed choice will be based on our policy differences, our priorities, our character, and our record. That should be scrutinised.”

He emphasised that leadership should go beyond popularity contests, highlighting the need for transformative ideas and a demonstrated willingness to deliver results.

“We need somebody who’s got transformative ideas, somebody who has shown that he’s prepared to work for results,” he added.

Agyepong’s call comes amid growing competition within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as candidates campaign ahead of the party’s presidential primaries set to take place in January 2026.

He stressed that public scrutiny of candidates’ visions and character is essential for selecting the best leader to guide Ghana in the coming years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He explained his firm stance against illegal mining.

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

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

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

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

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

He also disclosed the challenges former MMDCEs are currently facing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Jubilee House on Wednesday, November 19, the President noted that diplomacy can no longer be limited to protocol and ceremonial functions.

“Diplomacy today is no longer confined to protocol representation and champagne drinking. It is a crucial instrument for national development,” he said.

He encouraged the envoys to see their roles as central to Ghana’s economic progress, emphasising that every engagement abroad must yield tangible benefits at home.

“Every meeting you hold, every partnership you pursue, every investor you convince, must be aimed at contributing to Ghana’s transformation,” he told them.

President Mahama outlined specific expectations, urging the diplomats to deepen trade relations, enhance market access for Ghanaian products, and attract quality investment in key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, health, and energy.

He also tasked them with promoting Ghana’s tourism, advancing cultural diplomacy, supporting innovation and technology transfer, and assisting Ghanaian businesses seeking international opportunities. Strengthening consular services to protect citizens abroad was also highlighted as a core responsibility.

“Our missions must operate as vibrant centres for economic diplomacy. Each embassy must function as a hub of opportunity, connecting Ghana to global markets, knowledge, and capital,” he said.

Reflecting on the significance of their appointments, President Mahama noted that the new roles come at a time when Ghana is pursuing extensive reforms to restore confidence in governance, strengthen public institutions, and build a resilient, job-creating economy.

He stressed that this national renewal requires accountability and measurable results from all public officials, and urged the ambassadors to ensure that their work directly contributes to diversifying the economy, expanding exports, and building stronger global partnerships.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on Wednesday, Adu-Asare insisted that “Ghanaians want him,” adding that any constitutional hurdles can be tested in court.

He argued that Mahama’s leadership experience and developmental track record make him the ideal person to steer Ghana’s progress.

“I think President John Mahama deserves another term as president. We will see about the constitutional injunction. Ghanaians want him, so why not? We will test the law,” he said.

Adu-Asare noted that Ghana needs long-term presidential leadership to ensure continuity of major development projects.

“If we have such a president long-term, projects that will expand the economy and help us catch up with developed countries can be sustained. Four years is not enough—longevity is important,” he added.

He further claimed that many Ghanaians share his view, stressing that the country would have been “far better” if Mahama had led for the past eight years.

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This follows a report laid at the plenary by the Chairman of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Eric Afful, calling on Parliament to adopt the Committee’s report to review the Petroleum Act to maximise earnings and returns on petroleum revenues for investment purposes.   

The proposal for a review of the Act was made by Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on November 13, immediately after presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament.   

Mr. Afful explained that the review is expected to enhance investment returns on Ghana’s petroleum revenues, particularly the Petroleum Fund, by increasing interest yields from the current one per cent to about eight per cent interest. 

He emphasised that such a move would strengthen the country’s fiscal buffers and provide more resources for development projects.   

Dr. Forson, in his budget presentation, noted that the Investment Advisory Committee had advised government to revisit the provisions of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, to ensure that petroleum revenues are prudently managed and invested to generate higher returns.  

The Finance Minister stressed that the proposed amendments aligned with Ghana’s petroleum revenue management framework with international best practices, while safeguarding transparency and accountability in the use of petroleum funds.

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In an interview, Osofo Kyiri Abosom praised the president’s leadership, describing Mahama’s early performance as promising. He revealed that while they exchanged messages, he has not yet paid the president a courtesy call since the 2024 elections.

“If President Mahama keeps up the good work in office, I would put my party, the Ghana Union Movement, aside and join the NDC. The goal is national development,” he stated.

He further suggested that if Mahama maintains his performance, Ghana could consider amending the constitution to allow him an additional four-year term.

Osofo Kyiri Abosom disclosed that he previously supported the NDC during the era of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings before forming his own political party, but he insists his priority remains national progress over partisan loyalty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The aggrieved supporters accuse some party leaders — including the Regional Minister, Regional Chairman and Regional Youth Organiser — of fueling divisions by spreading falsehoods to discredit the candidate.

They also contend that executives such as the Constituency Youth Organiser and Communications Officer have been overlooked.

According to them, several hardworking grassroots members who contributed significantly to the NDC’s 2024 campaign have been ignored, while individuals who played minimal roles are being rewarded with key positions.

They insist that some of the most active hands during the election have been sidelined over unfounded allegations that they engaged in skirt-and-blouse voting — accusations they describe as politically motivated.

The group says the situation has deepened frustration at the constituency level and appealed to the national leadership to intervene to restore unity.

Responding to the allegations, Regional Minister Ibrahim Tia described the complaints as baseless, emphasising that campaign effort does not automatically translate into government appointment.

