His remarks come amid renewed tensions within the party after Kennedy Agyapong stated that he would not be intimidated or silenced by criticism from within the NPP.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Aboagye said concerns within the party should be addressed through established channels rather than through public threats.

“Kennedy Agyapong cannot threaten the NPP into doing what pleases him. Nobody can hold the party to ransom. His concerns cannot be addressed through threats or blackmail,” he stated.

According to him, the actions of some individuals within the party should not be interpreted as the official position of the NPP.

“If certain individuals have done something to him, it does not mean it reflects the views of the entire NPP,” he said.

Mr Aboagye questioned whether Kennedy Agyapong would have accepted similar conduct if he had won the party’s presidential primaries and another leading member had acted in the same way.

“If he had won the election and Bawumia was doing this, would he be happy?” he asked.

He maintained that party members seeking reforms or changes should pursue them through dialogue and consensus-building instead of confrontation.

He warned that such actions could have negative consequences for the party and its supporters.

“If you want something to be done in the party, you do not threaten the party to get it done. When you do this, you put our lives at risk,” he stated.

Mr Aboagye said the NPP had been focused on rebuilding and strengthening unity after its defeat in the 2024 general elections, but recent controversies had shifted attention away from that goal.

He also highlighted the sacrifices made by party members across the country, saying their contributions should not be undermined.

“This party has been on course to unite and revive itself. Now look at what we are discussing,” he lamented.

“There are young people counting on this party, and that is what we are focused on, not emotions,” he said.

Mr Aboagye expressed disappointment over comments he believes undermine the efforts of loyal party supporters.

“So is he saying the people sacrificing themselves for the party are doing so in vain? The millions of NPP supporters who have stood up for the party are basically being told that it is all in vain,” he argued.

“I am hurt by that comment. He has distracted the party right now, so please do not disrespect the people who have sacrificed their lives for the party. Respectfully,” he added.

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Chief Justice’s perceived closeness to government raises concerns – Miracles Aboagye

Kennedy Agyapong’s comments were meant to spark reflection, not destroy NPP – Kwasi Kwarteng

The People’s Forum recently sent an open letter to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, urging him to safeguard the independence and integrity of the Judiciary amid growing public debate over the relationship between the courts and the Executive.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Aboagye said recent developments have created unease among some Ghanaians regarding the independence of the Judiciary.

“We appreciate the response from the Judicial Service and the swift response as well. Our problem is that we are scared,” he stated.

According to him, concerns have been heightened by ongoing prosecutions involving political opponents and public perceptions surrounding the conduct of some state institutions.

“Political opponents are being prosecuted and the bail conditions are hideous, and the Chief Justice is seen around government people,” he alleged.

Mr Aboagye said such perceptions make it necessary for the Judiciary to provide assurances of its independence and impartiality.

“It is a legitimate call for concern. We want assurance,” he said.

The People’s Forum leader argued that the office of the Chief Justice requires a high level of caution in public engagements in order to protect public confidence in the Judiciary.

“The Chief Justice is not an ordinary citizen. He has no business being around government appointees,” he stated.

He further suggested that the optics of the Chief Justice being seen in the company of government officials could undermine public trust in the Judicial Service.

“He should step out with an aura. His relationship with the NDC is awkward and that is not what the office of the Judicial Service should be doing,” he said.

Mr Aboagye stressed that public officials occupying sensitive constitutional positions must be mindful of how their actions are perceived.

“You carefully choose. It’s bad optics. He should stand shoulder to shoulder. He should not be seen in the shadows of people in government,” he remarked.

“We are not comfortable with that. He should work on it,” he added.

According to him, the concerns formed the basis of an open letter recently addressed to the Chief Justice by the People’s Forum.

“The letter we wrote was in all intents and purposes to shape our democracy,” he explained.

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Kennedy Agyapong’s comments were meant to spark reflection, not destroy NPP – Kwasi Kwarteng

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Kwarteng described Kennedy Agyapong as a committed party member whose remarks should be seen as constructive criticism.

“Kennedy Agyapong is a deeply invested party man. So when statements come from his mouth, I believe it is not to destroy the party,” he said.

He stressed that the issues raised by the former presidential aspirant should not be framed as a clash between Kennedy Agyapong and the NPP.

“Whatever he said is not an issue of Ken versus the party. It offers an opportunity for reflection and not for war,” he stated.

Mr Kwarteng argued that strong political parties are built on effective reconciliation and dispute resolution mechanisms, urging the NPP to use the ongoing debate to strengthen internal unity ahead of the 2028 elections.

“Strong parties are built on proper reconciliation and dispute resolution mechanisms. We should take this as a moment to reflect and build reconciliation for the party leading to the 2028 elections,” he said.

He added that his comments were not intended to justify any specific statement made by Kennedy Agyapong, but rather to emphasise the need for greater internal engagement.

“I’m not justifying anything. I am saying that it exposes the reconciliation chamber of our party and shows that we can still do better,” he noted.

Mr Kwarteng further called for dialogue among party members, warning that prolonged internal disputes would not benefit the NPP.

“It is an opportunity for engagement. I don’t think the back and forth benefits anyone,” he added.

His remarks follow comments by Kennedy Agyapong that he would not be intimidated or silenced by criticism from within the NPP after speaking on governance and accountability.

The former Assin Central MP had recently criticised the previous NPP administration for failing to complete and operationalise the Afari Military Hospital within its eight years in office, describing it as a missed opportunity to improve healthcare delivery.

Speaking on Net 2 TV, Mr Agyapong maintained that his comments were driven by a desire for national development rather than partisan bitterness.

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No evidence suggests Bawumia endorsed attacks on Kennedy Agyapong – Bryan Acheampong

In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, Dr Acheampong said the party’s focus should be on rebuilding and returning to power following its defeat in the 2024 elections.

“Our party suffered a painful defeat in 2024. The single most important task before us between now and 2028 is to rebuild, to reunite, and to return to power. Nothing! no grievance, no provocation, no personal quarrel can be allowed to stand above that mission. Every day we spend fighting one another is a day we hand freely to our opponents,” he stated.

The former presidential hopeful, who contested in the NPP’s January primary, said he understood the disappointment that follows a hard-fought internal election and therefore appreciated the concerns being expressed by former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.

Dr Acheampong said he had followed with concern recent remarks by Mr Agyapong and his threat of action against the party and some individuals.

“Ken is a son of this party. A man whose energy, resources and loyalty over decades cannot be questioned, and whose voice carries weight across our grassroots. It is for that very reason that I urge him, respectfully but firmly, to lower the temperature and to lend his considerable influence to the work of healing rather than division,” he said.

Addressing the source of Mr Agyapong’s grievances, Dr Acheampong acknowledged that some individuals associated with both Dr Bawumia’s campaign and his own campaign had made comments that were inappropriate.

“During and after the contest, a few voices around the flagbearer and even my own campaign directed disrespect and sometimes insults at Hon. Agyapong that were unworthy of our tradition,” he admitted.

However, he stressed that there was no evidence linking such attacks to the NPP flagbearer.

“But we must also be fair and truthful. There is no evidence that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia commissioned, directed or endorsed those attacks. The individuals responsible carry their own long-standing grievances with Hon. Agyapong, quarrels that are personal to them and that they have pursued on their own account,” he stated.

According to Dr Acheampong, it would be unfair to hold Dr Bawumia or the entire party responsible for the actions of a few individuals.

He further called on all sides to embrace reconciliation and move beyond the tensions generated by the primary contest.

“And let us be honest with ourselves on all sides. In the heat of a contest, none of us speaks with perfect restraint, and harsh words passed in more than one direction – Hon. Agyapong’s own among them. I say this not to apportion blame, for I believe such words were spoken in the passion of the moment rather than from the heart.”

Dr Acheampong maintained that the focus should remain on strengthening the party and supporting its flagbearer rather than dwelling on personal disputes.

“Because here is the truth that must anchor us: this is about Dr. Bawumia and the NPP and not about the handful of individuals with their own scores to settle. Dr. Bawumia is now the candidate of all of us. He carries the mandate not only of those who voted for him, but of every member who voted for Ken, for me, and for the others who contested.”

He concluded by urging all factions within the party to close ranks ahead of the next election cycle.

“So, I appeal to Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, to his supporters, and to mine: let us lay down the weapons of internal warfare. Action the verb UNITY. And let us close ranks behind our flagbearer so that in 2028 we restore the New Patriotic Party to the service of the people of Ghana.

“Unity is not weakness. Unity is how we win.”

In a statement calling for reconciliation within the NPP, Dr Acheampong admitted that some supporters associated with various campaigns, including his own, made comments that were disrespectful towards Mr Agyapong.

However, he maintained that there was no evidence linking Dr Bawumia to those actions.

According to him, some of the individuals involved had long-standing personal disagreements with Kennedy Agyapong and acted independently rather than at the direction of the party’s flagbearer. He cautioned against blaming Dr Bawumia or the party as a whole for the actions of a few individuals.

The former Agriculture Minister further argued that internal tensions should be viewed in context, noting that heated exchanges occurred from multiple sides during the campaign period.

He expressed hope that all parties involved would embrace reconciliation without waiting for apologies or concessions from others.

“But we must also be fair and truthful. There is no evidence that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia commissioned, directed or endorsed those attacks,” Dr Acheampong said.

“It would be a grave error to allow the misconduct of a few to be charged to the account of our flagbearer, or worse, to our entire party.”

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The directive is contained in guidelines issued by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, ahead of the constituency executive elections scheduled to begin with nominations from June 22 to June 24.

The statement said any member of a constituency elections committee who intends to contest must first resign and be replaced by a member appointed by the constituency executive committee.

“A member of the Constituency Elections Committee shall NOT be eligible to contest in the Constituency elections,” the statement emphasised.

Eligibility

The party has also outlined stringent eligibility criteria for aspirants seeking various constituency executive positions.

According to the guidelines, contestants must be registered party members in the constituency in which they seek office, be members in good standing with fully paid dues, reside and vote in the constituency, and demonstrate active membership for at least two years.

The statement further stipulated that aspirants for the positions of Constituency Secretary, Research Officer, and Electoral Affairs Officer must possess at least a diploma qualification.

However, it explained that members whose names are not captured in the party’s polling station register would not automatically be disqualified if they could prove they had been members in good standing for at least two years.

Appeals

To address possible disputes, the party has established Constituency Appeals Committees made up of representatives of the National Steering Committee, the Regional Steering Committee, and the Legal Directorate.

The committee will be required to determine petitions within 48 hours of receipt.

The statement said dissatisfied petitioners could further appeal to the Regional Steering Committee and subsequently to the National Steering Committee, whose decision would be final.

Nomination fees

Nomination forms will cost GH¢1,500 for the position of Constituency Chairman, GH¢1,000 for First and Second Vice-Chairpersons, and GH¢500 for all other positions.

The Electoral Commission of Ghana will conduct the elections under the supervision of the Constituency Elections Committees in accordance with the Political Parties Act, 2000 (Act 574), the statement added.

The constituency executive elections have been scheduled for July 2026, and at least one-third of delegates must be present to form a quorum.

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According to the party’s electoral timetable, nominations for the internal elections will open on Monday, June 22, 2026, and close on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The move is being interpreted as an effort to reduce financial barriers for grassroots women leaders ahead of the nomination process. Supporters of the initiative say it could improve participation and ensure that experienced constituency-level women organisers are not excluded due to financial constraints.

Some incumbent women organisers have also welcomed the gesture, describing it as a boost of encouragement and a sign of support for women who remain committed to serving the party at the constituency level.

