According to the poll, both Mr Asiedu Nketia and Dr Ato Forson secured 31% support among respondents, while Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu placed third with 15%.

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang followed with 9%, while Chief of Staff Julius Debrah polled 8%. Eric Opoku and Joshua Alabi each recorded 2%.

Global InfoAnalytics said among committed voters, Mr Asiedu Nketia holds a narrow lead over Dr Ato Forson by just 17 votes, a margin the research firm attributed largely to support from New Patriotic Party (NPP) voters.

Among respondents who identified as NPP supporters, Mr Asiedu Nketia led with 29%, followed by Haruna Iddrisu with 22% and Dr Ato Forson with 20%.

Within the NDC’s support base, however, the contest remained statistically close, with Mr Asiedu Nketia polling 36%, Dr Ato Forson 33% and Haruna Iddrisu 12%.

The poll showed that among floating voters, Dr Ato Forson emerged as the preferred candidate with 35%, ahead of Mr Asiedu Nketia with 22% and Haruna Iddrisu with 17%.

For respondents who did not disclose their political affiliation, Mr Asiedu Nketia and Dr Ato Forson were tied on 29% each, while Haruna Iddrisu recorded 20%.

Among supporters of other political parties, Dr Ato Forson led with 29%, followed by Mr Asiedu Nketia with 24% and Julius Debrah with 17%.

The findings point to a closely contested internal race within the governing NDC as the party’s possible contenders for the 2028 presidential election begin to attract public attention.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, July 26, Mr Kodua indicated his readiness to continue serving in the position, calling for unity and a renewed commitment to rebuilding the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“Prepared. Well-positioned. Focused. REBUILD. Together, let’s bring the NPP back to victory in 2028,” he wrote.

Mr Kodua was elected NPP General Secretary in 2022 after defeating the then incumbent, John Boadu, at the party’s National Delegates Conference held at the Accra Sports Stadium.

He polled 2,837 votes to become the party’s chief administrator, ending Mr Boadu’s four-year tenure in the role.

Before becoming General Secretary, Mr Kodua served as Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), where he oversaw programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people.

His decision to contest again comes as the NPP prepares for its internal elections, which are expected to determine the party’s leadership direction and strategy ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The survey, released on July 27, found that 63 per cent of voters approve of the creation of the regional tribunal system, while 19 per cent oppose the move. About 17 per cent of respondents said they had no opinion on the matter.

The poll comes after Parliament passed the legislation establishing the tribunal courts, with the Act now awaiting presidential assent before it can come into force.

READ ALSO: Parliament passes Tribunals Bill, 2026

According to the findings, support for the tribunals cuts across political party lines, with 82 per cent of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters approving of the initiative.

Among floating voters, 55 per cent backed the establishment of the tribunals, while 60 per cent of supporters of other political parties also expressed approval.

The survey further showed that 45 per cent of New Patriotic Party (NPP) voters approved of the regional tribunals, representing a plurality among respondents from the party.

Among voters who declined to disclose their political affiliation, 48 per cent supported the tribunal system.

The findings suggest broad public backing for the establishment of the regional tribunals, despite varying levels of support among different political groups.

The survey was a longitudinal telephone interview carried out from 15th to 24th July 2026 with a sample of 7,761 voters from all 16 regions in Ghana. The poll has a confidence level of 99% and a margin of error of ±1.5%.

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Oti High Court adjourns NPP Krachi East Organiser election dispute to…

The suit was filed by Mr Justice Mensah, who is contesting the conduct and outcome of the constituency organiser election.

At the hearing, the court directed the defendants, Mr Jacob Addo, the Electoral Commission (EC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to file their affidavits in opposition to the claims contained in the plaintiff’s application.

The court said the respondents must formally respond to the allegations before the substantive issues in the case could be determined.

After hearing preliminary submissions, the presiding judge, Justice Dr Moses Bedima Duut, adjourned the matter to October 9, for further proceedings.

The dispute arose from the recent NPP Krachi East Constituency executive elections, where disagreement emerged over the declaration of the organiser position.

The election became contentious after an initial declaration of results was followed by a recount, which subsequently declared Mr Jacob Addo the winner.

The development sparked protests by some party supporters, leading to the temporary closure of the NPP constituency office, before the matter was referred to the High Court for adjudication.

The outcome of the case is expected to determine the legitimacy of the organiser election and could have significant implications for the party’s leadership in the constituency ahead of future political activities.

The parties are expected to comply with the court’s directives before the case resumes on October 9, 2026.

The victim, Mr Yaw Owusu, sustained serious injuries and was initially rushed to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital at Assin Fosu before being referred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment.

Mr Owusu said the violence followed a disagreement over alleged electoral irregularities during the branch women’s organiser election.

He claimed election officials initially announced that 17 delegates were present to vote, but 25 ballots were counted after voting, prompting himself and some supporters to question what they believed was over-voting.

He alleged that, shortly after raising concerns, a group of men believed to be affiliated to the opposing camp attacked him with sticks and sharp objects, leaving him with multiple injuries.

“They ended up twisting my neck,” he narrated.

Medical reports indicated that he suffered a fractured neck, eye injury, as well as head and suspected spinal injuries and because of the severity of his condition, he was referred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

The injured aspirant has appealed to the National Executives of the NDC, particularly the Party’s National Chairman, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, to intervene and called on the police to ensure that those responsible for the attack were identified and brought to justice.

The assault has been reported to the Central North Regional Police Command, which has launched investigations into the incident.

The aggrieved assembly members are also calling on President John Dramani Mahama to remove the MCE from office, claiming she lacks adequate knowledge of the country’s decentralisation system.

Addressing the media on Friday, July 24, spokesperson for the group and Assembly Member for the Kwamo Electoral Area, George Kuntu Blankson, said the decision followed what they described as the MCE’s failure to comply with directives issued by the Assembly’s Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC).

According to him, the committee, after a meeting on April 30, 2026, gave Ms Asante a two-week ultimatum to address a number of concerns, but she allegedly failed to act.

Among the allegations is her failure to enforce a court order directing the demolition of part of a building said to have encroached on a public road at Akyiawkrom.

The assembly members also accused the MCE and her personal aide of allegedly diverting GH¢29,000 in property rates and business operating permit fees collected on August 1, 2025.

They alleged that the money was used to purchase 32 packets of roofing sheets for personal use instead of being paid into the Assembly’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF).

“For instance, Hon. Jerryne Asante was summoned before the Public Relations and Complaints Committee to answer some charges. The committee made recommendations and gave her two weeks to resolve them, but nothing has been done,” Mr Blankson said.

He added that the Assembly had also directed the MCE to refund the GH¢29,000, but the directive had not been complied with.

The assembly members further accused Ms Asante of disregarding the decisions of the General Assembly and creating tension within the Assembly through the alleged transfer of key departmental heads.

According to them, six heads of department and three middle-level officers have been transferred within her first year in office, a development they claim has disrupted the work of the Assembly.

They also criticised the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, accusing him of attempting to interfere in the Assembly’s internal processes.

The group alleged that the Regional Minister directed the Presiding Member to postpone the meeting scheduled to deliberate on the motion of no confidence.

However, Mr Blankson argued that under the Assembly’s Standing Orders and the Local Governance Act, only the Presiding Member has the authority to convene or postpone a General Assembly meeting.

Although the assembly members had planned to hold the meeting at the Assembly Hall, they claimed the facility remained locked, forcing them to address the media outside the premises instead.

As of the time of filing this report, the Municipal Chief Executive, Jerryne Asante, had not responded to the allegations, as she was reportedly not in the office.

READ:

Ejisu Assembly members locked out as no-confidence bid against MCE stalls

Ejisu Assembly to consider vote of no confidence against MCE today

The meeting, which was scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., had been convened by 40 assembly members—comprising 28 elected members and 12 government appointees—to begin the process of seeking the removal of the MCE.

However, upon arrival, the assembly members discovered that the auditorium designated for the meeting had been locked, with the keys reportedly unavailable, leaving the proceedings in limbo.

JoyNews has sighted a letter dated July 22 and signed by the presiding member, Helena Mensah, officially summoning assembly members to attend the meeting.

Copies of the notice were also forwarded to the Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission and the Divisional Police Commander to notify them of the intended proceedings.

Despite the formal notification, the assembly members were unable to access the venue, prompting frustration among those gathered.

JoyNews’ Assisting Editor, Ohemeng Tawiah, who was at the Ejisu Municipal Assembly complex, reported that police officers had been deployed to the premises to monitor the situation and maintain law and order as tensions rose over the unexpected lockout.

The incident has sparked calls for the leadership of the Assembly to explain why the auditorium was inaccessible and to indicate the next steps regarding the proposed no-confidence process.