“He’s not the only one who contested and hasn’t been appointed,” Mr Tia said.
“Abed [Bunkpurugu] is there — he has no position, and he is one of the senior-most MPs in my region. Alhassan Sulemana, Jah Bless [Yunyoo], no position; Alajo [Chereponi], no position.”

He rejected claims that he or regional executives sent damaging reports to sabotage the candidate.

“There is no formal report anywhere indicting anybody for saying someone campaigned skirt and blouse,” he stressed.

Mr Tia further explained that the party receives information from multiple channels, not solely from regional executives.

“As we were campaigning in our districts and constituencies, people from the national level also joined us. Individuals in Accra have associates across constituencies and are aware of what happens on the ground. The party has several ways of gathering information — not only through regional executives.”

While denying that supporters of the candidate had been intentionally sidelined, he did not mention any who had secured positions.

Asked whether he was satisfied that the four-time Parliamentary Candidate had not been appointed, he responded:

“Let me ask you a question: can you imagine the number of candidates who haven’t won and have not gotten appointments? I am not happy, but I am asking a question.

“We have national executives without positions, and at the regional level, we have former executives, too. Certainly, I’m not happy — I would have wanted everyone in my region to be appointed. But again, not everybody can be appointed.”

Minority Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh led the charge on the floor of Parliament, accusing the government of inconsistency and attempting to push through what he described as an “illegality”.

He argued that the same Majority that once rejected similar tax waivers under the previous NPP administration is now asking Parliament to approve another.

“I don’t know what you will be telling Ghanaians… Today we are being invited to be part of an illegality—something that they spoke against,” he said.

He also referenced the position of Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson to highlight a shift in principle:
“I recall how passionately the Honourable Ato Forson argued then. Today, he is speaking and choosing and veering off.”

According to him, the request should not even be before Parliament because the Income Tax Act, 2015, empowers the Commissioner-General of the GRA to handle such applications.

He maintained that the Minority stands firm in its opposition.

“Let the record reflect that the mighty Minority is opposed to this tax waiver,” he declared.

Frank Annoh-Dompreh emphasised the moral responsibility of lawmakers, saying, “I don’t know what justification you are going to give to Ghanaians who voted for you massively based on principle. Now you are shying away from the very principle by which you were voted into office. God will judge you.”

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The agreement will allow Tata to implement the ITAS to improve compliance, expand tax base, reduce leakages and enhance revenue from the digital economy.

Under the agreement, Tata will be granted a 20 per cent withholding tax on the income and value-added tax on imported services.

As part of broader reforms to address the limitations of GRA’s ability to deliver quality taxpayer services, track and enforce compliance effectively, and improve domestic revenue mobilisation, the authority signed an agreement with Tata for the implementation of the ITAS on May 24, 2024.

This was because the IMF had made ITAS a key structural benchmark under the ongoing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme as it identified its implementation as essential for enhancing tax compliance, boosting revenue performance, and improving the business environment. 

The agreement, which was first initiated under the previous administration, was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on November 13, 2025 and it was referred to the Finance Committee.

Justification for agreement 

Providing a justification of the agreement in Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Forson said the GRA signed the contract with Tata in May 2024

He said the procurement of the ITAS project initially commenced through a competitive bidding in January 2024. 

He, however, said that the process was cancelled towards its conclusion due to a transition between Commissioner General Dr Ammish Owusu-Amoah, and Commissioner General Julie Essiam. 

When Commissioner General Essiam took office, he said, the new leadership of GRA awarded the contract on a sole sourcing basis, even though there was a running competitive sourcing. 

He said on November 4, 2024, an addendum was signed by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd and GRA, with Commissioner General Essiam signing on behalf of the GRA.

“The agreement says, subject to approval provided by Parliament of Ghana, Tata Consultancy Services is entitled to a 20 per cent withholding tax exemption from January 1, 2025, till the end date as set out under clause 4 of the agreement.

“Mr Speaker, it says that GRA shall be responsible and do all such acts required for obtaining such approval from Parliament. I am cleaning your [previous administration] mess,’ Dr Forson said. 

Arguing that his principle and position on tax was still unwavering, Dr Forson said the agreement was signed by the previous administration imposing an obligation on the people of Ghana.

“So Mr Speaker, the GRA is entitled to ensure that 20 per cent withholding tax is given to Tata Consultancy Services.

“I have not signed this contract, and the new Commissioner General, Anthony Sarpong, never signed this contract,” he said.

Dr Forson said the only reason he was bringing the agreement to Parliament was because Tata Consultancy Services was a foreign company, and before the contract should have been signed, “they should have come to Parliament under article 1815.”

“Mr Speaker, they did not come to you under article 1815 of the Constitution, and I am here to make sure that the right thing is done, and I am cleaning your mess.

“Apart from that, the Ministry of Finance cannot sit at the office and approve this tax obligation.”

Reduction of project cost

Telling the House other actions he took to rectify the anomaly, Dr Forson said that because the process of competitive sourcing was truncated, he asked the Commissioner General of the GRA to further renegotiate the programme.

“In further renegotiating the programme, we were able to reduce the cost of software and related items from $25.3 million to $20 million, saving $5.3 million on one line alone.

“I also negotiated downward hardware and related items from $15 million to $13.7 million; overall, everything put together, we saved $9 million plus for re-negotiating this agreement,” he said.