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NPP should be careful with me, saying I am bitter, if they provoke me, I will spill the beans – Kennedy Agyapong warns

His remarks follow criticism from some party members after he accused the NPP administration of failing to complete and operationalise the Afari Military Hospital during its eight years in government.

Agyapong expressed disappointment over the state of the project, describing it as a missed opportunity to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country. According to him, the facility, which was intended to serve both military personnel and civilians, should have been fully operational by now, given the level of investment made in it.

Speaking on Net 2 TV, the former NPP flagbearer aspirant dismissed suggestions that his comments were motivated by bitterness, insisting that his concerns stem from a desire for national development rather than partisan considerations.

“The NPP says I am bitter. I will not say anything to them. They think it is about what they did during the campaign. They can’t shut me down. If Ghanaians want to know, they should ask them about Agenda 111, whether they were able to complete one. They sold the contracts to other people and took 10 per cent,” he alleged.

Agyapong warned that continued attempts to dismiss or challenge his claims could prompt him to reveal further information.

“NPP should be careful with me, saying I am bitter. If they provoke me, I will spill the beans all over the place,” he cautioned.

He further alleged that the practice of selling public contracts and demanding kickbacks is not confined to one political party, claiming that similar incidents have occurred in dealings linked to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“In the NDC, too, I was there when somebody brought a contract to my wife worth 55 million dollars. She was asked to pay an advance of 7 per cent before they would give it to her,” he alleged.

Agyapong maintained that corruption remains deeply entrenched in Ghana’s political system, arguing that politicians continue to mislead the public. He insisted that he would not be pressured into remaining silent on issues he believes are affecting the country’s development and governance.

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The Ranking Member on the Committee and MP for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said some districts already have existing markets that are not being fully utilised, making the construction of additional market facilities a questionable use of limited public resources.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in Accra, the former Minister for Works and Housing argued that development priorities should be guided by actual community needs, particularly when critical health infrastructure remains unfinished.

“As District Assembly officials and political actors, you are supposed to build 24-Hour Markets but I have realised that in many districts, they do not really need the 24-Hour Markets because there are existing markets already which are underutilised,” he stated.

Mr Asenso-Boakye said the government should explore using such funds to address urgent gaps in the health sector, including the completion of Agenda 111 hospitals initiated under the previous administration.

“I was asking the Health Minister whether he will make a case that in situations where you don’t need these 24-Hour Markets, can we invest the money in other areas which will certainly include the provision of healthcare infrastructure like the Agenda 111,” he added.

He stressed that while improving local economies through market infrastructure is important, investments must be aligned with the immediate needs of communities to ensure value for money and better public service delivery.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Dr Okoe-Boye said the party needs energetic and fair leadership capable of uniting members and restoring the NPP’s electoral fortunes in the Greater Accra Region.

“We need leadership that is fair and capable of uniting all tribes. I will take a scientific approach to addressing issues and work to restore our former glory, just as we did in 2016,” he stated.

The Greater Accra Regional Chairman hopeful disclosed that he recently met former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who advised him to remain focused on improving the lives of people.

“I met with former President Kufuor and he gave me advice I will never forget. He said I should be people-centred and ensure that people move forward in life in terms of education, health and other areas,” he said.

According to Dr Okoe-Boye, his decision to contest is driven by a desire to contribute to the party’s rebuilding efforts while advancing the welfare of Ghanaians.

“In politics, although I have gone into the regional election, I want to participate in the process and ensure that the lives of the people move forward,” he noted.

The former parliamentary candidate said his experiences in previous elections have prepared him for the role.

“I have contested elections as a parliamentary candidate on three different occasions and have dealt with a lot of challenges. I believe it is time to apply those lessons and work in the region,” he stated.

Dr Okoe-Boye explained that a regional chairman must not only represent the interests of party members but also help the party win more parliamentary seats.

“The mandate of a regional chairman is to speak on behalf of the people in the region and also help the party win more seats,” he said.

“As someone who has contested elections before, I know what it takes to win more seats. I have lost and won before, so I know how to deal with both situations,” he added.

He revealed that his bid has received positive feedback from party elders and constituency executives.

“So far, I have received positive responses from the elders in the party in support of my ambition. Almost all the constituency chairmen have assured me that they are ready to work with me,” he disclosed.

According to him, some individuals who had initially considered contesting the position have since withdrawn after learning of his intention to run.

“Some people who wanted to contest the position, upon hearing that I will be contesting, have rescinded their decision,” he said.

Dr Okoe-Boye called for unity within the party, stressing that collective effort would be key to the NPP’s resurgence.

“My prayer is that all of us can work together for the betterment of the party,” he stated.

He said his focus would be on learning from the party’s past experiences rather than dwelling on its mistakes.

“My focus is not to dwell on the imperfections of the past administration. The good thing we can take from the past are lessons,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that the party can reclaim its dominance in Greater Accra if members work together.

“My focus now is on bringing people together so that we can restore our glory to what we had in December 2016, when we won about 21 out of 34 seats in Accra. We can do it. It is possible,” he added.

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Her comments came in Parliament after the Minister of Education indicated that 42% of GETFund’s allocation is currently being used to finance school feeding at the senior high school level.

While acknowledging the importance of feeding students, the former Deputy Finance Minister maintained that the arrangement diverts critical resources away from addressing the country’s growing infrastructure deficit in the education sector.

“Mr Speaker, I rise to ask the Minister a follow-up question on a statement he made that 42% of the GETFund allocation is spent on school feeding at the senior level. Mr Speaker, that is good because the students also have to be fed as they go to school,” she said.

She, however, stressed that school feeding does not fall within GETFund’s core mandate.

“But, Mr Speaker, that is not the core mandate of GETFund. GETFund’s core mandate is to help with the infrastructure of the schools,” she stated.

Drawing from her engagements with schools across the country, Ms Osei Asare said many education projects remain abandoned due to inadequate funding.

“I had the opportunity to visit the regions and also to engage the pre-tertiary schools. Mr Speaker, as we speak now, there’s outstanding uncompleted infrastructure to the tune of between GH¢8 billion and GH¢10 billion.”

She questioned how the government intended to complete stalled projects if nearly half of GETFund’s resources continued to be channelled into school feeding.

“So that if you take 42% of the allocation for this, which is not their core mandate, you ask yourself, how much do you give to them to complete the uncompleted infrastructure?”

The Atiwa East MP proposed that the government should explore alternative sources of funding for the feeding programme instead of relying on GETFund allocations.

“We can use other sources of revenue to fund this equally good programme, but not the monies that should go to GETFund for infrastructure,” she argued.

She also appealed to the majority leader and the finance minister to address the issue in the 2027 budget statement.

“So we will plead with the majority leader and the finance minister that as he brings, not the mid-year, but the 2027 budget in November, they should look at this and make sure they give GETFund enough allocation.”

According to her, adequate funding is needed both to complete existing infrastructure projects and to enable the Ministry of Education to effectively carry out its responsibilities.

“One, to address the existing uncompleted infrastructure, as well as give the Ministry of Education enough funding to enable them to do what is expected of them.”

She concluded by reiterating that although feeding students remains essential, it should not come at the expense of educational infrastructure development.

“So respectfully, I understand that the students will have to be fed, but then that is not the core mandate of GETFund. We can use other sources of revenue for that.”

She ended her remarks by asking the Minister to respond to her concerns.

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Research that benefits national development: Strategic insights from the Ghana National…

This was the key message I got from His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s address at the launch of the Ghana National Research Fund.

The President expressed keen interest and commitment to research for practical solutions for national development.

“Today marks defining moment in Ghana’s journey towards becoming a knowledge-driven, innovation-led and globally competitive economy,” Mahama noted.

As I listened to his address, my strategic thinking lens was fully activated.

Here are some key themes from a strategic perspective:

Contextual research is critical for national development.

The President’s decision to launch the Ghana National Research Fund signals a recognition that research is invaluable to national development.

Every strategy and every decision is only as good as the quality of information that underpins it.

Without reliable data, even the most well-intentioned plans become guesses. Scientific research provides the evidence base needed for sound decision-making in health, education, agriculture, industry, and governance.

Advanced economies dedicate a significant percentage of their gross domestic product to research and development precisely because they understand this.

They know that research yields the information required to make strategic moves. Ghana cannot afford to be different.

His Excellency emphasised context specificity. He noted that research must be locally relevant and sensitive to Ghana’s unique challenges.

This is a critical strategic insight because context brings nuances that generic solutions cannot address. What works elsewhere may not work here. Ghana must generate its own solutions to its own challenges.
 

The core problem in Ghana’s research ecosystem is financing.

The President identified skimpy budgets or no budget at all, which equates to financing, as a central barrier that has long constrained Ghana’s research ecosystem.

He acknowledged that for decades, researchers have produced remarkable work under difficult conditions, noting that too many have relied on fragmented funding and external grants that often determine research priorities from outside our borders.

This is the direct consequence of the pivotal problem: financing. Without predictable, sustainable domestic funding, research cannot move from discovery to implementation to commercialisation, and priority-setting remains effectively outsourced.

President Mahama, however, highlighted a related challenge of many innovations sitting on the shelf because the gap between research and commercial scaling has not been bridged.

This is where strategic thinking must focus. Implementation must become a priority. Research that does not solve problems, inform policy, create jobs, or improve lives is incomplete.

Here, a reinforcing opportunity is presented. When we focus on implementation, we find ways to bootstrap our way into it. Successful implementation leads to commercialisation of innovative products. Commercialisation generates revenue.

Revenue generates more funding for further research and up scaling. This is how a reinforcing cycle can work when financing and implementation are treated as connected rather than separate challenges.
 

Strategic alignment of key players in the ecosystem is key.
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama made it clear that research must align with national development priorities.

He specifically mentioned the 24-hour economy initiative and the accelerated exports development program.

He also outlined priority areas, including food system transformation, health innovation, digital and industrial transformation, climate and environmental sustainability, and governance & social systems, challenging universities, research centres, and scientific institutions to pursue breakthrough solutions in these sectors.

Alignment is crucial here because research that is disconnected from national goals becomes an academic exercise rather than for national transformation. Research must serve the development agenda.

It must solve problems that Ghanaians face. It must inform policy and strengthen industries. This is alignment in action. Research should not simply be about publishing papers. It should be about solving problems for national development.
 

Although resources are limited, this is not an insurmountable barrier

The President announced an initial catalytic allocation of GHS100 million to support the operational launch of the fund.

He also acknowledged that the Ghana National Research Fund Act, 2020 (Act 1056), caps contributions at not more than 0.5 percent of GDP, which is misaligned with the African Union target of one percent.

The question is not whether Ghana can afford to invest in research, but whether it can afford not to.

Despite funding gaps, we as strategic thinkers must recognise that this is where creative thinking is tested. We must ask ourselves the critical question: How do we become a knowledge-driven economy optimising our limited resources?

We must create avenues to overcome or eliminate barriers rather than being paralysed by them. With that, the Ghana National Research Fund has started off on a good note.

It has made some strides in fund acquisition and other areas of its mandate, including partnering with the International Development Research Centre, Canada, for a pilot call.

Indeed, human capability in research as far as Ghana is concerned is never an inhibition. Our researchers have shown remarkable resilience, as acknowledged by the President.

The question is whether we will remove the structural constraints that limit their potential.

Strategic thinking capabilities are the future
In the address, H.E. John Dramani Mahama hinted that The World Economic Forum has identified analytical thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, and systems thinking as defining capabilities for the future economy.

These are precisely the capabilities that strategic thinking develops. They are also the capabilities that research systems help cultivate.

If Ghana is to compete in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital transformation, we must invest not only in research infrastructure but also in the strategic thinking capability of our people.