The development comes amid growing efforts by a section of assembly members to remove the MCE, although the reasons behind the intended vote of no confidence have not yet been officially outlined.

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Ejisu Assembly to consider vote of no confidence against MCE today

According to a notice signed by the assembly members and sighted by JoyNews, the meeting has been requested in line with the Assembly’s Standing Orders.

The members are asking the Presiding Member to convene the meeting to deliberate on and vote on the motion against the MCE.

The notice cites Part Three, Section 17(1) of the Standing Orders, which requires that an emergency meeting be requested through a notice signed by at least one-third of Assembly members.

It also references Order 16(3)(b), which states that a motion of this nature must be deliberated upon within seven days after it is received by the Presiding Member.

The notice, however, does not state the specific grounds for the proposed vote of no confidence.

Speaking on Nhyira FM’s Kro Yi Mu Nsem on Friday, the Assembly Member for the Kwamo Electoral Area, George Kuntu Blankson, confirmed that the meeting had been scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

“Yes, I can confirm that we have served notice for an emergency meeting. The meeting to deliberate on the vote of no confidence in the MCE will be held today at 10:00 a.m. We have followed due process as stated in our Standing Orders,” he said.

Mr Kuntu Blankson declined to disclose the reasons behind the motion, saying the details would be made public during the proceedings.

“For now, I will not disclose the specific grounds for the vote of no confidence. All the details will be made known during the process of the vote today,” he added.

He, however, revealed that the MCE had previously appeared before the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) over concerns considered detrimental to the Assembly’s development.

According to him, although the Committee advised her to address the issues after she acknowledged some of the concerns, she allegedly failed to implement the recommendations, leading to the decision to initiate the vote of no confidence.

Jerryne Asante was appointed Ejisu Municipal Chief Executive by President John Dramani Mahama.

Under the law, a motion of no confidence can only succeed if it secures the support of at least two-thirds of all Assembly members.

Attempts to reach the MCE and the Presiding Member for their response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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In a Facebook post on Thursday, July 23, Mr Essuman said it was unreasonable for the Finance Minister to have presented four budgets, including two mid-year budget reviews, without settling payments he said became due in January 2025.

“Mr Finance Minister, Hon. Ato Forson, reading FOUR budgets including two mid-year reviews without paying the staff of the Presidency, who served the last administration their arrears and entitlements which fell due in January 2025, and yet paying the current staff of the Presidency, is utterly UNREASONABLE,” he wrote.

Mr Essuman argued that while employees serving under the current administration had received their payments, former Presidency staff who served under the Akufo-Addo administration were still waiting for their outstanding benefits, describing the situation as unfair.

He called on the government to honour the outstanding obligations, insisting that former public servants who duly served the state should receive the arrears and entitlements owed to them without further delay.

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The party said the planned visit to the Nsawam Prison is aimed at reassuring the chairman of its unwavering support while rallying members behind efforts to overturn the court’s decision.

Acting Regional Chairman, Patrick Acheampong, said the party would continue to stand by its incarcerated chairman.

“We will organise buses and pay a visit to the party chairman. From there, we will come to our office and hold a vigil. We will show our loyalty to the chairman,” he said.

The party announced the move after a closed-door meeting with its 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by an Accra High Court after being found guilty of illegally permitting unlicensed mining operations on his company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

According to the party, Mr Antwi-Boasiako is being treated unfairly by the government and the judicial system.

“The news of his conviction did not come to us as anything strange because of issues that occurred in the course of the trial,” Mr Acheampong said.

He cited concerns raised during the trial, including the withdrawal of Wontumi’s lawyer over alleged bias by the presiding judge and the court’s refusal to refer constitutional matters to the Supreme Court as requested by the defence team.

“In such circumstances, the verdict should not be surprising to anybody,” he added.

Mr Acheampong said if the government is committed to fighting illegal mining, it must ensure that all persons involved in such activities are prosecuted.

He called for the rule of law to be applied without political bias, stressing that justice must be administered fairly for democracy to thrive.

The NPP has also urged its supporters to remain calm and united against any attempt to weaken the party’s front.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme, Mr Yamin said the document that triggered reports about his alleged involvement in galamsey was fake and could not be traced to any identifiable source.

“The letter and the press release are fake in the first place because the person who wrote the story is not traceable. That is where I have a problem with some media houses,” he said.

Mr Yamin explained that the person whose name and contact details appeared on the alleged press release had denied any connection to it.

“The number under the release, the person has come out to say that he has no affiliation with small-scale mining and that he lives in Accra. He also said he has no idea about that press release,” he stated.

He questioned how some media organisations verified the document before publishing reports that he was being investigated for illegal mining activities.

“Media houses that went ahead to do stories saying Yamin is being investigated for galamsey activities, how did they authenticate the press release that is public?” he asked.

Mr Yamin also questioned the basis for a letter from the Attorney General’s Office to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) requesting investigations into the allegations.

According to him, the request was based on media reports that originated from the disputed press release.

“The Attorney General took the media report and took it to EOCO to investigate. How did they authenticate the media report when I have proven that the press release is fake?” he questioned.

He added that the Small-Scale Miners Association has also distanced itself from the document, further raising doubts about its authenticity.

“The Small-Scale Association has come out to say that they know nothing about that press release,” he said.

Mr Yamin denied claims that he operates a parallel anti-galamsey task force, accusing some individuals of attempting to tarnish his reputation.

“The press release claimed that I have a parallel task force terrorising people, operating on mining sites and extorting money. That is not true,” he said.

He questioned whether reports linking him to galamsey investigations were fair, especially when, according to him, no government agency had formally invited him for questioning.

“Do you think the media houses doing the stories, including the NPP, that Yamin is being investigated for galamsey when government has not even called on me, equating me to Chairman Wontumi, are being fair to me?” he asked.

The comments come after the Minority in Parliament called on the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, to publish updates on illegal mining investigations involving individuals across the political divide.

The Minority made the call following the conviction and sentencing of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by an Accra High Court over illegal mining-related offences.

The caucus specifically called for updates on investigations involving Mr Yamin and NDC National Vice Chairman, Yakubu Abanga, as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

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The clarification follows media reports, including a publication by the state-owned Daily Graphic, which quoted the President as making the promise during his “Thank You Tour” of the Ashanti Region on July 16, 2025.

Speaking on Nhyira FM’s Kro Yi Mu Nsem programme on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Mr Agyemang Boadi said he was present during the President’s inspection of the project and no such deadline was announced.

“Let me establish this fact: the President never promised during the inspection of the project as part of his tour that it will be completed by the end of 2026. I was there with him and I heard everything he said. Nothing like that came out of his mouth,” he said.

He challenged media houses that reported the claim to provide evidence, arguing that newspaper and online publications alone do not constitute proof.

“If you have it, play the President’s voice making that remark. What you are reading is a newspaper publication,” he told host Barima Kofi Dawson.

The Kumasi Mayor explained that funding challenges remain the major obstacle delaying the project. He accused the previous administration of failing to honour payments owed to the contractor despite securing financing for the project.

“The government that we took over from secured about £280 million for Kejetia Phase Two. But when the contractor submitted a certificate in May 2023, that government was unable to pay,” Mr Boadi stated.

He said the current administration is working to resolve the funding challenges and ensure the project resumes.

According to him, a high-level meeting was held a day after the Accra flooding crisis involving the contractor, project consultants, the Minister of Local Government, and officials from the Ministry of Finance to discuss outstanding issues.

“A final meeting will be held in the next two weeks to take a decision. After that, government will seek parliamentary approval to secure the funds needed to complete the project,” he added.

Mr Boadi projected that once funding is secured, the project could be completed within 16 months.

Fact check: What President Mahama actually said

A review of the transcript and video from President Mahama’s tour shows that he did not personally give a completion deadline but referred to an assurance from the contractor.

President Mahama said:

“After engaging the contractors and I observed that the project has made progress. It is about 60% complete. We will intensify efforts to complete it quickly so it can be put to use. The contractor has also assured me that if all goes well, the market will be fully completed by the end of 2026.”

The clarification comes amid growing frustration among traders who were displaced to make way for the project.

Some Kumasi traders have threatened to occupy the Kejetia Phase Two project site in protest over the prolonged delay.

“If the Kumasi traders attempt to occupy the Kejetia Phase Two project site, the contractor will involve the police to deal with them,” the city mayor cautioned.

He appealed for calm, assuring traders that the government remains committed to completing both Kejetia Phase Two and the abandoned Krofrom Market.

Background

Phase Two of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project is expected to add thousands of stores to the completed Phase One, which was commissioned in 2018.

The expansion also includes the redevelopment of the Krofrom Market as part of efforts to decongest Kumasi’s Central Business District and provide modern trading facilities.

The project is being financed through a UK Export Finance facility and executed by Contracta Construction UK Ltd.