Dr Forson explained that the reason why he re-negotiated the agreement was to ensure that it was well implemented, was to make it “legal and stay within the remit of the law”.

Expressing his belief that the software was good, Dr Forson said, “before I implement, I have to come and clean everything else that I believe was wrong and that includes seeking parliamentary approval and renegotiating it.”

Minority’s opposition 

Opposing the agreement, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, said the Minority’s dissenting view was premised on principle. 

He recalled that last year, the now NDC Majority, then the Minority, kicked against about 47 tax exemptions put before the House. 

He said even at the point of bringing exemptions that were related to One-District-One-Factory with the intention of creating jobs for the youth were opposed by the NDC MPs.

“Today, we are being invited to be part of an illegality, something that they spoke against it,” he said.

He pointed out that the Income Tax Act, 2015, gave the Commissioner General of GRA some powers, a reason that the Tata tax waiver application should be made by the GRA boss.

“Do not bring it to this House especially knowing your track record and what you stood for,” he said.

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Speaking during the 2026 Budget debate, the Abura Asebu Kwama said the previous administration left behind a currency that had undergone severe collapse.

“Mr Speaker, the Ghanaian Cedi suffered a catastrophic collapse under the watch of our colleagues on the other side,” he stated.

He argued that the depreciation was not marginal but historic, and that by the time the former government exited office, the local currency had lost substantial value against major international currencies.

According to him, this level of currency weakness created ripple effects across the economy, affecting businesses, investors and ordinary citizens alike.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that some forex bureaus were selling the US dollar for GH¢17 when the Minority was leaving office.

“By the time they left office, you could buy a dollar at GH¢17 in some forex bureaus,” he said, describing the situation as clear evidence that the outgoing administration mismanaged the currency.

He emphasised that such a dramatic collapse could not be overlooked or rewritten in political debates, noting that exchange rate performance is a measurable indicator of economic health.

“Economic analysis relies on metrics that are not subject to interpretation or opinion,” he stressed, arguing that the Minority cannot escape responsibility for the currency’s depreciation.

The Minister concluded by urging the Minority to approach the budget debate with honesty about the condition in which they left the economy.

He said acknowledging the truth is essential for constructive economic decisions.

“The record speaks for itself, and they must accept the consequences of their own stewardship,” he noted.

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Speaking to delegates of the Christian Council of Ghana during a courtesy visit on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the President said he regularly reminds his ministers in cabinet meetings not to bring any scandal into his government.

“The prosecutions that we are taking against the current government, woe betides the first person who brings a scandal to this government. We shall hang them on a cross, as we follow our Lord Jesus Christ, but they cannot resurrect again.

“The cane used to flog one is the same used for another. We must deal decisively with corruption whenever and wherever it occurs,” he warned.

President Mahama stressed that the fight against corruption is not personal but a necessary step to safeguard public resources and restore public confidence in governance.

“If we want our people to continue to have faith in our democracy, we must show that the political elite is capable of governing accountably. By the 2024 elections, many young people were disillusioned, feeling voting is a waste of time because leaders misuse public resources. We must change that perception,” he said.

He also cautioned that ignoring accountability could threaten national stability. “Ghana is not immune to coups or civilian uprisings. If the political class does not get its act together, such scenarios are possible,” President Mahama added.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he revealed that the period has been one of the most meaningful phases of his public life.

“In the last 10 months, I’ve been enjoying life,” he said, opening up about a rare stretch of calm after years of intense political work.

Host Evans Mensah pressed further, asking if he even had it in him to relax, to which Dr Opoku Prempeh responded with ease. “I have been reading and enjoying life, my brother.”

He said the break has allowed him to slow down and re-centre himself.

“I’ve been reflecting so much,” he explained. He described travelling across the country on a listening tour, reconnecting with people and grounding himself again.

“I’ve been going around the country on a listening tour. I’ve been reconnecting to my roots and establishing my foot firmly on the ground.”

The period, he noted, has been more than just rest. It has been a moment of introspection and clarity about the future.

“I’ve been mostly listening, reflecting, doing a soul search on what’s the purpose going forward.”

Despite his long years in frontline politics, Dr Opoku Prempeh said this break has given him a depth of stillness and perspective he has not had in a long time.

“So, it’s been the best time in the last probably 16 years,” he said.

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According to him, the NPP under the Nana Akufo-Addo government simply did not listen enough.

The former Education and Energy Minister believes that failure cost the party the trust of the people, with severe consequences.

“One thing I’ve concluded in the last 10 months is that there was a broken trust between citizens and government. The trust that was broken hurt so much so that we saw the results so broken,” he said on Joy News’ PM Express.

Asked by host Evans Mensah what caused that rupture, Dr Opoku Prempeh was direct.

“We didn’t listen enough; we assumed a lot of things we shouldn’t have assumed,” he admitted.

He added that even their sense of purpose as a government came under strain.

Dr Prempeh argued that the global environment made the period even more difficult, saying the world had been shaken on multiple fronts.

“We had gone through the West, global economic climate, medically and economically or health-wise,” he said.

According to him, governments across the world were swept up in a storm, with many overturned, leaving only autocratic regimes able to withstand the shocks.

He highlighted how dramatically the global economy had shifted and pointed to staggering changes in basic costs.

“A container from China that cost $1,200 logistic-wise had risen to $14,000. People’s lifetime savings have been wiped out,” he said.