Organisations that develop these capabilities in their employees will be better positioned to innovate, adapt, and thrive.

Recommendations

For Government
Government must prioritise increasing research funding and align all research grants with national development priorities, particularly the 24-hour economy initiative and the accelerated exports development programme.

Government also needs to establish clear mechanisms for translating research findings into policy and commercial applications.

For Researchers
Researchers should focus on problem-solving research that addresses national challenges rather than purely academic outputs.

They must actively seek partnerships with industry to ensure research outcomes are commercialised. Collaboration across disciplines and institutions is also essential to maximise impact.

Furthermore, researchers need to document and communicate the real-world value of their work to strengthen the case for continued funding.

For the Private Sector
The private sector should invest in research partnerships with universities and research institutions.

They must leverage research outcomes for product development and process improvement and participate in shaping research priorities to ensure they address industry needs.

The private sector also needs to consider research and development as a strategic investment, not a cost.

For Development Partners
Development partners should align support with Ghana’s national research priorities and coordinate funding to avoid fragmentation. They also need to support capacity building in research management, commercialisation, and science communication.

For Media and Civil Society
Media and civil society must amplify research success stories to build public support for research funding. They should hold stakeholders accountable for research outcomes and bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding.

Concluding Thoughts
The Ghana National Research Fund presents a significant opportunity in ensuring that research does not gather dust on shelves but drives prosperity on the ground.

Its success will be measured not in cedis disbursed, but in lives improved, industries transformed, and a nation propelled forward.

A clear focus on implementation, alignment, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders will determine its long-term impact.

About the author:

Dr. Sangmorkuor Tetteh is a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra and a
Corporate Trainer & Strategic Thinker.
Email: sangmorkuor.tetteh@upsamail.edu.gh

Lamisi-Akanbodiipo went missing on June 12, 2024, while on a party assignment. Her whereabouts remain unknown, with no official update since her disappearance.

Deputy Women’s Organiser for Tema West, Everlove Yankson, told Citi News that records were available to prove the party had maintained full financial accountability regarding her entitlements.

“Whatever goes on in the constituency, I am aware. Anything that comes in, her share is given to the family, which I am 100 percent sure of. Even our treasurer can attest to that. The records are there,” she said.

Yankson added that the party’s national leadership had yet to re-engage the constituency on the matter, despite earlier discussions about holding a press briefing on the case.

Prosecution documents show that Wontumi is the sole shareholder and one of two directors of Wontumi Farms Limited, a company incorporated on December 14, 2017, to undertake farming, agricultural business, and processing activities.

He approached the Ghana Export-Import Bank in January 2018 for a GH¢19 million facility to support a farming venture.

Prosecutors claim Wontumi Farms Limited presented documents purporting to show the company had secured a 100,000-acre parcel of land for the proposed agricultural project.

Investigators allege that supporting documents submitted alongside the application, including a board resolution and a project proposal, were dated before the official incorporation of the company.

Prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2022, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako fraudulently obtained GH¢14,302,000 from EXIM Bank through false pretences, using Wontumi Farms Limited as the vehicle for the transaction. Wontumi is also alleged to have presented a forged receipt to bank officials to support an additional GH¢4 million facility.

Prosecutors further allege that substantial portions of the money were diverted into personal use and unrelated business investments, and that efforts by the bank to recover the funds proved unsuccessful. The total financial loss alleged across all counts exceeds GH¢30 million.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office began investigations into the matter in March 2025. Chairman Wontumi was subsequently arrested, cautioned, and officially charged on May 14, 2026.

The Attorney-General’s Office confirmed to the court that Wontumi had formally initiated steps toward a plea deal, disclosed in a filing presented on June 11, 2026, under Section 162C(3) of Act 30.

The request was made through his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, in a letter dated June 5, 2026.

A plea bargain, under Section 162C of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1079), allows an accused person to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a reduced sentence. Any agreement reached must be approved by the court after the Attorney-General assesses factors including the strength of evidence, recovery of state funds, and the public interest.

Chairman Wontumi is facing four charges: defrauding by false pretences, uttering forged documents, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body. He pleaded not guilty to all counts when the plea was taken on May 18, 2026.

He is standing trial alongside Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who is currently at large and being sought by investigators, and Wontumi Farms Limited.

The case returns to the Accra High Court on July 6, 2026, when both the prosecution and the defence are expected to brief the court on whether a plea agreement has been reached or whether trial proceedings will advance.

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The celebration, themed “From Revolution to Fourth Republic: The Rawlings Legacy,” will be highlighted by the official naming of the party’s national headquarters after the late statesman and the unveiling of a bust in his honour.

The morning ceremony is expected to commence at 9:00 a.m. and will feature addresses by President John Dramani Mahama and other senior officials of the party.

Later in the day, a public lecture and exhibition will be held at the auditorium of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences near the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Accra.

Renowned lawyer and academic, Tsatsu Tsikata, will deliver the keynote address at the event.

Other speakers include Dr. Akwasi Opong Fosu, former Minister for Local Government and current Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, as well as former Minister for Information and National Security, Kofi Totobi Quakyi.

The NDC has invited party members, supporters, cadres and the general public to participate in the commemorative activities celebrating the life and contributions of the former president.

According to the party, the events will honour Rawlings’ role in Ghana’s political history, including his leadership during two military interventions and his subsequent stewardship of the country’s transition to constitutional democracy in 1992.

The former president passed away on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73.

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Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the seven-time member of Parliament for Suame in Kumasi, is a former Majority Leader and one of the longest-serving members of Parliament in Ghana’s 4th Republic constitution (January 7, 1997 – January 6, 2025).

He is a respected figure in the NPP.

His new role effectively positions him as the number two figure in the entire Bawumia 2028 campaign architecture.

The restructuring is an indication of how Bawumia is organising his 2028 campaign machine, based on the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu brings to the board his legislative experience, a formidable network across the party’s grassroots, and a reputation for discipline and institutional memory that the Bawumia campaign will desperately need as it attempts to rebuild the NPP.

During his seven terms as MP representing the people of Suame, he served as Minority Leader and Majority Leader when the tables turned. 

On the international scene, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu served as a Vice Chairman of the Global Organisation of Parlimentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) and also deputised as Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA INTERNATIONAL)

Other appointments made by the former Vice President include Frederick Opare Ansah as Director in charge of Identifiable Activities. Mr. Peter Mac Manu as Director in Charge of Political Strategy; Fred Oware as Political Advisor; Nana Akomeah as Director in Charge of Communication and Branding; Kojo Oppong Nkrumah as Policy Coordination, assisted by Evon Hughes; Anthony Abayifa Karbo in charge of Organization and Youth Inclusion; and Dr. Ekua Amoako as Spokesperson.

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In a goodwill message issued on Tuesday, June 17, the Speaker conveyed Parliament’s unwavering support for the national team, emphasizing that Ghanaians from all political, religious and ethnic backgrounds are united in backing the Black Stars.

He noted that the World Cup presents an opportunity to reaffirm national unity, stressing that the team carries the aspirations and expectations of more than 30 million Ghanaians.

Mr Bagbin encouraged the players to approach the tournament with confidence and courage, describing the Black Stars as a symbol of the nation’s pride, hope and resilience over the years.

He called on the squad to wear the national colours with honour, remain united on the field and give their all in every match, assuring them of the country’s full support throughout the competition.

“As Speaker of Parliament, I urge you to play with passion, confidence and belief. Let the world see the talent, discipline and character that makes Ghana a respected football nation,” he said in the message.

The Speaker further urged the players to embrace the challenge and opportunity that comes with competing on football’s biggest stage, describing the World Cup as a platform for dreamers who are prepared to seize their moment.

Expressing confidence in the team’s ability to make the nation proud, he said a strong performance could inspire a new generation of Ghanaians.

He concluded by wishing the Black Stars success in their opening fixture and throughout the tournament as they seek to make a positive start to their World Cup journey.

In a statement signed by Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Co-Chair of the NPP Policy Committee on Health on June 16, the NPP said official records from the Ministry of Defence’s Project Implementation Unit show that the core hospital facility was 92.5 per cent complete as of September 2024 and had reached 98 per cent completion by January 2025.

The statement follows recent public comments, including remarks attributed to senior members of the party, regarding the status of the 500-bed hospital project in the Ashanti Region.

According to the NPP, suggestions that the hospital is only about 60 per cent complete are inaccurate.

“The Afari Military Hospital is a 500-bed facility, and it is not at a partial stage of construction,” the statement said.

The party explained that as of September 2024, civil works on the core hospital stood at 97.5% completion, architectural works at 87%, staff housing at 77%, roads at 80% and landscaping at 77%.

It argued that what remains is the completion of a relatively small portion of the project rather than a major new construction effort.

Addressing concerns over funding, the NPP also disputed claims that an additional US$85 million is needed before work can resume.

According to the party, there is no record at either the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Defence supporting such a figure.

The statement noted that the original US$180 million contract, financed through a loan arrangement, has been fully paid. It further stated that an additional US$19.3 million paid by the Government of Ghana to cover relocation-related delays has also been settled in full.

The NPP added that a separate claim, originally exceeding US$6.5 million and later negotiated down to US$3 million, has largely been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of US$500,000.

Providing a historical account of the project, the party said construction began at Sotoline in Kumasi in 2008 before being relocated to Afari. Physical construction commenced in 2014 and stood at approximately 40% completion by December 2016.

According to the statement, between 2017 and January 2025, progress advanced from about 40 per cent to 98%, indicating that the majority of work was undertaken during that period.

The NPP said it supports the completion and operationalisation of the hospital and urged the government to settle the remaining obligations and bring the facility into service.

“The outstanding US$500,000 should be settled, the remaining works completed, and any new figure presented for payment supported by verifiable records before public funds are committed,” the party stated.

The statement also cautioned senior party members to ensure that public comments on the project reflect the party’s documented position and are based on verifiable facts.

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The praise came during proceedings on the floor of Parliament, where Minority Chief Whip Ahmed Ibrahim Shaib applauded the minister’s style of governance and dedication to duty.

According to him, Mr. Agbodza’s performance speaks for itself and does not require recognition through awards.

“He’s not paying those people who go around giving awards to ministers and taking money. He understands politics, he understands proper man management, and he understands governance. That is why he’s called Governs,” he remarked.

His comments received support from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who stressed the need to acknowledge good performance irrespective of political differences.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin noted that although Parliament has a responsibility to scrutinise and hold ministers accountable, it must also recognise hard work and effective leadership where necessary.

“We are here as political actors, Minority and Majority, but it is all for the good of democracy. When a man does well, we must commend him,” he said.

“Today, I’m commending you. When I take you on, don’t take it personally. Today is not that day,” he added, drawing laughter in the House.

The Minority Leader particularly highlighted the Roads Minister’s conduct during recent field inspections, describing his engagement with projects and stakeholders as energetic and results-oriented.

“You’ve done well with the field visit. I watched you and you did it with passion. That is the right thing to do,” he stated.

He also questioned whether institutions that present awards to ministers adequately assess performance across government.

“Unfortunately, you were not awarded. I don’t know whether those institutions that award ministers are really looking at the performance of all ministers,” he said.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin further encouraged the Roads Minister to sustain efforts to address concerns in the sector, especially the payment of contractors, which he described as essential to maintaining momentum on road infrastructure projects nationwide.

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He argued that the promised savings from appointing fewer ministers may have been offset by a growing number of diplomatic appointments abroad.

In a detailed analysis backed by documents obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, Mr Oppong Nkrumah has raised questions about the financial implications of appointing several Deputy Ambassadors and Deputy High Commissioners, many of whom he claims are senior party figures previously considered for ministerial positions.