Stakeholders say completing the project is critical to boosting commerce in the Ashanti Region, which serves as a major trading hub for Ghana and neighbouring countries.

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His comments came after he appeared in court to show solidarity with TikToker Rita Konadu, popularly known as “Mama One,” who was arraigned over alleged offensive remarks directed at President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Abor appealed to NPP communicators and supporters to focus their energies on issues that affect Ghanaians rather than engaging in abusive exchanges on social media.

According to him, the party’s communicators should concentrate on holding the government accountable by highlighting unfulfilled campaign promises, policies and areas where they believe the administration has fallen short.

He noted that Ghana’s political discourse must move beyond insults and personal attacks, stressing that constructive criticism and issue-based discussions would better serve the party’s interests.

Abor also acknowledged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made contributions to the country’s development, saying such achievements and policies must be critically discussed as part of national conversations.

He encouraged party members using platforms such as TikTok to communicate responsibly and focus on presenting arguments that resonate with voters instead of resorting to offensive commentary.

Lawyer Kodua visited the revered Islamic leader to enquire about his well-being and formally inform him of his intention to seek a renewed mandate as the party’s General Secretary.

He was accompanied by the Deputy General Secretary, Prof. Haruna Mohammed; former Ablekuma Central Member of Parliament, Ebenezer Nartey; and other members of his entourage.

The NPP General Secretary was received at the Chief Imam’s residence by Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party, Divine Otoo Agorhom, together with other regional executives, constituency chairpersons, party organisers and supporters.

Addressing the Chief Imam, Lawyer Kodua reflected on his first attempt at becoming General Secretary, noting that many had doubted his chances at the time.

He attributed his eventual election to the grace of God and the prayers and blessings he received from the National Chief Imam.

Lawyer Kodua acknowledged that although the NPP had hoped to retain power in the 2024 general election, the party was unsuccessful. However, he expressed confidence that the party could rebuild and return to government under the leadership of its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

He appealed for the Chief Imam’s continued prayers as he seeks another term, promising to dedicate himself to strengthening the party and working towards victory in future elections.

“Your Eminence, you blessed me when I first sought this office, and by the grace of God, those prayers were answered. I have come once again to seek your blessings. Bless me to retain my seat, and I will work with all my strength to make your son, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the next President of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.

The visit ended with prayers from the National Chief Imam for Lawyer Kodua, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the leadership of the NPP, and the peace and prosperity of Ghana.

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In a statement issued on July 22, Mr Boadu described Chairman Wontumi as a “political prisoner” and urged NPP members to remain united and law-abiding as the party pursues legal avenues to challenge the High Court’s decision.

“I have followed the recent developments involving our brother, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), with deep concern and sympathy,” Mr Boadu said.

He expressed solidarity with the embattled party executive, describing him as a brother and reaffirming his support following the court’s ruling.

Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court after being found guilty of offences related to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence on Monday, July 20, bringing an end to one of the country’s high-profile cases involving illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. He faces an additional three-year jail term if the fine is not paid.

Mr Boadu called on members of the NPP to remain calm and committed to democratic and legal processes as the party seeks to challenge the judgment.

He also urged the party’s supporters to continue upholding the law while efforts are made to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.

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The conference, organised by Harakati Za Muungano, will take place at the GNAT Hall and will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, youth leaders and development partners to explore practical solutions for accelerating Africa’s development through deeper regional integration.

Harakati Za Muungano, a Swahili phrase meaning “Union Movement,” is a pan-African movement committed to promoting African unity, economic transformation and governance reforms that support sustainable development.

The organisation believes that Africa’s vast human and natural resources can only be fully harnessed through stronger regional cooperation, enhanced intra-African trade and governance systems that place the continent’s long-term development at the centre of public policy.

Since its establishment in November 2023, the movement has expanded its operations to 17 African countries, engaging governments, regional institutions, traditional leaders, professionals, youth groups and community organisations.

Its work focuses on policy advocacy, research, civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive development, strengthening regional cooperation and encouraging reforms that improve the quality of life of Africans.

The conference will provide a platform for participants to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including constitutional reforms, economic restructuring, regional market integration, industrialisation, governance continuity and sustainable financing models for development.

Organisers expect the discussions to produce practical recommendations that can inform policy decisions at both national and regional levels.

A major focus of the conference will be the movement’s vision of a more integrated Sub-Saharan Africa where barriers to trade and movement are reduced, economic collaboration is strengthened and governments adopt policies that encourage long-term planning, investment and shared prosperity.

The organisation believes that greater integration will unlock new opportunities for businesses, create jobs, promote industrial growth and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.

Organisers say the conference represents an important opportunity for African leaders and stakeholders to collectively examine bold and innovative approaches to the continent’s future.

With over 200 delegates expected from across the continent, the event is anticipated to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and advance a shared vision of an economically resilient, politically stable and fully integrated Africa.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Boako said government must demonstrate its commitment to education by allocating adequate locally generated revenue to sustain the programme.

“We want to ask the Finance Minister what government is doing and why we are not able to raise revenue to support education but we have to go and borrow to finance Free SHS,” he said.

He contrasted the current approach with that of the previous administration, stating that the Free SHS programme introduced under the erstwhile government was not financed through borrowing.

“The Free SHS that was introduced by the erstwhile administration didn’t resort to borrowing to finance it. The Ghanaian people want to see the government prioritising education and thereby prioritising Free SHS,” he added.

Dr Boako made the remarks during parliamentary proceedings, insisting that improving domestic revenue mobilisation remains the most sustainable way to finance Ghana’s flagship education programme.

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He argues that barely nine weeks after Ghana exited the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, the Mahama administration is back in Parliament seeking approval for almost $1 billion in fresh loans.

According to the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP, the latest borrowing requests raise concerns about the government’s domestic revenue mobilisation efforts and the country’s long-term debt sustainability.

Speaking during debate on a motion seeking parliamentary approval for a number of international financing agreements, Mr Oppong Nkrumah urged the House not to assess each loan in isolation but to consider the cumulative borrowing taking place within a short period after the IMF programme ended.

Opening his remarks with the French expression, “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”—meaning “the more things change, the more they remain the same”—he argued that despite government’s declaration that Ghana had successfully exited the IMF programme, the country’s dependence on external borrowing appears to be continuing.

He recalled that on May 15, 2026, the government announced Ghana’s successful exit from the IMF ECF programme, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s economic recovery.

However, he noted that just nine weeks later, Parliament is being asked to approve borrowing close to $1 billion.

According to him, the package includes about $300 million for the education sector, $500 million for road infrastructure, roughly $22 million for the Ministry of Finance, in addition to net borrowing of about $180 million already captured in the 2026 Budget.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah clarified that the Minority is not opposed to the projects being financed.

Having served in both government and opposition, he acknowledged that development financing serves legitimate national purposes and stressed that his concern was not with the sectors earmarked to benefit from the loans.

Instead, he argued that the key issue is why the government has returned to the debt market so soon after the IMF programme ended.

The former Information Minister said government had assured Ghanaians during the 2026 Budget that it had a stronger fiscal strategy capable of removing taxes while increasing revenue to 18 per cent of GDP.

He said he publicly supported that target at the time.

However, he argued that government’s own fiscal reports show the target has not been achieved.

According to him, one official report places the revenue-to-GDP ratio at 15.7 per cent, while another records 16 per cent, levels he said are no better than what the current administration inherited.

“It is because the domestic resource mobilisation measures are not performing that nine weeks after the IMF left town, they have gone back to the debt markets and are asking Parliament to approve close to one billion dollars.”

While supporting the loan agreements, Mr Oppong Nkrumah cautioned that excessive borrowing could undermine Ghana’s debt sustainability if domestic revenue performance does not improve.

He also criticised what he described as government spending priorities, arguing that resources are increasingly being directed towards quasi-fiscal operations instead of critical development needs.

Citing figures from the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 financial statements, he claimed that about GH¢16 billion had been spent on sterilisation operations, while approximately GH¢9.6 billion had been incurred through gold-related losses.

He proposed that government urgently strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and adopt a whole-of-government approach to expenditure management to reduce reliance on external borrowing.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah concluded by reaffirming the Minority’s support for the loan agreements but insisted that government must address the underlying weaknesses in revenue generation and spending if Ghana is to avoid renewed debt pressures.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, July 20, the political movement said recent public commentary and inquiries may have created a false impression of a connection between the two entities.

“The New Force categorically affirms that neither the movement nor its Founder and Leader, Nana Kwame Bediako, has any affiliation, partnership, collaboration, endorsement, or formal relationship with any group known as The Base Movement,” the statement said.

The movement stressed that any claims, publications or activities suggesting an association between the two groups are inaccurate and should be disregarded.