He added that the human toll was equally devastating.

“People had died in their droves that had never been seen before, without a military crisis or World War. So a lot of things that happened.”

Through it all, Dr Prempeh maintained that despite the difficult global context, their biggest failure was not listening to the public early enough — a failure he believes paved the way for everything that followed.

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He made the declaration on Tuesday, November 18, during a meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana at Jubilee House.

“I believe that we have no questions or equivocations about what we believe. I believe that we are completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your belief. We agree with the Speaker to relay the bill and let Parliament debate it,” he said.

He added, “And if there are any amendments or adjustments that need to be made, if the people’s representatives in Parliament endorse the bill, vote on it, and pass it, and it comes to me as president, I will sign it.”

His remarks follow a ruling by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin on October 28, which clarified that the anti-LGBTQ bill expired with the dissolution of the 8th Parliament and therefore needs to be introduced afresh.

Following the Speaker’s declaration, ten lawmakers, including Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George and Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, have reintroduced it to the House as a private members’ bill.

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The petition, filed pursuant to Article 4 of the NPP Constitution, argues that the PEC’s announcement on November 6, 2025, is unconstitutional, exclusionary and threatens the rights of external-branch delegates who have historically voted by proxy in national executive and presidential elections.

Delegates Argue PEC Overstepped Its Mandate

According to the petitioners, the PEC lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally prohibit proxy voting. They cite Article 13(2.6), which vests the power to set presidential election rules in the NEC, in consultation with the National Council. The external branches, which are represented on the National Council, contend that they were never consulted.

They describe the directive as ultra vires and therefore void, stressing that no ad-hoc committee should issue rules without satisfying constitutional requirements.

Disenfranchisement of External Delegates

The branches argue that the ban effectively disenfranchises all overseas delegates, who are constitutionally recognised under Article 8 but are unable to travel to Ghana to vote in person. The petition notes that the party has long relied on proxy voting to accommodate this reality.

They accuse the PEC of ignoring operational constraints, saying the removal of proxy voting “overlooks the nature and structure of external-branch participation” and denies them the practical ability to exercise their franchise.

Breach of Legitimate Expectation

The delegates further maintain that the ban violates the principle of legitimate expectation, since proxy voting has been a consistent feature in previous primaries and national executive elections. Abruptly abolishing it without justification, they argue, breaches fairness and natural-justice standards under Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution.

Contravention of Democratic Principles

They also describe the ban as arbitrary and undemocratic, asserting that it contradicts Article 55(5) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 9 of the Political Parties Act, which mandate democratic internal party processes. Excluding an entire category of accredited delegates, they say, is inconsistent with these requirements.

Ignored Proposal and High Cost Burden

The petition reveals that the External Branch Chairpersons’ Caucus submitted an alternative voting proposal to the PEC on November 3, 2025, offering practical and cost-effective options. The PEC, according to the petition, neither acknowledged nor discussed the proposal before announcing the ban.

Delegates say the decision forces them to bear an average cost of USD 3,000 each in travel and accommodation if they are to vote in person, an unfair burden that heavily disadvantages the party’s global membership.

“If Ghana Can Manage Proxy Voting, Why Not the NPP?”

The petitioners also draw comparisons to Ghana’s national electoral system, where proxy voting is well-regulated by the Electoral Commission despite handling millions of voters. They argue that if the EC can manage it, the NPP, known for its organisational strength, has no justification for dismantling an internal system that has worked for years.

They describe the ban as “a convenient or lazy approach” that raises questions about the party’s ability to police its own elections.

The external branches are therefore asking the NEC to declare the PEC’s directive null and void, for being unconstitutional and procedurally flawed and further reinstate proxy voting or adopt a practical alternative that allows external delegates to participate in the January 2026 presidential primary.

The NEC has yet to issue a public response to the petition.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Adom News, Mr. Bosson expressed frustration over what he called the “autocratic and self-centered” leadership style of Ms Torshie, alleging that her approach limited the ability of former MMDCEs to adequately provide essential goods and services to their local assemblies.

According to him, Ms Torshie’s management of the Common Fund created widespread disorganisation, stripping MMDCEs of control over development projects while keeping significant portions of the Fund in a reserve account “as if it were her personal money.”

He further alleged that she personally handled the bulk of procurement processes and awarded most contracts, claiming that many of the items supplied, such as dual desks, cutlasses, and weedicides, were “inferior in quality.”

Mr. Bosson also attributed the NPP’s electoral decline to internal failures, asserting that some leaders “abdicated their duties,” leaving grassroots members unsupported ahead of the elections. This, he said, weakened the morale of party agents who had worked tirelessly to grow the NPP’s presence in traditionally opposition strongholds.

“Our downfall in 2024 was not solely due to external factors,” he stated. “We suffered internally because those entrusted with critical roles failed to deliver.”

He claimed that some assemblies received less than GHC 3,000,000 in total releases over three years, compared to recent allocations running into tens of millions of cedis per quarter. According to him, this disparity further fueled frustrations among former MMDCEs.

Mr. Bosson also suggested that the leadership style of Ms Torshie may have contributed to the resignation of former Local Government Minister Dan Botwe.

He added that many former MMDCEs who support Dr. Bawumia in his presidential bid are now passive, fearing that a victory could return individuals like Ms Torshie to powerful positions.