Since assuming office in January 2025, the NDC administration has consistently highlighted its decision to appoint fewer ministers than previous governments as evidence of its commitment to reducing the size and cost of government.

The administration has repeatedly pointed to its lean ministerial structure as a key measure to ease pressure on the public purse and promote fiscal discipline.

However, according to Mr Oppong Nkrumah, the debate over the true cost of government cannot be limited to the number of ministers alone.

He argues that while some prominent party officials may not have ended up in cabinet positions, many have subsequently been appointed to diplomatic posts abroad as Deputy Heads of Mission, creating a different but significant financial burden on taxpayers.

To ascertain the actual cost of these appointments, the former Information Minister filed a Right to Information request with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2026 seeking details on the salaries, allowances, benefits and conditions of service of Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Deputy Ambassadors and Deputy High Commissioners serving in the diplomatic missions abroad.

According to him, despite the straightforward nature of the request, the Ministry failed to respond within the statutory period required under the Right to Information Act, forcing him to pursue the matter through internal review mechanisms and eventually threaten legal action before a response was finally provided in May 2026 under Case No. RTIC/AFR/25/2026.

The documents released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveal that every Deputy Ambassador or Deputy High Commissioner receives a standardised monthly basic salary of $3,639.58, regardless of the country of posting. In addition, each officer receives a monthly clothing allowance of US$150.

Based on these figures alone, Mr Oppong Nkrumah calculates that a single Deputy Head of Mission costs the Ghanaian taxpayer approximately US$45,475 annually, equivalent to about GH¢537,000 per year before other benefits are taken into account.

The Ministry’s response further disclosed that deputy diplomats may receive child allowances of up to US$600 per month for up to three children under 18.

Eligible officers are also entitled to education grants averaging $1,750 per quarter, equivalent to about $583 monthly, while those serving in colder climates receive an additional warm clothing allowance of $83.33 per month.

Beyond the direct cash payments, the Ministry confirmed a range of state-funded benefits attached to the positions.

These include foreign service allowances that vary by country of posting, official furnished residences, medical coverage for officers and their eligible dependents, domestic staff support, official vehicles with drivers, fuel, and maintenance, as well as official travel and relocation support.

While the Ministry did not provide monetary estimates for many of these benefits, Mr Oppong Nkrumah argues that the cumulative cost is substantial.

Using the government’s own figures, he estimates that the minimum annual cost of the 18 newly created Deputy Head of Mission positions is approximately GH¢9.7 million. This estimate includes only basic salaries and clothing allowances.

When additional cash benefits, such as child allowances, education grants, and warm clothing allowances, are factored in, the annual bill rises to approximately GH¢12.9 million.

He further estimates that once accommodation, foreign service allowances, official vehicles, medical benefits, domestic staff and other operational support costs are included, the annual expenditure could reach GH¢25.6 million.

According to him, these costs are recurring and will continue for as long as the officers remain posted abroad. The estimates also exclude relocation expenses and establishment costs associated with taking up diplomatic assignments.

The disclosure has reignited debate over government expenditure and transparency at a time when the administration is defending its economic management credentials and insisting that it has reduced the overall cost of governance.

The issue has become particularly significant against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about public sector spending, fiscal consolidation efforts, and the government’s commitment to maintaining a lean administrative structure.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah argues that the central question Ghanaians must ask is whether the reduction in the number of ministers has genuinely lowered government expenditure or merely shifted costs from cabinet appointments to diplomatic missions abroad.

“The figures are not mine,” he maintains. “They are the government’s own figures released under the Right to Information Act.”

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Ayariga, Afenyo-Markin clash in parliament over Ofori-Atta’s US residency reports

The exchange followed reports that Lawyers for Ken Ofori-Atta on Tuesday reported that a US court has granted his request for permanent residency in the United States.

Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament, the Majority leader criticised the Minority and pointed to earlier political promises they made about the former minister’s return to Ghana to face accountability.

“In the not-too-distant future, when the economy has been stabilised, if you are able to get the former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to come back to Ghana and account for all that he has taken out of the country, why?”

He continued by reminding the Minority of their past commitments to bring Ken Ofori-Atta back to the country.

“You even promised to bring Ken Ofori-Atta to this country. You promised us in this chamber that you would bring Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana. We didn’t ask you, but you promised us.”

“Now we are told that he has obtained permanent residency in the United States. A former finance minister running away from his country. And you sit there, and you want to complain about a government that is just one and a half years in office, fixing the mess of people like that,” he added.

The Majority leader said that if Ken Ofori-Atta had nothing to fear, he should be willing to come back to the country to account.

“If he has nothing to fear, he should man up and come back to this country and come and defend himself.”

But the Minority leader pushed back, accusing the Majority Leader of unfairly attacking Mr Ofori-Atta in his absence and denying him the chance to respond.

“We cannot bring Ken Ofori-Atta’s name here when the man is not here to defend himself and make serious allegations against him.”

He questioned the tone of the accusations and called for restraint.

“He is a human being like you, a citizen like you. He also has children. He has his family. Be fair.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin also criticised what he described as repeated attacks on the former minister, recalling earlier incidents in Parliament involving placards against him.

“If you think that you have all your evidence, the court is yours… but don’t use this Parliament to launch an attack on Ken Ofori-Atta. He came to serve. If you have any issues with his service, deal with it,” he said.

The exchange continued when Mr Ayariga insisted that the public should hold the opposition party accountable for Mr Ofori-Atta’s situation and alleged economic mismanagement during his time in office.

“Ghanaians should demand of the NPP that if they don’t produce Ken Ofori-Atta in this country, they should never come before them asking for power again.”

“Because you presented him to this parliament as your nominee for a finance minister, and we approved him as a nominee for finance minister and gave him our economy to manage, and he mismanaged it, and ran away. And you want to go back to Ghanaians and ask Ghanaians to give you power again, so that you will bring another Ken Ofori-Atta to mismanage the economy and run to Europe,” he added.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr Baidoo said it was unfair to blame the current administration for challenges that had accumulated over several years.

“The economy inherited by the NDC was in such a poor state that it could not have created jobs for any Ghanaian. How can you attribute eight years of failure to just one and a half years of an NDC government?” he questioned.

According to him, unemployment was already on the rise before the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration left office.

“Look at the trajectory before Akufo-Addo left office. Unemployment was high; that was the trend,” he stated.

Mr Baidoo argued that the current government was confronted with significant economic challenges upon assuming office, making immediate large-scale employment creation difficult.

“The economy we met couldn’t have created the employment we expected it to create. We had a challenge,” he said.

The Akwatia MP stressed that economic recovery requires a focus on stability before increasing expenditure.

“No one who wants to manage the economy well will start with expenditure. You have to focus on stability in the business sector to create the enabling environment,” he explained.

He noted that the government inherited a backlog of financial obligations that needed to be addressed as part of efforts to restore economic growth.

“We came to meet a backlog. There is a major problem and we should stop the politicking,” he added.

Mr Baidoo identified the Judicial Service and the Local Government Service as sectors with the potential to absorb large numbers of workers because of their presence in every district.

However, he said expanding employment in those sectors depends on the economy’s ability to sustain the associated wage bill.

“The Judicial Service and Local Government are where government can employ many because they are in every district, but to make it possible to run two shifts, the economy has to be capable of paying them,” he said.

The MP maintained that many of the current challenges stem from the state of the economy that the NDC government inherited.

“All that falls back on the economy we inherited,” he stressed.

Despite the difficulties, Mr Baidoo expressed confidence in President John Mahama’s leadership and called on Ghanaians to support the government’s efforts.

“What I have hope in is that President Mahama is a man who wants to leave a legacy, so I pray we all support him,” he added.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Kofi Tonto questioned calls for the U.S. authorities to simply hand over Ofori-Atta to Ghana.

“You claim someone has committed a crime, but how can the U.S. State Department confirm the crime you have accused the person of without due process?” he asked.

He said many Ghanaians often focus on the surface of issues instead of examining the substance.

“I always say that if we do not pay attention to the substance of matters and only focus on the surface, we will continue to remain where we are,” he stated.

According to him, the United States has established laws, known as statutes or U.S. codes, that guide how fugitives and extradition matters are handled.

“When you read the laws, they clearly state how the U.S. government treats people who are declared fugitives in their home countries,” he explained.

Kofi Tonto said if Ghana believes a person has committed a crime and is residing abroad, there are laid-down procedures involving the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Ghana Embassy, and the U.S. Secretary of State before the matter can even be placed before a judge.

He further argued that under U.S. law, the alleged offence must be a legitimate crime and not a politically motivated attempt to persecute the person.

“The law is clear. If the U.S. government believes the request is only to persecute the person and not prosecute an actual crime, they will not hand him over,” he said.

He claimed that U.S. authorities are monitoring developments in Ghana and are aware of public discussions surrounding Ofori-Atta.

“The U.S. government has an embassy in Ghana. They see everything happening in the news, and they know some people want Ofori-Atta brought back to face trial. They are watching all of this and may view it as politically motivated,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing investigations involving Kenneth Ofori-Atta, who is facing several criminal allegations linked to decisions taken during his tenure as Finance Minister.

Among the allegations is a claim that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in losses of more than GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also been investigating the former minister and, in June 2025, initiated steps to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. The notice was later removed by INTERPOL.

The OSP, however, maintains that reports of Ofori-Atta acquiring lawful permanent residency in the United States do not shield him from criminal investigations in Ghana or affect ongoing efforts to secure his return for questioning.

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Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, Glover alleged that the manner in which the matter has been handled was intended to subject Ofori-Atta to public ridicule and score political points.

According to him, the government’s actions appear more focused on damaging the former minister’s image than pursuing a fair and transparent process.

“I don’t need to tell him to come. He’s an adult. If he wants to come, he can come. The way they’ve created the orchestra, the drama, when he comes, you hold him in a rough manner just to disgrace him before the public.

“That’s exactly what they wanted to do. They want to disgrace the man, defame him, call him a thief and all kinds of things,” he stated.

Glover further questioned whether the government’s focus on the Ofori-Atta matter is diverting attention from pressing national issues, arguing that more attention should be given to addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.

He cited the government’s proposed Women’s Bank initiative and suggested that authorities should concentrate on delivering on such commitments rather than engaging in political controversies.

The comments come amid ongoing investigations involving Ofori-Atta, who is facing several criminal allegations linked to decisions taken during his tenure as Finance Minister.

Among the allegations is a claim that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in losses of more than GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also been investigating the former minister and, in June 2025, initiated steps to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. The notice was later removed by INTERPOL.

The OSP has, however, maintained that reports of Ofori-Atta acquiring lawful permanent residency in the United States do not shield him from criminal investigations in Ghana or affect ongoing efforts to secure his return to face questioning.

Government officials have repeatedly insisted that the investigations are part of broader efforts to ensure accountability in the management of public resources, while the opposition New Patriotic Party continues to argue that the process is politically motivated.

The matter remains one of the most closely watched political and legal developments involving former officials of the previous administration.

According to him, the NPP will enter the next election with a unique advantage, as President John Dramani Mahama, who has featured prominently on Ghana’s presidential ballot for several election cycles, will not be eligible to contest again.

Mr Afoko argued that this presents an opportunity for the party to effectively market its 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he described as an experienced and formidable political figure.

“Voters already know him. He is battle-tested and ready to lead,” Mr Afoko said.

He maintained that the NPP can replicate its 2016 electoral success, when it unseated an incumbent government, if it approaches the 2028 election with determination, discipline and unity.