It explained that since its inception, The New Force has operated independently, guided by its mission to promote a united, prosperous, and transformational Ghana through principled leadership, innovation, integrity and citizen empowerment.

According to the statement, all official communications and engagements of the movement are issued solely through its authorised platforms.

The New Force further urged the public, supporters, stakeholders, and the media to rely exclusively on its official channels for verified information, insisting that any suggestion of a link with The Base Movement is unfounded.

The movement reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and transformational leadership aimed at inspiring hope for a better Ghana.

Read the full statement below:

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Tanko Computer said the conviction goes beyond the punishment of an individual, arguing that it is also about addressing the destruction caused to Ghana’s environment and the lives of people living in mining-affected communities.

He said the consequences of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, have been severe, with polluted water bodies, destroyed forests and serious health concerns affecting residents.

“Justice has been served to the good people of the environment, which has been destroyed, and those children who are now suffering from birth defects. Kidneys have now been destroyed because of the activities of Akonta Mining and its affiliates,” he said.

Mr Tanko Computer criticised discussions that focus solely on whether a 20-year sentence is excessive, arguing that attention should also be given to the impact of illegal mining on communities.

According to him, many victims of environmental destruction have suffered silently while individuals involved in illegal mining pursued personal wealth.

He explained that Ghana’s laws provide for sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years for such offences and suggested that, considering the extent of the alleged damage, the maximum sentence would have been appropriate.

“In fact, I was expecting about 25. He should have taken the 25. The judge was lenient to have given him the 20 years,” he said.

Mr Tanko Computer added that the conviction should serve as a warning to others involved in illegal mining that political influence or personal connections cannot shield them from accountability.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others who think that they can get away with this just because of your own parochial interest,” he said.

He stressed that the state’s responsibility is to protect citizens and ensure that individuals whose actions threaten public health, livelihoods and natural resources are punished.

His comments follow the Accra High Court’s conviction and sentencing of Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

In a post on X, Mr Oppong Nkrumah accused the justice system of being applied selectively, alleging that some individuals associated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose submissions of no case had been rejected by the courts, had been allowed to escape prosecution.

“Several NDC persons whose submission of no case had been rejected by the courts and had a case to answer, have been left off the hook by the NDC prosecutors and the courts,” he wrote.

He contrasted those cases with Wontumi’s conviction, arguing that the NPP chairman was jailed over the actions of another person.

“Instead, Wontumi has been jailed not for illegal mining but that someone who he argues he gave his company’s former mine to, for purposes of reclamation was found doing mining on it. And yet the actual illegal miner has been set loose rather,” he stated.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah further questioned the fairness of the judicial process, describing the outcome as an abuse of the justice system.

“This is not law or justice. It is a weaponising of the justice delivery system,” he said.

He maintained that the NPP’s position on the case remained unchanged, insisting that Wontumi should be regarded as a political prisoner.

“This is why the NPP considers Wontumi a political prisoner. The justice system has been turned upside down,” he added.

The comments follow the High Court’s decision to convict Wontumi for allowing another person to use a mining concession without ministerial approval and deliberately facilitating unlawful mining, resulting in concurrent 20-year prison terms with hard labour.

The NPP has consistently described the prosecution as politically motivated, while the prosecution has maintained that the conviction was based on evidence presented before the court.

The party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, made the accusation at a press conference on Monday, July 20, hours after the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment over illegal mining on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default three-year term should the fine go unpaid.

Justice Kodua argued that no administration should use criminal prosecutions to manufacture “the appearance of success” while critical national issues remain unresolved, insisting government should instead focus on the country’s most urgent challenges rather than what he called selective prosecutions.

“No Government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he said.

He listed those pressing concerns as the continued destruction illegal mining is causing to cocoa farms, farming communities and the environment; what he described as an inadequate government response to recent flooding; and a worsening security climate amid growing terrorism threats in the West African sub-region.

Ghanaians, he said, expect decisive leadership capable of protecting lives and livelihoods and strengthening national security, not politically motivated legal action.

On the verdict itself, Kodua repeated the party’s position that the evidence did not support a conviction, alleging the judge overlooked material that exonerated his client.

“There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi,” he alleged.

The General Secretary confirmed the party’s legal team has begun challenging the judgment against Chairman Wontumi through the appellate courts, with the appeal expected to contest both the conviction and the sentence.

“Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process,” he said.

He pledged the party’s continued backing for the embattled chairman, describing him as a “political prisoner” and assuring supporters that Wontumi “is not alone” as the case moves through the courts.

They described the sentence as excessive, unjust and politically motivated.

The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, convicted and sentenced Mr Antwi-Boasiako over illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Company’s Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

The ruling has triggered strong reactions within the NPP, with party executives calling for calm while indicating their intention to explore all available legal avenues to challenge the decision.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News, former Bosomtwe NPP Chairman and a relative of Chairman Wontumi, Aikens Addai-Poku, said he was shocked by the judgment.

“I am shocked by the news, and I don’t even know what to say. Chairman Wontumi does not deserve that jail term. Tell me, what did he do to deserve two decades of imprisonment?” he asked.

Mr Addai-Poku alleged that the sentence was part of a broader attempt to target opposition figures.

“To me, this is political witch-hunting against members of the opposition. The NDC is using the courts to silence us,” he claimed.

He further accused some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in illegal mining activities and alleged that authorities had failed to take action against them.

“I am saying that Wontumi has been sentenced for nothing. The NDC are the ones engaged in galamsey, and they are doing it on a larger scale. They are operating in my constituency. Go and see for yourself the extent of their illegal mining activities,” he alleged.

Despite his concerns, Mr Addai-Poku said Chairman Wontumi’s legal team and the NPP leadership would work together to determine the next steps.

The Ashanti Regional Treasurer of the NPP, Hajia Zainab Sallow, also expressed disappointment over the ruling.

She said she was yet to obtain the full details of the judgment and, as a non-lawyer, could not comment extensively on the legal issues. However, she expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and legal team.

“I believe the national leadership and our legal counsel will do everything possible to secure the freedom of our regional chairman. We will not abandon him,” she said.

Meanwhile, an aspiring NPP Ashanti Regional Communications Director, Kyei Bobbie, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to consider granting a presidential pardon to Chairman Wontumi.

In a statement, Mr Bobbie argued that the sentence was too harsh and could deepen political tensions in the country.

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Wontumi, Akonta Mining found guilty of illegal mining

According to a statement signed by the NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the meeting is being attended by the party’s national leadership, its flagbearer, and the party’s legal team.

The statement said the meeting is aimed at conducting a thorough assessment of the court’s decision and determining the party’s next course of action.

“The party will communicate its official position and the decisions arising from these deliberations in due course,” the statement noted.

Mr Kodua Frimpong also appealed to party members to remain calm and united as the leadership deliberates on the matter.

He urged NPP supporters to rally behind the leadership during what he described as a challenging moment, stressing the need for discipline, unity, and steadfastness in protecting the values and interests of the party.

The NPP said it will announce the outcome of the meeting and its official position after the deliberations are concluded.

Dr Boako recorded an 88 per cent approval rating under the “Excellent/Very Good/Good” category in the survey, which assessed constituents’ perceptions of the performance of MPs across 83 constituencies.

He was ranked alongside MPs from constituencies including Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Tolon, Tain, Navrongo Central, Offinso North, and Kpando, which featured among the top-performing legislators.

In Tano North, 88 per cent of respondents rated Dr Boako’s performance positively, while seven per cent described it as average, four per cent rated it as poor or very poor, and one per cent expressed no opinion.

The June 2026 survey revealed significant variations in public approval of MPs across the country, with the results highlighting differing levels of satisfaction among constituents.

Global InfoAnalytics said the poll forms part of its ongoing efforts to track public perceptions of parliamentary performance and provide insights into how constituents assess the effectiveness and delivery of their elected representatives.

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Samreboi trial: Wontumi, Akonta Mining found guilty of illegal mining

CAGG rejects claim that galamsey impunity is over, demands tougher action…

Addressing the executives, Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that political success requires more than strategy and hard work, urging party members to seek divine guidance while strengthening grassroots structures.

“Politics is a spiritual exercise, don’t do it with naked eyes. Call on your God and He will come to your aid at your crossroads,” he said.

He further called on members to remain united, put aside their differences, and work collectively towards rebuilding the party and securing victory in the 2028 elections.

The Minority Leader emphasised that unity, discipline, and commitment at the constituency level would be critical to the NPP’s efforts to return to power.

🇬🇭 “Politics is a spiritual exercise; don’t do it with your naked eye.”

— Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin advises the newly elected NPP Central Regional constituency executives, while urging party members to remain united and focused on securing victory in 2028. pic.twitter.com/ekQ3J4i3Rq

— TheeNewsRoom (@TheeNewsRoom) July 20, 2026

The court is expected today, July 20, 2026, to determine whether to deliver judgment in the case, which involves allegations of unauthorised mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

The matter follows months of legal proceedings involving Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited, who are facing charges related to alleged illegal mining activities. They have denied the allegations.