While noting that all five NPP presidential aspirants are capable, he maintained that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia remains the best person to lead the party into the 2028 elections.

“I am calling on all executives — from the national level down to the polling stations — who felt unsupported by MMDCEs to return to the party. Dr. Bawumia is not the cause of our downfall; Naa Torshie is. Dr. Bawumia is the best person to lead the NPP in 2028,” he concluded.

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He insists the petition is misleading, lacks legitimacy and does not reflect the collective position of the Party’s external branches.

The Sweden Branch Chair issued the caution in a detailed submission to the NEC, following the circulation of a petition purportedly endorsed by all 30 external branches of the Party. 

The petition challenges the PEC’s directive banning proxy voting in the January 31, 2026, presidential primary, which will elect a flagbearer from among the five approved aspirants: Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

Mr Oti Aboagye said the petition “creates the false and misleading impression that all thirty external branches were present, represented, and in agreement,” emphasising that several branch chairpersons, including himself, did not participate in any meeting that endorsed the petition.

“Ignore the petition to restore proxy voting. It does not represent the views of the NPP Diaspora, and proxy voting poses genuine election integrity risks,” he stated.

The Sweden Chair argued that the PEC acted appropriately and within its constitutional mandate when it issued the directive.

He noted that the Presidential Elections Committee was set up by the National Council with full authority to design and implement operational rules for the primary, including measures to enhance transparency and prevent manipulation.

He further defended the PEC’s decision, stating that past elections had shown that proxy voting “opened loopholes in our internal processes,” creating verification challenges that could be exploited. Eliminating proxy voting, he said, is not only prudent but essential to ensuring a credible and dispute-free election.

Mr Oti Aboagye also criticised attempts to selectively challenge one electoral guideline while embracing others, warning that such behaviour threatens party cohesion in an election cycle where unity is critical. “Our responsibility as a Party is to defend institutional integrity, not undermine it. The PEC’s decision is a safeguard, not a threat,” he said.

He stressed that the petition’s circulation paints a false picture of division among diaspora branches, which he described as unhelpful at a time when the NPP is working to consolidate support ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The Sweden Chair reaffirmed the diaspora’s commitment to transparent internal elections, urging NEC to uphold the PEC’s authority and maintain close engagement with external branches. “We must model discipline, institutional respect, and faith in due process,” he noted.

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In a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament, Bagbin described the country’s political system as “toxic” in some aspects, contributing to governance challenges.

He noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) struggles with upholding democratic principles, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces difficulties demonstrating genuine patriotism.

He urged both parties to reflect on these shortcomings and take steps to strengthen their core values.

As Ghana’s longest-serving Member of Parliament and a two-time Speaker, Bagbin emphasized his commitment to speaking truth to power to improve governance structures.

He also contrasted his leadership approach with that of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, noting that Afenyo-Markin draws inspiration from him.

Bagbin pledged to continue efforts to enhance Parliament’s skills and capacity, aiming to cultivate a legislature capable of better serving the country.

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The initiative, introduced in partnership with NiBS University, will enable MPs and parliamentary staff to pursue studies up to the doctoral level.

Speaking at the launch in Parliament, Speaker Bagbin said the programme is intended to sharpen the minds of legislators and staff, equipping them to perform more effectively in their roles.

He acknowledged the significant progress Ghana’s Parliament has made on the international stage but stressed the need for continuous professional development to maintain high standards in legislative work.

The scholarship provides funding of over two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for eligible participants pursuing advanced degrees.

Prof. Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Founder and President of NiBS University, said the partnership will focus on delivering practical skills and knowledge that support the work of Parliament and enhance the capacity of its staff.

The initiative reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning and capacity building within Ghana’s legislative framework, with the goal of strengthening policymaking and governance.

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The ceremony took place today, Monday, November 17, 2025, at Jubilee House, where President John Dramani Mahama administered the oath of office.

His appointment follows parliamentary confirmation last week and fills the vacancy created after the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo by President Mahama.

The swearing-in was attended by key dignitaries, including the Vice President, members of the Council of State, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, parliamentary leadership, all Supreme Court Justices, and the new Chief Justice’s immediate family.

In his remarks, President Mahama praised Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s extensive experience and dedication to the rule of law, urging him to prioritise judicial independence and expedite the resolution of cases.

Accepting his new role, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie took the prescribed oaths and outlined his vision for the Judiciary, focusing on comprehensive institutional reforms to strengthen the third arm of government.

A Distinguished Career

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished legal career.

• Education: University of Ghana School of Law; Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Constitutional Theory from Oxford University.
• Judicial Appointments: High Court in 1993, Court of Appeal in 2005, and Supreme Court in 2012.
• Expertise: Constitutional Law and Human Rights Jurisprudence.
• Supreme Court Contribution: Authored 87 majority opinions, particularly on land disputes and electoral petitions.

His leadership is expected to stabilise the Judiciary, bringing decades of practical experience and legal scholarship to bear.

The nation now looks to Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie to implement reforms that ensure timely, accessible, and fair justice for all Ghanaians.

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I am qualified for NPP flagbearer race but… – Patrick Boamah

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Boamah said such conduct undermines party cohesion and the discipline the leadership is working to strengthen.

“I am a member of the disciplinary committee, and some of the cases we are handling involve referrals and petitions. How can I, as a member of the committee, openly campaign for a candidate? It doesn’t show leadership,” he said.