Speaking during separate engagements with regional executives, patrons and party elders in the Volta, Oti and Eastern regions, Mr Afoko stressed that internal cohesion would be critical to the party’s prospects.

“For the first time, we have a unique opportunity. When I introduced the New Plan for Power, we knew the sitting president could seek another term, and if he won, we would remain in opposition for 12 years. We therefore had to put a plan in place to return to power, and we succeeded,” he said.

“This time, he will not be on the ballot paper, and that presents us with another unique opportunity. But without unity, we will not get there.”

Mr Afoko emphasised that unity within the party was non-negotiable and urged members to put aside personal grievances in pursuit of the collective goal of regaining power.

“As for unity, it is not negotiable. You cannot sit beside a colleague and decide you do not like that person and therefore cannot work together. We are working together for power, and if we allow emotions to get in the way, we will lose,” he stated.

Drawing an analogy from boxing, he cautioned party members against allowing personal emotions to distract them from the larger objective.

“Many people remember Muhammad Ali. He would get into the ring, talk to his opponents and provoke them into becoming emotional, then take advantage. Emotions will not win us power,” he said.

Mr Afoko, who is campaigning on a “3R Agenda” of Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture, said the party must adopt a clear and compelling message to regain the confidence of Ghanaians.

He also reiterated his belief that Dr Bawumia remains the right candidate to lead the party into the next election and ultimately secure victory.

“For years, I chose to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting the NPP in private,” he said. “But recent developments have compelled me to step forward. We need to get our party back into winning ways, and that starts with unity of purpose.”

Mr Afoko described the period ahead as a critical test of the party’s ability to move beyond internal divisions and focus on a shared vision for the future.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that party members would rally together behind a common cause and work towards making Dr Bawumia Ghana’s next President.

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The survey, conducted between May 30 and June 12, 2026, found Dr Forson leading the field with 32.5% support among voters surveyed, maintaining a significant advantage over his closest rivals.

According to the poll, NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia placed second with 21.2%, narrowly ahead of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who secured 21.1%.

The findings, based on responses from 8,784 voters across all 16 regions, suggest the race remains competitive but currently favours Dr Forson as the party looks ahead to selecting a successor to President John Dramani Mahama.

Global Info Analytics noted that some candidates have lost ground since its March 2026 survey.

Former Education Minister Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang recorded the sharpest decline, dropping 5.5 percentage points to 8.5%. Mr Asiedu Nketia’s support fell by 3.9 percentage points, while Mr Iddrisu’s support declined by 1.9 percentage points.

Regional strengths

The poll highlights significant regional voting patterns among the contenders.

Dr Forson enjoys strong support in the Akan and swing-voter regions, while Mr Asiedu Nketia remains the preferred choice in the Volta and Oti regions.

Mr Iddrisu continues to dominate the northern bloc, where he commands about 60% support among respondents.

Head-to-head contests

The survey also tested hypothetical one-on-one contests among the leading contenders.

In those matchups, Dr Forson defeated both Mr Asiedu Nketia and Mr Iddrisu by identical margins of 62% to 38%.

However, a direct contest between Mr Asiedu Nketia and Mr Iddrisu produced a much closer outcome, with the Education Minister edging ahead with 51% support.

Bawumia matchups

The poll further examined how potential NDC candidates might perform against Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2028 presidential election.

According to the findings, Dr Forson would lead Dr Bawumia by 54% to 34% among all voters surveyed and by 53% to 29% among first-time voters.

Mr Asiedu Nketia was projected to defeat Dr Bawumia by 49% to 38%, while Mr Iddrisu led the Vice President by 51% to 36%.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s matchup was considerably tighter, with the poll placing her ahead by 44% to 40%, a margin close to the survey’s stated error range.

Global Info Analytics said the poll combined 7,484 face-to-face interviews and 1,302 online responses. The research firm reported a confidence level of 99% and a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5%.

The findings provide an early snapshot of internal NDC dynamics as discussions about the party’s post-Mahama future continue to gather momentum ahead of the next presidential election cycle.

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Dafeamekpor condemns Xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calls for continental action

Addressing the Pan-African Parliament, Mr. Dafeamekpor said recent incidents in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal reflect what he described as the “gradual normalisation of organised hostility” against foreign nationals.

He noted that reports and viral videos show groups of individuals stopping migrants in public spaces, demanding identity documents, intimidating traders, and forcing foreign-owned businesses to close.

“What we are witnessing is not an isolated disturbance. It is not a misunderstanding between communities. It is not ordinary social frustration. What we are witnessing is the gradual normalisation of organised hostility against African migrants and foreign nationals under the dangerous disguise of ‘clean-up operations,’ ‘citizen enforcement,’ and ‘community protection,’” he stated.

The MP expressed concern over reports that a Ghanaian resident in South Africa was confronted and told to “fix his own country,” stressing that such conduct is unlawful and inconsistent with African values.

According to him, no private citizen has the authority to enforce immigration laws or determine who belongs within the African continent.

“This is unacceptable. It is unlawful. And above all, it is profoundly unAfrican,” Mr. Dafeamekpor declared, adding, “No private citizen has the legal authority to become an immigration officer. No mob has the constitutional right to decide who belongs in Africa.”

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According to him, the political landscape in 2028 presents a unique opportunity for the NPP, as one of Ghana’s longstanding ballot contenders will no longer be in the race, creating room for the party to market its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, more effectively.

Afoko described Dr Bawumia as a formidable candidate, saying voters already know him and that he is battle-tested and prepared to lead the party to victory.

He stressed that the NPP would enter the 2028 election with a well-positioned candidate, drawing parallels to the party’s 2016 victory when it wrested power from a sitting government.

The former NPP National Chairman, however, cautioned that victory would only be possible if the party remained united and approached the election with seriousness and discipline.

Mr Afoko made these remarks during meetings with regional executives, patrons, and elders of the party in the Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regions.

“For the first time, we have a unique opportunity. At the time I put the New Plan for Power in place, we knew that the sitting president could go again, and if he won another term, we would sit in opposition for twelve years. We had to put a plan in place to make sure we came to power, and we did.

This time around, he will not be on the ballot paper, and this offers us a unique opportunity. But without unity, we will not get there,” he stated.

On the issue of party unity, Afoko said it was non-negotiable.

“As for unity, it is not negotiable. You cannot sit here and look at the person next to you and say you do not like them, so you cannot work together. We are working together for power, and if we let emotions get in the way, we will lose,” he said.

Drawing an analogy, he referenced legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

“Those of you who are old enough to remember Muhammad Ali, he would be in the ring talking and calling you names until you got emotional, then he would take advantage. Emotions will not give us power. If you did not get anything, do not let that stop you from supporting the party. Let it go because it is in the past,” he added.

Afoko, who is campaigning on his 3R Agenda — Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture — said the party must adopt a clear message to regain the confidence of Ghanaians.

He expressed confidence that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he described as the right candidate, could lead the NPP back to power in 2028.

“For years, I chose to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting the NPP in private. But recent developments have compelled me to step forward. We need to get our party back into winning ways, and that starts with unity of purpose,” Afoko reiterated.

He described the period ahead as a test of whether the NPP would mature politically or remain trapped in cycles of blame, but expressed optimism that party faithful would rally together to make Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the next President of Ghana.

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In a statement issued by the party’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Policy Committee, the NPP claimed that state institutions have increasingly been used against political opponents since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office in January 2025.

According to the party, agencies including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), National Security and the Police have been deployed against opposition figures, journalists and commentators through what it described as “Rambo-style” arrests, dawn raids and punitive bail conditions.

The NPP further alleged that several high-profile corruption cases inherited from the previous administration had been discontinued, resulting in acquittals that prevent future prosecution on the same matters.

The party cited the prosecution of former MASLOC boss Sedina Tamakloe as one of the most significant corruption cases in recent history and expressed concern over what it described as attempts to help her evade the consequences of her conviction.

Madam Tamakloe was convicted in April 2024 on multiple charges, including stealing, conspiracy, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, money laundering and procurement breaches. She was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after a trial that proceeded in absentia following her failure to return to Ghana after travelling to the United States for medical treatment.

The NPP noted that she was extradited to Ghana on June 9, 2026, to serve her sentence and cautioned against any administrative, political or discretionary intervention that could overturn the conviction outside the established appellate process.

“If a conviction of this magnitude can be quietly undone, the precedent for every future anti-corruption prosecution will be devastating,” the statement said.

The party also raised concerns over the implementation of the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170), describing the newly introduced mandatory one-year Pre-Bar Course as unlawful.

According to the NPP, the Act provides only for the LLB programme, Law Practice Training and the National Bar Examination and does not create a Pre-Bar stage.

It argued that the introduction of the programme through administrative directives amounts to an unlawful amendment of the statute and could create significant challenges for thousands of law graduates seeking professional legal training.

The party further contended that the directives conflict with the transitional provisions of the Act, were issued before the constitution of the Council for Legal Education and Training (CLET), and lack the supporting regulations required for implementation.

The NPP called on the government to suspend the Pre-Bar programme and ensure that legal education reforms are implemented within the framework of the law.

It also urged authorities to allow the sentence imposed on Madam Tamakloe to stand and remain free from what it termed “extra-judicial interference.”

“The Ghanaian people deserve assurance that hard-won convictions will not be undone by political expediency, and that the law will protect all equally,” the statement concluded.

Speaking to journalists after donating a pickup truck and 15 motorcycles to the Ghana Police Service at the Accra Regional Police Headquarters on Tuesday, June 16, the former Assin Central MP said the issue should not be viewed through a partisan lens but rather from the perspective of national development.

Mr. Agyapong admitted that the NPP had the opportunity to complete the project but failed to do so.

“This hospital was started by President John Agyekum Kufuor. The locations and all those things. NDC came to start it, and when we came, I am NPP, and I am telling you the gospel truth. I was the chairman for Defence and Interior, and we didn’t do anything,” he stated.

According to him, while the project’s foundation was laid during the Kufuor administration and significant construction work was undertaken under a subsequent National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, the NPP was unable to bring the facility into operation despite being in office for eight years.

Mr. Agyapong criticised attempts to place sole responsibility for the delays on the current NDC administration, arguing that the NPP also had ample time to complete the project.

“We were there for eight years, and we didn’t do it. NDC started it. Why didn’t you complete it? You were there for eight years and didn’t complete it. When somebody comes for 15 months, then you have a problem,” he said.

The former MP further revealed that efforts by the Defence and Interior Committee to inspect the hospital during his tenure as chairman were unsuccessful.

“When we decided to go and inspect Afari, they stopped us. I heard somebody saying the Afari Hospital has been there for 15 months, but we were there for eight years and didn’t do it,” he added.

Mr. Agyapong called on political leaders to be honest about their shortcomings and place the country’s interests above partisan considerations.

“We should criticise NPP and NDC. That’s the only way to go. We should love our nation and stop playing politics with everything,” he stressed.

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His remarks come amid continuing debate over the cost of governance, with the opposition maintaining that reductions in the number of ministers do not necessarily translate into lower public expenditure.

The discussion has also followed recent comments by Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who rejected claims that staffing costs at the Presidency had increased under the current administration.

According to Mr Jinapor, a comprehensive evaluation of government size must include appointments made to ministries, departments, agencies, diplomatic missions and other state institutions. He contended that the number of political and administrative appointees across these structures contributes significantly to the overall cost of running government.

The Damongo MP cited Ghana’s foreign missions as an example, noting that while the current administration promotes itself as operating a lean government, the number of deputy ambassadors has increased compared to the previous administration.