The expected judgment comes after the court last month granted Wontumi’s new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, additional time to file a written address in support of the defence’s case.

However, the defence has since filed an application seeking to suspend the delivery of judgment, arguing that a constitutional interpretation case currently before the Supreme Court could have implications for the matter.

Mr Atta Akyea has urged the High Court to stay proceedings until the Supreme Court determines the constitutional issues raised in the application.

The lawyer has also informed the court that he is currently outside the country and is expected to return on Wednesday, July 22.

The High Court is therefore expected to first decide whether to proceed with the scheduled judgment or grant the defence’s request for an adjournment pending the Supreme Court’s decision.

The case reached the judgment stage after both the prosecution and the defence concluded presenting their arguments.

Richard Ahiagbah officially declares bid for NPP National First Vice Chairman

Wontumi’s fate hangs as court rules on alleged illegal mining case today

Speaking at a press conference in Accra to announce his bid for the position of National Chairman, Mr Afoko acknowledged that sections of the business community became dissatisfied with some policies and decisions taken during the NPP’s previous administration.

He said these concerns contributed to economic hardship, uncertainty, and declining confidence among some businesses, adding that the party must listen, reflect, and make the necessary corrections.

“To the business community, I say this: the NPP must regain your trust. We know that mistakes were made. We know that some of you felt disappointed. We know that some policies and actions created hardship, uncertainty, or frustration. As a party, we must have the humility to listen, to learn, and to correct what went wrong,” he stated.

Mr Afoko argued that the NPP’s political identity has historically been tied to economic empowerment, private initiative, and creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to grow.

He said the party must return to those principles by engaging key players in the economy, including traders, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, artisans, professionals, contractors, technology entrepreneurs, and young start-ups.

“The NPP remains the natural home of business, enterprise, innovation, and wealth creation. We must work with traders, manufacturers, farmers, transport operators, artisans, professionals, contractors, technology entrepreneurs, and young start-ups to build a new prosperity agenda,” he said.

Mr Afoko stressed that a strong partnership between government and the private sector is critical for job creation, economic stability, and national development.

He added that rebuilding trust with businesses would require more than political promises, but a renewed commitment to policies that encourage investment, support entrepreneurship, and create an environment where citizens can pursue economic opportunities.

He maintained that the NPP’s future success depends on its ability to convince Ghanaians, particularly business owners and entrepreneurs, that it remains committed to building an economy driven by opportunity and innovation.

Wontumi’s fate hangs as court rules on alleged illegal mining case today

Richard Ahiagbah officially declares bid for NPP National First Vice Chairman

In a “Declaration of Intent” released on July 20, 2026, Mr Ahiagbah said the party’s ongoing reorganisation process provides an opportunity for the NPP to reflect on its 2024 electoral defeat and rebuild with renewed commitment and purpose.

“The 2024 election revealed that we need to reflect and move forward with renewed energy. A party stays strong not just because of its history, but by renewing its values, rebuilding its structures, and working together as a disciplined team,” he stated.

Mr Ahiagbah said the party’s future depends on a return to its founding principles of liberty, the rule of law, and free market values.

He described the reorganisation exercise as urgent, arguing that discipline must be prioritised to achieve cohesion and unity within the party.

“That is why our reorganisation must produce disciplined leaders. Without discipline, we cannot achieve cohesion. Without cohesion, we cannot achieve unity. And without unity, we cannot achieve the victory Ghanaians envision for us in 2028,” he said.

The NPP Communications Director urged delegates to elect a National First Vice Chairman who can work closely with the National Chairman to rebuild party structures and reconnect with grassroots members.

Outlining his vision, Mr Ahiagbah said his leadership would focus on five key areas: renewing the party’s liberal-conservative values, strengthening party structures, promoting discipline and accountability, encouraging inclusion among members, and supporting the National Chairman in building an election-ready party.

He maintained that the NPP remains “Ghana’s best path to prosperity, strong leadership and good governance,” but acknowledged that Ghanaians are demanding a new generation of leaders with integrity, discipline, and the ability to unite the party.

“Ghanaians are seeking new kinds of leaders. They want leaders who are disciplined, have integrity, and are unifying. Therefore, delegates must choose a National First Vice Chairman who meets those expectations. I, Richard Ahiagbah, meet those expectations and am ready for the job,” he said.

Mr Ahiagbah appealed to delegates for their support, guidance, and prayers as he seeks to become the party’s next National First Vice Chairman.

His declaration sets up a competitive race for the position, with NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, also announcing his intention to contest.

Nana B has cited his 26 years of active service to the party as having equipped him with the experience needed to strengthen its structures and reconnect with grassroots members.

The NPP is scheduled to elect its national executives from September 18 to 20, 2026, as part of a broader restructuring process following its defeat in the 2024 elections.

The party is expected to use the new leadership structure to reposition itself ahead of the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Kow Essuman urges Ablekuma West NPP members to attend Electoral Affairs…

NPP internal elections: Nana B declares bid for National First Vice…

The MP for Asene-Manso-Akroso, George Kwame Aboagye, recorded the lowest approval rating in the June 2026 survey, which assessed constituents’ perceptions of their representatives’ performance.

According to the polling firm, Mr Annoh-Dompreh secured a 98% approval rating, with respondents describing his performance as “Excellent,” “Very Good,” or “Good.” Only 2% of respondents rated his performance as “Poor” or “Very Poor.”

At the bottom of the rankings, Mr Aboagye received a 9% positive rating, while 87% of respondents assessed his performance as “Poor” or “Very Poor.”

Other MPs who recorded strong approval ratings included representatives for Tolon and Tain, who each scored 94%. The MP for Navrongo Central followed with a 93% approval rating, while Offinso North recorded 91%.

The MPs for Kpando and Tano North also featured among the top performers, each receiving an 88% approval rating.

Meanwhile, other MPs with low approval ratings included those representing Takoradi, which recorded 13%, Bosomtwe with 15%, Achiase with 16%, and Bole-Bamboi with 21%.

The survey also revealed that some constituencies recorded significant proportions of respondents who had no opinion on their MPs’ performance. Bosomtwe recorded 18% “No opinion” responses, while Asuogyaman registered 15%.

Global Info Analytics said the survey forms part of its ongoing efforts to track public perceptions of parliamentary performance across the country.

The findings come amid growing public interest in parliamentary accountability, as constituents increasingly assess the responsiveness of MPs to local development concerns ahead of future elections.

However, the polling firm did not immediately provide details on the survey methodology, including the sample size, constituency-level sampling framework, or margin of error.

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Kow Essuman urges Ablekuma West NPP members to attend Electoral Affairs…

In a statement dated July 19, 2026, Mr Essuman acknowledged that some concerns raised by members had already been addressed, including the restoration of his name to the constituency electoral register, popularly known as the album.

However, he maintained that several outstanding issues remained unresolved and should be thoroughly examined by the committee.

“Some of the irregularities complained of have since been corrected, including the restoration of my own name to the electoral register. However, many other irregularities remain outstanding and unresolved, and it is right that they now come before the Committee,” he stated.

The Electoral Affairs Committee of the NPP National Council has invited constituency officers and interested parties from affected constituencies, including Ablekuma West, to appear before it on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the party’s headquarters.

Mr Essuman commended members for pursuing their grievances through the party’s internal structures, saying, “The members of Ablekuma West have demonstrated their belief in the internal processes of our Party. They have raised their concerns meticulously and through the proper channels.”

He encouraged all invited members to attend the hearing promptly with relevant documents and evidence to support their cases, expressing confidence that the committee would conduct a fair process.

“It is my hope and expectation that the Electoral Affairs Committee will give a fair hearing to every aggrieved member. We may never have a perfect electoral register in Ablekuma West, but we can certainly have something very close to it, and that is what we must all work towards,” he added.

Mr Essuman further appealed for unity within the constituency, stressing that resolving the internal disputes should strengthen the party ahead of future electoral contests.

“Above all, let our focus be unity within the constituency, so that we can prosecute a vigorous campaign to retake power from the NDC. This hearing is a critical step in that direction,” he concluded.

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Addressing residents during the Reset Tour and citizens’ engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, the President assured party members and individuals aspiring to serve in government that more opportunities would become available as his administration progresses.

“There’ll be reshuffles and reshuffles and reshuffles, so just stand in readiness. Who knows, your turn will come and you’ll be invited to serve,” he said.

The President’s comments are expected to heighten speculation about possible changes within the executive following appointments made since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office.

Defending his administration’s decision to maintain a lean government, President Mahama said measures introduced since taking office were aimed at reducing public expenditure while improving efficiency.