He observed that even when the party issues directives, some officers fail to comply, making it difficult to maintain discipline.

According to him, public declarations of support create unnecessary divisions within the party.

“It doesn’t sit well with the unity and discipline we are trying to build. Everyone has their preference, but leaders need to be very careful; the internet does not forget,” he cautioned.

Mr. Boamah urged MPs and party executives to be mindful of their public utterances during the flagbearer campaign, stressing that his priority is safeguarding unity within the party.

“In my constituency, anyone is free to support whoever they want to, but I am very careful about party unity,” he added.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the MP stressed that leadership decisions must align with the right timing and divine direction.

“God has His time for everything. I am qualified to run for the presidential primaries, but I feel there is time for everything,” he said.

Mr. Boamah noted that his immediate focus is helping to reorganize and strengthen the NPP as the party seeks to reposition itself with policies that can positively impact the country.

“We are working on fixing the party. We believe we have good policies that will help the country,” he stated.

He added that no firm decision has been made regarding calls for him to contest the flagbearership.

“At God’s appointed time, if it will happen, it will. It’s politics, so if God wants to lift you up, anything could happen,” he said.

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The NPP lost the last general election by a disgraceful margin, and instead of documenting and analysing the factors that led to that painful and disgraceful defeat, and taking remedial measures to prevent future disgrace, the National Executive, hiding behind a spineless National Executive Council (NEC) decided to hide a hastily prepared report from the Ghanaian public.

To add insult to injury, the National Executive again, hiding behind the spineless NEC, took a decision to abandon the time-tested and wise tradition of electing the flagbearer of the party for the next general election two years before the elections when the party is in opposition, and decided a top-down approach of conducting that election almost three years before the next general election.

The incompetent national executive members and their puppet masters that led the party to the abominable and disgraceful defeat are orchestrating these schemes just because they want their preferred candidate to be elected again, whether by fair or foul means, so that they would have a chance of being elected again to the National Executive Committee. Whom do the National Executive and the NEC think they are deceiving?

This top-down approach is the beginning of rigging and corruption of the electoral process. What follows a corrupt internal election is aggrieved NPP members and sympathisers not turning up to vote in a General Election as was witnessed in December 2024.

Do they think discerning NPP members, and for that matter Ghanaians, can’t see the schemes being hatched? Privately, and in some cases openly, people are talking against this pinnacle of corruption and it appears nothing can be done about it. Our fathers and mothers who fought for the independence of the country were not that docile. 

The last elections that elected Dr. Bawumia as flagbearer was conducted in a similar fashion, typical of recent NPP internal elections.

The whole of the Akufo-Addo government apparatus and the party machinery were mobilised to favour the election of Dr. Bawumia, the establishment candidate. Weak delegates had their arms twisted, corrupt ones were allegedly bribed, and the cowardly were intimidated to vote for Dr. Bawumia.

The backlash was the staying away of hundreds of thousands of NPP members from voting. Party apathy, coupled with blatant corruption, economic mismanagement, disregard of environmental degradation and “do-nothing” attitude towards pollution of water bodies, must have contributed to the loss of the elections in December 2024

Those who think the party belongs to them and therefore do whatever pleases them are at it again. They will stop at nothing in rigging the evil-intended January 2026 elections for Dr. Bawumia. One of the regional Chairpersons of the NPP shamelessly announced recently that they would do everything in their power to get Dr. Bawumia elected as the flagbearer. The NPP hierarchy and their puppet masters may shamelessly want to add manipulation of the election registers to other corrupt practices they seem to have perfected over the years to conduct the January 2026 one.

What do they take us for? Idiots? No. This fraud must be prevented. The theft must not be allowed to go on. Those who engineered the “top-down” scheme don’t want clean elections

I had always believed that in Ghana the NPP is the only major political party whose foundations are based on the principles of the rule of law, respect for the rights, opinions and dignity of the individual, fundamental human rights, pluralism and above all the separation of powers.

The NPP tradition, as far as I know, does not believe that political power should be entrusted into the hands of one individual or a group of individuals and their family and friends. 

It is pathetic that the Chairman of the Council of Elders has allowed the Party to come to this state. Having done a lot of good for the NPP in the past, it would be most unfortunate for the Chairman to end his political career with the NPP in this sorry state.

If I had my way, I would postpone the January 2026 flag-bearer elections and go back to the time-tested down to top approach. 

If the ill-conceived January 2026 election is allowed to go on, the NPP stands the risk of another flag-bearer race being supervised by the same biased party machinery which was mobilized to favour Dr. Bawumia, their preferred candidate. 

Allowing the January 2026 flagbearer election to be managed by an incompetent National Executive, and supervised by a toothless National Executive Council, removes any level playing field for the other candidates – it favours one candidate, the previously failed flag-bearer.  

We endured a variation of “family and friends’ government”, that controlled the press not through violence but through bribery and intimidation. We witnessed the weaponisation of state institutions that attempted to silence transformative voices while allowing patronised corruption to flourish. Instead of development in freedom, we witnessed unprecedented intimidation, economic retrogression, and widespread corruption.

The NPP and its government did not have the balls to curb illegal mining and its attendant destruction of the environment.

Now, the party in opposition does not have the moral courage to criticise the NDC that is neck-deep in galamsey, and has taken environmental destruction to a much higher level.