He argued that such appointments should be factored into any assessment of government expenditure and staffing levels.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, June 15, Mr Jinapor said the emphasis on the reduced number of ministers creates a false impression of efficiency.

“Why do we have a so-called lean government today, and yet the cost of running that government is much bigger?” he asked.

He added that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed six deputy ambassadors, whereas President John Dramani Mahama has appointed 18.

Mr Jinapor maintained that although the Constitution grants the President discretion in determining the structure of government, describing the administration as lean solely based on the number of ministers is inaccurate.

He argued that the wider network of appointments suggests a government structure that is larger in substance than it appears on paper, with corresponding implications for the public wage bill and overall expenditure.

Speaking at a forum at the University of Ghana last Wednesday, he said effective governance depended on preparation, strong networks, and disciplined delivery of promises.

As a result, he said it was important for leaders to always follow through on commitments made to citizens.

“Integrity matters because it ensures you do what you say or promise to the people,” he said.

He also encouraged aspiring politicians to be resourceful, financially ready, or backed by strong networks, emphasising that leadership required far more than ambition alone.

Forum
Dubbed “Time with the Politician,” the forum, the latest in a series, is an interactive session jointly organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana and the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana (UG).

The forum, centred on diverse issues ranging from public leadership to the law-making process, among other things, formed part of efforts to create a platform for students to interact with experienced political leaders.

Reflecting on his tenure as Education Minister, Dr. Opoku Prempeh said the principle guided him, “I cannot fail,” describing the role as demanding but impactful.

He identified management as a major challenge in political leadership, arguing that weak management structures often resulted in institutional inefficiencies, and stressed that the Ministry of Education, as the human resource backbone of the country, required particularly strong systems.

While he said he would not wish to return to the ministry due to the pressure associated with the role, he stated that he remained committed to contributing to education policy from other platforms.

He counted among his achievements the successful management of the education sector for four years without any major strike action from labour unions

Technical Education
Dr. Opoku Prempeh pointed to Germany’s technical education model as a key reference point that had shaped reforms in Ghana’s technical and vocational education sector.

He expressed concern that some technical universities were gradually drifting away from core technical programmes into courses such as business administration, a development he said undermined their mandate.

He also said that although the government provided equipment to technical institutions, inadequate technical capacity sometimes limited effective utilisation.

On university governance, he suggested that long-serving administrative officers, such as registrars and finance officers, provided institutional stability, given their continuity compared to vice-chancellors who served fixed terms.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh said political and societal pressures often contributed to corruption in public office, describing it as a systemic challenge.

He added that many governance challenges in Ghana’s ministries were technical and required competent leadership and strong managerial expertise, stressing that effective governance ultimately depended on appointing the right ministers and technocrats.

Gap
The Country Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana, Anna Lena Sabroso-Wasserfall, said the Time with a Politician series was created to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical political experience.

She stated that while political science provided theoretical tools and frameworks, politics was shaped by real-life decisions, negotiations, leadership challenges, and trade-offs.

Federal High Court judge Peter Lifu directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to strike the African Democratic Congress and others from its register, backing claims by former lawmakers that they did not meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

Nigerian law requires a party to either win at least one elective seat at any level or secure at least 25% of the vote in a state in a presidential election, failing which it risks deregistration.

The ruling poses a hurdle for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC’s presidential candidate and a leading challenger to President Bola Tinubu, and could narrow the opposition field.

ADC ⁠spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi rejected the ruling, calling it “a direct invitation to anarchy”. The party ⁠will ​appeal the ruling through all ​legal and constitutional channels, he said.

Source: Reuters

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In a resignation letter addressed to the Secretary to the President through the Minister for Sports and Recreation, the former Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North and National Coordinator for Recreation and Wellness under the Sports and Recreation Ministry described her decision as a deeply considered one.

She expressed gratitude to the President and the nation for the opportunity to serve in government.

The two-term MP for Afram Plains North indicated that her resignation was driven by her decision to pursue her political ambition to contest for the position of National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The National Democratic Congress, in its internal guidelines, has directed all office holders seeking party executive positions to resign ahead of internal elections. She said her decision to step down was in line with that directive.

She thanked the government for the opportunity to serve and officially exited her role to focus on her political campaign.

I lost my livelihood, job and life through ill-treatment – Nana..

Current NPP leadership must go – Former Ledzokuku MCE

According to Mr. Quarshie, the party requires a fresh and more competent leadership team to position itself for victory in the 2028 general elections, especially with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia expected to lead the NPP as its flagbearer.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News, he argued that the party’s current executives should not be retained, insisting that new leadership is necessary to rebuild confidence among members and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.

Mr. Quarshie made the remarks while discussing a petition he submitted to the NPP leadership, calling for disciplinary action against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta over what he described as misconduct.

He noted that despite submitting the petition, he is yet to receive any response from the party’s leadership.

Mr. Quarshie urged the NPP hierarchy to take concerns raised by party members seriously and ensure accountability at all levels in order to maintain the party’s credibility and unity ahead of future elections.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nana Yaa Jantuah reflected on some of the challenges she endured in public life, saying many Ghanaians are only now beginning to appreciate her contributions after her departure from the CPP.

Her comments come amid widespread public discussion following the resignation of former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, from the Council of State.

According to Nana Yaa Jantuah, several people have reached out to her in recent days to express regret over how she was treated.

“After I left CPP, a lot of people are calling to tell me what happened. They said they were deceived. They are crying that they didn’t know I was building the party,” she said.

She disclosed that although she chose to move on from previous controversies, including issues that arose during her time at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), the challenges did not end there.

“What happened at PURC, I forgave and let go. But they continued to my political party to make life unbearable for me,” she stated.

The former CPP General Secretary said the treatment she received took a heavy toll on her personal and professional life.

“I was maltreated. I lost my livelihood, my job and my life,” she lamented.

Nana Yaa Jantuah also questioned how some public officials are treated differently when controversies arise, drawing comparisons with the removals of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei and former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

“What led to Charlotte Osei’s removal? The NPP claim Charlotte Osei was removed through due process. Even with Gertrude Torkornoo, she didn’t go through anything. She sat in V8 to move about,” she said.

While stopping short of detailing her experiences, Nana Yaa Jantuah suggested that the full story of what she endured remains largely unknown to the public.

“What happened to me, if I begin to share my story, people will break down and be sad,” she stated.

“I told someone my story and the person was shocked to the core.”

Her remarks add to the growing national conversation about the treatment of public officials and political figures, as well as the personal cost that political and institutional conflicts can have on individuals.

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In a statement issued on June 15, 2026, the group said the incident, which allegedly occurred when the Assembly Member visited the election venue, is unacceptable and poses a threat to peace and unity within Asante Akyem South.

According to the Association, the attack followed earlier tensions after the hooting of the Member of Parliament for the area, Kwaku Asante-Boateng, at Juaso, an incident the elders had already condemned and urged restraint.

“We had expected that after the earlier incident, the remaining electoral processes would be guided by mutual respect, tolerance and fairness,” the group noted.

However, the Association said the situation in Obogu escalated when some individuals allegedly blocked the Assembly Member from accessing the venue and launched an attack on him.

Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim the group was led by one Abdul Rashid Umar, popularly known as “Baba Rasta,” who reportedly justified the action on the grounds that residents of Obogu had not been present at a previous event in Juaso.

The Association further indicated that Hon. Ibrahim Yahya Mohammed, who also works as a reporter with Ahwenepa FM, was at the venue in his professional capacity to cover the election when he was allegedly assaulted.

“He was present to report on the Electoral Area Coordinators elections, but some individuals allegedly perceived him as an enemy simply because he comes from Juaso and subjected him to a violent and barbaric attack,” the statement said.

Describing the incident as dangerous for local peace, the group warned against retaliatory violence and stressed the need for calm.

“We ask: would it be justifiable if the youth of Juaso chose to retaliate by attacking a known representative from Obogu? Certainly not,” it stated.

“We firmly reject violence and retaliation as a means of resolving grievances.”

The Association is therefore demanding an unqualified public apology from the leadership and youth of Obogu, as well as compensation for medical expenses and trauma suffered by the victim.

It is also calling for a full investigation into the incident and sanctions against all individuals found to have participated in the attack.

“We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Development can only be achieved through unity, tolerance and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.

The group has appealed to traditional leaders, political actors, youth groups and residents to help maintain peace in the constituency.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Glover linked her resignation to recent developments surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, suggesting tensions within the governance process.

“It is a dent on the government. Have you heard that a Council of State member will just resign like that?” he said.

He further suggested that her decision may be connected to dissatisfaction over how the former Chief Justice was treated during the removal process.

“When Justice Torkornoo was faced with her issue, Sophia Akuffo and Justice Anim Yeboah appeared before the committee and said what was being done was not right,” he stated.

According to him, the former Chief Justice had expressed her displeasure through her actions during Council deliberations.

“Even when the report was generated before the Council of State, she was the only lone ranger who abstained,” he added.

Mr. Glover further alleged that the resignation reflects broader concerns about the handling of the Chief Justice’s removal, saying: “We all have ears and eyes and we know what is going on.”

He added that “the way you handled Torkornoo is on the neck of the NDC,” and said he respected Sophia Akuffo’s decision to step down.

“Let her go in peace. She has served her country well, and I wish her well,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has resigned from Ghana’s Council of State.

Although the exact reasons for her resignation remain unclear, sources indicate she had stopped attending Council meetings following the decision relating to the removal process involving former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. She is also reported to have submitted her resignation towards the end of 2025.

Justice Akuffo served as Chief Justice of Ghana from 2017 to 2020. The Council of State is a constitutional advisory body that provides counsel to the President on national governance and policy matters, with members drawn from across the country.

In April 2025, when the Council of State voted on whether a prima facie case had been established against then Chief Justice Torkornoo, 30 out of 31 members reportedly voted in favour, with Sophia Akuffo being the only member to abstain. She did not publicly explain her decision at the time.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem while reflecting on the life and legacy of the late veteran diplomat, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, Nana Yaa Jantuah shared a personal story about her father that shaped her values on integrity and public service.

According to her, one day while at home, she witnessed a Lebanese businessman bring a huge bag of money to her father in an attempt to secure a timber licence.

She said her father rejected the money outright, a decision she did not understand at the time.

“I asked my father why he rejected such a huge amount of money, and he told me never to sell my conscience,” she recounted.

She explained that growing up, she often listened secretly to conversations whenever prominent people visited their home, which made her curious about such encounters.

“My father told me if you sell your conscience, you will forever look back and regret it. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life,” she said.

Nana Yaa Jantuah stressed that public service should be rooted in sacrifice and patriotism rather than personal gain.

“As Ghanaians and as officials, we need to serve and serve Ghana very well. Whatever views we share and whatever roles we play, it is Ghana we are serving,” she said.

She noted that she has dedicated almost 36 years of her life to serving Ghana and believes the country needs more selfless leaders.

“I have served Ghana for a very long time, almost 36 years, and I have put my life down for this country. We need to serve Ghana wholeheartedly,” she added.

Comparing Ghana to some developed countries, she said citizens in those nations often focus on service to country rather than financial rewards.

Reflecting on the passing of Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, Nana Yaa Jantuah described him as one of the statesmen who served Ghana with distinction and urged younger generations to learn from his example.

“The late Victor Gbeho served with all his heart, and we need to learn from people like him,” she stated.

Ambassador James Victor Gbeho passed away at the age of 91 on Saturday, June 13, 2026. He served as President of the ECOWAS Commission from February 18, 2010, to March 1, 2012. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

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He consequently urged the public to appreciate the role of the legislature in preserving democratic governance.