According to him, the number of presidential staff, advisers and other officials attached to the Presidency has been reduced from about 300 to just over 200.

“We’ve kept it lean and mean and that is how we’re able to cut down some of the waste,” he stated.

President Mahama also said his administration had fulfilled its promise to reduce the size of government by limiting the number of ministers to 60.

He noted that several ministries, as well as all regional ministerial offices, are operating without deputy ministers as part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance without affecting the effective delivery of public services.

The President said the downsized government reflects a key campaign promise made ahead of the 2024 general election to cut public spending and redirect resources towards national development priorities.

His latest remarks come amid growing public discussion over the possibility of changes to government appointments as the administration continues to implement its policy agenda and improve performance across ministries, departments and agencies.

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In a press release issued ahead of the polls, the group expressed concern that with only eight days to the elections, members had still not been given access to the official voters’ register, which they described as a fundamental requirement for a credible electoral process.

According to the group, the delay has created uncertainty among the membership and raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

“With only eight days remaining before the Branch elections, the leadership has yet to release the official election album, a basic requirement for a credible electoral process. This unprecedented delay has fuelled widespread anxiety among members and raised legitimate questions about the commitment of the current Branch leadership to transparency and fairness,” the statement said.

The concerned members also alleged that some chapter elections began shortly after midnight without members having prior access to the election album, making it impossible for candidates and voters to verify the electoral register before voting.

They further claimed that confusion over election procedures had left many members uncertain about the rules governing the process, while registration for the July 24–26 Branch Conference had reportedly slowed as members remained unsure whether the conference and its electoral activities would proceed as scheduled.

According to the group, these developments have weakened confidence in the internal electoral process.

“These developments do not inspire confidence. They undermine it,” the statement added.

The group further questioned the leadership record of the NPP-USA Branch Chairperson, Obaa Yaa Frimpong, who is contesting for the position of National First Vice Chairperson, arguing that leadership should be assessed by one’s record of transparency, fairness and competence.

The statement also alleged that the current branch leadership attempted to prevent some recently relocated members from Ghana from contesting internal positions. It claimed that although the party’s National Council later intervened to allow broader participation, the incident had raised concerns about inclusiveness within the branch.

The members further questioned the continued delay in publishing the election album.

“If there is nothing to conceal, why has the official voters’ register not been made available to the membership? Why are members expected to place blind faith in a process whose most fundamental documents remain unavailable only days before the election? Internal democracy cannot survive where transparency is withheld,” the statement said.

The group has consequently called on the branch leadership to immediately release the official election album, publish all election rules and procedures, and guarantee what it described as a free, fair, transparent and inclusive election for all qualified members.

It maintained that the NPP’s long-standing commitment to democracy, the rule of law and accountability must be reflected in its internal electoral processes.

“The membership deserves answers. The membership deserves transparency. Above all, the membership deserves elections whose outcome commands confidence because the process itself is beyond reproach. Silence is no longer an option. The time for accountability is now,” the statement concluded.

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The eight constituencies — Juaboso, Bia West, Bia East, Bodi, Suaman, Akontombra, Wiawso, and Aowin — picked the nomination forms for Nana B, citing confidence in his leadership, commitment, and dedication to strengthening the party’s youth wing across the region.

Speaking on behalf of the delegations, the Bia West Constituency Youth Organiser, Samuel Nyame Ghandi, said their decision was influenced by Nana B’s track record and his ability to unite and inspire young people within the party.

Receiving the nomination forms, Gideon Brenya Agyapong expressed appreciation for the support and pledged to work tirelessly to unite and empower the youth while promoting the growth and success of the NPP in the Western North Region.

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He said law enforcement agencies must be allowed to carry out their duties when there are grounds for arrest, stressing that attempts to question the timing or location of arrests could undermine the work of state institutions.

Speaking on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, July 18, Mr Dzimega, a lawyer and engineer, said individuals suspected of wrongdoing cannot dictate the conditions under which they should be taken into custody.

“I believe that no Ghanaian has the right to determine when and where he or she should be arrested,” he stated.

His comments come amid discussions over the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the 2024 campaign team of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in connection with investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD).

The arrest and subsequent bail conditions have sparked debate, with some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) criticising the manner in which Mr Aboagye was apprehended and treated.

However, Mr Dzimega maintained that accountability processes must be respected and law enforcement agencies must be permitted to execute their mandate.

I’ll repay ‘voter loan’ with devt – President assures Volta RegionDennis Aboagye’s airport arrest, GH¢50m bail unreasonable – Baffour Awuah

He argued that while investigations into alleged wrongdoing are necessary, state institutions must ensure that their actions are proportionate and consistent with principles of fairness and due process.

Speaking on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, July 18, Mr Baffour Awuah said the circumstances surrounding Mr Aboagye’s arrest at the airport and the GH¢50 million bail bond raised serious concerns.

“The arrest of Dennis at the airport was very unnecessary and if you also consider the chronology of events, the GH¢50 million bail bond was also completely unreasonable,” he said.

Mr Baffour Awuah stressed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is not opposed to accountability or investigations by state agencies, but its concern is with the manner in which some of its members are treated after arrests.

“We have not complained of the arrests. Our complaints have been the way and manner in which our people are treated following the arrests. The NPP is not against accountability in any shape or form,” he stated.

Mr Aboagye, the NPP Director of Communications for the 2024 campaign team of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was arrested by EOCO in connection with investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD).

He has since been released and has maintained that the experience has strengthened his resolve to continue contributing to the party’s communications efforts.

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He explained that the party’s interventions should not be misconstrued as attempts to shield individuals from accountability, stressing that the NPP recognises the importance of allowing state institutions to conduct investigations into allegations of wrongdoing.

Speaking on JoyNews’ *Newsfile* programme on Saturday, July 18, Mr Baffour Awuah said the party’s concerns have centred on the manner in which some members are handled after arrests, rather than the arrests themselves.

“We have not complained of the arrests. Our complaints have been the way and manner in which our people are treated following the arrests. The NPP is not against accountability in any shape or form,” he stated.

According to him, the conduct of authorities during investigations can sometimes create doubts about whether the process is solely aimed at ensuring accountability.

“However, the manner in which our people are handled then gives suggestions that it is not merely for accountability but other things, and that is why these things happen. Obviously, we come to the aid of our people,” he added.

His comments come after the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the New Patriotic Party’s Director of Communications for the 2024 campaign team of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Mr Aboagye was arrested as part of investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD). EOCO has said the investigation followed a petition and a forensic audit covering the period from August 2022 to February 2025.

Mr Aboagye has since been released and said the experience had reinforced his commitment to supporting the party’s communications efforts.

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Delays in criminal cases largely caused by prosecutors, not courts –…

He said such an approach had contributed to an unhealthy democratic culture in which political parties appeared more focused on winning power than serving the people.
Justice Atuguba, therefore, urged politicians to demonstrate honesty, fairness, integrity, and principled leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“Politicians must begin to turn things around for the better by pursuing policies and actions that genuinely benefit the people of Ghana, rather than advancing personal or partisan interests,” he said.

He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 20th memorial lecture in honour of the late Justice Daniel Francis Annan, the first Speaker of Parliament under the Fourth Republic, in Accra yesterday.

Parliament and national interest

Justice Atuguba expressed concern about the conduct of some Members of Parliament (MPs), saying their actions often reflected allegiance to their political parties instead of commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians.

“Today, I do not see Parliament as consistently standing for the interests of Ghanaians.

Some MPs are good, but others are immersed in loyalty to their party and the President, manoeuvring to advance their political careers irrespective of honesty, fairness, and good service to the people of Ghana,” he said.

He stressed that his comments were not intended to disparage politicians but to encourage national reflection on the direction of the country’s democratic governance.

“That is what I have observed, and I believe it is necessary to say so.

I am not speaking out of spite, but because the ship of state has tilted very, very ominously,” he stated.

Justice Atuguba, however, said there was still hope for the country’s democracy, noting that many politicians remained committed to public service and the ideals exemplified by Justice Annan.

“All is not lost because there are still good politicians whose outlook and commitment reflect the values Justice Annan stood for,” he added.

Debate in Parliament

Reflecting on proceedings in Parliament, the retired Supreme Court judge said debates in the House increasingly appeared to be driven by partisan rivalry instead of efforts to advance the national interest.

According to him, parliamentary debates should focus on finding practical solutions to the country’s challenges through constructive engagement and consensus-building.

Instead, he said, the exchanges often resembled political contests aimed at securing electoral advantage.

“It is like a tug of war all the time. When one party is in government, the overriding objective of the other is to pull it down, return to power and enjoy the benefits that come with office,” he said.

Justice Atuguba observed that such an adversarial approach weakened democratic governance and distracted leaders from addressing the pressing needs of citizens.