A resurgent NPP must have the courage to process all the above and in the end come out with people Ghanaians can trust to run the party and a future government. Instead, we are busy looking for problems when the solutions are staring us in the face.

My candid advice or suggestion is that the NPP must be watchful. Don’t fall for any diversionary tactics. Those who conceptualized and are rolling out the top-down election process will stop at nothing to rig the elections for Dr. Bawumia.

It appears Dr. Bawumia is enjoying being used to destroy the NPP. If he cannot read between the lines because of power, fame, and wealth then I want him to think carefully about his future and reputation.

However, if he is aware of the implications of his action, then I would like to call on the sane majority in the NPP to reject this top-down election purposely designed to elect Dr. Bawumia.

As reported by several news outlets and on social media, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo hosted a breakfast meeting with the five presidential aspirants of the NPP at his private residence in Nima, Accra.

“The meeting was convened..…. to foster a spirit of camaraderie and unity ahead of the party’s presidential primaries scheduled for 31st January 2026, and to underscore the critical importance of a cohesive party for the 2028 general elections.”
 
The invitation by the former President gave an indication that he approves and supports the top-down election arrangement that has brought division and acrimony into the NPP.

I am of the strong opinion that anybody who supports such division has no business organising a breakfast or any other meeting to foster camaraderie or unity.

As a Ghanaian saying goes: “One cannot muddy the river upstream and then rush secretly downstream to complain that the river has become muddy and needs treatment”. Such behaviour is the hallmark of a traitor and nation wrecker.

My two questions to delegates are: Do we want those who when in government, neglected the grassroots, ruined the economy of Ghana, and also adopted a lukewarm attitude towards the environment and its biodiversity to be in charge of the NPP again going into the General Elections in December 2028?

Do we want an all-inclusive NPP or one that is controlled by people, including an arrogant “Prime Minister”, a declared fugitive, and their other “Nouveau Riche” family members and friends to continue to control the Party post January 2026? Niemals!

In a statement signed on behalf of the branch, Chairman Richard Oti-Aboagye said the branch believes the PEC’s decision is in the best interest of the party and will strengthen the electoral process.

“The committee comprises competent individuals who will make decisions in the best interest of the party. We fully support their judgment and have no reason to criticize this decision,” Mr. Oti-Aboagye stated.

He noted that some internal groups had circulated claims suggesting that all 30 external branches opposed the PEC’s move to abolish proxy voting for the January 31, 2026, presidential primary.

“These claims are false and misleading. Not all branch chairpersons were present at the meetings where this petition was conceived, and several have expressed their concerns publicly. The assertion that all external branches unanimously oppose the directive is therefore inaccurate,” he explained.

The NPP Sweden Branch Chairman emphasized that meetings of branch chairpersons alone, without proper consultation with other executive members, cannot make unilateral decisions on behalf of all external branches. “No formal resolution or consensus of all external branches or delegates was ever passed to endorse the petition in question,” he added.

Mr. Oti-Aboagye further stressed that the PEC was constitutionally constituted by the National Council with a clear mandate to plan, organize, supervise, and execute the party’s presidential election process.

“It would be contrary to the intent and spirit of that delegation of authority to insist that every operational guideline, such as the ‘no proxy voting’ directive, must be separately sanctioned by the National Council. Such an interpretation would undermine the operational independence of the PEC and defeat the very purpose for which it was established,” he noted.

According to him, the PEC’s decision to prohibit proxy voting is a measure to safeguard electoral integrity and ensure uniform participation.

“While proxy voting has been practical in the past, it has also presented administrative and accountability challenges, including questions about the authenticity of representation and verification of authorizations. If the PEC, acting within its mandate, believes that banning proxy voting will ensure a credible, transparent, and dispute-free election, then the decision deserves our full support,” Mr. Oti-Aboagye concluded.

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I am the unifier NPP needs – Adutwum

It is a civic lesson. It shows that leadership isn’t always loud, and stature isn’t earned by shouting the hardest; it’s earned by how one behaves when provoked.

Prof Gyampo has never been shy about expressing strong, sometimes unpopular opinions.

Yet when Dr Domfeh launched into an unusually sharp, personal attack, the easiest response would have been to clap back with equal force.

Instead, Gyampo chose restraint, a decision that, in Ghana’s heated political space, is both rare and refreshing.

Democratic societies thrive on spirited disagreement, but they collapse when disagreement becomes personal hostility.

Research on political civility consistently shows that toxic exchanges discourage public participation and erode trust in institutions.

A study by the U.S. National Institute for Civil Discourse notes that personal attacks “drive citizens away from meaningful dialogue and reduce willingness to engage in democratic processes.”

Ghana is no exception. Every unnecessary verbal attack, especially from respected academics, creates the impression that public discourse is a battlefield rather than a marketplace of ideas.

When thought leaders trade insults instead of arguments, citizens begin to see politics as a hostile sport, not a platform for national development.

Why Domfeh’s attack was unnecessary

Dr Domfeh’s comments did little to advance national debate. They weren’t critiques of Gyampo’s ideas, research, or policy positions. They were ad hominem shots, the kind described in political communication research as “argument substitutes,” where the speaker attacks a person rather than engaging the substance of their viewpoint.