“You cannot have a different political party in the Executive.The Executive is either fully National Democratic Congress (NDC) or fully New Patriotic Party (NPP). But in the Parliament, you can have all the different political parties which have won seats,” the Majority Leader explained.

Throwing the weight of the Majority Caucus in Parliament behind the new educational series, “Parliament and You”, Mr Ayariga urged young people to always choose democracy over any form of governance, stressing that “Parliament is really the place where democracy can be seen in action”, framing democracy as basically about different shades of opinions being expressed, heard and factored into national decisions.

Event
“Parliament and You” is a partnership initiative between Parliament and the Junior Graphic to offer a weekly child-friendly publication of articles and stories in the Junior Graphic for approximately 50,000 children between the ages of 10 and 17.

It will simplify parliamentary concepts, functions and procedures through engaging age-appropriate content, including features, stories, quizzes, puzzles, illustrations and competitions.

The launch in Parliament House attracted the leadership of the House, the Parliamentary Service Staff, schoolchildren and officials of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL).

Notable among the dignitaries were the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor; the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George; the Clerk-to-Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; the Managing Director of GCGL, Ato Afful; the Editor, Graphic, Theophilus Yartey, and the Assistant Editor of Junior Graphic, Eugenia Asare Tandoh.

Context
Mr Ayariga took the schoolchildren through the various republics the country had experienced, and what happened when the military juntas disrupted them and took control.

Providing basis for the defence of democracy, Mr Ayariga said during military takeovers, the soldiers abolished parliament (the legislature) and assumed the reins of government.

“When they form a military government, the soldiers who assume the governance step into the shoes of the executive.They normally leave the judges, that is the judiciary, but at all times, they always shut down the parliament.”

“And then they rule by decrees. That is to say, they pass the laws themselves without a parliament. So, we experienced that in 1966,” he explained, citing the other military juntas the country had experienced.

Mr Ayariga, therefore, stressed that constitutional democracy was the only system where all shades of views were accommodated in parliament.

“Ghana has been through different phases in terms of what we call our constitutional development. When we say constitutional development, we are simply talking about how we are governed,” he explained.

Supporting the educational programme, ‘Parliament and You’, Mr Ayariga stated: “It has become necessary for parliament, as established, to seek to rally the population to stand firmly behind it so that in future if anybody attempts to overthrow the government and to shut down parliament, the people will stand behind their parliament.

Public understanding
Mr Ayariga said building public understanding of Parliament was essential to ensuring that future generations remained committed to protecting democratic institutions.

He added that democracy thrived when opposing perspectives were allowed to be expressed freely and factored into the decision-making process.

“The idea of democracy is that let them say whatever they want to say.

When you finish, you put the matter to a vote,” he stated.

The Majority Leader further stated that parliamentary deliberations often led to improvements in proposed measures, as members were willing to incorporate worthwhile suggestions regardless of where they originated.

Invest in education
Mr Ayariga further encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to visit Parliament, observe proceedings and deepen their understanding of how the institution functioned.

He expressed support for programmes that promoted civic participation among young people, including essay-writing competitions and educational activities centred on Parliament.

Mr Ayariga added that similar initiatives in other jurisdictions had successfully encouraged young people to establish model parliaments in schools and communities as a practical means of learning about democratic governance.

“I also want to commend the Clerk and his team for the partnership that you are forging between Parliament and Junior Graphic so that we can create space there for young people to write about Parliament and, in the process, also have Parliament covered so that their colleagues, other young people, can read and appreciate the happenings in Parliament,” he said

Donations
The Majority Leader announced a contribution of GH¢200,000 from his office towards the initiative to support the partnership between Parliament and Junior Graphic.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also donated GH¢100,000 in support of the initiative.

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, donated 25 laptops to support the ‘Parliament and You’ educational series published in the Junior Graphic.

He said the laptops would be awarded to winners of the quarterly quizzes, which would be organised to test students’ knowledge of the weekly educational series.

The polling firm says the figure represents the highest approval recorded for any sitting president in its regular tracking series since 2020.

Only 23% of respondents disapprove of the President’s performance, with 6% expressing no opinion.

The poll also found that 66% of Ghanaians believe the country is headed in the right direction, compared to 27% who say it is on the wrong track — figures that are largely unchanged from the March wave.

Approval was broad-based across regions, with the Savannah and Western North regions recording the highest marks at 86% and 82% respectively.

The Western region returned 76%, Greater Accra 73%, and the Central region 70%. The Ahafo region recorded the lowest approval at 40%, followed by the North East at 52%, and the Ashanti region at 55%.

On party lines, the divide was sharp.

Among NDC supporters, 91% approve of the President’s performance, compared to just 6% who disapprove. Among NPP sympathisers, however, only 37% approve while 54% disapprove. Floating voters gave the President a 65% approval rating, with 22% disapproving.

Floating voters gave the President a 59% approval rating, with 30% disapproving.

When asked to rate government performance more broadly, 47% of respondents said it has been very good or good, while 22% rated it excellent. Only 13% said performance has been poor or very poor.

On the standard of living, 57% of respondents said their living standards have improved compared to a year ago, while 16% said they have worsened, and 23% said they have remained the same. Optimism also held steady, with 68% expecting their standard of living to improve over the next 12 months.

Despite the strong overall numbers, the poll identified unemployment, the general economy, and dumsor as the areas where Ghanaians believe the government is performing the poorest.

Unemployment topped the list at 44%, followed by the general economy at 32%, and dumsor at 29%. Separately, 54% of respondents said the state of corruption in Ghana has improved, compared to 21% who say it has worsened.

On the question of which institution is best placed to fight corruption, 36% of Ghanaians said both the Attorney General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor can do so equally. Among those who picked one over the other, 24% favoured the AG compared to 16% who chose the OSP.

The poll also touched on examination malpractice, finding that 67% of Ghanaians support the publication of pictures of adults caught engaging in exam misconduct as a deterrent, with only 13% opposed. On school indiscipline, 38% of respondents favoured the reintroduction of corporal punishment, with 27% supporting suspension and 20% backing community service.

On future political leadership, 57% of Ghanaians said they prefer the country to be led by younger people going forward, compared to 26% who disagreed. The sentiment was most pronounced in the Savannah region at 89% and Upper West at 82%, while the Ashanti, Bono, and Western North regions were among those where majorities did not share the view.

When asked what age they would consider too old to lead the country, 21% said age is irrelevant, 17% pegged the threshold at 50–54, while 46% set it at 65 and above.

The poll was conducted between May 30 and June 12, 2026, sampling 8,784 voters across all 16 regions and 84 constituencies. Of those, 7,484 were reached via face-to-face interviews and 1,302 through online/web responses. The poll carries a confidence level of 99% and a margin of error of ±2.5%.

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Yet the Office of the President’s compensation bill is projected to more than double, rising from ¢100 million in 2025 to ¢248 million in 2026 and raising questions about whether a smaller Presidency has necessarily become a cheaper one to run.

Under Section 11 of the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463), the Office of the President is required to submit an annual report to Parliament detailing its staffing position.

In March 2026, the Presidency complied by submitting its 2025 staffing report.

The report shows that the Presidency had 4 Ministers of State, 39 Senior Presidential Staffers and 190 other political appointees, commonly referred to as junior political appointees.

In total, President Mahama’s Presidency had 233 political appointees in 2025.

For comparison, the latest publicly available data from the previous administration is for 2023.

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The 2024 staffing report, which should have been submitted by March 2025 following the change in administration, has not been made public.

It remains unclear whether the report was submitted by President Mahama in 2025 and, if so, how many staffers served at the Presidency during former President Akufo-Addo’s final year in office.

The absence of the 2024 report also means there is no publicly available benchmark for assessing how staffing levels changed during the transition between the two administrations.

The 2023 report showed one Minister of State, 43 Senior Presidential Staffers and 313 junior political appointees.

That amounted to 357 political appointees.

Compared with the current figure of 233, the Presidency has reduced the number of political appointees by 124.

That is a significant reduction.

However, a closer look at President Mahama’s appointments suggests the classification may understate the number of senior-level appointees.

There appear to be at least 11 other political appointees whose responsibilities broadly resemble those of positions the Akufo-Addo administration classified as Senior Presidential Staffers.

Among them are:

1. Nathan Kofi Boakye – Director of Operations at the Presidency
2. Goosie Tanoh – Presidential Advisor, 24-Hour Economy & Accelerated Export Development
3. Priscilla Santuo-Ocrah –  Presidential Staffer at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat
4. Khalid Sharif Mahmud – Policy Advisor, Economy at the Vice President’s Secretariat
5. Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo – Policy Advisor at the Vice President’s Secretariat
6. Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor – Director of Presidential Initiative in Agriculture and Agribusiness
7. Mansa Amoa-Awuah – Policy Advisor, Finance at the Vice President’s Secretariat

Several of these positions appear broadly comparable to roles that the previous administration classified as senior appointments, including Director of Operations, Presidential Advisor on the Economy and Presidential Advisor on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The difference may simply be one of administrative structure.

President Mahama appears to have decentralised some advisory functions into specialised secretariats and the Office of the Vice President, whereas the Akufo-Addo administration concentrated many of those functions within the Presidency itself and classified them as senior appointments.

If these positions were classified using the same approach as the previous administration, the number of Senior Presidential Staffers would rise from 39 to about 50, exceeding the 43 recorded in 2023.

Whether intentional or not, the classification has the effect of keeping the official number of Senior Presidential Staffers below the level recorded under the previous administration.

The headline numbers, therefore, tell only part of the story.

The Presidency has clearly reduced the number of political appointees, but the classification of some positions complicates comparisons with the previous administration.

Another interesting observation concerns the cost of running the Presidency.

The NDC, while in opposition, frequently criticised the size of the Presidency, arguing that the large number of appointees imposed high costs on the state through salaries, allowances and travel expenditure.

The latest budget figures present an interesting picture.

The total number of staff at the Presidency, including political appointees, civil servants and public servants on attachment, stood at 808 in 2025.

In 2023, the total staff stood at 921.

This represents a reduction of 113 employees.

Yet compensation costs tell a different story.

Compensation at the Office of the President amounted to ¢125 million in 2023 and rose to ¢153 million in 2024. It then fell to ¢100 million in 2025, possibly reflecting the reduction in staff numbers.

However, the 2026 budget projects compensation of GH¢248 million.

That is an increase of about 148% in a single year.

Which raises an obvious question: if staff numbers are falling, why is compensation projected to rise so sharply?

One possible explanation is that the 2025 compensation figures did not fully reflect the revised Article 71 salaries that were subsequently approved.

The new salary structure reportedly places MPs on about ¢60,000 per month, with ministers earning around similar levels.

Senior Presidential Staffers are generally remunerated in line with ministers, while many junior political appointees are aligned with deputy minister salary levels.

Another possibility is that staffing levels may have increased since the end of 2025 and that this increase is being reflected in the higher compensation allocation for 2026.

A further possibility is that part of the higher allocation could be intended to settle outstanding salary obligations or other compensation-related arrears owed to former presidential staff.

At this stage, there is insufficient information to determine which explanation is more accurate.

The 2025 staffing report, therefore, presents two seemingly contradictory developments.

The Presidency has significantly reduced the number of political appointees and overall staff numbers.

Yet compensation costs are projected to surge.

The reduction in staff numbers is notable.

However, the reclassification of some positions and the sharp rise in compensation costs suggest that the true cost of running the Presidency may be more complicated than the headline reduction in staff numbers implies.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, 2026, the constituency described his passing as a great loss to the party and the people he served.

According to the statement, Chairman Iddrisu Sani passed away on Sunday after years of dedicated service to the party and the constituency.