He called on political leaders across the divide to embrace a new culture of cooperation, mutual respect, and statesmanship, arguing that sustainable national development could only be achieved when the interests of the country took precedence over partisan considerations.

He urged current and future political leaders to emulate the example of Justice Annan, whose leadership, he said, was marked by integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s democratic development.

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Mr Opoku, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, said the Auditor-General identified GH¢38.99 billion for recovery between 2020 and 2023, but only GH¢12.72 billion had been retrieved so far.

He made the remarks while chairing a panel discussion at the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS), Burma Camp, on the theme: “Beyond External Audit and Oversight: Rethinking Strategic Options for Safeguarding the Public Purse in Ghana.”

The engagement brought together senior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces, military officers from Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia, as well as senior civilian officials.

According to Mr Opoku, Ghana’s main challenge is not identifying financial irregularities but ensuring that decisive action is taken after such infractions are uncovered.

“Discovery is not our weakness—follow-through is,” he said, emphasising the need for stronger systems to ensure that audit findings lead to actual recoveries and institutional reforms.

He argued that protecting public resources extends beyond accounting procedures and should be considered a national security priority.

“A country that cannot secure its budget cannot fully secure its people,” Mr Opoku said.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said one of the key items scheduled for Parliament on Wednesday was for the BoG Governor to respond to questions before the committee. However, he alleged that the Majority blocked the proceedings from taking place in public.

“One of the major things we were supposed to do yesterday in Parliament was for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to come and answer questions, but the Majority did not allow it to go as planned. That is very wrong. That is not what the law says, and that is not what we should be doing,” he said.

The former Information Minister argued that Parliament’s revised Standing Orders, which came into effect in January 2024, require committee sittings to be open to the public unless there are exceptional reasons for holding them in private.

“We changed our Standing Orders, and we started using the new ones in January 2024. The Standing Orders clearly state that committee meetings are open to the public. It is only when there is something to hide that justification must be given to committee members for a closed-door meeting,” he stated.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah further claimed that concerns previously raised by the Minority about the operations of the Bank of Ghana were gradually being confirmed.

“So far, all the warnings we have given about what is happening at the Bank of Ghana are coming true. They are only pumping money and diverting funds from the former government’s domestic gold purchase reserves, and because they do not want to discuss the issue publicly, they are trying to hide things,” he alleged.

Clarifying the controversy surrounding a document cited during the discussions, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said it was not a new statement from the Central Bank but an existing publication that had been attached to the Governor’s written response to Parliament.

“The document being referred to is not a new statement by the Bank of Ghana. It is the guidelines for foreign exchange market intermediation that the Governor had already issued and attached to his response to a parliamentary question,” he explained.

He maintained that the Governor was prepared to answer questions publicly and had no reason to avoid scrutiny.

“The Governor himself is not shy to answer these questions. He is a professional. He will not come and lie, and he will not engage in politics or propaganda,” he said.

His comments come after Parliament decided to hold proceedings involving the Governor of the Bank of Ghana behind closed doors, arguing that the decision was consistent with the Standing Orders and long-standing parliamentary practice.

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According to him, the Governor was prepared to provide factual answers to questions before the committee, but the decision to exclude the media was aimed at preventing Ghanaians from hearing those responses directly

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, the Ofoase Ayirebi MP said “the point is that they are not comfortable with the truth that the Governor is coming to tell.”

“They want to keep hiding so that they can come and spin the politics and the propaganda around it. And in so doing, they are gradually collapsing the democratic institutions of the state, turning out the news to suppress anybody who says anything they don’t like.”

He also dismissed claims by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that the Governor had prepared a separate press statement to address the media after the closed-door engagement.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the document being referred to was not a new statement but an existing Bank of Ghana publication on foreign exchange operations, which was attached to the Governor’s response to a parliamentary question.

“The document he is referring to is not a new press release by the Central Bank. It is the guidelines for market intermediation that the Governor released earlier and attached to his answer,” he explained.

He maintained that the Governor, as a professional, was ready to respond to questions and had no reason to avoid public scrutiny.

“The Governor himself is not shy to answer these questions. He is a professional; he won’t come and lie, he won’t come and do politics and propaganda,” he said.

His remarks follow Parliament’s decision to hold committee proceedings involving the Governor of the Bank of Ghana behind closed doors, insisting that the practice is consistent with the Standing Orders and long-established parliamentary convention.

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The apology follows an incident on Thursday, June 25, 2026, when the NDC chairman and some individuals reportedly stormed the premises of the radio station over discussions on its morning programme which he found objectionable.

The incident created tension at the station, with concerns raised about the conduct of political actors and the need to respect media freedom.

Addressing the media, Richard Kofi Asiedu admitted that his actions were inappropriate and appealed to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Obaatanpa Radio and the wider media community for forgiveness.

He stated that he is not above the law and had no intention of using his position to intimidate the station or interfere with its operations.

The NDC chairman explained that his action was not aimed at forcing his way into the station or disrupting its programming, but acknowledged that the approach was wrong.

He further indicated his willingness to engage management of Obaatanpa Radio if the station suffered any financial loss as a result of the incident, adding that appropriate compensation would be discussed.

The apology comes amid renewed calls for political actors to uphold media freedom and use established channels to address grievances with media organisations.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, July 15, the Minority’s Legal Counsel and Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Environment and Science Committee said there has been little improvement in the fight against illegal mining despite government’s assurances.

“There is nothing new about the NDC government’s fight against illegal mining. You don’t even ask me to score their fight against galamsey. You can ask Ghana Water Company Limited. Their main challenge is with galamsey. The water is still as dark as coffee. For me, I will score them 1/10 for the attempt,” Mr Darko said.

His comments come after the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, reaffirmed government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday.

The Minister acknowledged the difficulty of addressing the issue but said government was working with security agencies, state institutions and local communities to reclaim degraded lands, protect forest reserves and restore polluted water bodies.

Mr Armah-Kofi Buah maintained that government would not relent in its efforts to end illegal mining, warning that individuals and groups responsible for environmental destruction would face the full force of the law.

He stressed that protecting Ghana’s natural resources remains a national priority, with efforts ongoing to restore rivers, forests and mineral resources for future generations.

The group is demanding that the National Executive Committee annul the outcome of the elections, alleging that the process was conducted in defiance of directives from the party’s national leadership.

Addressing the media, the former executives accused the Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, and some constituency executives of sidelining long-serving party members and creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

They further alleged that individuals they described as landguards had been brought into the constituency to threaten party supporters who opposed the conduct of the elections.

According to the group, the NPP National Chairman had instructed the constituency leadership to suspend the elections pending further directives, but they claim the exercise went ahead regardless.

One of the aggrieved members alleged that hundreds of delegates had been removed from the constituency’s electoral register.

“They have removed more than 500 delegates. We cannot work with him because we did not vote for him. He came to meet us in Weija-Gbawe, but we are the ones who have been doing the grassroots work,” the member alleged.

“Jerry does not understand the grassroots, yet he has removed people who have families, loved ones and influence in the constituency,” the member claimed.

The member warned that failure by the party leadership to address their concerns could affect the NPP’s electoral fortunes in the constituency.

“If they don’t listen to us, we will vote against the NPP. We have informed the authorities, but they have refused to listen. We will also advise ourselves,” the person said.

The same speaker also accused the MP of using intimidation against dissenting voices.

“Jerry has brought landguards into Gbawe. If you speak against something you believe is wrong, they threaten to beat you. I have even received death threats,” the member alleged.

“I have never seen a situation where landguards are brought into internal party elections. What exactly are you looking for, Jerry?” the member alleged.

Another former executive claimed members who questioned decisions taken by the MP were removed from the delegates’ list.

“If you raise concerns with Jerry about what is happening, he removes you from the delegates’ list. If the MP has removed between 400 and 500 delegates, how can we work together? We don’t want Jerry again in Weija-Gbawe,” the individual alleged.

A third member appealed to the party’s national leadership to intervene urgently to prevent further divisions within the constituency.

“Jerry is pursuing his personal interest and not that of the party. If Dr Mahamudu Bawumia wants the NPP to return to power, the national leadership must come to the constituency and investigate what is happening. Otherwise, the over 500 people who have been removed will take their own decision,” the member warned.

The group is urging the NPP’s national leadership to investigate the allegations and take steps to restore unity within the Weija-Gbawe Constituency.

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The survey shows Mr Vanderpuye leading with 26.8% support among NDC grassroots respondents, followed by former National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo with 19.3%, setting the stage for what could be a closely contested race.

Former Northern Regional Minister Sofo Azorka placed third with 6.4%, narrowly ahead of former Ghana High Commissioner to Egypt Alhaji Said Sinare, who polled 6.3%.