Such attacks almost always reveal more about the attacker than the target. They shrink discussion. They create noise where clarity is needed. And they distract from the public issues that genuinely deserve national attention.

Why Prof Gyampo’s composure increases his stature

Leadership is tested not in moments of comfort but in moments that demand discipline. By staying calm, Gyampo demonstrated three things:

1. Respect for the public space: He showed that disagreements can be intense without being insulting.
2. Confidence in his own ideas: When someone knows their intellectual standing, they don’t need to match aggression with aggression.
3. Maturity that strengthens democracy: As political communication scholars often argue, restraint in the face of provocation is a hallmark of leaders who understand the long game of nation-building.

Ghana’s democracy doesn’t suffer because people disagree. It suffers because too many people disagree badly.

If more public figures handled provocation the way Prof Gyampo did, our civic culture would be less toxic, our discussions more thoughtful, and our democracy much stronger.

In this moment, Prof Gyampo didn’t just defend his reputation, he modelled a kind of leadership our public discourse desperately needs.

His calm didn’t make him smaller.

It made him bigger.

In an interview with Adom News, the former Education Minister emphasised that the NPP’s success hinges on choosing a leader capable of bringing all factions together after the internal contest.

Dr. Adutwum highlighted that his vision for the NPP goes beyond winning the flagbearership; it is about healing divisions, strengthening party structures, and restoring confidence among grassroots members.

He explained that his clean and issues-driven campaign is a deliberate strategy to foster harmony, avoid internal tensions, and ensure that every aspirant and supporter feels respected and valued.

According to him, unity is the most powerful weapon the NPP can wield going into 2028, and he stands ready to champion that cause.

“The party needs a unifier,” he noted, stressing that only a united front can position the NPP to recapture power.

Dr. Adutwum concluded by urging delegates to look beyond momentary interests and consider what is best for the party’s future.

He appealed to them to give him the opportunity to lead, promising to build bridges, energise the base, and guide the NPP to a resounding victory in the next elections.

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Addressing supporters in Ketu South, the former Vice President appealed for public trust in his bid for the highest office, urging voters to reflect on his performance in government.

He reminded the gathering of his achievements in office, stressing that a full presidential mandate would enable him to attract more foreign investment and fast-track national development.

“Believe in me,” he said. “You’ve witnessed what I was able to accomplish as Vice President. With your full mandate as President, I will bring more international investment into Ghana.”

Dr. Bawumia encouraged supporters to look beyond current economic challenges and consider the long-term benefits of practical ideas and forward-looking policies. He emphasised that true national transformation is grounded in creativity and problem-solving, not merely current income levels.

Highlighting his role in Ghana’s digital reforms, he referenced improvements in mobile money interoperability as a key example. He noted that, until recently, transferring funds across different mobile networks or linking bank accounts to mobile wallets was impossible.

“But we believed it could be done, and today it is a reality,” he said.

He further stated that the progress in the digital financial sector has contributed significantly to job creation. According to him, the number of mobile money agents has grown from about 107,000 to roughly 900,000 during his tenure—an expansion he described as a major boost to employment.

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He was speaking at the inaugural YENSOM Festival of the chiefs and people of Akyem Muoso.

“Corruption has become a difficult subject matter in Ghana and many traditional leaders decline to comment on it due to the possible wrath of the political class. It is however imperative to deal with it decisively if we want to progress as a country.

“The era when a certain group of people are powerful and angels when they are in government and in a matter of days becomes thieves when they leave power must stop. This change of regime and its associated drama of plethora of corruption related expose has become the norm, predating the inception of the fourth Republic,” he said.

Osabarima Beyeeman stressed that state anti-corruption agencies and investigative bodies must operate independently and effectively, regardless of who is implicated.

“If a government official commits an offense while in government, the state institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption related matters must be seen to be taking actions,” he added.

On the issue of illegal mining, the Muosohene warned of dire consequences if galamsey activities are not curtailed. “If the menace of illegal mining is not tackled fearlessly, Ghana may import water and food before we can survive as a country,” he cautioned.

He recalled reports of the Environmental Protection Authority CEO being forced to flee during inspections in galamsey-affected towns.

“I believe the solution lies with the Government with all the powers of the state. A more radical and ruthless action is required to end this menace.” He also criticized illegal mining practices as potentially leading to vigilantism and harming the nation.

Responding to claims that the youth have no jobs, Osabarima Beyeeman said, “I vehemently disagree with the assertion of no jobs for the youth. I have said this several times and I will repeat. Financiers of Galamsey must invest in equipment that would support and improve farming rather than illegal mining that harms the environment.”

The YENSOM Festival, a homecoming initiative, promotes peace and development in Akyem Muoso. During the festival, a ten-year development plan for the town was unveiled, aimed at identifying immediate needs and providing a roadmap for growth through local initiatives and self-help projects.

Additionally, the Muoso History Book was launched to document the history of the Muoso stool, counter misinformation, and serve as a resource for investors, scholars, researchers, and traditional adjudicating bodies.

Osabarima Beyeeman said, “The absence of a codified document detailing the history of the Muoso stool created a vacuum for people to make claims over the stool. This book seeks to provide accurate information, widen knowledge and position Akyem Muoso in its rightful place within the Akyem Abuakwa State.”

The launch of the history book and the development plan reflects the community’s commitment to strategic growth, informed decision-making, and cultural preservation.