The NDC said he was more than a party executive, describing him as a pillar, mobiliser and committed servant of the people whose contributions to the growth of the party would not be forgotten.

Preparations are currently underway for his burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The party extended its condolences to the bereaved family, friends and supporters, while praying for strength and comfort for all affected by the loss.

Speaking to Adom News, Mr. Quarshie revealed that nearly a month after submitting a petition to the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, he is yet to receive any formal response from the party’s national leadership.

The petition, which accuses Mr. Ofori-Atta of conduct that has brought the party into public disrepute through his continued failure to avail himself for accountability processes, was intended to prompt the party to address what Mr. Quarshie describes as a growing threat to the NPP’s reputation.

According to him, the silence from the party leadership is disappointing and raises concerns about the seriousness with which the current leadership is treating matters of accountability.

“I submitted the petition because I believe the party must stand for its principles at all times,” Mr. Quarshie told Adom News. “Almost a month later, there has been no response. That is worrying because accountability has always been one of the core values of the NPP.”

Mr. Quarshie stressed that his concerns are not about declaring Mr. Ofori-Atta guilty of any wrongdoing but rather about the obligation of former public officials to cooperate with accountability processes.

“The issue is not about guilt or innocence. It is about accountability. Every public officer must be prepared to answer questions about their stewardship when called upon to do so,” he stated.

In his petition, Mr. Quarshie cites Article 4(7)(g) of the NPP Constitution, which defines misconduct as conduct that brings the party’s name into disrepute, public ridicule, contempt, or disrespect.

He argues that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s prolonged absence has created a public perception that he is unwilling to face scrutiny, thereby exposing the NPP to criticism and damaging the party’s image.

“The longer this situation persists, the more people begin to question what is happening. Whether those perceptions are fair or not, the party is suffering reputational damage,” he said.

Mr. Quarshie also expressed concern about what he describes as a lack of urgency on the part of the party’s current national leadership. In his view, the leadership has so far failed to rise to the occasion and demonstrate the commitment required to protect the party’s values and public standing.

“I believe the current national leadership has not lived up to the task in dealing with this matter. The NPP has always projected itself as a party that believes in accountability and the rule of law. Leadership must be prepared to defend those principles, even when it is uncomfortable,” he argued.

The former MCE maintained that accountability has been a defining characteristic of the NPP under previous administrations. He referenced former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s warnings against a culture of impunity and former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s call on former appointees to make themselves available for any accountability processes after leaving office.

For Mr. Quarshie, the issue goes beyond Ken Ofori-Atta. He believes the party is being tested on whether it will uphold its own standards or allow a precedent to develop that could undermine public confidence in the future.

“If we ignore this today, we risk creating a dangerous precedent where public officials believe they can avoid accountability without consequences. That is not the tradition of the NPP, and it is not the message we should send to Ghanaians,” he said.

He is therefore urging the party leadership to respond to the petition and take the necessary steps to reaffirm the NPP’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible leadership.

As the petition remains unanswered, the debate over accountability and party discipline continues to generate discussion among party members and political observers, with many watching to see how the NPP leadership will respond to one of its own members’ call for action.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

He described the party as unremorseful and warned that its return to power could undermine public confidence in the country’s justice system.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr. Kennedy made the remarks while discussing the influence of political power on Ghana’s legal system and the ongoing debate over plea bargaining in high-profile criminal cases.

Dr Kennedy’s comments came after he suggested that politically connected individuals often benefit when governments change, prompting the programme host, Samson Lardi, to ask whether he was effectively saying the NPP should not return to office.

“Well, that is a whole new show. The NPP, as it is framed now, as it is constituted now, unrepentant as it is, does not deserve to return to power, but that is a different show.”

Earlier in the discussion, Dr. Kennedy had warned that changes in political power can influence the trajectory of high-profile criminal prosecutions.

“The ultimate example is that when government changes, you know, if Wontumi or any of these other people about whom we are making noises, regarding ORAL and others, if God forbid 2028 we find out that NPP is in power, most of their problems will go away regardless of whether they are guilty or not.”

His remarks were made in the context of the reported plea bargain discussions involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Dr. Kennedy argued that while plea bargaining is a legitimate legal tool, it should not create the perception that influential people can evade justice.

“Criminal punitive fines must be on the table. However, politics looms large in the background, because when you think of a situation where the government itself announced earlier that it is up to the discretion of the Attorney General to accept some of these plea deals, where people win cases in court, and they thank the Asantehene and the President instead of thanking the judiciary, and where we randomly file nolle prosequi with lack of accountability about why they were filed, and people got freed, the public has reason to be concerned about whether our legal system is tiered, one for the powerful or one for the weak.”

He said Ghana’s justice system must demonstrate that politically connected individuals are held to the same standards as ordinary citizens convicted of less serious offences.

“I think that we should be guided by the kind of retribution faced by cassava and fowl thieves, and that big people ought not to get away just because they are big and connected people.”

Responding to a question about whether plea bargaining is a legal right available to every accused person, Dr. Kennedy acknowledged that access to justice in Ghana is often shaped by one’s ability to afford legal representation.

“Our justice system obviously depends on your ability to hire counsel. I’m just saying that we need to be careful that in the end, when one looks, even innocently, we will not seem to be operating a system where if you are powerful and connected enough, you can loot the state and then dribble and get away with it.”

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Source: Myjoyonline.com

Speaking to Adom News after the conclusion of the elections in the municipality, Mr Obeng praised the commitment and cooperation demonstrated by party members throughout the exercise, describing the process as peaceful and well-organised.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of constituency executives, regional representatives, election committee members and grassroots supporters whose efforts helped ensure a smooth electoral process.

According to him, the successful completion of the elections reflects the party’s commitment to strengthening its structures at the grassroots level and preparing adequately for future political contests.

Mr Obeng also used the opportunity to call on polling station executives and delegates to remain disciplined, united and focused as the party begins preparations for the next general election.

He stressed that the strength of the NPP lies in its grassroots base and urged party members to work together in promoting unity and cohesion within the constituency.

The constituency secretary further underscored the importance of investing in the welfare and capacity building of grassroots members, noting that a well-equipped and motivated base would enhance the party’s ability to engage voters, communicate its policies effectively and respond promptly to issues affecting local communities.

Mr Obeng expressed confidence that with continued unity and commitment, the party would be well-positioned to strengthen its support base and achieve its electoral objectives in the years ahead.

Source: Isaac Amoako

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the three-term NPP Sweden Chairman said the party needs a fresh approach and renewed leadership as it works to rebuild and regain power after losing the 2024 general elections.

“Yes, I am contesting for NPP National First Vice Chairman,” he confirmed.

According to him, the party must adjust its strategies to reflect its current position in opposition.

“If you look at our party now, we are in opposition. The way we used to do things when we were in power, we can’t do the same now,” he said.

Mr. Oti argued that the NPP’s strongest weapon in opposition is a message of hope aimed at reconnecting with its supporters and the wider Ghanaian public.

“I believe your strongest message in opposition is the message of hope. As a party, we are on the path of restoring hope not only in our foot soldiers but in Ghanaians at large, so that they will believe in the party once again,” he stated.

He stressed that the party must embrace change if it hopes to regain the confidence of voters.

“We can’t do things the way we used to. Some of us have had experience through serving within the party, so we believe it’s time to help restore the belief Ghanaians had in us,” he said.

Mr. Oti described himself as a new voice capable of helping reposition the party.

“I stand for a new face and voice,” he declared.

He said his years of service at various levels of the party have prepared him for national leadership.

“The position I am contesting for, I believe the party has prepared me for such a position. I have worked for the party from regional to constituency to international level,” he noted.

He added that his experience would enable him to work effectively with all party executives.

“I have gone through the training and I can complement every officer of the party,” he said.

Mr. Oti further called for greater focus on the youth and grassroots supporters, whom he believes are central to the party’s revival.

“The party now needs to connect with the youth. It needs to restore hope among the foot soldiers,” he stated.

He also advocated for the introduction of fresh faces into the party’s national leadership.

“We need new faces to be injected into the national structure,” he said.

“I don’t overlap with anyone’s strength. I am unique in my own way,” he added.

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National First Vice Chairman hopeful, Richard Oti-Aboagye, said the party lost power in 2024 due to apathy, which he attributed to poor leadership and negative attitudes by some executives who led the party into the election.

He explained that some leaders failed to listen to the concerns of party supporters and did not address their grievances, leading to widespread disaffection at the grassroots level.

According to him, the anger among supporters and their sense of neglect contributed to low voter turnout for the party in the 2024 elections, resulting in its defeat.

“There is the need for practical leadership that understands the party structure, appreciates the sacrifices of members, and possesses the versatility to help reposition the party for the future,” he said.

Mr. Oti-Aboagye, who has declared his intention to contest for the position of First Vice Chairman, said he has worked for the party for many years and understands the concerns of grassroots members. He added that if given the mandate, he would address these challenges to strengthen the party ahead of the 2028 elections.

The Sweden branch chairman of the NPP noted that his experience and commitment position him well to help the party return to power.

He outlined his campaign agenda to include strengthening collaboration between national, regional, constituency, and external branches, as well as promoting internal unity and constructive engagement at all levels of the party.

He also pledged to support effective conflict resolution and reconciliation mechanisms, enhance grassroots participation, and strengthen branch structures.

Other key priorities include strategic mobilisation towards the 2028 general elections, a youth-driven and innovation-oriented approach, responsiveness to emerging political and social realities, and engagement with professionals, CSOs, students, and the diaspora.

He further said his leadership would be attractive to floating and first-time voters, while prioritising the welfare of party members.

Mr. Oti-Aboagye urged delegates to vote for him in the upcoming national executive elections, saying he is best positioned to lead the party with experience and dedication toward victory in 2028.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Mr. Vanderpuye said the decision was taken after careful reflection and was motivated by his desire to continue serving both the party and the country in a different capacity.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to serve President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana in this role,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to contribute to a programme aimed at improving local infrastructure across the country.

Mr. Vanderpuye noted that his resignation would enable him to contest for a position within the national leadership of the NDC while continuing to support the party’s growth and democratic development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the vision of President Mahama and the success of the administration, describing his tenure at DRIP as rewarding and impactful.

The former National Coordinator said he leaves office with immense gratitude and pride in the achievements recorded under the programme, expressing optimism about its future.

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According to the caucus, the proposed investigation is intended to address growing public concerns about the basis for the awards, the criteria used in selecting recipients, and whether any payments were made by awardees to secure recognition.

Speaking to Adom News, Opposition spokesperson on Economy and Development, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the Minority wants Parliament to establish the facts surrounding the awards and determine whether any monies exchanged hands in the process.

The caucus is also seeking clarity on whether such payments, if any, came from public resources or private funds.

The move follows public debate over an awards event at which a number of ministers and other government appointees were recognised, sparking criticism from sections of the public and even some members of government over the appropriateness of public officials receiving such honours while in office.

The controversy prompted President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive barring ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executive officers of state institutions and other political appointees from accepting private awards without prior approval from the Office of the President.

The directive was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in government, amid concerns that some award schemes could create perceptions of conflict of interest or undermine public trust.

Meanwhile, the Minority is also preparing to move another motion relating to the reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

The development follows comments by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who raised concerns about procedural irregularities and certain provisions in the bill. The Speaker subsequently indicated that the legislation should be reconsidered before being transmitted to the Executive.

His position differs from that of some members of the Majority, who maintain that the bill has already been passed by Parliament and only requires transmission for further action.

The latest developments set the stage for renewed debate in Parliament as lawmakers prepare to examine both the controversial awards scheme and the future of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

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