Former Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Akwasi Opong-Fosu secured 1.7%, while Nii Armah Ashitey recorded 0.0% support.

Other aspirants collectively accounted for 4.1% of responses, while none of the respondents selected the “No opinion” option.

The findings suggest that although Mr Vanderpuye currently holds an early lead among the party’s grassroots supporters, the contest remains competitive, with Mr Ofosu Ampofo emerging as his closest challenger ahead of the NDC’s internal elections.

He made the remarks during an interview on Nhyira FM’s Kro Yi Mu Nsem breakfast show on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

According to Lawyer Otoo, Ghana’s current constitutional and legal framework provides mechanisms for accountability, but weak enforcement and political interference continue to weaken efforts to fight corruption.

“If we implement the Constitutional Review Report effectively, especially the aspects dealing with accountability institutions, corruption will be expensive to engage in,” he told host Barima Kofi Dawson-Akokoa.

He explained that under the current constitutional arrangement, public office holders are required to submit asset declaration forms to the Attorney-General, but the declarations are not made public unless concerns are raised.

Lawyer Otoo said the Constitutional Review Report proposes significant changes, including requiring public officials to declare assets belonging to themselves, their spouses and children.

He added that the proposed framework would mandate the Attorney-General to verify declared assets within 90 days and subsequently make the declarations public.

Corruption remains a major challenge in Ghana, with issues such as procurement fraud, political patronage and bribery affecting public confidence and economic development.

Despite existing legal frameworks, including the 1992 Constitution, the Public Financial Management Act and other anti-corruption laws, enforcement remains a key concern.

Lawyer Otoo noted that without strong political commitment and adequate resources for accountability institutions, anti-corruption initiatives risk becoming “another document on the shelf.”

He urged Parliament and civil society organisations to push for the implementation of key constitutional review recommendations, particularly those aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary, the Auditor-General and anti-corruption agencies.

“Until we make corruption unattractive by ensuring swift punishment, asset recovery, and transparency, we will keep fighting the same battle every year,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Otoo, who is the Financial Committee Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, has announced his intention to contest for the position of National Vice Chairman of the party.

He said his decision was informed by his years of service to the NDC and his desire to promote accountability, transparency and renewed energy within the party’s national leadership.

“I have served the NDC at the regional level, particularly in Ashanti, which is a key battleground for us. It is time we had leadership that prioritises grassroots empowerment, financial discipline and strategic planning,” he said.

He added that, if elected, his focus would be on strengthening the party’s internal structures, improving communication between national executives and the grassroots, and ensuring prudent management of party finances.

“The National Vice Chairman must be someone who understands the base, respects the structures, and can help the party win power and retain it. That is the kind of leadership I am offering,” Mr Otoo stated.

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Dennis Miracles Aboagye breaks silence after release from EOCO custody

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, shortly after his release, Mr Aboagye thanked NPP members and supporters for their support during his detention, saying the experience had made him more determined to serve the party.

“I am out. I am unbroken. And I am more ready than ever. Thank you, patriots!” he stated.

According to him, EOCO arrested and detained him a day after he publicly declared his intention to contest for the National Communications Director position.

He further claimed that inaccurate accounts of the circumstances surrounding his arrest were circulated but expressed confidence that the truth would eventually emerge.

“Four days ago, just one day after I declared my intention to serve our great party as National Communications Director, I was picked up and detained by EOCO. A false narrative was put out about my arrest, but Ghanaians are not fools, and neither are the good people of the New Patriotic Party. The facts and the truth will prevail,” he said.

Mr Aboagye also denied reports linking him to alleged financial irregularities involving GH¢55 million, insisting that EOCO never questioned him about such an amount.

He maintained that his detention would not derail his ambition to lead the NPP’s communications machinery, pledging to continue his campaign despite the controversy surrounding his arrest.

“FOR THE RECORDS: THERE WAS NO DISCUSSION OF ANY GHc55million cedis with me by EOCO. None!!!”

He also conveyed his gratitude to party supporters and sympathisers who took to the streets in solidarity during his detention, saying news of their demonstrations reached him and gave him the strength to remain resolute.

“To every party faithful who hit the streets, who raised their voices, who refused to be silent, I saw you. I heard you. From my detention, word of your protests reached me, and it kept my spirit standing tall. You did not just defend Dennis Miracles Aboagye; you defended the principle that no voice can be intimidated into silence.”

Mr. Aboagye maintained that the detention had failed to intimidate or discourage him and insisted he would continue pursuing his ambition to lead the NPP’s Communications Directorate.

“Let me be clear: if the intention was to break me, it has failed. If the intention was to scare me, it has failed spectacularly. I will lead New Patriotic Party’s Communications Directorate to command the narrative, and no cell, no false story, no intimidation will change that.”

He added that rather than weakening his resolve, the ordeal had strengthened his commitment and inspired him to press on with his campaign for the National Communications Director position.

He said the rising cost of political participation was distorting democracy, weakening public trust and creating a political system in which financial strength, rather than ideas and commitment to public service, could determine who gained political power.

“When money becomes the principal determinant of political success, democracy risks becoming inaccessible to ordinary citizens.

“Public office is then viewed less as a public trust and more as an investment to recover it. Political competition shifts from a campus of ideas and services to a contest of financial power,” Mr Bagbin said.

The Speaker made the remarks at the opening of the three-day High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialisation of Politics in Africa in Accra yesterday.

The meeting brought together senior government officials, anti-corruption institutions, electoral bodies, civil society organisations, researchers, development partners and governance practitioners to discuss the growing influence of money in African politics and explore practical reforms.

It is being convened by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, the Community of Practice on Political Finance in Africa, the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, Open Society Foundations and Transparency International Ghana.

It seeks to raise public and policy attention to the impact of money on politics and translate research on political financing into actionable policy reforms.

Global threat

Mr Bagbin said the challenge was not peculiar to Ghana or Africa but had become a global threat to democratic governance.

“Across Africa and indeed the world, democracy is under increasing pressure. As a matter of fact, democracy is backsliding,” he said.

He cited declining public trust, illicit financial flows, state capture, opaque campaign financing and the increasing commercialisation of political competition as some of the threats confronting democratic institutions.

“Ultimately, citizens lose confidence in democratic institutions and become increasingly disengaged from the political process,” the Speaker said.

Drawing on his political experience since 1992, Mr Bagbin said the cost of participating in elections had risen significantly over the years.

He recalled financing much of his early political campaign from his personal savings and later relying on his wife’s savings when his resources became inadequate.

“That was the cost of deciding to go to serve my people,” he said.

Mr Bagbin said the realities of political financing were often more complicated than public discussions suggested, particularly because politicians faced financial demands from constituents and communities.

“You don’t go to the House of Chiefs with empty hands.

And when you visit your constituency and you don’t fight for their education, and you don’t fight for their health, and you don’t give money to the poor, and the rest, they say they haven’t seen you,” he added.

The Speaker cautioned against branding politics itself as inherently corrupt, insisting that the conduct of individuals was the real problem.

“It’s not a dirty game. It’s the people playing politics that are dirty,” he said.

Time to act

Mr Bagbin said decades of conferences and discussions on corruption must now give way to practical action.

“I believe this is the time to act. It’s not just about passing laws. It’s not just about resolutions.

“It’s about appreciating on a daily basis what we see is right, what we see is honest, what we see is clean, what we see is integrity.

This must be put into practice,” he added.

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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Might Construction Limited and a long-standing supporter of the NDC is recognised for his involvement in youth, women and grassroots empowerment initiatives across the Northern Region.

Alhaji Abdul Jalil, a political figure and grassroots organiser in the region, currently holds senior management and board positions, including serving as a Board Member of Ghana Water Limited.

In a statement copied to the media, he said his vision for the party is anchored on unity, dedicated service, effective leadership and electoral success.

He pledged to work towards building a stronger, more united and vibrant NDC in the Northern Region if given the opportunity to lead.

Until 2020, Alhaji Abdul Jalil served as the NDC constituency treasurer for Tamale South, a position he held from 2004, making him one of the longest-serving constituency executives in the area, where Haruna Iddrisu is the sitting Member of Parliament.

Supporters and stakeholders of the NDC, including some party elders, have been encouraged to receive his declaration in the spirit of unity, mutual respect and democratic participation as the party’s internal electoral process progresses.

The NDC is expected to hold its regional elections in November 2026 to elect party leadership at the regional level.

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According to the police, a reinforcement team was quickly deployed to the scene following reports of the disturbance, leading to the arrest of the suspects. An axe and a cutlass were also retrieved during the operation.

The suspects were later arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, specifically rioting with weapons, and rioting with weapons.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were each granted bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two justified sureties.

The court has adjourned the case to August 10, 2026, as police continue investigations and efforts to arrest other persons suspected to have taken part in the disturbance.